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This place came up on my radar because I saw it on lots of top burgers in the city/ country lists. I came into town for a beer festival and really wanted to come here. I also saw that lines are long weights are typical here. Well, I came here after getting int town on a weeknight. It was on the later side and it was still busy, but the wait for me was only 30 minutes! When I finally got to sit down at the bar, I was greeted by really friendly folks. It was busy inside, but not super packed. The vibe here was pretty chill with dim lighting. I ordered the roasted marrow bone and a single cheeseburger. Believe me, the single is way more than enough burger for a person to handle. I'm not want to rank food items, but I have to say this burger definitely lives up to the hype. A really delicious burger. I can see why it's so popular. The menu also features beers from local breweries and a good variety of cocktails. They also have some other fun menu items. I wish I lived closer where I can come here often enough where I would get the other items as well.
I didn't believe the hype, like at all. And I know they have one in New York but this is the original. Again I got lucky with about a 10 minute wait for a bar seat on a busy Friday night with no reservation. Server was welcoming and friendly. Of course I had to get the burger with the egg and bacon. OMG. Delicious. That's all I have to say. The bacon is thick so yo can maybe some will skip that but it added another layer of depth to the burger. Fries are perfect. Literally no complaints. And my cocktail the bee knees was strong! I would've gotten dessert but I had no room. No room at all.
A must visit, Au Cheval is one of the best restaurants we've visited in Chicago and it's no surprise why they are so busy. Our party of three stopped in for Sunday lunch and got seated right away, a very lucky occurance it would seem. The staff, especially our server, were all very helpful and made the experience what it was. My 9-year old had a few too many questions about the existence of peppers on the menu so our server suggested an off-menu breakfast plate of bacon and eggs. It turned out to be very well made - creamy not overdone eggs, thick/crispy/sweet bacon and thick bread. It was better than the burger, which is saying something as the burger here is as good as you'll find at any place. The standout for us was the hash with duck heart gravy. With an egg on top, the gravy was flavorful and definitely unique.
So I was in Chicago after a long hiatus from the area and decided to finally check out Au Cheval which has been on my bucket list for at least a decade now. Part of the reason why it worked for this round is that I found myself solo dining for a night after a flight so I knew it would be easier to just walk in vs with a group or a party. The joint is lively and tight inside but absolutely friendly. I was able to walk in at around 4:45 PM on a Monday night with no wait. Was seated at the bar which is a great spot to be at. The service here was fantastic and the menu is broken into a simple structure with the food (burgers and sands, some sides and "strong drinks" I really came here for the Cheeseburger so there was no debate in what to order. Just so people are aware, a single cheeseburger is actually a "double" I know it's confusing but good to know. I ordered a dirty martini (Extra) and it was fantastic. The best blue cheese olives ive had in a while and they did not hold back on the spirit heavy sided of the drink. Absolutely addicting and delicious. The burger was also delicious with the bacon. Solid burger. I will say I was expecting a life changing experience and not sure it was that... but it was a really solid burger to ingest. Glad I finally got to try this place. Delish!
Arrived just as they opened at 10AM on a Friday and were the first customers in the door, but by the time we left at 11:30 there was a good sized line. Vibes inside are excellent and drinks are (very) boozy with a variety of booths, tables, and bar seating available. Burger with Egg and Bacon (4.25/5): Look, this is a great burger. Bacon is melt in your mouth and the egg adds a bit of creamy richness on top of the fatty, salty beef and cheese combo. The bread bun is pillowy, but I wouldn't wait in a line for hours for this. Bone Marrow (10/5): Now I would wait in line for hours for this bone marrow dish that absolutely changed my life. This comes with 4 HUGE pieces of bone marrow that you spread over fluffy, perfectly toasted Texas toast and pair with a beef cheek marmalade that exactly rides the line between sweet and savory. If you come here without ordering this, you're missing out big time. Green Salad (4/5): Nice, fresh and I needed some fiber. Nothing mind blowing, but a good change of pace. Crispy Fries (4/5): Very lightly crispy fries (reminiscent of light well for the west coasters), but the sauces are where this shines. Garlic aioli and mornay sauce (think white gravy) were rich, thick, and excellent! Key Lime Pie (4.25/5): Whipped cream on this INCREDIBLE, wish you could just order a bowl of that. I think they serve it slightly warmer than fridge temp (cool not cold) and it just melts on the tongue with really strong vanilla flavor. Pie itself is also good; nice strong tartness with the buttery and salty crust. Mille-Feuille (4.5/5): Chocolate sauce has a nice depth of flavor with the shattering crisp of the pastry. Pastry cream was a lot thicker than I expected, but super rich and delicious. Definitely a dessert to share.
