Redamak's

I was reading others reviews, and the negative reviews made me laugh. To somebody who has grown up eating at Redamaks after a day at the beach it is second to none. It may be true that if you are not from the area you may not believe they have the worlds greatest burger. I have had all types of burgers from all different states and I will still go back. It is the history the tradition and the memories that make the burger not some fancy chain name! Respect the legend of the burger even if you dont enjoy it. more

This restaurant is the perfect example of what I call the ""Old Timer"" phenomenon. There are many restaurants that have an excellent reputation simply because they have been around for a number of years. They have become established, successful cornerstones of their communities and are part of people's childhood memories and first moments. Sadly, though, this does not mean that the food is good. Or even decent. My husband grew up in Union Pier, graduated high school in New Buffalo, and ate repeatedly at Redamak's for many years. He loves it. His best friend loves it. One of his graduating class (and good friends) has worked there for 20 years. I'm the outsider. And therefore, was disappointed. Plates do not exist in this restaurant, making eating things like a chili cheese burger extremely awkward, but that really isn't that big of a deal to me. What IS a big deal to me is that 75% of the items on the menu are pre-packaged, factory made and just plain awful. If you ask for applesauce, it comes in a Mott's plastic cup, still sealed with its foil lid, right out of the box. ALL of the cold salads -- macaroni, potato, coleslaw -- are straight from a carton from Gordon Food Service. The chili is canned. The buns are literally the cheapest Wonderbread-type white bread buns. The only thing that is made on-site, by a person, is the hamburger patties. The end. That's it. And what will you pay for such food? Try $8 for a burger and $4 for a side. Yes, that's right. Burgers don't COME with sides. Not even plain fries. Not even a pickle. So, with all the wonderful burger places like Schoop's and the Stray Dog right nearby, just try one of those and leave Redamak's to the Illinois tourists. Pros: ...Parking? Maybe? Cons: Absolutely. Lousy. Food. more

I love hamburgers and cheeseburgers and had heard the boast that this place had the best burger in the world, hands down. Considering I had already experienced the best cheeseburger in the world, my interest was piqued to see what all the mass hysteria was about over the ""Legend"". My friend and I (who both agree on the best cheeseburger in the world) decided to try the ""Legend"" burger to see if it lived up to the ridiculous hype it has received. Disappointed is far too weak a word to use to describe my reaction.\r \r Upon receiving our ""Legends"" my friend and I were greeted by two ""burgers"" wrapped in greasy wax paper. As if the fact that the ""Legend"" was presented to us by the waiter literally TOSSING the greasy mess of a burger in front of us, once we examined the burger further, it was revealed that liquid cheese was used instead of sliced cheese. Not only that, but the fry containers were only about half full when given to us.\r \r Then the ill-fated first bite...honestly no better than the burgers served by the school cafeteria in the school at which we work. Definitely a far cry from being ""Legendary"". Very small and bland burger as I recall, especially since the place ridiculously believes that lettuce and tomato have no place on a burger.\r \r If you are looking for a robust burger with all the trimmings and good portions, drive yourself 15-20 miles west to Michigan City and go to Schoop's. Schoop's burgers absolutely DESTROY the so-called ""Legend"" in size, lack of grease, presentation, toppings, and most importantly TASTE. Also, food portions are larger and less expensive than Redamak's. \r \r The ""Legend"" is a joke... Pros: Nice parking lot Cons: Overly-hyped, low-quality ""Legend"" burger more

Whenever someone tells me about the best Cheeseburger in the world, I always laugh because I know they are misinformed. I live in San Francisco now and try to make it to New Buffalo when I visit family in Chicago, where I grew up and first tasted Redamak's when they were on Wells street. It's almost impossible to eat there without overhearing from someone who has never been there before that ""This is the best burger I've ever tasted!"" I absolutely adore cheeseburgers and make it a point to do to places where they are thought to be really good but I've still never been to anyplace, whether it's in NY, Boston, Germany, wherever, that compares to Redamak's. There has to be people out there that love this place as much as me but there is no one that loves this place more than me. For anyone who love burgers, this is a place they HAVE to go before declaing any the best burger in the country. New Buffalo is a cute little town in the summer, right near the beach with sunsets that are actually beautiful, over Lake Michigan. Pros: best burger in the world Cons: very crowed on summer weekends more

I live in Chicago and I make the trip hour - hour and a half trip there ATLEAST 4 times a year. They truly have the best bugers in the world. If you never tried a REDAMAKS burger you are missing out BIG time! Great place for any age! Pros: BEST BURGERS IN THE WORLD NO LIE!!!!!!! Cons: Only open from March to October more

We have eaten at Redamaks twice, both times got the greatest food and the greatest value. Good place to take the kids! Pros: casual atmosphere more

Redamak's is the best place for a burger in the area. It may not be fancy, but the food quality is excellent. A perfect place for lunch or to meet your friends for a few drinks. Pros: Good Food, Easy to get to, Reletively inexpensiv Cons: Crowded, Lack of parking more

I enjoyed my first Redamak's burger twenty year's ago when they were located on Chicago Well's street. Now when I get that craving for a good juicy burger my boyfriend and I take off to the Original Redamak's in New Buffalo Michigan. About a 1.5 hour drive from downtown Chicago This place has it all! Great food & Drink's! Spend the day in New Buffalo, The town has nice shopping too! Pros: Plenty of parking, shopping near by, Inexpensive Cons: Crowded on weekends, Distant drive, plastic serving ware more

I've been eating there for over 30 years and haven't found a better burger yet. If you're ever in New Buffalo, MI it's a must. I believe they had a location in Chicago as well at one time. more

Redamak's makes, without a doubt, the best hamburger I've ever tasted. The love of this tavern in New Buffalo has been passed from generation to generation of Chicago natives venturing to New Buffalo and Union Pier for a relaxing weekend. YUM YUM! I live in Milwaukee now and STILL make pilgrimages to Redamak's each year for a burger or two! more