Au Cheval - A Look At Its Famous Fare And Vibe

When folks think about a truly memorable meal out, especially one involving a fantastic burger, a particular spot often comes to mind. This place has built quite a name for itself, drawing people in with promises of a signature cheeseburger that many consider a real standout. It is a spot where a simple egg, too, gets a lot of love, showing up in dishes that really make you think about comfort food in a fresh way.

This eatery, with its rather inviting and laid-back feel, has certainly carved out a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate good, honest cooking done with a bit of flair. You will find it is a place that feels just right for a casual get-together or a relaxed evening meal, offering a kind of warmth that makes you want to settle in. It is almost like stepping into a favorite neighborhood spot, even if you are visiting for the first time, which is pretty neat.

From plates featuring rich chicken liver to bone marrow, the menu here goes beyond what you might expect, presenting a collection of choices that are both familiar and a little bit surprising. It is that kind of place where every item seems to have a story, or at least a reason for being there, adding to the whole experience of a meal out. So, if you are curious about a place that does things a bit differently, this might be worth a look, you know?

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Table of Contents

• What Makes Au Cheval So Special?
  • The Au Cheval Cheeseburger Craze
  • Au Cheval's Cozy Corner Feel
• What Can You Eat and Drink at Au Cheval?
  • Beyond the Burger at Au Cheval
  • Sipping on Something at Au Cheval
• Why the Temporary Break for Au Cheval?
• How Does Au Cheval Stay Open to All?
• Is the Au Cheval Vibe Consistent Across Locations?
  • Au Cheval's New York City Presence
• What Else Should You Know About Au Cheval?
  • The Story of "Oeuf à Cheval"
  • Other Notable Au Cheval Dishes

What Makes Au Cheval So Special?

There are some places that just have that something extra, a certain appeal that makes them stand out from the crowd, and this particular eatery really fits that description. It is known for a few key things that keep people coming back, making it a very talked-about spot for food lovers. The atmosphere plays a big part, of course, but it is the food that truly captures the attention of many, especially one specific item that has gained a bit of a legendary reputation, you know?

The Au Cheval Cheeseburger Craze

The cheeseburger served at Au Cheval has, for quite some time, been a topic of much conversation, drawing folks from far and wide who are eager to try it for themselves. People are sometimes willing to stand in line for a good while, just for the chance to sink their teeth into what many call a truly delicious version of this American classic. It is a burger that, apparently, has a way of staying with you, making you think about it long after your meal is done, which is quite something.

Many wonder what gives this particular cheeseburger its special appeal, why it tastes so incredibly good to so many palates. The double cheeseburger, for instance, comes with three beef patties, which is a bit more than you might typically find elsewhere. This generous approach to the ingredients might just be one of the reasons it has become such a fan favorite, offering a hearty and satisfying experience that is, in a way, pretty unique.

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Au Cheval's Cozy Corner Feel

Beyond the celebrated food, the feeling of being inside Au Cheval itself contributes a great deal to its widespread appeal. The place has a cozy, rather casual vibe, making it a welcoming spot for anyone looking for a relaxed meal. It is the kind of setting where you can feel at ease, whether you are catching up with friends or just enjoying a quiet moment, and that, too, is a big part of what makes it special.

The layout, often described as having a dimly lit charm, adds to this comfortable atmosphere, creating a sort of inviting warmth that encourages people to linger. This specific lighting choice, combined with the general relaxed air, helps to set a mood that is quite distinct and, in some respects, memorable. It is not just about the food; it is about the whole experience of being there, which is pretty cool.

What Can You Eat and Drink at Au Cheval?

While the cheeseburger certainly gets a lot of the spotlight, the menu at Au Cheval offers a much broader selection of items, giving visitors plenty of choices beyond just the famous beef patty. It is a spot that seems to pride itself on offering elevated versions of diner-style food, taking familiar dishes and presenting them in a way that feels a bit more refined. You might be surprised by the range of options available, actually.

Beyond the Burger at Au Cheval

For those looking for something different, the menu includes a variety of appealing dishes, from rich chicken liver preparations to bone marrow, showcasing a broader culinary approach. There is also a fried bologna sandwich, which, apparently, has caused quite a stir among some visitors, proving that even simple ingredients can be turned into something quite noteworthy. It is a place that, in a way, encourages you to explore beyond the obvious choices.

Other items that have earned praise include the steak tartare, perfectly prepared frites, and a shrimp cocktail that many consider to be among the very best you can find. These dishes suggest a kitchen that pays close attention to the quality of its ingredients and the way they are put together, offering a selection that goes well beyond what you might expect from a place known primarily for its burgers. So, you know, there is a lot to try.

