Verdict
Destinations
Restaurant · Chicago

Au Cheval

A dim West Loop diner famous for what many call the best cheeseburger in America.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Worth the table for…

Great for
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • Foodies
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • If you've only got a day
  • Families with kids
  • Local-life seekers
  • Night owls
Not for

Worth it for couples, solo travellers and foodies.

What to order

The plates that decide it

  • The double cheeseburgerthe whole reason to come; add an egg
  • Thick-cut bacon and friesreliable, indulgent sides
  • The single burgergo double — the ratio is built for it
Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

The double cheeseburger — thick patties, a slick of dijonnaise, optional fried egg and thick-cut bacon — earns its national reputation and is hard to better.
Not independently verified — estimated
Waits can stretch for hours at peak because of the no-reservations policy and small room — go off-peak or expect to stand around.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • With friends

    A great late-afternoon stop to dodge the line and split a burger and fries.

  • Solo

    The bar is the move — easier to grab a single seat than a table.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
$$ — but the burger is pricey for a diner
Time
1–3 hours incl. wait
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Mid-afternoon, well off the lunch and dinner rushes
Booking
No reservations — walk-in only
Accessibility
Dark, tight room; counter and table seating
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Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →