Small Cheval- Lincoln Square

Fast food restaurant · Ravenswood

Small Cheval- Lincoln Square

Fast food restaurant · Ravenswood

1

2156 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Photos

Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by Christina Slaton
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null
Small Cheval- Lincoln Square by null

Highlights

Burgers, chicken sandwiches, and boozy milkshakes served  

Placeholder
Placeholder

2156 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Get directions

smallcheval.com
@smallcheval

$10–20 · Menu

Information

Static Map

2156 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 Get directions

+1 773 902 7716
smallcheval.com
@smallcheval

$10–20 · Menu

Features

Tap to pay

Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@infatuation

Small Cheval - Review - Lincoln Square - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Like their other locations, this Lincoln Square Small Cheval has their usual menu of burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and boozy milkshakes. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - John Ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/small-cheval-lincoln-square
View Postcard for Small Cheval- Lincoln Square

Jemmy the Vlogzter

Google
Small cheval is known for their good quality burgers, so I decided to visit at this location to give it a go! So far, customer service was alright! Next, the prices on the food items are crazy high! I ordered a double cheeseburger & milkshake, and it came out a total of $20.55 (just for 2 items only). That does not seem normal to me. The burger was absolutely delicious ngl, but I'm just surprised that they put prices that high. It doesn't even come with fries, so no surprise there! I know other affordable places with burgers that taste just as good as small cheval! Probably would not come back as the seating their is uncomfortable, especially for those who got out at work & plan to eat indoors!

Jeff Gottdownunder

Google
To be fair, it's a 3.5. came here on a Wednesday night. The wait was a little longer than hoped for. chicken sandwich had a good taste, just wasn't a fan of the texture. The hot honey side is a good upgrade. Burger was perfectly ok. The fries are unique. Not bad. Just different. As folks mention, it's more of a grab and go kind of place as there are about 11 seats here. Do I hate giving a neighborhood place 3 stars? Yes. Do I hope it encourages them to increase focus on their product and service? Yes .

Denny Sanchez

Google
I had the Signature Double Cheeseburger is a must-try - juicy patty, perfectly cooked, with fresh toppings that really elevate the flavor; definitely one of the best burgers in town. My sister had the Famous Fried Chicken sandwich which was excellent , the chicken was very fresh and so much flavor. The service was wonderful , friendly staff who really knew their menu and were happy to make any recommendations. The Menu had great variety for the entire family. Definitely excited and a huge plus they will very soon be serving Alcoholic Beverages for me to have with my burger.

Alex P

Google
We got 2 double cheeseburgers house style and 1 order of fries, to go. The total was $30.37. The wait was 5-10 minutes. Very nice staff Small space inside with limited seating. If and when we go back we’ll split a double, that would be plenty for 2 and keep the cost down. Really good burgers but I can’t recommend the fries

Cody Donald

Google
this place deserves a higher rating. i had the double cheeseburger and the bourbon vanilla shake - highly advise that combo. friendly staff. not a lot of seating at the moment but more will be opening soon. the bathrooms are clean af

Ashley W

Google
Great to have a Small Cheval in the neighborhood. The staff are friendly and pleasant. Food is made to order and put together with care. It'll be nice when their liquor license is finally approved so they can serve their boozy shakes. Regular shakes are available and delicious.

Adam Wallick

Google
Delicious burger, but the fries were very average in size and quality and nearly $5. (Definitely get the garlic aoli, though!) There's hardly anywhere to sit, maybe like 10-12 bar stools in 2 rows inside in 2 rows, nothing outside. The place is expensive - the cheeseburger, fries, and root beer came to $22.50. They snuck in a 3.25% service charge which isn't anywhere on the menu, and I really hate when places do this since it means that they don't want to reveal the real price on their menu (and I'm giving 1 star lower because of it). So go if you want to try the burger, but I went once and don't feel like I need to go back.

Ana Walker

Google
My favorite go to burger! I love ordering the single cheeseburger and fries. The fries are always crispy and hot and the burger is cooked perfectly. I also tried their vanilla ice cream cone and can’t wait to go back and try their other ice cream options.

Hope ..

Yelp
Stopped in for a quick bite and was so glad we did. Friendly service and really yummy food. We'll be back again for sure.
google avatar

Becca D.

Yelp
It's basically shake shack but more bland and with very little seating. I dined in and ate at one of the stools. The burgers were really thin and not memorable . I've been back to get the shakes but it hurts because they are so expensive. $7 and by the time you factor in tax and a tip you are easily at $10. I was disappointed because I had heard of au cheval and seen the small cheval in old town and was looking to forward to trying, but in order to charge those prices they gotta knock it out of the park.
google avatar

Sandy R.

