Is Au Cheval Really the Best Burger? Is the $28 burger worth the hype?
I waited a whole year for this burger.
Last year, my friends and I showed up right at 5pm, thinking we'd beat the dinner rush. Nope. Already fully booked. No burger for me.
This year, I cracked the code. Come for lunch, right at noon, and sit at the bar. No reservation needed. Walked right in. They even held my hand luggage since I came straight from the airport (I clearly have my priorities in order).
The Burger
Okay, I need to say this upfront. I'm usually a smash burger girl. But this might be better than any smash burger I've ever had. It's 100% worth the hype and 100% worth the wait.
A few things to know before you go:
Get the egg. Not optional.
Get the bacon too. I added both the bacon and a sunny side up egg on mine, and it was perfect.
Sizing is deceptive. A "single" patty here is a double anywhere else, and a "double" patty is literally a triple. Come hungry! I’m glad I didn’t order an appetizer. Although, I hear their fried chicken is fire!
Skip the ketchup. I never thought I’d say this, but it's so flavorful on its own that it genuinely doesn't need it.
It's $28 for a burger, and YES, it's worth it.
What It Actually Tastes Like…
Au Cheval Burger
The patties are griddled and cooked until they develop a crust, so every bite starts with that deep, savory char before giving way to a juicy, tender center. The balance of melted American cheese and tangy dijonnaise makes it unique. That dijonnaise, a mix of dijon mustard, lemon juice, and mayo, is the secret weapon. It brings a tangy, creamy punch that cuts through all the juicy richness.
The bacon is sweet yet peppery (almost had a bit of a kick), with just the right amount of char, while the egg adds a rich creaminess that ties the whole bite together. It's rich, extra messy, and a symphony of textures and flavors, simply UNFORGETTABLE!
The Fries
Fries don’t come on the side, so order them separately. Fair warning though: they weren't the star of the show. Get them for the classic combo, just don't expect them to blow you away like the burger does.
The Vibe
Sit at the bar if you can. You get a front row seat to the chefs putting these burgers together right in front of you.
The space itself is much smaller than I expected. And the crowd is clearly there for one reason: the food. People were in and out fast, no lingering, just burger business.
Service was a 10/10. Quick, great energy, chatty, and clearly knew the menu inside and out. Great local spot vibes overall.
Final Verdict
Worth the long wait. Worth the $28. Worth showing up at noon on a weekday if that's what it takes.
Next up: the NYC Au Cheval. Let's see if it’s just as yummy as the Chi burger.
