Ivy’s Burgers, Hot Dogs and Fries
5419 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, 60646
Ivy’s Burgers, Hot Dogs and Fries Menu
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Address :
5419 W Devon Ave
Chicago, IL, 60646 - Phone (773) 775-2545
- Website https://www.ivysburgers.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
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Krist W.
Ivy's is great - I love that there is a nice quick service restaurant downtown Edgebrook. I bring my family here a lot and we get takeout a lot. The use of Merckt's cheddar is unique and tasty. I like the burgers and am starting to make my way through the gourmet hot dog menu. The fresh cut fries are outstanding. Check out the flavored salts (truffle, rosemary, etc) near the ketchup-they are awesome with the fresh it fries!! Keep up the great work Ivy's - we will be coming back again and again.
(5)Judy H.
Fresh, hand cut fries, tasty burgers with a variety of toppings, and sandwiches. Ask them to toast your bun if you like. They are a small place, with seating that is limited but comfortable - and a northwoods theme. Some outdoor seating in the back on a picnic table. A variety of hot dog toppings. The garlic parmesan fries are especially good. They do have pepper and egg sandwiches as well. Their shakes are exceptionally good, especially since they use ice cream from Homer's and all the best ingredients and make these fresh to order. Very friendly staff and managers.
(4)Monica R.
Went here tonight for the first time and was really impressed! I ordered the Cobb burger and the bacon was crispy and the toppings were plentiful! Can't wait to come and try the Greek burger. I also loved all of the different salts you can try on the fries! So many to try and I haven't heard of many. My husband also claims they have the best polish sausage he has ever had. Prices are very reasonable and the food is high quality. Service also very friendly! My only wish is that they had a veggie burger so I could bring vegetarian friends. Based on whet I tasted, I'm sure they would do it right!
(5)Karla J.
We make it to Ivy's a few times a month for a burger and to visit with Tony. We're big fans of the burgers. Wtih Tony's encouragement, I tried the "Japanese dog" and am now a convert. Never thought I'd ever eat a hot dog with seaweed and ginger, let alone wasabi, but it was great; the seaweed and ginger made it fresh and gave it a little crunch. He also has great chili and everyone knows there's nothing better than a hot bowl of chili on a cold winter day. .
(5)Paul K.
I would give 3.5 stars but can't. Not bad but not great. Had the chicken sandwich that took a really long time to be served & the place wasn't busy. It was also over cooked. Fries were good.
(3)Steve T.
I went here after reading some decent reviews. This place was awful. I ordered the Cheeseburger, not bad, but nothing special for me to want to come back to this establishment. I also ordered the New York Hotdog, but again nothing special. I rather eat a Costco hotdog than this. I ordered the Garlic fries. Disgusting. I love garlic and I could smell it, but there fries had no taste. 85% of the fries were burnt to the crisp with tons of oil. I love fries, but I ended up throwing out more than half the fries, b/c it was so inedible. Ketchup or BBQ couldn't save these fries. It was dead in the restaurant, so there was no rush to make the food. I will not come back here. Very disappointing.
(1)Nikki S.
So a vegetarian walks into a burger joint... I came here after work and asked if they had veggie patties to switch out, they do not (but would be easy and cheap to stock and would expand your consumer base, hint hint,) but the very nice and informative young lady at the counter said they could put in a portabello mushroom cap instead. HOLY MOLEY I was sold! My heart almost melted when I was asked if I wanted grilled onions. The place is bright and clean, the speakers were sort of static-y, and I took my swiss portabello and the hot, fresh-made fries to go. The fries were piping hot and crispy, but lacked salt. Was I supposed to put the salt on? I don't know. At home, I was surprised how huge the sandwich was. The portabello could have benefit from a marinade or being seasoned, but I happily ate the cheesy, drippy monster. I will definitely be back to try another sandwich.
(4)Nutflsh Z.
Fast Food Done Right! Was in Chicago on business and decided to try this place out, and was glad I did. Their burgers are out of this world! They certainly give California burgers a run for the money. The Greek Burger is one of the BEST burgers I have had next to "The Great Greek" in Sherman Oaks, Ca. The fries here are fresh cut and cooked to perfection! Truth be told, I don't believe one would have a bad meal here and you can tell that the owners spare no expense when it comes to quality and taste! You can tell they pride themselves on fresh ingredients and top quality meats! Judging by their menu, it is obvious this place is owned by a Greek, and a Greek that KNOWS good food! The service is excellent as they are quick to take care of any of your needs and the staff couldn't be more friendly! The Bottom Line: Great food at a fraction of the cost! There is a reason why most restaurants are owned and operated by Greeks, Greeks will put quality, large portions, and their customers first! I wish all restaurants lived by this policy, the world would be a better place as great food is one of life's few pleasures. Next time you are in Chicago and are hungry for PRIME fast food, this is the spot! Now open one in L.A. please! Enjoy!
(5)Christine W.
I love Ivy's! Their Caprese Burger is out of this world. Everything is super fresh and the staff there is always very nice. The milkshakes are pretty phenomenal as well. A much needed addition to Edgebrook!
(5)Barnett A.
Went in for the first time today with my daughter. We had the Greek burger which was tasty and juicy. Tony makes his own tzatziki sauce and uses feta that is imported, not domestic. As Greeks ourselves, we were sold and quite impressed! It's obvious that Tony is particular about the dishes he presents to his customers. He is proud of his work, as he should be. Wishing you much success, Tony ! It was a pleasure meeting you!
(5)Kris K.
Go here! The burgers, hot dogs and fries are delicious. Family owned business(support local) and the owner is a great guy.
(5)Dave S.
A great addition to the neighborhood, Cool variations on hot dog & hamburgers from across the country. Yep, there's a Chicago style dog, but there's also dogs from NY, Detroit, Baltimore & more! I suggest you ask for the dogs to be grilled...adds to the flavor. Burgers are great too....these take you on a world tour! Love the Caprice Burger! Plus, they use Merkts cheddar cheese! Oh yeah...fresh cut fries, too, and you get plenty of them in an order.
(4)Maggie B.
I can not recommend this place enough. It's quite simple- the FOOD is EXCELLENT. The dining area and kitchen (the area where the food is prepared is open and un-hidden from the customer) look spotless. And every single employee (as well as the manager/owner) are extremely friendly and polite. It's always a delight coming to eat here.
(5)Cathy T.
Just what Edgebrook needed. Very good service and food.
(5)Pamela P.
Super amazing food. Asked for the vegetarian options (as the menu was in desperate need of one). They made me a portabella caprese sandwich. Hands down the best thing I ate all week. The fries were fresh and crispy and wonderful. My husband's been raving about the burger he had. Will be back and back and back.
(5)Denise K.
I just do not get how this place gets all the 4+ stars. I stopped by after catching a movie several months ago thinking I could grab a quick hot dog and head home. A lady I ride the train with was telling me about this place which is in my old neighborhood and said to try it. Thought I would go ahead and give it a try. I was the 3rd person in line ordering and I waited 25 min for a HOT DOG!!!! The line cooks have NO idea how to expedite orders and handle more than one at a time. Or at least they did not that day. They cooked one full order before starting the next. The 2 people ahead of me had 2-3 burgers per order - hence my long wait. I am going to guess the garlic fries would be good if you eat them right there nice and hot. They are not good take out. They were soggy by the time I got home 15 min later. I ordered the Japanese hot dog. I'm part Japanese so I was interested. Sorry other poster - it was HORRIBLE. I have been told the thing to order there is the ham and cheese sandwich, so the next time I am in the area I will stop in and try that and see if things have changed there or not. I was actually surprised to see they were still in business when I drove by early Sunday a.m. on my way to a farmer's market.
(2)JJ S.
All I can say is.... wow! I love burgers but don't have the patience to go to a full service restaurant just to grab one. At Ivy's, you are treated with: fantastic handmade burgers, huge variety of Kobe beef hot dogs with ethnic flair (Japanese, Dutch, etc), amazing hand cut fries with the skin on, and Merkt's cheddar on anything you desire. The design of the restaurant has a modern-rustic vibe and the feeling is warm and familiar. To top it off, the owner, Tony, greets customers by name, offers to help you carry items to your car, and genuinely cares about your satisfaction. Try the Greek Burger or the Caprese (but swap out for chicken breast to mix things up). Yum yum yum!
(5)Mary L.
I've been to Ivy's 3 times now & it's an okay place in the downtown Edgebrook neighborhood. Downtown Edgebrook is pretty depressing, but Ivy's is upbeat & fun. The burgers are good & the fries as well. I was here last week with a group for a quick bite & 1/2 of us enjoyed it, but the other 4 people, said their burgers were dry & not good. The service is pretty good & all food is made to order. The place is cute & updated, but not very roomy. It's good for a quick lunch or dinner. Also, a good family place if you have kids. Reasonably priced. Hope they make it in the neighborhood as many Edgebrook places are not long in the area.
(3)Arlene G.
went here with sum friends after a lovely day at the pool and the food was delish! i had a blue cheese burger & it was quite juicy. the bun was soft jus like i like it. everybody else in my group enjoyed their food as well. when im in this area and have a taste for a burger or hotdog i know where exactly to go to!
(4)Andre L.
A welcome addition to the local food scene. I have been 3 times and I will return. The burgers are top shelf with a nice variety of topping options. I liked the sweet potato fries too. Prices aren't cheap but they are less than gourmet burgers downtown. The hot dog options sound fabulous with their creative topping pairings, but they fall a little short. The buns are too big and the dog too small. Also, the buns sometimes a get soggy. The atmosphere is nice, service friendly. I would also love some non-sugary drink options like fresh ice-tea. When the AC is on, it's a bit windy inside and the outdoor area could use an some enclosure to obstruct the parking lot view. I hope this place thrives and improves along the way.
(4)Squeaky F.
Burgers are right up there with Paradise Pup's. Had the Merkts cheese burger. The fries come unsalted and you pick from 3 flavored salts they have at the condiment bar. Will definitely go back. Good service, too.
(4)James D.
Great French Fries you can salt yourself! Mad variety of hot dogs with an international flavor. WIll have to try a cheese burger the next time I go
(4)Lucas H.
Friendly staff and plenty of options. The burgers aren't hand formed parties, they are circle premade ones. Mine was badly burnt on one side, but the grilled onions adds a great touch. Tried the sweet potatoe fries, and meh. They were definetly freshly cut, but lacked flavor. Overall nice environment, good menu, but food was pretty weak and on the pricey side(my buddy got the same thing and his was less burnt but still only average)
(2)Paul H.
to say that this is just the best place in town for a hot dog i would not they are one of the only places for the best of all the food they have .
(5)Kristine M.
This is the first time I ate from here. My boyfriend and I drove by it and he suggested that we stopped in. He said that his friend has eaten there before and it was good. It cost about $15 for two burgers and two sides of fries. The girl who took our order at the register was very friendly. Once she took our order, we waited for our food. I didn't mind waiting ten minutes because that meant to me the food was made fresh to order. I'd rather wait the ten minutes than have food that was sitting under the food warmer all day. We got our order to go and ate it when we got home. The burgers were big and the fries were freshly cut. A side note, two people can share an order of fries. Overall, the service and food were decent. Would I tell a friend to eat here? Maybe. They offer a wide variety of hot dogs and burgers. Would I go out of my way to eat here anytime soon? Probably not. It was good for what it was, but I have had better.
(3)K H.
They have improved so much over the last year. The fries are crispy and crunchy. You can tell the hamburgers are made of quality meat. I will pay more for quality and taste. My son loves their hamburgers and I'm glad they are hormone free. The grilled chicken sandwich with BBQ sauce is my favorite and it's made fresh to order. I also tried the Sonoran hot dog and it was ridiculously amazing, I don't even like hot dogs that much anymore but the combination of ingredients would entice me to order it again!
(5)Mary O.
So disappointed. Highly recommended by both my hubby and kids. My first experience and I won't be back. The music was BLASTING, the tables are so close that people actually bump you as they walk around and the food wasn't anything impressive. My burger with ketchup and mustard was buried by the ketchup and mustard. Funny I don't remember asking for EXTRA EXTRA ketchup and mustard. The service was slow, even though there were only 3 other people eating, the tables and chairs were cute but filthy. If I can't even talk to my family while eating, why eat out. Music was blasting like the teenage girl behind the counter was alone in her room. My burger was ok but if I am going to pay 35 dollars for 1 adult and 2 kids, I expect better. I will recommend that the hubby and kids go back. WITHOUT ME. Now, it could have been an off day but first impressions are pretty important. Sorry Ivy's you have a lot of work to do.
(1)Carmen R.
Holy cow am I glad these guys are here! I work in the neighborhood and there is not much near us for a quick, quality bite. Enter Ivy's and all our prayers are answered. Oddly, we'd been watching the place get put together for weeks, but I missed the grand opening. A client came by to sign some docs and asked if I wanted anything from across the street. Oh joy! Chedder fries! Yummm. The hot dogs are good, the burgers are better and hold your hat when you try that ham sandwich with the coleslaw, bbq sauce and fries - it's ridiculous! I'd probably hang out more often if I could afford it - the prices are not typical of a hot dog and burger joint. But it's probably better that way... not a lot of hot dog and burger joints offer you garlic butter or applewood smoked bacon either! Visit and enjoy. It's good.
(4)Meaghan S.
They are doing everything right--Black angus burgers and fries, merkts cheddar, hand cut fries, Homers ice cream. They have been nothing but super nice, both ordering in person and on the phone, which I do 2-4 times a month. What more can you ask for? A few people have complained about the prices, but the quality is way beyond what you'll get at your average hot dog place and that costs a little more. The kids meal prices are also in line with other places in the area so I don't really get what the hubbub is all about. Is it a 5 star restaurant? No, it's a really good hot dog place to get a quick lunch or dinner and it's a great addition to our neighborhood.
(5)John O.
Food is just ok and the prices are RIDICULOUS! Three kids hot dog meals were $22 dollars!
(1)Tim G.
I had my first two visits to Ivy's over the past weekend. Both were excellent. The burgers were fresh and well cooked. I tried their jumbo dog my next trip before I had to drive to Minneapolis (home), that was also fantastic. Both trips in I met the owner. He is very passionate about his restaurant and the neighborhood.
(5)Julia C.
I visited Ivy's yesterday and really loved it! The staff was incredibly friendly and the peppermint shake (hand dipped!) was delish. I will definitely be back :)
(5)David K.
At first I thought the prices were expensive compared with Portillos. Ivy's ends up being only $0.50 more that Portillos for a Jumbo combo meal. We should all encourage shopping and eating out in our community.
(4)Juan M.
I'm always on the look out for a good burger and Ivy's delivered! Excellent burger cooked perfectly. Amazingly not too greasy but not dry at all. This has never been easy to pull off but they manage very well. Surprisingly they even started serving Kona coffee which I love but rarely see. See you soon Ivy's!
