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Categories: Burgers, American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: North CenterShare an Appetizer, Share an entree, you both get soup or salad, potato or vegetable, share a dessert. Starts at $29 per couple!
Announced 42 hours agoMon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat. 11:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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Went to Jury's w/ friends last night to watch the BIg Game...and the Big Commercials!!.
I have been to Jury's before on numerous occasions; really enjoy their burgers, fries, onion rings, calamari...I could go on.
Tonight they had Superbowl specials which made the experience even more juicy. We had the buffalo wings, which I hadn't had there before, and while I could have used more heat, my friends were quite happy. The bartender supplied me with a bottle of good chili sauce for that extra bite I was looking for.
They have several beers on tap, if you like beer, and a decent wine list. The bartender makes a good martini and they do have bleu cheese olives....very important!
The crowd is neighborhood; folks are comfy with each other and pretty friendly all in all.
If you get their emails, there's usually a money saving coupon within that makes the trip to Jury's easier on the wallet too.
Jury's is great little spot in my neighborhood but one I seem to forget about.
A friend wanted to meet here for some late night libations and appetizers and since we always seem to to places in her neck of the woods (Lakeview), I was happy to go somewhere close to my house that I actually had a prayer of finding a parking space on a Saturday night.
I pulled up and saw her car right outside Jury's and found a spot behind her.This makes me happy. Being a city dweller, there's always a sense of euphoria at finding a close spot immediately.
I walked in and she was sitting at the bar already, drinking a Strongbow Cider. Feeling unmotivated to read the drink menu, I ordered up the same. And then I had 2 more. Somewhere between the second and third one, I was not enjoying the aftertaste so I switched to Grey Goose and cranberry. I'm pleasantly buzzed at this point and was hungry, so we ordered some potato skins and calamari from our mostly apathetic bartender.
The potato skins were really good, chock full of smoky bacon and cheddar cheese. What's not to like? The calamari was a bit bland, but the sauce it was served with gave it some added flavor. Good calamari should be able to stand on its own, without sauce.
We had another round and decided to ask for the check. My friend had a $5 off coupon that we put down with our credit cards. The bartender didn't take off the $5, so we had to call him over from the other side of the bar. Five bucks is five bucks, right? To his credit, he was nice about it, and re-ran our cards for the reduced amount, but I'll be sure and check my account to make sure he cancelled the original transaction.
We left and I didn't realize how late it was or how much booze I ingested. We decided it would be prudent if we both left our cars there and took cabs home.
Jury's is a perfect spot for a date, to just kick back at the bar with friends, or have a nice dinner with the family. They also have an enclosed outside area in the back which is great in the summer.
I'll have to keep Jury's back on my radar. I look forward to going back soon.
I had been waiting for some time to check out Jurys simply to test out their famous half pound burgers (only $8.50), however, I was simply turned away by the look of the exterior. To me, it seems like it was once a smoky pub. Shoot. If only I would have stepped inside earlier on I would have added a few more years to my life. The interior is surprisingly warm and becomes even warmer with the inviting owner who awaits the next customer to greet as they enter. Even better, I wish it were always Christmas time at Jury's. The holiday decorations are lovely and when someone comes through the door, Santa climbs out of the fake chimney above the beautiful traditional bar. This conversation starter fit quite well as I sipped my peppermint patty cocktail.
Jury's menu has a large variety of items to choose from to please everyone's tastes and desires, be it casual (burgers/sandwiches) or more upscale (steak/ribs). The BBQ ribs were cooked to absolute fall-off-the-bone perfection. My partner ordered the half pound burger on dark rye. Jeesh, was it juicy and full of flavor. I can easily see how it continues to win awards. When it comes to food, Jury's does everything right...including the promise of filling you up.
