Elgin Elgin

Elgin, Illinois, blends historic charm with modern vibes, offering a diverse culinary scene featuring typical American comfort foods like burgers and pies, alongside Mexican and Italian cuisines.

The Irish Shanti

The Irish Shanti

17455 Gunder Rd, Elgin I-52141, United States

Pub • Salad • Burgers • American


"I had heard about the legendary Gunderburger several years ago and had been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to try it out. This Labor Day hunger coupled with a need to restock my supply of New Glarus Brewery products (available only in Wisconsin) afforded me the change to put the Irish Shanti on the map on my way to Prairie Du Chien to restock on my favorite beers. Gunder is more intersection than community but the Irish Shanti is placed in some of the most breathtaking scenery that the state of Iowa has to offer. The trip is a joy in itself. Rolling hills and landscapes that made Grant Wood famous. The restaurant itself is clean and unassuming. The star here is the infamous Gunderburger. It 's a 16-20oz burger that is about the circumference of a volleyball and about an inch thick. I ordered the Loaded Gunderburger which was topped with bacon, onions mushrooms and cheese. I was told that the appropriate accoutrement for this massive burger was a side order of their signature American Fries. This was a very good burger but not great. But the pitch here is on the gargantuan size. I recommend stopping if you are in the Driftless area of of Iowa. This is not a life-changing experience worthy of hours of driving to a town of 30, but coupled with the wonderful scenery and activities in the area, I would stop at the Irish Shanti to punctuate a visit to northeast Iowa with an attempt to devour the Gunderburger."