Empire Burgers & Brew in Naperville: A Must-Visit for Gourmet Burgers and Craft Beer
If you’re looking for a top-notch burger and an excellent selection of craft beer in Naperville, IL, look no further than Empire Burgers & Brew. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville, Empire Burgers & Brew has quickly become a local favorite for its gourmet burgers, unique drinks, and laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast or a craft beer connoisseur, this spot offers a dining experience that hits all the right notes.
The Empire Experience: Burgers, Brews, and More
Empire Burgers & Brew is known for its modern take on the classic burger joint. Combining a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere with top-quality food and drinks, it’s a go-to spot for families, friends, and solo diners alike.
The Atmosphere at Empire Burgers & Brew
From the moment you walk into Empire Burgers & Brew, you’re greeted with a cool, urban vibe. The restaurant’s industrial-chic decor features exposed brick walls, warm lighting, and comfortable seating, making it a great place to unwind. The spacious outdoor patio, equipped with plenty of seating and string lights, offers an ideal spot for dining al fresco during warmer months.
Whether you’re catching up with friends, grabbing a casual meal with family, or looking for a fun date night spot, Empire provides a welcoming environment for all types of diners.
Gourmet Burgers: A Burger Lover’s Paradise
The centerpiece of the Empire Burgers & Brew experience is its impressive lineup of gourmet burgers. Crafted with high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection, the burgers here are anything but ordinary. With a range of creative options to choose from, there’s something on the menu to satisfy every craving.
Signature Burgers
- The Empire Burger: This signature burger is loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and Empire’s special sauce, served on a toasted brioche bun. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and one of the restaurant’s most popular items.
- The Spicy Goat: A unique blend of flavors, this burger features a juicy beef patty topped with creamy goat cheese, jalapeños, and a spicy honey drizzle for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Mushroom & Swiss Burger: For mushroom lovers, this burger is a hit. It’s topped with sautéed mushrooms, melted Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions, offering rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Build-Your-Own Burger
If you’re feeling creative, Empire Burgers & Brew also offers a build-your-own burger option. Choose from a variety of toppings, cheeses, sauces, and premium add-ons like avocado, fried eggs, and blue cheese to create your perfect burger.
More Than Just Burgers: The Full Menu
While burgers are the star of the show, Empire Burgers & Brew has plenty of other delicious options on the menu. From appetizers to desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Popular Starters and Sides
- Truffle Fries: These crispy fries are tossed in truffle oil and topped with parmesan, making them a perfect complement to any burger.
- Buffalo Cauliflower: A lighter yet flavorful option, this dish features crispy cauliflower florets coated in buffalo sauce and served with ranch dipping sauce.
- Loaded Tater Tots: These golden tots come topped with bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream, providing a comforting and indulgent appetizer.
Desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying one of Empire’s desserts. The Chocolate Brownie Sundae, topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, is the perfect way to round out your meal.
Craft Brews: A Perfect Pairing for Your Burger
True to its name, Empire Burgers & Brew offers an impressive selection of craft beers that pair perfectly with their gourmet burgers. The bar menu features a rotating selection of local and regional craft brews, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
Local Craft Beer Selection
Empire’s commitment to supporting local breweries shines through in its carefully curated beer list. Guests can enjoy a variety of styles, from light and refreshing pilsners to bold and hoppy IPAs, all sourced from breweries in the Chicagoland area.
- Hoppy IPAs: For those who love hops, Empire offers a range of IPAs that are both flavorful and refreshing.
- Smooth Lagers and Pilsners: If you prefer something lighter, the selection of lagers and pilsners offers crisp and clean flavors perfect for pairing with any burger.
- Seasonal and Rotating Taps: Empire Burgers & Brew regularly updates its beer offerings, so be sure to check the taps for seasonal favorites and special releases.
Specialty Cocktails and Drinks
In addition to its craft beer selection, Empire Burgers & Brew serves a variety of specialty cocktails and wine. Popular options include:
- Empire Mule: A refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, made with ginger beer, lime, and your choice of vodka or bourbon.
- House Margaritas: A perfect blend of tequila, lime, and triple sec, these margaritas are ideal for those who want something tangy and refreshing.
Weekly Events and Specials
To make things even better, Empire Burgers & Brew offers weekly events and specials that keep the fun going all week long.
Events and Promotions
- Burger of the Month: Empire features a special Burger of the Month, offering guests the chance to try unique, limited-time creations.
- Happy Hour: Enjoy discounted drinks and appetizers during Empire’s happy hour, held every weekday from 4-6 PM.
- Live Music: On select evenings, Empire hosts live music performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and giving diners a great reason to stick around after their meal.
Why Empire Burgers & Brew is a Naperville Favorite
There’s no shortage of reasons why Empire Burgers & Brew has become a favorite dining spot in Naperville. The combination of creative burgers, an excellent craft beer selection, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a casual meal with great flavors.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or planning a night out with friends, Empire Burgers & Brew offers the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.
Conclusion: Experience the Best of Naperville at Empire Burgers & Brew
If you’re in Naperville and looking for a fantastic burger joint with a great selection of craft beer, Empire Burgers & Brew is the place to be. With its gourmet burgers, lively atmosphere, and commitment to local brews, this restaurant has something for everyone. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or simply looking for a great spot to hang out with friends, Empire Burgers & Brew should be at the top of your

Crystal Erickson is a passionate journalist and community advocate covering local news in Naperville. She serves as the lead editor for our Naperville Google Publisher sites, overseeing content and ensuring high-quality journalism that reflects the pulse of the community. In addition, she plays an integral role in Brand Fusion and https://EatShopNaperville.com , a platform that highlights local businesses, restaurants, and events. Crystal graduated from DePaul University with a business degree, bringing a strong analytical approach to her work. She lives in Naperville with her fiancé and their dogs, where she enjoys exploring the local scene and staying connected with the community she loves.