THE REVIEW

Food: Burgers –Au Cheval delivers a good, classic burger, but the true star of the show is their thick-cut bacon. In my opinion, it’s the best bacon I’ve ever had—it elevates the burger’s flavor and juiciness to another level. Appetizers – We started with chicken wings, which were good, but the standout dishes were the broccoli and the kale salad. Buttery, lemony, and perfectly salted with a satisfying crunch, the vegetables were incredibly fresh. Even the veggie avoiders in our group were impressed.

Service: We visited during lunch service, and despite arriving 20 minutes early, we were seated right away. Because we were celebrating a special event, we were greeted with a glass of prosecco each—an unexpected but delightful touch. This kind of gesture seems obvious, but if you’ve celebrated a special occasion recently, you’ll know that most restaurants often overlook these small but meaningful details. Our waiter was attentive, ensuring we always had what we needed without being overbearing. He checked in frequently but discreetly, making sure we weren’t too full to enjoy dessert. As suspected, not only were we treated with celebratory drinks at the beginning, but they provided us with dessert.

Ambiance: Au Cheval’s décor is designed to evoke a classic diner but with a refined twist. The wood, brick and leather accents, coupled with dimmed lighting, create a cozy yet sophisticated vibe that makes you feel both relaxed and a little bit fancy.

Prices: The burger alone is a whopping $22.99. Add the must-have bacon for $6.99, a fried egg for $2.99, and fries (one order is enough for two to share) for $9.99. It’s not a cheap meal, especially for a burger, but it’s definitely worth the splurge once in a while. Starters and sides are also on the pricier side, ranging from $13 to $19, with appetizers costing $18 to $30. Drinks were typical for NYC, averaging around $20 each.