Probably the best burger I've had, and consistently at that quality. The bone marrow doesn't disappoint either. I can't recommend the duck heart potato hash though, it's just so oily and heavy and tasted just so dry and not great. The actual restaurant itself also feels great like a nice diner - but is SUPER loud so be ready to yell at times, the dark lighting can be annoying but lots of pointed lights make it bearable and a vibe. read more

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This place is quite popular for its cheese burgers and we came here just for that. I accompanied my husband and my brother as they have been wanting to try this place for quite sometime now. They both had the Single Cheeseburger, one was original and the other was with bacon and egg. They said it was absolutely delicious. We came in at about 6:30 pm to write down our names and got the table by 8:00 pm, so you expect 1-1.5 hrs of wait time. The service was great, the server made sure to note down the allergies. The ambiance was like an elite diner vibes. Unfortunately, they did not have any vegetarian/vegan options but I guess that's what their whole theme is - CHEESEBURGERS! read more

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Now don't hate the messenger... but these burgers were Great!... I'd say better than In n Out burgers!... Don't hate. The employees were patient with us as we explored our options. The weather was nice so we sat outside and enjoyed our burgers and fries! I Hope to revisit soon. read more

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Great food and great service but not a place for parties of more than 4. They will have you sit at separate tables.

Long wait of around 45 mins and got seated at the bar for a party of 2. It was cool to sit there and observe their burger making process. Pretty small restaurant too. The burger came out quick and was pretty good. A double cheeseburger comes with 3 patties and the single comes with 2 patties. I'm so glad I split with my friend because the burger was so fat (AND SO GOOD). The flavors were great and I felt like the burger didn't give an overly greasy/ oily feeling afterward. Although if we didn't share that could be a different story. The total came out to almost $40 after tax and tip, so expect a great burger that comes with a price. I'd come back though read more

Au Cheval - Double cheeseburger with egg and bacon - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I had wanted to try this place every time I'd visited Chicago. Colleagues raved about its burgers, which of course they're known for. They're also known to have a very long wait time, and that was definitely true!! My coworker and I probably waited 2 hours, and almost went somewhere else until we got the text. Were we happy to get a seat, the burger and fries were so yummy! They are big, juicy and just cooked to perfection. Definitely recommend but know that you'll have a pretty big wait time! read more

Au Cheval - Single cheeseburger with a fried egg - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm such a burger feeen, I have a burger at least once a week. We heard this place had the best burgers in Chicago, so had to come try it out. We were quoted for an 1 hr 30 min to 1 hr 45, ended up getting seated at 2 hrs and 5... so there's a gripe, there's a bit of a wait. Got on the waitlist at 6:54, got seated at like 9pm... however food came out fast! We ordered 2 burgers, a single by itself & a single with bacon & egg. The bacon was a thick cut peppered bacon but it was very fatty, for us it was not our cup of tea it over powered the flavor of the burger, but the egg went well. The single burger itself I'll give it a 8.5-9/10. It was pretty damn good. Juicy, flavorful, and for a simple burger the dijonnaise sauce made it extra gewwwwwd. Burger patty was seasoned so well. The bread was toasted yet soft, I'm more of a fan of the crunch on the toast. We also ordered fries for the table and it came with an aioli dipping sauce. Whatever oil they used to fry the fries, it gave it so much flavor. The fry itself was crunchy to the bite but had that soft potato lush to it, I'd say the almost perfect fry. I ordered the Juicy Beer for Burgers Pale Ale and it paired so well with the burger, had refreshing fruity notes and didn't taste overwhelmingly like an IPA. Overall this was a great burger and it's up there on my list of good burgers. Although, I wouldn't wait the 2 hours we did tbh. read more

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This spot has been on my foodie bucket list for so long...glad to have finally made it here! Came on a weeknight with a large-ish group of friends, and we crammed into one of their outside streetside tables for our meal. Server was very patient with our group and made sure to get everyone's order right. Of course, I had one of their famous cheeseburgers, and we also decided to split a plate of potato hash. Meal service took a while, but they were super-packed and I know it was all cooked fresh. I had my cheeseburger topped with a runny egg and thick cut peppered bacon...it was divine and rich cooked to a perfect medium rare. The potato hash was unctuous topped with duck heart gravy and a fried egg perched atop. This had to be the most expensive burger and fries I've ever eaten, and so glad I did (this one time). Fun and lively atmosphere inside and out as well. Make sure to give them a try! read more

