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ZipPicks Awards

Best Burgers in Lincoln Square

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

PrimeTime Bar & Grill 8.0
Albany Park
An Albany Park sports bar that’s genuinely burger-driven, built around smash-style patties with crisp edges and a short, focused menu. It’s strongest when you order one signature smash burger and a side, then let the game-day energy do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy smash burger, Smashburger fries, Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Smashburger-first sports bar with a focused, craveable menu.
Who should go: Sports watchers who want smash burgers, not bar filler
When to visit: Non-peak game windows for smoother kitchen timing
What to order: Spicy smash burger, smashburger fries, classic cheeseburger
Insider tip: Order one burger per person—then split the loaded fries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking; generally manageable on side streets but can tighten up during major games or weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual and game-day friendly—jeans, sneakers, and team gear all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud during games—conversation is possible between plays but not ideal for quiet catch-ups.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak game windows; shorter if you arrive early or between games.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries and a few sides work, but the menu is clearly burger-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—best suited for fries or simple sides only.
Gluten-free options: Limited—burgers can sometimes be ordered without buns, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure first meets—great if you both like sports and burgers, less ideal if you want a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Aim for off-peak hours or arrive before major games to avoid waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids during daytime or early evening, but late-night game energy and noise make it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Smash burgers with real focus and quality in a sports-bar setting—stronger food execution than typical TV-first bars.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, extensive dietary accommodations, or a polished sit-down burger experience.