I got a cheeseburger and a chocolate milkshake. The cheeseburger itself is indeed very good - 5 stars. The milkshake is pretty small, not great value. It's good, but probably not worth the price. read more

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The burger was good. I had plain old cheese meat and bun burger. Not quite a smash burger but thin patties that were not dried out. Fries were crispy but not overcooked. Mine I added lots of pepper and a bit of salt. Limited seating but they were nice enough to turn on some extra heat outside since it had snowed earlier and was still a little cold out. The service was friendly. It did not take too long to get the food. I would eat here again read more

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I've ordered delivery from here a few times but this is the first time I came in person. 7pm on a Monday proved to be quite busy but it was a lovely evening to dine outdoors. I was greeted by a very friendly cashier and even though it took a while for my order to be ready it was definitely worth it. Such a good burger!! The double patties is a lot but I was able to eat all of it nonetheless. $19 for a burger, fries and drink is kind of pricey but it's not like we're eating burgers daily so it's justifiable. Will definitely return while the weather is nice for outdoor dining! read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Outdoor seating - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Been dying to try small cheval because of the hype and because I really liked au cheval's burger. Like any other overly hyped place, I try not to overthink it and have an open mind going in otherwise you're bound to be disappointed. With that being said, small cheval burgers and fries just hit. the. spot. The food is on the saltier side, but in the best way. Don't forget the garlic aioli that they have on the side - dangerously addicting. Just be prepared to wait especially during peak times. I know where I'm going the next time I'm craving a hardy burger! read more

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My memory of Small Cheval is way different than I experienced today! I'm well aware that Covid changed everything: Our work, play, eating, drinking, socializing, entertainment, travel.......(again) everything! So, Small Cheval Old Town is set up for outdoor dining only and pick-up and delivery of their burgers. On this chilly Sunday afternoon my wife and I ordered two cheeseburgers sat outside in 48° weather and braved the actual changing of the seasons. Are their cheeseburgers still good - Yes! Were they worth the price they are charging - No! There are so many outrageously wonderful cheeseburgers in this city now, with full service accommodations I'm getting the feeling that Small Cheval is a shadow of what it used to be. Au cheval, the Mother restaurant to Small Cheval is still first class and wonderful. For some reason unbeknownst to me, this powerful brand, let their satellite restaurants slip a bit. I will happily still frequent the Mother Ship, but alas, their appendage is not worth the inconvenience that comes with the simple act of chowing down on what used to be a pretty terrific cheeseburger in a welcoming environment! read more

Amazing burgers, chill ambiance, and fast & friendly service! I love the outdoor seating and it's such a vibe at night sitting with the string lights above you. Ordering at the counter is easy, and they give you a buzzer to come back when your order is ready. They also seemed to have an efficient take-out operation. Best burger I've had in a really long time and at a good price! read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We chose this spot just based on proximity (Airbnb down the street) but wow this meal was impressive. Solid burger and fries, I usually don't care for dijonaise but after Small Cheval I'm sold. My partner upgraded to the wagyu truffle burger and I kinda wish I had because it was worth it. I'll have to save room for a shake next time too. read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Wagyu burger and fries with dijonaise were awesome! - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This was once my favorite burger and fries in Chicago. In the last year, it's become underwhelming relative to what it once was. The burger is just ok. It seems smaller in size and flavor is off. Additionally, Small Cheval fries were amazing up until about 12 months ago. Hand cut to frozen bag fries. I would characterize their fries as a complete ripoff , flavorless, mealy and limp. So gross. Don't waste your money here. Go to McDonald's OR Spend a few bucks more and get something of value somewhere else. This restaurant sucks now. read more

