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Au Cheval

4.4 (9.6k reviews)
ModerateBars, Burgers, American
Open • 10:00 am - 11:15 pm
Updated a few days ago

Order Au Cheval Takeout or Delivery

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AU CHEVAL ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Loud
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Au Cheval

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French Fries
Maya B.

Couldn't wait to try the famous burger that has been acclaimed to be the best burger in America recently by Bon Appetite and Food Network. We got super lucky and didn't have to wait to be seated without a reservation (which they do take reservations now by the way). We arrived around 12:30 on a Friday and sat at the bar. I will say, the service was excellent. The host and wait staff were very friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. They all seemed like that actually enjoyed being there which is always great. The restaurant is a diner, so the vibes were pretty casual with medium to loud music. The place is a bit on the smaller side and very busy. As for the star of the show, the burger, I'll be honest, I wasn't thrilled at first. I ordered lettuce and tomato, but I took it off because I felt that it took away from the flavor. What really changed the game for me was adding bacon to the burger. Bacon on this burger was a nonnegotiable, and definitely helps bring out all of the flavor. We also tried the chicken, which is pretty good. The wings tasted like an elevated Chicago chicken wing with mild sauce. The fries could be skipped on the other hand, they were quite starchy in texture and didn't have much flavor without the accompanied sauce. Overall, this was a great experience and I'll definitely come back for the single burger add bacon.

Alisa J.

Great burger. We waited over 2 hours to eat here on Tuesday. Luckily you can put your name down. Burger with egg was absolutely delicious. Fries with cheese were also good. This is more than enough for two people. The Guinness float was as good as a beer float can be even though I don't like beer at all. Service was pretty quick. Bathroom was clean.

Citrus Ritual
Allie G.

We'd made a lunch reservation at Au Cheval in advance, which wasn't too hard for a Monday. The interior was smaller than I'd expected but so classic and stylish. We were seated at a comfortable booth near the window. For drinks, I chose the Citrus Ritual mocktail, which I loved - so well-made and refreshing. I also got a Single Cheeseburger with the added egg and an order of French Fries to share with my coworker. I was a bit confused because it turns out a single cheeseburger at Au Cheval is actually a double because it comes with two beef patties. Personally, I would've just preferred one. Otherwise, it was a very nice burger, but I can't say it changed my brain chemistry. The French Fries were also tasty. Service was incredibly professional, attentive, and quick. Worth the visit!

Fried bologna sandwich with egg
Vicky H.

Finally made it to Au Cheval and it did not disappoint! It seems to be busy all the time, so make a reservation or plan to be there when they open. Not a huge inside seating area, but it is nice to sit outside on a nice day. We got the single cheeseburger with egg, the double cheeseburger with egg, the fried bologna sandwich with egg, crispy fries and the crispy potato hash! The single is a double patty and the double is a triple. The burgers were deliciously cooked and very hearty! Root beer compliments the burgers well! The crispy fries with the garlic aioli and mornay sauce were very yummy! The crispy potato hash was probably the lowlight of this meal... love the crispy-ness of the hash, didn't love the gravy. Service overall was okay, they were busy so it got slow once our food arrived. It does get loud inside so be prepared. Au Cheval lives up to the hype! We will totally go back for the burgers, crispy fries and root beer!

Blueberry muffin
Dave G.

Believe the hype. Well warranted. Snagged a last minute reservation for 330pm on a Monday and the place was SLAMMED! Food - Absolutely flawless. Ordered the blueberry muffin as an appetizer, ended up having it as a dessert. The crust on the outside and the butter, chocolate, strawberry was fantastic. Burger - the star of the show. Holy cow. Perfectly cooked, juicy, seared. Bacon was thick and delicious not overly fatty, not too thick. Pickles were great, and a good amount. Bun was perfect, not too fluffy not too bready. Egg was a perfect sunny side up. Holy cow. This has to be a contender for one of the burgers in the world. Service was very friendly! Guy brought a great vibe and wasn't overly attentive. Just right.

Single Cheeseburger
Rachel W.

YOOOO seriously one of the best burgers of my life! My brother recommended this spot and we came on a Friday night. It was about a 30 minute wait, but it was so worth. The burgers are amazing - it has that beef tallow taste and adding the sunny side up egg was awesome. It's cooked perfectly to where the yolk is not dripping down my fingers, but just enough to where it trickles into the burger and adds another dimension of flavor. The interesting thing is that "single" patties are actually double, and "double" patties are actually triple. Not sure why they named it like that, but our server was good about making that known. Fries were solid but not as amazing as the burger. Wished they were a little thinner. Pretty small seating inside, only a couple booths, tables, and bar seating. They do have a fair sized patio for outdoor seating, so that helps with getting people in and out. Since the space is a bit compact, it can get a little noisy inside. We did paid street parking

Single Cheeseburger with Thick Cut Peppered Bacon and egg
Shizuka T.

