ZipPicks Awards
Best Burgers in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Ramen in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Late Night Burgers in Bucktown & Logan Square
Master Critic Review
Gretel
8.6
Opened in 2020 by the team behind Little Bad Wolf, Gretel is a dark, whiskey-forward Logan Square gastropub where a heavily praised griddle burger shares space with pork belly nachos, oysters, and late-night snacks. The burger itself appears on multiple citywide best-of lists, and the room’s moody design makes it as viable for date night as for lingering bar dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gretel Burger, Pork Belly Nachos, Oysters Rockefeller
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A cocktail-and-whiskey-focused gastropub where one of the city’s most talked-about burgers lives in a cozy, late-night room.
Who should go: Burger seekers who also care about cocktails and atmosphere.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or late-night when the room is fully buzzing.
What to order: Gretel Burger, pork belly nachos to share, and a whiskey-based cocktail.
Insider tip: Use the burger as your anchor, then pad the table with one or two rich share plates—portions and pricing make it easy to over-order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Milwaukee/Armitage is available but can be tight during peak dinner hours; expect to circle on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and boots are fine, but the moody room leans slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — you can hold a conversation at a table, but the bar area gets louder during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner and late-night spot; check hours if visiting earlier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few share plates and sides can work for vegetarians, but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — most dishes contain dairy or meat; expect 1–2 modifiable items at most.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some items can be prepared without bread or buns; ask about cross-contact if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, strong cocktails, and cozy booth-and-bar layout create an intimate vibe that works well for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekends. Add your name and plan for a bar drink while you wait, or aim for early evening or later-night windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s more of a cocktail-forward, late-evening atmosphere. Older teens are fine at earlier seatings, but there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest griddle-style burgers in the neighborhood paired with a serious whiskey and cocktail program in a moodier, date-night setting.
Skip if: You want a broad vegan selection, a quiet family meal, or a quick, budget-casual burger experience.
Hours
Monday11am - 12am
Tuesday11am - 12am
Wednesday11am - 12am
Thursday11am - 12am
Friday11am - 1am
Saturday11am - 1am
Sunday11am - 12am