My husband had a hankering for hamburger this week and I was more than happy to seek out a local burger worthy of satiating his longing for an iconic American meal. Not all burgers are created equal; over the years I’ve stood in line for hours to savor a buzz-worthy burger that lived up to the hype and sadly horked down more than a few lackluster versions of the same classic dish in hopes of finding a burger champ. Let’s just say I’ve done some research.
And folks, I found a contender this week.
After a stint working in a Michelin-starred kitchen, chef-owner, Brenna Velcich, has been operating Burger Antics in Brookfield for three years with her co-owner/bar-manager husband, Dan. Burger Antics’ bar celebrates craft beer and whisky, while Velcich’s mother, Barb Borgias, serves as the pastry chef in her daughter’s family-operated business.
“My daughter and her husband are livening up the Brookfield business district;” says Borgias proudly, “in a way, their burgers are bringing this little community to life.”
The friendly crew at Burger Antics in Brookfield whips up an array of responsibly-sourced, hand-packed burgers on a nightly basis. Their 9-ounce patties, served to your preferred degree of doneness (and yes, that means you can opt to enjoy it rare if that’s your thing) are meeting the standard set by of some of the best burgers I’ve every tasted. Seriously.
I ordered the standard issue, a burger boasting applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, and a fried egg. It arrived, cooked to a perfect medium-rare and full of all the ooey-gooey goodness we were looking for. The hulking burger was served alongside a generous portion of hand-cut fries and homemade ketchup.
“We are a scratch-kitchen,” says Borgias with confidence, “every topping on every burger is made in house.”
Velcich and her hard-working team take pride in producing a quality product; they are churning out everything from house-made mayo and mustard to pickles and buffalo sauce to compliment their offerings.
Hop in the car and head to Burger Antics to feed your beef-between-a-bun craving. And if you have room to enjoy dessert, Borgias, suggests you give her maple-bacon donuts a try.
3740 Grand Blvd.
Brookfield Illinois
Dine-In Hours
- Tuesday thru Saturday- 11am to 10pm
- Sunday- 11am to 3pm
- Monday- CLOSED
