Alright, here's my thing with the place: Great idea and all, but buying an old building and not keeping it up is not a theme, it's laziness, nasty, and grimy. Â What I will say is that the food was great, it really was. Â Here comes the big butt, BUT I seriously could not get over how dirty everything was around me and could only imagine what the kitchen looked like. Â Yes, health inspections and all that jazz, I understand it has to be somewhat clean, but really I could not get it out of my head long enough to really enjoy my time. Â If you are going to have a theme freaking grab it and go! Â You can not have the decore of the place and then have me eat off of the same china that every other restaurant does. Â Not sure if this is for health code reasons, but freak, you made the place look that way so keep up the spirit and make me eat off some killer metal and plastic plates or something! Â
As I said, the decore killed it for me, but the food was better than mediocre. Â The service was great at first but then it got busy and there were no servers to be found, so I am assuming there was a staff meeting (because it looked like the beginning of a new shift, with new staff walking around and so on). Â Three stars because I am in a giving mood!
Let me start by saying this: This is a FIVE STAR food establishment! The burgers here are so good I often find myself thinking about them for days after eating. The Lockdown Warden may, in fact, be the greatest burger I have ever eaten. All the sides I have chosen to eat there have been not only excellent but plentiful as well.
Service: Again, FIVE STARS! They are often very busy and working with customers with the background noise that this place produces is most honorable. I've never had a negative experience with any of the servers or bartenders. Top marks for the management's ability to recognize talent.
Atmosphere: This is the only part of the experience that isn't superb to me. I get it, it's a hard rock/metal bar and restaurant. I'm a guy who LOVES loud music. Used to play in local bands, majored in music in college for a couple of years; I can't even work without music. The volume is just a touch above reasonable. It's not an issue once the food gets there because I'm too busy devouring the deliciousness to talk but while I'm drinking a beer with a friend or a group I'm yelling most of the time. It is dependent on the music though, some music is also just more distracting than others. That's my ONLY criticism of Lockdown. Still, one of my favorite places to eat in Chicago.
I think this is the best burger place in the city. Â And they have some really good specials (like half price burgers). Â A nice little beer garden to sit and chill with your cold beer and burger on a summer night. Â I love coming here with my dog, who is always welcomed with a bowl of water. Â Best burger is the one with the kimchi on it!
Review Source:This is everything you wish that other burger place was, and also what the other burger place wasn't. Â I've been going to Lockdown for a couple of years now and it is now rock solid. Â In the beginning there were issues with the food, but they have lived and learned and now make the best burgers I've eaten - and that's not all.
Atmosphere varies: Â Sometimes it's not too loud, playing an AC/DC or Led Zep concert on the screens, you can hear yourself talk and the service is fast, quick and flawless. Â Other times there might be a NiN or Iron Maiden concert playing loudly on the TV's - usually a late evening - the food is still rock solid, it takes longer to come out because they have a small kitchen in the back. Â The service doesn't suffer, nor does getting seated. Â I see some reviews here about "1 star they took to long to seat me I left!" - well, good things come to those who wait. Â Be patient. Â They are busy too and if they forget about you I'm sure it wasn't on purpose. Â BE CALM!
Drinks: Â Always a good variety of microbrews and non-microbrews. Â They cover it all here: Â Cans, taps, bottles. Â And the variety is always changing. Â Lagers. Â IPAs. Â Imperial IPA's. Â Sours. Â Stouts. Â Imperial stouts. Â Pilsners. Â Weird beers. Â They pretty much have a beer for everyone on the menu at all times. Â They even had Pumking on tap several months ago. Â Sure, you can come here and not drink which I have several times... but the beer selection is always tempting. Â
Food: Â This is the #1 reason you come to lockdown. Â Well, that and you like rock, metal, punk... music of that variety. Â I also think it's time to stop comparing it to "that other burger place". Â Let's talk a bit about the food:
BURGERS:
Jailhouse Rock (Fat Elvis): Â My favorite burger on the menu. Â I was afraid to try a burger with peanut butter and banana on it. Â I actually did at some other place that reminded me of a "bad apple"... but Lockdown nailed it. Â I would strongly suggest you order this burger WELL DONE (I usually order medium-medium well burgers). Â Well done burger allows the sauce (like bananas foster), bacon, PB and banana to come through. Â It nails all of the areas of the palate except "spicy" - this burger is a MUST TRY at least once in your life to see if you like it or not.
Federales: Â It's like a chorizo and egg burrito burger. Â My #2 favorite.
Cruelty to Animals: Â Pork X 3 + meat. Â For the pure carnivore.
