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Best cheap burger: Darwin's
Photograph by Donna Rickles

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Battle of the burgers

Cheap

Some bars use bargain burgers to put butts on stools early in the week. We ate many flavorless hockey pucks, but found five top-notch burgers for $2 or less.

WINNER Darwin's
It's the details - juicy, perfectly charred meat; a grilled challah roll; and Parmesan and parsley - dusted tempura-style fries - that make this Bucktown pub's burger a winner. It doesn't hurt that Darwin's offers the same delicious burger (presented on a funky, sculptural three-part plate) every day of the week for $8.50; lowering the price hardly cheapens the experience. $2 on Tuesdays starting at 5pm; cheese costs another buck. 1935 N Damen Ave, 773-252-8530

#2 Lion Head Pub
Reason No. 1 to hit up this DePaul meat market: a plump hunk of a burger for a hundred pennies. Reason No. 2: dollar drafts. $1 Tuesdays with drink purchase, upgrade to a "meal" - which includes cheese and fries - for $1 more. 2251 N Lincoln Ave, 773-348-5100

#3 McCormick & Schmick's
While your inconsiderate, delusional boss won't be quitting anytime soon, knocking back one of these succulent half-pounders with a happy-hour brew will at least make the rat race tolerable. $1.95 with two-drink purchase Mon - Fri 3:30 - 6:30pm and Mon - Thu 9:30 - 11pm. 1 E Wacker Dr, 312-923-7226

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#4 O'Donovan's
A peppery kick sets this burger apart from its low-priced brethren. For best results, be a man and order medium-rare to medium (bloody to bloodyish). $2 with drink purchase on Mondays. 2100 W Irving Park Rd, 773-478-2100

#5 Gamekeeper's Tavern & Grill
Nothing too out of the ordinary here—just a solid, meaty burger with a toasted bun. Extras, like grilled mushrooms, are available for an upcharge. $2 with drink purchase on Tuesdays. 1971 N Lincoln Ave, 773-549-0400



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