Be sure to take a glance at their daily specials below:
MONDAY 1/2 Off Appetizers and Desserts
TUESDAY Twelve Dollar Tuesday
WEDNESDAY Burger Mania
THURSDAY Jury's Steak Night
FRIDAY Great Lake Perch Day
SATURDAY & SUNDAY Special Wine List
The reason its been in the neighborhood for so many years is that the service and food are consistently good. There burgers are great and while Kuma's burgers are fantastic sometimes Bea wants some Sinatra or Julie London with their well done burger, grilled onions, and fries. Nothing against you Dokken fans...I'm just sayin'.
The other items on the menu like salads, steaks, and seafood are simply prepared and well seasoned. Sign up for their newletters and get generous discount coupons.
Bea says go!
Monday Martinis. You call it for only $5. It's too good to be true. No bottom shelf stuff here. I had their French martini with Absolute vodka. Very good choice, it went down smooth, too smooth and complimented the half off appetizer of fried calamari we ordered for our table perfectly.
Since I was here I also had to try their burger. Wow, it was good! I got mine with jalapeno cheese and grilled onions served with their wonderful steak cut fries, oh my!
Our server was very nice and totally friendly. We talked about the Book Cellar and what a cool place that is, as well as, some of the goings on around Lincoln Square.
I would certainly come back here for their awesome martinis and burgers and think you should do the same because you won't be disappointed.
i like this place. it's a simple place but it has nice atmosphere. at first glance it looks like an average place on the outside but the inside is warm and fuzzy. one night a group of stayed through the entire evening...apps, drinks, entree's, and dessert and then more drinks. it's a great spot.
they say it is one of the best burgers in chicago. it's good but not the best. easily in the top five. the service is always top notch. they even reconize us when we go in there. i think this is a great place for a date. in the summer they have a great patio. they have a diverse menu from like 10 dollars items to 20.00 dollar specials. their beer and wine selection is a bonus too. i have seen ads for their wine nights but i haven't checked that out yet. i haven't had the onion rings yet but have seen others indulge and they make me want them pretty bad.
the parking is easy, it's not usually a long wait and coupons in the mail. we are returning customers for sure.
Ok, I previously dinged Jury's for their bland fare and it was absolutely factually accurate. However, my wife convinced me to go in and try a burger since there are many rave reviews on them. So I did. The burger was really good. Had the Judge which had plenty of onion, an avocado half covering the entire burger and a huge pile of fries. So when it arrived, I was still skeptical. Two bites and I had changed my mind about the place, at least from a burger perspective. Nice and juicy with just a little taste of char. Fries were good and the bun was nice and soft.
So my update includes ONLY BURGERS. The remainder stays in tact. At Sunday lunch, average age was about 68 years old. Drab looking tired tables and nothing special.... but oooh, the burger was good.
Initial disclosure, I have not had a burger here, which is what they're allegedly famous for making.… Read more »
This place is great!
I love eating at jury's, I like the fact that you can find causal food like burgers and sandwiches and if you want you can have a a fancier dinner too like steak or fish.
The variety is great and the food is always fresh, I've never been disappointed or left hungry every time I've dined here!
The atmosphere threw me off a bit. I was expecting to walk into a dark wooded bar (which is still is) but I think I'm so NOT used to white table cloths, that I was taken aback. And honestly, nervous. But I was pleasantly surprised instead!
I'm one of those people - you say you have a great burger, even if I don't want one I have to try it.
The burger was good, I would get it again. The onion rings were perfect and everyone was SO friendly. I will totally come back, and most likely bring my parents.
What gives them 4 stars or my original 4 stars is that tasty burger with tons of options. Been back a few times and service is hit or miss, especially when seated outside. The other night was the worst, dude forgot things and then wouldn't come back for 10 - 20 minutes at a time. Ridiculous, just waiting for service. Outside patio has cement planters between the tables and the sidewalk, it makes me feel more comfortable and safe. Their sangria and beer options are not too intriguing so until things get better, I like my Jury's burger to go please.
If you are lactose intolerant, stay away from the NE Clam chowder!