Arson: Â It's hot. Â Oh you like how hot habaneros are? Â IT'S REALLY HOT. Â You've been warned. Â It hurts. Â Bad. Â But so good. (there's a scotch bonnet on it with seeds and all)
Lockdown Warden: Â Lockdown's upscale version of a "juicy lucy" - cheese and infused inside of a burger patty that's different from the rest of the menu. Â Very messy, but max flavors. Â Don't get this one on the first date night.
The Flight Risk is always a great idea too if you don't plan to get here often so you can try 3 samples of different burgers. Â My highest recommendation: Â Don't come here for a regular cheeseburger.
Other stuff that I absolutely love:
Smash and Grab: Â The BEST GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH YOU WILL EVER EAT. Â Seriously. Â Not enough people know about this sandwich. Â Order it NOW.
The Godfather: Â They throw down an excellent meatball sandwich.
Barbed Wire (w/chips option): Â If you haven't ordered this in a year+, it's time to give it another chance. Â It is totally improved, the chips are MADE FRESH IN HOUSE, they arrived to our table sizzling hot from the fryer. Â The chorizo cheese sauce is new and improved, you can't stop eating them.
Sides: Â The side salad uses lots of high quality greens, the fries are fresh cut and come with ketchup and house made aioli (awesome stuff!). Â The mac and cheese is fantastic. Â I recommend the fries OR mac and cheese. Â I hate salad but their side salad is one of the few I will eat on the planet.
I ordered the build your own mac and cheese once: Â Chorizo, bacon, scallions, habanero. Â This was the best mac and cheese I ever had in my life, and those who were with me who sampled it WOULDN'T STOP EATING MY MAC AND CHEESE! Â Of course they were spiceheads too... it was hot.. it gave me the hiccups, but it was AWESOME.
So... that's my review of lockdown. Â They don't have much TV coverage, just Chicago's Best.... but get here before the whole world discovers this place and you have to wait in line for 2 hours...
LOCKDOWN. Â Best Burger bar in Chicago.
If your expectation is to be completely ignored or you're a masochist then this is the place for you! First off, I get the Rock theme. I was in a touring Alt-Rock band for 8 years in the 90's. That's not why I went to Crock(of shit)Down. I went to experience an alternative to Kumas. After leaving our name with the doorman for a table we went to the bar to order a beer. 20 minutes later the tattooed mess of a bartender had still failed to acknowledge my friend and I. A table for 4 had been open for 10 minutes so I went back to Mr. A-hole, the doorman to let him know that the table was open and could we please be seated. Nooooo, it's for 4 people. We left and will never return and will warn all of the abuse. If I could give a negative 5 stars I would. You may have to wait for a table at Kumas but they understand customer service and have always been attentive and polite.
Review Source:The Bone Collector - Yum!!
Mac'n'cheese - Yumm!!
The burgers - Pretty good. Â Honestly I don't really remember and not because they were bad but because this is the year for wings. Â I'm really trying to dedicate my time to tasting a ton of wings and then deciding who has the best. Â Last year was the year of the burger and I feel like i really messed up by skipping this place. Â I will have to come again to try the burgers for real.
Only draw back of this place. Â They don't have Coke, it was Sunday afternoon so give me a break. Â First they said they needed to change the tap, but then told us they just ran out completely. Â Pretty bummed out by that because what's better then an ice cold Coke on a chilly, winter day?
I only come here on tuesdays for the half off burgers special. Unless I come in early, there's always a considerable wait; but I consider myself a burger lover and this is one of the BEST burgers I've ever had (thus the 5 stars). I always "build my own": medium rare, with merktz cheddar, sauteed mushrooms, carmelized onions, a fried egg, and some garlic mustard on the side. The pretzel bun is good at keeping it all together, if you know what I mean. There's lots of crafty beers on tap, and the staff are generally in good spirits (though very busy) and friendly. The owner has been known to give out free drinks to patrons waiting for their seats, a sort of reward for being patient!
Its a good place to go with some friends when you want a truly awesome burger, but not the best place for a first date or conversation. Very loud heavy metal music paired with many tv screens depicting live metal performances. Burgers aren't the most romantic meals anyways, so that's ok with me.
Also, go ahead and take your extra fries home! They actually reheat very well (unlike most fries). Just stick the aluminum to-go container in the broiler or a toaster oven for a few minutes!
