On my recent trip to Rockford to see the IceHogs play, we celebrated the win with great food at Stone Eagle Tavern. We discussed hockey over a few fantastic appetizers, but the star of the night was the turkey burger. Freshly made and topped with avocado and brie, it was accompanied by a tart cranberry relish. This might have been the best turkey burger I ever ate. Of course, I am going to have to go back and have another (purely in the interest of testing). As I have previously written, I am a big fan of the turkey burger. Stone Eagle Tavern was just my latest discovery, but I have had a few other recent turkey burger experiences around the Chicago area.
The Squared Circle in Chicago serves a wonderful jerk turkey burger garnished with Monterey jack, diced green peppers and tomatoes. Fittingly (and deliciously), it is served with fried (to a light perfection) plantains.
I recently discovered Butcher & the Burger on the Near North Side. With the fresh and flavorful burgers they serve a wide variety of options, including several spice blends. Now I have to return to try other combinations.
It had been too long since my last visit to 25 Degrees in the Loop neighborhood. Their turkey burgers come with a dozen choices for sauces, toppings and cheese. The combinations are virtually endless, as is the flavor.
Of course, when I am lazy and want a turkey burger quick and close, I go to Village Inn, a neighborhood favorite. While it lacks the fancy options of the other places listed, it is hearty and delicious, and the recent additions of the pretzel bun and the mango vinaigrette really put it over the top.
As a side note, all of these restaurants offer standard beef burgers. Some even offer other patty options, like pork, salmon and shrimp. My favorite will always be the turkey burgers, though. Discovering Stone Eagle Tavern reminded me of how many great places are out there. While I love my current list, one of my resolutions for 2015 is to try new places and make my list even bigger.
— John Wroblewski, online contributor
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