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The owner, a fry cook, bends over an industrial stove. He kneads meat into patties, setting each one aside deliberately. He anticipates an eventual rush of eager customers who will claw their way through the doors and to tables.

Although it is just past 4:00 a.m., fatigue does not bother him. Fresh, homemade burgers are his goal, along with the hand-cut, twice-cooked potatoes that will become fries. Customers will begin filing in at 10:30 a.m., when the burger shop decreed the best by many cherubs will be open for business.

Located at 1571 Sherman Ave. in downtown Evanston, Edzo’s has steadily gained a sterling reputation as a gourmet burger restaurant with urban appeal. Owner Eddie Lakin adds to the popularity through his unconventional culinary skill and background.

Yet cherubs are not the only ones with high praise for Edzo’s.

“Edzo’s in Evanston is the best burger in the world,” according to the Huffington Post.

Lakin prepared food in Spain, Italy and Chicago for 15 years before deciding to open a burger restaurant so he could spend more time with his family. The store is even closed on Mondays to provide a two-day weekend for Lakin.

“I think that Edzo’s shows the value of small town values,” Aric DiLalla, of North Carolina, said. “He had the chance to work in the big time, and he came to Evanston instead.”

DiLalla declared Edzo’s better than Five Guys Burgers and Fries after comparing quality and price. Burgers prices are similar at both restaurants, but small fries at Edzo’s are $1.49 while they are $2.59 at Five Guys. Overall, cherubs say that Edzo’s offers great value and high quality.

Edzo’s also offers hand-dipped milkshakes with a variety of ingredient options, such as Oreos, peanut butter, nutella, hot fudge and bananas. They cost $4.00 and are made in old-fashioned multimixer spindle machines, which yields smoother quality.

“The rich texture and creaminess of each milkshake is perfect for a hot summer day,” Morgan Manella, of Florida, said. “It’s almost the same price as Andy’s, but it’s bigger and tastes better.”

Although Edzo’s may be one of the furthest establishments for a cherub to travel, many agree the food merits the extra steps.

“It’s a hidden gem and it is worth the walk,” DiLalla said.