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Oh wow. We were not prepared for the excellence. Randomly popped by on day two of my husband's birthday trip to Chicago, and what a happy accident it was. We snagged a front row seat at the counter after a quick and worth it 30-minute wait, right next to the expo. As a food nerd (I'm sorry!) this was the perfect spot to watch all the action go down, and the food was even better than the well-oiled show displayed on the flattops. Upon learning that we were celebrating a birthday tomorrow, my hubby's burger arrived with a lit candle, and a surprise ice cream was delivered at the end of the meal with the same. Two very nice touches that made the whole experience extra special. The food, my word, was SO GOOD. Burgers with perfect runny eggs (for which we watched a dude hand-center the yolks in each of a dozen tiny sauté pans), and bacon that is unmatched in flavor, texture, and seasoning. Every bite was a perfect bite. That is what life is all about. Service was on the money - everyone was clearly busy but we wanted for nothing and appreciated our waiter's good humor and attention to detail. Pros all around and the special touches meant a great deal. We need a nap now, but we can't wait to return on our next trip to Chicago (or maybe Sunday morning before our flight back to NY). Thank you, Au Cheval! read more

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Finally got to try the great Au Cheval and this did not disappoint!! Absolutely one of the top 5 burgers I've ever tried - a solid 9.4/10 burger and I'm a hugeeee scoring critique. This was by far the most memorable food I tried in all of Chicago. This burger over any pizza that Chicago has to offer. A must try!! Do not leave Chicago without trying this read more

Located in West Loop, this is the flagship location for the Cheval restaurants. You cannot make reservations online, have to go in person. We went on Thursday and wanted about 2 hours for 5 people. Menu is pretty simple, specializing in primarily cheeseburgers. But if you choose, you can get either an egg or bacon on top for a surcharge. Of note, they are both pretty expensive. However, great additions to a cheeseburger. Food was very good. Honestly very similar to small Cheval restaurants, same quality burgers, and fries. The garlic aïoli was delicious a much needed addition to fries and burger. The cheese sauce, however, did not have much flavor. Service was kind and very on top of everything. We didn't feel rush given the busy nature of the restaurant. Ambience is romantic and intimate, with not many tables. Music was very loud. Overall, I would recommend this to anybody that's coming in from out of town just to show them a Chicago staple. read more

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Made it back to au cheval once again and rewarded with the best seat in the house with a nice view of sears tower. Got the burger with all the fixings of the cooked bacon and egg of course. I also got the fried chicken and a side of fries. Burger was delicious as always, however, for some reason, it did not hit as it did before but still very delicious. Very tender juicy delicious bacon. The fries were solid, nice and fresh and very crispy. Comes with garlic eye oily that was very garlic. The wings here are fabulous and can stand on its own in a restaurant. The wings are crispy, not crunchy very flavorful sweet spicy very juicy. It was a big portion basically a full chicken, but without the breast. I would like for them to have half an order size because one is pretty big if you're eating a burger as well. Definitely recommend the spot and one of the best burgers in town. Also has chill music and great vibes. read more

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Be prepared to wait.... But for greatness! Get there early put your name in and enjoy the area. When you finally get in you are in for a treat. The burger of course is legendary YOU MUST do the egg and bacon on it, thick cut some saltiness to it but perfect balance against that juiciness of the burger. The salad was great as well along with the fries but the show stopper for us were the wings!!! That sauce truly incredible, so crispy and the sauce was delicious and didn't make the wings lose its crispy goodness. Loved the inside, the bar area, the decor, would love to go back but I know that wait is wild. read more

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Despite all the hype, it's really an average smash burger. This is a place that has capitalized on social media hype and people wanting to say they've been here and thus are cool and trendy. But it is seriously just a greasy smash burger. Their fries are good, and actually stand out more than the burger. Everything is overpriced. I don't know why people complain about the wait; do some research like a responsible adult. I never just walk into a place and expect to be immediately seated, I call first - like anyone who has some sense. If they tell you the wait is 2 hours and you have 2 hours to kill, there are a bunch of bars in the area where you can have some drinks and an appetizer (and not feel like you're stiffing Au Cheval; they're the ones with the 2 hour wait, what do they expect people to do?) Not much to say about the decor or ambience; it's a typically loud West Loop bar with mostly 20 - 30 somethings all trying to one-up each other with their trendiness that instead makes them all basically clones of each other. It is crowded, and you're a moron if you think any place like this is suitable for your 5 year old. That's not the restaurant's fault - it's not Chuck E Cheese. Often I wish Yelp offered a 1/2 star option, because there are places that are a 4.5 or a 3.5. Not in this case. 3 stars is spot-on. read more