If Chicago had a top ten list of burger joints, Jury's would be in the top 5.
I like that the meat…
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It might be that we dined at 5pm on a Sat, but the mood was a bit depressing inside. To start, the mozzarella sticks were standard but the marinara sauce tasted more like salsa. The salmon burger tasted exactly like the patties you get in the frozen section of Aldi or Jewel. Don't get me wrong, I like dem patties, but it's a bit of a let down if you can effortlessly make the same exact thing at home. Better luck next time Amish S. Maybe the veggie burger here won't taste like a Morning Star Boca burger.
The 1/2-#er on the other hand was a different story. One thing I found odd about the burger was it was rated by National Geographic as one of the best burgers in the world. I didn't realize they rated food. I thought they would rate stuff like, "Best place to get mauled by a lion" or "Best place to perv on topless indigenous women with weird piercings." But, I guess if I was doing a cover shoot in the jungle and eating mangled monkey brain, I too would rate Jury's burgers the best in the world. Anyway, how would I sum up this burger:
I think the half pounder resembles most linebackers. Intimidating, massive, brawny on the outside, but really soft and delicate on the inside. It was so juicy and soft I had to constantly wipe my mouth...um just to make sure... I was talking about the burger.
Wednesday night is Yummy 1/2 lb. Burger Night !!
The burgers are always cooked to perfection and they don't skimp on the sides. Friendly waitstaff and nice little outdoor area to dine on a beautiful Chicago evening. The french fries are just okay but the onion rings are to die for, hey but that's just my opinion..........I'm an onion ring kinda girl.
They even provide a doggy bowl if you want to bring your pooch along.........How sweet is that ??
Hhmmmmmmmmm......yeah.
Let's make it a 4.
Because they do have pretty darn good burgers.
But on that lovely Wednesday night I had my mind set on a totally different bird.
Avec was written all over my wall.
Not on my dinner companion's.
Who - I quote - "was not in the mood for something fancy but something more "relaxed".
As a sweet and recently married wife I gave in.
Wednesday night is "burger mania" night. Sounds crazy and disheveled but all that means is a $2-off your sandwich. Which I guess is good enough, right? We both opted for the "the Judge": 1/2 lb of juicy meat, topped with cheddar, bacon, sliced avocado (a whole half - I was impressed), sliced raw or cooked onion, giardinera.
Really satisfying and for $10 - well....
The best part: 10 min at most between the time we ordered and the time we actually received our plates. Yes - you know what I mean.
The bad: the patio needs some TLC. No decoration whatsoever at the delightful exception of a Corona parrot sign hanging up above our table.
The worse: couldn't get our waiter to wait our table. AT ALL. Or the bus boys to clean our table.
The ugly: I flashed all the patrons when I walked in.....a gust of wind, a light flying summer dress and........here you go.
So uhmmm....yes, good burgers.
Next.
I was wandering around Lincoln Square and looking for a place that we could sit outside, wasn't crazy expensive, had cold alcoholic beverages, and a meal that would put some meat on my bones. There are a ton of restaurants on that stretch of Lincoln, but the "Best Burger" awards advertised in their windows were very intriguing so we gave it a whirl.
We definitely got what we were looking for, but Jury's didn't leave me saying, "Wow, that was amazing!" I will say this, their margaritas are awesome...VERY salty.
For our food we split the shrimp cocktail appetizer and got it grilled, I didn't like it and suggest just sticking to the basic cold option (the cocktail sauce was yummy). I had the veggie burger with grilled onions and it was huge, I ended up cutting the patty in half and I was still stuffed. The grilled onions were really greasy and too much for me to handle. My boyfriend got the famous cheeseburger and was very happy with his choice, I had a bite and it was pretty good. They also serve the burgers with steak fries which I'm usually not a fan of, but theirs were not bad at all.
I will definitely give Jury's another shot. I like the neighborhood feel, it wasn't flashy or trying to be something it wasn't. I think this place has potential and a menu that has lots of items I want to try.