Before I begin, let me start off by saying that I am a huge fan of juice thick burgers. Not smash burgers. So please take that into consideration when reading this review. The patty was dry and the bacon didn't really save it unfortunately. The runny egg is a nice touch, but I also felt like it wasn't worth the hype. Fries were home made style, nothing exciting. But the aioli it came with was good. I'm glad I tried it and I know I'm in the minority when I saw this isn't worth the hype. Now, for a smashburger, I *think* it's probably on the good end. Service was quick. It was crowded on a weekday lunch hour. The place is tavern-esque so it's dimly lit and the small tables are close to each other. Couldn't really hear my partner across from the table. If you're in the area, go just to say you've been, and make your own decision on this place.

Single Cheeseburger
Brian V.

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.

Yvonne D.

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.

Fern H.

Au mother Fugging Cheval -- A Burger That Actually Lives Up to the Hype The Spot itself has major aura and swagger. Hard to describe but you just know you're at a very important place but that doesn't take itself too seriously. There are burgers that are good, burgers that are great, and then there's Au Cheval. I went in with pretty ridiculous expectations considering this place has been called one of the best burger spots in the world...and somehow, the burger still delivered. That's rare. The patties were insanely juicy and perfectly cooked, with that beautiful crispy, caramelized edge you want from a great griddle burger. The combination of the melted cheese, creamy sauce, onions, pickles and that ridiculously buttery brioche bun was borderline unfair. Rich, messy, salty, savory and completely indulgent in the best possible way. And that bun deserves its own mention. Soft enough to absorb all that glorious burger juice without completely falling apart. The whole thing is constructed like someone actually understands what makes a burger great. Is it the best burger I've ever had? I DONT FUCKING KNOW. but I completely understand why people put Au Cheval in the conversation for best burger in America, if not the world. The hype is real. This is a fucking burger. 9.7/10

drink menu
Allison G.

Really enjoyed this burger!!! The thick peppered bacon really made it special. Heads up: the single burger is actually a double and the double is a triple, so if you are planning to get the triple & bacon it comes out to like 1 pound of meat lol. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable about the whole menu! All we had was the burger so I can't say much more about the menu as a whole, but the burger was so solid! While nothing can top the Mott St. Burger for me, this was a close runner up.

Single with bacon and egg
Dan M.

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!

Thick Cut Peppered Bacon
Isaree P.

What can I say that hasn't already been said. Great burgers. Good service. Chill vibe. Absolutely a must hit spot when I'm in Chicago.

Crispy Duck Heart Hash

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Reviews are largely positive. Many praise the juicy, flavorful burgers, crispy fries and sides, friendly, attentive service, and the lively and stylish ambiance.

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Au Cheval Reviews in Other Languages

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.

Do they have Gluten-Free Buns?

I am unfortunately not sure!

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 .

What's the best time to go for minimal wait?

Right when they open!

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 lettuce wrap burgers?

Yes!

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.

Cómo puedo reservar mesa?

You have to go to the restaurant

Do fries come with the Single Burger or does that need to be purchased separately?

Everything is a la carte

Is the outdoor seating dog friendly?

Yes

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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Ghost Donkey

4.0(74 reviews)
1.0 mi•Near North Side
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We originally came to Ghost Donkey as paranormal investigators, after being hired to locate the…read moremissing ghost donkey belonging to a local agave farmer. The case had gone cold--or perhaps mezcal-hot--until we received a clue pointing us toward River North. Ghost Donkey is spacious, colorful, and full of energy, with plenty of bar seating and tables. The music can get loud, but it fits the atmosphere perfectly. The bartenders were constantly interacting with guests, swinging the lights, encouraging the crowd, and turning the entire room into a neon-lit fiesta. They do have a food menu featuring items such as tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and guacamole, but we mostly came for the drinks. Many of the cocktails are tequila- or mezcal-based, which is exactly what we enjoy. The menu is creative, the drinks are strong, and the bar does an excellent job making agave spirits approachable--even for guests who may not consider themselves mezcal experts. After two drinks and an argument with a decorative donkey, we finally found the missing spirit hiding behind the bar. He was translucent, smelled faintly of roasted agave, and appeared to be carrying a tiny map. We followed him through a glowing hallway, down a staircase, and into a secret chamber where he revealed the legendary piñata of Quetzalcoatl, the ancient feathered serpent god. Naturally, we attempted to break it open. Instead of candy, it released a cloud of mystical dust, three lime wedges, and a receipt for nachos. The ghost donkey brayed with laughter, the lights began swinging, and the entire bar erupted in applause. The bartender handed us another drink and told us this happened all the time. Ghost Donkey is a fantastic place to hang out, pregame, and enjoy inventive tequila and mezcal cocktails in a lively setting. Just be warned: you may arrive looking for a ghost donkey and leave having helped recover an ancient Mexican god's piñata. That's simply the sort of evening this place encourages.