What a delicious burger. Such great, crispy fries as well. No frills kinda spot, with such a simple and well made burger (with bacon and cheese). Highly recommend if you're craving a quick burger to go! read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have always heard great things about this restaurant and was so excited to try it out! It has the cutest picnic-like ambience with string lights and wooden shared seating. My boyfriend and I were able to snag our own table, and the waitstaff was very attentive. The ordering process was very quick and easy due to the simple menu. I got a cheeseburger and fries with the ___ sour on tap. The keg was tapped during my pour, so the server kindly gave me a can with it for free! The order was out pretty fast, and devoured in about the same amount of time. Granted that I have never been to the original West Loop Au Cheval, I did not have a baseline for expectations. Nonetheless - It was a perfect blend of a classic staple food and unique flavors I've never had anywhere else. I will definitely have to try a milkshake next time - I will be back and back and back! read more

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After trying most of their locations, I can say they all hit the mark. Rare for an establishment with multiple locations to excel in my experience but Small Cheval delivers. Waits can vary depending on location but my latest visit to Old Town, it was fairly quick so no complaints there. What can be said that hasn't already been said about Au Cheval's infamous burger that hasn't already been said? An easy choice that will satisfy your hunger even if you weren't in the mood for a burger, you will be at first bite. Can't have a burger without fries which are no afterthought here either. They are like when you get a rare batch of McDs fries that slap, but every time, paired with fancier sauces that you could spread on anything literally. While you're induldging in your gluttonous ways, why stop there when they have a solid array of boozy selections to choose from, though I prefer the ultimate sin of a milkshake that causes me to look at the mirror in disgust for the next few days. Eat here it's delicious. Stay fat mother suckers read more

Catered to a wide variety of dietary restrictions while having a simple menu- both gluten free and vegetarian options were good. The atmosphere was positive and laidback, and the boozy milkshakes were great. read more

This burger was so good. I love anything with truffle but the mixture of the truffle cheese sauce and the wagyu beef plus the American cheese was amazing. I'm still thinking about it, it's a must try!! Make sure to get the garlic aioli with the fries. Such a good combination read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Wagyu Truffle Cheeseburger and Golden Fries - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First time here and would definitely recommend! My partner and I came here before 530pm on a Saturday and we were lucky to be in front of the cash register. After we ordered, a huge rush of people came in. By the time we left, there was a huge line. My partner and I got the cheeseburger with everything on it (including bacon) and golden fries. The burger itself is thick and when I mean thick. I mean it with 3 c's LOOL. It's a hefty and meaty burger. You can easily get full from it. The bacon was a nice compliment. The fries was basic. However, the sauce (I think it was garlic aioli) was a game changer. Price was reasonable for a GOOD burger. I would come here again! read more

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Burger was good - not great. Service was fine - nothing special. Will keep exploring to find our "best burger" in Chicago.

Decent burger, got the double with cheese. Fries are fire along with their mayo sauce.

I don't know how this spot can be below 5 stars. Food is amazing for a menu with essentially three things on it. Workers are great and they're willing to take risks to improve their menu like switching to thicker cut fries recently. Every location has been great, but special shoutout to the one on Wells for the atmosphere Don't forget the extra aioli for your fries read more

Burgers are still the best...but bring back the skinnier, crispier fries!!! The thicker ones now being served are the same generic fries served at every mediocre fast casual spot. read more

I've eating here three times over the past two months and it's has yet to disappoint. I love how the social distancing is handled. Everything is disposable and the staff is always welcoming. This time we sat on the patio after the rain and enjoyed 2 cheeseburgers and shared a fry. These guys really get that simplicity and consistency is key. read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Drrroooooollllll!!!! - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great burgers! The burgers here are definitely less "fancy" than at Au Cheval but you can definitely tell that they are still using many of the same great ingredients. I personally enjoy this burger much more than the Au Cheval version. The seating is first come first serve. I came during the Fall and that had a lot of benches right in front of the restaurant. Not sure what the setup is during Wintertime. If you come later in the evening, be prepared to wait for seating. I wouldn't worry too much though, most people were able to snag a seat before they get their order. read more

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Outstanding burger. Great sauces. Can't beat it. Went on st paddy's day during their first week open and it took less than 10 min for the food to be ready. Will be back for sure. read more

