More crisp, more meat focused, and less mushy than Au Cheval (not to mention shorter waits!)

Best burgers in all of Chicago. Period. Seating is limited, but this never bothers me. If it's overly crowded I just take it to go. I've never been disappointed in the food nor the service. The service is quick - they know how to keep up with swarms of people. Every employee is always so kind and intentional when you order, to you receiving your food. If you're visiting Chicago, you need to stop here! 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

So you might get there and see a super long line. Don't let that scare you away. It moves fast. The service is good. But most of all the burgers are awesome. read more

It's a very good burger and the fries are exceptionally good, but for the price it's not something I would want to get often. They also messed up my order and when i addressed the issue they messed up a second time and at that point I didn't want to even bother addressing the issue. Food was four stars but customer service was one star. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and am guessing that probably doesn't happen often but it being my first time there it was not a good experience. read more

Awesome and makes ordering easy for the indecisive -great burger and fries, my kind of place! It's small so it seems really busy but the food was ready without too long of a wait. read more

I wish I could get my money back. No, I wish, the order taker would have told me they changed their bun to service those with dairy allergies. That bun tastes like rubber and it ruins the taste of the burger. It's super fucking chewy. So, if you go there, know, it won't have the same taste because according to dude, the bun changed. read more

Loved this place! Only items on the menu are burger, cheeseburger, and fries plus a selection of drinks, and everything is delicious. For someone who hates making decisions and loves burgers, this is the perfect spot. The seating area is also super cute with a few counter top seats and a community table, and picnic tables outside with lights strung up overhead. read more

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

Let me just start by saying that I've not yet been to Au Cheval, so this isn't a comparison review, simply a straightforward opinion on this little burger joint. Hubby and I were on our way home yesterday after a long, atypically stressful round of events for a Saturday. We were hungry and the thought of cooking or even browsing our freezer contents was a no-go. We needed comfort food and it had to be in the area. Throwing all caution to the wind, we decided to finally give Small Cheval a try, knowing full well that we might regret it due to the potential weekend lines. We walked in at around 6:30, and we couldn't quite open the second inner door just yet due to the crowd. Neither one of us were willing to back out though, so we kept our knowing glances to ourselves. Surprisingly, it only took about ten minutes to find ourselves at the front of the line, and hubs ordered the house-style bacon cheeseburger while I opted for a hamburger, pickle only, and chose to slather one of their in house ketch-ups (not the Heinz) and the garlic aioli on my burger. We both ordered a shake and fries to complete our meals & were happily on our way home within maybe 15-20 mins tops! (Yes we decided to be gluttonous in the comfort of our own home as it's mere blocks away.) We got home and dug in immediately. Hubby was so delighted with his bacon cheeseburger and kept remarking how awesome the cheese was. I had to sneak a bite, despite my aversion to onions, and I had to agree the they make a killer cheeseburger. I wasn't envious however, as my personal concoction of the house made ketchup, garlic aioli, and their awesome thin sliced pickles were the perfect combination for the burger! The meat patties were cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and pink and juicy on the inside. Im all of 5' tall and I almost inhaled that entire burger. The fries were crispy and salty, even after the short car ride home, and just delicious dipped in the ketchup, aioli, or both - that said, the portion is huge, and we could've shared, especially with the generous burgers! The shakes were thick and creamy with an almost malt-like quality, which I love, and against my better judgement, I finished about 1/3 of mine before my tummy protested too much. I'm looking forward to revisiting that goodie in the freezer! All in all, this place has such a small menu because they do everything to perfection, and with an effortlessly pleasant & speedy service. Props to people who eat in, as I was an unforgiving, greasy, and oh-so-delighted mess! read more

Hands down one of the best burgers I have ever had with good fries and beer in a chill setting.

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

This establishment exceeded my expectations. Not only did it provide friendly service but it is jam packed with good vibes and terrific food. I'm going coconuts. 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

Best fresh, quick order double burger, Chocolate shake, and fries in a long time; a can't-miss lunch!

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

Just as good as Au Cheval without the insane wait!

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

Simple menu of just burgers, fries and shakes done really well. Like *really* well. Even the ketchup is amazing. This is no greasy spoon restaurant. And if you want booze, they have that too. read more

I wanted to go 4 stars because this burger could and should cost like two dollars less but... I can't stop going so it must be the right price. It's a pretty damn solid burger. Very savory with the right amount of fresh and grease. Just great tasting. The outdoor seating area is great with the track hanging above nearby. A fun spot for dates or friends. Just try not to get hooked like me and the wifey... Not good for calorie counters of the world. read more

Simply the best burger in Chicago. Outdoor area is great but a bit noisy with the train overhead.

