This place is small and seating is hard to find but so worth it. The food was delicious, the weather was wonderful and overall the price was great. Would definitely recommend this to people and go again myself. read more

First time here and we were lucky to find a parking spot and a table right away! The fries and burger was good. Not too salty and was very filling. Get the garlic aioli sauce (so good)! Definitely a good place to just chill and talk with friends or a very casual date. Price was fair $10 for a GOOD burger and $4 for fries. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Double Cheeseburger Golden Fries - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I live right around the corner from Small Cheval, and have gotten burgers there many times. In the past couple months, I've ordered take-out 3 times, and twice the food was truly awful. Each time when I placed the order, I was given a 10-20 mins timeframe for it to be prepared. However, I left my house immediately and arrived at Small Cheval in less than 10 mins. 2 of those 3 times my food was already ready and packaged for pickup, and by the time I got home 5 mins later I discovered that the food was probably actually ready well before I even ordered it -- old nearly cold fries and an overcooked hamburger on a dried out bun. Sad to say, but I'm done with Small Cheval. read more

Tried small cheval after the longest bar crawl of my life and it brought life back into me. As a California native I know a good burger and this was SO GOOD. Got the burger with all the fixings and it was perfect. Solid bun, crispy bacon, good sauce, great patty. Everything you want in a burger! read more

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

Finally got to Small Cheval to do the contrast and compare to mama burger shop Au Cheval. At Small Cheval, you just go up to the window to order then grab a seat. Outdoor seating only but there's a pretty good amount of patio seats. There's almost always a line but you won't wait the hours you would at Au Cheval. There isn't an extensive menu, but it's for the best here. What they do have, they do well. Fries are really good here and the dipping aioli is bomb. Now is the burger as good as Au Cheval...nearly...almost...but not quite there. It's a tiny notch below it. However for the price and shorter wait times, it's definitely worth checking out. read more

They have fantastic chicken sandwich. Cheese sauce for fries was delicious. Will be back.

Not so small in our eyes Went to small cheval to FINALLY try their burgers! We got one regular cheeseburger and one wrapped in lettuce and both were equally AMAZING truly it was delicious and being wrapped in lettuce I wasn't expecting much but it blew me away if you're in wicker it's a spot to definitely head and check out! Everyone who works there was very kind as it was our first time and the ambiance is pretty chill! read more

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A great neighborhood spot for a great burger! The cheese burger comes with two patties and American cheese. Fries were outstanding, perfectly crispy on the outside and you absolutely must try the garlic aioli. The atmosphere is very much a home style neighborhood burger joint, very relaxing place to grab some lunch. read more

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We grabbed a burger here on our way out of Chicago. We stopped during COVID but they made ordering and eating safely easy. We ordered from an app on the phone and then picked it up inside. There were large picnic tables outside at which to sit. Patrons were well spaced out. The burger was simple yet delicious. It was what I expected or hoped for based on its reputation. I had realistic expectations based on it being a burger and nothing mindblowing. We would definitely go back here next time in Chicago if we craved a burger. read more

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The big brother of Au Cheval!!! I said what I said! I don't care what anyone says this is my favorite burger in Chicago. The fries fried in beef tallow, MAN....MF chef's kiss!!! The garlic aioli, just inject it in my veins. I'd be alright with death by aioli. This is a grab and go spot and due to popularity it may take 20-30 to get your food, but so worth it. There is community style seating at picnic tables outside and there are heaters in the cooler weather. The champ is here waiting to be dethroned! read more

Wow the quality has really gone down, the burger patty was overdone and bland, also kinda small in relation to the bun. Fries were not tasty either, I used to love this place but will probably never order here again. read more

What. A. Burger. Since the lines for the actual Au Cheval are unnecessary for just a burger... we decided line up for the smaller line for the infamous burger. It was bearable, although I wish I could have been sipping on a beer during the wait. The limited menu makes the line go faster. I ordered a double cheeseburger with golden fries and paired it with a beer. Definitely some delicious fries and burger, but I was even more impressed by the variety of available sauces: THAT AIOLI THOUGH. Perfect for dipping bites of your burger and fries alike. Burger was simple but solid - perfectly juicy, meaty, cheesy, slightly saucey... the whole shebang. Golden fries were crispy and delicious. Small Cheval is definitely worth the wait and even worth a visit when coming from out of town! read more