I eat maybe one cheeseburger a year, and I'm glad this was the one. Heads up: they automatically come with two patties, I did not know this. I got the white cheese sauce on the side for my fries - excellent decision. The fries were lovely and salty, somewhat similar to McD's, which is kind of the king of fries. The burger was really tasty, not overcooked and also not too pink. The bun was nice, looked like a brioche. I would definitely go again when in Chicago. read more

We put in an order for pickup and was told that the order would be ready in 30 minutes. It was not. We showed up to pick up our food and there were two people at the desk. One ignored us and the other responded once we asked why it was not ready. They said it would be ready in 5 minutes. It was but they missed all of our condiments. Food was good but not doing pickup ever again. read more

The quality has changed so much in just a matter of months. Different buns that are very dry, rubbery patty and now thick fries that used to be shoestring. I am super bummed. This is our neighborhood spot and we used to eat here once or twice a week. What happened?! Can you PLEASE go back to the old ingredients?! read more

I unfortunately was avoiding bread and fried food when I sunk my teeth into this burger. The guys there fixed me up with a lettuce "bun" and yet, it was still very very good. I look forward to taking my bride and offspring to this outdoor only place when the weather is warmer. I know they will like it. Also, simple menu gets down to business. Don't go if you want complex options. They do it well here!! read more

Garlic aioli shrinkflation. This place has turned into a DoorDash ghost kitchen and is no longer the neighborhood spot it once was. Total lack of interest and service from employees and the aioli is now being held HOSTAGE behind an armed counter. What happened here? read more

I haven't had beef in months, but during a long walk the Small Cheval sign called out to me. The patties, the cheeses, the bun, all came together in a wonderful fatty ball of flavor offset by the added fresh tomato and lettuce. My cashier and all the other employees were very helpful and upbeat. I came during a weekday, so there were many spaces available to sit in the outdoor patio. Very relaxed spot for a casual meal on a sunny day. Next time I'll have to try the veggie burger and add a milkshake! read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cheeseburgers are delicious and come with double patties, pickles and onions. The garlic aioli is amazing! Fries are crispy and milkshakes complete the meal. Extra charge for tomatoes, lettuce, or bacon. Outside seating only at this location. read more

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I've been to the Bucktown location of Small Cheval and now this Old Town location - both offer a no frills, delicious cheeseburger. I ordered mine without any of the free extras (tomato, lettuce). The regular cheeseburger comes with aioli, pickles, and two patties with American cheese. I got fries with a side of white cheddar sauce. I was told by other customers that the garlic aioli should come free if you ask for it - but I was informed of this after I'd already left. I sat on the patio in the shade and enjoyed my cheeseburger and fries. I got a fountain drink (free refills). I have yet to try the original Au Cheval and savor the full experience. I heard that the latter's cheeseburgers incorporate higher-end ingredients and the tables are more of a sit-down, but Small Cheval offers a solid cheeseburger done right. read more

Best quick burger in the city with an amazing venue - milkshakes are also unreal. Must go

Best quick service burger in the city!! The staff were funny and quick. The outdoor seating area was perfect with the heaters. The burger was juicy and flavorful but classic at the same time. The garlic aioli is a must to dip the fries in. The fries were crispy and perfect! This is a must go!! read more

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We stumbled across Small Cheval while looking for lunch in the area, and really enjoyed our meal! Their menu is very simple and they keep their focus on their burgers, which makes for an easy ordering process. The food came out very quickly, and was all delicious! The milkshake had a great consistency, and wasn't too thick or too runny. It also had a great strawberry flavor that went well with the savory burgers. The burgers were tasty, and their special sauce adds some great flavor! I thought that the burgers could have been salted a bit more, but was overall happy with the size and taste. The fries were great, and the portion size was much bigger than expected! 10/10 recommend the fries, especially with a side of ranch. read more

