Au Cheval
Chicago
Au Cheval is an acclaimed upscale Chicago diner in the West Loop famed for its decadent double cheeseburger served on toasted buns with melted cheese, crisp pickles, and optional thick-cut peppered bacon or fried egg. The lively bar-and-counter hotspot is also recognized for indulgent items like its stacked mortadella bologna sandwich, beef-fat fries, and a secret off-menu grilled cheese. Despite notoriously long waits, the messy, minimalist burgers remain celebrated nationwide.
Commenters are passionate yet somewhat polarized, with many passionately crowning it the single best burger they have ever tasted and a non-negotiable stop whenever visiting Chicago. However, a noticeable contingent argues the burger is overhyped, critiques doneness consistency, or recommends competing local burger joints. Wait times remain a top concern and frequent point of inquiry among prospective diners.
- Order the double cheeseburger topped with thick-cut peppered bacon and a sunny-side fried egg.
- Try the surprisingly popular $15 stacked bologna sandwich or the secret off-menu brick grilled cheese.
- Fries are cooked in beef fat and are not suitable for vegetarians.
- Anticipate notoriously long wait times at this bustling walk-in-heavy diner.
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