Au Cheval
Chicago
At a glance
Located at 800 W Randolph St in Chicago's bustling dining scene, Au Cheval redefines the classic diner experience with a commitment to high-quality ingredients and culinary creativity. Known for its diner-style bar and restaurant setting, Au Cheval crafts a warm and inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy both traditional and innovative dishes.
The cuisine at Au Cheval focuses on elevating typical diner fare, with a special emphasis on egg-centric meals. Diners will find a menu that ranges from refined offerings like chopped chicken liver and roasted bone marrow to more traditional choices such as sandwiches and their signature cheeseburger. Each dish reflects a balance of comfort and sophistication, appealing to a wide variety of tastes.
The restaurant operates on a welcoming first come, first serve basis, though it does accommodate limited reservations. It's a perfect spot for those seeking a cozy yet lively ambiance, offering exceptional food choices both during the day and late at night. This approach suits those who appreciate a laid-back dining experience without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Whether stopping by for a hearty meal or a late-night bite, Au Cheval continues to attract locals and visitors alike searching for a unique take on the traditional diner experience in Chicago's vibrant culinary landscape.
Reviews
On a tip from friends we checked Au Cheval out while visiting Chicago. We figured 4p on a Friday we would beat the rush, we were wrong. There was a line out the door and we figured out why, soon enough. Fortunately, it was just me and my smoking hot lady-friend so we snagged a seat at the bar and had zero wait. Service was great, drinks were tasty the "Crispy Fries" were dynamite and we opted to split a Single Burger (which is really a double) topped with egg and bacon cooked to perfection. The single most expensive burger and fries we have ever had, and without a doubt, also the best. Worth every penny. Bravo, Au Cheval team!
An Elevated Institution: The Au Cheval Experience Stepping into Au Cheval—whether at the original Chicago cornerstone or its moody, tucked-away New York outpost in Tribeca—immediately subverts any preconceived notions of what a "diner" can be. Styled with a Gilded Age tavern aesthetic featuring rich leather banquettes, dark wood, and warm, atmospheric lighting, it bridges the gap between casual comfort and high-end execution with remarkable poise. The culinary philosophy here is rooted in taking familiar, humble comfort foods and pushing them to their absolute zenith through flawless technique and unapologetically rich ingredients. The Highlights The Legendary Cheeseburger: Often cited as one of the best in the country, the burger is nothing short of a masterclass in texture and balance. The griddled patties strike that ideal middle ground—lacing the edges with a deeply savory, lacy crust while keeping the interior meltingly tender. Layered with glossy, perfectly draped American cheese, a punchy dijonnaise/garlic aioli, and pillowy toasted buns, it is an exercise in excess that justifies every bit of the hype. Elevating it further with thick-cut bacon and a fried egg pushes the indulgence over the top. The Supporting Cast: Beyond the burger, the kitchen excels in starters and small plates that showcase serious culinary depth. The chopped chicken liver, served roughly textured with rich butter and heavy, griddled toast, is deeply savory and satisfying. Other staples, like the roasted bone marrow and potato hash blanketed in duck heart gravy, lean heavily into rich, classical comfort profiles. The Verdict Au Cheval succeeds because it doesn't try to reinvent comfort food with pretentious gimmicks; instead, it respects it enough to execute every single element with precision, high-end components, and deep flavor. Service strikes that ideal balance of warm, casual hospitality paired with sharp kitchen execution. Be prepared for the inevitable wait—as walk-in culture and high demand dictate the rhythm of the room—but once you are settled in with a strong cocktail and a towering plate of food, it is an experience that wholly delivers on its reputation.
Au Cheval absolutely lived up to the hype. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere was energetic without feeling overwhelming, and the service was attentive from start to finish. The burger was every bit as good as people say, and every dish we ordered was packed with flavor. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal with family while visiting Chicago. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in town. Highly recommend!
We finally made it to Au Cheval after hearing so much about their famous cheeseburger, and it didn’t disappoint. We ordered the “single” cheeseburger (which is actually a double patty) and added the fried egg and bacon. The beef was juicy, the cheese was perfectly melted, and the bacon was thick and full of flavor. Everything worked really well together, making this one of my favourite burgers in Chicago. We also shared the fries with aioli, a great side to this burger, and had a Horse’s Neck cocktails that paired nicely with the meal. The wait can be long, but I think it’s worth it. If you’re a small group, I’d suggest being open to sitting at the bar. We were only two people and got seated in under 45 minutes. One thing to know is that when they text you, your whole group has to be there, and they’ll only hold your spot for 10 minutes. If you’re in Chicago and enjoy a good burger, this place is definitely worth checking out.
Definitely a great burger with great portions that I loved going to for the first time. The sweet and spicy chicken (6 Pieces) is double fried and tossed in sweet and spicy sauce that is absolutely phenomenal. They have great service also and our waiter was very informative and accommodating to my family taste preferences. I definitely recommend you make reservations for this restaurant because the wait times are typically 2-3 hours without reservations because it is very crowded. I would give the Burger a 8.5 out of 10 with a great size. I would not recommend the bacon not because it is nasty, but it very thick while not being crispy, most people associate bacon with being crispy and their bacon taste like a great piece of brisket instead of traditional bacon. But I definitely will try more items on the menu when I return.