We went here on NYE. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. Most of my party got the burgers which they raved about. All of the other meals were good as well. Great place. I will definitely return.
When I lived in Chicago, this was a regular stop. Yes, their burgers are good, some may even say great. What called me back time after time was the chili. The flavor was rich and meaty, perfect proportions of meat, beans and veggie. It wasn't super spicy, but could easily be bumped up with the accouterments on the table.
Pilsner Urquell and Sam Adams on tap? I'm good.
A few years back a friend of mine introduced me to Jury's right after they'd won the coveted "National Geographic top ten burgers in the world" title. It was somewhat early on a sunny summer's day and ideally I just wanted to get a decent bloody mary to wash away the sorrows of the previous nights drunken antics of puking on a busy street, immediately followed by my making out with a middle aged woman who's weathered face and absence of teeth reflected her choice of hard living for over half a century. What I found was a well kept secret. The bloody was top notch and hearing of the burger's infamy I went on to order the patty melt with onion rings. I've been going back for the same order again and again over the years and it's never let me down.
By no means should you assume Jury's to be just a burger joint. I can take my parents here when they come to the city and it doesn't reflect on my other lifestyle choices of being a total scumbag. In fact, a few weeks ago I came here with some friends for my birthday and even though they looked like the bad guys from the movie Roadhouse we were still treated extremely well by the kindly maître d and our waiter. On other occasions I've been offered free desserts, just cause. I can't speak highly enough of this place.
Bonus: Sometimes, if you go during the right hours, the tables will be full of old people and it'll make you feel weird to use so many curse words during your meal.
This little bar/restaurant is a testament to the saying "Never judge a book by it's cover". On the outside it looks like a typical dive bar with dirty bar stools and greasy bar food. However, once you walk through the door you are pleasantly surprised to discover that Jury's is actually a quaint little restaurant with flowers and cute lighting.
The service is GREAT. Don't be surprised if the owner introduces you to your waiter (who will most likely be awesome!) You can tell the staff get along which always creates for a nice atmosphere.
As for food, try their burgers. They are amazing. I have to say their burgers are in my top 5..maybe even 3. If your a vegetarian try their veggie burger, it's my favorite v. burger in all of Chicago.
Their french fries are also great. They are thick and I'm pretty sure made from scratch. But if you're trying to be on the healthy side, try substituting their fries with their AMAZING grilled vegetables.
Stop by for their Monday and weds. specials!
Food: FOUR stars.
The burgers are out of this world! The onion rings are fantastic! The service is friendly and helpful. The back deck is very pleasant on a nice day.
Cleanliness: ONE star.
The Ladies room was not good. Not good at all. I won't go into detail as it would most likely kill your apatite, but will merely state that I nearly lost my lunch. How hard is it to clean a toilette? (The restaurant had just opened, so it wasn't something that had just happened.)
I once heard in reference to restaurants: "You're only as clean as your bathroom." Yikes. Since I liked the burger so much, and since the staff was so friendly, I'm compromising and giving it three out of five stars. I will definitely go back again...hoping that the bathroom was just a one time fluke.
The decor inside is very old fashioned or dingy, but aside from that, this place was awesome. They do, indeed, have a great burger ($7:50 on Wednesdays). It was grilled to medium well perfection, as I like it, and the juices were running. This burger was flavorful, and they have great service. I don't know what else to say...
Mmmm...
Four stars for the food, two stars for the ambiance.
The interior was just really odd and old-feeling. It was lunchtime on Sunday and very empty - the only other people there were families with kids. After we were seated, we saw a couple peek their heads in and then turn around and leave after seeing the inside.....truth be told, we almost did the same. They really need to update the decor.
My burger was great and my husband's was, as well. Maybe we'll do takeout next time.
We'll stick to Brownstone and Kuma's for dine-in burgers from here on out.
I just had to give Jury's 5 stars if nothing else but for the service. Our waiter, Oscar was so great. He was very fast and quite the gentleman.
