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Au Cheval

Chicago

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YUMMY METER

Dive into Au Cheval's world, from iconic burgers to yummy drinks dripping with glam. Experience America's culinary superstar, darling!

Hey, glam foodies! Ready to bite into the juiciest piece of hot gossip you've heard in a minute? No, it’s not about the Kardashians' latest escapade. It's better.

We're diving deep into the world of Au Cheval — the culinary superstar that has burger aficionados from Chicago to New York raving, ranting, and outright drooling. If burgers were a designer brand, darling, this spot would be the Chanel of cheeseburgers. Let’s get into it!

Au Cheval’s Origin: Chicago Roots

Picture this: the bustling streets of Chicago's West Loop, where hip meets historic and skyscrapers kiss the heavens. And amidst this urban chaos lies the birthplace of our favorite bun-filled sensation: Au Cheval.

It’s not just a diner; it's a mood, a vibe, a steakhouse-meets-diner sensation that feels oh-so American. Sweetie, this is where you discover that sometimes, a cheeseburger is not just a cheeseburger; it's a love story between crispy patties and melting cheese — with a side of sass, of course!

At its heart, Au Cheval captures the spirit of Chicago — bold, unapologetic, and flavorful. Like the deep-dish pizzas the city is known for, Au Cheval isn’t afraid to layer it on thick. And boy, does it pay off.

Its origin story in Chicago set the stage for a burger renaissance that would soon sweep the nation. But before we get all coast-to-coast, let's talk about what’s really at the heart of this joint — the legendary cheeseburger.

The Iconic Au Cheval Cheeseburger

Imagine, for a moment, the Mona Lisa of cheeseburgers. What does it look like? If your answer wasn’t Au Cheval’s masterpiece, we need to chat!

First, let's talk patties. Not too thick, not too thin — they're griddled to perfection. Crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. And, oh honey, the drama doesn’t stop there.

The single cheeseburger is a mischievous little thing because, guess what? It's actually a double! And if you dare to order the double cheeseburger? Let’s just say it's a party of patties.

Drizzled atop this meaty mountain, you’ll find the sultriest garlic aioli and dijonnaise, adding a zesty kick that makes you question all your past burger choices. The American cheese? It’s not just laying there. It's hugging those patties like they're long-lost friends, reunited for a night out in the town.

Now, we could wax poetic about this burger all day (and trust us, we want to), but words just don't do it justice. It’s more than just food. It’s an experience. It's that first sip of champagne at brunch with your besties, the opening chord of your favorite pop song, the first step into a New York Fashion Week afterparty. It’s everything, darling.

So, next time you're faced with a menu at Au Cheval and wonder whether to dive into that iconic cheeseburger, just remember our little chat. Dive deep, take a bite, and let the flavors do the talking.

IV. The Battle of the Burgers: Chicago vs. New York

Ready for some tea? Let’s dish, darling.

In one corner, we've got the Windy City's iconic original. Oh, Chicago, with its deep-dish pizzas and now, the legendary Au Cheval burger. But NYC said, “Hold my Cosmo,” and delivered the glamorous New Yorker version of Au Cheval, nestled in the artsy corners of 33 Cortlandt Alley in Tribeca.

It's like the Carrie Bradshaw of burgers meets the Chicago Bull of buns. The question on everyone’s lip-glossed lips? Which city grills it better?

Now, we love a bit of Chicago flair, but New York brings its own sizzle with a slightly edgier vibe. NYC's Au Cheval experience? Think longer wait times (because, darling, good things come to those who wait), but oh, the payoff! It's every inch worth the anticipation.

Beyond the Burger

But, honeys, Au Cheval isn’t just a one-trick pony. Step beyond the famed burger and discover a world of drool-worthy delights.

French flair comes alive with crispy fries, lavishly drowned in decadent duck heart gravy. And foie gras? Oh la la, it’s like Paris met New York in a dish.

But the pièce de résistance? The thicker-than-your-fave-red-carpet-dress bologna sandwich. Drizzle on some homemade bologna, toss on a fried egg for that extra oomph, and you're in sandwich nirvana.