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BIG fan of Small Cheval (even though I am a vegetarian)! I love Small Cheval's cheese bun as it allows me to partake in the "burger fun" even though I don't eat meat - I appreciate them catering to those of us who don't consume meat Also, do not miss out on their signature sauce - it is SO TASTY! I get it 10/10 times and dip my fries in it - let's just say I dream of this sauce. Vegetarians and carnivores will all love Small Cheval and highly recommend you try next time you are craving a good burger (or cheese bun!) read more

The burgers at this restaurant are phenomenal! Absolutely loved this spot while visiting Chicago and cannot wait to return again. read more

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

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It's been years since we've been to Small Cheval and it doesn't disappoint. (5/5) Food: I ordered a Cheeseburger and Golden Fries with Truffle Cheese dip. If you're craving a burger this one hit the spot. Double patties with cheese, pickles, dressed in dijon mayonnaise, red onions on a toasted bun. It's so good. (5/5) Service: EXCELLENT. All the staff were extremely polite and attentive. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - (2) double cheeseburgers golden fries with truffle cheese dip - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Fantastic outdoor space. Plenty of picnic tables with umbrellas on the sidewalk outside the restaurant as well as a large shaded patio in the back. They have lots of long picnic tables (easily seat 10) and one ginormous triangular shaped table. The area works great for large groups or smaller groups sitting communal style if need be. The menu here is limited but the burgers and fries are good, so that's not a problem if that's what you're hungry for! The staff was friendly and the vibe is welcoming. read more

The wait was slightly long but worth it for the quality and amount of food. Pricey but worth it. read more

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

Had this for the first time, and due to the shelter in place, I ordered via DoorDash. Super easy to order and I went with a double cheeseburger with bacon and fries. Everything was fresh, delicious and super filling. I did ask for no pickles, yet I found 4 in there :(. Would love to visit in person once the shelter in place is over! read more

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

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This burger place specializes in a small food menu and they do it right. When we went, the line was long, but the food was worth the wait. They basically have 3 items on their menu +fries. You can also get cocktails and beer. It was beautiful out so we sat outside in the ample outdoor seating to eat and it was lovely. The funny thing about the long line was the wait for the food was pretty short. And they had workers coming down the line getting your drink order going before you got to the register. That's a nice touch. read more

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

Stopped in at Small Cheval for take out burgers and fries. This site only offers take out. There was street parking available within a block. They have several picnic benches outside, but we opted to take it home to eat in a warmer setting. The online ordering process was easy and the staff were so friendly and have an efficient system. Our order was ready in 10 to 15 minutes. The burger was very good I forgot the burgers were double patties and added a patty to my husband's , so had 3!! The burgers were amazing, simple, but so good. You can customize with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and several other choices. The fries included garlic aioli ,which adds a great flavor to the fries. It was a wonderful experience, so why 4 stars . You cannot beat the experience of dining in and eating the burger and fries fresh from the kitchen. read more