Last, this place is 21+, and is as much a bar as it is a restaurant.
it's what they all say - pretty comparable to kuma's, in my opinion, except i dont have to wait in line and i live 2 blocks away.
it's like eating heavenly cows between two soft buns in satan's layer. Â that made no sense. Â how about, "big ol' juicy meat in my mouth at the devil's crib." Â there, that's better.
i really don't think it matters what kind of burg you get. Â the meat is what makes it. Â all the toppings just make it awesomer. Â i usually get the big house (bbq sauce, cheddah and bacon). Â the flight risk is great, too, all pre-chosen - an excellent choice if you wanna get a taste of it all. Â
some honorable mentions:
mac + cheese
that salad. Â with the chicken. Â crap. Â the name's not on the menu. Â but i know i sub gorgonzola for goat. Â because i love goats.
no matter whether you're going during the day or not, that place will be dark as hell. Â they do have a patio, which is less threatening.
Like this place a lot. Always try a new burger and always good. (except for the peanut butter one...) Great selection of beer and very prompt service. Half price burger night is really worth it. The queso appetizer is to die for. I order it just to have left overs and take it home (they have little plastic containers), so good. Only drawback is if you are not a fan of rock or metal music, probably not your spot during the winter, try it in the summer and sit outside. I'm not a hug fan of metal music, but I can tolerate it.
Review Source:This place would get full 5 stars from me if they get rid of that chubby guy that is IDing everyone at the front door. He gave us TERRIBLE customer service as soon as we walked in. No greeting whatsoever, just a rude "ID?" I didn't initially hear what he had said because I normally expect a "Hi, can I get you a table?" I don't even understand why he ID'd us in the first place because he let a family with 2 TODDLERS into the establishment - wtf?
In addition, there were 3 of us waiting for our 4th friend to show up and this guy absolutely refused to seat us before our friend showed up. The place was full when we showed up on a Saturday around 6:30 PM so we had to wait for a table to open anyway. After a couple of minutes, we saw that 2 smaller tables (the ones that seat 2) that were next to each other opened up so near where we were standing/waiting. We then decided to sit there while waiting for our friend to arrive since he was close by. However, the chubby guy kicks us out of the tables, stating that "another group of 4 has been waiting for a table so they need to be seated first", but get this: THERE WAS NOBODY WAITING!! What a jerk!! After that 2nd bout of craptastic service, we were seriously ready to leave, but our friend finally arrived 10 minutes later. Then the guy tells us to push the 2 tables together ourselves so that we could be seated where we were originally sitting anyway. Um, isn't that YOUR job to push the tables together??
Anyway, once we were done dealing with this "greeter", we were in the clear for the rest of our time there. The waitress was super duper friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. In my opinion, it is MUCH more flavorful than Kumas. The Federales had a nice kick of spice to it and the fries were perfection. The beef was cooked exactly to our preference. These 4 stars are pretty much only for flavors of the food.
Small notes:
-The heavy metal, as everyone has mentioned, is nearly deafening, but loud music is pretty standard when you go to a bar & grill.
-It's definitely not good for a big group since there isn't a lot of space.
-It started getting really crowded after we were seated and there isn't a sufficient waiting area. It was a tad awkward to be so close to random people.
4 star food and great service! Lots of interesting and unique burgers to choose from, all of them delicious and most have funny prison themed names. Pretty good appetizers and salads, as well. Big portions, you will leave here very full. Also they have a heck of a selection of beers, unique, imported and craft.
But 2 star atmosphere! They played LOUD punk music and showed murder-rock videos all through dinner. Ugh! I get that it's punk themed but I was turned off by the vibe, though it's not enough to stop me from returning.
Half price Tuesday.
Friendly, prompt service.
No obnoxious line for beef.
Worth noting is that we were subjected to full volume "rage against the machine" for the duration of our stay, which seemed to be playing on purpose. I will be back if someone can sincerely promise this will never happen again.
I didn't realize there was a fury of debate between Lockdown and Kumas. Based on that, here is my take.
I walked in, I was seated. BOOM!
[I think our host was a very friendly, young Thor - my dining companion cautioned me from elaborating with said Thor and in retrospect, he was very very right and a very good friend]
The staff are friendlier than (*kumas*) but I sometimes like the challenge of making those grumpy aloof employees pay attention to me and laugh at my dorky jokes!
The music isn't as loud and is more conducive to conversation with your hamburger mates...this is a sure sign that I am old and that I am chatty.
The hamburger, I have no complaints, I get the Lockdown Warden with fries to share and split a side order of the mac and cheese. All is delicious and I must add, when you cut your burger in half, it bleeds Merkts chedder.
Stop. Just stop....you had me at meat bleeding cheese.
Oh, also, beer selection rocks. They're now carrying my all time favorite Sixpoint Brewary's Sweet Action, like one of the most delicioso beers on the planet.
I'm not going to abandon Kumas, but I might be down to once a year now.
I love the creativity of the burgers on the menu at Lockdown, and their fun names. Â There's so much variety to choose from. Â You can choose from Angus, Buffalo, Turkey or Veggie patties or Chicken Breast. Â They come on delicious pretzel rolls and have every topping imaginable available.
