Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
Double smash patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce on a brioche bun — inspired by In-N-Out animal style. The highest-scored smashburger in Chicago, Illinois, and the entire Smash Atlas national index.
Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
The StopAlong opened in Bucktown on Milwaukee Avenue with a simple premise: do one thing exceptionally well. The Stop-In Burger is the centerpiece — a double smash inspired by In-N-Out animal style, with caramelized onions and special sauce replacing the standard fast-food build with something that actually rewards attention.
Two smashed patties, American cheese laid on during the cook for maximum melt, caramelized onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce on a brioche bun. At $14 it's priced for the neighborhood, and the $20 with-fries combo is well within reason. A second location opened in Logan Square in June 2023.
The accolades stack up fast: Best Burgers in Chicago (Time Out), Best Smashburgers in Chicago (The Infatuation), Best Burger in Illinois (Only In Your State), and Burger Fest Critics Choice in both 2022 and 2025 — with the People's Choice also going to The StopAlong in 2022, making it a rare double. Across 14 scored sources, it holds the highest composite Smash Score in the national index.
The Stop-In Burger is the best smashburger in Chicago. Two smashed patties, caramelized onions, pickles, and that special sauce — it's the kind of burger that makes you rethink what a smashburger can be.
The StopAlong is doing the best smashburger in Chicago right now. The caramelized onions and special sauce on the Stop-In are an In-N-Out animal style dream that doesn't need In-N-Out to exist.
Every element on the Stop-In Burger earns its place. The double smash technique means both patties have that full-coverage sear, the caramelized onions add depth, and the brioche holds everything together without falling apart.
Chicago's best smashburger hands down. The technique is right, the build is right, and the price is right. There's nothing to complain about here.
This is the real deal. The StopAlong gets what a smashburger is supposed to be — crust, melt, and a sauce that ties everything together. The Bucktown location has been consistent since day one.
Outstanding smashburger. The best I've had in Chicago, and I've tried most of them. The Stop-In with caramelized onions is what I come back for every time.
Best smash in the city. Great smash, great sauce, great vibe. Logan Square location is just as good as Bucktown.
The Stop-In Burger is one of the best burgers I've had in Chicago. Love the double smash and the caramelized onions — it does feel a bit pricey at $14 for just the burger without sides.