(5)Kelly S.
This place is top notch! By far the best burger I've had in the city. Fresh ingredients, great service and a cool atmosphere. Whether you have one of their amazing burgers, a specialty hot dog or chicken fingers, you will NOT be disappointed. My favorite is their patty melt which is always juicy and delicious. Fries with Merkt's cheddar are also fantastic. They also serve amazing malts and shakes made with fresh ice cream. The only burger place worth visiting again and again. GO HERE NOW!!!!!
(5)Justin N.
There's lots to say about a restaurant trying to compete for burger and hot dog supremacy in the Chicago city limits. But for those that are residents of the Northside of Chicago, please flock and make it a point to go to Ivy's! Burgers are my absolute favorite, so seeing that Ivy's has maintained a high standard got me curious. The fiancé and I ordered: -Green Chile Cheeseburger -Chill Cheese Dog -Chicago Hot Dog -Japanese Hot Dog -Small Fries -Oreo Shake All of the food was superb and not by flavor alone, but because of quality. We were able to speak to Tony (Owner) about Ivy's story and we were convinced from their effort and extent of how they source their ingredients. Their beef, chicken, and produce all have a story and specifically a reason why Tony has them in his establishment. Speaking to Tony behind the counter reminded me of the charm that Doug Sohn had at Hot Doug's speaking to his customers. That conversation alone elevated my experience and thus made Ivy's a must have for me. Ivy's is no frills/casual dining spot, and if you want a great atmosphere, seasonings galore, and high quality food, please go!
(5)Francis F.
I love the awesome service! The menu is pretty simple and you can experiment by adding different garnishes and the variety of spice rack and condiments they have on one table! The food was delicious- we ordered Chili Merkt's Cheddar Burger added bacon side of bbq sauce with side of fries and Sheboygan Bratwust!
(5)Leslie R.
Really cute neighborhood place with great food! Chicken fingers are made fresh and are delish. Really nice staff as well, highly recommend!
(5)Mike D.
Horrible experience. The owner doesn't believe in air conditioning and prefers to prop the door open. Therefore, be prepared to eat your meal on sticky tables and chairs with flies and wasps buzzing all around you. Also, why serve French fries with no salt???
(1)David K.
Burgers, fries, and sweet potato fries. All were flavorful and filling! I will definitely come back here if I have a hankering for a good burger!
(5)Ronson G.
I liked it. I had a Merkt's chedder burger with fries at this place and they were both really good. The burger was juicy and the fries were cooked right. Parking is kind of annoying because there are only meters, so use the back parking lot. Will definitely come back.
(4)Steve A.
I've been looking all over Chicago (literally) for a place with great gourmet hotdogs and hamburgers. Well, this is it. The dogs include the usual Chicago and chili varieties, plus others named after cities and countries. I tried the most unusual, the Japanese Dog, and wow, was it good. Yes, the seaweed salad and pickled ginger go well on a dog, but the superb flavors of the dog itself really shone through. Best hot dog meat I've had, for sure. But the burger was actually better. A think, juicy patty with a crisp, seared crust, piled high with all my favorite toppings, plus cheddar cheese and (of course) bacon. That bacon really made it a home run, with its smoky flavor, and the bun had enough integrity to hold the whole handful together. Just describing it has made me want another one. I also tried the garlic fries, which are hand cut and tossed with fresh Gilroy garlic, herbs and olive oil. If that sounds good, you're right. The owner made sure I knew they were unsalted, and pointed out a whole rack of seasoning salt shakers to choose from. His recommended smoked salt was terrific on them. It's easy to see that the owner's hands-on approach makes this place special, and I can imagine it's often hard to get a seat, as there are only a few tables, but I was served quickly, and the wait time for everything to be prepared fresh was definitely worth it. I'm all ready to go back and try some other gourmet combinations and maybe a shake, too.
(5)Ben K.
I saw this place while I was across the street at the post office and decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. Fast and friendly service, and the menu has some really interesting things on it - especially all the gourmet hot dogs. I had a burger in mind before I came in, and I stuck with that. I also had a side of sweet potato fries. They were great, crispy and a lot of them. By the condiments are a variety of salts, more than I'd ever seen. I'll have to come back to try a hotdog.
(5)Sarah L.
Burgers are good, customer service even better! Have been there three times and will continue going. I only wish the fries were better, but the owner is very attentive and clearly cares.
(5)Annmarie G.
I can dig this place. I went to Ivy's with a friend for lunch the other day. I had never been here before and was amazed by how unique the menu was. From Japanese hot dogs to Greek-style burgers, it was hard to choose what to get. I ended up choosing the Caprese burger, which ended up being a great choice. The burger was well put-together with the right ratio of burger patty to other fresh ingredients. My friend and I also split a large fries. At Ivy's, fries are not automatically salted; you salt it yourself, selecting from a huge salt selection ranging from traditional to very adventurous, like aged merlot sea salt. We had fun trying out and choosing the right salt for our fries. I liked this place and will definitely be back.
(4)Mike O.
This place is out of sight. I must have passed it hundreds of times going to or from work. Located on Devon near the tracks at Caldwell, this place is easy to miss, especially since the Ace Hardware next to it tends to overshadow the place. There is some signage on Caldwell but still it's easy to miss from that side. It's been around about well over a year before I even knew the place existed. They share the big parking lot with Ace, located behind the building, since parking on Devon is pretty limited. There is even a back door entrance to Ivy's from the rear parking. I've been to Ivy's a number of times now and have gotten to try a variety of their menu items. Ivy's looks pretty small inside with just a few tables where you can eat inside. My kids always choose the one that looks like an irregular table made from a thick slice of tree trunk. It can seat 4 in an odd configuration. Ivy's menu is primarily burgers and hot dogs. The burgers here are big and come with a variety of toppings to choose from. One that I've ordered on multiple occasions is the green chile burger, complete with peppers and salsa. It has some kick to it but it is not an overpowering hot and spicy burger either. I also like cheeseburgers with Merkt's cheddar spread on them, which is a nice twist instead of the usual slice of American or Swiss at most places. The fries are made from fresh cut potatoes and come plentiful with each order. There is a rack with over a dozen different varieties of seasoning salts, some you may not have seen before. Things like a smoky salt, Himalayan pink salt, Vermont Maple Syrup salt, and even a hot ghost pepper salt. I like the smoky one best, but there are plenty of other choices I have yet to try or sample with the fries. Makes dining here much more interesting than your usual fries and ketchup at the typical fast food burger places. Ivy's makes their own burgers by grinding their own beef for optimal freshness. We have met the owner on a couple of occasions. He is very friendly and takes good care of everyone who orders. Another interesting thing to see is an overhead planter with fresh herbs growing under a UV light in the kitchen prep area, which is used for the food as well. Right by the checkout is a series of containers with old-fashioned candy sticks that are complimentary treats. My kid always grab one (or two) each time we've been here. It's another small touch that makes this place unique. In the back near the parking lot exit, a large bulletin board hangs on the wall with an assortment of local advertisements and flyers posted for upcoming events. Clearly, Ivy's is part of the community and a place with a lot more character than your typical franchise that many of the fancy burger places are. After trying Ivy's, you might like this place better than Smashburger, Five Guys or Meatheads.
(5)Arthur S.
Great burgers with almost any toppings you can think of. Juicy, flame grilled, deliciousness. You will not be disappointed. Tasty fries (with a plethora of seasoned salts). Awesome hot dogs. A good number of creative different choices of craving inducing foods. All freshly made with care. A neighborhood gem.
(5)Amaliya L.
By far the best beefburger and beef hotdogs in the area. The kitchen is open. There are no secrets. No frozen prepared or microwaved bs. Everything is prepared fresh daily and cooked to order. They take great pride in the ingredients that they use. You can truly taste the difference in good quality. I appreciate the fact that there is a variety of salts available including truffle sea salt. The owner gets it. And I am so appreciative that he wants to give back to the community by hosting dining out days for local schools and donating often to various causes. Support your local business....especially this one.
(5)Sandra S.
Had the Swiss burger and parsley garlic fries... Amazing! My kids had burger and steak tacos, also delicious! The service is great as I forgot to have the cashier give me the $5 discount through yelp ass and remembered it after I had already paid the order so he gave me the shake I ordered on the way out free of charge as the shakes are five bucks. Will definitely come back again!
(5)Stud M.
Loved it when places like 5 guys gave the chains a run for their money. Now the mom and pops are doing the same thing....democracy and free competition at its best. This burger place rocks! The cashier super friendly, great smile!!!! Gads my heart just melted. Then to follow it up with the juiciest freaking burger I've ever laid my mouth on, OMG, my trip to Chi-town just got better.
(5)Jodel A.
The Japan hot dog was interesting. Toppings seaweed salad. Way to go thinking outside the box flavor.
(4)Molly H.
The hubster and I have been frequenting this gem for about a year now. It's one of my fave's...the food is always perfect! Fresh ingredients, done right, each and every time. I LOVE the Merkt's Cheddar Burger! It's my stand-by and I can only live about 3 weeksat at a time without it. Who am I kidding? 1.5 weeks. The BBQ pulled pork special is delicious as well and their hot dogs, well...slap your Momma good! (Don't slap your Momma, just bring her to one of the best restaurants on the NW side!) Here come the feelings....I LOVE this place because I LOVE Tony! He is the kindest man. I want so desperately for him to be a millionaire because he really deserves it! He genuinely loves what he does and likes people! He has always remembered us and gone above and beyond to care for my nephew with severe food allergies. When the hubs had back surgery, he snuck in another burger for the patient! Just so thoughtful. In summation....GO NOW, bring everyone you know, enjoy Ivy's delicious eats and give my man Tony a high-five for me.
(5)Samantha G.
Amazing customer service, food and atmosphere. You can tell the owner takes great pride in what he does. The quality of the meat and ingredients really stand out, especially because it is a fast food place. Everything is fresh and the garlic parsley fries make my tastebuds jump. These fries are a must order. They offer daily specials and will allow you to customize your food almost anyway you like. I really like the different gourmet sea salts they offer. Flavors include: Ghost Pepper, Merlot, Rosemary, Jalapeño, Spicy Curry and the list goes on. This is a great anytime place to satisfy your gourmet fast food cravings. More fast food places should take notes. Ivy's does it all right! Tip: There is parking in the rear when street parking is unavailable.
(5)Mike I.
First of all, dont get ripped off by parking on devon. They share the lot in back so you can save yourself a few bucks. Burgers are real good. I had the american combo with fries. Just under $10. Everything tasted fresh. Co worker had a chicken sandwich and he liked it. Interior is kinda small. People are extremely nice.
(4)Shakirasnumberonefan S.
Taco Tuesday was a delicious surprise. The blue cheese burger was AMAZING! Parking was easy and the owner was so friendly, he even gave us free drinks and extra cheese:) I will for sure be back.
(5)Giacomo P.
Just tried with my girlfriend! The burgers are really amazing and the meat is cooked in front of you! Good choice of toppings to customize your burger! Definitely to try if you like burgers!! The service is friendly and place is very cozy.
(5)Todd P.
I was undecided town and decided to give this place a try based on the reviews from yelp. Glad I did. their hamburgers are delicious!
(5)Gerry X.
Awesome place the food is always good and Tony is always the accommodating host. Fresh, good, clean and professional environment, he always looks for ways to do stuff with the surrounding community.
(5)N. P.
This place is awesome! I can't believe I hadn't heard of it before! My co worker suggested it at work for lunch, so we went with it. Boy, am I glad we did! I had the portabella sandwich and sweet potato fries and it was great. To sum it up... #1 Order was CORRECT! #2 Food was DELICIOUS! #3 Condiments/Silverware IN THE BAG without asking! Also, the owner was super cool and friendly and threw in some soup for everyone. The soup was awesome as well. Ivy's will definitely be one of our go-to lunch spots from now on!
(5)nick c.
Had a Cobb Burger with garlic fries and a drink. Burger is good, you can taste the flavor in the meat even with all the ingredients. Save a $1.50 and get regular fries, garlic fries weren't that good or at least not $3.50 worth.
(4)Tobin h.
Definitely one of the top burgers in Chicago. Not quite Back Alley Burger but, with confidence, you can put it in the late part of that conversation. Ivy's serves a "thick" paddy with a fresh bun and great topping options. There are a lot of little things that makes this little spit in the strip mall ocean a go out of the way destination. It starts (beside the burger itself) with a fabulous bowl of chili and sprinkles its way on down to a "sea-salt" bar that offers many varieties and flavors of sea-salt The simplicity of it makes the wonderful toppings and combinations for the burgers and dogs an easy choice for lunch and/or dinner. Finally, the service was superb, albeit a bit flighty, and the owner was prideful and active in his service and product!. I see no reason why you would drive by Ivy's and not stop!
(5)Scott B.
We consistently get great food from this place. The staff has always been friendly. It has become our local go-to spot for hamburgers and got dogs. We are not originally from Chicago so we were determined to find a great Chicago dog...after trying a bunch of other places this was our favorite and it was right around the corner from where we live!! One time we got some to go food and a few items were left out of the bag. My wife called and it was handled extremely well by the staff who resolved it in an "above and beyond" manner. I could not recommend it more. We are in once every couple weeks now.
(5)Natalie S.
I grew up in Edgebrook and my mom still loves there so we're in the neighborhood all the time. When I saw Ivy's going in, I was excited! "Downtown Edgebrook" really had a shortage of restaurants when I was younger. I'll say this: the customer service was excellent. Amazing. The guy at the counter was super nice. A guy who I'm assuming is the owner kept checking in to see how everything was. They even brought my kiddo a free small cup of ice cream on the house. Such nice guys. But the food... it was ok. The fries are really good and I love the "flavored salt bar". We tried ghost chili salt and it was good. I ordered the garlic fries before I saw the salt bar and next time, I'll just go plain because there's so many condiment options. I got a chili cheese dog. It's not my favorite chili cheese dog ever. I don't know why but for whatever reason, I feel pretty strongly that the chili that goes on dogs and fries should be beanless. Chili with beans just falls off in clumps. We ordered a grilled cheese meal for my kiddo and it was actually the best grilled cheese I've had in a long time. So there's that! We bought a Living Social deal so we will be in again to use the second half of the coupon. But after that... I don't know. It's a little pricey for what you get.
(3)d r.
Service is great. But.....the hot dogs are not Vienna Beef- imposters! Very often too much fat in the hot dog. And to make things worse- I end up with a hotdog not fully heated-cool on the inside, this has happened 4 or 5 times in the last yr. I try to avoid eating there during the lunch hr so as to narrow my chances for a cold center, under cooked fatty hot dog. The chili is not one of my favorite recipes, the burgers are ok. Haven't tried the soups-yet. The shakes are good! Great salt choices! They need to switch to Vienna Beef dogs-not those fatty, not so good hotdogs.
