Definitely up there in terms of the best burgers i've ever had. The price point and the fast casual atmosphere of the place take it to a whole other level. The place isn't fancy- your only options are going to be the basic burgers and fries, but they do it right. The option of pumping your own garlic aioli is extremely clutch. The outdoor patio area is a nice touch as well. Overall, a great option if you want something quicker but still delicious. read more

Definitely just ok and not as good as the original Au Cheval. Would rather wait 1 - 2 hours for the original. Burger was ok, fries were soggy and not crisp. Vanilla shake was ok and garlic aioli was good. Good place to grab a quick bite if you're in the hood. read more

Nothing like its predecessor, Small Cheval promises to underwhelm. The line is not nearly as long as at it's big sister spot... So that's a plus. At a bare minimum, at least I didn't have to wait as long to be disappointed. When they say, "no substitutes", what they mean is... We mostly pre fab your burger like on a conveyer. Henry Ford said it well.... You can have any color Ford you want.... As long as its black. The people were really nice. But, it seemed to be a huge ordeal, and just not possible to avoid putting mayo on my burger. Hey mayo... F$&# you! That s#!+ is disgusting, and I have an allergic reaction to that horrible stuff.... Ok. Maybe it's partly in my head. Like most people's gluten allergies. Hahaha. But, I wasn't asking for a substitute. Only that you skip a step. I get that you have a small kitchen, and can't have all the things that one can order on their burger at the main location. But, they then proceeded to tell me that I could order two kids cheeseburgers, and reassemble them to make a single adult burger.... Oh, but it would cost me twice as much. Seemed a bit petty and insulting. That only said, "We can do what you're asking. But, we're too stuck up to actually do it." I felt pretty embarrassed in front of my friends that, over the last three years, I've convinced they were going to eat the best burger of their lives. I had to order the mediocre fries, and pretend to be happy with them. But, the ketchup was fantastic. If you like mayo, it's probably not a bad experience. If you want more say in what goes onto your plate, check out Revolution. They have a great burger, that you can get without mayo.... I mean, seriously.... It's a food item that smells like morning breath. Hahaha. read more

The single patty burger with fries is my favorite treat! Burger is cooked just right, fries are perfectly crispy!

The line was long but the wait was not. Parking was a beast, but we finally found a spot. They were fast and professional. The food was so good, the chocolate shake simply amazing!! read more

Never had a better late nite burger. Period. Mess of a thing with all the right ingredients and flavors. Fries, sauces, shakes, drinks, ambiance. Worth the quick line to feast on a focused menu with friendly staff. Beats fast food all day/nite long. read more

If you're just interested in getting the best burger in the US then go here. Its a much shorter wait but you still get a cool vibe. I don't eat burgers but I can vouch for their fries. They are perfect. Not soggy, too salty, or burnt. Just right. If we weren't here in the middle of the afternoon then I would have tried a cocktail. This place is solid. read more

This petite version of Au Cheval is so great! There was a line out the door, but they are so efficient and friendly! Burger and shake... you cannot go wrong! read more

I choose this place every time over au cheval. The burger that most people wait three hours for is available here with little to no wait. There's shakes are wonderful and the employees are so nice. Every time I order a burger here I am able to have my meal within a few short minutes. This helps because the wait is absolutely unbearable since it is so amazing! Do yourself a favor and order it the way it comes because you will not be disappointed. I recommend this place to anyone visiting Wicker Park. The alcoholic milkshakes are just a plus. You may want to Uber because the milkshakes are a must try, but parking is available for others. Enjoy! read more

Not bad. Food was good, but not great like the main location. Prices are a little high for a small burger shop- $10, but they're fancy looking, so I get it. Fries were 3 bucks. They called my number for the wrong order, so I had to switch. Luckily, it was with another member of my party, so it was no big deal (they did offer to remake it, which was nice, but not needed). Maybe just working out the opening day kinks, but the original still takes the cake. read more

