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Au Cheval
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Au Cheval
8.9
Au Cheval is a dimly lit Randolph Street diner famous for one of Chicago’s most talked-about cheeseburgers, plus hearty plates and a deep beer list. Long waits are common, but locals still line up for rich, throwback comfort food in a bustling, bar-adjacent space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single cheeseburger with egg and bacon, General Jane’s honey-fried chicken, Chopped chicken liver on toast
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Burger-focused Chicago institution where diner classics get maximalist treatment.
Who should go: Burger obsessives and late-night comfort food seekers.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or late night to dodge the longest waits.
What to order: Single cheeseburger with egg, hash browns, honey-fried chicken.
Insider tip: Put your name in, then explore Randolph Street bars nearby while you wait for a text.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tough during peak hours; nearby paid garages are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are totally fine.
Noise level: Lively and loud, with bar energy — conversation is possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 1–3 hours is common, especially during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Shorter waits, sometimes immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but doable — a few sides and salads, though the menu leans meaty.
Vegan options: Very limited — most signature dishes include dairy or meat.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified, but cross-contact is likely in a diner-style kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re into buzzy, dimly lit spots with great burgers — less ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — join the waitlist on arrival and expect long waits during peak times. Plan to explore nearby bars while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will do fine, but the space is tight, loud, and more adult-leaning — not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: One of the city’s most iconic cheeseburgers, late-night dining energy, and rich comfort food in a throwback diner setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need strong vegan options, or don’t want to deal with potentially long waits.
Au Cheval
8.8
Au Cheval’s crispy fries, drowned in mornay sauce with garlic aioli and a fried egg, are as celebrated as the burger they ride alongside. The narrow, diner-style room runs on serious execution more than frills, so the focus stays on rich, meticulously cooked plates and long-time consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
crispy fries with mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried egg, double cheeseburger with crispy fries, crispy potato hash
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic crispy fries treated like a signature dish, not a side.
Who should go: Burger-and-fries obsessives chasing peak indulgence.
When to visit: Weekday afternoons to dodge peak waitlist crowds.
What to order: Crispy fries with egg, double cheeseburger, crispy potato hash.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if you can—fries land hottest and fastest there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially evenings and weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sneakers are totally fine, but many diners lean slightly polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but expect a buzzy, energetic room.
Weekend wait: Often 60–120+ minutes without a reservation; the waitlist is common.
Weekday lunch: Typically shorter, but a 20–40 minute wait is still possible during peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fries and a few sides work well, though the menu leans meat-forward overall.
Vegan options: Very limited—most vegetarian dishes include dairy, and substitutions are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Some items can work, but cross-contact is likely and the kitchen isn’t gluten-free dedicated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if your ideal date involves great food and a lively, casual vibe. It’s cozy and buzzy rather than quiet or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect to wait—especially nights and weekends. Arriving early or off-peak dramatically improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens will be fine, but the space is tight and loud with limited kid-specific options. Not ideal for toddlers or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Decadent, chef-driven comfort food where fries and burgers are treated with serious culinary precision.
Skip if: You want quick seating, quiet conversation, vegan-friendly menus, or light, health-focused dining.