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
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 10, 2026ÀNI Private Resorts to Open Àni Shoal Bay, Anguilla, in January 2027
ÀNI Private Resorts announced the January 2027 opening of ÀNI Shoal Bay, its new global flagship property on Anguilla’s celebrated northern coastline. The 15-suite estate joins ÀNI’s award-winning portfolio in the Dominican Republic, Thailand and Sri Lanka as part of the world’s first collection of luxury private resorts designed exclusively for one group at a time.
Sponsored Content
Global Traveler Hosted Trip on the Transcend Connect
JOIN GLOBAL TRAVELER ON ITS NEXT TRIP!
Daily
Sep 10, 2026Marriott Bonvoy, Phil Rosenthal Serve Up Culinary Adventures
Phil Rosenthal, award-winning creator, executive producer and host of Somebody Feed Phil, teams with Marriott Bonvoy Moments to host members at three exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments in Paros, Greece; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Los Angeles, California. Together, the three experiences showcase Rosenthal’s relationship with food and travel
Daily
Sep 9, 2026The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago Has a New Take on Group Wellness with Floating Sound Baths
Sound baths are making their way to hotels, corporate wellness programs and cultural venues to accommodate travelers looking for more immersive ways to relax and reconnect. The sound bath trend has become so popular, Atlanta Journal-Constitution named it one of 2026’s biggest wellness trends, highlighting how the practice is becoming a mainstream wellness experience.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
Daily
Sep 9, 2026SeaDream Yacht Club Unveils SeaDream III
Family-owned SeaDream Yacht Club recently announced SeaDream III, the first new yacht to join its fleet in the company’s 25-year history. Reservations are now open.
Review: La Vid Restaurante
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 9, 2026eFlyer Deals
Sep 9, 2026Illinois’ Deer Path Inn Launches Cozy Day Stay Promotion
Deer Path Inn, the luxury, English-inspired retreat in Lake Forest, Illinois, welcomes fall with its new Cozy Day Stay promotion.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
eFlyer Lead
Sep 9, 2026The Return of Gateside Goodbyes? New TSA Program Lets Non-Flyers Past Security
It was once a distant memory: walking with loved ones to their gate to see them off, waving goodbye and watching their plane take off. This all ended after Sept. 11, 2001, in which greater security measures were put in place to account for each and every person who goes through security checkpoints. The Transportation Security Administration was established two months after the terrorist attack to prevent other hijackings, creating a unified federal administration to screen bags and passengers. Before, it was up to the individual airlines to hire their own security for screenings.
ShareThis