Au Cheval is exactly who they think they are !!!! Yessssss! I've been wanting to go here for several years but not a fan of waiting for hours. I went very late after a play and was able to get a seat for one at the bar! It was still crowded at 10pm. The burger was juicy and flavorful. Service was quick and kind. I will be back ! read more

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Au Cheval absolutely lives up to the hype. The space has that dark, vintage diner feel that's both cozy and full of energy from the moment you walk in. The burger is the star for a reason--insanely juicy, rich, and perfectly balanced with melty cheese, and their signature sauce. Adding bacon and an egg takes makes it extra. The fries are crispy and tasty, especially with the delicious garlic aioli. Sitting at the bar gives you the perfect view to observe how all the deliciousness happens. Service is friendly and efficient even when it's packed. Yes, there's usually a wait, but it's completely worth it for a burger this memorable. read more

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Ok, I finally made it here and it exceeded all expectations. How could I possibly love a burger that I have to queue for 45+ minutes? Well, I did. Firstly, get the bone marrow (1/2 order if its just 2 of you). Delicious, especially paired with the jam on toast. Save a little for your burger! Fries, fresh. Not even requiring dipping sauce, though the aioli is quite good. Burger. Yes, yes, and yes. Loved the little pickle slices on it. So tasty, perfect balance of savory, umani, cooked to perfect temperature. Two of us shared the half order of marrow, 1 side of fries, and 1 double burger; it was more than enough. We took an order of chicken wings home with us too (savory, sweet, sticky, fall off the bone). read more

Great burgers, the packaging is awesome and the staff is so well-trained. I've been to several locations over the years, and this is my first review on any of their locations. 5 stars for now. If I had any complaint, it would be regarding the logistics of managing the traffic. But it would be ridiculous for me to hold that against them at this point in their growth. Well done for Au Cheval. Medium rare burger for me. read more

Beef patties were a nice medium / medium rare A lot of sameness in flavour (too salty and I was craving the pepper kick) I think I'd wanna do just the egg, pickles, no mayo next time ... creaminess from both the mayo and egg yolk was a little too much read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excellent. Burger amazing. Goey, tender meat melts on your mouth, dressed to perfection. Fries and aioli-excellent. Bologna sandwich is on a whole level and league on her own. Porky, tender, cheesy, with the softest toasty butter bread. It's still hard to get a seat after all these years but if you can score it in the afternoon on a weekday, you hit the jack pot. read more

A must try burger spot in Chicago. Be prepared for a wait (usually 30min-1hour) but I promise it's worth the wait. The burgers are juicy, tender, and delicious. Don't forget to top it off with a sunny egg! read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Glad I got to try the amazing 'Au Cheval' while in Chicago. We arrived around 11:30am last Saturday and put our names down. Luckily, we only waited 45 minutes, as I previously heard the wait can go for hours. Our group sat in a booth and ordered a couple of things to share. We started with a few drinks. The root beer on tap was quite sweet, but well enjoyed. I really liked the Arnold Palmer, which I learned that day was iced tea and lemonade. When the cheeseburger arrived, we instantly regretted not ordering the bacon on top. We waved another server down and asked for a side of bacon. When he returned, he kindly set it on the table and said, "On the house." What a wonderful surprise! It was also the most delicious thick-cut bacon I have ever had, and combined with this amazing, juicy burger, I felt I had gone to heaven and back. We ordered one burger and shared it amongst 4 people, and it was perfectly fulfilling. The fried chicken was a bit too salty for me, but the sweet and spicy flavour was great. I liked that they include thighs and wings. Finally, the blueberry muffin is a seared muffin with butter, chocolate, and jam on the side. The outside of the muffin is crusted in sugar, and I found that a bit too sweet, but the inside paired well with the toppings, and I'm glad I ordered it as the sweet dish of our brunch. One of our friends is a vegan (bless her for letting us drag her here) and opted for a nice alcoholic drink. The same gentleman who brought us the bacon walked by and served her a heaping plate of pickles on the house and said, "Everyone eats." This was the sweetest gesture ever! The pickles also paired really well with the rest of the food. Overall, I think the food was a bit heavy for me, but the amazing service and staff definitely made up for it. I will have to return one day to try some of the other menu items! read more