I had an awesome lunch at Small Cheval Friday afternoon. The burger had multiple layers of flavor and was perfectly cooked. The bun was soft but not soggy. I usually don't like mustards but I said yes to the dijonaise on the burger and I'm glad I did. It complimented the onions and juicy thin patties really well. The fries were also delicious. Perfectly salted and piping hot. I had water to drink but they had one of those awesome soda machines that lets you get a bunch of different varieties of various sodas. Super cool. I'll definitely be back. read more

Not much food on the menu, but they do burgers (and fries) and they do them well. Burger was delicious, and the bun in particular was perfect. Decent amount of sauces to choose from. They have a decent beer selection too. Great outdoor area for seating in warm weather. read more

As opposed to the burgers at Au Cheval, this place uses beef fat to cook their meat. Au Cheval uses pig lard, apparently, and that was a no-no for me, religion-wise. But I had always heard amazing things about Cheval's burgers, so I was glad to pay this spot a visit with my friend during lunch hour. I had a cheeseburger with fries. I swallowed the cheeseburger and will have to go there again to remember whether the fries are worth writing home about. I remember the garlic aioli dip was to die for. It's quite pricey, but it's a damn good burger. There was harmony between the bun, the meat, the cheese, and simple condiments. Thank God it's a bit out of the way, as a line for lunch hour is pretty deep as it is. Outdoor seating is a plus, giving it a laid-back ambiance. The staff there seemed pretty upbeat. Also, shoutout to Abdul. read more

If you're looking for an exact replica of Au Cheval's burger, maybe skip this joint and head to the West Loop. If you're looking for a tasty, quick, traditional griddle burger in the Wicker Park/Bucktown 'hood, then Small Cheval is your spot. Food is served relatively quick, mitigating the traditional wait you'd find at Au Cheval. I appreciate the quick turnaround because you never have to wait too long for a seat. Their outdoor patio is also a great spot to hang out once the weather warms up. I will say, while their burgers are delicious, if you're willing to travel a bit further south, you can find the exact same burger at Fatso's for a few bucks cheaper! read more

Fantastic Burgers. A little pricey but I can't stop the crave and when I crave I pay. So glad they opened this place. Can't wait to check out the original. I've been told the bacon is to die for. That's next on my list! read more

This is the best burger I have had in Chicago. Small Cheval sticks to a simple formula and executes it flawlessly. The flavors come together seamlessly and elevate cheeseburgers without doing anything fancy. It's just so damn good. Also, maybe I am just a stickler for some details, but the way the burger maintains its form and doesn't fall apart under the weight of too many ingredients sets it apart from a number of burger places across the city. Independently of the cool patio and the milkshakes, I cannot recommend Small Cheval enough. read more

Stand in line, order a burger and beer. Wait a few minutes while you sip your beer, then... take a juicy bite of that burger and float on a cloud. Best burger in Chicago! Fries are not bad too. read more

Perfect cheeseburger! Not too oily. Tasted great, well cooked, good toppings. Fast service. Fries were yummy too! Will def be coming back for more! read more

My mouth is still drooling over this place! Chocolate shake was rich and delicious. It balanced perfectly with the savory burger and fries! Highly recommend! When i arrived there was a line out the door and down the sidewalk no worries though! The staff works quick and that line shrinks in no time! 10/10 read more

Food 5 stars, service 5 stars, but giving 4 start review only because I showed up tonight at 520pm when they were supposed to be open but they were closed till 6pm. This was because they were so busy earlier in the day they needed to regroup. I would have enjoyed at least having a beer outside while we waited for opening but has to settle with starting a line in front. We all thought the burger was great. You have to get the burger as is and they are currently not accepting modifications because they are so busy. That's fine as the one they serve is delicious. There is also a single patty kids burger that's plain. They use Sir Kensington condiments which are good. The garlic aioli is also really tasty and I dipped some fries in it. I ate outside and they had napkins and water out there but thought they should have condiments outside because they were difficult to get to with the line that backed up in the inside. Fries were really good. Portion is a nice size and if you are hungry you can order one per person otherwise you could share. Beer selection on tap is pretty good and average $6-7 beer. Overall I really enjoyed the food and ambiance. I am not sure how often I would go as the line was so long to order but there is a line for good reason. I recommend you go. I'm happy I did. Good neighborhood spot. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I waited in line, since they opened there has be a line. I love burgers and beer, so I was really excited when they opened. I tried several time to get a burger but, I couldn't wait. My husband and I planed on waiting in line today to get the burgers, we were so excited after all the hoopla. We liked the burgers and the garlic aioli is great. Maybe it was too great of a thought that nothing could have lived up to the hype. I won't wait in line again. Good burger not great. read more

