Between the Buns

Well to start, I had a
$ 10 off $ 20 certificate, so I thought I would try them out. I used to manage a gourmet burger place, so I am admittedly very PICKY. And I don’t like try new places without some sort of super discount. Ok, I am also a little thrifty.
That being said, my review:
They have all sorts of your staple Chicago sandwiches (gyros, hot dogs, italian beef) They advertise angus meat so we went with the burgers. We had the pizza burger, jerky cheeseburger, bacon cheeseburger, onion rings, and cheese fries. The burgers were really good. I ordered them all medium rare, which is tough for this style, but it keeps them from being over-​cooked into hockey pucks. They are a similar style to say Steak & Shake or Five Guys, but 100 times better. Soft buns, fresh veggies, crispy bacon. All very delicious.
The onion rings were stellar. Big fat, juicy, beer-​battered heaven. But the fries were horrible. I was disappointed to learn they no longer carry the gravy fries, so I went with the recommendation of the Merkt’s cheese fries. The fries were soggy and the cheese sauce was grainy, inedible.
SO why 3 stars? Well the fries took one, it is such a simple food to make, it should never be that bad. And although the burgers are tasty, it’s just not the big juicy gourmet thick burgers that I love (Think Kuma’s, Lockdown, Hamburger Mary’s, even TGIFriday’s Jack Daniel’s burger)
Would I go back? Sure, with coupons. And if you like Five Guys or Steak & Shake style burgers, I think you might really like «Between The Buns».

I asked If the gyros was freshly cut off the spit. After we ordered 4 gyros combo meals and a cheeseburger meal. I went around the corner. NO Gyros on the spit. Machine was sitting there with nothing on it. Then I noticed the cook take a plastic container out of the frig with Gyros, They must have cut earlier. He put some meat on the grill and dump oil on it. Then He grabbed a frozen burger from the cooler and threw that on the grill. WHAT HAPPEN TO THOSE MADE FRESH DAILY ANGUS BURGERS ADVERTISED ON THE MENU? The meal was average at best. Burger had no flavor at all. Dry. I asked for everything except pickles. NO tomato on my Burger. Menu says it comes with Tomato. Owner needs a shave and a haircut. Bathroom looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in a few days. Dust all over the Napkins holders at the table. Other than that it was good. Yah Right. Good luck going here.

Had a coupon so I thought we would try it. Overall, my burger and fries were one of the best in the area. Seemed like good quality meat, cheese, tomatoes, and toasted bun.
The fries were some of the best fresh cut ones I have had in a long time. Usually fresh fries can be thick and soggy. These were thinner and crispy. Very well done!
Overall, I would try to stop here again when we are up in Gurnee… if they were in Libertyville I think we would be more regular.

Pleasantly surprised when we tried this place! Way better than Five Guys. Great burger and loved the hand-​cut fries. My husband had the gyros and loved it. The owner took our order, cooked our meal and came out to see how everything was. We will definitely go back!

I went here for a late lunch on a Saturday mostly because I have been wanting to try this place and now I had a coupon for free fries with a sandwich and drink. I ordered the Italian Beef.
Overall, I have to say that I like it, though I am not a fan. The Italian Beef sandwich seemed to be missing something that I can’t quite put my finger on. The beef seemed to be a higher quality cut than what I have had at other places, so that might be impacting the flavor. The fries, however, were very good and the quantity was plentiful (there must have been at least enough for 2 or 3 people). These are the sort of fries that I usually like to have with mayonnaise rather than ketchup.