Solid burger. It may be worth the 3 hour wait. Great ambiance. I have to visit every time I'm in Chicago... read more

Au Cheval - Mom and dad and a burger - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is a bold statement, but the burger I had at Au Cheval might be the best burger I've ever had. We put our names down on a Saturday morning and had about an hour long wait. The inside of the restaurant is set up like an upscale diner, and our service was great. My husband and I shared the single cheeseburger and added bacon. The single burger came with 2 patties, which were relatively thin (which I prefer) and perfectly seasoned. I was hesitant on adding the bacon as it was an additional $6.99, but it was so worth it. I think what amazed me about this burger is that they got the ratio just right between the bun (which was also super fresh), patties, and cheese, and then the bacon made it even better. The overall flavor of the burger was incredible. I don't think I will ever be able to visit Chicago now without coming here! read more

Au Cheval - Single cheeseburger with bacon - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Burger was big and juicy. What else can you ask for? The sides were great - tried the crispy hash browns, and wings. Cold beers, good root beer, and good selection of whiskey. Vibes were good, customer service was great and the food came out super quick read more

The burger at au cheval did not disappoint at all!! The service was great and it's very cute on the inside. It's a first come first serve and I do recommend if you're a large party do know there will be a wait. read more

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

My friend told me that I had to try this place when I was in Chicago and he was right -- this is definitely one of the best burger places I've been to. I got the single cheese burger ($17), which is already a double patty burger!! so keep that in mind when ordering a single or double (actually a triple). I also added the thick cut peppered bacon (+$7), which is an absolute must. This is some of the best bacon I've had on a burger. I do wish the burger had more lettuce, tomato, or some fresh ingredients to contrast the patty though. The crispy fries ($14) were perfect with the garlic aioli and the clever clover cocktail ($16) had an interesting pistachio cream ale that went well with the burger. Overall, this is definitely one of the most expensive burger meals that I've had, but I think it was worth it. Definitely be ready to splurge if you come here! read more

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Came in at night and they weren't very busy! My bf and I split the single cheeseburger (4.5/5) and their fries (4/5) and it was enough for us. I got the burger with bacon and it was great. Everything you want in a gourmet burger. The fries with the garlic sauce was sooo good. Will definitely come back and get these again! read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Really hyped au cheval up in my mind, but was a bit disappointed. The burger was good, but not the best. People say it's ALOT better than small cheval, but I think it's comparable. The service was great, everyone from start to finish was pretty attentive. We had the option to order a drink while waiting outside, which I thought was nice. read more

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

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It's been called the best cheeseburger in Chicago, and I will to this day defend this claim. Cooked confit with a handmade aioli, on a toasted brioche bun, it is an elevated meal that will burn a memory in your mind for years. Fries are excellent and cocktails deep. I get the bacon and fried egg on the burger, but i understand if you want to keep it simple. The actual restaurant has a very cozy French bistro style. everyone who works there seems very happy to be serving you. I come back often, and I look forward to my next meal there. read more

Second time having Au Cheval and it was the first time we had the crispy potato hash. Would definitely come back for the hash it is so decadent and crispy. The burger this time just didn't hit like it used to, the bun was over toasted and the patties lacked juiciness and overall flavor from when we had it last. However dipping the burger into the gravy and egg of the potato hash was definitely the move and made it so much better. read more

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

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3.5/5 got the bone marrow app, burger with egg and bacon, and fries with the the egg the bone marrow with the onion jam was really good but it was undercooked (they were nice enough to bring out a second one but the second one also had some undercooked parts). i'd order it again and give them the benefit of the doubt since they did try to rectify the mistake but it was definitely a rushed situation. the burger was good but very heavy - honestly didn't blow my mind or anything but was a good burger. the bacon was a bit too chewy at some point. fries has a good cheese sauce but nothing super special either imo def worth a try! read more