I had the Walleye Pike and requested that they sautee it with Garlic and butter rather than bread it. No problem. This fish was cooked PERFECTLY! I have yet to have a fish cooked so perfectly that I didn't prepare myself. The chef served it with a delicious garlic and butter sauce on the side which the whole table enjoyed.
The vegetables were a medley of fresh baby carrots, zucchini, string beans, and there may have been some yellow squash. They were crisp and tender and best of all fresh! I really enjoyed them.
My only complaint about this place is that the tableware is very dated and makes the presentation of the food look terrible. The plates just don't seem to work with the whole decor of the restaurant and look like something my grandmother had years ago. Everything else is spot on.
The Maitre D informed us that every Monday is BOGO entree night, and I just can't wait to return!
My husband and I went here last night because I had a birthday coupon ($15 off).
We cam in on a…
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My parents were in town for my bday and wanted to take my out to din din. We were planning on pizza the next day, and in the midst of drawing one of my many blanks, I recalled my coworker raving about this place. And we were off!
Inside, this place was adorable! Not the dark place I imagined at all. It is a titch small, but we didn't wait very long for a table at all. We all ordered burgers or patty melts, and none of us were disappointed. Very tasty! The service is great and I would love to go back one one of their specials or BYOB nights!
During our recent visit to Chicago, the girlfriend and I were in the area and decided to stop off at Jury's for dinner. She had been there previously and said that they had some good burgers. We showed up on a Saturday night at about 8pm and got one of the last tables, if not the last table.
Even with the places being filled to capacity I was blown away by the service we received. I felt like they came around with water almost too often. It was great, every time I drank from my water they ran back up to refill it. I don't know if the bus boy was just bored or trained to be that attentive, but I loved it. The waiter was also just as attentive and friendly.
We both ordered the Jury burger. A 1/2 pound burger and this probably was one of the best burgers I have had in my life. It was cooked the exact way I ordered it and it had a great flavor. The bread they brought out before the meal was also just as delicious.
We were probably in and out in order 45 minutes, we had a delicious meal and the bill only came out to $18.80. What more could we ask for??
I took my dirty crew of friends here after we moved me into an apartment up the street. The food was good, the service attentive (a little too attentive...that's why I'm only giving it 4...and I sort of feel like a jerk for it because the guy was nice...just weird.). They didn't judge us for being really really dirty, and they let us smoke on the side patio. Oh! And a mangery looking guy stopped me while walking my dog not too long ago to give me a coupon and remind me how dog-friendly the patio is.
On the plus side the service is very friendly and attentive, the patio comfortable and the portions big; with the bread and the soup that comes with every entree, you will certainly not leave hungry. That said, the food is pretty mediocre.
We had a New York strip steak and Linguine with shrimps, garlic and sauteed vegetables and both failed to impress; especially the steak seemed to be of inferior quality and the pasta was slightly overcooked and relatively bland. Considering the price of close to 20 $ for each entree, I have to call them disappointments - the food alone would get 2 stars only but service, interior and portion size have led me to give them 3.
Their burgers might be better, so go for these.
Really great burgers that have always been cooked perfectly to order. We've always had good service, even on a busy Saturday night.
This is probably the BEST burger I have had. I've heard all the hype, and finally decided to check this joint out last night. Old decor, but it makes for a cool vibe. SUPERP SERVICE=====A+
The fries were great as well----thick, hand cut. When I'm craving a burger, this is definitely going to be a regular spot for me. Good wine list too!
Friend: "So, where's this guy taking you?"
Me: "Oh, this place called Jury's. He grew up in Chicago and say it's a total hole in the wall."
Friend: "Huh. And...is that enough to impress you on a first date?"
Me: "I mean, no. But he says the burgers are amazing. ::shrug::"
And so it was. I entered Jury's with an open mind and hopes for a damn delicious burger.
