
Au Cheval
A West Loop diner famed for its award-winning cheeseburger, offering a cozy atmosphere and inventive cocktails with ingredients from bologna to foie g...

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Au Cheval

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A West Loop diner famed for its award-winning cheeseburger, offering a cozy atmosphere and inventive cocktails with ingredients from bologna to foie gras. [^M1, ^M2]
"Believe the hype: Au Cheval serves up one of the best burgers you'll ever have. "
Beat the Crowds
Visit mid-day or during off-peak hours for shorter waits. Be prepared for potential long waits during peak times. [^M1, ^R3]
Beyond the Burger
Don't overlook other menu items like the fried bologna sandwich or the General Jane's fried chicken. [^M3]

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Diner
Price
$$$
Phone
(312) 929-4580
Address
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Legendary Au Cheval Burger
Consistently hailed as one of America's best, this burger features juicy patties, thick-cut bacon, and a perfectly cooked egg.

Exceptional Bone Marrow
Decadent bone marrow served with delicious beef jam and toast, a dish lauded for its rich flavor and unique preparation. [^M1, ^R4]

Cozy Diner Atmosphere
Enjoy a vintage-yet-modern diner ambiance with cool music and inventive cocktails in this popular West Loop spot. [^M2, ^R4]
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Beat the Crowds
Visit mid-day or during off-peak hours for shorter waits. Be prepared for potential long waits during peak times. [^M1, ^R3]
Beyond the Burger
Don't overlook other menu items like the fried bologna sandwich or the General Jane's fried chicken. [^M3]
The 'Handshake' Drink
For tourists, ask Spencer for a 'handshake' drink recommendation for an authentic experience. [^data.tips[2]]
Tips
from all over the internet
Beat the Crowds
Visit mid-day or during off-peak hours for shorter waits. Be prepared for potential long waits during peak times. [^M1, ^R3]
Beyond the Burger
Don't overlook other menu items like the fried bologna sandwich or the General Jane's fried chicken. [^M3]
The 'Handshake' Drink
For tourists, ask Spencer for a 'handshake' drink recommendation for an authentic experience. [^data.tips[2]]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Au Cheval is renowned for its legendary cheeseburger, often cited as one of the best in the country. Diners also praise the decadent bone marrow and the restaurant's cozy, lively atmosphere. While many find the food exceptional and worth the wait, some note that the fries can be ordinary and the music can be quite loud. The service is generally described as friendly and attentive, with staff knowledgeable about the menu. [^R1, ^R2, ^R3, ^R4, ^M1, ^M2]
"Au Cheval – Worth the Wait, Every Time
Au Cheval keeps it simple—but everything on the menu is executed to perfection. We had to wait a bit for a table, but it was absolutely worth it. Once seated, the service was fast, friendly, and spot-on from start to finish.
Here’s what we ordered,
Green Salad with Avocado - Surprisingly memorable for such a simple dish. Crisp greens, creamy avocado, and a perfectly balanced vinaigrette made it light, fresh, and satisfying.
Fried Bologna Sandwich - A nostalgic favorite elevated to gourmet status. Thick-cut bologna, seared to perfection, stacked high on pillowy bread with just the right mix of textures and flavors. Comfort food with serious style.
Single Cheeseburger - Believe the hype. Juicy, flavorful, perfectly cooked—this is everything a burger should be. Melted cheese, soft bun, and just the right amount of messiness. You’ll wish you ordered two.
Garlicky Fries -Crispy, golden, and loaded with garlic. Addictive and shareable (though you might not want to).
The vibe is cool, the menu is focused, and the flavors are unforgettable. Au Cheval lives up to its reputation—simple, bold, and absolutely delicious."
Greg V
"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."
Ned’s Eats Detroit
"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!"
Stephanie Long
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many diners and critics agree that Au Cheval's legendary burger and unique dishes are well worth the wait, despite potential long lines.
The most famous dish is the Au Cheval Cheeseburger, often called one of the best in America, with options to add bacon and an egg. [^R2, ^M8, ^T3]
While known for its meat-centric menu, options like the Green Salad and French Fries are available. Specific vegetarian dishes are not extensively highlighted in reviews. [^data.menuItems]
Au Cheval does not accept reservations, so be prepared to wait. Consider visiting during off-peak hours. [^M1, ^M2, ^R3]
To avoid long waits, try visiting mid-day or during off-peak hours. Late night hours are also available with a limited menu. [^data.tips[0], ^M2]
The Bloody Mary is highly recommended, and for tourists, asking 'Spencer' for a 'handshake' drink recommendation is a unique experience. [^R1, ^data.tips[2]]
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This leather-clad, diner-inspired restaurant is known for their famous burger and infamous lack of reservations, and attracts both local burger enthusiasts and tourists alike. But unlike dinner where the wait can be long enough to sneak in a game of Monopoly, stopping by mid-day is like catching the Burger Express. The thick-cut bacon and fried egg upgrades are a must, but make sure to also check out other non-burger items like the fluffy scrambled eggs with rich foie gras or bone marrow with beef cheek marmalade.