Arrived before having to wait more than 30 minutes as others after me had to. I waited no more than 20 minutes for a seat. I got sat at the bar area where you can see all the action of the kitchen. The place is busy and full and I think it's awesome that it's an open kitchen cause you can see the magic happening. My waitress was super friendly and seems like she's used to everyone coming in to try the burger lol I heard her repeat the spiel many times. A single patty is 2 and a double is 3z I went with a double but honestly should have done a single. Food came out quick and the burger is super juicy. Fries were hot and delicious and even though it was the simplest burger I've ever had in my life I would say it's one of my top three favorite burgers I've ever had. Can't wait to come back.
Wow! So happy I finally got to come here. They have recently started accepting some reservations and I was lucky enough to get one. I understand why they are famous for their burgers. I had the single cheeseburger and it lived up to the hype. I learned that the single burger is actually a double and the double is actually a triple. I was recommended to add an egg and bacon to the burger and I'm glad I did. Each bite was a glorious burst of flavor. The bacon is epic. Thick juicy slices. The cheeseburger was perfect. I didn't need additional condiments and that never happens for me. The fries were good too and came with a delicious aioli. For beverages, I loved my Arnold Palmer. I also tried a cocktail--the Long Island Iced Coffee. It was pretty strong. I added a shot of bourbon cream to it and that sweetened it up and made it perfect for me. Unfortunately, I didn't have room for dessert. Cute restaurant. Cozy inside. They have an outdoor patio as well. If you don't have a reservation, be prepared to wait. Excellent food. Excellent service. Jennifer took great care of me and made great suggestions. It's pricy but it's worth it.
My friend wanted to go to Au Cheval while we were both visiting Chicago, which is one of the most popular restaurants for tourists. I've heard the wait is insane, so it's recommended to make a reservation on Resy. Off the bat, I was already side-eyeing this process. I had to pay $2.49 per person to secure a reservation, which is crazy. This is not a deposit either, which I would have understood. I've just never encountered a restaurant that charges a fee to make a reservation. Upon arrival, we got seated immediately (which I would hope so, after paying to make a reservation). Our server collected our orders quickly and our food came out about 15-20 minutes later. CRISPY FRIES - 13.99 Charging $14 for a side of fries is wild enough, but topping it with a completely solid fried egg was baffling. I'm not sure what the culinary vision was. Are we supposed to mash it all together into some sort of hash brown situation, or awkwardly eat the fried egg on its own? The fries themselves were fine, nothing to write home about. However, I did enjoy the mornay sauce and garlic aioli that came on the side. SINGLE CHEESEBURGER - 17.99 +3.49 for egg Over $20 for a burger that doesn't come with sides? I was a little disappointed my burger came with a side of a knife instead. I thought the whole gimmick was having the knife strike straight down into the burger. Beyond that, the burger wasn't anything unique. The bun itself was dry and mid, not the soft and fluffy bun I had envisioned. Everything else was fine -- not bad, but certainly not great. While it wasn't a bad burger, I can't help but feel incredibly disappointed given the hype around Au Cheval burgers. My friend told me the way to "fully experience" Au Cheval is to get the cheeseburger plus both the egg and bacon add-ons, which our server also recommended. I did try a piece of my friend's bacon with my burger and it does add a depth of smoky sweetness. However, that becomes a 17.99 + 3.49 + 6.99 = 28.47 for a burger. That's insane. The add-ons themselves cost more than half of the burger. I'm not doing that to my wallet. Sorry, but this was a disappointing experience for me. I'd rather just go to Shake Shack, which at least comes with tasty and juicy burgers for 1/3 of the price.