And brunch, babes? It's not just a meal. It's an event. With palate pleasers like scrambled eggs jazzed up with a sprinkle of magic, potato hash that dances on your tongue, and chilaquiles that'll make you say, “More, please!” — every brunch at Au Cheval is an encore waiting to happen.

Au Cheval’s Signature Sides and Add-Ons

Alright, glam squad, gird your loins because the sides at Au Cheval are not playing around. If you thought the burgers were the main event, these add-ons are like the surprise celebrity appearance at the Met Gala.

We're talking griddled hash browns that are the perfect combo of crunchy and soft. And thick-cut French fries? They’re not just a side, honey. They’re the diva of the dish. Pair them with bone marrow for a touch of opulence, and you've got a side that's straight-up stealing the show.

Jane’s Bloody Mary with a fried bologna sandwich is the weekend brunch drink you didn't know you needed. It’s both a cure for last night's escapades and the perfect way to kick-start today’s shenanigans.

So, whether you're Team Chicago or Team New York, one thing's for sure: Au Cheval knows how to serve it up hot, fresh, and dripping with style. Now, which side (or burger) will you bite into first?

Drinks and Decadence

Alright, glitter gang, while we’ve been raving about the edible delicacies at Au Cheval, let's not overlook the star-studded lineup of sips! From brunch cocktails that have us shouting “Cheers, darling!” to evening concoctions that just scream sophisticated soirée, every drink at Au Cheval is a glam fest.

Take, for instance, the chilaquiles. A brunch classic that has us saying, “But first, chilaquiles!” (Sorry, coffee!) And the Bloody Mary? Honey, if it was any more fabulous, it'd have its own reality TV show.

And speaking of hype, have you heard about their drink menu? No spoilers, but let's just say it’s like a reunion episode of your favorite reality show: dramatic, intense, and absolutely unforgettable.

Reservation and Walk-In Tips

Now, queens and kings of cuisine, let’s address the sizzling skillet in the room: those notorious wait times. Like getting front-row seats to a sold-out Beyonce concert, scoring a spot at Au Cheval requires a dash of planning, a sprinkle of patience, and a whole lot of fabulous attitude.

  • The Early Bird Gets the Burger: If you can, try popping in right when they open. Not only will you beat the crowd, but there’s something delightfully decadent about indulging in a cheeseburger for breakfast.
  • Mid-Week Magic: Weekends at Au Cheval are a buzzing affair, so if you want a quieter, more intimate experience, try for a mid-week visit.
  • Keep Your Squad Snazzy: A smaller group might find seating faster. But hey, who said bigger isn’t better? If you’re rolling deep, just be prepared for a longer wait and more gossip time!
  • Dress To Impress: Not strictly necessary, but why not? If you’re going to eat at one of the best spots in town, flaunt that ensemble!

Why Au Cheval Is America's Pride

In the epic tale of burgers and bistros, Au Cheval emerges not just as a chapter but as an entire saga. It's not just about the crispy patties, the luscious cheese, or even the sassy cocktails. It's about an experience that captures the essence of American culinary flair.

From Chicago’s hustle to New York’s glam, Au Cheval effortlessly blends authenticity with audacity and tradition with innovation. It’s a reminder of simpler times, elevated to a gourmet experience. In the grand tapestry of America’s gastronomic journey, Au Cheval stands tall, glitzy, and unapologetically fabulous, like a drag queen at a 4th of July parade.

Restaurant Details

Ready to embark on your own Au Cheval journey? Don your glitziest outfit, prep that appetite, and let's get the party started! Below are the links to their iconic spots:

Chicago's Classic: Au Cheval Chicago - West Loop  

NYC's Gem: Au Cheval NYC - 33 Cortlandt Alley, Tribeca

Hit them up, check out their tantalizing menus, and snag a reservation if the stars align. And hey, while you're at it, remember to capture those drool-worthy moments. After all, if you didn't Instagram your Au Cheval visit, did it even happen?

There you have it, foodie fam! The lowdown, the insights, and the glittering praise. Now go, enjoy, and remember — life’s too short for bland burgers.

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