Small Cheval immediately became our fav Chicago burger joint! So delish. And I'm not even that into burgers!! Their menu choices are simple and not too overwhelming. I get the feeling you can't really go wrong here (I mean even their ketchup & mustard packets are amazing - Sir Kensington's!). The burgers are perfectly done (medium) and the cheese is just right. Adults get a double patty. Kids get a single. The fries are a delight and man do they go well with their chocolate shake. Their cocktails are not to be trifled with. If you're a lightweight just one will do ya for sure. I got a margarita and my husband got an old fashioned and we were both happy with our choices. Our 6 & 1 year olds were obsessed with the cheeseburgers and fries (& the 6 year old was especially obsessed with the shake, of course). Their patio is really amazing. Lots of happy green natural decor but a big city feel too with the L passing by semi regularly. People are friendly and staff is helpful. Right now they're only doing delivery and pick up (even if you eat on the patio you still order pick up from their website). They have clean bathrooms though if you ask an employee to use one. Will be back! read more

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Small Cheval Cheeseburger: Chicago's Au Cheval serves up arguably one of the best burgers in the United States. The downside is that the wait times can be a couple hours long, but I highly recommend trying it at least once. On the plus side, Au Cheval's sister restaurant Small Cheval offers a cheeseburger almost as good as the original with little to no wait. The cheeseburger comes with two juicy beef patties (served medium), melty American cheese, crunchy pickles, onions, and creamy dijonnaise. Its bun is lightly toasted, but still pleasantly soft and chewy. For $10 you would be hard pressed to find a better burger in Chicago. Au Cheval is still the gold standard as you can add an over easy egg and thick cut maple glazed bacon, but Small Cheval is definitely no ersatz Au Cheval as the cheeseburger at Small Cheval is also worthy (and Doughboy approved). My Top Burgers: 1. Au Cheval: Bacon Cheeseburger (Chicago) 2. Oak Barrel Public House: Wiscoburger (MKE) 3. MBC: Hangover Burger(MKE) 4. AJ Bombers: The Big Boy Tribute (MKE) 5. Kopp's (MKE) Doughboy_Food_Reviews read more

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Not sure what happened to this place! Maybe it's the pandemic? Used to love coming here for the burger and fries, but during the past 2 visits, the food was just bland. So sad! Hopefully they'll get their stuff back together soon because they used to be so good. If you do decide to come here, be prepared for a wait. Even on a weekday night there's a significant wait, I think because of all the takeout/delivery orders. But there was plenty of outdoor seating! read more

These burgers are worth the price. First of all they're fairly sizeable and dense, my husband and I underestimated the size when we ordered one each. Thankfully we were both really hungry so we devoured them. Secondly, I think this is one of the best burgers I have ever had. Every single ingredient tastes high quality - no corners were cut making these! Also the fries are delicious, especially with the garlic aioli. Normally when I eat something with a lot of meat and grease it sits like a brick in my stomach, but I felt pretty good after eating here. Small Cheval is on our daily walking path and it's so hard not to grab a burger whenever we pass! read more

After 2 years, I finally revisited to redeem my promised upgraded fries and refresh palate on the burgers. Top notch customer care

I went with my brother to small cheval. I think I am becoming a burger snob since I started analyzing the burger. Let's see how this review goes: Ambiance It is a pretty cozy place. The menu is small with either a burger or cheeseburger as your main and option for fries is there. It is a little loud but not annoyingly loud where you cannot hear the person next to you. I am not sure but there were jackets hanging where the bathrooms were, but was not sure if those were for employees only. The seats were stools. The lighting was pretty good especially if you sat near a window.aLl in all, it is pretty cozy. Service Their service is great. I had an issue with my burger and they took care of it immediately. The staff is very friendly. Not sure if there is any other words to be said, the service was great! Food The double cheeseburger is a double patty double cheese delight. It came with their recommended toppings which was a horseradish mayo (I think that is what it said on the menu) and pickle slices (plank form) which gives a pickle taste with every bite. The patty had a nice crispness to it while still retaining it's juiciness and the bun was a very well paired bun for this burger. The bun had a nice toasty-ness to it where the outside (too and bottom) had a crispiness to it, but had some give. Even better is that it stayed together while we ate the burger. The sauce was tasty. It is a very good burger. The fries were really well done. They remained crispy while we ate and was seasoned nicely. Overall They have a great staff and a great product. Overall, I would definitely go back. The price is actually pretty good for the product they sell and I would definitely say it is worth it. Also, the staff is pretty great if there is a problem. read more

