DMK Burger Bar

Of all the burger places I’ve been to, this is probably my favorite so far. I had my doubts at first because it’s a part of the cafeteria facing the water at Navy Pier but it had everything I want in a burger place: delicious food, a drinks list that wasn’t just bottled beer, hospitality, and a buzzing atmosphere, all at a reasonable price. I had the #4 burger which has green chiles (delicious), but the main point for me was the bread: soft and chewy while being firm enough to not fall apart from the juices of my delicious patty. The sweet potato fries are A+. They’re fried to the right doneness and the aioli is the perfect position r
The drinks menu ranged from beer to wine to cocktails and watching the bartenders make the drinks was quite entertaining. And they were attentive to my needs while doing it!
The folks next to me got the shrimp tacos and the satchmo (?) poboy and they both looked amazing with way more meat and veggies than could be contained by the tortillas and roll. Definitely going to give those a try when I go back!

It was late January, the weather was nice and sunny (!), me and my family had a walk on Navy Pier, everything was great. Then, I decided that we should check out this place… First things first, NOT «the best burgers in Chicago», NOT «the best bar in Chicago». It’s a family place, but since my little kid didn’t want to go inside, he started crying and we took a table outside the bar. You know, so that other people can enjoy their day. The table was still indoor, just a few steps behind the bar (see photo). The host said that orders should be made at the bar stand but we can sit outside. I made an order, and a bartender asked «take out or will you be eating here», «Here», I said and showed the bartender where we are located. He said «not a problem». In 10 minutes I got our food, but in carry-​out bags! What the heck, I asked. «We can’t serve the table outside», he said. Well, why didn’t you say so when I was making an order? I said, «OK, we will move to the bar then». You know what he said? «No need, I will find the plates for you» What he meant is, carton box for salads carry-​out!
I was thinking the next two days, what did I do wrong. I gave 15% tips when I was making an order, we were a family of five, but I came up to the bar alone. I was wearing nice clothes, was in a good mood, smile and everything, why so rude?
Regarding food, fish was OK, burgers. I’ve experienced better. Much better. Portions are small. The water is in a tiny carton box and costs $ 3.5, they don’t serve water in plastic bottles because they are bad for environment.

I usually steer clear of eating at Navy Pier, but we were here for our sons school event for 10 hours and needed some food and a cocktail. Stumbled upon this and immediately loved the décor and was familiar with actual restaurant in city, so ate here. Great food and wonderful servers. Best atmosphere while eating indoors at Navy Pier. Would return for sure

Words cannot express how much I love a beasty a** burger! ha! The very first time I’ve tried DMK and I am very pleased.
Location/​Décor — located right on Navy Pier, this is a prime spot for tourists. Thankfully, however, I decided to visit this location on a cold winter’s night so not many people were out at Navy Pier (the wind chill from the lake makes it unbearably cold). I was shocked to see that this was almost like a foodcourt styled location. It was a pleasant surprise however because the inside kept its own unique design aesthetic opposed to the other restaurants inside the food court.
Service — I arrived an hour before closing. I was nervous that the hosts and servers would be annoyed by this but they weren’t! I was again, very, shocked. There were plenty of seats open so they let me decide. I chose on right at the edge. Prime for people watching. It took my waitress a while to bring me a menu and a water. Wasn’t too thrilled about this since there was barely anyone in the place.
Drinks — I am not a heavy drinker so I stuck with water. Judging on everyone else, however, It appears as though they loved the beverages served at the bar. I was the only one not drinking. What does this say? hm.
Food — pretty great! I wish I could say that you can’t screw up a burger, but trust me, it is possible.
*The Burger: I chose the #2: Chilli-​Rubbed Onion strings, Amish Bleu, and Spicy Chipotle ketchup. The burger was delicious. Juicy, perfectly season, insane bite from the bleu cheese, but sadly not as much spice as I wanted from the ketchup. The bleu cheese overshadowed the ketchup for sure. So I am certain the ketchup was there just to add moisture. 4 stars.
*French Fries with Truffle Cream. Okay, So clearly I am really not a fan of truffle. I have tried so many times to force myself to like this famed fungi, but I can never stomach it after so many bites. The fries themselves were standard, but I could not finish the entire cup of truffle cream. I had to space out bites of fries with the cream. 3 stars.
Price — $ 16 dollars plus tip. I knew what I was getting into when I sat down because I had researched DMK beforehand. No surprise. It was worth it though.

Super nice and clean location in Navy Pier! I came by for lunch during the weekday during the winter thinking navy pier would be empty, and sure enough it was!
I went for burger number 2 which was the Chili-​Rubbed Onion Strings, Amish Blue, Spicy Chipotle Ketchup burger. The flavors were well balanced and came together quite nicely. I enjoyed that the burger wasn’t super greasy but only wished the patty was a bit thicker. For a side to share, my buddy and I split a small order of the Parmesan truffle tries which were super tasty however a tad on the salty side.
Overall, a solid spot located in the newly renovated section of navy pier. I’m sure I’ll be back as I did notice they do have a nice selection of craft beer on tap and in bottles/​cans. Whoop whoop!
Til next time, cheers!

Awesome little place, somewhat hard to find just because it is down near the end of the pier. Amazing burgers, one of the best burgers I’ve had. Sweet potato fries are amazing as well. Definitely check it out if your in the mood for a great burger and beer.

Great patty Melt & garden burger & fresh fries.
Good selection of beers & liquor.
Good service.
Enough said.

Nice beer selection, and great burgers. Fries come in good sized servings without the need to get the large orders to share.

Really cool and modern atmosphere. Great selection of beer. The bartender recommended the veggie burger (I am a meat eater) and it’s probably the best one I have ever have. Nice and hearty. Has to be the best slot on Navy Pier.

Amazing selection of burgers and sandwiches! Our order was running behind so the server gave us complimentary appetizers! Great food and great service! Highly recommend this place!

We ate there Oct. 24 and the waitress was incredibly nice. The service was above average because the waitress actually cared! Thank you! Kid friendly, grass fed beef, greats salads, fresh affordable fish, vegan options craft beers. The whole family was happy!

For years, Chicagoans have dreaded the moment a visiting friend would request to venture to Navy Pier. Such a request meant climbing through crowds of suburbanites, dining at a cliché chain restaurant, and spotting the «rare» Midwestern man who thinks that showing off his 30 lb. beer belly will attract the ladies. Sadly, the suburbanites and beer bellies still remain, but DMK Burger/​Fish Bar’s presence makes this obligatory tourist venture so much more palatable.
This location is near the Shakespeare Theater, with a open vibe and plenty of seating in either the restaurant or nearby community tables. The menu is the exact same as any DMK Burger Bar or Fish Bar, with a pleasant twist on the hush puppies. The tap beer selection is more expansive than any of the other DMK Burger Bars’, and service is as professional as you’d expect from any DMK restaurant.
For people not familiar with the DMK Burger/​Fish Bar menu, the Turkey Burger (10), Lamb Burger (11), and Chorizo (6) burgers are excellent. I think the Crabby Patty is a great Fish Bar item too. For appetizers/​fries, the Fried Okra/​Pickles, Truffle Parmesan, and Sweet Potato are all solid additions.
I’m so pleased this location is now open, not only for myself but for my visiting friends and all suburbanites.