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Au Cheval
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Au Cheval
8.7
A burger-and-cocktails room with late-night energy and a menu that rewards ordering with restraint: one signature burger, one side, and a drink that keeps the pace moving. The draw is consistency at scale—show up hungry, commit to the classics, and don’t overcomplicate it.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single cheeseburger, Bacon add-on, Garlic aioli fries
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A cult burger destination that stays dependable even with huge demand.
Who should go: Burger people and cocktails-first night-out diners
When to visit: Late afternoon or early evening to dodge peak waits
What to order: Cheeseburger, fries, a classic cocktail
Insider tip: Keep it tight—one burger per person is the move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in TriBeCa and gets difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top are fine; people lean polished but not formal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is possible, but it’s a lively room.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak nightlife hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—one vegetarian-friendly option and sides, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—better suited for omnivores.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications (no bun, certain sides), but not a dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something energetic and low-pressure—great drinks, fast-moving service, and a fun vibe help keep things easy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during dinner and late-night hours; going early or during off-peak times improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of an adult, nightlife-leaning spot best suited for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Consistent burgers, strong cocktails, and a buzzy night-out atmosphere that feels social without being chaotic.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, broad dietary options, or a kid-friendly setting—there are calmer or more flexible spots nearby.
Au Cheval
8.6
A dimly lit, booth-heavy burger room hidden in Cortlandt Alley where the griddled cheeseburger is the reason you came. It’s indulgent and designed for maximum satisfaction—best enjoyed with one committed burger order and a side, not a full menu sweep.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single cheeseburger with bacon & egg, Thick-cut peppered bacon, Fries with garlic aioli
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A griddled, indulgent burger experience in a hidden alley setting.
Who should go: Burger maximalists and booth-loving date nights
When to visit: Early dinner for smoother seating
What to order: Cheeseburger, add bacon and egg; fries; bacon
Insider tip: Order one burger style for the table and repeat it if hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking in TriBeCa; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews polished and date-night appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — energetic room with music and close tables; conversation is possible but not intimate-quiet.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without arriving early; waits can stretch longer during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes on average; earlier lunch is usually smoother.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — sides and egg-based items, but no true vegetarian burger substitute.
Vegan options: Very limited — not a vegan-focused menu; best suited for omnivores.
Gluten-free options: Limited — burger can be ordered without a bun, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a buzzy, indulgent vibe. It’s intimate and fun, but louder and heavier than a quiet conversation spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Arrive early or be prepared to wait, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The dim lighting, wait times, and rich menu make it better suited for adults than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-indulgent burgers, late-night energy, and a moody, hidden-room atmosphere that feels special.
Skip if: You want a quick meal, lighter food, vegetarian-friendly options, or a quiet, relaxed dining experience.
Au Cheval
8.5
A reservation-flexing, burger-forward diner room that feels built for the current downtown moment—dim, packed, and loud in a fun way. Go with a small group, order the signature burger plus sides, and treat it like a full-on indulgence meal, not a quick bite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic double cheeseburger, Crispy fries with Mornay, Bacon & black pepper mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A scene-y Tribeca outpost built around a signature burger ritual.
Who should go: Burger loyalists and groups who want a loud, fun room
When to visit: Late dinner for full energy; weekdays for fewer waits
What to order: Double cheeseburger, fries, mac & cheese
Insider tip: Split sides for the table—portions add up fast with the burger.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the safest bet, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room skews polished downtown.
Noise level: Loud—expect high energy and raised voices, especially at peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak late-night hours
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes; occasional walk-in availability
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—one to two meatless options, but not the focus of the menu
Vegan options: Very limited—better suited for omnivores
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations possible, but not a gluten-free-forward kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, casual dates—the noise and shared plates make it fun, but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but be ready to wait—late nights and weekdays give you the best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—the loud room and late-night energy skew adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: High-energy burger nights, group hangs, and late dinners with a scene
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, lighter food, or strong vegetarian/vegan options
Au Cheval
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A high-energy Tribeca lunch move when you want something memorable but still efficient—tight menu, fast momentum, and a room that feels like a “close the deal” backdrop. Best for smaller groups who can order decisively and keep the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Bologna Sandwich, Fried Chicken
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A buzzy, lunch-capable room built around a famous burger rhythm.