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

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Came here as a first timer, zero expectations, and they definitely knock it out of the park. The burgers are absolutely amazing, covered in foil like every good burger should be coming right off the hot grill, with heavily seasoned bacon that tasted just write on a burger. These pepper bacon, which I think that well in this case. The phrase, Russell, delicious, and the sauce is great too. Great fast service, definitely should've sat in the back, but as a newbie, someone that was visiting for the first time, sat in the front, but it's still a great place to go. Bring water, or prepared to buy some though. read more

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

Been to original Cheval several years ago, was quite good experience, and great food. Been wanting to visit the Small ChevalWicker Park location for a while now with my lunch friends. Went over today, ordered the cheeseburger with everything, and lettuce and tomato, Fries and a Diet Coke. I was not disappointed, the garlic Aioli on the side was loaded with garlic, the burger was plenty juicy but not greasy. I am loving the dijonaisse on the burger, enough to taste it but not dripping off the burger. Please give us sides of this next time! Bun held up well to all the toppings, up to the last bite. Fries were yummy, crispy, not soggy and you can taste they use peanut oil, yum!! portion size of Fries and burger was perfect. Staff was friendly, helpful and smiling. Outside seating area was clean and inviting. It is slightly pricey, but IMO, this is worth the price, all day!! I'm definitely going back and bringing more friends this time! Thank you Small Cheval!! read more

Can NEVER go wrong with a good ole fashion burger! Especially from Small Cheval! I don't even know how to describe how good these burgers are, but they're fire and their shakes are just as good. Looking for a spot to go out to this weekend? GO TO SMALL CHEVAL! *rumor has it, this was only supposed to be a summer pop up, but it did so well that they stayed long term * read more

Small Cheval, particularly this location, used to be one of my favorite spots in the city to grab a burger. It was always nothing short of delicious, and well worth the slightly inflated price tag compared to their competitors. This sadly isn't the case anymore. Anytime I've gone this year I've had a disappointing experience. At first I thought it might have been a fluke. Upon further visits it's become clear to me this is their new norm. Prices are a bit higher than they used to be. That's fine, inflation happens. But the quality of the food and the service you get in turn has taken a noticeable downward turn. Every burger I've had on recent visits has been greasier than ever and left me feeling a bit unwell afterwards. The taste isn't nearly as good as it used to be. Fries are still great. Shakes are tasty but they're trimming to skim there too. Last time they gave me a shake that wasn't even full. Seriously. The thing was maybe 3/4 full at most. I asked for a full shake 'cause uhhhh I'm paying full price? duh? I've heard from friends who've gone there recently they've had similar experiences. It's a shame it isn't what it used to be. Likely won't be returning. read more

This place is a complete disaster! They are definitely not striving in the intelligence department. Went online to order for the whole family. Was able to go all the way to entering the card info when it says, "order cannot be placed, try another card." I'm thinking there is something wrong with my card so I try others and I get the same thing. I call to get some info, but get a message saying they are under construction and closed, which I know is not true. So I go over and wait in line for 25 minutes to be told they are completely out of chicken. How about putting a note or sign up so we don't have to wait in line for nothing? Guy looks at me with this "duh I don't know, uhhh duh" look on his face. Guess that takes common sense, which these people clearly lack! All together it's just lazy and bad management. A group of 5 year olds could do a better job! LOL! Add to the fact that the last few times I ordered from here they screwed up the takeout and I had to back to get it fixed... I think Small Cheval will one of those places I avoid from now on. But, if you are looking to see meatheads in action, def swing by! Wake up and smell the coffee Small Cheval! read more

Always my go to burger spot in the city. Never disappoints. Wonderful patio too. Get the white cheese sauce for the fries. Trust me.

Food are on the salty side, it's a take out place but they do have outside bench when the weather is nice. Service was fast and easy, order counter on one side, pickup counter across. read more

Want to do an update as the owner of this location reached out to me. He clarified that the veggie burger was indeed safe for my husband to eat. It is entirely made of natural vegetables including pea protein, sunflower and avocado oil, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, potatoes, and garlic. A million thanks for that !!!! Correction, my previous review is for the Small Cheval - Riverside, and not the Wicker location, which has no indoor seating. read more

Overall delicious burgers! So happy that this place is close to home for when we need a quick takeout option. Taking off one star as I think the prices have gone up in the last 1-2 years so now it's a little too pricey. read more