Au Cheval - Arnold Palmer, Root Beer, Painkiller - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Au Cheval, touted as the best burger you can find in Chicago, and perhaps in the whole entire USA, is a must try. I got the single cheeseburger with egg and bacon added. The single is actually two beef patties, whereas the double is three beef patties, so quite peculiar on the naming. The first bite was the best bite as it was an explosion of flavors and textures; the richness of the beef came through while the creaminess of the egg yolk, the sweet and saltiness from the thick bacon and soft toasted buns absorbing the egg yolk. As the meal went on, the balance of flavors of the burger started to shift. The thick cut bacon begun to taste too salty and overpowering the whole burger. The sweetness also became too much. The burger was already rich, but with the added bacon and egg, it felt too over the top rich and overwhelmingly heavy. It was good but wish I would have gotten the single cheeseburger without the extra egg or bacon. The portion size is also on the larger side, despite considering myself a big eater. At the time of this review, a Single Cheeseburger with egg and bacon was $28.50. That is on the more pricey side, however it is a higher quality product you are getting. With an 1-hour wait on a Thursday afternoon, I would say it's at least worth a visit once. They will text you when your table is about ready. If they used a waitlist system where it is possible to join online, it would be even better. Now as for the venue itself, it is definitely tight, especially since it is always packed with people. In the winter, they do coat checks so that helps. I got seated at the bar counter and it is great to be able to see how they making all the burgers and the effort that goes into each one. The vibes are old-school and brings an element of homeyness. If you love burgers, I would put this restaurant on your radar. read more

Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger with egg and bacon - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Au Cheval.....Au how I long for thee!!! 100% my absolute favorite spot to go when I'm in the area. Everything is fantastic, the hand cut fries are the best I've ever had and the burger is AMAZING! cooked right in the front of the house, the thick cut bacon and the perfectly cooked runny egg on top, it's the top tier burger IMHO. I'm usually a solo diner so I can get in and sit at the bar fairly quickly but there does tend to be a wait, but totally worth it. The seating area is fairly small but the tunes rock, and the staff and service are top notch!!! This is the first and last stop for me on my trips to Chicago, and dinners in between if I can make it work. *pro tip* Snag your spot in line, they will text you when your tables ready, then run across the street to the brewery and grab a beer or cocktail and people watch while you wait. read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Oh my gosh--life changing burger. Honestly, it might be the best burger I've ever had. The patty was incredibly well-seasoned, the thick-cut bacon was perfectly peppery, and the brioche bun was soft yet toasted just right. Every bite was pure heaven. It's definitely an indulgent burger, but after trying it, I completely understand the hype. My friend and I originally went during the dinner rush, but the wait was way too long. We came back the next day for lunch and got seated immediately. We both agreed it was absolutely worth the return trip and we'd come back again in a heartbeat. The fries were spot-on--crispy, flavorful, and super satisfying. Service was friendly, attentive, and full of great recommendations. Highly recommend. read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'd been looking forward to this burger and planned my cheat meal around it, even but honestly, it didn't live up to the hype. The wait was rough. We stood around for over an hour, and by the time we finally got seated, we were cutting it close to the kitchen closing. Luckily, there's a bar next door that serves NA beer, so at least we had somewhere to hide out while we waited. When the burger finally hit the table, it looked good, but the taste just didn't deliver. The bun was probably the best part, soft, rich, a little sweet but the rest of it was...fine. Not terrible, not great, just wildly overhyped. After all the buildup, the long wait, and the near "sorry, kitchen's closed" panic, it just didn't feel worth it. Maybe it was an off night, but for me, this one was more "meh" than memorable. read more

Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger with egg - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Au Cheval has long wait times and you can't place a reservation. In the end it is totally worth it to try one of their burgers. A fairly small spot but enough room to move around. Their burgers are done of the best burgers I have ever had. These burgers are massive and you can add bacon or an egg for an extra price. These burgers burger is topped with fried onions, Dijon mustard, pickles, and American cheese. Another standout was the bone marrow a great appetizer to start your meal. Fried are separate and those are delicious as well. Staff and service was great and now I know why this is one of the best burger spots in Chicago. read more

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Great to see that a few years later (visiting for work), this place is still fantastic. One of, if not the, very best burger I've ever had. The added bacon and fried egg are worth the high price. Their fries are also some of the best I've had. Service was great also. read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Au Cheval is probably one of the most hyped restaurants in Chicago and I have to say that I didn't get the hype. I came around noon on a Friday and because I was a solo diner I was quoted a wait of 20 minutes. I heard groups being quoted 2.5 hours. They have a large bar area with seating that allows you a view of the cooks, some banquet seating and outdoor seating. I was seated at the bar and my server was super friendly and upbeat. I thought this was a burger restaurant but they're a full blown diner. A lot of the menu items sounded tasty and I was even tempted to get a milkshake but I landed on a crisp IPA to complement my burger. If you're coming here of course you have to get the burger. You can choose from a single (2 patties) or double (3 patties) cheeseburger and opt to add a fried egg or their thick cut bacon. I was glad that my wait time was only 20 minutes, but I waited another 30 minutes for my burger after ordering. I was a little disappointed that it came out warm instead of hot but I could see how that could happen based on the assembly line process they had going where they have all of the burgers open faced on the counter waiting for their respective toppings. Don't get me wrong, it's a tasty burger, but not one that I would wait in line for. read more

Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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What a beautiful experience! We went when the weather was nice and we were quite surprised when the food arrived so quickly. Turns out someone brought the wrong food to our table. The waitress told us the meal we have was not ours but we still are getting our meal. We were SHOOK! The waitress was very matter of fact and stone face but the service was incredible even though it was hella busy. Now on to the food! The bone marrow appetizer felt like it was needed to be tested, but probably won't seek it out next time. The menu is very simple but impeccable. Michelin star burger seemed too good to be true and it wasn't! My partner got the chilaquiles which were okay in my opinion. The HASH BROWNS! So crispy, just like I like. We will happily be back. read more

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Got very lucky and was seated within 5 mins of walking in. Ordered the burger and it was solid, but slightly salty for my taste. Felt like it was missing an oomph moment. Also, the bacon was thick as can be, felt more like pork belly which is a good thing. My friend also ordered the duck hash and I had a bite. Tasted great but super heavy. The inside feels cozy and nice, and it was packed. Our server was cool too. I'm glad to have tried it but next time will try another burger spot to keep trying new places. read more

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Love Au Cheval. We got in right away Friday at 4:30pm but I've heard the wait can go up to 2 hours during busy hours. The burger is so filling (you really don't need the bacon and eggs unless you really want to stuff yourself) and the fries and aioli are perfectly seasoned. Au Cheval and Little Bad Wolf (smashburgers) are my top 2 favorite burgers in Chicago. The drinks are great too! They say the bone marrow, wings and salad are fan favorites too but I would honestly forgo those (there's more authentic Korean wings and bone marrow is not worth the money imo) but you can get half portions which is nice if you just want to try a bit! read more

Au Cheval - Single Cheeseburger - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Long overdue review! I came to Au Cheval when I was in Chicago for Lollapalooza 2025, and it did not disappoint. We sat outdoors, which was totally fine, and our waiter was great--friendly, helpful, and attentive. The food was delicious, service was fast, and everything just hit the spot. Definitely a spot I'd recommend to anyone visiting Chicago! read more

