The Best Burgers in the Towns of the Illinois & Michigan Canal

Historic.

In most articles about the I&M Canal, you read about the 96-mile canal and locks system that connected the Great Lakes Basin to the Mississippi Basin back in the mid-1800's.

But not this article, we are going to talk about the historic burgers that you can indulge in while you tour many of the great Canal towns that shaped this country into what it is today.

The Heritage Corridor CVB reached out to their social media followers to ask about the best burger in the I&M Canal towns. The top choice was Lemont's Nickburger.

The Nickburger – Nick's Tavern in Lemont, IL

If an establishment is named one of the state's "Delicious Destinations," you know their burgers are going to be really good. When they are also featured on WGN's "Chicago's Best," you are in for something amazing.

This burger is not for the faint-hearted. A full pound of beef, ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish, onions (raw or grilled). You can add on Cheese, lettuce, tomato, mushrooms and more.

This is a pure adventure on a plate. Finish it, and you'll feel like you have accomplished the impossible.

Jal-of-a-Hotty – Sizzles in Lockport, IL

Have a soda or water with you? You're going to need it if you try this burger, which is one of many tasty burgers at this restaurant with "Fire-grilled greatness."

Available in ¼ or ½ lbs, this firestarter includes breaded onion slivers, jalapeno slices, American cheese and jalapeno ranch. In fact, skip the water … get a Froot-Loop-And-Cheesecake Milkshake to go with it!

Signature Brew Burger – 99 Hops House in Joliet, IL

It's always a dilemma when you see a pulled pork sandwich on a menu. Do you go with pulled pork? Do you go with a burger? At 99 Hops House, the choice is simple … and really tasty.

Their Signature Brew Burger takes a ½ lb Angus burger and tops with pulled pork. To complete this culinary experience, they add their special slaw, sharp cheddar cheese, lettuce and tomato.

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