"Eleven Eleven" In Chicago's West Loop Has One Of The Best Burger's In America's Best Burger City
We're back with another Chicago Small Business feature. Sorry we tailed off a bit the past month, things have been crazy with Barstool Chicago's and my schedules. But now with baseball, and the summer winding down we're back on track. And we have some fucking amazing places lined up that we can't wait to show you.
One of those places is "Eleven Eleven". A bit of a hidden gem tucked away on 1111 W. Lake Street in Chicago's West Loop.
Ahmed Braihmah spent years in the Chicago industry before setting his sights on the location under the El tracks on Lake St. He signed a lease and went to work.
The space is beautiful, perfect for an after-work drink, an intimate date night, or a private event in their upstairs space or outdoor rooftop patio.
He also lucked out in acquiring, who in my opinion, is one of the best chefs in the country, Lamar Moore.
Moore was born in Chicago, and learned to cook from his mom and grand mother (both whom he claims cooked circles around him in the kitchen). His mom took out loans so that he could attend Le Cordon Blue. He eventually worked his way into several Chicago kitchens before landing on Food Network's "Beat Bobby Flay", "Chopped" and eventually “Vegas Chef Prizefight, which he won.
The title brought him to Las Vegas where he was awarded the executive chef position at Meyers Steakhouse at Flamingo Las Vegas.
Covid ran that project off track and he found himself back in Chicago as a free agent. One that Ahmed Braimah quickly snatched up.
The two have revamped the menu at the West Loop eatery, bringing a bit of southern flair to the modern American menu; Chef Moore added a pan-roasted halibut with English pea risotto, preserved lemon and herbs, along with shrimp and grits (his spin involves mascarpone, Anson Mills grits, and tiger shrimp in a rich étouffée with chicken sausage and scallions). The Beet Salad is out of the fucking world (and I don't even really like beets that much).
The chicken is to die for,
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the salmon is incredible and their burger… man their burger.
I'm no burger expert like Glenny Balls. And not trying to step on his toes whatsoever here. But Chicago is pound for pound the best burger city in America. We've got Bon Appetit and The Food Network's consensus champion in "Au Cheval". (My top 5 are 1- Little Bad Wolf, 2- Mott St. 3- Au Cheval, 4- Fatso's, 5- Edzo's)
With all that said, and with zero exaggeration, I am stating here for the record, that this burger at Eleven Eleven belongs in the conversation for top five burgers in Chicago.
It blew my mind and my mouth is watering right now just rethinking my first bite into it and the surprise.
The white cheddar's subtleness isn't over powering. The brisket blend patty is cooked to perfection. The bacon jam is one of the most unique and best-tasting things I've ever tried. An absolutely perfect compliment to an already solid burger that puts it over the top. And there's even cripsy charred kale that doesn't sound like it works but it actually does perfectly. And the handcut, made to order fries are blanched, cooked to perfection and topped with a vinegar reduction glaze. If you love fantastic burgers you have to add this one to your list to try. I promise you won't be disappointed.
It was a pleasure getting to meet with these guys and see the beautiful space. Can't recommend paying them a visit yourself enough.
You can visit them at:
1111 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
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If you have a business you think would make for a great feature please shoot me over an email dante@barstoolsports.com