Yelp
Well I was surprised after seeing this large building that only a very small part is actually the restaurant. I made an assumption that this would be a real sit down establishment only to find out I get to sit on a stool to eat my smash burger. It was ok. Nothing special. The best part was the person who worked there. I really don't like when people do this, but I'm gonna do it anyway. If you want a good fast food burger go to Burger Bite on Touhy in Lincolnwood. Much better burger and much better seating.
google avatar

Winter B.

Yelp
I'd been wanting to try this burger for a while and it did not disappoint. The bun they use is really incredible and so buttery. I also got the fries and the strawberry cheesecake seasonal milkshake. The location was nice and not too crowded. I'd definitely recommend a quick lunch.
google avatar

Carol F.

Yelp
Burger patties and fries were pretty burnt, nothing too special. Didn't come with lettuce or tomato options which was really disappointing to me. Service took very long and young men behind the counter were also pretty vacant and not that welcoming, very quiet. Ambiance was small, only minimal indoor side by side stool seating. Nothing outdoors. LOVED the concretes and ice cream tho. I'll probably only go for the ice cream in the future.
google avatar

June S.

Yelp
Known for their burgers in Chicagoland. Excited to get the chance to try it. The burger and the bun and the fries did not disappoint. What I didn't like was the milkshake, not thick enough nor chocolatey enough. Also there isn't much seating for guests. We had to wait a bit to get a stool.
google avatar

Joneice B.

Yelp
Hanging out in North Center to get my brakes done. The smell coming out Small Cheval lured me in for lunch. I ordered my food to go because it was freezing outside and wanted to get home. This location had parking nearby but it was limited. I grabbed the classic double cheeseburger and added lettuce and tomato on the side. My order was neatly packed and ready within 10 minutes. My burger was so juicy. It was cooked to perfection. I was happy that I got some additional aioli to go. This was only my second time eating at this establishment and I enjoyed my lunch. In the future, I would ask for more pickles. Downgraded to 4 star because of price. Out the door almost $13 bucks. I think the French fry price was too high and hence, why I just made some at home.
google avatar

Adam W.

Yelp
Delicious burger, but the fries were very average in size and quality and nearly $5. (Definitely get the garlic aoli, though!) There's hardly anywhere to sit, maybe like 10-12 bar stools inside in 2 rows, nothing outside. The place is expensive - the cheeseburger, fries, and root beer came to $22.50. They snuck in a 3.25% service charge which isn't anywhere on the menu, and I really hate when places do this since it means that they don't want to reveal the real price on their menu (and I'm subtracting 1 star because of it). So go if you want to try the burger, but I went once and don't feel like I need to go back.
google avatar

Richard M.

Yelp
Was excited to take my family to get some great burgers, reminded me of amusement park burgers unfortunately dry and didn't seem fresh, fries are mediocre very disappointing experience at over $20 a person with fries and drink it's not even close to worth it. Really wanted to like this place I'm a huge fan of au cheval.
google avatar

Andrew W.

Yelp
I love Small Cheval and I been buying food from several of their locations ever since they opened their first location in Bucktown. I was so excited when I learned that a location was opening near where I live, but I couldn't have been more disappointed when I visited. First, the food is fine. I ordered a cheese burger, chicken tenders and fries. Everything was as it should be, delicious. However, everything else was off in the worst way. Second, they charge a 3.25% service fee. There was no warning or disclosure of this fee on their menu or any signage in the restaurant or otherwise. It was a total surprise, and it was only disclosed on the cash register's screen. I almost missed it. I also can't figure out what service I was provided that warranted an additional change. All the "service" I got was a staff member ringing me and another staff member handling me a bag of food. This boils down to nothing more than a cash grab by the restaurant. This restaurant is owned by Hogsalt, a large corporate restaurant group, that has revenues of around $130 million per year. It's like they're trying to line the CEO's pockets by stealing from its customers by charging hidden fees without providing anything additional for the fee. Third, the service was disappointing. Staff members at other locations are often friendly and personable, but not at this location. The staff member who took my order was indifferent at best. Also the staff member who gave me food was rude. She asked what sauce I wanted for my chicken tenders. I didn't know what sauces they provided, so I asked what sauces they had, but barked back at me "we have everything." I felt this was rude retort and unhelpful as it's literally impossible to have every sauce known to man. What it was really was lazy staff member who couldn't be bothered to take the 10 seconds to just tell me the sauces they have. Fourth, the ambience and atmosphere are completely terrible. This a huge building, but only has a tiny space with eight seats (they ar just stools really) for customers. This restaurant isn't a restaurant, but a glorified ghost kitchen. It's probably a product factory for the rest of their restaurants that only lower quality and make the millionaire CEO rich at our own expense. I was lucky enough to snag a seat, but the CEO's lust for money crams you in so tightly that I was pretty much shoulder to shoulder with the people sitting on either side of me. The place filled up so much with customers waiting for their orders that I could hardly walk to get a cup of water or go to the bathroom without bumping into other customers. Lastly, when this location was being built I saw the large building, and looked forward to warm summer nights on their patio (which I assume would in a hollowed out or torn down part of the building), but boy was I wrong. I'm very disappointed that there is no outdoor seating area at this location. It's sad because one of aspects that got me to fall in love with Small Cheval was their great patio at the Bucktown location with fond memories of good times with friends and my now wife. This Small Cheval represents everything that is wrong with restaurants today. It's an attempt by the a corporate restaurant group with a playboy millionaire CEO trading on the good name of this restaurant and the nostalgia that it created to funnel as many customers through their profit making system, gouge them with undisclosed and unwarranted fees while destroying much is actually good about the restaurant. Considering fried food doesn't travel well, I wouldn't recommend this location for picking up food. I also can't recommend this location to eat in. All I can say is avoid this location and possibly avoid Small Cheval all together for creating this abomination.
google avatar

