"Ever since the closing of Muskie's in 2014, Northsiders have wandered from joint to joint in search of the perfect charburger. That flavor is to be found at Red Hot Ranch in Lakeview, and on the cheap, too! RHR has two locations and a fairly typical fast food menu, but never mind the dogs, Polishes or even the fried shrimp basket; this place exists to serve charred double-cheeseburgers and hand-cut fries for under five bucks.
Don't let the simple deccor fool you all that's needed is a griddle and a deep fryer (note the bags of stacked spuds in the hall behind the counter), and every cop in the joint is happy (you'll seldom see fewer than two officers chowing down at RHR on a given visit). The friendly staff prepares your Double with the standard lettuce, tomato, onion and House sauce, but in order to really savor that distinctive griddled taste, strip it down to just mustard and onion, and sink your teeth into one of the most flavorful bargains in the city!"
Visited the red hot ranch tonight, really enjoyed the natural casing Vienna hot dog wrapped with hand cut french fries (depression style) as well as the hand breaded shrimp. friendly service, very reasonable prices, clean establishment. I'll be back if I happen to be this direction anytime soon
Looking for something cheap, quick, & delicious? RHR is the spot. $5 for a fantastic burger with special sauce and fries! Hidden gem for late nights until 4 am Hidden in lakeview. Thank me later.
This is one of Chicago’s hidden gems. Other burger places may get more press, but this is the real deal. Burgers are fresh, hot, cooked to order, with quality ingredients. The fries are crispy and seasoned well. The staff are friendly and helpful. Love it!
Burger is top notch. Really can’t beat it for the price. Simple, good quality, and consistent. Rated a 4 because of the hot dog. It wasn’t anything special. Got a Chicago style dog and it was just okay, nothing special.
$8 for a delicious greasy and a bit crispy double smash burger with fries!
They smush homemade looking round beef balls into burger patties on the grill.
Cash only.
Parking lot free.
Their smash burger is quite good! You're getting a no frills real burger on the cheap, with a side of fries.
The fries were pretty good, and soggy-ish (my preference) but a bit too oily, where the taste of oil was more prevalent than the potato.
I got the basic cheeseburger and was plenty satisfied with the size. Several options available for larger portions.
Very quick service.
There's a free parking lot, for about 8-10 cars, and a few benches for outside dining. Plenty of seats/tables inside, as well.
Overall - 4 stars bc the burger is quite decent. I'll skip the fries, next time.
Nothing too fancy about it. Just a good old fashioned smash burger and fries for a good price. If you’re a big eater, I’d recommend getting two burgers minimum, but it’s definitely a good deal overall. One of the last gems like this in the city. Definitely worth a visit. Keep in mind that it’s cash only!
FOOD WAS FIRE! Staff was real funny and place was spotless clean. Simple menu in the best way… but for me , it’s not a 5/5 cause they have Pepsi (not Coca Cola) and THEN it’s cash only! We are in 2023 😕
One of the best "smash" burgers ever! Outstanding! Hotdogs are simple but good fresh cut fries. Really good spot, definitely a must visit!
Wow ! Looking for something fast and delicious ? You can’t go wrong with a Chicago style HotDog/Polish and Fries. Also, don’t be afraid to give the fried shrimp a chance, they are a 10/10. Enjoy !
I ordered the "RDR double cheeseburger and fries with an extra patty "twice and it was insanely good!
The fries were average and a bit oily (homemade style) but i honestly like them this way.
The burger was super juicy and messy and surprisingly cheap compared to other places
what an awesome burger! it is fairly small as is the menu but damn was it delicious with a perfect combination of toppings and it was super juicy. they are really slow behind the counter though.
thank God these guys are open late
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