They had $5 mimosas when we went, and they were good-sized drinks served with orange slices. Â I ordered the Flight Risk, which is 3 different sliders. Â The included burgers change weekly, and this time it was Cruelty to Animals, Electric Chair, and Punk Bitch. Â They were all delicious and juicy. Â I ordered them medium well and they were cooked to perfection. Â I got fries on the side and it came with ketchup and a spicy mayo was light and flavorful. Â Overall, it was a lot of food. Â I couldn't finish it all in one sitting and had the leftovers boxed up. Â The food was even good reheated! Â My friend ordered the Citizens Arrest, which is the option on the menu where you build your own burger. Â She got a turkey burger, and thought it was delicious. Â The burgers are 10oz, which is really big, so bring a big appetite.
Yay this was my first time here and it was delicious!! I tried the flight risk that came with 3 mini burgers all cooked to perfection. My guy had just a Bacon cheese burger but he added the mac and cheese as his side....AMAZING!! I loved my burgers but i would also go back just for some MAC!! Â The only thimg I will make sure to ask for next time would be a burger set up (Lettuce, Tomato, Onion). We were seated right away and our server was on point. I heard they call you the Kuma Killer and I can see why! Great Jobs guys. See you soon
Review Source:I use to hit up Lockdown maybe twice a month when i worked a mile from it for almost 6 yrs. The lunch hour visit was always so / so from service as everyone looks tired. I understand. the food is always amazing. The few times where I've been there during an evening, the staff is always running around and kind of pushed out if I wasn't business attire. Weird feeling for when you have various of rock or metal live performances on the screens. However, maybe the staff was just beat from running around. It's ok, i forgive everytime. Again the food is great. People compare it to Kuma's corner but I don't make the connection. It's good but it's different of course from Kuma's. Giant burgers! Check it out. It's way better than normal bar food.
Review Source:I think it's funny that I'd never actually been to Lockdown. Â I like burgers. Â I like beers. Â I like a good pretzel roll. Â I also hate all of the hoopla that goes along with trying to get a table at Kuma's, so I figure Lockdown to be the next best thing.
And it is.
Burgers - Pretty darn good. Â While I don't think Lockdown's topping options are quite as stellar as Kuma's, they do a really great job giving you a GINORMOUS burger on a soft and supple pretzel roll with a really good series of custom burgers as well as the option to build your own. Â Nothing was really striking my fancy (I'm choosy), so I built my own with bacon, egg and avocado. Â They served me a side of some creamy chipotle mayo sauce, which was unexpected and pretty delicious. Â My dining companion went with the signature Lockdown Warden and ate that mo-fo up like a mother f-ing riot.
Fries - AMAZING. Â I think they're hand-cut and they're perfectly crispy and greasy.
Portion - Gargantuan. Â I was only able to put down 1/2 of my burger and a smattering of fries. Â If you leave here hungry, I'd worry.
Service - Way above average. Â Our server-gal was SO sweet and friendly.
Music - Dear Lord. Â LOTS of heavy metal. Â And it's really, really loud. Â And it's really, really heavy. Â I get it, it's a metal bar, etc. Â But death metal just ain't my jam.
All in all, an exceptional burger experience. Â The one star lost is for the overbearing music (I know, I'm old and lame).
New year, new reviews. Â Well, maybe not so much, as I'm still playing catchup with the last quarter of 2012. Â I'll endeavor to be caught up by February...
In an oft-overlooked area that defies conventionalism, Lockdown proffers tasty burgers, and boisterous atmosphere, and an eclectic beer menu ranging from local microbrews to Belgian imports to yes, even Burger Classic. Â Onwards!
Location: Â 3 out of 5
Not the most convenient if you're coming from the city, and I'd almost venture to say that if you have access to a two wheeled pedal-cycle, it'd be more efficient to take that than to try to take public transportation. Â Inclement or cold weather may put this plan out of commission, however - so if you need to get somewhere close via train, the Damen/North Ave stop isn't terribly far, and you can catch a bus after that. Â I've only driven to this establishment, and street parking is plentiful especially during the early afternoon. Â
Décor: 4 out of 5
I actually like the way that Lockdown looks on the inside. Â When you hear the word "Lockdown", you don't think happy puppies or nice sunflowers or rainbows with unicorns running afoot. Â You think utilitarian, and almost barren, with metal chairs and black flooring. Â Which this place delivers on, of course. Â The outside looks neat, as the building that Lockdown is housed in actually has a little steeple type thing, but on the plus side, it's painted in a way that says, "beware!"