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A menu packed with burgers, fries, and chopped liver might sound like a classic dive, but Au Cheval is no greasy spoon—exposed brick, dim lighting, and antique-inspired fixtures give a sultry feel, and rich takes on classic American diner dishes satisfy cravings. There’s a perennial wait, but sneak in on weekends from 3 pm to 5 pm or Monday–Saturday from midnight to 1 am for a limited menu consisting of the crowd-favorite cheeseburger and fries.
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Hogsalt Hospitality’s vintage-yet-modern diner is one of the most popular spots in town. Folks wait in line for hours to try the ballyhooed burger, which lives up to the hype (make sure to order it with bacon), but don’t overlook the rest of the menu. The fried bologna sandwich is similarly satisfying, the fried chicken arrives covered in sweet and tangy “General Jane’s” sauce and the potato hash with duck heart gravy is well worth the calories.
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Known for its cheeseburgers (topped with egg and bacon, with a side of crispy fries in mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried egg), this clubby-style tavern is in the West Loop and keeps late hours. There’s also a special late-night menu that’s pared back but retains the cheeseburger. Open since 2012, cocktails are incredibly inventive here, too.
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When seeking out the perfect burger, most of Chicago will respond with ‘Have you been to Au Cheval?. ’ This place is well known for good reason. As a late-night diner from Chicago’s restaurateur of the moment, Gilt Bar owner, Brendan Sodikoff has perfected the burger.
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You probably never expected to see the day when Au Cheval burgers were available via takeout or delivery. No more waiting hours upon hours for the classic double patty cheeseburger with dijonnaise, onions and pickles.Cost: $13.95, available for pickup or delivery.
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Why the best burger in Chicago is served at a bar with a French name might be a question for the ages. But rather than question it, just go there!. The single burger at Au Cheval is actually a double, and don’t even ask about the double cheeseburger!.
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Although many Chicagoans enjoy Au Cheval Restaurant for its upscale old-school fare and strong classic cocktails, sinking into the dark, cushiony booths for a memorable meal is not only for special occasions. Many diners come just to dig into one of Chicago’s quintessential famous foods: the Au Cheval Cheeseburger!. The “Single” is made of two 4-ounce prime beef patties, each paired with a slice of American cheese, then topped with house-made Dijonnaise dressing and house-cured pickles.
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The beauty of the burger served at Au Cheval lies in its simplicity: two patties (or three, if you order a "double") of no-frills ground beef topped with cheddar, Dijonnaise and a few thin slices of pickles and served on a soft toasted bun from Chicago's Z Baking. Lots of visitors add on a fried egg and thick-sliced bacon, but that's just gilding the lily. The patties are wonderfully crusty, the fries are fried in lard, and just about everything about this burger is perfect.
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The burger at Au Cheval isn’t just popular among the West Loop Chicago restaurants, but is raved about by the many who come from out of town determined to get the classic Au Cheval burger. They have one burger on their menu because they do that one burger really really well and take the time to make sure every ingredient is fresh-even the pickles are made in-house. Be sure to get the oozy fried egg and thick-cut bacon on top if you really want to be blown away.
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If you're looking for a good deal on brunch in the West Loop neighborhood, Au Cheval serves traditional diner fare with a focus on eggs. After all, its name is a food phrase that means "with an egg on top." The wait can be up to two hours on Saturdays and Sundays for brunch since they don't take reservations, but with tasty menu items like cheeseburger á cheval, chilaquiles, and crispy potato hash with duck heart gravy on the menu, it's worth the time in line.
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This moves up into the pricer range for special dishes, but you can still get a double cheeseburger for 13.95 if you’re into that (I am. Burger is my go to order). They have matzah ball soup and “a passion for eggs” and proclaim that this is higher-class diner fare. The bar also has some classic cocktails and the restaurant itself is beautiful (dark wood and leather, my aesthetic. Just another nail in the “I’m an old man” coffin).
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Au Cheval is all about presenting age-old American dishes in a more glamorous, contemporary light. Though its menu might focus more on drinks and alcoholic libations than it does food alone, Au Cheval nevertheless features a memorable lineup of plates and dinners straight from your grandma’s cookbook, including honey-fried chicken, blueberry muffins, and towering burgers and fried bologna sandwiches.
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The legendary cheeseburger at Au Cheval has repeatedly been dubbed not only an iconic Chicago food but also one of the best burgers in America. Thanks to this mouth-watering meal and many others, Au Cheval has earned its stripes as one of the best restaurants in Chicago. The multi-award-winning cheeseburger at this West Loop restaurant is a scrumptiously sloppy masterpiece that features prime W.W.