What a bizarre little place. Despite the fact that I've lived a kaiser roll's throw from this joint for the past eight months, my only previous experience has been walking past and gazing curiously at the banner proclaiming it the winner of many burger awards. Who knew.
The interior's a strange mix of Irish pub, diner and old folks' home, but it all adds up to a bustling neighborhood joint that attracts young and old -- and even some local celebrity.
And, yes, damn delicious burgers. And steak fries that remind me for all the world of my favorite burger joint in Kansas City. (Oh, memories.)
I guess, in the end, I can say I WAS impressed. The company sure didn't hurt -- even if he is a Sox fan -- but what I expected to be an uninspiring hole in the wall wound up proving itself as a real diamond in the rough.
It's enough to make me curious about what's lurking behind those other plain doorways along Lincoln...
This place is kind of silly. I had a B.B.Q.C.S (that is my acronym for 'barbecue chicken sandwich' -- when you say it, it should sound like 'babakwecksuh').
The sandwich was horribly average. My dining companions for the evening seemed to enjoy their food okay, but I couldn't pay attention to them because I was too busy asking myself how if there were really a god, why would he allow such an average concoction to exist?
That, and OMG -- the waiter would not separate our checks into two orders. I'm sorry but that's stupid. Why don't you just pretend like one of us is at another table? So really he was just too lazy to do it.
So we were talking about how many stars we would each give it, and I initially said three, but I slept on it last night and settled on two because you can do a lot better down the street.
Oh! And WTF -- there were Christmas cards with the check. It said not to open them 'til August, but I was like, 'pfff, screw that' -- so I opened mine and it said ten dollars off -- but it's only good if you open it in the presence of your waiter in the month of August. Really, Jury's? Really? What are we, a restaurant or a cereal box?
PRO TIP: Open your Christmas card right away because it shows the waitstaff that you don't conform to their rules.
I went here last night for a little Yelp get together. I've waned to try this place out for a while and was happy to finally give it a go. First off the inside of this place was not what I expected. I thought it would be a rustic, almost dive bar inside. It wasn't at all. It was a quaint restaurant with table cloths and everything. How swank! It was a lovely evening though, so our group got a table on the back patio. It's very cute out there, but the overwhelming grilled meat smell became a bit much after a while. It was fine at first but near the end of the evening it became overbearing and VERY smoky. I guess that would explain why the burgers were so charred.
Ok, let's talk about the meat. It was Burger Mania Wednesday (discounted burgers). This place has won awards for their burgers. Hmmmm. It was good, don't get me wrong, but I have had better. It reminded me of something you would get at an above average counter service restaurant. The outside of the burger was over charred. I'm not big on crusty on the outside. I like juicy. This lacked juice. It was good, I just felt it was nothing special. I also ordered two Blue Moon beers. Both were just above room temperature and tasted a little flat. I love my beer (any beer) ICE cold.
The service. Our server was very nice but almost every time we needed something we had to flag him down. I don't think once he stopped on his own to see if we needed anything. This could be because he was handling all the tables out back on his own, but we felt a little unloved. Also after we finished eating I don't think he asked if anyone wanted anything else. He just assumed we were done and brought the check. Maybe I just missed him but I don't think so. The lack of server love wasn't a big deal because we were having a good time just chatting, but still, service is important.
Anyway, it was a pleasant experience. Not overly impressed (by the restaurant, not the company) but it's a nice option in my neighborhood. I'd go back and give them another try.
Kuma's still owns all the burger love I have to give though.
This place is so neat! It seems like somewhere my grandparents would have taken me when I was little on a fancy dinner night. The table we sat at was teal and a high-top, but I loved it! Nice and cozy. The service was very friendly and kept our drinks filled. They give you a basket filled with white and rye bread w/ olive oil, and lots sesame sticks, too. I ordered the turkey melt and baked potato (and was tempted to get a side of cottage cheese, just because they served it and i love me some cottage chees), and my man ordered the famous burger with a whole avacado on it and fries. He said the burger was great, but he's had better. But adding everything up, I would definitely go back here!
