The Loyalist
Influencer Reviews1
S3
About
Loyalist is a celebrated Chicago bar and restaurant known for its acclaimed burger, which has been recognized by Bon Appetit as one of the top burgers in America. Opened by the team behind Elske, Loyalist quickly gained a loyal following, with lines out the door for years. The kitchen is led by chef John Shields, who brings creativity and precision to classic comfort food.
The Visit
Loyalist stands out in Chicago’s burger scene, with the chef recounting how he set out to rival the city’s best. The process involved experimentation and personal taste, resulting in a burger that quickly rose to national acclaim. The review highlights the evolution of the burger’s recipe, the use of chuck, short rib, and bacon fat, and the overwhelming response from diners. Loyalist’s burger remains a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
What They Ate
Quotes
"I told my investors, I'm going to make a burger that rivals Oshabal or beats Oshabal, whatever one it'd be."
"Within about the third or fourth trial, we were right there."
"Then when Bon Appetit magazine came out, we had knocked Oshabal off of the best top three burgers in America right after that."
"We had a line out the door, and it didn't really stop for years. It really still hasn't."
"What it is, it's a mix. We use chuck and short rib. That's it. Chuck and short rib."
"In the beginning we did, we ground a little bacon into it. And then we started getting so busy where the volume, we couldn't get a small amount of bacon to this really strong bacon, like smoky. Couldn't get it mixed in thoroughly without working the meat too much. So we started using bacon fat instead. That's the secret."
Our Reflection
The journey of Loyalist’s burger is a testament to the power of ambition and experimentation. What began as a bold claim to rival Chicago’s best quickly turned into a labor of love, with each trial refining the recipe further. The chef’s willingness to adapt, from backyard burgers to a blend of chuck, short rib, and bacon fat, reveals a deep respect for both tradition and innovation. The resulting acclaim and enduring popularity speak volumes about the connection between chef, craft, and community.
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