Ambiance: 3 out of 5 (subjective)
This is the part that will get some of you who are expecting to walk into Lockdown and have a nice quiet family time meal. Â No dice. Â They play DVD concerts day in, day out - and if memory serves me correctly - it's a bit more quiet during the early afternoon hours, but almost impossible to have a quiet conversation at night. Â I mean - don't go in there expecting romantic candles or scented potpourri on the tables. Â And remember that it can and often does get loud. Â
Customer service: 4 out of 5
Never had a problem with any of the people serving us at Lockdown. Â I've been here on several occasions (most recently in October of 2012) and it's a good mix of hipster-esque and casual/friendly guys and gals. Â Heck, I think even the bouncer/ID checker guy at night is pretty nice.
Selection of Burgers: 5 out of 5
As others have all alluded to, each of the burgers is themed. Â For example, if you get the "Arson" burger, you might expect to have some heat on it, and it does in the form of scotch bonnet peppers, hot sauce, jalapeno cheese, etc. Â Also - this burger packs a bite and it was surprising even for me. Â Other burgers feature different cheeses (blue, cheddar, goat, brie, gruyere), meats (turkey, beef, chicken, bacon, prosciutto, carnitas, etc), and accompaniments (onions, peppers, eggs, and so on and so forth). Â And yes - there is an Elvis burger, replete with peanut butter and banana. Â Out of the ones I've been able to try, my hands down favorite has been the Warden, and that speaks volumes about it since I'm typically not a fried leek type of guy. Â
Pricing: 3 out of 5
Commensurate with any other upscale burger joint. Â Expect to pay between 12 - 15 per burger, and maybe 5 or 6 bucks per beer. Â You won't come out feeling completely broke, but it's not somewhere that I would be able to frequent twice a week. Â
Overall: Â 4 out of 5
Solid burgers with excellent beers (and some not so excellent beers too). Â With some degree of regularity, I try to find an excuse to visit friends in Ukrillage just so I can make a stop here.
I crashed at my one friend's place for a month once. This piece of heaven (or hell) was literally 2 blocks away!
Food:
Best God Damn Burgers I have ever had! I wish I could go every 1/2 off Tuesdays lol. Burger is perfectly cooked to how you want it. My favorite is the "Possesion of Shrooms" Burger! The meat was flavorful and tender. 10oz of soul beef! The Goat Cheese (Ewwwww sounding right?) was so creamy and complimented the Sauteed juicy shrooms that were on the burger! The fries are well made as well! Crispy and seasoned, they were good fries! The interesting sauce they had for the fries deserves a special mention as well. Overall, the burgers will hit the spot and make sure you are full when you get up. I've had the Double Burger once and I had severe food coma. It was worth it though lol. Great drink and beer selection.
Service:
Expect to be tossed around with a spice of rudeness lol. The Wild Child waitresses definitely give the place personality. Should I even take off a star for service? I feel that I should. I do admire the lip reading abilities they have had to learn lol. The place is really loud and very hard to talk over. Overall, don't expect decent service unless it's a non busy day, or you are part of the certain crowd that Lockdown caters to.
Atmosphere:
Definitely has it's own charm. I personally don't dig it though, but the folks that Lockdown caters to seem happy at least. Eat outside in the quiet area if you can. Has a biker/hipster/metal feel to it. Some chairs are unstable and bathrooms suck.
The burgers are the sirens that call me back every month to this treacherous place lol. Yes, they are that good! If you are a Metal head/hipster, you might love this place. If a friendlier, closer place were to pop up with the same amazing burgers, I'd be gone lol.
I love love love this place....
OK. Maybe I should slow down a bit. Now one would probably expect this dive type bar to have a sub-par menu with a sub-par waitstaff. Believe me it is far from that! Yes, if you don't like Hard rock it can be a bit abrasive but trust me the food will make up for it! On the other hand, if you are a rocker it'll be twice the fun!
The LockDown is a great concept bar but the chef will keep you coming back for more! The Menu simple but exquisitely put together. It is comprised of an array of Burgers, a selection of tater tots or fries, & Â DIY mac n Cheese. Oh and the ingredients, yeah FAR beyond your neighborhood Bar & grill. The burgers ( it doesn't matter which one) and the Mac n Cheese ( I'm used to Mac n Cheese created with a soul food twist) are Beyond what your taste buds could imagine from this hidden Gem.
With this said, take a friend try the flight risk ( I like to have options) and let them aid and abide you with some MAC n Cheese..
Once you leave here you just may feel like you committed a crime because its too good for the price you paid! My only wish would be for it to be bigger & take reservations, so I could take my Supper club for a visit.
This place gets 4 & a half NOMS!!!