Camila S.

Yelp
Used to be a good spot for a burger but not as good as it once was. Kind of pricey for what I got and not much space to sit down and eat.
google avatar

Tim S.

Yelp
so salty, like a deer lick. I think I had my weekly supply in one meal. not sure what all the hubbub is about
google avatar

Edie B.

Yelp
Needs More seating. Can't eat outside at Wells Park for 9 months out of the year. Awkward standing around waiting for our food. Decided to bring it home so we weren't standing around shoving food in our faces with people bumping into us. Food was just mediocre. Nothing made me want to go back. Culvers is better. Obviously they can't fix the seating but need to up their game on the food.
google avatar

Jeffrey T.

Yelp
Alls good. Way too much salt on the fries. Omg have to wipe them down. Burgers need a little salt. Ice cream is delicious.
google avatar

Chloe T.

Yelp
Cash only. I wish there was more seating, but I understand. If you're going to try and go eat as group, and you want to eat there, try to make it a group of 2 ( it's easier to find seats for two). It is more of a grab-a-burger-and-go joint. Also, we've been frequenting this location since it opened and the fries are SUPER salty. Next time I'm going to ask if they can add only light salt. The shakes are okay, not the usual constancy, a little thinner. I've been going to Cheval since the 1st location, so I'm sure in time certain things will be adjusted. Also if you want an alcoholic beverage, they will be added soon.

Christian R.

Yelp
The service is awful. These guys in front of the house could. not. care. less. Food was fine.
google avatar

Matt R.

Yelp
This location is close to where I live and I stopped in today (a Monday) a little after one. Location is fairly small with some bar style seating around the exterior. Wasn't very busy when I came in, good s double cheeseburger, fries, and a cookie butter shake to go. Everything held up better than expected through the commute... The fries were better than expected and the garlic aioli to dip is awesome. Burger was good, a little overcooked, but the location just opened so I'm sure they'll dial it in. Shake was delicious, everything was pretty quick and easy, glad to have this as an opinion in the neighborhood.
google avatar

Jorge M.

Yelp
I want to start off by saying the food was great, which isn't common with small cheval nowadays, however the gentleman (if you can even say that) taking my friend and I's orders was kind of a jerk. Shaved sides and hair longer up top. Just didn't seem like he wanted to be there, short and rude when asking questions about where to grab water and questions about toppings. Also they need more seating.
google avatar

Melissa S.

Yelp
I'm glad Small Cheval is in the neighborhood, though I'll only get food from here a couple of times a year. The burgers are very good, fast-food burgers. The fries are great and I love the white cheese sauce. I've not yet tried a milkshake from here but it sounds like I'm missing out. However, for my husband and I each to get a double burger and fries, with only a couple of add-ons, was almost $50. I realize these are the insane times we are living in, but that's just madness. Portillo's is equally good quality I'd say and is less than half the price. (Hey, any chance we can get a Portillo's in the neighborhood? Just wondering.)
google avatar

Courtney K.