(2)Jacob J.
Just the best burger in 60646. The far NW side's burger bar. Custom burgers and fries? Yes fries too, they make'em, they fry'em and then they allow you usage of their custom sea salts so that you can season yourself. Additions like Cajun sea salt, chipotle, ghost pepper, celery, jalapeno and more. There's also a condiment bar with assorted sauces, I saw Jufran banana ketchup in there & Cholula! Now I remember another (short lived) burger bar owned by Filipino's in the 60659 area and I'd asked them about offering Jufran to which the response was "WHY?" Because it's a different kind of ketchup that could compliment a burger. (It's a popular Philippine condiment you see; sweet & sometimes hot) Glad someone else thinks so. The burger I believe is seasoned with simple pepper and salt. It's the toppings, the cheese, the sauces, the bun that bring the taste all together. There are a number of free toppings, the usual stuff like lettuce, tomato (plum variety), onion, relish, jalapenos and more. I checked out Ivy's for the first time the other night. I ordered the Merkt's Cheddar burger. Topped it with all the free toppings it could handle. That first bite solidified everything I've ever thought about Merkt's Cheddar sauce. That first bite was supremo. I felt instant satisfaction. Fries were good, better than the frozen shit available at any local char house. Price? Perfect. In comparison to any Char house nearby it's more cost effective here. A burger is about $5.49, combo it with fries and a drink for an additional $3.29. You get a basket of fries and free refills on the soda. I tried a few different sodas, all of them were perfect strength. The staff working the counter were a treat. I didn't say much to indicate whether I was a new customer or old one though he took my queue & walked me through the menu. Made mention of the daily special of a turkey burger and was uber polite. It's really too bad this is my first visit, I drive through this area all of the time and will more than likely be back for another. The menu also includes custom hot dogs and a chicken sandwich. I hope one day they decide to fry their own fish and offer a fried fish sandwich. Maybe in time for Easter. The place looks like it was professionally decorated. Some would say corporate feel, like how well their menu's read, the bright colors of the paint, the bold type words on the walls or burger inspired art work. Also there's a wood theme, going from their website to their table tops. Cool place, great price & value.
(5)Alexis Y.
For my first time here at Ivy's I was pleased when I first walked in. I liked the art around the restaurant and the local wood cut tables. The order counter reminded me of Five Guys. The service was good, the employes are nice and friendly. That's what I expect from all restaurants. Now for the food. I got the Merkts cheese burger and a Merkts cheese fries. I like Merkts cheddar cheese but the cheese was nasty here. It was all clumpy and oily. It was like old cake frosting. So I was very disappointed. My burger was good but the Merkts cheese was just slapped on top of the patty between the bun. Not saying that it's not edible, I just wouldn't recommend their Merkt's cheddar. I don't think that I will return here, nothing else seemed too appealing.
(2)John H.
Ivy's delivers high quality, homemade, fresh, delicious food as it cleverly masquerades as a hot dog and burger joint. Some of the non burger and dog spectacular offerings: - Delicious soups made from scratch daily. When even their potato leek soup is delicious, gumbos and chicken noodle soups are like cheating. - Fresh chicken strips prepared and breaded as ordered. No one does that any more. Come on parents, you know you don't. - Slow cooked, pulled pork sandwiches (when available) that give dedicated BBQ establishments a run for their money. You hate taking that last bite because then it will be all gone. - Taco Tuesday. I shouldn't even tell you about Taco Tuesday because they sometimes run out. Angus beef trimmed, diced and prepared on premise and delivered as tacos with classic onion, cilantro and house prepared spicy pepper sauce. You have eaten at Mexican restaurants that don't put this much effort and quality into their tacos. It make you wish every day was Tuesday. Don't be fooled by the delicious gourmet hot dogs and burgers. Ivy's is serving up fresh, homemade, delicious food that goes well beyond those basic meat groups.
(5)Jaime G.
Really good burger place and great for the kids. Try the Merkis cheddar burger with cheddar sauce, lettuce and tomato. Patty is greasy and perfectly cooked medium well. Add grilled onions and it's a dream. My son ate all of his plain burger- which he never does. Also have a nice selection of bottled sodas and root beers. Have to come back.
(5)Dennis D.
Sometimes a small hot dog place can surpass your expectations. The dog selection here is superb. The burgers are fabulous. Really great. Fries are fresh cut and served piping hot. Great service in a small 20 or so seating place But a standout here is the cleanliness of the place. Really clean. Really sparkling. I had a burger with merits cheese spread and bacon one time while my wife had plain burger. Both were terrific. A good number of burger combos are offered, as well as toppings and salts and seasonings. For the Fries. I had a jumbo char dog at another visit and have worked my way slowly through the fine array of different kinds of dogs fro different regions they offer. Note they have parking in back if you can't see a street spot Love this place as my new go to burger place.
(5)Jim R.
Great restaurant, great food, very friendly owners. Any time you give a toddler free ice cream you get 5 stars.
(5)James C.
It is always a pleasure to order from here. Great staff and good food. The owner is a very personable guy and takes pride in his restaurant. Recommended.
(5)Pierre O.
Place is great! The Greek chicken sandwich was fantastic. Not only was the food good but the people there were so kind. Check this place out. I highly recommend it.
(5)Sabrina C.
Fresh cut fries? 10 (maybe it was 12) different salts to choose from? Delicious shakes? Ivy definitely has it. I made my order of a chicken sandwich, garlic fries, and a banana shake, and was told to wait 7 minutes. Why? The food is freshly prepared and you can without a doubt taste it. All that I ordered was so yummy, especially my fries; if you are a lover of garlic, they are a must-order. The shake was perfect; not too sweet and it was the perfect consistency (not like McDonald's where your face hurts after drinking it). The variety of salts range from Merlot, to Himalayan, and even Ghost chili (no thanks!!) so you have plenty to garnish your food with. It is a little pricey (my meal was about 10 bucks) but I don't ever complain about the price of good food. You get what you pay for. Great joint, good food!
(4)Susan G.
I really want to like Ivy's. But, the hamburger I had tonight took 20 minutes to get to me and was almost beyond well done. Not that anyone asked me how I wanted my burger. (Medium rare). The grilled onions were good, though. For about two-thirds the price we paid for two sandwiches and two sodas, we'll be going back to our closer neighborhood joint for beefs that include fries and are enough for two meals and are ready in less than 5 minutes.
(2)Noelle C.
We love coming here ! The food is always well prepared and delicious. The owner is so friendly and down to earth. They always go above and beyond to make sure your experience is great. Chicken sandwich with tzizki sauce , fries with different salt seasonings and shakes are my favorite!
(5)Peter P.
I popped in here today after looking for a hot dog in the area and not feeling like heading up to Superdawg for the lunch rush. I was glad I did. Everything about the hot and hand cut fries was perfect. Natural casing dogs, good snap, not overcooked. Simply perfect, and it's been getting more and more difficult for me to find hot dogs I like in this hot dog town. I haven't had a chance to try anything else, but the burgers are on the list for next time--they looked fantastic. Fries were perfectly cooked: crispy outsides, creamy center, not too heavy on the salt, skin-on. Simply put, it's a 10/10 for me for their hot dogs with fries.
(5)Jason R.
Excellent food, friendly service, good selection of hot sauces and spices!
(5)C B.
Our first time ordering burgers & chicken sandwiches. Very good. Just as good as some of the other burger places in the area. We will go back. We also ordered the garlic fries. Awesome. The only thing is they need to cut back a little bit on the garlic. Otherwise perfect!
(4)Lauren D.
KICK ASS, CRAZY GOOD BURGERS Like a fat kid who loves a huge bag of chocolate chip cookies and a huge slice of red velvet cake, I love a good, juicy burger every once in a while. The burgers here are kick ass crazy good, quality burgers. They are juicy, cooked to perfection with delectable flavors. I was very impressed with the fairly good customer service for a hot-dog and burger joint. We decided to grab a very, very late lunch here. I ordered a Swiss burger which was cooked to perfection (medium well with a little pink in the center) and slapped on a fresh, fluffy bun. I could tell by the taste that the burger was fresh (not frozen). The quality of the meat is definitely worthy of 5-stars. My husband had the jumbo dog which he said was filling. I rate my burger with 4-stars. On the other hand, my husband said his hot dog was nothing "great" so he went with 3-stars. He said it was "just okay." We shared the garlic fries (nice portion and very good flavor). Like a Rolling Stone, I will travel any where in the city for a good burger no matter where it is located. I read the Yelp reviews for this joint and thought we would hit it up and we were not disappointed. I am not a salt person. I always order my fries without salt no matter where I am eating. My only gripe is that I prefer my fries to have a nice crispy exterior with a soft tender interior. The fries are freshly sliced, which I appreciate, but are not crispy the way I prefer. This joint has a great assortment of sea-salts which is a nice touch, but it really didn't impress me. We tried the garlic sea salt, but had to shake that sucker pretty hard since the holes appeared to be somewhat clogged. We both had water and our total was just a little under $18. It's a small place, very clean and orderly, which we appreciated. Also, they have a parking lot in the rear if you don't have any luck with street parking (another plus). There are two picnic tables back there too. I don't recommend sitting outside, because it is several feet away from the dumpsters/alley. The Owner was/is very hospitable and made us feel like "an old friend." Service was ebullient and friendly. IF we are ever in the area again, and are in the mood for some good kick-ass juicy burgers we would stop here again. We actually returned on 5-3-2015, because we didn't want to fight the Cubs traffic to head over to Kuma's for our burger "fix" so we decided to make a special trip here for lunch, instead. If you happen to be driving by this joint or are any where in this area, I recommend you hit them up for a burger, hot dog, tacos or their "special" of the day. The fries are plentiful for sharing, so we always get only one order. If you like serious heat you may want to try the "Ghost Pepper" on your food. Be warned that in 2007, it was rated as the "hottest pepper" on the planet by the Guinness Book of World Records. The Bhut Jolokia -- also known as Ghost Pepper has been around for centuries. It originated in Assam, India. The word "Bhut" means "Ghost" and was probably given the name "Ghost Pepper" because when you first taste it you don't feel the heat immediately on your tongue, but it sneaks up on you. Don't over do it with the Ghost Pepper or you may turn into a human fire torch. We wouldn't want to have to call the fire department for you!
(4)Michael S.
Good quality American fast food! Tony, the owner, is indeed a really nice guy and from even a short conversation you can tell he is passionate about dishing out quality food. The burgers and hot dogs are really good, but to me the french fries here are killer.
(4)Simon C.
Just tried Ivy's for the first time today and I have to say it lived up to the reviews. I had the Merkts Cheddar Buger while my co worker had the Swiss Burger and we both came to the consensus that it made it's way into our ordering rotation. We got it delivered and it was awesome so I can't imagine how it'd be hot and fresh when dining in. Will take the wife there next time we're in the mood for a good burger and I gotta feeling it will be sooner rather than later... Nice job Ivy's and welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)Jas D.
I liked the customer service, friendly, fast and professional. The food was okay. The fries seem undercooked, they were soft and limp, like they were rushed. Fries should be slightly crispy with a slight browning. And wayyy too much garlic butter, almost to the point of being inedible. The milkshake is tiny for the price. Perhaps next time I will have a better experience.
(3)Edward W.
Stopped here for the first time the other night with a good friend who loves the place. Didn't know what to expect. Sure I like hot dogs and hamburgers but I'm not gonna go out of my way for them. At least not until Ivy's. This place is upscale burgers and dogs. All beef Black Angus. Fresh cut fries. Homer's Ice Cream. Tops in all areas. Super fresh everything. If you want a fast, cheap dog or burger this is not really the place. Come here to enjoy the food and enjoy the casual but comfortable atmosphere. The owner Tony is really a great guy. Never met him before tonight but he is one of those guys who is genuinely friendly. We all started talking and before you know it we are reminded of how small a world it is. Lot's of mutual friends. So now Tony hooks me up with a Danish dog and a Chilidog. Definitely not your typical Chicago dog. And an order of fries. This is a Danish Dog: Case-less all beef black angus dog, brown mustard, crispy fried onions, raw onions & pickle slices. Total hit. Next time, and there will definitely be a next time, I'll ask for extra mustard. The Chili dog gave me a little gas. hehe I'd skip that next time because I'm going for a burger then. They looked great. The fries are blanched then fried. I'm not really sure what that exactly means but they were great. Done perfectly. And they have a selection of gourmet salts available to spice things up if you like. This is now our new place for Homer's Ice Cream. I love Homer's and this will save us the ride to Wilmette. Don't get me wrong. We love the Ice Cream Shoppe down the block and treat ourselves there often. But the only way to top a great burger or dog is to get one with a great milk shake made with real ice cream and it doesn't get much better than Homer's.
(5)Gaby C.
Great burger place in Edgebrook! Better than five guys or any local burger place by far!! I had the mexican Sonoran Hotdog with all the trimmings, guac, green salsa, fresh jalapenos, plum tomatoes, pinto beans, bacon....YES BACON...and coija cheese..yum!! You can't expect to eat like a lady with this hotdog, it gets messy! My husband had the Chili burger and my brother had the regular burger and they both Loved it! The heirloom french fries were very very good, nice and crunchy but not greasy. I also had a vanilla milkshake & have been back for more :) We will be visiting this place more often! Very descent prices for good quality food and super friendly staff! Cant wait to go back for more.
(5)Kosta B.
Good local burger joint. I can see why people would complain about the price but that's what you pay for good quality products. Didn't like the Japanese hot dog but the other choices are very good...I recommend the Mexican hot dog or Greek hot dog
(5)Jay K.
15 hot dog choices from all over the world and around ten burgers choices. This review is for the Chicago dog and the Chili dog. The Chicago dog was on a poppy seed bun with all the Chicago dog fixings plus cucumber slices which I didn't care for since I don't like cucumbers on anything cause I just don't like 'em much. There was no sign of celery salt on the dog. I guess you have to put on your own because they have about a dozen salt shakers on the wall with all kinds of crazy salts in them...want a little Haberno salt on that dog and fries? Well they got it! The Chili dog was just a dog on a bun with chili, no cheese or onions. I think if you want that on the dog you have to order a Detroit dog. Anyway the dogs were good, hot and rather pricy. $4 for the Chicago dog but of course it came with some excellent skin on fries. 1/3 lb burgers are in the 5$ to $6 range. Nice owner who threw a free pop my way since they weren't quite ready for business when I showed up just before 11 am. even though the sign on the door says they open at 10:30. Street parking and it's metered. Definitely will be back if I'm in the area again to try the burgers. Read the menu carefully since this ain't your typical weenie and burger joint.