One of my favorite Burger joints in the city!!!
GREAT food and GREAT music!!
All their burgers ar super tasty and I highly recommend the smash & grab sandwich as an alternative. The fries are delicious and my husband loves the mac & cheese!
the place itself is great, super cool decoration and a ton of flat-screen TV's normally rocking good music videos. Now, for the football lovers (not my case) Monday is the day to go since all those TV's are showing the game!! I also believe they have 1/2 price burgers on Tuesday, or some good deal like that!!
Before I get started, I want to make it clear that  in no way am I intentionally  discouraging people from checking it out themselves. This is simply my opinion and experience at the Lockdown.
I'm not exactly sure how this place is getting all these stars to be perfectly honest. My husband and I went there for dinner last night after reading all the great reviews and seeing the Kuma vs. Lockdown comments; We were optimistic and excited. I wasn't too worried about the ambiance, I went there to eat! Needless to say, their theme was successful.
We ordered the 'barb'd wire' for an appetizer. The menu's description of this was a dip with cheddar cheese,chorizo, tomatoes, onions and Jalapeños. You then get the choice of tortilla chips or bread.  We chose the tortilla chips.  The presentation of this appetizer is very appealing, BUT the proportions are very exaggerated.  Essentially, this was only the biggest bowl of cheese, especially for two people! I'm sure a smaller bowl would also help the owner cut down cost. The taste of all of the other ingredients were lacking; the cheese was extremely overpowering & tasted more like American cheese rather than cheddar. It was soooooo thick and after a couple of bites, it became stiff and even made me a bit nauseous. The best part of this dish were the tortilla chips.  They were delicious, crispy and airy.
For dinner I had the 'Electric Chair', which has bleu cheese, Jalapeño relish & buffalo sauce on a Pretzel bun and a Cesar salad on the side. Yummmm! or so I thought.  It wasn't terrible, but the seasoning of the burger overpowered allllll of the yummy toppings. I don't know exactly what they season their beef with, but i'm assuming that garlic powder was involved. It was soo much, too much!! I'm still burping garlic...gross. The Cesar salad was really good, the lettuce was crispy & fresh with the perfect amount of dressing and croutons.
Overall, the Lockdown has a lot of potential. Their side dishes are great and well executed, but the burgers were..meh. Â Can you make a burger at home just as good or even better?! Probably. I would still suggest checking it out for yourselves.
kuma's is good and all... but Lockdown does it better. BEST Â quality beef i have ever had between 2 buns.good lean to fat ratio, huge patties. instant foodgasm upon first bite.
i got the electric chair burger and would not change one thing about this spicy - blue cheese burger.
the side of mac and cheese was gor-fucking-may. not to mention only $2. delicate white cheesy sauce of some out of this world planet.
the GF got the shroom burger which was ironic because i was supposed to buy a bag of mushrooms the day we went but my friend ate my portion last night.
excellent beer menu but plan your day around having a food coma after annihilating an entree.
boom! eat there.
I've only been here a couple of times on a Tuesday night, so I don't know how it looks like during the day and the rest of the week. Â But from my experience so far, the place itself reminds me of a heavy metal joynt, loud heavy metal music, graffiti on the walls, 14 yes...14 flat screen TVs all lined up all around the place playing the same heavy metal video of metal bands rockin it out loud and clear. Â It's like being in a live concert but with good food and service.
I'm here for the burgers specials on Tuesday nights. Â Remember when looking at the menu, only the ones with a green (*) next to the burger names are 1/2 price off burgers. Â Or you'll end up shelling out $12 or more for the non special burgers unless you want the ones that are not 1/2 price off that's up to you big time spender!
So many other choices with a side for about $6 bucks, o yeah let's eat!
We had to wait for a bit so we drank by the bar. Â It was a bit crowded not surprised since it's 1/2 off burgers.
I like pretzel buns and my burger was huge for me! Â I had the BootLeg (Kimchi, bacon, and a fried egg) beef medium rare. Â The medium rare was REALLY rare a bit too bloody for me, but hubby liked it. Â It was still tasty, I'll just have to nuke my leftover beef patty just a bit:)
Our group ordered a side of fresh cut fries and Onion rings..both orders were large portions for sharing. Â We couldn't even finish it...leftovers!
My favorite were the onion rings! Â Lightly battered and it was so sweet, I didn't even need to dip it in the sauce. Â But I did a couple of times as the sauce was pretty good too.
The mac and cheese side was good too. Â Creamy, cheesy, with beacon bits on top of spiral pasta.. So much food I took that home as well. Â
I wouldn't recommend bringing a first date here on a Tuesday night. Â Not a place that you can talk across the table.