A good spot for burgers and fries, but I do think it's a bit overhyped. There's nice patio seating so this place is perfect for summer. I got the cheeseburger, fries (with Sir Kensington ketchup and garlic aioli), and a vanilla shake. The cheeseburger is delicious - topped with melty cheese, garlic aioli, and a buttered bun! My only complaint was that it was a bit too salty. I liked the fries, they're thick cut, perfectly fried, and go great with the sauces (the ketchup is really good)! The vanilla shake was also good, but nothing too special. I'm not sure I'd consider this the *best* burger in Chicago, but overall it's great place to hang and grab a tasty burger and fries! read more

Is it bc we ate them at home and not outside on their patio????? Something was definitely off! Been meaning to try the place out so when my husband requested burgers for our delivery meal I said "Let's try Small Cheval". We ordered 2 single burgers with regular condiments and added bacon to 1 and an order of fries. I need to know what all the fuss is about? The burgers seriously looked like hockey pucks. They were thin, dry and tasteless. The condiments were sparse and not very exciting. There were a few tiny pickle slices, some mayo and almost nonexistent onions. The addition of bacon was not enough to rescue the one burger. The fries were ok. I don't think we need to try eating on their patio. We're good. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Single burger with bacon and fries. Delivered. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

No complaints here , staff was really friendly, food came out fast and was also amazing. Both my husband and I got burgers and fries (house style). The fries were cooked to perfection (so crispy and delicious) AND they have aioli sauce , what can be better?!? The milkshake was amazing as well. The outside space is huge - we didn't have a problem finding a seat on a night where the weather was gorgeous. It was a little pricey for burgers and fries - but I definitely left feeling extremely full!! read more

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

The truth is the comparison to Au Cheval has to be made. Is it good? Yes. But it is not anywhere near the experience or level of their original. If you want a good burger and some drinks, great place to go for a casual grab. read more

Like 'em. Love 'em. Gotta have 'em. If you're looking for the staple beef burger in its simplest but perfected form. You found it. They don't need all these crazy combinations to satisfy your burger needs. Also offering adult milk shakes, just add a shot of your choice of liquor. Went on march 14th 2021 and there was an issue in the kitchen causing orders to be delayed for an hour. They were very apologetic and willing to give a refund as well as a beverage for the trouble. Kind hearted and treating their customers like family. read more

10/10 such a good burger. Seriously one of the best that I've had in Chicago. Burger is fabulous, their special sauce takes it to another level and the fries just wrap it all up in a delicious package. I didn't actually get a picture of the burger because we ate them too quickly! Only outdoor seating and service is pretty quick. Very small menu but it just means everything they do they do well! Would also be a great takeout option. read more

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

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Burgers are my favorite food. With that being said this is probably in my top 5 favorite burger places. The burgers are simple but delicious. The bun is so buttery and perfectly toasted. It has 2 juicy patties. The garlic aioli is so good! The fries are just alright.. I'll have to try the shake next time. The place inside is casual and small but nice. Theres also an outside patio. It's a good lunch spot or place for a casual date. read more

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Quick service for great food. Is usually my go to burger place if I don't want to wait for Au Cheval.

The BEST burger in Chicago (way better than Au Cheval in my opinion!) The wait can be long and I recommend outdoor dining to enjoy the outside as you devour your burger. The milkshake is super creamy and a perfect amount of sweetness. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Single Hamburger, Milk Shake, Golden Fries - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very disappointed at Small Cheval. Picked up an order of 3 burgers, all of them tasting lukewarm as they were sitting on a shelf for half an hour. read more

Definitely one of the best burgers in Chicago. For the price, I'd say it's my #1 go-to. If you have lived in Chi for more than a few months and you're not vegetarian, and you haven't tried one of these, you should really think about the places you've eaten instead. Listen, the menu is basic. Burgers & fries. But the burger is so juicy and delicious. The sauces are great too, I'm a big fan of the garlic one. The fries are solid and pair nicely with the burger, though I wouldn't come here just for those. Do yourself a favor and try one of these. There are several locations and their takeout is quick and easy. If you are just visiting Chicago for a short time, I still would suggest you try this. I've never been to the OG au cheval which I'm sure is great and all, but here you usually won't have to wait hours to get one and it's cheaper. Just stop reading this and do it. Thank me later. read more

Was good, think a bit overpriced for a burger. Came with reo patties , picked.and cheese. I think I prefer Kumasi corners. Menu is limited. Tin ceilings had lint dripping off of it. Atmosphere is cute but needs a deep sanitizing. About he burger two patties with pickes and a slice cue if cheese. Garlic Aoli was yummy. I would like to visit aucheval try a more extensive menu. The beef was good but the balance of flavors was basically a salt lick. read more