(4)B B.
First time here and it certainly hit the spot! Was so hungry after a work out and thinking about where I could stop for a bite in between my house and the lake... I frequent the happy foods close by and always wanted to check this place out.... Finally... Downtown edgebrook has a little somethin' somethin' for those neighborhood peeps that love a Chicago dog every once in a while. Suggestion: ride your bike... The Caldwell woods bike trail is right there!
(5)Bernie M.
Ivy's is worthy of a journey to the Northwest side of Chicago. If you have a hankering for high quality "rapidly prepared food", fast track it to Ivy's, you wont be sorry! If you live close by you're in luck. There is something for everyone on Ivy's menu. My daughter really loves this place, which speaks volumes about the experience you can expect at this Edgebrook hidden gem. The owner Tony and his gregarious staff will make you and your family feel as welcome as they have ours. Summary: Friendly, Fresh, Fast and Fantastic
(5)Jae S.
I've been wanting to try Ivy's for a while, and I'm kicking myself for not trying it sooner! I had a taste for a good burger and fries and Tony did NOT disappoint! To be honest, I'm not a big fan of fresh cut fries, but these garlic fries were awesome! Tony took the time to describe his place, and his selection of sea salts which were pretty good with my fries. Tony wanted me to try out his Japanese dog and WOW, it was like eating good sushi! Ivy's definitely got another loyal customer who will continue to come back as much as possible! Thanks Tony for opening up a great burger joint!
(5)Bernard P.
Tony, you are the man! My wife and I came by your restaurant today and we absolutely loved every minute of it! My wife ordered the Merkts Cheddar Burger and I ordered the Coleslaw Burger, and let me tell you, I was in fat boy heaven! Yummmmmmmmm! The fries were delicious too and any place that has a bottle of Filipino banana sauce (ketchup) is a winner in my book. You made this big guy very, very happy! The Coleslaw Burger rivals many of the slaw burgers I've eaten back in my beloved Georgia, and that ain't no easy feat. Tony, whatever you put in your meat should be illegal because it's so dang addictive! Seeing all the Southern posers up here in the Windy City trying to duplicate dishes like pecan pie, any and all things bbq'd, biscuits 'n gravy, etc. etc. while failing miserably makes me laugh at you Yanks, but today I found an exception to the rule. Tony and his crew make some of the best cole slaw I've ever had, so much so that I ordered an Atlanta Dog (hot dog with bbq sauce and cole slaw), and let me tell ya, my clogged arteries sang with joy! My wife enjoyed her burger so much that she was about to order another one, but couldn't bring herself to push the gastric envelope so she opted for a Chicago Dog instead which was pretty darn tasty too! She said that her hot dog was better than Portillo's, and that's sayin' a lot. FREE REFILLS on the pop, yay! The food was exceptional, fresh and piping hot. For what we got, I certainly didn't mind paying just a little more for the QUALITY, CARE and FRESHNESS that went into each and every bite. As for the atmosphere and interior, it's a great family-friendly place that's clean and cozy. Sure it's a smaller burger joint and yes, the place can get crowded, but that's because the food is really that good! With great music playing in the background (love ya Elvis), friendly patrons and delicious food, what more could you ask for? Oh by the way, the specialty salt section / sauce counter was an awesome surprise. Did I mention that they had banana sauce?! Yeah, I did but who cares? I'd drown my bowl of Frosted Flakes in that stuff if I could. As for the owner, Tony, he'll treat you like family from the moment you come in to the minute you leave. He's a sweet guy who really cares about his customers, you can tell. Drop by, say hi to Tony and have him create the ultimate feast to stuff your face. You'll thank me later!
(5)Pam D.
This place serves a decent, large burger, but you pay for what you get. No bargains here, but solid good food. For me, however, if I am going to pay that much for a burger, I was a quiet, relaxed environment in which to enjoy my meal. I did not care for the atmosphere at Ivy's. It is too congested and cramped. I'd come back to try one of their gourmet hot dogs, but I'd probably get it to go.
(3)Brian W.
During a rainy Halloween after work, we stopped at Ivy's and got two hot dog meals with drinks. The staff were friendly and the owner made sure to at least say hello while we were waiting for our food. One cool thing was that there is a HUGE variety of salts for seasoning though we got our food to go and didn't toy around with them. The place is very clean and there's a nice parking lot in the back shouldering Caldwell and Central. I'd love to give it 5 stars but we unfortunately didn't get a side of fries we ordered (we should have checked) and it did take around 10 minutes to cook our food, which seemed a little long for a couple of dogs. We'll be back though.
(4)Doug B.
As we walked in we were greeted by the owner who introduced himself and welcomed us. Told us in detail about their menu, the quality of the products and the fact that they choose better quality at each step. The beef, the all beef or angus hot dogs, even use leafy green lettuce rather then iceberg. I ordered a blue cheese burger and a Japanese hot dog to share with my wife. The burger was great. Juicy, covered with real blue cheese crumbs, fresh tomato, lettuce and pickles. The Japanese hot dog is my new favorite. The seaweed was incredible and the accent with wasabi mayo and a ginger slice.. Wow. I asked them to add char to the dog which is not how they usually serve it but they did with a smile. The fries.. did I mention fries? Thin cut, crispy and served hot.. they don't salt the fries but offer a large selection of flavored salts for the choosing. All in all, a wonderful experience, we'll be back. Recommend parking in the rear. The back door is open but a little hidden. Just walk towards the brick to the right of the Ace Hardware until you see it. My pet peeve, no open wifi... Normally I drop a star for this but Ivy's was really very good, the owner and staff were spot on, the place is clean..
(5)Gerry T.
We had the Caprese burger with chili cheese fries and Greek burger with sweet potatoe fries. Both burgers were fine and there's parking in back. I would like to note that they have about 30 different types of salt here which is pretty unique. I love the Himalayan pink salt on my fries.
(3)Mike W.
I just had another great meal, at Ivy"s. The place is clean and well run, and the food is always great. Steve, the owner, goes out of his way to thank people, and IA an all around nice guy.
(5)Christina G.
I really liked the ambiance, the decor, and the whole farm to table fresh concept, so I had good vibes walking into this place. 2 friends and I came here after work one night to catch up. You know, one of those we haven't seen each other in a long time dinners where we can talk the night away. This wasn't really the place to come. When we got there, there were a lot of kids running and yelling in the restaurant while the parents sat at tables not paying any attention. Who does that? So we tried not to trip over the kids and walked to the counter to place our order. I had the bleu cheese burger and fries. It rang up a little shy of $10. I was a little surprised, but thought, OK, it's really fresh food so it'll be worth it. Not so. We waited a long time for our orders. When I finally got mine, there was hardly and bleu cheese on my burger at all. I definitely felt like they had been stingy there. The fries come without seasoning so you can season them with one of three gourmet seasoning salts. It would have been nice, if we could easily get the salt out of the shaker! I tried two of the shakers until I finally got one that worked - it gave the fries a smoky taste that I wasn't crazy about at all. The fries themselves were OK, but my friend's fries were barely cooked. A whole chunk of them was still close to raw. After we ate the meal, all the other customers were gone, and we were still sitting and chatting. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I didn't feel like we were welcome to stay and talk. Again, no one said anything, and i didn't catch any evil glances from the staff, but it just felt odd. I may or not be back, though I might be leaning a smidge toward not.
(3)A F.
For ages, this area has been a hot dog desert, probably owing to Superdawg's reign on the other side of the tracks and park. I guess the entrepreneurial fear was understandable. But then comes Tony with Ivy's and - shock o' shocks - there's a new star in our universe on the Northwest side. This is NOT another Vienna Chicago Hot Dog emporium. Nothing wrong with them, by the way. Scarfed many over the years. Ivy's is the anti-Chicago hot dog in a way that respects the legacy (there's a Chicago dog on the menu, 'natch) but wratchets up the offering to the sublime. I had the Atlanta, which is a stunning Angus dog topped with BBQ sauce and smothered in Tony's homemade fresh-daily creamy cole slaw. Oh...my...God. Accompanied by garlic-parsley hand-cut fries and...I tell you, I've got tears streaming down my cheeks just writing this. Tony has obviously put a lot of thought into what he wants to serve us and how he wants to do it, and there's not a single short cut to freshness and quality and there's not a hint of pandering to trite hot dog expectations. This is supremely good stuff, well prepared, delicious and perfect. I actually...am I really going to say this?...like Ivy's more that Doug's. There. I needed to get it off my chest. It's just that damned good. Parking in Edgebrook sucks, but there's the space behind Ace Hardware. Beware the multiple RR crossings that regularly reduce traffic in this area to massed standstill and major-league irritant.
(5)K J.
Went here an early weekday evening and was pleasantly surprised. Ordered my food to go and owner offered me a free drink while I waited. This is such a simple gesture but such a nice one. It's the small courtesy things that really stand out these days. Ordered a turkey burger, regular burger and garlic fries. Burger was nice size, perfectly cooked, fresh soft bun, and god flavor. Turkey burger was also good quality. Fries were still hot and not soggy after the trek home ! We will definitely return to try other items. My only other suggestion that would seal the deal, would be for them to offer griddle burgers (flattened) in addition to the thick burgers, similar to Edzos in Evanston.
(4)LINDA M.
Delicious! I love their hot dogs and fries. Recently I had their garlic fries, perfectly cooked tossed with fresh garlic , olive oil and parsley, they were fantastic. They have a variety of specialty salts and condiments to season your food. Quiet environment, street meter parking or free lot parking behind building. Variety of fresh food, good customer service a nice place to enjoy good food.
(5)Jennifer Q.
Yup, it's official. This is my "after-the-pool-official-summer-lunch-place." I've been here a few times now and am so happy every time I leave. I've tried several things now on the menu, most recently the mozzarella-tomato burger. Delicious. Thanks Ivy's for your arrival to the neighborhood. You have my summer off to a good start!
(5)Branko R.
Ivy's is an excellent hot dog and hamburger place. They also have some other food, such as a loaded ham and cheese sandwich (with cole slaw and bbq sauce), Polish and Italian sausages, chicken sandwiches, composed salads, soups and chili, milk shakes with interesting flavors (that vary from week to week), excellent hand cut french fries and sweet potato fries, including garlic fries that I love, since you can really taste the garlic. The available toppings on the burgers and dogs vary from the basic (a Chicago dog, or Merkt's cheddar or the homemade chili) to the wonderfully adventurous (a Japanese hot dog with teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, seaweed, and pickled ginger, or a Greek burger with tzatziki sauce, kalamata olives, plum tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh oregano). There are 10 burgers and 14 hot dogs on the menu, and I keep jumping between them, because I love them all. Everything is made fresh, with a good attention to detail. The fries come unsalted, and you can help yourself to regular salt, or various flavored salts (including truffle, rosemary, and smoked). If street parking parking is difficult, there's parking in the back. Strongly recommended.
(5)Stephanie L.
Ivys is the place to eat for the best cheddar burger or hot dog around! My kids absolutely love the hot dogs, chicken tenders n burgers. I love the chili n different homemade soups. The ingredients are so fresh--from the meats n veggies to the herbs that he grows on the premises. The pork tenderloin sandwich is big enough for 2 people. It is so juicy n not heavily breaded. The fresh cut fries with the choice of nearly 20 different sea salts r the bomb! All portions are generous n top quality. Not only is the food great but Tony, the owner, so super welcoming. Whether he is busy w a crowd of customers or preparing food in the kitchen, Tony makes it a point to acknowledge his customers young n old.
(5)William K.
Trying my best to shop local, and after seeing a number of five star reviews for Ivy, I finally sat down for dinner here tonight. This location isn't the biggest burger place in this part of town, and when its full of little people talking, skipping, screaming and some eating, its considerably smaller. A large drink, (Medium everywhere else) fries and a burger will set you back a little under $10.00, I ordered the blue cheese burger and never noticed the blue cheese, fries are extra and could very easily feed two people. Honestly if you could get a REAL large drink, burger and fries for less than $9.00 I'd give likely eat here more often, more so if there was a little more space so that you're not getting bumped into by all of the little people running around the place.
(3)Laura G.
Love the beautiful reclaimed sustainable wood tables. They have a fun assortment of gourmet burgers and hot dogs. In the summer, you can dine out back on a cute picnic table. I highly recommend the banana shake!
(5)Kristina K.
Amazing!
(5)Brian C.
A+
(4)Madonna W.
Caprese Burger best ever! Fresh and tasty!
(5)Tom Z.
I had the Cheese Burger and Garlic Fries. The burger was good. It was juicy and had a nice flavor. The toppings were all fresh. The grilled onions are larger pieces, I prefer thinner strips, but they were still good. The fries were the fresh cut type and OK. They were a little cold, I wonder if they were done before the burger and that's why they weren't hot. They were the garlic type and there was a lot of garlic on the fries! Inside there is a wood theme look. They use numbered wood chips for order numbers. I have a mixed feeling about these chips. They are cool, but after a while I can't imagine what's on those chips after a day of handling them. There is free parking in the rear lot. I also noticed a couple of picnic tables in the parking lot, meh? I would be nice if they had a bike rack, being only about a block from the trail. Prices are a bit high, this will be the most deciding factor of whether I will return. I'm hoping they will offer some sort of daily deal, this would entice me to return. I may return, but it's going to be limited based on price alone.
(3)Douglas C.
I can honestly say, that this place is perfect for the area. Stuffy, overpriced, and will give above and beyond customer service...as long as you have kids with you. After 3 visits, by their non smiling staff, and terrible garlic fries (raw garlic on french fries for the price they charge is unacceptable), I have decided to call it quits on this overpriced, snobby new establishment. I even brought my partner, who is new to the neighborhood. Similiar sentiments were shared. He ordered the terriyaki chicken sandwich, which he didn't enjoy. they get you with their out-of-this-world prices. i have never payed so much for a burger w/ fries in my life. I'd say i'd go back for their sweet potato fries, but i probibly won't. If you want friendly, fast, cheap food, by GREAT people, who live locally, and treat everyone like family, please visit Papa Chris', practically across the street from the Leaning Tower YMCA. these people at Ivy's can learn a thing or two about how to treat everyone like they're welcome in their establishment. I live half a block away, and I'll never go back. It's such a shame.
(1)Tom Z.
I had the Cheese Burger and Garlic Fries. The burger was good. It was juicy and had a nice flavor. The toppings were all fresh. The grilled onions are larger pieces, I prefer thinner strips, but they were still good. The fries were the fresh cut type and OK. They were a little cold, I wonder if they were done before the burger and that's why they weren't hot. They were the garlic type and there was a lot of garlic on the fries! Inside there is a wood theme look. They use numbered wood chips for order numbers. I have a mixed feeling about these chips. They are cool, but after a while I can't imagine what's on those chips after a day of handling them. There is free parking in the rear lot. I also noticed a couple of picnic tables in the parking lot, meh? I would be nice if they had a bike rack, being only about a block from the trail. Prices are a bit high, this will be the most deciding factor of whether I will return. I'm hoping they will offer some sort of daily deal, this would entice me to return. I may return, but it's going to be limited based on price alone.