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You know those place that aren't ~not~ worth the hype, but don't fully live up to the hype? That's Au Cheval for me. Good service, adorable location. Good solid burger, good salad, mediocre fries. But.. $70+ for two burgers, a salad, and a side of fries? Green salad: Fresh salad with a variety of lettuces. The sherry vinaigrette was nice and tangy. Single cheeseburger (with and without added bacon): A single is a double, and these patties were nicely cooked with lots of juiciness. The cheese was perfectly melty, though I found mine to have a little too much sauce. The version with bacon was thiiiickly cut to the point where I'm going to deem it pork belly. The flavors were nice and sweet, though I would've preferred a touch more char along with the sweetness. Fries: These were the disappointment of the meal with some limp, some soggy, some crispy. I believe truffle oil was involved, and I'm just not convinced about the truffle oil fries bandwagon. On some fries, the balance seemed to be just right, but on others the truffle oil was overpowering and bordering on bitter. I'd come back with a group. read more

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Is it a smash Patty? I prefer not to, it was tasty but not the best burger by far. Fries with aioli were decent. Would I come back? Yes. Would I choose this as best burger option- not in a million years. read more

Had a great lunch here with a friend. Great vibe, lots of activity and amazing service from a friendly server that was also a good conversationalist and knew the menu very well. My friend's matzoh ball soup makes me wish I ordered it as it looked fantastic and he said it tasted great! I had the chopped chicken liver, which was OK, but quite honestly nothing special. We each had a burger, which was excellent, although I am not going to say it's one of the best burgers I've ever had or the best in the country, which is apparently the mantra for the burger. French fries were actually disappointing; very ordinary. Two additional comments. See the picture of our server, but sadly, I forgot his name. Sorry about that young man. And, the bloody Mary was one of the best Bloody Mary's I've ever had! The overall experience was wonderful and I would love to go back and try something else next time. read more

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We were lucky to snag a table inside just before the lunch rush! Be prepared to spend a little time here, the food isn't fast, but it's worth the wait. The burgers and bologna sandwich were fresh and delicious, and the fries hit the spot. Definitely save room for dessert, the cream-filled pastry was heavenly! The atmosphere is very cool, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and the staff was overall welcoming. The only hiccup was at the beginning was it was a little confusing figuring out how to get seated since the host was outside helping other guests. That said, once we were settled, the experience was great. read more

Au Cheval - Bologna Sandwich - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I figure it's time to update my review from 2017 on Au Cheval, since I've now been here three times. I still maintain what I said before, this is the BEST burger I have ever had. To avoid the chaos of first-come, first-serve at the bar and the long wait, I've come up with a practical and simple solution: get here when the place opens. Yeah, that means you'll be eating a burger at around 10:30 am when you food comes out. I mean, not a huge deal for me since I eat at 11 am for my first meal. Maybe others might have an issue with that, but not me! Anyways, the Double Cheeseburger is still as great as I remember it solely because of the tastiness of the beef. Chicago beef is truly undefeated! Of course, you need to toss the egg and thick-cut caramelized bacon on it. The bacon's sweetness is a nice contrast to the salty nature of the beef. Definitely need to order the Crispy Fries, which are cooked in duck fat and also come with an egg on top. Since I actually came with other people, I also ordered the Fois Gras, which is fois gras with scrambled eggs. That was simply delectable. Service is solid here. They took our order and promptly brought our food out. Water came frequently as well. We were well taken care of! Au Cheval is a must visit for me every time I come to Chicago. This burger is just too damn good! read more

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Heard a bunch of great things about this place. Ended up waiting a bit longer than anticipated, but it was all good. The drinks were decent but not fantastic. The burger was tasty. I would go back but probably not wait over an hour to be seated. read more

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When I had my first Au Cheval burger years back, I legitimately thought "this is the best burger I've ever had." I'm happy to confirm Au Cheval is still serving up some of the best burgers around. For a diner, Au Cheval's ambiance is upscale, but the vibe is laid back. There is usually a wait to dine in. The service is attentive and professional. During my most recent visit, I was there about an hour, and noticed nearly everyone dining in order a burger. The "single" is actually a double, and the "double" is a triple. Regardless of which option you choose, I highly recommend adding an egg. If you're a bacon lover, that's an option, as well. An order of fries is probably enough for two, considering how filling the burgers are. Like many places in Chicago, Au Cheval is on the pricier side. Frankly, I don't even care. This is one of my absolute favorite restaurants, and each meal I've had here has been worth every penny. read more

