A Crystal Lake-based food truck and a Lemont restaurant beat out dozens of competitors for the best burger and are now in the championship round in WGN radio’s first-ever Chicago’s Very Own Eats: Best Burgers Tournament.

Burger fans had until 6 a.m. Monday to select the two finalists from the final four. Now, voting is open to choose between Smash’D Burgers and Fries, owned by a Crystal Lake Marine Corps veteran, and Nick’s Tavern for the title.

Polls will remain open until 10 a.m. Thursday. Votes can be cast at wgnradio.com. The champion will be announced on “The John Williams Show” shortly afterward at WGN Radio 720 AM, according to the radio station’s website.

Voting began Sept. 4, and the contest initially included 64 small-business restaurants from the Chicago area.

Smash’D operator Kevin Byrnes said via email that he’s “so grateful and happy for the outpouring of support and love.”

“To me, winning this is more than just having a great burger – it’s about representing our community and small-business owners to bring us home the win," Byrnes wrote. “A win for Smash’D is a victory for our community!”

Smash’D began three years ago under a tent until Byrnes brought in the food truck two years ago.

According to its Facebook page, Nick’s Tavern just celebrated its 80th anniversary and, with the help of customers, raised more than $14,000 to benefit the Hope and Friendship Foundation, Lemont Food Pantry and Lemont Historical Society.

WGN, which also hosts the Chicago Pizza Madness Tournament and Chicago’s Best Beef Tournament, facilitates such competitions to promote small, family-owned businesses.