There are 2 types of burgers. There is the done up, gourmet burger with interesting flavor combinations that you might never have thought of. Maybe they char grill a thyme and rosemary infused bun, and have a combination of five different artisan cheeses with pickled onion and a quail egg on it, or something like that. I love burgers like that and they have their place when the mood strikes. Then, there is your simpler burger where you are just looking for a great cheese, quality ground beef with a nice smokey flavor, a soft spongy bun with some top of the line basic condiments and some good ass bacon on it. This place is the latter option and it is the best of non done-up burgers that I've ever had anywhere. read more

I usually lean towards trying a new restaurant every time I'm in Chicago since there are endless options, but Small Cheval is a restaurant I consistently go to. I am not a burger eater, I honestly never eat burgers except at Small Cheval. Fries are good & their sauce options are great. Customer service is always 5 star, no matter how busy they are & they are pretty much always busy! 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

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

Good food man!!! Good freakin' burgers and fries, fries reminds me of jimmy's hot dog fries. Milkshakes are on excellent as well. Quality spot and beautiful backyard patio area to hang out with your soon to be. Xoxo read more

So good that I'm writing this review to let the world know how dank this is while my bf is still eating his burger (took probs 4 minutes to finish or less) #dank #thatgoodgood #wouldcomeagain #wishigotbacon read more

Great burger. From what I hear the lines get pretty crazy here. Not sure I would stand in line for an extended period of time, but we lucked out and got our food within 5 minutes. read more

Super simple menu, everything was cooked perfectly. Awesome condiments available and a few cocktails on tap. Great little date night spot or for a large group given the picnic table seating - outdoor patio too! read more

Let me put it simply--if you want the famous au cheval burger without the au cheval wait, this is the spot. In the summer it's an awesome outdoor spot to eat with a finely curated tap list. The menu and offerings are straightforward--just burgers, bacon, fries and shakes--as it should be. read more

the menu is basic... burger, cheeseburger, add bacon? that's all you need because it was yum. of course i had the works with cheese and bacon. why not? i knew it wasn't going to be like au cheval but i was still sad that i couldn't add an egg on top. all good though... it was delicious! i was slightly, maybe a tad "under the weather" when i dined here so i couldn't partake in the libations.... beer, cocktails, SHOTS! next time, next time. they also have milkshakes that i'd like to try. the star knock off was because of the fries. It was just too much to handle... I got tired of wiping down each one before taking a bite. they were waaaaay over seasoned and salty. read more

Oh sweet Fresca succubus! How well you go with this delicious burger. Aioli, you minx, wrapping my fries in your naughty embrace. Small Cheval - the Infinite Jest of hamburgerias. It loops back on itself until you find yourself being consumed by the very food you just ate. More please. read more

People and service was great. The outdoor eating area is cool. Love the sting lights and the music that's played. The burger..... very disappointing. Pricy, which I don't mind paying if its wroth it. Actually feel bad giving the food a bad rating cause the place, people and atmosphere were great. read more

Place was perfect. One of the best burgers I've ever had. I thought my favorite burger was at My Brothers Bar in Denver, CO but not anymore.

if you can drop by during their off hours, this is one of the best burgers you can get in Bucktown. Their house mayo, aolie and ketchup taste great - get some extra to take home. Amazed by how consistently they nail the medium rare patties every time, especially considering how thin they are. The fries are crisp but not greasy. You may want to sprinkle some extra salt on though - but that's just me. I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of the buzzers they use to alert you when your order is ready. What is this, Fuddruckers? read more

Just tried them for the first time today. It's definitely one of the best burgers in the neighborhood. I took it to go, and the burger was still nice and warm. The fries were good with the garlic aioli, but most of them got cold on the quick ride home. I wish they packaged them differently for take out. I also had a chocolate shake, which was not bad, but probably wouldn't do it again. The burger and fries are more than enough. They were also pretty quick. read more

My experience started out just fine. We were greeted by a friendly host who asked us if we wanted an alcoholic beverage. I ordered a hamburger with fries and a shake. This is where the trouble started... After eating most of my burger (which tasted fine), I started on my fries, which to my unfortunate surprise contained the kind of hair that doesn't grow on our heads. So, that was pretty much the end of my eating experience at Small Cheval, but the real experience had only just begun! Yep, you guessed it: FOOD POISONING. Nothing like spending Labor Day weekend locked in a bathroom because Small Cheval does not know how to prepare its food properly. Well done, Small Cheval - I hope this review makes you feel some of my pain. read more

This place can be pretty dangerous, as I live a 5 minute walk away. The menu is simple, burger or cheeseburger and pick your toppings. But they are so delicious. The fries are awesome dipped in their garlic aioli! They also have cheap shots, beers on tap, and milkshakes with the option of adding booze! There is a large family style table in the middle with seating around the edges of the restaurant or you can dine outside on their huge patio. I love Small Cheval and am always trying to convince my friends to go! read more