Do you want fries with that? How about a side of mac & cheese? Deviled eggs? That’s what the waitress asked after ordering our burgers at the new DMK Burger Bar in Lakeview. (2954 N Sheffield Ave, 773-360-8686).
Venue
Upon walking into a packed house and learning of a 45-minute wait, surprisingly DMK Burger Bar is able to quickly turn over tables in such a small space. Unlike the likes of places like Kuma’s Corner where a fantastic burger takes a couple hours to get through, a quick and upscale type burger is great when you’re trying to get to an early movie in Chicago. The bar is owned by the likes of MK’s Michael Kornick and David Morton and pushes the fact that every burger is a flat $8 with lots of cheap side choices. They also offer Veggie, Turkey, and Lamb Burgers among others.
Burgers
If you like spicy, the #4 of Roasted Hatch Green Chile, Fried Farm Egg, Sonoma Jack Cheese, and Smoked Bacon. The bun was perfection, soft yet kept the burger together like some other places where they become too soft and begin to fall apart. The bacon was smoked and spicy but not overpowering, and the egg wasn’t runny which made for an easy to eat and non-messy dinner. If you don’t plan to come for dinner, the beer selection is extensive with many local and regional craft brews but not a lot of space to socialize unless you are eating.
Sides
What really divides’ DMK away from other burger places is the side dishes. Burgers don’t come with a side of fries but be sure to check out the list of different types they have. I tried the Sweet Potato Fries with Lemon Tobasco Aioli and the Sea Salt & Black Pepper with House Ketchup. Each side is either a small portion of $2, with the larger to share of $4, but you may as well try all the different types and take the small portions.
Etc.
Make sure you stop by Monday-Friday before 7PM; they won’t ask you if you want fries with that. That’s when they are free. If I can offer some advice for a side: Mac & Cheese #1 with Aged Cheddar and a Parmesan Crust, with the Stone IPA beer. The restaurant isn’t 21 and over, and if you are with little ones, they have a great Malted Milk Shake and house-made sodas available.
Check out the menu and follow DMK on twitter at @dmkburgerbar
Kevin Friduss is the East Chicago Restaurant Writer for Examiner.com. You can email him at KevinFriduss@gmail.com.
Comments
Good work Kevin on your first posting! Looking forward to reading your upcoming reviews for the Fifty/50 and Timothy O'Tooles!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!