This is the One of the Best Hamburgers in Illinois “You Must Try”

I love to showcase local restaurants that really bring something to the table - no pun intended. I love that every once in a while a restaurant or bar really surprises me with an overall experience that I was not expecting. This restaurant/bar has, in my opinion, one of the top five hamburgers I have ever had anywhere.

Woody'sPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

This restaurant/bar is Woody’s Sports Bar in Wood Dale.

I honestly would never give this completely unassuming sports bar a second look if I did not live in the area. The location of Woody’s is tucked away in an outdoor strip mall right off of Irving Park Road.

Woody's street viewGoogle maps

I was shocked when I walked in on a Monday afternoon and the number of people that were steadily coming in. The bar is also very nice, new, and clean-looking, something I would not assume from the exterior.

Inside main dining roomPhoto by Yelp.

I had lived in the area for almost five years and many of my neighbors and friends told me they had fantastic food, especially their hamburgers. I looked over the menu and noticed on Mondays they have a $6.95 cheeseburger special that comes with fries and all the usual toppings: onion, ketchup, lettuce, and pickles.

CheeseburgerPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

I was extremely skeptical that a hamburger for $6.95 would be anything but average at best. When I saw the waitress bring my food to the table, I was floored. The hamburger was massive and it smelled awesome. I took my first bite I was blown away. I have been searching for a place that makes a hamburger with this distinct flavor from my childhood. This flavor is indescribable. It is a flavor I remember having at a local snack shop in my neighborhood while growing up. The flavor is an umami flavor that is completely unique and delicious. The quality of the meat and the ingredients were completely apparent with my first bite.

My wife's BBQ burgerPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

I can tell you this now, this hamburger is better than the restaurant Au Cheval downtown. Au Cheval is considered by many to be the best hamburger in Illinois. Some food reviewers say it is the best in the country.

I will also tell you that Au Cheval is triple the price and usually has a wait of over two-plus hours.

This hidden gem in Wood Dale is what I became a food reviewer for. This small sports bar hidden away has something special about it that many would never know about.

Weekly specialsPhoto by Frank S/ChicagoFoodKing.

The only drawback to Woody’s to some is that it is a sports bar, so with that, you get sports bar customers. The clientele can get loud and at times annoying. I would suggest that if you want to enjoy the food in a quiet atmosphere either go early on a weekday or do carryout.

I am also really excited to try the other items on their menu. I have heard nothing but good things about their other menu items.

I give Woody’s Sports Bar a rating of 8 out of 10. I definitely recommend everyone to try out their burgers.