…So a couple of weeks ago my son Nick sent me this list.
Top 100 Hamburgers in the United States.
He emailed it to me because he knows that I’m bananas for burgers. I’m pretty sure that my last meal- if I had advance notice and could pick anything- would involve a long-gone shack on Dempster called Hershey’s and his cheeseburger with “secret sauce.”
ICYMI, read all about my burger obsession here.
Anyhow, Nick and I are pretty much in agreement when it comes to all things burger. We both swoon over Beinlich’s and we both go ape for the burger at Superdawg.
Therefore, I listen to his recommendations with great interest. And for the longest time, he has told me of his new FAVORITE hamburger in Chicago- and maybe anywhere…
For years he has raved on and on about the burger, the bun, the “au cheval” part- the yummy fried egg on top. Not to mention the pickle, the ambience, well, everything.
“I swear to God, Dude, this is the best freakin’ hamburger I have ever had,” he will tell me.
And his sister Natasha- no slouch in the burger lover department either- backs his play.
“I love Beinlich’s best you know, Mom. But after that, Au Cheval’s burger is my favorite,” she’ll chime in.
And Thrillist at the top of this post concurs.
(They rate it near the top of all burgers in the US- coming in at number 11. Only the Mott Burger ranked higher in Chicago burgers. It came in at number 7.)
So for YEARS, I have been going to Au Cheval.
And for YEARS, I have been striking out.
I have never eaten there.
I have gone for lunch and I have gone for dinner.
It is always the same old story.
Too long of a wait.
No matter how long I am willing to wait for this marvel of ground beef engineering, the text that our table is ready always comes too late.
(Just a little “Too Late” music for your listening enjoyment.)
I’ve struck out there so many times that I call it “No”Cheval.
But I didn’t reckon on my clever sister-in-law Mary Lu to the rescue.
Two weeks ago today we had a girls’ night out and she had a brainstorm.
IMHO pricey- but good. And two double burgers, one order of fries and a split can of Diet Coke really hit the spot.
Was it the best burger in Chicago? No. But then again, it wasn’t the burger that Nick goes crazy for at the original restaurant so it really isn’t fair to compare.
I’ll have to save my review of that burger when -and IF- I ever actually eat there.
Until then, I’ll just have to wait for a miracle.And eat at Dick’s Drive-In the next time I’m in Seattle.
A fabulous, skinny double burger, no waiting and a price you can really sink your teeth into.
Au Cheval will have to wait for me for a change.
Just ate there yesterday. Second time. Didn’t love it the first time but decided to give it another try. Liked it even less the second. Waited so long to give order and get food I almost left. Then came the 2 grilled burgers, not flame grilled, just a McD’s grill.
Those 2 patties were $12! At least Portillo’s is flame cooked at 1/2 the price.
Asked for extra onions and got none on the burger and some chopped stuff in a cup. They left off the lettuce/tomato but forget finding my waitress. The only thing I liked was the bun.
No Cheval is the right approach. Stick with Charlies. Or Hackney’s with some rings.
Or best yet – 25 Degrees.
Very interesting, X-1. Somehow this doesn’t surprise me and yet- why all the hype? They certainly have my kids hypnotized. Well, I’m withholding my final judgement until I’ve actually tried it for myself but your review makes me less anxious to wait out the interminable wait. And speaking of waits, someone who is really my friend brought me back relish from Surfside. Thanks for the comment though. Appreciate your POV here on this vital topic.
In my personal experience the Small Cheval Burger is very similar to its original older brother at Au Cheval. The prime, or should I say choice, difference seems to me to be more in the ambience, single malt scotch and other find spirit menus, and of course the teaming masses of in crowd types. Still, I will await your ultimate review Ellen. There is still very little more delightful in this world than a great hamburger (and a good cigar).
I couldn’t agree more, Gary. Two of the finer pleasures in life. Though truth compels me to say that I only savor the aroma of the latter. Thanks, my friend. 🍔
My kids love it too. Not sure worth the hype but it did hit the spot that night!
It was PERFECT the other night. You are a dinner genius! 😘🍔
We went once a few years ago (arrived early and got the last table). My main remembrance was upon returning from the men’s room, I realized I was the oldest one in the place by approximately 15 years.
Yes, I hear the early bird catches the burger but alas, I’m never early enough. As for being the oldest person at the party, I know just how you feel but I don’t mind. Thanks, Fred. 😊🍔
Au-ver rated.
Beinlich’s is still #1, and Culver’s is actually pretty good. In the city, however, the burgers at Chicago Cut and Southern Cut are great, and the burgers at the bar (only) at Michael Jordan and David Burke are outstanding. Even without a cigar.
I like your wordplay, Kauff. And I will have to try out your recommendations. (When I hit the lottery.) Thanks, my friend. 😊👍🍔
“Eat” is the only word in the English language if you take its first letter “e” and move it to the end, it becomes it’s past tense, “ate”…..
That’s pretty oolc, Bernie. I never realized that. But what? No great burgers on the South Side?
Yes there was.
A place called “The Hot Dog Pit” on Stoney Island Avenue.
Now I feel better. Thanks, BK. (Does that stand for “Burger King”?)
Best burger in America is made at any one of the campfire sites at Camp Ojibwa. Fresh patty cooked over a wood fire, add a little mustard, ketchup, onion slice, cheese slice and some ground potato chips on top…mmm. Plus the ambiance of eating in the fresh air of the North Woods. I just call it “Au My God.”
Yum, I can almost taste it now…Can’t wait til it’s my turn. Thanks, Steve.
Steve,
TOALLY forgot about that!
You are so right!!
Charlie’s is topp! always will be. Hackney’s is good too (at Harms, on the patio) Don’t shortschrift Meier’s either (tater tots!). Gone are Ubaa and Seul’s. My daughter insists on being taken straight from customs at ORD to the nearest Portillos.
All in all I think the best burgers taste so delicious because of not just condiments but the memories they are garnished with.
What can I say? When you’re right you’re right, Kennedy. Btw, I’m with your daughter re Portillos. Thanks for this. 😊🍔🍟🌭
Beinlich’s in a breeze. My daughter, Taylor – your basic vegan – used to call it “that fish-on-the-wall” place. Personally, I think Portillo’s makes a dreadful burger – served well-done only & hopelessly dry. But I’d wait all day for a slice of their chocolate cake.