Who should go: Small teams and client lunches
When to visit: Weekday lunch right at opening
What to order: Double cheeseburger, bologna sandwich, fried chicken
Insider tip: Keep the order tight—one burger each and one shareable side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option during lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but relaxed. Jeans are fine; business-casual works well for client lunches.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversation is possible but expect a lively, energetic room.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak hours
Weekday lunch: 15–30 minutes if you arrive right at opening; waits build quickly after noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetarian burger option available, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—this is not an ideal choice for strict vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility—burgers can be ordered without buns, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want high energy and a buzzy vibe. It’s less intimate than quiet bistros but great for confident, casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch if you arrive early. Be prepared to wait if you show up after noon, even on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. While kids are allowed, the loud, bar-driven atmosphere and focused menu make it better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: High-impact business lunches where you want energy, speed, and a memorable setting built around a few iconic dishes.
Skip if: You need a quiet, private conversation, extensive dietary flexibility, or a long, leisurely lunch.
Au Cheval
8.5
A high-energy burger-and-bar-room that’s ideal when you want a late dinner that still feels like a destination. The menu is tight and decisive, which helps groups keep the pace moving even when the room is buzzing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Bologna sandwich, Fries (with aioli)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A classic burger-driven late dinner with real bar-room energy.
Who should go: Late diners who can order fast
When to visit: Right at opening or late for shorter waits
What to order: Cheeseburger, bologna sandwich, fries
Insider tip: Keep it simple—one burger each and one shared side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in TriBeCa late at night; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy—jeans are fine, but the room skews stylish and polished.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—expect to lean in and raise your voice, especially at peak late-night hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, even late; bar seating may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this spot is strongest and busiest at night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries and a few sides, but no true vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Very limited—not a strong choice for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations possible (lettuce wrap burgers), but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want high energy and buzz—it’s fun and memorable, but not ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait; arriving right at opening or late night improves your odds, and bar seating moves fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—better for adults and older teens; the noise level and late-night crowd aren’t ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burger cravings, group hangs, and nights when you want a scene as much as the food.
Skip if: You need a quiet meal, vegetarian-friendly options, or a relaxed, linger-long dining experience.
Au Cheval
8.8
A dim, high-energy room where the burger is built like a late-night ritual: rich beef, a soft bun, and the option to go all-in with bacon and a fried egg. Best when you want a destination-level burger that still feels like a bar meal, backed by serious volume and repeatability.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Bacon + Egg add-on, French Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A destination burger that stays bar-forward and craveable late.
Who should go: Burger purists and late-night planners
When to visit: Late dinner, ideally after 9pm
What to order: Double cheeseburger, bacon+egg add-on, fries
Insider tip: Split fries early, then commit to one burger build and repeat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Tribeca, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are fine, but the room leans polished and night-out appropriate.
Noise level: Lively to loud — conversation is possible, but expect bar energy and background buzz.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8:30pm
Weekday lunch: Limited lunch availability; if open, waits are usually minimal compared to dinner
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — sides and egg-based items are available, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — not an ideal choice for strict vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Partial — burgers can be ordered without a bun or wrapped in lettuce; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re comfortable with a high-energy, slightly loud setting — it’s memorable, fun, and feels like a night out rather than a quiet interview.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a real wait during peak hours; bar seating often turns faster and is the best walk-in strategy.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the late-night energy, noise level, and bar-forward setup make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night destination burgers with a cult following, a buzzy bar atmosphere, and consistent execution at scale.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, faster seating, or broader dietary accommodations — simpler neighborhood burger spots will be more relaxed.