It's really loud, you're actually yelling across the table. Â I'd go back and try the other burgers like the Jail House Rock (Fat Elvis). Â Someone from our table said it was a good blend for a burger. Â The staff are nice saying hi and goodbye and our server was attentive.
I think next time, I'm better off sharing a burger that comes with a side (mac and cheese please) and order another appetizer like their fried onion rings. Â It's a good idea if you don't want to waste food or you're not fond of leftovers....save your money on your drinks then.
Check out their menu on their website they also offer vegetarian burgers, appetizers, and salads. Â But like I said, I'm here for the burgers, i'll just zone out the heavy metal music!
Lockdown is like Kuma's Lite.
Like everyone has said, the burgers are comparable and yes, at Lockdown they come out of the kitchen a little quicker. However, the menu isn't as inventive at Lockdown, nor is it as expansive.
I got the Green Mile, which was excellent. Like I said, the burgers are comparable to Kuma's. Big, properly-cooked, over the top.
Instead of fries, I got mac and cheese. Holy hell. So good. Literally some of the best mac and cheese I've ever had in my life. Next time I go, I'm getting the mac as my main dish.
The restaurant itself feels inauthentic compared to Kuma's. You know exactly what they're doing, and it just seems like they're trying a little too hard. They need a dose of their own unique identity.
I didn't want this review to compare Lockdown to Kuma's, but there's no way around that. Long story short: good food, okay atmosphere, amazing mac and cheese.
I am enamored with this place. Â Their burgers rival Kuma's.. perhaps Lockdowns are even better. Â I really like that a bunch of their burgers are spicy as well. Â I've tried the Arson (very spicy!), Electric Chair, Border Patrol and the Federale. Â They were all delicious. Â I love the Barb'd Wire app as well. Â I am literally salivating while checking the menu to write this review.
The place is really loud as they're always playing concerts on their TVs.. so keep that in mind. Â The service has always been really great though. Â And I've never had to wait long to get in.
So yes, this is the place that basically jacked Kumas idea with the metal and the eggs and shit on the burgers...The good news is that the burgers are just as good as Kuma
's with none of the wait. But seriously, who can eat this much food?? The portions are just too big. The fries are good but again, no one could clean this plate. Â The Mac and Cheese was no Schubas Mac and Cheese but still good.
The bad news is their wings...They just didn't do it for me.
I heard that the service here was supposed to be bad but I was in the around 9:00 on a Saturday night and we got seated right away and the service was totally fine...The server was even finer!
Anyway, don't wait for Kumas...Unless you really hate TVs...in that case, you will fucking hate this place. TV overload...Even if they were playing a Metallica concert from the 80s.
This place is aweeeeesome!
We ate here last night, finally. We had heard about it a few months ago and heard all of the comparisons to Kumas, and weren't really sure about trying this place out. I am SO glad we did.
Yes, the burgers are similarly sized to Kuma's. Yes, some of the concepts are similar. But it's NOT the same. And in a good way.
I had the Fat Elvis burger. It was probably in my top two favorite burgers I have EVER had. The meat is well seaoned, and the addition of carmelized bananas, peanut butter and thick cut bacon was incredible. I was shocked at how well the flavors worked together. My boyfriend had the Lockdown Warden. It was also very good, slightly overcooked, but delicious. I still think mine was better.
The macaroni and cheese is second only to Lillie's BBQ! Good stuff.
Home of one of the best burgers I've ever had. This is one of my newer experiences in the pub burger Renaissance. I know probably 5 or 6 places that different people will swear is the best place for burgers, this place is among those precious few. We've seen it all before, unique, theme named burgers. I usually stick to keeping it simple, the old fashioned bacon cheeseburger. I have to say this was top tier, and can be arguably  in a tie for the best I've had.
Look, you know the score, if you are near here, go here. If you want to travel here, you won't be disappointed.
I can hardly believe all the stars that this place is getting!! Â The only thing I can think of is that these reviewers have never made a home made burger. Â Yeah, they are not the boxed kind that you get almost everywhere, but far from excellent. Â Â
Kuma's does win in this battle, mainly because of the cleanliness and attention to their customers. Â The place is going for a "prison theme", cold, dark, and dirty. Â They have succeeded in this area. Â I went for lunch, when natural lighting exposes the dirt, holes in the walls and poorly maintained interior. Â The Rundown maybe a bit more fitting of a name. Â Â Maybe I should have gone at night, half wasted and I would have enjoyed the "theme" a little more. Â Â
A rule of thumb for me is how a place keeps its bathrooms. Â I am not even sure the door had a lock, and it is also being used for chair storage. Â No soap, no towels, broken down everything, dark and far from sanitary. Â Â If I was the owner I would have the "grungey" dudes that hang around the bar pick up a mop.
