Riva's @ Navy Pier

Best burger buy on the Pier.


I worked at Navy Pier after graduating college when money was tight. Aside from American Dog which is the best value for food on the Pier, Riva's was known for having the best quality food for a decent price. The Riva burger is the best buy for the money. Down the Pier the Dock Street Cafe offers a 1/3 lb burger with 2 toppings for $9.99. The Riva is adds up to $9.95 for a 1/2 lb with 2 toppings. While I agree that cheese is not a topping to be paid for, $.75 for bacon is a steal.





So another quick lesson in economics.




Beer starts at $4.00 and the 25oz Foster's is $6.00 so that's $3.00 per 12oz for those who can't divide. Less than the any beer on the Pier. My St. Ignatius education prepared me to find the best price per oz.


The wait for food at the Pier allows you to people watch in one of the more interesting places in Chicago. Locals and tourist alike are there.


But on to the burger.

Everything looks good so far. Good amount of cheese for my $.75.

And look at all that bacon.

And from the other side. That's 4 good slices of bacon. More than compensating for the having to pay for cheese.

Now I figured it would be a frozen patty and was correct. But it was seasoned lightly and grilled/fried cooking method did not take anything away from it. It helped that the meat was a good quality and fresh toppings.

The bun was a bit soft for such a big burger. The bottom was a bit fragile and I had to be mindful of it or it would have separated.

The best feature by far though was the bacon. All that bacon a good amount of cheese and fresh toppings made this a very good burger. It did not require any catsup or mustard at all. The bacon and cheese did all of the flavoring.

It even had a bit of pink.

This is a burger that leaves you wanting more. Riva's executes a good burger for a fair price considering where you are. My thought is though once you have me paying just under $10 for a burger with two toppings why not make a specialty burger or two so we feel as we're getting a deal. While I was there one boy about 10 ordered a plain hamburger. Now maybe that is how he takes them all the time. But maybe his mom felt nickel and dimed to death at the Pier and did not want to pay extra for cheese. The burger I had would have been great with some grilled onion or mushroom, but for the extra cash it wasn't gonna happen. Onion should be a free topping for a burger. Grilled or raw, your choice. Mushroom can cost money but they better be good and plentiful. And let's talk about BBQ sauce as a paid for topping. NO. I am asking you to bring out a bottle or pour some in a cup. BBQ sauce should be treated like mayo, steak sauce, horseradish, or any other condiment. Only when getting a meal to go should extra sauces cost.

Riva's is not a destination burger unless you are at Navy Pier and want a decent burger. Do not go to Navy Pier and pay $23 in parking to get it. Even if you are there try other food you have never has first. Eat elephant ears or funnel cakes with ice cream. Go to Bubba Gumps, or Charlie's Ale House or get something else at Riva's. But if you find yourself there and just want want a burger, get one and make sure to order bacon and cheese.

On another topic. The bathrooms have these new flush buttons.

Confusing eh?

Well there is also a plaque explaining it. My question is wouldn't a "one" and "two" nave made more sense? What's the deal with "three"?