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I had heard a rumor that they were going to shutter the doors on this place - I've since heard that is not the case - but I wanted to get in there and try the famous burger just in case. It is perhaps not a surprise that it is over-hyped, because how could it not be, and it is a damn expensive burger, but did I enjoy it? Absolutely. If I were to go again I would not add the bacon and egg, but I did it this time because the server was adamant! :) I'm not sure I'd go back because of the price, but it's still on my list of places to offer as possibilities when friends come to town wanting to try some Chicago staples. There are two Chinese places, a Thai place, and two pizza spots that are go-to spots, all of which I'd suggest before Au Cheval. Actually, when visitors want a good burger Small Cheval is one of the spots I often suggest, so that counts! Burger: 4 stars Service: 5 stars Price: I can't afford more than 3 stars read more

2 years later, and it is still one of the best burgers I've had the pleasure of trying. The thick cut bacon is a must! The painkiller is a must as well. Even better the second time around. We also got the kale Caesar which was fantastic! Come early before it opens so you get seated right away. Burger is so damn good, a must try! read more

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Did we wait almost 2 hours? Yes. Was it worth it? For a burger probably not but it's the experience. There's an outdoor seating area for an apartment right next door so we waited there. I got to try bone marrow for the first time and it was so fun. Definitely not much to eat, and feels like you're eating the fat pieces of a delicious steak, but it's definitely worth trying. Bread was so buttery and paired well with the (onion?) jam. The burger was delicious as well, juicy but not wet... i hate soggy buns. The slaw added the perfect freshness, and honestly after this I dont think I want lettuce and tomatoes on my burgers. Peppered Bacon was sweet and not too salty, the thick cut is heavenly. With the jam that came with the bone marrow it was like bacon jam... gosh I'm salivating thinking about it. Worth trying if youre in the area. If youre into the carnivore diet or heavy meals, this place is perfect :) They're famous and its fun! read more

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I'm really sad to have to give this such a low score because I've heard it's the best burger in the city and I had high expectations. But the burger was too salty and I struggled to finish it. The bacon was this burger's saving grace. Tbh the score mainly comes from the fact the burger was so pricey. A burger at this price should be near perfect. But the fries were just kinda bland and ok. Root beer was great! Ambiance and service were great though. Just not my burger though I guess. read more

I want to say that this place remains the best burger in America; however- that is no longer the case. For the price they're certainly more appealing patties Ive consumed in recent history that dont feel nearly as nickeled and dimed. The most generous place about the double patty, but fries, eggs, and bacon are all an up charge. Service is ok- they forgot my hot sauce this time around and it wasn't until my burger was consumed that they reminded me of this. Everything also feels a little too salty, too flavorful is not the problem. While the ground beef is solid, the overall experience minus the bustling nature of it and dandy music selection make me retreat my stellar review. I'd go back but I would lower my expectations and certainly not wait more than 30 mins for this. The key lime pie is pretty solid though.... read more

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We tried Au Cheval for lunch on a Wednesday and thankfully there was no wait! You have the option of eating at the bar, table, or outside. I heard parking can be difficult but we managed to find parking right outside of the restaurant. We ordered the Single Cheeseburger (which is actually a double) and just W O W. The burger definitely lived up to its hype -- so juicy, flavorful, and rich! I definitely recommend adding bacon & egg to the burger! And extra pickles :) We also ordered the Crispy Fries too. We could have done without the Egg on top of the fries. But what stood out were the two sauces! Solid spot for a burger & I would definitely visit again! read more

Au Cheval - Crispy Fries - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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One of the best burgers and fries I've ever had and I'm not exaggerating. This was one of the most anticipated businesses for me to visit on the trip, and I swear the 1-2 hour wait was worth it. It wasn't a big deal because a bar next door had outdoor seating, so that's the perfect spot for you to wait at. When we walked in, the lighting was dimmed, almost as if it were a date night. There wasn't too much seating inside, but we sat at a booth/table. Of course, we had to order their single cheeseburger, which had two hamburger patties. You can add an egg and bacon to the burger, too, at an extra charge. I would leave the bacon out next time because it took too much flavor away from the burger. We also got their crispy fries with momay sauce, garlic aioli, and egg on top. There was so much flavor from the sauces, and the momay sauce was like cheese sauce. The fries itself were seasoned with garlic powder and crispy even with the sauce on. The sauces were addicting and I highly recommend this spot for someone visiting Chicago read more