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i was visiting chicago for the long weekend and had friends recommend au cheval to me, but i couldn't snag a reservation so we went to small cheval instead. you order at the counter and are given a buzzer with a number, and the buzzer will buzz when your food is ready. all of the seating was outside. it was very warm inside, but i noticed that maybe that's just how all of chicago is in the winter. i ate half of a cheeseburger and had some golden fries. both were good but not mind-blowing. overall a great place for a casual meal! read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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These burgers, y'all, are SO GOOD. I had read a lot of good reviews so I knew it was a must try when I was recently in Chicago. I made my way to the open-aired, yet strangely cozy, restaurant on a rainy Sunday afternoon and had one of the best burgers I've had in a long time. They keep it simple - burger + cheese + bun. But [surprisingly!] their burgers are doubles! You don't actually need to ask for a 'double cheeseburger' - that's the standard. And that's amazing. Cheese is totally melty. Buns super squishy. And all those condiments? Whatever you like on your burger - they got you. So why the 4 star? The fries. I was totally disappointed with the fries. they were just so... basic? I guess that's not a terrible thing -- but I was expecting the meal as a whole to be top-notch and the fries just didn't live up to it. They do give you a ton though... so probably great for sharing. They also have beers, milkshakes and super friendly staffers. There's a good amount of seating... and most of it is covered - so on a rainy day I had a couple seats to choose from. And they're dog friendly... so that's cool too. Overall a realllllly good burger. Would totally recommend to anyone bopping around the neighborhood. read more

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Burgers done one way, which is the right way. Double cheeseburger ha delicious beef and just the right amount of toppings. Fries are well made and McDonald's cut but longer and perfectly salted. Shakes are the 1/1000 McDonald hot fudge sundae with spectacular flavor but not over sweetened. Burgers were not greasy. Add brioche bun. Slam Dunk. read more

I had this burger for breakfast - slightly hungover - and it was quite honestly the best decision I made that day. It was the perfect double patty, grilled just the way I like it. The bun was soft yet crispy! Opt in or out for fries. We were also surprised that we didn't have to wait in line at all for a burger. So I'd recommend a Sunday brunch at Cheval! read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was expecting these burgers to be really good because of the hype of Au Cheval. However, these burgers were less than average. They lacked a lot of flavor. The fries were served semi cold and were not good at all. The ranch also lacked flavor. The dijionnaise was the only thing that added a little pizzazz to the food. The price wasn't bad, but I still wouldn't come back for these. I rounded up to 3 stars because the ally has a nice vibe with the picnic tables and string lights, but the food really disappointed. read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Cheeseburger with all the toppings. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Finally I was in the hood so I stopped at Small Cheval @ 1345 N Wells for a cheeseburger & fries. Cheval has a rep for being a great burger. I was so anxious to try the famous burger I started scarfing it down. I ate half the burger before I realized I didn't take a picture of it. Oops my Bad. Was it the best dam burger I ever ate? No but it was a tasty Royal w/cheese like the Big Kahuna Burger on Pulp Fiction. They cook their burgers in beef fat, yum you might as well go all out and maximize your fat intake. I know some people like the big steak fries, but I liked my fries thin cut & crispy the way they serve them at Small Cheval. The burger came w/2 thin patties cooked in beef fat, cheese, pickles, onions. There are a number of condiments you can add to your burger. I choose the garlic aioli. I also used the garlic aioli to dip my fries instead of ketchup. The restaurant is set back from the street w/a nice outdoor seating area in the front w/picnic tables and benches for the warmer weather covered by a canopy. The front elevation has an overhead garage door to be opened when it gets a tad warmer then 20 degrees outside. The burger was good, but it's time to try the Big Boy @ Au Cheval. read more

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I tried Small Cheval on a strong recommendation from a few friends. They went as far as saying that it was as good as my favorite fast casual burger joint. I unfortunately couldn't really see the vision with the meal. It was okay..But I don't think it was good enough to warrant a reorder from me in the future. In my opinion, the burger had far more bread taste than patty/condiments taste. In fact, I don't really think I was able to gather much else taste than just bread. The fries, also in my opinion, were salted far too heavily. That said, I did appreciate that they included a generous amount of fries with my order. I just couldn't see the hype tonight. To be honest, I would've rather saved money and ordered from McDonalds or similar. read more

Small Cheval- Old Town - Cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great little burger joint. Tasty and quick, really good fries. My favorite is the garlic aioli