"Au Cheval ~ Cheeseburger ~ 5 out of 5"

February 24, 2013

• Chicago Burger Blog
• burger
• cheeseburger
• diner

• Food: Diner, American
• Decor: Upscale diner
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

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Our latest quest to find the best burger in Chicago landed us in the West Loop at a new diner that has been generating a lot of buzz in an area full of buzz-generating restaurants. Au Cheval opened last year replacing Downtown Gyros at the corner of Randolph St and Halsted St. Before opening, they revamped the location into a modern trendy spin on a classic diner. When entering, you’ll notice the dim lighting, vibrant crowd, loud music, and a classic kitchen with a bar counter you’d imagine in an old-school style diner.

At Au Cheval, it wasn't hard to decide what we wanted as there is only one cheeseburger (and a “double cheeseburger”) on the menu. Thus, it came down to a few options, so we had a little variety between our orders. We ordered medium-rare, and added both of the added options, fried egg and thick cut pepper bacon. We also tried a hamburger and a cheeseburger without the egg and bacon.

To our surprise, the burgers weren't just single patties, but double! Turns out the double is really a triple, which would be a challenge we might just accept on our next visit. The presentation of the burger was salivating as the gooey cheese melted over the edges of the patty enough to where you’d think the patty was dipped in cheese. The added bacon was almost as thick as the patty, while the egg on the other bun covered the Dijon mayonnaise and large cucumber style pickles. After first bite, we all felt like we were in burger heaven. There was no doubt in our minds that we were all comparing this to the best of the best. After setting the burger down, we realized that these thin patties were all cooked perfectly to a medium-rare which is a hard feat with the thinner patties. The patty was juicy and full of flavor, the egg and bacon was added flavor, but it wasn't needed to make this burger a top contender. The brioche bun stood up to the task and lasted the whole meal.

The burger from Au Cheval is one of Chicago’s top burgers without a doubt, and could contend nationally as well (but that’s for another discussion). While the fried egg and bacon is a nice extra, it isn't mandatory unless that’s your thing. The highlight of the burger was probably the American cheese that smothers the burger. Not only does Au Cheval offer a delicious burger, but the upscale diner is great environment for a night out with friends or a casual date, but arrive early or be prepared to wait. On a side note, the fries served with mornay sauce, garlic aioli, and fried egg are noteworthy and worth a try. Believe the hype.

Cheeseburger ($5.95) – Two beef patties topped with Dijon mayonnaises, pickles, onion, fried egg, and thick cut bacon.

Recommended Dishes:

Cheeseburger, Fries with fried egg

"Indulgence"

November 1, 2012

• Food: high end diner
• Decor:
• Service: Excellent
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: minimal but good

Overview:

I've heard over and over how good the burger is.... and everyone was CORRECT. Wow. The bun is perfect, thick bacon that really is on the side of what most would call pork belly, an egg and two perfectly cooked patties (on a single mind you). We also go the fries that had an egg on top and mornay sauce, ridiculously good.

On top of the food, the restaurant is very comfortable and the staff was great. I will definitely go back to try other things on the menu. Well done!

Recommended Dishes:

burger, fries

"Mouth watering"

October 24, 2012

• French diner

• Food: french diner
• Decor: casual, gastropub
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: tap beers, wine, cocktails

Overview:

Finally made it over to Au Cheval and would like to go back ASAP. Great selection of beer on tap and a fun option for French diner food. Cozy atmosphere and great service, as well! My favorite was the ham and cheese fondue and my mouth is literally watering thinking about dipping the warm bread into the gooey, delicious hot cheese and ham. Also had the cheeseburger, but it is not an average greasy burger. Topped with pickles, cheese and egg and cooked to perfection. Another fave was the cripsy fries covered in cheese and with a side of garlic mayo...what?
SO GOOD!
Amazing comfort food and will be back soon for more.

Recommended Dishes:

ham and cheese fondue, cheeseburger, cripsy fries

"Bourbon and Chicken"

September 5, 2012

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

Get the Honey Fried Chicken and chase it down with at least 3 old fashions and your on your way to a good Friday night. Nuff said.

Recommended Dishes:

Honey Fried Chicken, Ham and cheese fondue

"Obsessed"

August 29, 2012

• Food: Diner food
• Decor: Looks like a diner that has been there for years
• Service: Good
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Excellent beer selection

Overview:

I have now been here twice in a week!! The open faced ham and cheese fondue is more of an appetizer but excellent. Definitely to be shared. The crispy fries - excellent. The cheeseburger - I can't imagine eating here and not ordering this. We also got the roasted tomatoes but they were definitely overshadowed by the more indulgent foods.

Recommended Dishes:

Crispy fries, ham and cheese fondue, cheeseburger

"Great burger!"

August 29, 2012

• Food:
• Decor: Upscale greasy diner
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great beer list

Overview:

Not your typical diner. Fantastic burger and their take on a ham and cheese--the ham and cheese fondue was incredible. Definitely order that to split with everyone. Beer list was extensive and I discovered a couple great new ones I hadn't tried before. DuPont foret Blanche and the omnipollo Leon are both beers that I can't wait to have again!

Recommended Dishes:

Cheeseburger, ham an cheese fondue

"Still Drooling"

August 29, 2012

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service: friendly, efficient, informative
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: homemade whiskey is a must

Overview:

This West Loop spot is more than a greasy diner. There’s a great vibe that hits you as soon as you walk in and are greeted by the hostess. She takes down our name as we make our way to the bar for a drink while we wait. There’s a cocktail server that comes around so we don’t have to fight for a spot at the bar.