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Amazing! Our party of 4 adults and 1Infant was quoted a seating time between 20-40minutes on a Sunday lunch afternoon (might be skewed as the Chicago marathon was happening). We parked at a nearby lot that was pricey because street parking was tough to find. We were surprisingly texted 15 minutes that our table was ready and had 10 minutes to get back to check in. We left our stroller in the foyer and walked in to the tight diner and bar type space seated in a high booth. We got the bone marrow dish and the fried chicken wings to share with the table and ordered a single cheeseburger per couple with two beers. The food was amazing, we loved all the dishes and were stuffed at the end. The added bacon on the burger was beautiful. read more

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so glad we tried this place! we actually only waited about 15 mins to get seated at the bar on a wednesday night around 7pm. we came here for my boyfriends birthday and we were so happy we chose to celebrate here. the two people that helped us was antonio and issa and they made the experience 10x better. they were very attentive and friendly and just easy to talk to. gave us good recommendations and good vibes. we both really liked our drinks and were happy with the spread the food came out. we got to eat the bone marrow first which also came with this really good sauce it was almost like a meat jam but was so good on the bread and then put some of the bone marrow on for the perfect bite. now the burger, you just have to try it because it really is that good. the sauce in it was so good and it just had a really good flavor. it was just an elevated burger. we got fries as well and we shared the burger so it we were really full after. the server brought out ice cream with a candle and some sort of chocolate sauce too which just made the overall experience. we were really happy with the service and food and it just made my bfs bday that much more special and memorable. read more

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Au cheval: Superiorly decadent beef and cheese. Perfectly textured fries. Much cooler ambiance and alcohol, of course. In n out: A more complete bite with thousand island, fresh onion, chopped chilies, lettuce and tomato. Better value Au cheval was overall the better burger experience, but in-n-out edges out in terms of what I want for my next bite read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The smells hit me as soon as I stepped through the front door, and at that moment I knew I would not be displeased. This was hands down the best burger I have ever had. Fresh, juicy, and decadent at the same time. Served simply with the basic fixings. The fries are cut fresh daily, fried up to perfection, then served with a side of garlic aioli for dipping. They only have one type of burger on the menu, a single (two patties) or a double (three patties), with the option to add bacon & egg. I opted for the bacon, and it literally melted in my mouth with each bite. We got the best spot in the house, perched up at the bar on the corner where we could see down the line. As you know by now, I love any open concept kitchen. But bar side seating at that? Just lovely. The service was great, but the burger, even better. Acclaimed to be a legendary Chicago staple, I can attest this to be true. read more

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Second time we have been here. We got to the restaurant right when it opened and it was still busy. We got the marrow (which is a must), the fries, the burger with egg and bacon on top, and the hash with duck heart gravy. My hash's egg was a little too overcooked for my liking but the gravy definitely made up for it. The food was excellent and the service was great. The music was great and was loud enough to hear but not too distracting. Definitely come here if you find yourself in Chicago. read more

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This place was SO good! We all got the single cheeseburger and a side of fries with a beer and we loved it!!! My mom added the egg and my sister added the bacon and it was incredible! Definitely worth the wait!!!! The service was also fast and I love the open kitchen! read more