(3)Douglas C.
I can honestly say, that this place is perfect for the area. Stuffy, overpriced, and will give above and beyond customer service...as long as you have kids with you. After 3 visits, by their non smiling staff, and terrible garlic fries (raw garlic on french fries for the price they charge is unacceptable), I have decided to call it quits on this overpriced, snobby new establishment. I even brought my partner, who is new to the neighborhood. Similiar sentiments were shared. He ordered the terriyaki chicken sandwich, which he didn't enjoy. they get you with their out-of-this-world prices. i have never payed so much for a burger w/ fries in my life. I'd say i'd go back for their sweet potato fries, but i probibly won't. If you want friendly, fast, cheap food, by GREAT people, who live locally, and treat everyone like family, please visit Papa Chris', practically across the street from the Leaning Tower YMCA. these people at Ivy's can learn a thing or two about how to treat everyone like they're welcome in their establishment. I live half a block away, and I'll never go back. It's such a shame.
(1)Monica R.
Went here tonight for the first time and was really impressed! I ordered the Cobb burger and the bacon was crispy and the toppings were plentiful! Can't wait to come and try the Greek burger. I also loved all of the different salts you can try on the fries! So many to try and I haven't heard of many. My husband also claims they have the best polish sausage he has ever had. Prices are very reasonable and the food is high quality. Service also very friendly! My only wish is that they had a veggie burger so I could bring vegetarian friends. Based on whet I tasted, I'm sure they would do it right!
(5)Karla J.
We make it to Ivy's a few times a month for a burger and to visit with Tony. We're big fans of the burgers. Wtih Tony's encouragement, I tried the "Japanese dog" and am now a convert. Never thought I'd ever eat a hot dog with seaweed and ginger, let alone wasabi, but it was great; the seaweed and ginger made it fresh and gave it a little crunch. He also has great chili and everyone knows there's nothing better than a hot bowl of chili on a cold winter day. .
(5)Paul K.
I would give 3.5 stars but can't. Not bad but not great. Had the chicken sandwich that took a really long time to be served & the place wasn't busy. It was also over cooked. Fries were good.
(3)Krist W.
Ivy's is great - I love that there is a nice quick service restaurant downtown Edgebrook. I bring my family here a lot and we get takeout a lot. The use of Merckt's cheddar is unique and tasty. I like the burgers and am starting to make my way through the gourmet hot dog menu. The fresh cut fries are outstanding. Check out the flavored salts (truffle, rosemary, etc) near the ketchup-they are awesome with the fresh it fries!! Keep up the great work Ivy's - we will be coming back again and again.
(5)Judy H.
Fresh, hand cut fries, tasty burgers with a variety of toppings, and sandwiches. Ask them to toast your bun if you like. They are a small place, with seating that is limited but comfortable - and a northwoods theme. Some outdoor seating in the back on a picnic table. A variety of hot dog toppings. The garlic parmesan fries are especially good. They do have pepper and egg sandwiches as well. Their shakes are exceptionally good, especially since they use ice cream from Homer's and all the best ingredients and make these fresh to order. Very friendly staff and managers.
(4)Nikki S.
So a vegetarian walks into a burger joint... I came here after work and asked if they had veggie patties to switch out, they do not (but would be easy and cheap to stock and would expand your consumer base, hint hint,) but the very nice and informative young lady at the counter said they could put in a portabello mushroom cap instead. HOLY MOLEY I was sold! My heart almost melted when I was asked if I wanted grilled onions. The place is bright and clean, the speakers were sort of static-y, and I took my swiss portabello and the hot, fresh-made fries to go. The fries were piping hot and crispy, but lacked salt. Was I supposed to put the salt on? I don't know. At home, I was surprised how huge the sandwich was. The portabello could have benefit from a marinade or being seasoned, but I happily ate the cheesy, drippy monster. I will definitely be back to try another sandwich.
(4)Steve T.
I went here after reading some decent reviews. This place was awful. I ordered the Cheeseburger, not bad, but nothing special for me to want to come back to this establishment. I also ordered the New York Hotdog, but again nothing special. I rather eat a Costco hotdog than this. I ordered the Garlic fries. Disgusting. I love garlic and I could smell it, but there fries had no taste. 85% of the fries were burnt to the crisp with tons of oil. I love fries, but I ended up throwing out more than half the fries, b/c it was so inedible. Ketchup or BBQ couldn't save these fries. It was dead in the restaurant, so there was no rush to make the food. I will not come back here. Very disappointing.
(1)Nutflsh Z.
Fast Food Done Right! Was in Chicago on business and decided to try this place out, and was glad I did. Their burgers are out of this world! They certainly give California burgers a run for the money. The Greek Burger is one of the BEST burgers I have had next to "The Great Greek" in Sherman Oaks, Ca. The fries here are fresh cut and cooked to perfection! Truth be told, I don't believe one would have a bad meal here and you can tell that the owners spare no expense when it comes to quality and taste! You can tell they pride themselves on fresh ingredients and top quality meats! Judging by their menu, it is obvious this place is owned by a Greek, and a Greek that KNOWS good food! The service is excellent as they are quick to take care of any of your needs and the staff couldn't be more friendly! The Bottom Line: Great food at a fraction of the cost! There is a reason why most restaurants are owned and operated by Greeks, Greeks will put quality, large portions, and their customers first! I wish all restaurants lived by this policy, the world would be a better place as great food is one of life's few pleasures. Next time you are in Chicago and are hungry for PRIME fast food, this is the spot! Now open one in L.A. please! Enjoy!
(5)Christine W.
I love Ivy's! Their Caprese Burger is out of this world. Everything is super fresh and the staff there is always very nice. The milkshakes are pretty phenomenal as well. A much needed addition to Edgebrook!
(5)Barnett A.
Went in for the first time today with my daughter. We had the Greek burger which was tasty and juicy. Tony makes his own tzatziki sauce and uses feta that is imported, not domestic. As Greeks ourselves, we were sold and quite impressed! It's obvious that Tony is particular about the dishes he presents to his customers. He is proud of his work, as he should be. Wishing you much success, Tony ! It was a pleasure meeting you!
(5)Kris K.
Go here! The burgers, hot dogs and fries are delicious. Family owned business(support local) and the owner is a great guy.
(5)Dave S.
A great addition to the neighborhood, Cool variations on hot dog & hamburgers from across the country. Yep, there's a Chicago style dog, but there's also dogs from NY, Detroit, Baltimore & more! I suggest you ask for the dogs to be grilled...adds to the flavor. Burgers are great too....these take you on a world tour! Love the Caprice Burger! Plus, they use Merkts cheddar cheese! Oh yeah...fresh cut fries, too, and you get plenty of them in an order.
(4)Maggie B.
I can not recommend this place enough. It's quite simple- the FOOD is EXCELLENT. The dining area and kitchen (the area where the food is prepared is open and un-hidden from the customer) look spotless. And every single employee (as well as the manager/owner) are extremely friendly and polite. It's always a delight coming to eat here.
(5)Cathy T.
Just what Edgebrook needed. Very good service and food.
(5)Pamela P.
Super amazing food. Asked for the vegetarian options (as the menu was in desperate need of one). They made me a portabella caprese sandwich. Hands down the best thing I ate all week. The fries were fresh and crispy and wonderful. My husband's been raving about the burger he had. Will be back and back and back.
(5)Denise K.
I just do not get how this place gets all the 4+ stars. I stopped by after catching a movie several months ago thinking I could grab a quick hot dog and head home. A lady I ride the train with was telling me about this place which is in my old neighborhood and said to try it. Thought I would go ahead and give it a try. I was the 3rd person in line ordering and I waited 25 min for a HOT DOG!!!! The line cooks have NO idea how to expedite orders and handle more than one at a time. Or at least they did not that day. They cooked one full order before starting the next. The 2 people ahead of me had 2-3 burgers per order - hence my long wait. I am going to guess the garlic fries would be good if you eat them right there nice and hot. They are not good take out. They were soggy by the time I got home 15 min later. I ordered the Japanese hot dog. I'm part Japanese so I was interested. Sorry other poster - it was HORRIBLE. I have been told the thing to order there is the ham and cheese sandwich, so the next time I am in the area I will stop in and try that and see if things have changed there or not. I was actually surprised to see they were still in business when I drove by early Sunday a.m. on my way to a farmer's market.
(2)JJ S.
All I can say is.... wow! I love burgers but don't have the patience to go to a full service restaurant just to grab one. At Ivy's, you are treated with: fantastic handmade burgers, huge variety of Kobe beef hot dogs with ethnic flair (Japanese, Dutch, etc), amazing hand cut fries with the skin on, and Merkt's cheddar on anything you desire. The design of the restaurant has a modern-rustic vibe and the feeling is warm and familiar. To top it off, the owner, Tony, greets customers by name, offers to help you carry items to your car, and genuinely cares about your satisfaction. Try the Greek Burger or the Caprese (but swap out for chicken breast to mix things up). Yum yum yum!
(5)Mary L.
I've been to Ivy's 3 times now & it's an okay place in the downtown Edgebrook neighborhood. Downtown Edgebrook is pretty depressing, but Ivy's is upbeat & fun. The burgers are good & the fries as well. I was here last week with a group for a quick bite & 1/2 of us enjoyed it, but the other 4 people, said their burgers were dry & not good. The service is pretty good & all food is made to order. The place is cute & updated, but not very roomy. It's good for a quick lunch or dinner. Also, a good family place if you have kids. Reasonably priced. Hope they make it in the neighborhood as many Edgebrook places are not long in the area.
(3)Arlene G.
went here with sum friends after a lovely day at the pool and the food was delish! i had a blue cheese burger & it was quite juicy. the bun was soft jus like i like it. everybody else in my group enjoyed their food as well. when im in this area and have a taste for a burger or hotdog i know where exactly to go to!
(4)Andre L.
A welcome addition to the local food scene. I have been 3 times and I will return. The burgers are top shelf with a nice variety of topping options. I liked the sweet potato fries too. Prices aren't cheap but they are less than gourmet burgers downtown. The hot dog options sound fabulous with their creative topping pairings, but they fall a little short. The buns are too big and the dog too small. Also, the buns sometimes a get soggy. The atmosphere is nice, service friendly. I would also love some non-sugary drink options like fresh ice-tea. When the AC is on, it's a bit windy inside and the outdoor area could use an some enclosure to obstruct the parking lot view. I hope this place thrives and improves along the way.
(4)Squeaky F.
Burgers are right up there with Paradise Pup's. Had the Merkts cheese burger. The fries come unsalted and you pick from 3 flavored salts they have at the condiment bar. Will definitely go back. Good service, too.
(4)James D.
Great French Fries you can salt yourself! Mad variety of hot dogs with an international flavor. WIll have to try a cheese burger the next time I go
(4)Lucas H.
Friendly staff and plenty of options. The burgers aren't hand formed parties, they are circle premade ones. Mine was badly burnt on one side, but the grilled onions adds a great touch. Tried the sweet potatoe fries, and meh. They were definetly freshly cut, but lacked flavor. Overall nice environment, good menu, but food was pretty weak and on the pricey side(my buddy got the same thing and his was less burnt but still only average)
(2)Paul H.
to say that this is just the best place in town for a hot dog i would not they are one of the only places for the best of all the food they have .
(5)Kristine M.
This is the first time I ate from here. My boyfriend and I drove by it and he suggested that we stopped in. He said that his friend has eaten there before and it was good. It cost about $15 for two burgers and two sides of fries. The girl who took our order at the register was very friendly. Once she took our order, we waited for our food. I didn't mind waiting ten minutes because that meant to me the food was made fresh to order. I'd rather wait the ten minutes than have food that was sitting under the food warmer all day. We got our order to go and ate it when we got home. The burgers were big and the fries were freshly cut. A side note, two people can share an order of fries. Overall, the service and food were decent. Would I tell a friend to eat here? Maybe. They offer a wide variety of hot dogs and burgers. Would I go out of my way to eat here anytime soon? Probably not. It was good for what it was, but I have had better.
(3)Mary O.
So disappointed. Highly recommended by both my hubby and kids. My first experience and I won't be back. The music was BLASTING, the tables are so close that people actually bump you as they walk around and the food wasn't anything impressive. My burger with ketchup and mustard was buried by the ketchup and mustard. Funny I don't remember asking for EXTRA EXTRA ketchup and mustard. The service was slow, even though there were only 3 other people eating, the tables and chairs were cute but filthy. If I can't even talk to my family while eating, why eat out. Music was blasting like the teenage girl behind the counter was alone in her room. My burger was ok but if I am going to pay 35 dollars for 1 adult and 2 kids, I expect better. I will recommend that the hubby and kids go back. WITHOUT ME. Now, it could have been an off day but first impressions are pretty important. Sorry Ivy's you have a lot of work to do.
(1)K H.
They have improved so much over the last year. The fries are crispy and crunchy. You can tell the hamburgers are made of quality meat. I will pay more for quality and taste. My son loves their hamburgers and I'm glad they are hormone free. The grilled chicken sandwich with BBQ sauce is my favorite and it's made fresh to order. I also tried the Sonoran hot dog and it was ridiculously amazing, I don't even like hot dogs that much anymore but the combination of ingredients would entice me to order it again!
(5)Carmen R.
Holy cow am I glad these guys are here! I work in the neighborhood and there is not much near us for a quick, quality bite. Enter Ivy's and all our prayers are answered. Oddly, we'd been watching the place get put together for weeks, but I missed the grand opening. A client came by to sign some docs and asked if I wanted anything from across the street. Oh joy! Chedder fries! Yummm. The hot dogs are good, the burgers are better and hold your hat when you try that ham sandwich with the coleslaw, bbq sauce and fries - it's ridiculous! I'd probably hang out more often if I could afford it - the prices are not typical of a hot dog and burger joint. But it's probably better that way... not a lot of hot dog and burger joints offer you garlic butter or applewood smoked bacon either! Visit and enjoy. It's good.
(4)Meaghan S.
They are doing everything right--Black angus burgers and fries, merkts cheddar, hand cut fries, Homers ice cream. They have been nothing but super nice, both ordering in person and on the phone, which I do 2-4 times a month. What more can you ask for? A few people have complained about the prices, but the quality is way beyond what you'll get at your average hot dog place and that costs a little more. The kids meal prices are also in line with other places in the area so I don't really get what the hubbub is all about. Is it a 5 star restaurant? No, it's a really good hot dog place to get a quick lunch or dinner and it's a great addition to our neighborhood.