Went here for a quick pick up and there was nothing quick about it. My daughter just wanted a CHEESEburger with ketchup only and i just ordered the 2 chicago hot dog special w/​fries. Well once i got my recipet i looked at it and was charged for 2 specials on top of the burger. I told the cashier and he said hang a minute cuz he had to take care of the rest of the customers. Ok fine. So i waited and than he went to tell the other employee and once he came to the reigster 10 min later! I was told «sry i am not authorized to make a credit on ur credit card, can i just give u the cash». Fine i said. So we continue to wait for our food and in my head i am thinking they never changed the food tkt. well once i got my bag i didnt bother to look in it as i was already waiting 15−20min so we jusy hauled ass outta there. Once we got home i opened the bag to find 4 hot dogs, a cheeseburger (or so i thought) and 3 fries! Normally i wouldnt care about extra food, if it was good and correct! I open my daughters CHEESEburger and look its a plain ass hamburger with ketchup only. She she was not happy. I grab the CHICAGO STYLE hot dogs and come to see theres CHEESE all over 2 of them and. The other 2 is just onions, pickle and some peppers. I decided to take one of each, may as well right. I bit into the cheese dog looking ones and it wouldnt be so bad if the relish wasnt on there, kinda a baaaad combo. So i didnt even bother with the other one. The only thing that tasted good was the fries and Merks cheese. I will not be going back ever, there are much better hot dog joints around

Just ok… I tried it a few times and the fries were soggy but after the first 2 times I asked to make sure they were crispy. The burger taste is quite good but they messed up my burger order 2 times in a row. For the price with no combos I much rather go to one of the other local burger joints I enjoy!

I’m not quite sure what to say about this place, I guess I have mixed feelings after my first visit here.
To begin, this place, visually, is not all that welcoming. For being a relatively new business, it has a dated look. Reminded me more of a cafeteria then a restaurant where i’d want to bring family for a meal. There are definitely some changes to the décor that could be made to make the place more inviting and comfortable. The TV on the wall near the front counter is awkward for one, and could be put elsewhere to show sports, news, etc during the day.
The food here is good. My fiancé and I ordered a pizza burger with a veggie patty. My veggie patty was a little burnt, but other then that the burger tasted excellent. Never had a burger pizza style — with pizza sauce and mozzarella. Would definitely order it again. I’d love to see them add «toppings» as well you can choose from for a Pizza Burger — i.e. mushrooms, onions, etc. to make it live up to its name more.
We also got the Garlic Parmesan fries. Now this was a little bit misleading, so at first I was a little upset. What it sounds like you are getting is fries that are seasoned with garlic and parmesan. What you really end up getting is regular fries with a garlic and parmesan sauce on the side in a little plastic cup. The thing is, it tastes amazing and I forgot about being upset pretty quickly after tasting it.
One thing happened here that i’ve never experienced at another restaurant — the guy who took our order (and made the burger actually) came out to ask how it was because not many people seem to order the veggie burgers. I’ve never had that really happen before and I was impressed that they seem to genuinely want feedback. I was going to leave 3 stars, but for the guy doing this, i’m going to make it 4.

I’m not sure why this place doesn’t have very good reviews… I ordered a cheeseburger and fries on my lunch break and thought the food was really good. You can tell they use good quality meat and buns. Overall the burger was pretty solid and I would come back for another. Even the fries were perfectly cooked and seasoned.
As for the service, the guy who took my order was very polite. I also appreciate that the owner of the restaurant personally responds to bad reviews on Unilocal.I love when business owners make the effort.

Finally made it to this place and didn’t have high expectations based on observations since opening. Walked into a cold atmosphere and ordered at the register which took way too long and the cashier was visibly having «issues» with the kitchen. After waiting far too long for traditional hot dog stand food, they forgot our fries. Price was pricey to say the least but I can appreciate paying for value. Unfortunately their pricing versus their value was way out of whack. Actually the food wasn’t half bad but by the time you get it, you’re not in a good mood to enjoy it. I can see the potential and after a fair amount of time thought it might be their — not yet.