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We ordered Small Cheval today for The Great American Takeout to help support small businesses. Caviar was offering free shipping and $5 off if you downloaded the app so we did. We knew getting a burger and fries delivered was risky because it may not hold up but we've wanted to try Au Cheval for a while so we thought what the heck! Overall, we were very pleased. The food arrived quicker than was scheduled. The fries were warm and the burger was room temp. Even though the fries weren't hot, they were delicious! 10/10 for me. I didn't try the ketchup because we chose garlic aioli for the sauce but unfortunately... we didn't get it. We were disappointed being there was a specific option for one. My burger was a little over cooked but it may have continued to cook a bit on the way. I got the single patty and my fiancé got the double. I asked for the sauce on the side bc I don't like Dijon. After trying a bite of my fiancé's, I was happy with that decision but I don't like mustard. Unfortunately, that left my burger a little dry so I ended up adding mayo. Admittedly, I'm not a HUGE burger person, I've had less than 10 in my life after going 25 years without one so I may not be the best critic but I'd give it 6.5/10. I liked the bun and the bacon was solid but the single patty was a little thin and overcooked and the raw onions were a bit heavy for me. My fiancé rated it an 8. He said it was really good but he would need to try it fresh to make a true decision. read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Cheeseburger Single Patty plus bacon - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ordered the cheeseburger and fries with the truffle sauce. There was no wait at all. Looks like they had a lot of to go orders, but we got our food in less than 10 minutes. As far as the food, the quality of the beef is outstanding. The fries were crispy and paired perfectly with the truffle cheese sauce. The cheeseburger and fries were worth every calorie!! We dined at their outdoor patio, and the set up was really pretty especially with the lights. The tables were also very clean, and I saw the staff constantly cleaning the tables during the time we were there. The staff who took our order was also very nice and welcoming! read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Single Cheeseburger Golden Fries - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Excellent cheese burger. Relies heavily on the cheese and bun. The beef is fine, but takes a back seat to the insane savoriness of the cheese and bun combined with a mayonnaise-based sauce. read more

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

Got lucky coming into this burger spot at the perfect time before it got really busy today! It was not too chilly out, but luckily they had space heaters between every table and they were able to set them up when requested. We ordered 2 cheeseburgers with one with bacon, fries, and a drink for $30. Simple menu and straightforward which is always nice with quick service to go along with it. Food is delicious and the garlic aioli on the side was so good! Great patio vibes even during this fall weather! read more

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WOW. That's literally all I kept saying when my friend and I got this food and it was amazing. I'm normally not a burger person, but once we tried going to Au Cheval but it was WAY too packed and they told us we would have to wait 4 hours, so I'm so glad I got to try the next best thing, Au Cheval's much smaller and cheaper cousin haha, but still so worth it! Two patties come on the bun and you can get bacon on it, but egg is not something that is included. The menu is super small and is written on a chalkboard next to where you order, so there are not many options if you're a picky eater. I got the cheeseburger and fries and both were awesome! The cheeseburger is very good when you get it home-style (pickles, onions, dijonaise). The cheeseburger's bun stayed intact and the patties were juicy and fresh. The fries were nothing special, but good. Inside, I picked my own sauces and you need to try the garlic aioli sauce. WOW. Also know that there are two different brands of mustard and ketchup, along with packets, and I'm weird and can taste a diff between them, so if you're like me and pretty picky, be sure to pick the ones you like best. One thing that stands this place out even more than most small hamburger places is that you can order a shake with any type of alcohol inside. I literally got a Bailey's chocolate shake and I died and went to heaven. They put it in a styrofoam cup and everything so I was able to leave with it and walk down the street. Honestly, the inside gave me some Billy Goat Tavern vibes. A small little shack-like place, but very woody and dim inside. We ate outside on the cute patio, though, and it was so nice. It's dog friendly, pretty large, and you sit at long picnic tables. Service was great, and because it was my first time, the cashier was so nice about explaining everything. The cooks were all so sweet, too, as we were waiting for our food to come out of the kitchen. I will definitely be back here soon! read more

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I thought they were supposed to be famous for hamburgers. This burger was the worst I've had in years. Burnt to sht. Thin. Low grade. I thought I was ordering something enjoyable. This place is for clowns.​ read more

No thoughts. This burger was so delicious i kept saying how good it was especially with the sauce. a must try. read more

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What can I say that hasn't been said. The burger, fries and shakes were awesome. The outside courtyard was a great place to sit. Parking was good. This is a Chicago landmark that you must try. read more

Small cheval is one of my favorite places in Chicago for a burger. In some ways, it's better than Au Cheval, including offering their free garlic aioli among all the condiments. This location only has outdoor seating but there's a great walking path for after the meal. read more

