Seemor
Au ChevalA-Worth Trying
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
· American restaurant, Diner
· 4.7/5 Google (11887 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Iconic West Loop burger destination with long waits, lively diner energy, outstanding bacon-topped burgers, and premium pricing; worth it for enthusiasts, frustrating for those sensitive to queues or noise.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Au Cheval delivers exceptional food quality anchored by its legendary cheeseburger with thick-cut bacon and dijonnaise, earning consistent praise from burger devotees. Prime West Loop location and bustling diner atmosphere create undeniable destination appeal, though tight seating and extended waits temper the experience. Reliable execution on core items and strong loyalty support the grade, though recent concerns about pricing and service lapses during peak times prevent advancement to grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a compact West Loop diner humming with music and chatter. Expect hosts juggling a long waitlist and servers moving fast. As one fan put it, "The single is really two patties—add bacon and the egg for peak bliss." However, there are moderate authenticity concerns mainly around polarized experiences tied to waits and pricing, not fake reviews. The culinary approach leans elevated classic rather than flashy: a top-tier cheeseburger with dijonnaise, pickles, and that famously tender thick-cut bacon. Think premium ingredients and diner comfort with occasional indulgences like bone marrow and foie with eggs. Ideal for burger devotees willing to queue; less so for those seeking quiet refinement. Families can make it work: burgers, fries, omelettes, and floats suit many kids, though the room can be quite loud and one review noted no high chairs. Portions satisfy, but sides are a la carte and prices skew high. If noise or long waits complicate kid logistics, consider off-peak hours or bar seating for faster turns.
At a Glance
- Iconic cheeseburger with egg and thick-cut bacon earns raves
- Lively diner vibe in prime West Loop location
- Long waits (45–180 minutes) and no reservations
- Premium pricing with a la carte sides
- Noise levels high; conversation can be difficult at peak
What Sets It Apart
- celebrated_burger_with_egg_and_bacon
- premium_diner_aesthetic
- destination_status_in_west_loop
What People Love
- That tender, smoky bacon
- Juicy double-patty "single" cheeseburger
- Fries with garlic aioli and optional egg
- Watching the fast-moving kitchen from the counter
Points of Concern
- Wait estimates can stretch; many report 60–180 minutes at peak
- Prices for add-ons and sides raise total spend quickly
- Service inconsistency during rushes (delays, missed items, seating rigidity)
- Parking is scarce; plan for paid options and a walk
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-58 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose the Single Cheeseburger ($17.99) and add egg ($3.49) and bacon ($6.99) for the classic experience
- Share French Fries ($8.99) to manage cost and portions
- Dessert cocktails (~$16.95) pair well if skipping dessert
Perfect For
- Burger pilgrimage on a Chicago trip
- Casual date that loves lively rooms
- Solo bar seat with fast service
- Late lunch to dodge peak waits
Location Insights
Area: Trendy dining corridor with upscale casual restaurants, bars, and tech/creative offices; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Well-trafficked and generally safe with heavy evening footfall; typical city awareness advised.
Nearby: Surrounded by acclaimed eateries and cocktail bars; near Fulton Market and corporate offices.
West LoopThe West Loop is renowned for its dynamic dining scene, featuring a mix of high-end restaurants, trendy bars, and casual eateries. The area attracts a diverse crowd interested in innovative cuisine and social dining experiences, with a lively yet approachable atmosphere.
Restaurant RowLocated along Randolph Street, 'Restaurant Row' is a micro-neighborhood famous for its concentration of acclaimed restaurants and chef-driven establishments, drawing diners seeking cutting-edge and diverse culinary options in a bustling, energetic setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–23:15
Tuesday10:00–23:15
Wednesday10:00–23:15
Thursday10:00–23:15
Friday10:00–23:15
Saturday10:00–23:15
Sunday10:00–22:15
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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