Chicago's Au Cheval ranks 35th among world's top 50 burgers

Au Cheval in Chicago has been ranked 35th on a list of the 50 best burgers in the world by Big 7 Travel. The restaurant is one of only three American establishments to appear on the ranking, joining Hamburger America in New York City and one other U.S. location that is not specified in the top 10 but is noted in the text as the next U.S. entry after the No. 1 spot.

Big 7 Travel, a global travel website, released the ranking recently. The site evaluated burgers based on meat quality, construction, flavor combination, distinctiveness, diner reviews, atmosphere, and value for money. The No. 1 spot on the list goes to Hamburger America in New York City, a restaurant created by George Motz in 2023.

Au Cheval, which opened in 2012, is operated by Brendan Sodikoff and his hospitality group, Hogsalt Hospitality. The menu features a "single burger" that consists of two thin smash patties layered with American and cheddar cheese, Dijon sauce, and pickles. Diners can add a fried egg or bacon to the sandwich.

Big 7 Travel described the Au Cheval burger as a deliberate choice for simplicity, citing beef, American cheese, pickles, and sauce as the core components. The site stated that the restaurant's approach prioritizes quality over quantity. The organization noted that burger lovers from across the United States and beyond travel to the location for its cheeseburgers.

The top 10 burgers on the Big 7 Travel list include locations in Dublin, London, Tokyo, Sydney, Dubai, Montreal, New Zealand, and Australia. Bunsen Burger in Dublin holds the No. 2 position, followed by Black Bear Burger in London at No. 3. Smash Things in Tokyo is ranked No. 4, while Eat at ROBs in Sydney is No. 5.

High Point in Dubai holds the No. 6 spot, and Bleecker Burger in London is No. 7. Uniburger in Montreal is ranked No. 8, Fergburger in Queenstown, New Zealand, is No. 9, and RoyAI's Chicken & Burgers in Perth, Australia, rounds out the top 10 at No. 10. The list acknowledges the global variation in burger styles, ranging from classic American cheeseburgers to Japanese Wagyu creations and Scandinavian reindeer patties.