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Au Cheval absolutely lived up to the hype. The burgers are rich, juicy, and perfectly cooked, with a soft bun, gooey cheese, and great balance of flavors. Adding the thick-cut bacon is definitely worth it and it takes an already great burger to another level. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned, and the overall atmosphere was lively and energetic. The wait can be long, but once the food arrives, it's easy to see why this place has such a strong reputation. If you're a burger lover, Au Cheval is a must-visit! read more

Came to Au Cheval and ordered the single cheeseburger with egg and bacon. The burger itself was excellent. The patty was juicy and well-seasoned, with a great sear on the outside. The egg and bacon added richness and texture, and the cheese melted perfectly into everything. The bun was soft but sturdy enough to hold it all together without getting soggy. Service was attentive and professional. My order came out hot and plated nicely, and the staff checked in just enough without hovering. The pace of the meal felt right even though the restaurant was busy. The space has a dark, polished, and slightly retro feel. It's comfortable, though the noise level can get high during peak hours. It fits the energy of the place but might not be ideal for a quiet conversation. The only drawback is the price. While the quality is clear and the burger is well executed, it still feels high for the portion size. That said, it's worth trying at least once if you want a well-crafted burger in a lively setting. read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

All the other reviews already sum up this place extremely well. Best burger I've ever had. 2 hour wait for a table for 2 on a Thursday night. That should speak to the demand of this place. For how fancy the interior looked, the prices were relatively cheap. Got the double cheeseburger and the fries. Best burger I've ever had. Could've skipped the fries, but they were solid as well. read more

Ambiance was like elevated diner. Food was delicious! Burgers were great but sure if it was the best burger I've ever had. French fries came out hot and crispy and melted in your mouth. 5/5 definitely recommend! read more

Worth the wait, especially with the bars near there to spend time. The burger, fries, drinks, and company were amazing. The place is cozy and inviting without being loud. Looking forward to going back soon! read more

Au Cheval - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been wanting to check out this spot for a while! I've been to the Manhattan location, but I really wanted to try the original in Chicago. We arrived around 12:30 pm on a Saturday and put our name down for a party of 4. The quoted wait was 30-40 minutes, but unfortunately it ended up being about 45 minutes longer than expected. To make things tougher, it happened to be one of the hottest days I've experienced in Chicago (93°), so waiting outside wasn't ideal. Once we finally got the text, we still had to wait in line, confirm that our full party was present, and then hang out in the foyer for another 10 minutes while the table was prepped. We were told seating would be a little tight for 5, but we didn't expect it to feel quite so cramped--definitely limited elbow space while eating. For food, we ordered two double burgers (one with bacon and egg), the bologna sandwich, a smaller order of bone marrow, and the kale caesar salad. The burgers absolutely lived up to the hype--they're the kind of burgers you'd want as your last meal. The bologna sandwich was generous on the meat, but the flavor became a bit overwhelming as you kept going. The bone marrow was rich, fatty, and indulgent--very good but definitely heavy. The kale caesar was one of my favorites: well-dressed and a generous portion. Overall, I'm glad I finally got to try the OG location. If you're looking for a meal that will leave you in a full food coma, this is definitely the spot. read more

Au Cheval lives up to the hype. The burger? Absolutely incredible--perfectly cooked, juicy, and unforgettable. The fries with the aioli sauce were just as good, easily some of the best I've had. Even the non-alcoholic drink I ordered was excellent--balanced, refreshing, and thoughtful. The space itself has a great vibe--warm, lively, and full of energy. Sitting at the bar was fine, but it does get very crowded. The stools are a bit too close together, so losing one or two would make a big difference, especially considering the premium price point for the burger and fries. All in all, though, the food more than makes up for the tight seating. If you're coming for the burger, you won't leave disappointed. Highly recommend. read more

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Absolutely one of the best burgers in Chicago. The patty was juicy, perfectly seasoned, and cooked with an amazing crust. The thick-cut bacon and melted cheese took it to another level, all on a soft toasted bun that held everything together perfectly. Every bite was rich, flavorful, and worth the hype. Great atmosphere and service too - Au Cheval definitely lives up to its reputation. read more

Au Cheval - Menu - Bars Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Loooove the thick bacon. The service is fast pace and straight to the point. Always prompt and good. The ambiance is so good. Everyone is enjoying their food while still having conversations. read more