There are many spots vying for the title of best burger in New York City and Chicago's famous Au Cheval recently joined the competition. Having been cited as the best burger in the country, there was so much hype surrounding the opening that there were reportedly wait times of up to three hours during the first week. Now we don't usually visit restaurants right when they open because we like to see reviews and wait for them to iron out the kinks but we actually stopped by Au Cheval during opening weekend because it's in our neighborhood and found no line at 11:00 AM on Saturday.
Located on a nondescript alleyway that has appeared in numerous movies and television shows which have been filmed in NYC, Au Cheval is housed in a former warehouse space with exposed brick walls, dark wood floors and plush banquettes. Though it bills itself as diner, it really has much more of a French gastropub feel. The main attraction here is their burger which is comprised of two four ounce black Angus patties with American cheese, dijonnaise, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun. Optional toppings include bacon and a fried egg (because everything is better with an egg). Feeling decadent, my husband opted for both while I just got the egg and of course we got a side of fries. The burgers were served with a steak knife to facilitate portioning but we could tell it would be messy to eat no matter what. Cutting it in half is definitely the way to go. While the burger was juicy and well cooked, it was over seasoned especially when paired with the thick slabs of bacon and cheese. The egg actually turned out to be a good call since it mitigated some of the saltiness. The frites style fries served with a garlic aioli were hot and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside the way fries should be. Unless you're a particularly big eater, the portions are generous. We probably could've shared a burger and been full. This was our breakfast and lunch and we had salad for dinner that night.
They make a good burger, but I wouldn't agree that it's the best in the country considering I don't even think it's the best in NYC. The seating was comfortable and the atmosphere wasn't too noisy despite the restaurant being fairly full. The service staff was friendly and attentive to our needs. This location includes a full service coffee bar, Sawada Coffee and there is a separate bar area downstairs. I looked at their site before writing this review and it looks like they take reservations now and have expanded their brunch menu and offer a single cheeseburger for those which a double might be too much for. They also have bone marrow dish which we'd try if we go back there. The phrase "Au Cheval" means "on horseback" and in France it refers to any menu item that is served with a fried egg on top.
Au Cheval Diner
33 Cortlandt Alley
New York City
$$
16 comments
These are so yummy and nice
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I enjoy a good diner this one is on my list to try thanks for this informative detail in the food. Have a great weekend.
I am a huge burger fan, so I would try if I were in the neighbourhood, but overseasoned food usually puts me off.
Hello Rowena! Have missed stop by your great blog, apologize and sorry for my absence, dealing with some health troubles unfortunately. Btw, the place sounds very lovely and though I'm vegetarian I'm really watering. Big hugs and love to you my friend.
Yum.
Looks delicious!!!
Thanks for another great restaurant review, Rowena! We might try the brunch menu but I guess there is no need to hurry there. I do love everything with a fried egg on top (and that is very whimsical expression ^-^)!
Have a great weekend! It appears that we will finally have some warm weather. :D
Dear Rowena, the portions look really big and I understand that you had after this breakfast lunch salad for dinner. Thanks for your honest review - at least the burgers are there good, even if not the best in town :) Happy weekend!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
I've never had fried egg in a burger before! Man...I'm missing out! Great review as always, chingu. Let us know how you guys like the bone marrow dish when you go back.
PS Thanks for the Affairs Team Ten rec! I'm looking for that right now:D
Rowena I love how you're so honest! I was just saying the other day there are only a few restaurants here in my opinion that have great burgers. Have a great weekend!
Au Cheval does sound like a nice place to eat, even if it doesn't have the best burger in NYC. Thanks for explaining the phrase, I'm helpless with French. I always thought a fried egg on top was a British thing, but maybe it is really French? Anyhow, thanks for sharing this review. You always find interesting places in NYC. It's great that the staff is friendly, and that the atmosphere is lovely. That's really important, I think. One wants to feel comfortable while being at the spot, it is just as important as the food itself.
Oh this sounds good, a 3 hour wait wow. Maybe not the best in NYC but over all sounds like a great experience. And the space is great.
Allie of
www.allienyc.com
That's a big burger!
Oh very huge burger! Great phots and interesting place darling
xx
How delicious ❤
Oh my god the food looks insane, I could so eat all of that right now haha xx
Gemma • GemmaEtc.com ❤️
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