(5)John O.
Food is just ok and the prices are RIDICULOUS! Three kids hot dog meals were $22 dollars!
(1)Tim G.
I had my first two visits to Ivy's over the past weekend. Both were excellent. The burgers were fresh and well cooked. I tried their jumbo dog my next trip before I had to drive to Minneapolis (home), that was also fantastic. Both trips in I met the owner. He is very passionate about his restaurant and the neighborhood.
(5)Julia C.
I visited Ivy's yesterday and really loved it! The staff was incredibly friendly and the peppermint shake (hand dipped!) was delish. I will definitely be back :)
(5)David K.
At first I thought the prices were expensive compared with Portillos. Ivy's ends up being only $0.50 more that Portillos for a Jumbo combo meal. We should all encourage shopping and eating out in our community.
(4)Juan M.
I'm always on the look out for a good burger and Ivy's delivered! Excellent burger cooked perfectly. Amazingly not too greasy but not dry at all. This has never been easy to pull off but they manage very well. Surprisingly they even started serving Kona coffee which I love but rarely see. See you soon Ivy's!
(5)Kelly S.
This place is top notch! By far the best burger I've had in the city. Fresh ingredients, great service and a cool atmosphere. Whether you have one of their amazing burgers, a specialty hot dog or chicken fingers, you will NOT be disappointed. My favorite is their patty melt which is always juicy and delicious. Fries with Merkt's cheddar are also fantastic. They also serve amazing malts and shakes made with fresh ice cream. The only burger place worth visiting again and again. GO HERE NOW!!!!!
(5)Justin N.
There's lots to say about a restaurant trying to compete for burger and hot dog supremacy in the Chicago city limits. But for those that are residents of the Northside of Chicago, please flock and make it a point to go to Ivy's! Burgers are my absolute favorite, so seeing that Ivy's has maintained a high standard got me curious. The fiancé and I ordered: -Green Chile Cheeseburger -Chill Cheese Dog -Chicago Hot Dog -Japanese Hot Dog -Small Fries -Oreo Shake All of the food was superb and not by flavor alone, but because of quality. We were able to speak to Tony (Owner) about Ivy's story and we were convinced from their effort and extent of how they source their ingredients. Their beef, chicken, and produce all have a story and specifically a reason why Tony has them in his establishment. Speaking to Tony behind the counter reminded me of the charm that Doug Sohn had at Hot Doug's speaking to his customers. That conversation alone elevated my experience and thus made Ivy's a must have for me. Ivy's is no frills/casual dining spot, and if you want a great atmosphere, seasonings galore, and high quality food, please go!
(5)Francis F.
I love the awesome service! The menu is pretty simple and you can experiment by adding different garnishes and the variety of spice rack and condiments they have on one table! The food was delicious- we ordered Chili Merkt's Cheddar Burger added bacon side of bbq sauce with side of fries and Sheboygan Bratwust!
(5)Leslie R.
Really cute neighborhood place with great food! Chicken fingers are made fresh and are delish. Really nice staff as well, highly recommend!
(5)Nancy K.
We love coming here because the food is really great quality and great taste. Burgers are a specialty and while most love the Merkt's Cheddar Burger, I am partial to the Swiss Cheese Burger. The hot dogs are good, too because the topping are really fresh. The fries, oh my! The garlic fries are terrific and the sweet potato fries melt in your mouth. The have daily home made soups, too. (My mouth waters thinking about them.) Oh, don't forget to try the milk shakes; you won't be sorry. The owner Tony is a friendly, customer-oriented, hands-on kind of guy. He really cares about quality - he has to order "special" onions for the hot dogs because they have a sweeter taste. And this place is clean. (Your mother-in-law would approve.) Prices are appropriate for the quality and quantity. If you want cheaper, find a guy with a cart on a street corner. You get what you pay for.
(5)Mike D.
Horrible experience. The owner doesn't believe in air conditioning and prefers to prop the door open. Therefore, be prepared to eat your meal on sticky tables and chairs with flies and wasps buzzing all around you. Also, why serve French fries with no salt???
(1)David K.
Burgers, fries, and sweet potato fries. All were flavorful and filling! I will definitely come back here if I have a hankering for a good burger!
(5)Ronson G.
I liked it. I had a Merkt's chedder burger with fries at this place and they were both really good. The burger was juicy and the fries were cooked right. Parking is kind of annoying because there are only meters, so use the back parking lot. Will definitely come back.
(4)Amaliya L.
By far the best beefburger and beef hotdogs in the area. The kitchen is open. There are no secrets. No frozen prepared or microwaved bs. Everything is prepared fresh daily and cooked to order. They take great pride in the ingredients that they use. You can truly taste the difference in good quality. I appreciate the fact that there is a variety of salts available including truffle sea salt. The owner gets it. And I am so appreciative that he wants to give back to the community by hosting dining out days for local schools and donating often to various causes. Support your local business....especially this one.
(5)Steve A.
I've been looking all over Chicago (literally) for a place with great gourmet hotdogs and hamburgers. Well, this is it. The dogs include the usual Chicago and chili varieties, plus others named after cities and countries. I tried the most unusual, the Japanese Dog, and wow, was it good. Yes, the seaweed salad and pickled ginger go well on a dog, but the superb flavors of the dog itself really shone through. Best hot dog meat I've had, for sure. But the burger was actually better. A think, juicy patty with a crisp, seared crust, piled high with all my favorite toppings, plus cheddar cheese and (of course) bacon. That bacon really made it a home run, with its smoky flavor, and the bun had enough integrity to hold the whole handful together. Just describing it has made me want another one. I also tried the garlic fries, which are hand cut and tossed with fresh Gilroy garlic, herbs and olive oil. If that sounds good, you're right. The owner made sure I knew they were unsalted, and pointed out a whole rack of seasoning salt shakers to choose from. His recommended smoked salt was terrific on them. It's easy to see that the owner's hands-on approach makes this place special, and I can imagine it's often hard to get a seat, as there are only a few tables, but I was served quickly, and the wait time for everything to be prepared fresh was definitely worth it. I'm all ready to go back and try some other gourmet combinations and maybe a shake, too.
(5)Arthur S.
Great burgers with almost any toppings you can think of. Juicy, flame grilled, deliciousness. You will not be disappointed. Tasty fries (with a plethora of seasoned salts). Awesome hot dogs. A good number of creative different choices of craving inducing foods. All freshly made with care. A neighborhood gem.
(5)Sarah L.
Burgers are good, customer service even better! Have been there three times and will continue going. I only wish the fries were better, but the owner is very attentive and clearly cares.
(5)Annmarie G.
I can dig this place. I went to Ivy's with a friend for lunch the other day. I had never been here before and was amazed by how unique the menu was. From Japanese hot dogs to Greek-style burgers, it was hard to choose what to get. I ended up choosing the Caprese burger, which ended up being a great choice. The burger was well put-together with the right ratio of burger patty to other fresh ingredients. My friend and I also split a large fries. At Ivy's, fries are not automatically salted; you salt it yourself, selecting from a huge salt selection ranging from traditional to very adventurous, like aged merlot sea salt. We had fun trying out and choosing the right salt for our fries. I liked this place and will definitely be back.
(4)Mike O.
This place is out of sight. I must have passed it hundreds of times going to or from work. Located on Devon near the tracks at Caldwell, this place is easy to miss, especially since the Ace Hardware next to it tends to overshadow the place. There is some signage on Caldwell but still it's easy to miss from that side. It's been around about well over a year before I even knew the place existed. They share the big parking lot with Ace, located behind the building, since parking on Devon is pretty limited. There is even a back door entrance to Ivy's from the rear parking. I've been to Ivy's a number of times now and have gotten to try a variety of their menu items. Ivy's looks pretty small inside with just a few tables where you can eat inside. My kids always choose the one that looks like an irregular table made from a thick slice of tree trunk. It can seat 4 in an odd configuration. Ivy's menu is primarily burgers and hot dogs. The burgers here are big and come with a variety of toppings to choose from. One that I've ordered on multiple occasions is the green chile burger, complete with peppers and salsa. It has some kick to it but it is not an overpowering hot and spicy burger either. I also like cheeseburgers with Merkt's cheddar spread on them, which is a nice twist instead of the usual slice of American or Swiss at most places. The fries are made from fresh cut potatoes and come plentiful with each order. There is a rack with over a dozen different varieties of seasoning salts, some you may not have seen before. Things like a smoky salt, Himalayan pink salt, Vermont Maple Syrup salt, and even a hot ghost pepper salt. I like the smoky one best, but there are plenty of other choices I have yet to try or sample with the fries. Makes dining here much more interesting than your usual fries and ketchup at the typical fast food burger places. Ivy's makes their own burgers by grinding their own beef for optimal freshness. We have met the owner on a couple of occasions. He is very friendly and takes good care of everyone who orders. Another interesting thing to see is an overhead planter with fresh herbs growing under a UV light in the kitchen prep area, which is used for the food as well. Right by the checkout is a series of containers with old-fashioned candy sticks that are complimentary treats. My kid always grab one (or two) each time we've been here. It's another small touch that makes this place unique. In the back near the parking lot exit, a large bulletin board hangs on the wall with an assortment of local advertisements and flyers posted for upcoming events. Clearly, Ivy's is part of the community and a place with a lot more character than your typical franchise that many of the fancy burger places are. After trying Ivy's, you might like this place better than Smashburger, Five Guys or Meatheads.
(5)Ben K.
I saw this place while I was across the street at the post office and decided to give it a try, and I'm glad I did. Fast and friendly service, and the menu has some really interesting things on it - especially all the gourmet hot dogs. I had a burger in mind before I came in, and I stuck with that. I also had a side of sweet potato fries. They were great, crispy and a lot of them. By the condiments are a variety of salts, more than I'd ever seen. I'll have to come back to try a hotdog.
(5)Sandra S.
Had the Swiss burger and parsley garlic fries... Amazing! My kids had burger and steak tacos, also delicious! The service is great as I forgot to have the cashier give me the $5 discount through yelp ass and remembered it after I had already paid the order so he gave me the shake I ordered on the way out free of charge as the shakes are five bucks. Will definitely come back again!
(5)Stud M.
Loved it when places like 5 guys gave the chains a run for their money. Now the mom and pops are doing the same thing....democracy and free competition at its best. This burger place rocks! The cashier super friendly, great smile!!!! Gads my heart just melted. Then to follow it up with the juiciest freaking burger I've ever laid my mouth on, OMG, my trip to Chi-town just got better.
(5)Jodel A.
The Japan hot dog was interesting. Toppings seaweed salad. Way to go thinking outside the box flavor.
(4)Molly H.
The hubster and I have been frequenting this gem for about a year now. It's one of my fave's...the food is always perfect! Fresh ingredients, done right, each and every time. I LOVE the Merkt's Cheddar Burger! It's my stand-by and I can only live about 3 weeksat at a time without it. Who am I kidding? 1.5 weeks. The BBQ pulled pork special is delicious as well and their hot dogs, well...slap your Momma good! (Don't slap your Momma, just bring her to one of the best restaurants on the NW side!) Here come the feelings....I LOVE this place because I LOVE Tony! He is the kindest man. I want so desperately for him to be a millionaire because he really deserves it! He genuinely loves what he does and likes people! He has always remembered us and gone above and beyond to care for my nephew with severe food allergies. When the hubs had back surgery, he snuck in another burger for the patient! Just so thoughtful. In summation....GO NOW, bring everyone you know, enjoy Ivy's delicious eats and give my man Tony a high-five for me.
(5)Samantha G.
Amazing customer service, food and atmosphere. You can tell the owner takes great pride in what he does. The quality of the meat and ingredients really stand out, especially because it is a fast food place. Everything is fresh and the garlic parsley fries make my tastebuds jump. These fries are a must order. They offer daily specials and will allow you to customize your food almost anyway you like. I really like the different gourmet sea salts they offer. Flavors include: Ghost Pepper, Merlot, Rosemary, Jalapeño, Spicy Curry and the list goes on. This is a great anytime place to satisfy your gourmet fast food cravings. More fast food places should take notes. Ivy's does it all right! Tip: There is parking in the rear when street parking is unavailable.
(5)Mike I.
First of all, dont get ripped off by parking on devon. They share the lot in back so you can save yourself a few bucks. Burgers are real good. I had the american combo with fries. Just under $10. Everything tasted fresh. Co worker had a chicken sandwich and he liked it. Interior is kinda small. People are extremely nice.
(4)Shakirasnumberonefan S.
Taco Tuesday was a delicious surprise. The blue cheese burger was AMAZING! Parking was easy and the owner was so friendly, he even gave us free drinks and extra cheese:) I will for sure be back.
(5)Giacomo P.
Just tried with my girlfriend! The burgers are really amazing and the meat is cooked in front of you! Good choice of toppings to customize your burger! Definitely to try if you like burgers!! The service is friendly and place is very cozy.
(5)Todd P.
I was undecided town and decided to give this place a try based on the reviews from yelp. Glad I did. their hamburgers are delicious!
(5)Gerry X.
Awesome place the food is always good and Tony is always the accommodating host. Fresh, good, clean and professional environment, he always looks for ways to do stuff with the surrounding community.
(5)N. P.
This place is awesome! I can't believe I hadn't heard of it before! My co worker suggested it at work for lunch, so we went with it. Boy, am I glad we did! I had the portabella sandwich and sweet potato fries and it was great. To sum it up... #1 Order was CORRECT! #2 Food was DELICIOUS! #3 Condiments/Silverware IN THE BAG without asking! Also, the owner was super cool and friendly and threw in some soup for everyone. The soup was awesome as well. Ivy's will definitely be one of our go-to lunch spots from now on!
(5)nick c.
Had a Cobb Burger with garlic fries and a drink. Burger is good, you can taste the flavor in the meat even with all the ingredients. Save a $1.50 and get regular fries, garlic fries weren't that good or at least not $3.50 worth.
(4)Tobin h.
Definitely one of the top burgers in Chicago. Not quite Back Alley Burger but, with confidence, you can put it in the late part of that conversation. Ivy's serves a "thick" paddy with a fresh bun and great topping options. There are a lot of little things that makes this little spit in the strip mall ocean a go out of the way destination. It starts (beside the burger itself) with a fabulous bowl of chili and sprinkles its way on down to a "sea-salt" bar that offers many varieties and flavors of sea-salt The simplicity of it makes the wonderful toppings and combinations for the burgers and dogs an easy choice for lunch and/or dinner. Finally, the service was superb, albeit a bit flighty, and the owner was prideful and active in his service and product!. I see no reason why you would drive by Ivy's and not stop!
(5)Scott B.