Au Cheval absolutely lived up to the hype. We were quoted a 45-minute wait, and it ended up being almost exactly 45 minutes, which gave us time to explore the area. Once our table was ready, we were seated right away. The restaurant is on the smaller side, so seating is limited and it can get crowded, but it honestly adds to the lively atmosphere. From the moment we sat down, our server was amazing. He was incredibly attentive, walked us through the menu, and explained that the "single" cheeseburger is actually a double patty, while the "double" is actually a triple. He also recommended ordering the bone marrow and saving the jam that comes with it to spread on the burger, a little "Au Cheval hack" that many regulars apparently swear by. We tried it, and it made the burger even more flavorful. I also highly recommend adding the fried egg to the burger. It gave it a rich, creamy texture that brought everything together perfectly. Despite being such a simple burger, the quality of the ingredients and the balance of flavors made it one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. The service from everyone: the host stand to our server was exceptional. And while I didn't order the wings, several tables around us did, and they looked and smelled incredible. They're definitely on my list for my next visit. I'll absolutely be back.
Au Cheval was as good as advertised. Local friends had told me this was a must visit, it did not disappoint. The burger was the highlight, juicy, cheesy, messy in the best way, and the fried egg on top made it even better. The bacon is a must too. It's super thick and had so much flavor. Fries were crispy and the sauce that came with them were really good. We had the choice of having the sauce on the fries but we opted for it on the side as we weren't sure if we'd like it. We did! The pastry dessert was flaky layered with cream and covered in chocolate. The root beer float was really good too. It's dark and busy inside but that's part of the vibe. Everything we ordered hit. I'd 100% come back.
Au Cheval is a rusty diner that serves a good burger. What makes their burgers unique is the peppered bacon: it's hand-cut in-house and is as thick as their burger patties. Their "single" cheeseburger is actually a double cheeseburger, and their "double" cheeseburger is actually a triple -- makes no sense, but that is their naming convention. Bacon is extra. Fried egg is extra. Even fries is extra. I got a "double" cheeseburger + bacon + fries and it ended up being $40, which is a lot for burger and fries (1 star off). I enjoyed my bacon burger, but probably would hit another delicious and heart attack-inducing burger joint next time given the hefty price tag here. Need to save enough money for that cardiac bypass.
After what felt like 5 years to try this place, I FINALLY got to try the famous burger here! Spark notes: this place is definitely worth the wait! My friend and I dedicated a day where we would just put our name down and however long it took we would wait haha. We drove into the city which took and hour and we put our name down and waited an hour before we were called. The weather was great so we just walked around the west loop area. We started with a half size of the green salad and a half size of the roasted bone marrow. The house salad is super refreshing. A lot of vinegar in the dressing which I personally really like. Also tasted some fennel which was an interesting flavor. The roasted bone marrow is the winner of the night. I would come back to Au Cheval for this alone. It was paired with a thick slice of Texas toast and a beef cheek marmalade and it is seriously the PERFECT balance of flavors. Fatty. Sweet. Buttery. Literally insane and this is a must order! Then came the famous burger. My friend and I each ordered a single cheeseburger with the egg and bacon added. Something to note is that the single cheeseburger actually has 2 patties and the double cheeseburger has 3 patties (3/4lbs of beef). The presentation itself is beautiful and makes you just not want to eat it haha. The burger itself is so decadent and hefty with the burger patties, cheese, egg and bacon. I'll be honest, I needed some more pickles or just something to cut all the fattiness of the burger. There were pickles in the burger and it is served with a huge pickle spear. But I still was itching for some more bitterness/acid to balance the flavors. It was so decadent, I couldn't finish it all. All in all, I would definitely come back and order the burger again and would recommend it to anyone! We ordered a side of fries which came with their garlic aioli. The fries were cooked to perfection. Super crunchy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside and piping hot! The garlic aioli is perfect and have no notes for it. We also were treated to a vanilla scoop with chocolate sauce which was the perfect cap to our meal! Our waitress was so friendly and my friend and I loved her! She was so sweet and genuine. Hog Salt restaurants never fail with their service!
