Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
Lake Forest counter-service burger and ice cream spot from the team behind The Gallery. Signature Shaolin Burger layers cheddar, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and black garlic aioli over double smash patties on brioche.
Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
The Peanut Gallery opened in December 2019 in Lake Forest's Westwood Center as a deliberate counterpoint to fine dining. Co-owners Cecilia Lanyon and James Beard-nominated chef Dominic Zumpano, who together run The Gallery and produce the Revelry Food & Wine Festival, built a neighborhood burger destination centered on counter service, hand-cut fries, and broad local accessibility.
The Shaolin Burger is the flagship build: double smash patties with cheddar, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and black garlic aioli on brioche. The black garlic aioli is the standout differentiator, adding depth that separates it from standard diner-style smash profiles.
At 81, the score reflects strong consumer-platform consensus, a high-signal LTH Forum thread explicitly calling out the smash execution, and meaningful local editorial/community validation, despite no Tier 1 major food-publication coverage yet.
The Peanut Gallery = Awesome Smashed Burgers in Lake Forest.
No other burger comes close. Best taste and nostalgic burger joint feel! The combination of specialty topping and high quality meat.
Made-to-order smashburger patties expertly crafted to achieve a delightful combination of flavor and texture, featuring crisp edges and juicy interiors.
Not too big or small, a little greasy and oh so tasty.
People could enjoy delicious food and raising money for a good cause - it requires a battle between the Lake Forest Police and Fire departments.
The Shaolin burger is topped with cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and black garlic aioli - all were good.
Food came very quick and was awesome!! We would definitely eat here again, if ever back in town!
A narrow hole in the wall type of place. You place your order at the counter, pay, get a number, and grab a table.