Food: ok -- we got a carne asada quesadilla to share and we were glad we were able to customize it…read morea bit to meet allergens/preferences Drinks: not for me AT ALL -- the paloma was okay at best, the chispa was AWFUL (worst drink I have EVER had, had two sips and left it there), and the spicy drink was also not our cup of tea Service / Ambiance: i loved the LED lights, and staff was friendly. The music was good but kind of all over the place in terms of genre, vibe, and order The best thing about Ghost Donkey in my opinion is that it has a cute photobooth

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Rossi's Liquors

Rossi's Liquors

4.2(434 reviews)
1.1 mi•Near North Side
•$

Friendly and lively dive bar (4/5 Green Stars) Waiting for…read moretake-out from nearby Lou Malnati's, we wandered into Rossi's for a quick drink. It's a reasonably-priced busy dive bar in the heart of Chicago. I asked the bartender if she had a beer + shot deal and she said "no, but you can order a beer and shot." And so we did! Noise level is fairly high, thanks to a lively crowd plus a jukebox. They don't normally serve food but I think are fine with customers bringing in your own food, and you can also place an order from a nearby restaurant (I don't recall which one). And yes, it's cash only so bring some money if you don't want to pay ATM fees! 4 out of 5 Green Stars for social and environmental impact. I like bars that allow customers to bring (or order) their own food - it allows for all diets! The one thing I'd like to see is more beer on tap - even just one good rotating local beer (e.g., Goose Island). Draft beer has smaller environmental footprints compared to bottled or canned.

Probably the true definition of Dive Bar, Rossi's is worth at least a fly-by. It is a bit dark, a…read morebit small, but still fun. Limited seating and even limited standing room. You can grab you own beer from their refrigerators, however, you'll need to pay and have the bar open them for you. I was impressed by the variety of the selection. Keep in mind it is cash only and swing by for a drink!

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Rossi's Liquors - Nightcap

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Ila's - Happy Hour bites at the bar

Ila's

4.8(79 reviews)
1.0 mi•Near North Side

Was looking for a spot to watch the game & came across Ila's. Great spot. Really cool vibes…read more Listened to some live music. The owner was really nice. The food was really good. Highly suggest the Sweet Corn Agnolotti and The Quinn

When I was planning my sister's bachelorette party, I wanted to find a restaurant near our hotel…read morethat could accommodate different dietary preferences (i.e. no pork, vegetarian/halal, etc.). I found Ila's on Google and liked the variety of menu items. The food appeared to elevate comfort food from multiple cuisines, such as American, Italian, South American, Asian, and Southeast Asian. I reached out to the restaurant and was assisted with a reservation for 14 people. Our table was set and ready to go as soon as we arrived at 8:30pm on a Saturday. Overall customer was excellent. Thank you to the hostess for making my sister, the bride, feel special. She complimented her and hyped her up for the night, which was really sweet. Our server was awesome too. He was friendly and highly attentive. Loved that our food and drinks also came out in a timely manner. I enjoyed everything I ate. I had a few bites of the appetizers including the scallops, fried paneer, and 2 kinds of empanadas (corn and chicken). We also got lumpia and a mixed bread platter for the table. Though I didn't have any of the latter, they were a hit at our table. I got the burger as my entree, and it was such a redemption from a crappy burger I got elsewhere earlier in my trip. The double smashed patties were juicy and flavorful. I devoured the burger and loved the thin cut fries. All-in-all, we had a lovely dinner at Ila's for my sister's bachelorette party.

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Bunny Slope

Bunny Slope

3.5(12 reviews)
1.2 mi•Near North Side
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Really nice places for a group outing. The room was perfect size to move around, drink and dance…read more It was 12 of us in the room. I like that we had our own personal bartender. Drinks were very reasonable price. Tequila and cranberry was 8, 12 for a double. The jacuzzi was perfect temperature. Everything seemed sanitary and clean. I really like that they provide FREE lockers to hold our things in. They also provided a speaker so we could play our own music. Free towels but I'd bring your own sandals. I don't think they serve food. It was in the basement of a hotel but I'd definitely recommend to go.

Overall: The novelty of Bunny Slope is amazing, but after it wears off the realizations kick in…read more The good: Really fun and neat concept, especially in the heart of downtown. Sometimes, nothing beats a few (or many) drinks in a hottub. They even provide a nifty shower for cleaning up afterwards. The decor is pretty neat as well. The not-so-good: The space isn't huge, wouldn't comfortably fit more than 10-12 people. They don't have normal drinks here, the beers I tried were disgusting, so I just stuck to good ol' scotch. That said, the other cocktails sounded interesting (they were all mostly fruity). The hottub was way too hot, none of us could stay in it very long. You have to go outside of the room to change, possibly running into other hotel guests or whatever is above grounds.

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Au Cheval - bars - Updated October 2026

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