We consistently get great food from this place. The staff has always been friendly. It has become our local go-to spot for hamburgers and got dogs. We are not originally from Chicago so we were determined to find a great Chicago dog...after trying a bunch of other places this was our favorite and it was right around the corner from where we live!! One time we got some to go food and a few items were left out of the bag. My wife called and it was handled extremely well by the staff who resolved it in an "above and beyond" manner. I could not recommend it more. We are in once every couple weeks now.
(5)Jacob J.
Just the best burger in 60646. The far NW side's burger bar. Custom burgers and fries? Yes fries too, they make'em, they fry'em and then they allow you usage of their custom sea salts so that you can season yourself. Additions like Cajun sea salt, chipotle, ghost pepper, celery, jalapeno and more. There's also a condiment bar with assorted sauces, I saw Jufran banana ketchup in there & Cholula! Now I remember another (short lived) burger bar owned by Filipino's in the 60659 area and I'd asked them about offering Jufran to which the response was "WHY?" Because it's a different kind of ketchup that could compliment a burger. (It's a popular Philippine condiment you see; sweet & sometimes hot) Glad someone else thinks so. The burger I believe is seasoned with simple pepper and salt. It's the toppings, the cheese, the sauces, the bun that bring the taste all together. There are a number of free toppings, the usual stuff like lettuce, tomato (plum variety), onion, relish, jalapenos and more. I checked out Ivy's for the first time the other night. I ordered the Merkt's Cheddar burger. Topped it with all the free toppings it could handle. That first bite solidified everything I've ever thought about Merkt's Cheddar sauce. That first bite was supremo. I felt instant satisfaction. Fries were good, better than the frozen shit available at any local char house. Price? Perfect. In comparison to any Char house nearby it's more cost effective here. A burger is about $5.49, combo it with fries and a drink for an additional $3.29. You get a basket of fries and free refills on the soda. I tried a few different sodas, all of them were perfect strength. The staff working the counter were a treat. I didn't say much to indicate whether I was a new customer or old one though he took my queue & walked me through the menu. Made mention of the daily special of a turkey burger and was uber polite. It's really too bad this is my first visit, I drive through this area all of the time and will more than likely be back for another. The menu also includes custom hot dogs and a chicken sandwich. I hope one day they decide to fry their own fish and offer a fried fish sandwich. Maybe in time for Easter. The place looks like it was professionally decorated. Some would say corporate feel, like how well their menu's read, the bright colors of the paint, the bold type words on the walls or burger inspired art work. Also there's a wood theme, going from their website to their table tops. Cool place, great price & value.
(5)Alexis Y.
For my first time here at Ivy's I was pleased when I first walked in. I liked the art around the restaurant and the local wood cut tables. The order counter reminded me of Five Guys. The service was good, the employes are nice and friendly. That's what I expect from all restaurants. Now for the food. I got the Merkts cheese burger and a Merkts cheese fries. I like Merkts cheddar cheese but the cheese was nasty here. It was all clumpy and oily. It was like old cake frosting. So I was very disappointed. My burger was good but the Merkts cheese was just slapped on top of the patty between the bun. Not saying that it's not edible, I just wouldn't recommend their Merkt's cheddar. I don't think that I will return here, nothing else seemed too appealing.
(2)Natalie S.
I grew up in Edgebrook and my mom still loves there so we're in the neighborhood all the time. When I saw Ivy's going in, I was excited! "Downtown Edgebrook" really had a shortage of restaurants when I was younger. I'll say this: the customer service was excellent. Amazing. The guy at the counter was super nice. A guy who I'm assuming is the owner kept checking in to see how everything was. They even brought my kiddo a free small cup of ice cream on the house. Such nice guys. But the food... it was ok. The fries are really good and I love the "flavored salt bar". We tried ghost chili salt and it was good. I ordered the garlic fries before I saw the salt bar and next time, I'll just go plain because there's so many condiment options. I got a chili cheese dog. It's not my favorite chili cheese dog ever. I don't know why but for whatever reason, I feel pretty strongly that the chili that goes on dogs and fries should be beanless. Chili with beans just falls off in clumps. We ordered a grilled cheese meal for my kiddo and it was actually the best grilled cheese I've had in a long time. So there's that! We bought a Living Social deal so we will be in again to use the second half of the coupon. But after that... I don't know. It's a little pricey for what you get.
(3)d r.
Service is great. But.....the hot dogs are not Vienna Beef- imposters! Very often too much fat in the hot dog. And to make things worse- I end up with a hotdog not fully heated-cool on the inside, this has happened 4 or 5 times in the last yr. I try to avoid eating there during the lunch hr so as to narrow my chances for a cold center, under cooked fatty hot dog. The chili is not one of my favorite recipes, the burgers are ok. Haven't tried the soups-yet. The shakes are good! Great salt choices! They need to switch to Vienna Beef dogs-not those fatty, not so good hotdogs.
(2)Kevin G.
Love the food at Ivy's! Not only is all of the food that I've had here very good but the service is top notch as well. I would highly recommend the cheddar burger, cheddar dog and cheddar fries! How is that for a trifecta of cheesy awesomeness! Also, how can you not love patronizing a place that gives back to the community in so many ways? Each year they have given away free hotdog lunches to the 1,000+ participants in the local little league program, and that's just one of many example! I am 100% behind any local business that provides great food and service but then who also goes out of it's way to help the local community out!
(5)John H.
Ivy's delivers high quality, homemade, fresh, delicious food as it cleverly masquerades as a hot dog and burger joint. Some of the non burger and dog spectacular offerings: - Delicious soups made from scratch daily. When even their potato leek soup is delicious, gumbos and chicken noodle soups are like cheating. - Fresh chicken strips prepared and breaded as ordered. No one does that any more. Come on parents, you know you don't. - Slow cooked, pulled pork sandwiches (when available) that give dedicated BBQ establishments a run for their money. You hate taking that last bite because then it will be all gone. - Taco Tuesday. I shouldn't even tell you about Taco Tuesday because they sometimes run out. Angus beef trimmed, diced and prepared on premise and delivered as tacos with classic onion, cilantro and house prepared spicy pepper sauce. You have eaten at Mexican restaurants that don't put this much effort and quality into their tacos. It make you wish every day was Tuesday. Don't be fooled by the delicious gourmet hot dogs and burgers. Ivy's is serving up fresh, homemade, delicious food that goes well beyond those basic meat groups.
(5)Jaime G.
Really good burger place and great for the kids. Try the Merkis cheddar burger with cheddar sauce, lettuce and tomato. Patty is greasy and perfectly cooked medium well. Add grilled onions and it's a dream. My son ate all of his plain burger- which he never does. Also have a nice selection of bottled sodas and root beers. Have to come back.
(5)Dennis D.
Sometimes a small hot dog place can surpass your expectations. The dog selection here is superb. The burgers are fabulous. Really great. Fries are fresh cut and served piping hot. Great service in a small 20 or so seating place But a standout here is the cleanliness of the place. Really clean. Really sparkling. I had a burger with merits cheese spread and bacon one time while my wife had plain burger. Both were terrific. A good number of burger combos are offered, as well as toppings and salts and seasonings. For the Fries. I had a jumbo char dog at another visit and have worked my way slowly through the fine array of different kinds of dogs fro different regions they offer. Note they have parking in back if you can't see a street spot Love this place as my new go to burger place.
(5)Jim R.
Great restaurant, great food, very friendly owners. Any time you give a toddler free ice cream you get 5 stars.
(5)James C.
It is always a pleasure to order from here. Great staff and good food. The owner is a very personable guy and takes pride in his restaurant. Recommended.
(5)Pierre O.
Place is great! The Greek chicken sandwich was fantastic. Not only was the food good but the people there were so kind. Check this place out. I highly recommend it.
(5)Sabrina C.
Fresh cut fries? 10 (maybe it was 12) different salts to choose from? Delicious shakes? Ivy definitely has it. I made my order of a chicken sandwich, garlic fries, and a banana shake, and was told to wait 7 minutes. Why? The food is freshly prepared and you can without a doubt taste it. All that I ordered was so yummy, especially my fries; if you are a lover of garlic, they are a must-order. The shake was perfect; not too sweet and it was the perfect consistency (not like McDonald's where your face hurts after drinking it). The variety of salts range from Merlot, to Himalayan, and even Ghost chili (no thanks!!) so you have plenty to garnish your food with. It is a little pricey (my meal was about 10 bucks) but I don't ever complain about the price of good food. You get what you pay for. Great joint, good food!
(4)Susan G.
I really want to like Ivy's. But, the hamburger I had tonight took 20 minutes to get to me and was almost beyond well done. Not that anyone asked me how I wanted my burger. (Medium rare). The grilled onions were good, though. For about two-thirds the price we paid for two sandwiches and two sodas, we'll be going back to our closer neighborhood joint for beefs that include fries and are enough for two meals and are ready in less than 5 minutes.
(2)Noelle C.
We love coming here ! The food is always well prepared and delicious. The owner is so friendly and down to earth. They always go above and beyond to make sure your experience is great. Chicken sandwich with tzizki sauce , fries with different salt seasonings and shakes are my favorite!
(5)Peter P.
I popped in here today after looking for a hot dog in the area and not feeling like heading up to Superdawg for the lunch rush. I was glad I did. Everything about the hot and hand cut fries was perfect. Natural casing dogs, good snap, not overcooked. Simply perfect, and it's been getting more and more difficult for me to find hot dogs I like in this hot dog town. I haven't had a chance to try anything else, but the burgers are on the list for next time--they looked fantastic. Fries were perfectly cooked: crispy outsides, creamy center, not too heavy on the salt, skin-on. Simply put, it's a 10/10 for me for their hot dogs with fries.
(5)Jason R.
Excellent food, friendly service, good selection of hot sauces and spices!
(5)C B.
Our first time ordering burgers & chicken sandwiches. Very good. Just as good as some of the other burger places in the area. We will go back. We also ordered the garlic fries. Awesome. The only thing is they need to cut back a little bit on the garlic. Otherwise perfect!
(4)Lauren D.
KICK ASS, CRAZY GOOD BURGERS Like a fat kid who loves a huge bag of chocolate chip cookies and a huge slice of red velvet cake, I love a good, juicy burger every once in a while. The burgers here are kick ass crazy good, quality burgers. They are juicy, cooked to perfection with delectable flavors. I was very impressed with the fairly good customer service for a hot-dog and burger joint. We decided to grab a very, very late lunch here. I ordered a Swiss burger which was cooked to perfection (medium well with a little pink in the center) and slapped on a fresh, fluffy bun. I could tell by the taste that the burger was fresh (not frozen). The quality of the meat is definitely worthy of 5-stars. My husband had the jumbo dog which he said was filling. I rate my burger with 4-stars. On the other hand, my husband said his hot dog was nothing "great" so he went with 3-stars. He said it was "just okay." We shared the garlic fries (nice portion and very good flavor). Like a Rolling Stone, I will travel any where in the city for a good burger no matter where it is located. I read the Yelp reviews for this joint and thought we would hit it up and we were not disappointed. I am not a salt person. I always order my fries without salt no matter where I am eating. My only gripe is that I prefer my fries to have a nice crispy exterior with a soft tender interior. The fries are freshly sliced, which I appreciate, but are not crispy the way I prefer. This joint has a great assortment of sea-salts which is a nice touch, but it really didn't impress me. We tried the garlic sea salt, but had to shake that sucker pretty hard since the holes appeared to be somewhat clogged. We both had water and our total was just a little under $18. It's a small place, very clean and orderly, which we appreciated. Also, they have a parking lot in the rear if you don't have any luck with street parking (another plus). There are two picnic tables back there too. I don't recommend sitting outside, because it is several feet away from the dumpsters/alley. The Owner was/is very hospitable and made us feel like "an old friend." Service was ebullient and friendly. IF we are ever in the area again, and are in the mood for some good kick-ass juicy burgers we would stop here again. We actually returned on 5-3-2015, because we didn't want to fight the Cubs traffic to head over to Kuma's for our burger "fix" so we decided to make a special trip here for lunch, instead. If you happen to be driving by this joint or are any where in this area, I recommend you hit them up for a burger, hot dog, tacos or their "special" of the day. The fries are plentiful for sharing, so we always get only one order. If you like serious heat you may want to try the "Ghost Pepper" on your food. Be warned that in 2007, it was rated as the "hottest pepper" on the planet by the Guinness Book of World Records. The Bhut Jolokia -- also known as Ghost Pepper has been around for centuries. It originated in Assam, India. The word "Bhut" means "Ghost" and was probably given the name "Ghost Pepper" because when you first taste it you don't feel the heat immediately on your tongue, but it sneaks up on you. Don't over do it with the Ghost Pepper or you may turn into a human fire torch. We wouldn't want to have to call the fire department for you!
(4)Michael S.
Good quality American fast food! Tony, the owner, is indeed a really nice guy and from even a short conversation you can tell he is passionate about dishing out quality food. The burgers and hot dogs are really good, but to me the french fries here are killer.
(4)Simon C.
Just tried Ivy's for the first time today and I have to say it lived up to the reviews. I had the Merkts Cheddar Buger while my co worker had the Swiss Burger and we both came to the consensus that it made it's way into our ordering rotation. We got it delivered and it was awesome so I can't imagine how it'd be hot and fresh when dining in. Will take the wife there next time we're in the mood for a good burger and I gotta feeling it will be sooner rather than later... Nice job Ivy's and welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)Jas D.
I liked the customer service, friendly, fast and professional. The food was okay. The fries seem undercooked, they were soft and limp, like they were rushed. Fries should be slightly crispy with a slight browning. And wayyy too much garlic butter, almost to the point of being inedible. The milkshake is tiny for the price. Perhaps next time I will have a better experience.
(3)Edward W.
Stopped here for the first time the other night with a good friend who loves the place. Didn't know what to expect. Sure I like hot dogs and hamburgers but I'm not gonna go out of my way for them. At least not until Ivy's. This place is upscale burgers and dogs. All beef Black Angus. Fresh cut fries. Homer's Ice Cream. Tops in all areas. Super fresh everything. If you want a fast, cheap dog or burger this is not really the place. Come here to enjoy the food and enjoy the casual but comfortable atmosphere. The owner Tony is really a great guy. Never met him before tonight but he is one of those guys who is genuinely friendly. We all started talking and before you know it we are reminded of how small a world it is. Lot's of mutual friends. So now Tony hooks me up with a Danish dog and a Chilidog. Definitely not your typical Chicago dog. And an order of fries. This is a Danish Dog: Case-less all beef black angus dog, brown mustard, crispy fried onions, raw onions & pickle slices. Total hit. Next time, and there will definitely be a next time, I'll ask for extra mustard. The Chili dog gave me a little gas. hehe I'd skip that next time because I'm going for a burger then. They looked great. The fries are blanched then fried. I'm not really sure what that exactly means but they were great. Done perfectly. And they have a selection of gourmet salts available to spice things up if you like. This is now our new place for Homer's Ice Cream. I love Homer's and this will save us the ride to Wilmette. Don't get me wrong. We love the Ice Cream Shoppe down the block and treat ourselves there often. But the only way to top a great burger or dog is to get one with a great milk shake made with real ice cream and it doesn't get much better than Homer's.