Au Cheval - single cheeseburgers, one with egg, one with bacon. - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Au Cheval lives up to its hype with indulgent comfort food served in a sleek, slightly dim, and buzzy atmosphere. Service was efficient and friendly, even with the place packed -- staff knew the menu inside and out and kept things moving without rushing you. Single Cheeseburger with egg and bacon: Juicy, perfectly seasoned patty, melty cheese, and thick-cut bacon that adds smoky crunch -- rich and absolutely worth the calories. Foie Gras: Luxurious, buttery, and expertly seared -- a decadent treat that melts in your mouth. Omelette: Soft, silky, and delicately flavored -- simple yet executed perfectly. Green Salad: Fresh, crisp greens with a bright, balanced dressing -- the perfect light contrast to the heavier dishes. Overall a must-visit for elevated diner fare done to perfection -- come hungry, expect a wait, and leave very, very happy. read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We couldn't help ourselves! Everything looked so good on the menu! Of course we had to get the cheeseburger, which is rumored to be "the best burger in America". The burger was cooked perfectly: juicy with a beefy taste and mouthfeel nestled in a soft brioche bun. The big pickle spear was most welcome to cut the richness. We also got the bone marrow which came with four halved bones, four grilled toasts, and an overflowing ramekin of beef cheek marmalade. Also rich and delectable! Last but not least, my fiancé had to order the foie gras with eggs. So flavorful and the eggs were super fluffy and light. Refills on the house made lemonade were most welcome to cut the heaviness of this meal! No reservations, but we were pleasantly surprised there wasn't a wait on a Thursday right before noon. Service was awesome! We were seated at the bar and were checked on regularly by many of the staff. We found the prices here really reasonable for the quantity and quality of food in a big city. There is a 3.25% surcharge tacked onto the bill, which they say you can remove if requested. read more

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I've been here before, but it was back in the day and it was after a concert, so ya know...my judgement may have been a bit skewed. So fast forward 10 years, I had a physical scheduled in the city and wanted to grab a good burger from a place that was open before 5pm during the week. Which is slim and none, and Slim's out of town. I had to fast so walked into the place ravenous and was going to try to take down half their menu. I was flying solo and just wanted to sit at the bar. 30 minutes wait at 2pm on a Friday, which for here is not bad. Super friendly gent said to give him my digits and he'll text when my spot was ready. 20 minutes later I'm in business! The hostess was super friendly. I had a bag that attaches to the back of my bike, and she's like feel free to leave it at the host stand to give me more leg room / be comfortable. If you've been to other burger places, you normally don't experience this level of service; you get the elitist attitude. When I was seated, it didn't take long for my waiter Isa (sp?) to come my way and gave me the spiel. I already knew what I wanted so bantered about for a few and just watched things unfold around me. For food, I took down the cheeseburger, which is really a double and met all my expectations. I almost got it well done instead of medium, and I'm glad I didn't. It was cooked perfectly. Upon further review, I probably would have asked for extra pickles, but buckled under the pressure of my stomach pressing against my spine. Next time I go I'm going to try their fried chicken sandwich. I overheard my waiter mention it was also a solid choice to the person next to me. It's on my bucket list for next time. If you're a burger fan and you're flexible on time, highly recommend. Try to get there during off times and expect a wait either way. Get on the text wait list and then grab a drink at Lone Wolf (kind of a dive bar next door) or throw down a few beers at Haymarket (kitty corner from Au Cheval on Randolph) read more

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I want to start off this review by saying I don't like burgers. But I do like Au Cheval! There's really nothing to not like about this place and its food. The burger is juicy, slightly salty, but better than the alternative of not enough flavor or salt. The fries are delicious; they have the perfect crisp to potato ratio and the cheesy sauce and garlic aioli dips are both amazing! Whoever was on the aux back there was doing their big one, and I loved the classy rnb vibes inside. One thing to note is that their single burger is 2 patties and the double is three patties (honestly, I'm a huge eater and I think I could share a single cheeseburger with someone) I get the hype about this place, and it really feels like a classic that you can't forget about when talking about Chicago. read more