Au Cheval is likely the most coveted restaurant destination for out-of-towners. "Best Burger" "it's so delicious with the egg" "I'm glad you're ending your trip with Au Cheval". I'd like to throw in my own quote into the gauntlet: "it's ok". It sounds harsh but Our burger patty was noticeably dry. The bread... was also dry. The egg and bacon add-ons were good but as a whole, the burger was missing the core aspect. The bread being dry I can justify by knowing that Au Cheval makes it a point to make everything gluten-free (or so someone told me). I think that's cool but not necessarily what I came looking for. I actually noticed prior to our trip from photos that the buns looked noticeably arid but I gave them no heed because of all of the praise. And I can give them the benefit of the doubt that we were there on a Sunday night, so potentially not the most quality inventory (although I personally don't think that's a great excuse). The service and the ambiance were on point! If you're wondering if there's a required attire (no shorts or flip flops) I wouldn't fret, the atmosphere is a lot more casual despite self-describing as an "intimate" setting. It's definitely more intimate than a normal burger restaurant, with dim lighting and isolated booths but what you're wearing isn't going to dictate how other guests and staff feel. I would cover up anyways just cause there was ac running. I told my friend who moved from Nyc to Chicago and he said he felt the same. And one of our couple friends were surprised to hear the patty being dry, so... off day?
2 months ago
I have been wanting to go to this place since 2025 and I finally got to go today. The wait time for a single person at the bar was one hour. I was grateful for the young lady hostess, who took my name and monitored my wait time. Sorry I didn't get her name, but she was great once I finally made it in. Antonio was my server and he was great very fast and efficient and friendly. I already knew what I wanted because I looked at the menu and didn't want to waste time because I was not going to pay for additional parking. I sat at the bar and was able to see the cooks and the bartender with their magic. The environment was very busy very fast paced. Understandable as you should know what you want for the wait time that there is take the time to look at the menu, I got the single burger, which was explained to me as a double burger and the double burger was a triple burger and I got fries with the aïoli sauce. The food was amazing and truly worth the wait. I also had a French martini, which didn't sit well with me and that was totally my fault. I had a slight incident, but Joey was amazing and I'm grateful that he was there. As well as another young lady server. They both were truly lifesavers. read more
11 months ago
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
11 months ago
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
5 months ago
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
1 year ago
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
1 month ago
Best burger ive ever had. I'll say the hour wait made the taste even better because youre hungry! read more
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
11 months ago
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
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
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
6 months ago
6 months ago
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
11 months ago
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
2 months ago
Consistently one of the best burgers in Chicago! Add that bacon always!! Great selection of drinks and beers. We were surprised how good the omelette was! read more
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
1 year ago
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
2 months ago
6 months ago
One standout we'd absolutely recommend is the Double--it comes with an extra patty and delivers in every way. Don't forget to add the extra egg and their delicious, from-the-heart bacon, which takes the whole dish to another level. It's hearty, flavorful, and easily the highlight of the meal. read more
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
1 year ago
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 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
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
Burger was good and this place is worth checking out if you haven't been before (and are ok with waiting 2+ hours for a table). You should definitely go if you want to see what the hype is about, but this place is a tad overrated in my opinion. I've lived here for a while now and have never really found a reason to come back after the first time. It's great, but I've had a lot of good burgers in Chicago that I like equally as much or more, and those places don't have nearly the wait time. Yeah it's a good burger but it's pretty hard to eat a BAD burger in this city. There are a million places with a great burger, so what sets this place apart? That's the question I came in with, and honestly the question remains unanswered. Good service though, and I like the atmosphere inside. I unfortunately just think this is overrated for the price and if you do some digging, you can find a burger just as good, probably cheaper, that has a fraction of the wait time. read more