People get mad because Small Cheval isnt Au Cheval but it doesnt claim to be! Small Cheval does a respectable smash-ish burger without a 2 hour wait time. This location only has outdoor seating so it becomes something I pay attention to seasonally but its consistently good and their fries are great as well though I find they dont travel well (eat them first or you'll be disappointed getting them for takeout). Not my favorite burger in the city but I'm not gonna turn it down. Might be one of my favorite milkshakes though. read more

This might be the best burger I have ever had. All the food ratios are right on. Flavors are phenomenal. Eaten here a few times now when I travel to Chicago. Service is fine. Ambiance is good. Place can get a bit busy. read more

Went with the fam to Small Cheval prior to attending the Dino show close by. The restaurant has no inside dining which was a bummer and the outside dining tables well let's just say we couldn't use them because it was raining. Small menu, we got the double cheeseburger (bacon for me!) with some typical staples - tomato, we requested no onions or pickles. Meat was fresh, overall a solid burger. I thought the dijonnaise was interesting. Fries seemed to be truffle fries and were well seasoned which I enjoyed, along with the aioli. For some reason one of the staff members gave some free ice cream to my mom (apparently someone failed to pick up their ice creams!) which she shared with me and my hubby which was a nice touch. The restaurant has a number of other interesting things including drinks, sodas, shakes, etc. Would recommend! read more

Been hearing a lot of Racket from these Youngins, like a small Nadal About the finest burger in Chicago at a restaurant called Au Cheval But it's tough to get reservations, so we settled for their step son Problem is, Small Cheval couldn't Copy the original; Someone call Epson! If you still wanna get some, prepare to wait in a long line with no shade Keep on reading if you wanna know why I gave this spot a low grade The only positive is their bar...you can kill some time by sippin beer I found out they don't have the egg plus the bacon's different here?! If things ain't the same, yet yall choose to use the name...what for? This joint was a Tall task and this Small Fry definitely came up Short read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - don't sweat the small stuff - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Yummmmm!!!! FINALLY tried this last night. So damn good - have to get the burger housestyle. Took off 1 star bc I don't care for the fries that much and also over salted (might have just been our batch). Also their garlic aioli sauce is bomb. Is it worth the money? Not so sure but still damn good regardless. read more

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

What a let down! I've heard so much hype, everyone praising and recommending it... but trying it once is enough. I won't be coming back. ***unhappy wallet and more importantly unsatisfied stomach. In other words, the taste is not worth the cost. Food/taste: (1) even though, you get 2 beef patties, they had no flavor - just bland grilled meat (2) Seriously, lettuce and tomatoes, the ESSENTIALS to a burger, is considered an added extra ($.50)? (3) why is the ketchup is the pump extremely sour? I had to throw in some packets of Heinz ketchup to mellow out the tartness (4) loved the texture of the golden fries but way too much salt (*) this east coast boy definitely ranks Shake Shack, Culver's, Red Robin, Smashburger and others above this local gem, sorry! Ambience: A very young hipster vibe. Strong emphasis on beverages, particularly alcohol and the music in the background Service: Patient, friendly and fast read more

Small Cheval- Wicker Park - Customized cheeseburger added bacon lettuce tomatoes - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Luckily, we made it here in time before our flight back home. Everything is sold separately but each item is inexpensive so it's not a big deal. They have seating outside and a huge community table inside and some high top seating. They also serve alcohol and $3 shots, in case you're interested. They serve milkshakes chocolate or vanilla, no swirl. The chocolate is also just a syrup mixed within the vanilla. The food was fast and their condiments are amazing. Their garlic aioli especially. The small has 2 beef patties which was super filling. The fries were crispy too! Although I like my burgers with everything (lettuce, tomatoes, etc); the burger was delicious. read more

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Amazing! Period. I'm so full and happy I cannot even type. But know this...the place is clean, too many sauces...as if you need any (well maybe mustard if you need a tad tangy). The fries have a unique flavor like bacon...or whatnot. Doesn't matter cus all the food hits and I went on a Tuesday around 3pm no line, no wait. Cheers! read more

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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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Great service, food was good, small location so I ate in the car but very good. Location was very busy so I imagined the food would be good they did not disappoint. Price was ok but I wouldn't mind going again. read more