Photo Credit: The Xavierite
Just before the Covid-19 Pandemic began, the notoriously strict chef Gordon Ramsay announced he would be opening one hundred restaurants in the United States before 2024.
One of these was the U.S.’s first ever Gordon Ramsay Burger, which opened in Chicago in late 2021.
As I walked in for the first time, the waiter greeted me with an eager face and extremely fast service. I noticed that the ceiling had a light fixture with the flag of the United Kingdom as the design from his homeland. The overall theme of the restaurant was fancy, with autographed pictures of Chef Ramsay hanging on the wall.
As I first glanced at the menu, I was informed of the monthly specials in their entirety. These specials over the months have included seasonal shakes, burgers, and even hot dogs. Although the menu may be smaller than other restaurants, it did not disappoint whatsoever.
The menu consists of appetizers, salads, hot dogs, fries, burgers, and sweets. All have the premium experience that Chef Ramsay encourages in his numerous television shows.
I placed the order of beer-battered onion rings, kettle chip nachos (pictured above), French fries (pictured above), and the backyard burger (pictured above). Additionally, I received a free strawberry shake since it was my birthday.
The quality of the food was unlike anything I’ve ever had before. As well, it all looked visually appealing.
The onion rings were perfectly crunchy and battered to perfection. The nachos were skillfully made, as seen above, and were extremely delicious. The burger was perfectly cooked to medium rare, and the meat was quite juicy.
My appetite was fulfilled, especially with the sauces that accompanied the meal. The onion rings were accompanied by a cheddar ranch sauce, which was tasty and addictive. Interestingly enough, I absolutely hate ranch. The restaurant also has homemade ketchup and chili ketchup, both being quite flavorful.
My favorite part of the meal was the strawberry shake. It was unlike any shake I’ve had before, and it was unfortunately a part of the monthly changing items.
Photo Credit: The Xavierite
Pictured above is an Oreo crème brûlée shake, which I will also praise for being delicious.
Currently on the menu is both a vanilla shake and a lucky charms shake. Both of these are limited time items.
I’d like to add that the price of the restaurant is far less expensive than people would expect. It is between $15-20 for a burger, and appetizers are between $12-18. The meal that I described above ended up being less than $75, not including the Oreo crème brûlée shake.
Meanwhile, Ramsay’s steakhouses, including the one in Naperville, are far more expensive with roughly each dish coming to $30. Gordon Ramsay Burger gives off a fast food vibe, and does not have a dress code unlike its competitor steakhouses.
The only complaint I have about this restaurant is the lack of variety on the menu. I understand it’s supposed to be a fancy twist on burgers, but I believe there should be more sold than what’s currently offered. With there currently only being four, I believe a start to expanding the menu would be introducing more appetizers.
Perhaps even a build-your-own burger section of the menu would suffice. I know that I would find it to be an amazing addition.
Otherwise, Gordon Ramsay Burger is an amazing restaurant in downtown Chicago. Amongst my five times going there, it has never disappointed me. Its staff have always been kind and welcoming throughout the whole dining experience, and they’ve inspired me to try different menu items.
I would highly recommend this restaurant as somewhere to celebrate a special occasion. It does not seem to be somewhere that one would go constantly. However, the food never gets boring.
Gordon Ramsay Burger is located on 2 E Ontario St, Chicago, Illinois, 60611. The restaurant welcomes walk-ins, but reservations are highly encouraged. Reservations can be made by calling (312) 971-8931, or by visiting their website.