After receiving our seating text, we promptly reported to the outdoor desk, just as the outdoor podium was being pulled in. We informed the hostess who took our name, of our arrival and were told they'd be with us momentarily. However, about five minutes later, a party that had just received their seating text and was standing next to us was seated as soon as they went to the hostess. Concerned we may have been unintentionally overlooked, I approached the host stand. During that moment, I overheard a hostess asking a couple for their name and telling them she'd call them in a minute. My inquiry seemed to create some tension, and shortly afterward, we observed that every other waiting party was called in ahead of us, except for the couple I happened to overhear. This includes a party of 5. We were a party of two. Once my burger arrived, I ordered a root beer, which was delivered by one of the hostesses. The glass was less than half full and the root beer was thick and flat. I decided it wasn't that good. A minute later, our server commented, "Hopefully the rest doesn't take too long." When I looked confused, she asked if we had been told the barrel had run out and they were opening a new one. We hadn't. She apologized, and while this may have been a simple oversight, it further added to our uneasy impression, especially since the initial service also involved a hostess. Add to that, we were served the bottom of the barrel. When the new pour came, it looked and tasted different. Go figure. While I understand that arriving 90 minutes to closing time may present certain challenges, hospitality is a key part of the dining experience. Unfortunately, I left feeling like we weren't entirely welcome; something I've never felt before during previous visits. And what's worse is most of it was intentional. read more
The Best Burgers in Chicago! The food here is absolutely delicious! Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. I Highly recommend the bologna sandwiche, cooked well. The French Fries are freshly cut and perfectly fried with a delicious dipping sauce. Our server and the was staff here is extremely friendly. He made great recommendations. The place is kind of small but it's packed with patrons, that's a good thing. We had about a 30 min wait, but it was definitely worth it! This place is a much try when visiting Chicago. Rate 10 out of 10, I'll certainly be back again read more
Best burger in the nation? That's really hard to say, but I would rank Au Cheval as one of the best burgers I've ever had. Absolutely delicious and amazing bacon, smash patties were rich and flavor packed, the egg made it so rich and decadent. The hash browns were amazingly delicious. Crispy potatoes, cheese sauce, bits of meat crumbles. Duck fat fries were pretty incredible too. It's a long wait, but worth it. read more
21 days ago
1 year ago
Still 5 stars! No wonder they're always packed! After going to a magic show, I wandered downtown and ended up back at one of my favorite spots...Au Cheval. I couldn't resist ordering the chilaquiles again (even though everyone swears by their burgers...I promise I'll try one next time!). I also ordered the chicken to go, so I'll post a pic once I try it. The service was amazing. Since it was just me, I got seated at the bar right away and ended up chatting with a super cool girl who just moved here from Oregon. She said everyone told her to try Au Cheval...tbh her burger did look pretty fire . She ordered the key lime pie (which looked amazing even though I'm not usually a fan), and that inspired me to grab dessert too...and I'm so glad I did. It was surprisingly delicious with great presentation! Pretty sure one of my servers was named Nick, and he was so sweet. Can't wait to go back and I hope to get him again! They always have great music and a cute dark sultry ambiance. It's a little tight but so worth the visit. read more
19 days ago
I love burgers and this is the best one I've ever had. No notes. Add lettuce and tomato to ur burger to help cut the greasiness. The sriracha wings are also great. Line was very long though. Can put your name down and come back. Very limited seating but booth was nice. read more
2 months ago
The infamous burger they say. I say regular burger. Nothing to write home about but was solid. Very busy and offers only walk up reservations. read more
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
1 year ago
