Elevation Burger: Elevating the Typical Burger and Fries

When I hear the word "elevation" I think immediately of the song "Elevation" by the band U2. This word is so linked to the group that the great Chicago-based U2cover band is called Elevation and the venture capital firm that lead singer Bono is a part of is called Elevation Partners.

has nothing to do with rock music though. It has everything to do with organic, well made, real food.

The menu is simple and straightforward. The 100% organic, grass-fed, free-range beef patties can arrive solo or with up to 9 of their friends (the vertigo burger can be 3-10 patties). I usually opt for the "elevation burger" (double meat, double cheddar slices, $5.99). There are not one but three different vegetarian options. "Veggie burger #1 ($3.59)" has fire-roasted vegetables while "veggie burger #2 ($3.59)" is not only vegetarian but also vegan. The #1 is my #1 choice. The grilled cheese sandwich ($2.69) rounds out the meatless trio. Elevation Burger cleverly offers a "half the guilt burger ($5.19)" that is one beef patty and one vegetable patty.

The slender, short fries ($2.59) are cooked in olive oil and emerge crisp and a deep golden color. They taste delicious and have none of the greasy flavor that fast food fries often have. For the extra health conscious there is a side salad ($2.49) with your choice of dressings (blue cheese, raspberry vinaigrette, spicy balsamic and caesar) or a small bowl of mandarin oranges ($1.59).

Have some cookies for dessert ($0.99) and wash it all down with any of their fountain sodas (Hank's Root Beer, Coke, Fanta Orange, Minute Maid Lemonade, $1.99 and free refills) or one of their thick and creamy milkshakes ($3.89). If you want a fun alternative, opt for a scoop of vanilla ($1.89) in your root beer for an instant root beer float. 

The decor is typical of a burger joint, no-fuss chairs and tables, bright lights, clean floors and a wide open counter and kitchen area where you can see them making your food to order (which is always comforting for me). The service is quite friendly, the staff fairly young and the carry-out option not only efficient but available as an app. Elevation Burger offers an iPhone app to place your order from your phone. This is a technological innovation that is being pioneered by a few newer business.

In the early '80s the members of the band The Police handed off their instruments to a then young and up and coming band, U2, during a performance. U2 has left an indelible mark on the music scene influencing more recent groups like The Killers, Coldplay and Radiohead. Let's hope that Elevation Burger's motto of organic, sustainable, healthy offerings at affordable prices and tech savvy know-how influence many more eateries in the future in the same way.