The best part was the baked macaroni and cheese, which you can also make at home, so why go? Â To sit in a "Prison" themed joint? Â Trust me, if you like clean, you won't like this place.
The food gets 5 stars. The burgers are amazing without all the rules/pretention at Kuma's. Plus you can get mac and cheese on the side and it's damn good mac and cheese. Also, the kitchen is open until close and there's cheap drink specials.
I'm taking stars away because (and I know this is part of the theme but...) it's SO.DAMN.LOUD. In the summer, you can avoid that by sitting outside. Unfortunately the colder months don't afford you that option. So loud in that even when the bar is near empty it's hard to talk to the person sitting next to you. Also, they offer online ordering...that doesn't work. And they don't answer their phone (I'm assuming because they can't hear it). So if you want it to go, you have to go in and order.
To start, I have been here several times before going to shows over at the Empty Bottle to just grab a beer with friends, and I've always left feelin' pretty good.
However, I just went to eat lunch there a few weeks ago and it was fucking phenomenal  As a vegetarian, I know that I may not be the easiest to please.  I occasionally love to eat like a greased up bacon-loving burly man, without devouring animals.  This goes to say that my meal here was anything but healthy, but completely enjoyable. Â
Please keep in mind, I am not on a diet. Â I ordered a veggie burger with cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and onion rings stacked on top with a side of macaroni & cheese. Â I'm drooling just thinking about it.... seriously... it's kind of a disturbing sight. Â
As for the service, it was friendly with a dash of metal. Â Totally cool by me! Â And as far as a wait is concerned, I've never seen a huge wait when I've been there and I would say it is worth the wait anyway.
In the future, I will absolutely eat here again and will expand from my previous behavior of just having a drink before a show at the Empty Bottle. Â Cheers!
Apart of my journey to Chicago, I wanted to try a gourmet burger. Rather then go to Kuma's Corner, I found Lockdown Bar & Grill to be on another list of gourmet burgers worth a try. I figured I'd go on an adventure, so I took a taxi over to Lockdown.
Upon entering, I already knew this was going to be awkward. Lockdown Bar & Grill is a hip, grungy, hardcore type of bar. They play metal music, it's dark, and there's televisions around the whole place showing metal artworks or sports. Being the only bladheaded Asian, I'm sure they knew I didn't belong. REGARDLESS! I came here to get a damn burger! I sat on the bar, ordered me a guiness, and went ahead and ordered The Lockdown Warden hamburger medium rare since I thought it was their specialty!
The Lockdown Warden burger is -- Certified Angus Beef patties infused with Bacon, Leeks, Garlic, and Shallots, stuffed with Merkts Cheddar, topped with Fried Leeks and Shallots tossed in Truffle Oil. When it came out, I was wow'd. Toasted buns, a very fat meaty patty, and all these fried leeks and shallots were quite overwhelming. Honestly I didn't clearly read what was included in this burger, so when I took a bite into it I was in shock.
When I bit into the burger, the pungent smell from the Truffle oil just shot right up my nose. On top of that, the burger started to ooze all over my hands. WTF was seriously what I thought in my head. I looked closely, and was wondering what was it. Having read over what was in this burger, the "juicy lucy" or whatever you call a meat patty infused with cheese was what it was. Having never had one, it just isn't meant to be! I kept going at it, but eventually I couldn't do it any longer.
I'd avoid the Lockdown Warden burger unless all I just talked about fancies you.
Other then that, this bar does have a great beer & alcohol selection, so you can get smashed easily. Beers at $3.50 a pop, I found that okay.
It was an adventure, and I was full at the end of the day --- but I don't think I'll come back. The place just isn't for me.
I've died and gone to burger heaven. I enjoy a good gourmet burger now and then and the Lockdown has satisfied me.
I met a couple of buddies for an early dinner and enjoyed a pre meal alcoholic beverage. They carry a weekly choice of Three Floyds suds on tap, but they seemed to have run out fairly quickly and we missed out. I didn't panic, I ordered one of my favorite stouts, Left Hand Milk Stout. Delicious.
Luckily, my first trip to the Lockdown was on half-priced burger Tuesday. Score. I opted for the Electric Chair, a burger topped with bleu cheese, jalapeño relish, and buffalo sauce. Score again. I enjoyed my meal in their small, but cute patio. The weather couldn't have cooperated any better on this particular day. Score once again.
With all this scoring, who wouldn't want to go back. There's plenty of other gourmet burgers to try, so you can count on me being a regular at the Lockdown. That's right Punk Bitch, I'm coming back for ya (with my personal shank)!!
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