Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
Double smash patties with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and house sauce on a potato bun. Served with housemade pickles and side options including fries, slaw, beans, cornbread, and mac & cheese.
Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.
Pit & Tap opened in July 2025 in downtown Wilmette, bringing true Texas-style barbecue to Chicago's North Shore with a wood-burning smoker and a menu built around brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smashburgers. The concept comes from owner Michael, who positioned burgers as signature menu items instead of afterthoughts.
The Picnic is the flagship smash: double patties with crisp sear, American cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, house sauce, and a soft potato bun. It's priced at $14.50 and paired with housemade pickles plus side choices ranging from fries to cornbread and mac & cheese.
The 82 score reflects strong platform momentum and early local buzz, with a meaningful competition bonus from the 2025 Revelry Food & Wine Fest result. Confidence is medium-high for a newer restaurant because multi-platform consumer validation is paired with specialized burger-focused sources and early competition recognition.
It's one of the best burgers I've had. I loved it! I wanna drink my whiskey with your burger at Pit&Tap.
Imaginative burgers like the Knuckle Sandwich (a two-meal marvel blending brisket and ground beef). Beers rotate frequently and seasonal cocktails are just as well curated.
Excellent BBQ and smash burgers, plus amazing smoked wings. Will definitely return often.