Sipping on Something at Au Cheval

To go along with your meal, Au Cheval also provides a full bar with a selection of drinks that complement the food well. The cocktail list features some interesting mixes, including a modern concoction with Buffalo Trace, bourbon cream, Mr Black, and coffee bitters, which sounds pretty intriguing. They also offer classic drinks with a nod to history, like a Sazerac rye option and another with Prairie gin and green chartreuse, giving you a range of choices.

Having a full bar means you can really make an evening of it, whether you are looking for a refreshing drink to start your meal or something to sip on afterward. The presence of a pool table and outdoor seating in some locations further adds to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, providing more ways to unwind and have a good time. It is all part of creating a complete experience for guests, which is rather nice.

Why the Temporary Break for Au Cheval?

Recently, a well-known location of this popular spot, the one in Chicago’s West Loop, announced it would be taking a temporary break from serving guests. This pause is being referred to as a "refresh," indicating that the company is taking some time to make changes or improvements to the place. It is not unusual for popular spots to do this, giving them a chance to update things or, you know, just take a breather.

A temporary closure like this, while perhaps a bit sudden for some, often means that when the doors open again, there will be something new or improved for regular visitors and new guests alike to experience. It is a way for a busy place to maintain its appeal and keep things feeling fresh, ensuring that it continues to offer a great experience for everyone who walks through its doors. So, it is basically a chance for them to get things looking good again.

How Does Au Cheval Stay Open to All?

For a place that often has people waiting in line, ensuring that dining remains an option for everyone is a key concern for Au Cheval. They have stated that making sure their establishment is accessible to all is a top priority, which is a pretty important commitment for any popular eatery. This focus means they are thinking about how to welcome a wide range of guests, which is a good thing.

They also mention that they truly appreciate the support and understanding of their guests in upholding this policy. This suggests a shared effort between the establishment and its visitors to create a welcoming environment for everyone. It is about creating a space where people feel comfortable and able to enjoy their meal, regardless of their individual circumstances, which is, you know, really thoughtful.

Is the Au Cheval Vibe Consistent Across Locations?

When a popular restaurant opens up in different cities, people often wonder if the feeling and quality of the experience remain the same from one spot to another. Au Cheval has locations in different places, including its original home and a presence in New York City, and there can be slight differences in how each one feels. It is pretty common for a place to have its own character, even when it is part of a larger group.

Au Cheval's New York City Presence

The Au Cheval spot in New York City, situated in downtown Manhattan, has quickly become a notable New American restaurant in its own right. It has received positive feedback from visitors, earning a good rating on restaurant review sites, with many photos and reviews available for people to check out. This shows it is making a good impression on diners in the Big Apple, which is, you know, a tough crowd.

However, some people who have experienced both the original Chicago location and the New York outpost have noted that the New York spot, while good, might not quite capture the exact same special feeling as the first one. It is not necessarily a bad thing, just an observation that sometimes the unique charm of an original location is hard to perfectly replicate, which is understandable, really.

What Else Should You Know About Au Cheval?

Beyond the main dishes and the general atmosphere, there are a few other interesting tidbits and connections related to Au Cheval that add to its story. From specific menu items that spark conversation to the very meaning of its name, there is more to this place than meets the eye. It is, in a way, a place with layers, you could say.

The Story of "Oeuf à Cheval"

The name "Au Cheval" itself, which translates to "on horseback" in French, sometimes sparks curiosity, especially for those familiar with French phrases. It is interesting to note that "oeuf à cheval" specifically refers to an egg placed on top of a dish, which makes sense given the restaurant's stated passion for eggs. This little detail connects the name to the food in a rather clever way, you know?

The broader idiom, "être à cheval," means to be astride or on horseback, and figuratively, it can mean to be on top of things or to be straddling two different things. While the restaurant's name likely refers to the egg dish, this linguistic connection adds a bit of fun depth to the name, making it more than just a simple label. It is a bit of a linguistic treat, actually.

Other Notable Au Cheval Dishes

While the cheeseburger is famous, some folks have pointed out other items on the menu that stand out for various reasons. For example, the idea of an $8 bowl of matzoh ball soup on the menu has been a point of discussion for some, showing the range of items they offer. It is interesting to see such a mix of classic diner fare and unexpected additions, which is pretty unique.

The concept of "Small Cheval" is also part of the larger Au Cheval story. This is a more casual version of the main restaurant, often found in different settings, offering a quicker and slightly different take on the popular burger experience. It is a way to make the core offering more widely available, providing a different kind of experience for those who might not want the full sit-down meal, which is a good idea, in my opinion.

The restaurant also has connections to other well-regarded food businesses and concepts. For instance, the fried bologna sandwich has been linked to places like Butcher and Larder and Publican Quality Meats, suggesting a network of quality food purveyors. This kind of connection speaks to the quality of the ingredients used and the broader food scene that Au Cheval is a part of, showing that they are, in some respects, pretty serious about their food.