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

Almost as good as Au Cheval!! I actually always order the kids burger because the regular is really big. I like that you can customize it and add lettuce and bacon. I loooove the aioli that you can order with their fries. read more

Favorite burger spot especially right now during COVID with their outdoor dining space. Again it's a fast food joint compared to it's sister restaurant Au Cheval. And the way it works now is you order on your phone, sit down if there is space available, and then you have it delivered to your table. If any condiments or anything is needed the workers are more than welcome to bring them out. Burgers are amazing, as well as their crispy golden fries but to top it all off.....try the AIOLI sauce. It's a game changer! Beware that this place is busy!! So don't get confused when waiting with others for just online pickups. There is a host at the front in case you have any questions. Overall I really enjoy this place in Old Town! read more

INSANELY good. This shouldn't be legal. The garlic aioli is BANGING and the truffle cheese sauce has the perfect about of truffle . read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Cheeseburger with bacon. Truffle cheese sauce on the side - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

UPDATED REVIEW: After my initial review I was contacted by someone from the company asking if I would give them another chance to rectify the issue with my food intolerance that has always been the downside of my experience here. As much as I appreciated being reached out to and my burger finally not having onions or tasting like it was buried in onions, the downside was that I was met with what felt like hostility. I come from a hospitality/catering background where I've had to coordinate serving up to 700 individual plates of food with about 10-15% dietary restrictions of all kinds in record time. I should be able to walk into a fast food burger place and request that my dietary restrictions be met without feeling like I am an inconvenience. I have no issue waiting longer as long as it means I can get my food and actually enjoy it. I will probably no longer be dining here which is upsetting because it really is one of the better burger places I've been to but it's not good if you have dietary preferences/restrictions. 2 stars because its honestly a great place, great fries but definitely a lot of area for improvement. Music could be turned down a bit - it's really hard to hear the staff or even myself in there while trying to order and relay important information. read more

I spent $15 on a double cheeseburger and a can of water. Great. Not sure it was worth it.

Small Cheval's burgers are so good that I had dinner the night before & woke up the next morning craving the burger. It's no-frills, simplicity that kind of reminds me of Culver's ButterBurger but it's pricier ($8.95 for a hamburger & $9.95 for the cheeseburger) of course. I went for a regular hamburger housestyle (Dijonaise, pickles & diced red onion). You have to ask for lettuce & tomato if you want it, but it tastes perfectly fine without it! Also, the regular hamburger comes standard wtih 2 patties already! This creates a better beef to brioche bun ratio. The golden fries were also fantastic. Nicely salted and didn't taste like it was frozen. Appreciate that Small Cheval is no frills - just a damn good burger. 144/365 read more

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

The food was good, I had a double cheeseburger and fries. The milkshake was the star! The chocolate milkshake hit the spot. Friendly folks and a great environment. Will eat here again soon. read more

Ok...THAT is a burger! I've never tried one better than this. Thank you, Chicago! How do you describe a good burger? Just say it's almost as good as Au Cheval. The fries were so good too. Fresh, crispy, tender and that aioli was the perfect compliment to it. I don't usually order or even finish my fries. Today I did. So worth it!! read more

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Burger and fries were very good. There was a truffle aioli sauce to dip fries in that is very good. Long line and crowded for a reason

This has to be the best burger I've EVER had!!! The staff was so friendly, and the AIOLI WAS TO DIE FOR!

Food was great but the staff was even better! I went tonight and grabbed burgers for my visiting family, but my dad changed his mind and also wanted a burger so I came back. The woman doing pick ups immediately recognized me and asked if everything was okay, which it was! Just needed to buy another burger. She was SO helpful and kind and really made my night. Will be back for sure! read more

Cheeseburger with bacon, fries, and a shake. The classic American trio. Small Cheval does it so right. Forget Au Cheval and come here if you're just looking for a solid burger that doesn't require you to wait in line for 4 hours. One of my most favorite things here is the condiment station, which includes the classics like ketchup and mayo but also GARLIC AIOLI. Everything is great and delicious and wonderful and you should come here. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Bacon Cheeseburger, fries, vanilla milkshake - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It's one of those meals that you start off mad that you spent 30 bucks on a burger and fries. But then you finally get the food and you immediately don't know what to say. I went through a different emotion with every bite. I might never come back here, but maybe I will. Wild. read more