Au Cheval - single cheeseburger (which is 2 patties anyway) and fries - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Au Cheval is hands down home to the best burger I've ever had. Every time I'm in Chicago, it's my first stop--it's become a tradition at this point. The burger is perfectly balanced, rich, and absolutely unforgettable. The atmosphere adds to the experience, but it's that legendary burger that keeps me coming back without fail. If you're in town and love a good burger, this place is a must. TIPS: Reservations are a good idea as it gets busy. Their fries are legit too. Get a side of those. I always get egg and bacon on my burger. The NYC Au Cheval is spectacular too. read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Au Cheval is, hands down, one of the best burgers I've ever had. It's the kind of place that completely lives up to the hype and YES, the wait is long (like hours long), but when you take that first bite -- it's totally worth it. My boyfriend and I were visiting Chicago for our anniversary and wanted to try this spot after hearing raving reviews for years! They don't accept reservations, so just know it's walk-ins only--hence the long wait times. As non-locals, we were walking to Au Cheval when it began to storm out of nowhere. Unfortunately they don't have a spacious waiting area to get away from the rain, so everyone was squished tight in the front of the restaurant -- keep in mind the restaurant is quite small. We put our name down and were prepared to wait 2-3 hours since everyone around us had been waiting that long. Miraculously though, they had a table for 2 ready and my boyfriend and I were seated within 20 minutes!!! Was such a pleasant surprise. I ordered the single cheeseburger ($17) and added an egg ($3). When I tell you that burger is perfection--juicy and soo flavorful! The balance of the beef, cheese, and toppings is spot-on. I've had my fair share of burgers but THIS one--easily stands out among the rest + the egg perfectly compliments the burger! Beyond the food, the service at Au Cheval truly made the experience special! Even with how packed and busy the restaurant was, the staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and made us feel completely taken care of. I asked the server for advice on what to get + what she'd recommend for drinks, and she took time to explain the entire drinks list to us! I love the overall ambiance and cozy interior of this spot. To top it all off, they surprised us with a complimentary dessert to celebrate our anniversary, which was such a thoughtful touch. Between the incredible food, amazing service, and the overall lively atmosphere, Au Cheval is a Chicago must-visit for a reason! If you're patient enough to wait, you'll be rewarded with one of the most memorable burgers you'll ever eat. read more

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After 10+ years in the city my husband and I finally got to dine at Au Cheval! It was was so delish! We have had small cheval a bunch, but this was just a different level, of course. We went on a Friday at lunch. We arrived around 11am, to put our names in at the host stand. I fully expected them to say the wait would be about an hour or two, but he delightfully said that the wait was within 10 to 20 minutes. And then we got a text maybe just over 10 minutes after that. So the wait was so surprising. We were sat at the bar right in front of where the action was! I loved it! Both my husband and I ordered a burger and added a fried egg on top and shared one order of fries. It was the perfect amount for lunch. Just a note that they're single burger is actually a double, it comes with two patties. I'm glad that the server told us this so that we didn't overorder. The burger is so delicious. The patty is very juicy and the cheese and sauce inside was perfect. I liked the fried egg on top but could have done without it. As it is an extra three dollars. You also can add some bacon on top of the burger too, but it is about $7 or $8 more. Since we were sat at the bar and right next to where at all the other orders were being sever up, we saw so many other delish dishes that looked incredible. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Worth the Hype -- Timing Is Everything My wife and I went to Au Cheval while in Chicago for a work trip. With nearly 10,000 Yelp reviews, we had to see if it actually lived up to the hype. We showed up around 6:30pm on a Friday and were quoted a 55-75 minute wait. Not surprising. We put our names down and walked next door for a drink (which turned out to be a great move). About an hour later, we got the text that our table was ready -- timing was pretty much spot on. We were seated at the bar right in front of the grill, which honestly made the experience even better. The vibe is diner meets speakeasy -- dim lighting, high energy, but still intimate. Watching the expeditor and grill team work in perfect sync was wildly entertaining. You can tell they've done this thousands of times. Now to the important part -- the burger. I ordered the "double" cheeseburger (which is actually a triple), and my wife ordered the "single" (which is actually a double). If you're really hungry, the double/triple is a serious, meaty experience. But flavor-wise, I actually preferred the single/double -- better balance between meat, cheese, sauce, and bun. My wife said it was the best burger she's ever had. For me, it's easily top 2 all time. One thing to note: timing matters. A couple coworkers tried to come around 7:30-8:00pm and were told it was a 2+ hour wait. Meanwhile, we overheard someone come in around 9:15pm and get quoted little to no wait. If you're debating whether it's worth the wait -- it is. Just plan accordingly. Would absolutely go back. read more

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