Despite that my husband and I live within walking distance to Lincoln Square, neither of us had ever been to Jury's. We finally went for the first time a few weeks ago.
I got the veggie sandwich and my husband got the grilled chicken sandwich. Both were delicious, and we loved the side options that we could choose from. We both decided on a generous serving of veggies.
The sangria wasn't that great, and I would not order it again. The lemon sorbet, however, was delicious. Our server even gave it to us free!
While the food was delicious, the service is what really sold us. Our server (I think his name was Oscar) and the manager were both so kind, helpful, and friendly. If you get Oscar, make sure you tip him well!
We will definitely be back very soon!
Oh, what a happy birthday for me! Its two weeks past and I'm still getting taken out for birthday drinks! My co-workers have been telling me to go with them here for a little over a year and something always came up. So finally, I got to go!
I was a bit confused by the bar/restaurant at first. You have a typical looking bar and then behind you tables with nice white tablecloths, flowers and pretty 'reserved' signs. And here I thought we were going to a bar? Where did these people bring me?
So I had doubts when we sat down at the bar instead of a table. Experience shows people buying food get more attention. And don't I love it when I'm proven wrong (in this case at least!). Our bartender, Angie, waited on us so carefully and was incredibly friendly. She was also giving waiters their drink orders, taking to-go orders, plus handing those out to customers when they came in. Busy little bee but my Summertime Ale glass was never empty! Poor thing had just put in the keg too so patience was key with that tap!
We all snacked on appetizers and yum! Fried zucchini that tasted very fresh. Bruscetta. Calamari. Mozzarella sticks. All of it fantastic! And still despite not actually ordering food, we still received impeccable service from Angie.
Despite my confusion when we walked in I was quickly turned into a fan of Jury's. Not a bar I now know but a nice little place to get away from the world outside (or the rain in our case!) and have some nice company while watching the game and having a seasonal beverage! What a great birthday treat!
3 1/2 stars really but that's not an option...
THE CLAIM: Jury's serves infamous, world-famous, stupendous, existential burgers
THE VERDICT: They ARE pretty good. Stupendous? Ehh. They are moist, flavorful, perfectly cooked to temp as requested. I had mine with cheddar and bacon. You have the option to have your onions raw or grilled, always choose grilled. Unfortunately, my burger was OVERLY charred on the outside, in addition to the other Yelpers burgers. The bitter carbon ruined a perfectly good burger. And are chains the only ones who toast their buns!?! Somebody please spread the word: A slightly buttered and toasted bun makes the flavors *POP* like Rice Krispies! The service was extremely lackluster. Little attention paid but forgivable since I was with a good group. (Yelpers, of course)
I'm pretty happy with Jury's. Now that Feed the Beast is gone, Jury's has become my neighborhood go-to when I'm craving a cheeseburger. They do make, as others have written, a pretty darn good burger. Great? I dunno. Certainly above average and consistently good, but I wouldn't be so bold as to put is as the best in the city. One thing to their credit is that Jury's does not rely on all sorts of toppings to dress it up (like Kuma's for example) and to that end the meat is flavorful by its own right and always cooked to order. Grilled or raw onions, and a choice from a handful of different cheeses. Sometimes I'll add bacon. Bacon does seem to make everything better. Maybe 6 to 10 beers on tap if I remember correctly. Franziskaner as well as a couple different Bell's on tap presently. Plus I can sit outside.
If you don't want fries with that burger you can also choose vegetables, onion rings, or slaw. Good stuff. I'll keep coming back. Maybe one day I'll even try something from their menu besides the burger.
Edit:
I've decided to edit my review of Jury's after going there a few more times, originally I gave it 4 stars and said it was a great family neighborhood spot. I've changed my mind.
