Discover Chicago's Best: Au Cheval & GNR Award Winners

By Prof. Joan WestMay 06, 2025

Is there a single burger in Chicago that truly reigns supreme? Au Cheval, nestled in the heart of the Windy City, has consistently been lauded as a frontrunner in the highly competitive world of gourmet burgers, but the question remains: Does it deserve the hype?

The quest for the perfect burger is a journey many Chicagoans undertake with gusto, a culinary pilgrimage that leads them to various establishments, each claiming to hold the key to burger nirvana. Among these contenders, Au Cheval has carved a prominent niche for itself, capturing the attention of both locals and international visitors. Its popularity is undeniable, with lines often stretching down the block, a testament to its enduring appeal. Yet, beyond the buzz and the accolades, lies the undeniable question: Does Au Cheval truly deliver on its promise of burger perfection, or is it merely riding the wave of hype? The restaurant's ambiance is often described as effortlessly cool, a carefully crafted blend of rustic charm and urban sophistication. The interior, a carefully considered space with exposed brick, dim lighting, and a bustling open kitchen, sets the stage for a dining experience that is designed to be memorable.

The restaurant's menu extends beyond its signature burger. Au Cheval offers a variety of dishes, from classic American fare to more innovative creations. The menu items like the steak tartare, frites, and shrimp cocktail are also popular among patrons. However, the burger remains the star attraction, the dish that draws the crowds and fuels the conversation. The burger features two smashed patties, a perfectly toasted bun, and a carefully selected combination of toppings, all working in harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

The restaurant's burger is not only a Chicago favorite, but it has also received national recognition. The burger has been named one of the best in the country by Business Insider, one of the 21 essential hamburgers in the country by Eater, and the number one burger in America by the Food Network. The burger's reputation precedes it, a beacon for burger enthusiasts seeking a transcendent experience. The anticipation, the queue, the expectation all contributing to the heightened sense of occasion.

The allure of Au Cheval extends beyond the mere consumption of food; its about experiencing a culinary moment. The atmosphere, the service, and the collective appreciation of the burger creates an environment that elevates the dining experience. It's a place where people come together, not just to eat, but to celebrate the art of the burger. The success of Au Cheval lies not only in the quality of its burger but also in its ability to create an experience. It is a testament to the power of a well-executed concept. The restaurant has a lot of awards, the restaurant has been awarded by the "great neighborhood restaurant (gnr) award".

The restaurant offers a unique experience, and the combination of flavors and textures makes it a dish worth savoring. With all of its offerings, Au Cheval has made its mark in the competitive Chicago food scene. However, for those seeking a more relaxed environment, Maude's Liquor Bar offers a mellower scene. The restaurant's Monday special of a burger and fries for $13, or a burger, beer, and whiskey for $20, has become a popular draw.

The influence of Au Cheval can also be seen in other establishments, like The Tavern, which is seen as an excellent contender in the conversation for the best burgers in Chicago. The burger's influence can also be seen in the au cheval single, which features two smashed patties.

The restaurant's influence goes beyond the culinary world. The restaurant has partnered with Bilt Rewards, a program that allows users to earn rewards on rent payments and unlock neighborhood benefits at local restaurants. Au Cheval has also been included in Resy's curated guides, which provide restaurant intel and allow users to book tables. The restaurant's reputation is a testament to the power of creating a unique and high-quality dining experience, making it a destination for food enthusiasts around the world.

The restaurant's commitment to quality extends to its service as well. The pretension/indifference in service mirrors that of Au Cheval. The restaurant's menu also includes classic cocktails, a global wine list, and a robust selection of draught beers. The restaurant's atmosphere is designed to be both inviting and elegant. The restaurants location is hidden down Cortlandt Alley, Au Cheval reimagines traditional fare, from roasted bone marrow to salads, griddled cheeseburgers to seafood selections and of course, prime steaks.

For those seeking other dining options, the city offers an array of choices. The restaurant scene extends beyond the burger conversation, with other establishments like "Au cheval avec balena beatrix bellyq belly shack bohemian house carriage house ceres' table chilam balam county cumin the dawson decolores dove's luncheonette the duck inn* fat rice frontera grill gilt bar girl & the goat green zebra gt fish & oyster han 202 herb hopleaf jaipur jam jin thai kai zan lao sze chuan luella's southern kitchen," offering different culinary experiences. "And there are the great beers and unsung whiskeys at publican, too."

The debate over the best burger in Chicago is a passionate one, with each establishment vying for the title. Au Cheval, with its enduring popularity and numerous accolades, has firmly established itself as a contender. Its meticulously crafted burgers, coupled with its unique ambiance, have cemented its place in the city's culinary landscape. Whether it truly holds the crown is a matter of personal preference, but its undeniable impact on Chicago's food scene is undeniable.

When visiting, it's worth noting that Au Cheval does not accept reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The restaurant will be operating from 11:00 am to 10:15 pm this week. If online ordering is unavailable during that time, it means all takeout and delivery orders have stopped being accepted.

Almost everything at Au Cheval is rich, and the combination of crispy hash browns, gravy, and the egg is a favorite. Au Cheval opened its doors in 2012, and since then, it has been recognized by various publications.

Restaurant Feature	Details
Name	Au Cheval
Cuisine Type	American
Location	Chicago, IL
Specialty	Burgers, Steak Tartare, Frites, Shrimp Cocktail
Average Rating	4.6 stars
Ambiance	Rustic charm, urban sophistication
Noteworthy Features	Recognized for its burger by multiple publications; strong cocktail, wine, and beer selection.
Noteworthy Feature	Home of the great neighborhood restaurant (gnr) award.
Noteworthy Feature	Hidden down cortlandt alley, au cheval reimagines traditional fare, from roasted bone marrow to salads, griddled cheeseburgers to seafood selections and of course, prime steaks.
Website	Au Cheval Official Website

Au Cheval cheeseburger is one of America's best Business Insider

Au Cheval Anatomy of a Burger Eating With Ziggy

Detail Author:

Name : Prof. Joan West
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