✓ Certified SmashChicago · IllinoisBest Burger in America (Bon Appetit)

Au Cheval

Double Cheeseburger (Au Cheval)
West Loop, Chicago, Illinois·8 sources scored·Confidence: High
📍 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607·📞 (312) 929-4580

Three thin griddled patties with sharp American cheese, house Dijonnaise, red onion, and house pickles on a toasted bun. Optional thick-cut bacon and fried egg.

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SMASH SCORE
88SMASH
SCORE
Certified Smash
8 Sources Scored
Confidence: High
Algorithm v1.1.0

Representative photography. Actual appearance may vary.

COMPETITION RECORD
2012
Best Burger in America
Bon Appetit named Au Cheval the best burger in America.
2015
#1 Burger in America
Food Network ranked Au Cheval #1 nationally.
The Story

A Chicago Institution.
Still Legendary.

Au Cheval opened in 2012 in Chicago's West Loop and quickly became one of the most referenced burgers in America.

The burger combines three thin griddled patties, sharp American cheese, house Dijonnaise, diced red onion, and house pickles. Bacon and egg are popular add-ons.

The 88 score reflects strong editorial validation, sustained consumer trust, and major national accolades.

Score Breakdown

How the 88 Was Calculated

Critics 35% weight
91.3
Crowd 45% weight
87
Community 10% weight
N/A
Accolades 10% weight
60
RAW WEIGHTED AVG
80.3
QUALITATIVE BOOST
+2.0
COMPETITION BONUS
+6.0
Final formula: 80.3 + 2.0 + 6.0 = 88 (8 sources scored).
The Burger

Double Cheeseburger

🥩
Build
Three thin 80/20 patties, griddled for crisp edge and juicy center
🧀
Cheese
Sharp American Cheddar
🍞
Bun
Toasted bun (Z Baking Company)
🥕
Core Toppings
House Dijonnaise, red onion, house pickles
💵
Base Price
$12.95
🥓
Add-ons
Bacon +$7, Fried Egg +$3
Typical Wait
2-3 hours on peak weekends
🏨
Service Model
First-come, first-served. No reservations.
Also on the Menu
Locations

Find Au Cheval

⭐ Original Location - West Loop
Chicago
800 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 929-4580
Mon - Thu4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 11pm
Saturday10am - 11pm
Sunday10am - 10pm
Service Notes
Dining Room
First-come, first-served only
No reservations
Typical table size capped at 4 guests
Opened2012
StatusOpen
NeighborhoodWest Loop
MarketChicago DMA
What Critics & Diners Say

Review Excerpts

"

It's consistently excellent... It's the best burger in Chicago, and you should try it at some point in your life.

The Infatuation
"

Named Best Burger in America with praise for spot-on bun-to-burger ratio.

Bon Appetit
"

Food Network declared the double cheeseburger at Au Cheval the #1 burger in America.

Food Network
"

Absolutely fantastic cook and flavor that puts it in the top tier of burger spots in Chicago.

TripAdvisor
"

Without hesitation, this is the best burger I have ever eaten in my life.

Independent Food Blog
"

The drooping mayo mixes with cheese and thick-cut bacon for an incredibly rich, balanced burger.

Candace Lately
"

One of my favorite burger spots. Rich, savory, indulgent, but never sloppy or overdone.

Google Reviews
"

The hype checks out. The burger is absolutely stellar, and long waits are still worth it.

Chicago Burger Review
Accolades & List Inclusions

The Record

🏆
Bon Appetit - Best Burger in America (2012)
Landmark national recognition that launched the burger into elite U.S. status.
🏆
Food Network - #1 Burger in America (2015)
National TV validation from Geoffrey Zakarian and Sunny Anderson.
📋
Eater - 21 Essential Hamburgers in the Country (2013)
Included in a national essential-burger list during its early rise.
📋
Michelin Guide - Bib Gourmand Recognition
Restaurant-level recognition that reinforces sustained quality and consistency.
Our Assessment

Strengths & Caveats

✓ Strengths
Tier 1 national awards and sustained acclaim across a 14-year run.
Massive consumer footprint with strong ratings across major platforms.
Elite smash fundamentals: sear, melt, ratio, and bun integrity.
Distinctive house Dijonnaise plus bacon-and-egg add-on format.
High-confidence score built from 8 independent sources.
⚠ Caveats
Wait times can reach 2-3 hours on busy weekends.
No reservations model can make visits hard to plan.
Loaded burger pricing (with bacon + egg) can be steep for some diners.