Earlier this winter, we visited Small Cheval for the first time while visiting our friends in Bucktown. It was a frigid evening and the restaurant was not that crowded. I ordered the cheeseburger and fries. The burger was deliciously gooey and enormously satisfying. The fries did not disappoint either. Cashier was down-to-earth and kind. I liked the casual decor of the place. Fun people watching too. I thought the meal was very good but after leaving, I wasn't saying, "This was the best ever." Just my personal feelings after listening to all the hype. I have not been to Au Cheval yet because I have an intense aversion to long wait times. I will see how it compares when I find myself in a more patient mood. xoxo read more

One of my preferred burger spots in Logan. They just simply do it right. Not too fancy, just order it the way they serve it and enjoy. Great outdoor area which makes it a perfect lunch spot. They also do beer, drinks, and shakes. read more

Perfect simple menu with an amazing burger! I love places that make 1 thing really well and this is exactly that!

The house special cheese burger with bacon is incredible. Perfect for late night food. Do not miss the double-fried fries! And the garlic aoli too read more

Best counter service burger in the city. Make sure you add bacon and a side of fries with their garlic mayo. Great spot for a beer too.

I'm not huge on presentation or paying extra for anything fancy but I do love food. I think these burgers are still really good. I wanted a little late night snack so my friend and I split a burger and we liked it! read more

Best burger I've ever had. And I've lived in Southern California, raised with in n out. Get a cheeseburger with bacon and split a chocolate shake, HEAVEN read more

This place never fails to deliver. A+ service with speed and quality. What more could you ask for? The patio is beautiful and clean! Hands down the best burgers in the area! We will definitely be back! read more

After attempting to try this highly anticipated burger in the hood 2x opening weekend, and being shut out each day due to running out of beef and then fries, we were super ready to hang in there and try again this past weekend. Knowing the lines have been long, my neighbor next to my house and I arrived at 4pm excited to relax and wait! Being pregnant we pulled 2 chairs from patio to start line by door. Staff cleaning the windows were super nice (initially) and opened door and said he liked our idea and we looked cozy! He reiterated they open at 5 sharp. All good! We shared we had been sharing the news with people walking by and even had talked a woman into standing in line with us. This nice staff man even checked on us again prior prior to 5 and at this time told those standing around they open at 5. Our experience soon and unfortunately abruptly changed at 4:52. A woman came out and said we can't block the doorway. Huh? We were confused. We said, we r happy to put chairs back, we were waiting since 4 and I'm pregnant. She said you can keep the chairs but put them to the side so people can go in? Huh? She said we have been open for drinks and people can go in. This was news to us! She went on to say the patio is open for drinks and we can order them and then go in through the "back door" to get in line. Huh? This seemed weird. Her attitude was horrible and nothing she was saying to now the 3 of us was making sense. It seemed she just didn't want us standing in front and didn't explain we could start line in side.We found her very condescending. But, not wanting lose our place in line, and excited to try the burger, we followed her advise, after all, she explained she's the manager and only one with keys and runs the show, despite sharing with her the nice man that came out 3x with no issue.. She had us wait in the back by the back door. She said she will tell us a few minutes before they open so we can rush in and get in front of register, cuz there is a rush from the other door too. What? This sounded so unorganized and now choosing who has special access or knows the secret? This was weird. It was 5 and she never came back to us. We simply walked in and stood in front of register, and we saw others come in from other door. Horrible! $39 for 2 cheeseburgers, 2 fries, 2 shakes. I did get the bacon despite hearing bad reviews. I commented at register about reluctance with bacon and guys response was "the bacon is just thinner". I think that's where everyone is getting this phrase. Fact is, it's not the truth, the bacon does taste differ for whatever reason, if it's thinner it taste differ then Au Cheval and that's the point and I have had great experiences there, even posted on yelp. Regardless, burger was great. Fries disappointing. Prices super high for overall experience. Bottom line: restaurant has a major issue when the staff is more talented than the main manager! I am confident Bucktown will not settle for this ignorant inexperienced attitude. I'm disappointed and frankly surprised this is who the successful restaurant group is trusting to start up Small. The attitude from main manager running this shop makes me never want to visit again, and I know my neighbor and random woman we met in mine was effected the same. Another random staff member helping at register was nice enough to give me owners email to follow up. Frankly, I feel uncomfortable based on how we were treated.I will stick to Au Cheval minus the drama and feeling unwanted with miscommunication of how to simply even get in this place at 5 sharp! You: worth a try and know they are open for drinks from 3-5 (I think??) and go through back door and sneak the line. read more

