Au Cheval
A dim West Loop diner famous for what many call the best cheeseburger in America.
The call
Worth it if you're traveling as a couple and you're traveling solo.
Short answer
Is Au Cheval worth it?
Au Cheval deserves a place on most first itineraries. Go early or reserve ahead. Crowds are part of the cost.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A moody, leather-and-low-light room that turns a humble burger into a destination.
- 02
The food delivers; the wait does not.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Au Cheval is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Au Cheval is an easy yes.
Food is a reason to travel
Au Cheval rewards a trip built around food & drink.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Au Cheval can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Au Cheval only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Au Cheval needs the right timing and tolerance.
You prefer local life to spectacle
Au Cheval offers some local authenticity, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
The plates that decide it
- The double cheeseburger — the whole reason to come; add an egg
- Thick-cut bacon and fries — reliable, indulgent sides
- The single burger — go double — the ratio is built for it
Plan it well
- Cost
- $$ — but the burger is pricey for a diner
- Timing
- Mid-afternoon, well off the lunch and dinner rushes
- Booking
- No reservations — walk-in only
- Allow
- 1–3 hours incl. wait
- Accessibility
- Dark, tight room; counter and table seating
Sources and method (2)
- The 'single' cheeseburger is two thin patties with house pickles and dijonnaise on a toasted Z Baking Co. bun; egg and thick-cut bacon are paid add-ons auchevaldiner.com ↗
- Walk-in first-come basis with limited reservations; waits have run up to several hours at peak nbcchicago.com ↗