I moved back to Chicago because of Jury's. I didn't know it at the time but after living in a dream world on the west coast I just wanted to have some good food and good service again. Growing up in Chicago I took it all for granted and it took me five years to figure out what life is all about. In another city I made great money and had a cool job but now I drive a bus. I'm OK with that because I have Jury's and you can't take that away from me.
I digress...Jury's is everything you want in a restaurant but don't realize it. Yes I like some swanky popular spot with interesting things I've never experienced some times, but mostly I want someplace comfortable with real value. Jury's has a great selection of typical American restaurant food but it is all done well, the burgers are great (a char-style) and the home-made soups are usually quite unique. Jury's has a great comfy atmosphere with friendly servers, a great patio, and a good beer selection (lots of local stuff). The clientele is mostly neighborhood folks, from kids with their parents to the gray-hairs out for their weekly meetup. They even have coat racks, something quickly disappearing from Chicago restaurants and that is a true shame.
I highly recommend joining the rewards club as you get special offers by email and snail mail. Last night we used a $10 off coupon we got just for being married, that was more than the cost of my turkey-melt. They have great specials during the week too. My whole point is, Jury's is one of those places that just feels right, it feels like a place you want to spend time and I'm glad to have it in my neighborhood.
Here's some basic tips for vegetarians:
Firstly, this is a sandwich place. There is all of one vegetarian entree, a small pasta dish. The house salad is good, but doesn't make up for the small portions of the pasta.
But Jury's is good enough to give us at least four sandwich options, which is pretty good for a place like this, all $8 or under. There's a good and sizable veggie burger, a bruschetta sandwich, a vegetable one and a portabello one. All come with one of a great selection of sides, most of which are unfortunately small (e.g. only four onion rings, but they're big). This is quality food, and like I say, the sandwiches are by-and-large well sized.
The beer and wines aren't cheap, but for us liquor drinkers, there is a great selection of Scotch and Irish whiskys, and some harder to find gin and vodka options as well.
I would have been a little unsure of whether to go for three or four stars, but thanks to a Monday two-for-one dinner special, I have to go for four. Yep, that's right, buy one dinner, get one free every Monday! That's a special worth returning for again and again. And again. And again...
First you have to find out if Oscar is working- he is the best server, always smiling, knows names, honest (Is THIS special any good?), and fast. He remembers everything you have ordered before, even drinks! Give the man a big tip, and raise!!!
Then you have to request outdoor eating on a lovely summer day. Bring the dog- the staff will bring water, treats and many, many pettings. Princess is treated like royalty...
Last: The order: There are some options like the pastas, salmon burger, veggie burger and the tuna steak my boyfriend favors, and you cannot beat the weeknight dinner deals.
This is one of the few places i trust to serve me a steak/burger rare and bloody and you must try the onion rings. Mmmmmm... Happy stomach? Happy Boyfriend? Happy pooch?
Oh yes, we will be back. Give Oscar a promotion, or a raise, he makes the whole experience worthwile!
We've been going to Jury's for nearly five years now, and there's a reason we keep going back -- ok, many reasons.
First, Jury's a respite from anything "trendy", which is a word that describes too many ho-hum Lincoln Square eateries -- you know the kind, the ones that are closed down by the next time you walk past...
Anyway, second, a word on their burgers: Jury's is one of the few restaurants where we will order a hamburger, because their burger patties actually have flavor. A burger is not the toppings one puts upon it, so distrust any reviewer on Yelp who claims the best burger in Chicago has Bleu Cheese and on it. A true burger can be enjoyed with the simplest of toppings, and a Jury's burger is one of these. And they have steaks too, so that's just icing!
Finally, a word about service. Jury's is a neighborhood place, where neighbors go frequently. We've had many servers there who we soon call friends. They aren't fake, they don't brownnose you, and sometimes they don't care for rude, snotty customers who expect to be treated like royalty... We're just sayin'... It's rare to find a genuinely nice server.
Oh, and Pete, one of the owners, should have his picture in the dictionary next to the word "Classy"!
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