Three of us got there around 12:45pm on a Tuesday. We were pleasantly greeted and told it would be a 15-30 minute wait. We were texted in about 10! It's a rather small, narrow room with a bar on one side and booths along the other. It is clean, with rustic ambiance. The server was polite and efficient. We all ordered a "single" burger, one with only egg and the other two with egg and bacon. I say " "single " because there are two patties. Their "double" has three. Whatever ... in the end, it was the best burger I've ever had! The egg was cooked just right; over easy. The bacon is a quarter inch thick and deliciously peppery. The patties were medium well, tender, and cheesy. "Chef's kiss!" It is a bit pricey, but I'm not going here everyday. But, if I were you, I'd go here at least once! Peace! read more
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
I completely understand why people claim Au Cheval has the best burgers, because this was truly one of the best I've ever had! The patties were cooked perfectly, and the egg was just the right amount of runny. As someone who isn't a big fan of candied bacon, I think it was delicious and definitely added a great taste to the burger, but I will say this was a really heavy meal and I couldn't finish the whole thing. I took this back to my hotel and finished the rest the next day-- can confirm it was sooo good even though it was ice cold from sitting in the fridge! Heavily recommend for everyone to try at least once :) read more
4 months ago
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
I'm finally here, arguably everybody's bet for the best burger in the city possibly within these United States. It's only taken me all my life and I live in this town. Does it live up to expectations? Yes it does- that thick cut bacon makes a difference. The single gets you 2 beef patties cooked to medium with some pink top with egg and voila you have Chicagos best burger. Even the fries were awesome- crispy crunchy if not a little salty. Oh, and let's not forget outdoor seating(see pics). We waited 1 hour this Saturday around 1:40PM to be called. But we kept entertained by the Porsche convergence on the west loop today. It is pricey especially when you add the egg and bacon But without it - it wouldn't be special. Shout out to the hosts Freeman and our server Joshua - too cool guys! read more
More info about Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
West Loop, Near West Side
Directions
(312) 929-4580
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.auchevaldiner.com
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Ask the Community - Au Cheval
Do they still have outdoor seating, and is it dog-friendly?
Yes, they most certainly have outdoor setting and will likely accommodate pets outside.
How long is the wait in the evening?
It was about 35 min for a party of 4. But outside seating was available immediately.
What's the dress code? Thinking about dining in before a baseball game
No dress code, honestly. I was wearing a tank top and shorts and they seated me
Is it wagyu beef and can lettuce and tomatoes be added to the burgers?
You won't even need to do any of that...it's incredible as it comes. And no x 3
If I go on a Monday with a table of 7, what time should I get there for minimal wait?
My suggestion, put your name in anticipating a 1-2 hour wait, and then walk around the west Loop. Go to Levian cookies, etc..
Do you have any non beef items?
Yes. They have French fries and they also have chicken.
Does anyone know if their meat is kosher?
Not sure but, our waiter ASKED if we had any allergies to certain foods .
Is there a quiet bar near here?
Haymarket is a great option. It's not necessarily quiet but not super loud.
Which oil do they use to fry the fries? ETA: they use beef fat per the fry cook.
They use beef fat
Since no reservations are taken what happens to guests during the wait period during the cold months? About how long would the wait be for a single guest dining alone midweek.... I will be in Chicago in early March !
There's a couple bars in the area, give them your number...go grab a couple of drinks and they'll text you when your spot is ready
Do they seat a party of 5 or more together?
We had a party of 8 and they just had us split up into groups of 4 in the booths. They could probably accommodate 8 at the tables but the wait will be very long
Is this restaurant okay for well-behaved children (8 and 14)?
it's kinda old school, a bit dark, low ceiling, I've ate inside once don't recall children, this was around 2pm on a weekday. I can't think of a reason why it wouldn't be OK, my opinion ....it's not a kid place. They have outdoor dining as well as…
Do they take reservations? Note: answered my own question. they do not. called them and asked.
You have to go in person to be put on the list and they page you with two hours usually for seating.
Do fries come with the Single Burger or does that need to be purchased separately?
Everything is a la carte
Has the wait time gone down due to COVID? Have they started taking reservations online?
I don’t know. My friend was the one who picked up our order and he called in advance. My only suggestion is to either call in advance or possibly ordering online if you’re doing takeout.
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Au Cheval - bars - Updated September 2026
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