(5)Gaby C.
Great burger place in Edgebrook! Better than five guys or any local burger place by far!! I had the mexican Sonoran Hotdog with all the trimmings, guac, green salsa, fresh jalapenos, plum tomatoes, pinto beans, bacon....YES BACON...and coija cheese..yum!! You can't expect to eat like a lady with this hotdog, it gets messy! My husband had the Chili burger and my brother had the regular burger and they both Loved it! The heirloom french fries were very very good, nice and crunchy but not greasy. I also had a vanilla milkshake & have been back for more :) We will be visiting this place more often! Very descent prices for good quality food and super friendly staff! Cant wait to go back for more.
(5)Kosta B.
Good local burger joint. I can see why people would complain about the price but that's what you pay for good quality products. Didn't like the Japanese hot dog but the other choices are very good...I recommend the Mexican hot dog or Greek hot dog
(5)B B.
First time here and it certainly hit the spot! Was so hungry after a work out and thinking about where I could stop for a bite in between my house and the lake... I frequent the happy foods close by and always wanted to check this place out.... Finally... Downtown edgebrook has a little somethin' somethin' for those neighborhood peeps that love a Chicago dog every once in a while. Suggestion: ride your bike... The Caldwell woods bike trail is right there!
(5)Jay K.
15 hot dog choices from all over the world and around ten burgers choices. This review is for the Chicago dog and the Chili dog. The Chicago dog was on a poppy seed bun with all the Chicago dog fixings plus cucumber slices which I didn't care for since I don't like cucumbers on anything cause I just don't like 'em much. There was no sign of celery salt on the dog. I guess you have to put on your own because they have about a dozen salt shakers on the wall with all kinds of crazy salts in them...want a little Haberno salt on that dog and fries? Well they got it! The Chili dog was just a dog on a bun with chili, no cheese or onions. I think if you want that on the dog you have to order a Detroit dog. Anyway the dogs were good, hot and rather pricy. $4 for the Chicago dog but of course it came with some excellent skin on fries. 1/3 lb burgers are in the 5$ to $6 range. Nice owner who threw a free pop my way since they weren't quite ready for business when I showed up just before 11 am. even though the sign on the door says they open at 10:30. Street parking and it's metered. Definitely will be back if I'm in the area again to try the burgers. Read the menu carefully since this ain't your typical weenie and burger joint.
(4)Bernie M.
Ivy's is worthy of a journey to the Northwest side of Chicago. If you have a hankering for high quality "rapidly prepared food", fast track it to Ivy's, you wont be sorry! If you live close by you're in luck. There is something for everyone on Ivy's menu. My daughter really loves this place, which speaks volumes about the experience you can expect at this Edgebrook hidden gem. The owner Tony and his gregarious staff will make you and your family feel as welcome as they have ours. Summary: Friendly, Fresh, Fast and Fantastic
(5)Jae S.
I've been wanting to try Ivy's for a while, and I'm kicking myself for not trying it sooner! I had a taste for a good burger and fries and Tony did NOT disappoint! To be honest, I'm not a big fan of fresh cut fries, but these garlic fries were awesome! Tony took the time to describe his place, and his selection of sea salts which were pretty good with my fries. Tony wanted me to try out his Japanese dog and WOW, it was like eating good sushi! Ivy's definitely got another loyal customer who will continue to come back as much as possible! Thanks Tony for opening up a great burger joint!
(5)Bernard P.
Tony, you are the man! My wife and I came by your restaurant today and we absolutely loved every minute of it! My wife ordered the Merkts Cheddar Burger and I ordered the Coleslaw Burger, and let me tell you, I was in fat boy heaven! Yummmmmmmmm! The fries were delicious too and any place that has a bottle of Filipino banana sauce (ketchup) is a winner in my book. You made this big guy very, very happy! The Coleslaw Burger rivals many of the slaw burgers I've eaten back in my beloved Georgia, and that ain't no easy feat. Tony, whatever you put in your meat should be illegal because it's so dang addictive! Seeing all the Southern posers up here in the Windy City trying to duplicate dishes like pecan pie, any and all things bbq'd, biscuits 'n gravy, etc. etc. while failing miserably makes me laugh at you Yanks, but today I found an exception to the rule. Tony and his crew make some of the best cole slaw I've ever had, so much so that I ordered an Atlanta Dog (hot dog with bbq sauce and cole slaw), and let me tell ya, my clogged arteries sang with joy! My wife enjoyed her burger so much that she was about to order another one, but couldn't bring herself to push the gastric envelope so she opted for a Chicago Dog instead which was pretty darn tasty too! She said that her hot dog was better than Portillo's, and that's sayin' a lot. FREE REFILLS on the pop, yay! The food was exceptional, fresh and piping hot. For what we got, I certainly didn't mind paying just a little more for the QUALITY, CARE and FRESHNESS that went into each and every bite. As for the atmosphere and interior, it's a great family-friendly place that's clean and cozy. Sure it's a smaller burger joint and yes, the place can get crowded, but that's because the food is really that good! With great music playing in the background (love ya Elvis), friendly patrons and delicious food, what more could you ask for? Oh by the way, the specialty salt section / sauce counter was an awesome surprise. Did I mention that they had banana sauce?! Yeah, I did but who cares? I'd drown my bowl of Frosted Flakes in that stuff if I could. As for the owner, Tony, he'll treat you like family from the moment you come in to the minute you leave. He's a sweet guy who really cares about his customers, you can tell. Drop by, say hi to Tony and have him create the ultimate feast to stuff your face. You'll thank me later!
(5)Pam D.
This place serves a decent, large burger, but you pay for what you get. No bargains here, but solid good food. For me, however, if I am going to pay that much for a burger, I was a quiet, relaxed environment in which to enjoy my meal. I did not care for the atmosphere at Ivy's. It is too congested and cramped. I'd come back to try one of their gourmet hot dogs, but I'd probably get it to go.
(3)Brian W.
During a rainy Halloween after work, we stopped at Ivy's and got two hot dog meals with drinks. The staff were friendly and the owner made sure to at least say hello while we were waiting for our food. One cool thing was that there is a HUGE variety of salts for seasoning though we got our food to go and didn't toy around with them. The place is very clean and there's a nice parking lot in the back shouldering Caldwell and Central. I'd love to give it 5 stars but we unfortunately didn't get a side of fries we ordered (we should have checked) and it did take around 10 minutes to cook our food, which seemed a little long for a couple of dogs. We'll be back though.
(4)Doug B.
As we walked in we were greeted by the owner who introduced himself and welcomed us. Told us in detail about their menu, the quality of the products and the fact that they choose better quality at each step. The beef, the all beef or angus hot dogs, even use leafy green lettuce rather then iceberg. I ordered a blue cheese burger and a Japanese hot dog to share with my wife. The burger was great. Juicy, covered with real blue cheese crumbs, fresh tomato, lettuce and pickles. The Japanese hot dog is my new favorite. The seaweed was incredible and the accent with wasabi mayo and a ginger slice.. Wow. I asked them to add char to the dog which is not how they usually serve it but they did with a smile. The fries.. did I mention fries? Thin cut, crispy and served hot.. they don't salt the fries but offer a large selection of flavored salts for the choosing. All in all, a wonderful experience, we'll be back. Recommend parking in the rear. The back door is open but a little hidden. Just walk towards the brick to the right of the Ace Hardware until you see it. My pet peeve, no open wifi... Normally I drop a star for this but Ivy's was really very good, the owner and staff were spot on, the place is clean..
(5)Gerry T.
We had the Caprese burger with chili cheese fries and Greek burger with sweet potatoe fries. Both burgers were fine and there's parking in back. I would like to note that they have about 30 different types of salt here which is pretty unique. I love the Himalayan pink salt on my fries.
(3)Mike W.
I just had another great meal, at Ivy"s. The place is clean and well run, and the food is always great. Steve, the owner, goes out of his way to thank people, and IA an all around nice guy.
(5)Christina G.
I really liked the ambiance, the decor, and the whole farm to table fresh concept, so I had good vibes walking into this place. 2 friends and I came here after work one night to catch up. You know, one of those we haven't seen each other in a long time dinners where we can talk the night away. This wasn't really the place to come. When we got there, there were a lot of kids running and yelling in the restaurant while the parents sat at tables not paying any attention. Who does that? So we tried not to trip over the kids and walked to the counter to place our order. I had the bleu cheese burger and fries. It rang up a little shy of $10. I was a little surprised, but thought, OK, it's really fresh food so it'll be worth it. Not so. We waited a long time for our orders. When I finally got mine, there was hardly and bleu cheese on my burger at all. I definitely felt like they had been stingy there. The fries come without seasoning so you can season them with one of three gourmet seasoning salts. It would have been nice, if we could easily get the salt out of the shaker! I tried two of the shakers until I finally got one that worked - it gave the fries a smoky taste that I wasn't crazy about at all. The fries themselves were OK, but my friend's fries were barely cooked. A whole chunk of them was still close to raw. After we ate the meal, all the other customers were gone, and we were still sitting and chatting. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I didn't feel like we were welcome to stay and talk. Again, no one said anything, and i didn't catch any evil glances from the staff, but it just felt odd. I may or not be back, though I might be leaning a smidge toward not.
(3)A F.
For ages, this area has been a hot dog desert, probably owing to Superdawg's reign on the other side of the tracks and park. I guess the entrepreneurial fear was understandable. But then comes Tony with Ivy's and - shock o' shocks - there's a new star in our universe on the Northwest side. This is NOT another Vienna Chicago Hot Dog emporium. Nothing wrong with them, by the way. Scarfed many over the years. Ivy's is the anti-Chicago hot dog in a way that respects the legacy (there's a Chicago dog on the menu, 'natch) but wratchets up the offering to the sublime. I had the Atlanta, which is a stunning Angus dog topped with BBQ sauce and smothered in Tony's homemade fresh-daily creamy cole slaw. Oh...my...God. Accompanied by garlic-parsley hand-cut fries and...I tell you, I've got tears streaming down my cheeks just writing this. Tony has obviously put a lot of thought into what he wants to serve us and how he wants to do it, and there's not a single short cut to freshness and quality and there's not a hint of pandering to trite hot dog expectations. This is supremely good stuff, well prepared, delicious and perfect. I actually...am I really going to say this?...like Ivy's more that Doug's. There. I needed to get it off my chest. It's just that damned good. Parking in Edgebrook sucks, but there's the space behind Ace Hardware. Beware the multiple RR crossings that regularly reduce traffic in this area to massed standstill and major-league irritant.
(5)K J.
Went here an early weekday evening and was pleasantly surprised. Ordered my food to go and owner offered me a free drink while I waited. This is such a simple gesture but such a nice one. It's the small courtesy things that really stand out these days. Ordered a turkey burger, regular burger and garlic fries. Burger was nice size, perfectly cooked, fresh soft bun, and god flavor. Turkey burger was also good quality. Fries were still hot and not soggy after the trek home ! We will definitely return to try other items. My only other suggestion that would seal the deal, would be for them to offer griddle burgers (flattened) in addition to the thick burgers, similar to Edzos in Evanston.
(4)LINDA M.
Delicious! I love their hot dogs and fries. Recently I had their garlic fries, perfectly cooked tossed with fresh garlic , olive oil and parsley, they were fantastic. They have a variety of specialty salts and condiments to season your food. Quiet environment, street meter parking or free lot parking behind building. Variety of fresh food, good customer service a nice place to enjoy good food.
(5)Jennifer Q.
Yup, it's official. This is my "after-the-pool-official-summer-lunch-place." I've been here a few times now and am so happy every time I leave. I've tried several things now on the menu, most recently the mozzarella-tomato burger. Delicious. Thanks Ivy's for your arrival to the neighborhood. You have my summer off to a good start!
(5)Branko R.
Ivy's is an excellent hot dog and hamburger place. They also have some other food, such as a loaded ham and cheese sandwich (with cole slaw and bbq sauce), Polish and Italian sausages, chicken sandwiches, composed salads, soups and chili, milk shakes with interesting flavors (that vary from week to week), excellent hand cut french fries and sweet potato fries, including garlic fries that I love, since you can really taste the garlic. The available toppings on the burgers and dogs vary from the basic (a Chicago dog, or Merkt's cheddar or the homemade chili) to the wonderfully adventurous (a Japanese hot dog with teriyaki sauce, wasabi mayo, seaweed, and pickled ginger, or a Greek burger with tzatziki sauce, kalamata olives, plum tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh oregano). There are 10 burgers and 14 hot dogs on the menu, and I keep jumping between them, because I love them all. Everything is made fresh, with a good attention to detail. The fries come unsalted, and you can help yourself to regular salt, or various flavored salts (including truffle, rosemary, and smoked). If street parking parking is difficult, there's parking in the back. Strongly recommended.
(5)Stephanie L.
Ivys is the place to eat for the best cheddar burger or hot dog around! My kids absolutely love the hot dogs, chicken tenders n burgers. I love the chili n different homemade soups. The ingredients are so fresh--from the meats n veggies to the herbs that he grows on the premises. The pork tenderloin sandwich is big enough for 2 people. It is so juicy n not heavily breaded. The fresh cut fries with the choice of nearly 20 different sea salts r the bomb! All portions are generous n top quality. Not only is the food great but Tony, the owner, so super welcoming. Whether he is busy w a crowd of customers or preparing food in the kitchen, Tony makes it a point to acknowledge his customers young n old.
(5)William K.
Trying my best to shop local, and after seeing a number of five star reviews for Ivy, I finally sat down for dinner here tonight. This location isn't the biggest burger place in this part of town, and when its full of little people talking, skipping, screaming and some eating, its considerably smaller. A large drink, (Medium everywhere else) fries and a burger will set you back a little under $10.00, I ordered the blue cheese burger and never noticed the blue cheese, fries are extra and could very easily feed two people. Honestly if you could get a REAL large drink, burger and fries for less than $9.00 I'd give likely eat here more often, more so if there was a little more space so that you're not getting bumped into by all of the little people running around the place.
(3)Laura G.
Love the beautiful reclaimed sustainable wood tables. They have a fun assortment of gourmet burgers and hot dogs. In the summer, you can dine out back on a cute picnic table. I highly recommend the banana shake!
(5)Kristina K.
Amazing!
(5)Brian C.
A+
(4)Madonna W.
Caprese Burger best ever! Fresh and tasty!
(5)