There’s some classic rock playing from an old school music reel and the aroma of scrumptious greasy food carries through the open kitchen. There’s an extensive beer list in which we order from, and before we know it, we are being guided to our seats.

There’s a row of booths that line the wall, and we get situated at a table for two. It takes us a while to look at our menus, but I’m overly excited once I do. I wanted to try everything. This seems to be a reoccurring problem for me. We ask for a few recommendations and decide on three dishes. Each was served on antique dishes that were charming.

We started off with foie gras and scrambled eggs. It was so rich and decadent. I have no shame in admitting my obsession with foie gras. It was served with sherry and toast points on the side. Every bite melted in my mouth. I can still taste it.

Our second dish included bone marrow and beef stew. Gilt Bar is known for their bone marrow so I was happy to see the dish make it onto Au Cheval’s menu with a little twist. The bone marrow was perfectly cooked and slid right out. The stew that accompanied it was delicious with tender chunks of beef.

We ordered a round of shots of the homemade whiskey. It had a nice oaky flavor that I wanted to sip on all night. Oh yes, I’m a whiskey drinker. It was a great way to break up all the eating before our greasy cheeseburger came. It was served with a giant knife stabbed through the middle of it. I think the cheeseburger was screaming, “Eat me!” It was a classic and a hit. The double patties were topped with cheese oozing out of the bun.

I’m pretty sure I was already in a food coma, but I had to try dessert. I had seen this giant creation on many table tops so I had to find out what it was. It was a mille feuille, and we were not disappointed. There were layers of vanilla custard betweens flaky puff pastry. It was just as rich as the rest of the meal and paired perfectly with the dark coffee.

Au Cheval offers a twist to the classics. I cannot wait to go back! This menu is not for shy eaters. Come with a big appetite and good company!

Recommended Dishes:

foie gras & eggs, bone marrow & beef stew, cheeseburger

"Amazing"

August 29, 2012

• Food: upscale diner food
• Decor: fun, comfortable throwback (playing music on a reel to reel).
• Service: very good
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Tons of beers on tap and a great bartender who will make pretty much anything you can think of.

Overview:

We started at the bar as we had to wait for a table but it was completely worth it. My wife had a bloody mary and it was one of the best she has ever had. Just watching the bartender make the drink was worth it. Once we sat we started with the Salmon Rilette which was great. We also had the Matzo Ball soup which would have made my Grandmother proud. For dinner we shared the cheeseburger
which is by far one of the best that I have ever had. Not sure if it was the cheese, the homemade pickles or the egg that made it so good but it was a lethal combination. We also had their version of fried chicken which was amazing. Not your typical fried chicken as it had a major Asian influence but if you are in the mood you will not be disappointed. Don't forget about dessert. We had a root beer float with both the root beer and Gelato coming from local establishments...need I say more.

Recommended Dishes:

Fried Chicken was tops but everything was great.

"Great burger"

August 26, 2012

• Food: Comfort
• Decor: Small, old school leather booths
• Service: Good
• Cost: $$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Good

Overview:

Loved the burger with egg, it was fantastic!

Recommended Dishes:

Cheeseburger

"Au Yes!"

June 28, 2012

• Food:
• Decor:
• Service:
• Cost: $$
• Wine / Cocktails:

Overview:

I was a little late to the party – Au Cheval has been open for months. And everyone has been raving. The best part of these pics is that they really speak for themselves. The liberal use of herbs is a bonus.

We ordered the Salmon Rilette with brioche, a perfect egg and pickles, a burger and super crispy frites with garlic aioli. The burger was perfect with two patties of heaven; it was love on a bun.

Recommended Dishes:

Salmon Rilette, Burger

This Review has been recommended by 1 person

"No Words Can Express..."

March 22, 2012

• Food: French
• Decor: Antique, sexy, dark, comfortable
• Service: Great
• Cost: $$$$
• Wine / Cocktails: Great

Overview:

...But I'm writing a review, so I suppose these words will have to do. Bottom line; I LOVE Au Cheval.

I have never been to Gilt Bar or Maude's for food, only cocktails, so I wasn't sure what I was in for, but Au Cheval was an amazing introduction to the Sodikoff line of restaurants.

Walking in to Au Cheval is like walking into a neighborhood diner, but it's swanky, classic, sexy, retro, and antique-y all in one. The long, dark, narrow space is complemented by the open kitchen and zinc-topped bar to the left, and seating accented with fun, antique music reels and cameras to the right. We showed up around 7 on a Wednesday and the place was packed! We put our names in and they called in a short 30 min (drinks at Maude's made the time worth the wait).

There's no easy way to choose off of this menu; we were positive about the 32 oz porterhouse, and then chose some other dishes just to make a night out of it; why not go all out, yes? We started with chopped chicken liver with salted butter & toast, and the foie gras and pork-stuffed cabbage. Both were incredible, the chicken liver was chopped coarsely and seasoned perfectly, and the foie gras and cabbage was a yummy surprise, it was like a slice of savory pie. From there we went with crispy fries (mornay sauce, garlic aioli & fried farm egg) that made me feel dirty for loving them so much. And the coup de gras; the piece de resistance; the mother-f'er of them all, was the 32 oz pork porterhouse with foie gras and roasted apples. There were moans, eyes rolling back, happy dances...it was incredible. The tender pork, sweet apples, and rich foie was a perfect combo. I wasn't sure we could tackle the whole thing after the orgy of food we'd just stuffed in our faces, but we made a heroic effort and might have licked the plate clean if no one was looking. We even finished up with Black Dog gelato!

I can't express how great Au Cheval was, and I can't wait to get back and do it again (in stretchy pants)...

Recommended Dishes:

Everything

This Review has been recommended by 2 people