The Best Restaurants In Lakeview
Our guide to the best spots in Lakeview, from cheap eats to more sophisticated meals.
Where we've featured it
What’s in a name? Good question. Let’s break it down for a second, the name being “DMK Burger Bar.” First word - DMK. Taken literally, we assume these three letters are the initials for Donkey Kong, his middle name obviously being Michael. Donkey “Michael” Kong has a sophisticated ring to it. Second word - Burger, so you know it’s a place that serves good burgers. Third word - Bar, which hopefully means there are drinks involved and a lively atmosphere. Combine it all together, and you get a fun place that serves solid burgers and beers, sponsored by an electronic video game character first created in 1981. Two of these statements are true, and the other you can choose to believe if you’d like.
DMK Burger Bar holds true to its name. The menu offers a variety of burgers, from their classic triple decker take on a Big Mac called the Big DMK, to a number of more exotic burger concoctions, like the Reuben style burger, a hatch green chili version, and a bison burger with goat cheese. All are interesting with completely different flavors. For you non-meat eaters out there, or anyone trying to be somewhat healthy, DMK also offers a great salmon or portabella burger, plus any of the regular options can be made with a turkey or veggie pattie.
All of the burgers are pretty good, and truth be told it’s the buns that turn us off a bit. We like our burger buns to be soft little buttery pillows on which the meat rests. These buns are more substantive and bread loaf like, with white dust (flour? living yeast? who knows) that flakes on your hands.
But aside from our lack of true love for the buns, we are fans of the burgers, and it’s a great place to hang over some elevated meat patties and beers. The variety of french fry styles allows you to mix things up a bit too, and you can order them in half size personal orders, or whole sizes for sharing. It’s also pretty imperative you order a milkshake. The classic flavors are good, but the daily milkshake special is some next level sh*t. Saving the Princess kind of next level.
Food Rundown
The Big DMK
Big Mac, ever heard of it? This is DMK’s triple decker ode to the golden arches.
Chorizo Burger
It’s not solely a chorizo burger, but rather a beef burger with an entire extra level of chorizo. It’s further layered with guacamole, sonoma jack cheese, chipotle aioli, cilantro, and onions. The spicy chorizo adds a distinct extra flavor and kick.
The Patty Melt
Ever really in the mood for a patty melt? We sometimes are, and this one does the trick with smoked bacon, burnt onions, remoulade, and smoked swiss cheese on grilled rye.
Salmon Burger
I’m not embarrassed to say that the salmon burger is probably my favorite option at DMK. This salmon burger is all fish with barely any binder, which is always nice. The asian slaw gives it a little crunch, and it’s nicely capped off with a red thai curry sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries
Solid. Don’t be shy with the lemon tabasco aioli.
Wisconsin Cheddar and Scallion Fries
The regular potato fries are good too, and we love the cheddar sauce. Only wish is they were a little more generous with the cheese at times.
Parmesan Fries
The regular fries get a serious dousing in parmesan, which partially melts right on. The truffle cream is nothing to complain about, other than the fact these fries will really fill you up.
Milkshakes
You’re doing yourself a disservice by not at least asking what the daily special is. And then you should probably order it.