As good as the burger was, I find the facts that the managers are totally rude and unfriendly and that they don't have fries at 12:30p on a weekday, totally unacceptable. I mean, c'mon: you only have 3 items on your menu. There is no reason to run out of anything! read more

Always have to stop when I'm in the neighborhood. Not as good as Au Cheval in my opinion, but the second best burger I've ever had. Will be back as always! read more

I go late at night during the week to avoid the crowds. Nothing is as delicious as this burger. Also love the patio.

Must try this place out. Burgers are AMAZING. Make sure you grab a Vanilla shake. and do NOT forget to try the Garlic Aioli. Very Very chill environment with a real simple layout. read more

Solid burger, but $50 for lunch?!! 2 burgers, both added bacon, we each got a beer and one order of fries (mediocre fries)....it's good but not $50 good. read more

The service here was great and the food was delicious but filling. The gentleman who took our order and picked up our trays was the sweetest human! I wish I knew his name. Thank you man in glass working the night shift on 5/4/17. read more

We were 7 hungry and finicky ladies trying to find a place to have dinner that would make all of us happy. The requests ranged from, "it must be affordable" "it has to be quick", "It must be walkable", and "I'm tired of Mexican food!". Ugh. How was this Yelp Elite going to please everyone? And just like that! It was as if the stars aligned and the Yelp gods shone their light of grace on me and directed me to Small Cheval! There was some hesitation about the menu, the heat and the distance from our airbnb. But as soon as we walked up all the chatter stopped and Oohs and Ahhs began. I heard praises like "Yay, a patio!" "Pretty string lights" "SHOTS!!!" One by one, each member of the gaggle ordered as they wished, they paid for it, collected their light up buzzer and made their way to the lively patio out back. Mere minutes later our table lit up with good news bearing buzzers and we loaded up on water, napkins and garlic aioli when inside. We all DEVOURED our burgers and I personally snarfed the crispiest fries I've ever had -- all of them btw. Then washed it all down with Cheval punch that we were handed before we made it to the counter to order to sip and make the wait feel shorter - nice touch! The feel is super casual and fun, the service is happy and prices are affordable. Most importantly, the food and drink was phenomenal! If you're in Wicker Park, this place is a MUST! read more

If you come here expecting Au Cheval's quality, you will be disappointed. Prices are on par, but the bacon is not the same thick cut... Also, the fries were hard as a rock. Burger was delicious though. read more

Great staff, great burgers and shakes. Love the patio in the summer we walk the dog here. Makes a great lunch spot if you want a food coma after :) read more

Amazing customer service, amazing burgers and fries, amazing garlic aioli! Top it off with $3 whiskey shots, perfect Sunday funday!