Au Cheval
Diner with an open kitchen using ingredients ranging from bologna to foie gras.
Au Cheval is rated 4.7 / 5 from 12,885 Google reviews and sits about 751 m (9 min walk) from Grand station.
General overview
About Au Cheval
Au Cheval is a small, bustling West Loop diner and bar best known for its highly regarded griddled cheeseburger. Despite the diner styling, it is a destination restaurant with long waits, counter seating, cocktails, and rich American comfort food. Information below is based on prior knowledge and is not live-verified.
- Famous double-style cheeseburger with Dijonnaise and pickles
- Optional additions such as thick-cut bacon and a fried egg
- Compact, atmospheric diner setting with counter seating
- Located on Randolph Street in Chicago’s West Loop dining district
- Strong cocktail, beer, and whiskey selection
Things to do here
Signature cheeseburger
The restaurant’s best-known dish is a griddled burger served with cheese, pickles, onions, and Dijonnaise. The menu’s terminology can be confusing: the listed single has traditionally contained two patties, while the double contains three.
Bacon and egg burger additions
Guests commonly customize the burger with thick-cut peppered bacon and/or a fried egg.
Diner-style comfort food
Beyond burgers, the menu has been known for dishes such as fried bologna, chopped chicken liver, fries with mornay sauce, and other rich American diner fare.
Bar and counter experience
Counter seats offer a close view of the compact kitchen and provide the classic Au Cheval experience, accompanied by cocktails, beer, or whiskey.
Go directly to the host stand at 800 W Randolph Street. The dining room is small, and the full party may need to be present. Be prepared to wait nearby and monitor any text notification from the restaurant.
Au Cheval has traditionally been walk-in only. Check the current policy before visiting; if no reservations are offered, arrive early and place your name on the host’s waitlist.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Au Cheval is about 751 m (~9 min walk) from Grand station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Aba
Restaurants · 6 min walk
★ 4.8
Pizzeria Portofino
Restaurants · 18 min walk
★ 4.9
Quartino Ristorante
Restaurants · 20 min walk
★ 4.7
LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotels · 24 min walk
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Palmer House a Hilton Hotel
Hotels · 27 min walk
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Chicago Athletic Association - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotels · 27 min walk
★ 4.6
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Au Cheval from Grand station?
Au Cheval is about 751 m (roughly 9 min walk) from Grand station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Au Cheval rated?
Au Cheval has a Google rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 12,885 reviews.
What's near Au Cheval?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Aba, Pizzeria Portofino, Quartino Ristorante.
Is Au Cheval wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Au Cheval: wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Au Cheval?
Google lists these parking options near Au Cheval: paid parking lot, paid street parking, valet parking.
Is Au Cheval good for children?
Yes — Google lists Au Cheval as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Au Cheval?
Google does not list Au Cheval as allowing dogs.
Does Au Cheval have outdoor seating?
Yes — Google lists Au Cheval as having outdoor seating.
Do I need a ticket or reservation?
No admission ticket is needed. Au Cheval has traditionally been walk-in only, although you should verify the current reservation and waitlist policy before visiting.
How long is the wait?
At popular lunch, dinner, and weekend times, waits can exceed one hour and have sometimes reached several hours. Opening time and weekday mid-afternoons are often easier.
What should I order?
The signature cheeseburger is the classic choice. Many guests add thick-cut bacon, a fried egg, or both. Fries and diner-style appetizers are popular accompaniments.
Does the single burger really have two patties?
Traditionally, yes: Au Cheval’s menu has called its two-patty burger a single and its three-patty version a double. Confirm the current preparation when ordering.
Is Au Cheval suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Options have historically been limited because the restaurant specializes in meat-heavy diner food. Contact the restaurant about current vegetarian, vegan, allergy, and cross-contact accommodations.
Can I wait somewhere else after joining the list?
The host has commonly taken a phone number and sent a text when the table is nearly ready, allowing guests to wait nearby. Procedures and return windows can change.
Is it suitable for groups?
Small groups are easiest. The compact dining room makes large parties difficult to seat, and splitting a large group may be necessary.
Is there a dress code?
No formal dress code is generally associated with Au Cheval; casual attire is appropriate.
Is tipping expected?
Yes, unless a service charge or gratuity is already included. Review the current bill carefully and ask staff if the charge structure is unclear.
How do I reach Au Cheval by public transit?
The restaurant is in the West Loop on Randolph Street. The Morgan station on the CTA Green and Pink Lines is among the nearest rail options, with several CTA bus routes serving the surrounding area.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.