Au Cheval
A dim West Loop diner famous for what many call the best cheeseburger in America.
The call
Worth it if you are traveling as a couple and you are traveling solo.
Why
- 01
A moody, leather-and-low-light room that turns a humble burger into a destination.
Our read - 02
The food delivers; the wait does not.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Go if
You are traveling as a couple
As a couple, Au Cheval works.
You are traveling solo
Solo, Au Cheval works.
Food is a reason to travel
For food & drink, Au Cheval delivers.
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, weigh it — Au Cheval isn't cheap for what it is.
You only have one day
Au Cheval is a real time commitment — fit it in only if it's a priority.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, it depends on the day.
You prefer local life to spectacle
For local authenticity, Au Cheval is hit or miss.
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 ↗