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A diner-style bar and restaurant with a passion for eggs, Au Cheval elevates traditional diner fare. Guests can indulge in dishes ranging from chopped chicken liver and roasted bone marrow, to traditional sandwiches, egg-focused entrees, and the signature cheeseburger. The bar program showcases strong, classic cocktails including the Horse’s Neck, Vieux Bonal, and Hemingway’s Daiquiri.
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Like Bavette’s (coincidentally, same ownership!)–ask any Chicagoan what the best burger in Chicago is and they will all likely say Au Cheval. There are like 5 total things on the menu, but just get the burger and duck fat fries and you’ll thank me later!. Tip: Get here early, put your name in, and head to Lone Wolf for a drink, and they’ll text you when your table is ready!
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An upscale take on diner food, Au Cheval is home to Chicago's — nay, the country's — best burger. What's so special about Au Cheval's take on the American classic?. There's nothing revolutionary going on: it's prime beef, Kraft singles, housemade pickles, and their signature "Dijonaise," all between a buttery bun toasted, crucially, on both sides in their salamander oven.
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800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607312-929-4580 Visit Website. Au Cheval is a diner-style bar and restaurant that offers high-end diner food along with a vast cocktail and draught beer selection. Located in the Fulton River District, this small, snazzy, and hip diner has some of the best burgers in town, along with some unexpected regional comfort food favorites.
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If you ask a local Chicagoan where to get the very best burger, chances are that most will give you only one answer: Au Cheval. The juicy burger at Au Cheval is widely regarded as one of the best burgers money can buy in America. People willingly wait hours just to order one of these bad boys, and Bon Appétit once declared it the best burger in America.
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This exquisite open kitchen diner has a passion for intricate burgers topped with eggs and brisket. Here you can find juicy bone marrow, traditional to specialized burgers, and chopped chicken liver. However if you’re really just wanting to grab a drink, look no further than Au Cheval’s bar right next to the dark brown leather booths.
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Au Cheval is legendary and by far one of the best burger joints in Chicago. In fact, there’s even a shuttle direct from the airport to the West Loop for those wanting to try this famous dining establishment. Be prepared to wait, as Au Cheval is walk-in only, and isn’t in the biggest of buildings; but it’s for sure worth the wait.
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Au Cheval in West Loop is a necessary mention on the Top 10 list. This spot mimics a typical diner but with a more upscale take on the dishes. You can stick to the diner classics and enjoy traditional sandwiches and egg-focused entrees, or you can steer off and taste the intricate eats on the menu.
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The only indication Au Cheval is a diner is the bologna sandwich and root beer float on the menu. The space itself, however, looks more like Hemingway’s favorite watering hole. With dim lighting and dark leather booths, it’s a place well suited for cocktails called Horse’s Neck and Bee’s Knees.
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🍽️ American | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (312) 929-4580 | Neighborhood: West Loop. Au Cheval’s burger was called “just about perfect” by Bon Appetit in 2012. The upscale burger joint was already a popular restaurant before that, but since, the hype hasn’t died down.
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Au Cheval was my last meal in Chicago and the one hour wait was totally worth it. Sometimes the wait can be three hours long. Grab a seat at the bar to witness all the burger magic happening right before you eyes but know that you’ll want to eat everything.
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Among these is Au Cheval, an upscale restaurant serving creative American dishes with a French bistro feel; Roister, a high-end spot offering contemporary cuisine with seasonal ingredients; and Bad Hunter, a plant-based area with classic and modern dishes.
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Au Cheval serves up an American cuisine staple: juicy, tasty burgers!. The restaurant is located in West Loop, Downtown Chicago, and has a line out the door almost always. However, the quality and taste of those burgers make it worth the wait.
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Au Cheval is somewhere between a diner-style restaurant and a French American gastropub. It is probably one of the busiest and most popular restaurants in Chicago. They don’t take reservations so all you can do is to go there and wait.
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In place of buns, you get a potato hash that is so crispy you won’t even miss the bread. The bacon add-on is necessary and just melts in your mouth. The special sauce has gluten in it but you won’t miss not having it on this burger.
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Wondering where you can take your friends who have never been to the town for lunch?. Worry not, the Au Cheval has you sorted. With various meals ranging from gluten-free meals to takeaways and cocktails, this is the place to be.
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Au Cheval’s Double Cheeseburger with Egg and Bacon is a game-changer. Rich, juicy, and perfectly cooked, it’s a must-try. Exceptional service and a cozy atmosphere make it a standout lunch spot.
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