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ZipPicks Awards

Best Burgers in Loop Best Brunch in Loop

Vibe Check this spot

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

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Little Toasted 8.1
West Loop
Little Toasted is a coffee-and-whiskey gastropub with a riverfront patio where the LT Burger anchors a menu of toasts, sandwiches, and bar snacks. It’s popular with commuters and office workers who want a burger with craft beer or whiskey rather than a purely fast-food experience.
Must-Try Dishes: LT Burger, LT Burger with bacon, House fries
Scores:
Value: 6.2 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A riverside gastropub pairing a solid house burger with serious whiskey, coffee, and patio seating.
Who should go: Burger fans who also care about whiskey and views.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early happy hour before trains home.
What to order: LT Burger medium, fries, and a whiskey or draft beer.
Insider tip: On nice days, ask for patio or river-facing tables; inside can feel more like a commuter lounge at peak rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; most guests use adjacent paid garages during weekday hours.
Dress code: Business-casual to casual; office attire and jeans are both common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is fine at lunch, but after-work hours can get loud near the bar.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait; expect 15–30 minutes during nice-weather patio hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though patio seating may fill first on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (salads, toasts, a few sides); burger can sometimes be customized — confirm with staff.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 modifiable items; best to ask about substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Select dishes can be modified; ask about bun substitutions and fryer cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure meetup — the riverfront patio feels relaxed, but peak happy hour inside can be a bit loud for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially at lunch; arrive a little early for outdoor tables or during after-work rush when bar traffic spikes.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning due to bar traffic and whiskey focus; fine for older kids at lunch or on the patio, but not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Patio views, whiskey and beer selection, and a sit-down burger experience that feels elevated from quick-service counters.
Skip if: You want a quiet, special-occasion dinner, a large vegan menu, or extensive gluten-free controls.