The fries are really good~
The rest of the food I have had here is just okay. Nothing out of this world or anything.
Just burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches. They did have a gyros burger on the menu that sounded interesting (I haven’t tried it). The menu is limited, which is fine, if what is offered is out of this world good, but unfortunately, I can not say it is.
If you order a bottled beverage — check the expiration date! I got an bottled green tea
and noticed after I was half way done with it that it expired 6 months ago!
The service at the counter is pretty good. Quite surprising as most of the staff is young kids.

This is an order at the counter and they bring it to your table type of place. The staff are friendly and helpful. The menu is simple and in my opinion a bit limited. I also find the prices to be a bit on the high side from what you get. The general appearance of the dinning area is clean and plenty of room to sit.
During my initial visit, I got the beacon cheese burger and fries with parmesan & garlic. The burger itself was nothing to brag about. The meat was just plain, the beacon was a bit rubbery, the condiments were fresh, and I found the bun potentially on the 1 day old side. The french fries however were really good and especially good when dipping into the parmesan & garlic sauce!
I’ll come back again, one more time, but, it’s not looking good.

Ate here with my husband the other day. I got the cheesesteak and onion rings and he got a chili dog with Merkts cheese sauce. All in all, a good meal and would come back to try something else. It seems that whatever the problem initially with the not so great reviews has been ironed out, as all seemed well on a Saturday afternoon when it was on the crowded side.
On a side note, the bathrooms are very clean which is always a good thing!

Came here for the first time today and I have to say it was pretty good. I ordered try a chili dog and fries. The chili dog had a lot of cheese but still tasted excellent. I wish they gave more fries and that the fries were crispy but they still tasted pretty good. Only room I see for major improvement is the fries. The interior was clean and good looking. Definitely does not look like your average burger joint.

Stop by Between the Buns for custom made non-​chain fast food with fresh ingredients.
My advice to Unilocalers: read the filtered reviews. Unilocal is doing this place a disservice with its auto-​filter. The 3 unfiltered reviews of Between the Buns do not accurately reflect this restaurant. Between the Buns deserves more than 1.5 stars.
My first impression upon entering the dining area was «This feels like an industrial version of Five Guys.» Between the Buns rises above the chain, though, with its menu variety. Interesting burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, salads, and «kid choices» are on the menu. If you have a sweet tooth, order ice cream or a shake for dessert. If you like non-​typical stuff on your burger, get some extra toppings of your choice.
You can make healthy choices here. My favorite is the grilled chicken sandwich. It is served on a bun with a bit of buttery sweetness, is always fresh and full of flavor (even without mayo).
Although I’m a big fan of the fresh cut fries in concept, their reality disappoints. The fries tend to be limp and soggy, so most of the time I just stick with a sandwich without fries.
Every time I’ve visited, the staff has been cheerful, friendly, and knowledgeable. I tried the chicken sandwich based on the cashier’s recommendation, and am glad I did.
4 stars
Last visited 4÷28÷13

Awesome restaurant, great quality burgers! The staff often times have problems knowing who their repeat customers are… Not good for business.

back again… had the chili cheese fry with hot peppers — LOVED IT. Also, ordered a beef… but now I am too full… so I guess the wife will be allowed to have a meal (other than table scraps… joking of course… she will not get the beef… lol). The gentleman who served me (presume he is the owner… was super nice and accommodating)

Great service, friendly staff. Outstanding food. My favorites, home made fries and Gyros burger. I’ll be back!

Was excited because they serve Nathans Hot Dogs. My son and I spent $ 18 for two dogs, two fries and two small cokes. This place managed to screw it up. Maybe its the incompetent kids behind the counter? Hot Dog was cold and very small for a Nathans. Bun was cold and oversized for the hotdog. String Fries were ok but over salted. In the same parking lot you can get two dogs, two chips, two cokes at the Home depot hot dog cart for $ 7 and it will taste soooo much better than Between the Buns…

Not worth my money. I spent $ 9 for 1 rubbery hot dog, a small bag of dried out fries and the smallest soda I have ever seen. I won’t be returning to this place ever again. This place needs serious help.