Yelp
I always love small cheval and was excited for this new location. We've been here twice on a Friday and it's been busy! The staff are very friendly and helpful but sometimes appear confused. There is limited seating so you'll have to wait out someone leaving if you want to sit and eat. The burgers always hit the spot and the fries with garlic aioli are delicious. Their milkshakes are always a nice treat too!
google avatar

Andrew D.

Yelp
I love Small Cheval. I've enjoyed the simplicity of the menu and the fresh made burgers at locations in both Old Town and Rosemont. So I was utterly floored with disappointment when I invited some friends to join me and my wife at the location in Lincoln Square. Upon entering this location the first thing you notice is the wasted space architecturally. There is a long hallway and a huge dining area that is not used for seating. The only seating is along the windows in the main dining area. There are no tables or booths to sit at for dining in. This is a poor design choice and a possible financial misstep. It excludes return diners who are looking for a place to enjoy a burger and dine in doing it. Take out is fine for fast food not for an upscale burger joint. The Rosemont location has a beautiful and spacious indoor dining room, as well as outdoor seating when weather permits. The Old Town location has outdoor seating year round, with heated lamps providing warmth in the colder weather. When I've dined in Rosemont and Old Town I've raved about the burgers. Not here. The burgers at this location were gross, cold, and greasy. I had a difficult time finishing my burger. The fries were equally bland and cold. "A burger isn't just food, it's an experience." I wish I didn't experience this burger.
google avatar

Carlos S.

Yelp
Decent burgers, but not the quality of their namesake. Hard to find seating when it's busy because there is no room for tables only countertops.
google avatar

Stephen F.

Yelp
Excellent burger, simple not complicated. Fries are outstanding and the garlic aioli was delicious.
google avatar

Sally J.

Yelp
I honestly don't get the appeal. Super underwhelming burger. Not mouth watering. Fries were good. There's a lot of good burgers elsewhere. Maybe that's why the sign is so massive.

Christian S.

Yelp
Went for lunch at the Lincoln Squee location. Was greeted by manger Kim who was extremely helpful and pleasant. This location was extremely clean, and all of the workers were polite and professional. The food was excellent and I will be definitely returning for more great burgers and telling all of my friends in town about it!
google avatar

Nick P.

Yelp
In a neighborhood with thousands of families you'd think they do a little research on who lives around the restaurant. There is 8 chairs to sit. Yes, this giant building that took a year to build has no where for families to sit. If this is for take out only, just build a cloud kitchen. The worst part is how average the food has become. It's McDonald's with a fancy name. Cold burger and fries. Walk the extra block to Bad Apple and have quality beef for the same price.

Emily R.

Yelp
Overpriced and there is NO dining room! My family and I were so excited for this new addition to our neighborhood. We went here the first week that they were open, and I am giving them one extra star because it was their first week open. We ordered two shakes, three veggie burgers, three orders of fries, truffle sauce, and a regular cheeseburger. Two of the veggie burgers were supposed to be plain with just cheese on them, yet the staff somehow managed to also add lettuce, sauce and pickles to both burgers. They forgot our truffle cheese sauce and our total bill came to over $100. The food was mediocre. There was nowhere to sit in the dining room, which can accommodate at most 12 people. We will not be back.
google avatar

Suzanne W.

Yelp
This place has no seating go to McDonald's never coming back not happy how many letters do I need to write before I can poat

mina a.

Yelp
Sorry, been to the small Cheval downtown and the food was awesome. Visited the one here in Lincoln Square expecting the same great food and just came up short sorry to say.
google avatar

Sam H.

Yelp
My spouse and I have been waiting for the renovation and opening of this location, as our entire family are fairly regular Small Cheval diners. Now we don't have to get delivery, since it's about a half-mile walk to this new location. They really hit it out of the park with the decor, and the limited seating isn't a problem considering that Welles Park is right across the street. The service here is efficient and cordial, and you'll get your food fairly quickly. The burgers and fries are up to the high Small Cheval standards. (One caveat: Small Cheval burgers tend to be a bit salty, even without bacon. I like them anyway, but it is noticeable.) The opening of this location gives the half-mile stretch of Montrose between Ravenswood and Lincoln a formidable, no-lose trio of fast burger joints ready to suit different tastes and moods. I will be a happy human being for as long as CVS keeps my cholesterol and hypertension meds in stock.

Camille K.

Yelp
Zero stars. Service and food completely went down hill after this franchise expanded. The burger was terrible. Grey meat, pre-made patty, no crispy edges, and a stale bun. It's a shame. We will never be back.

Bea P.

Yelp
Super disappointed. The fries were fine, not great. But the burger was kind of gross. Salty, meat was poor quality, and what really irritated me was that they were cold. We ate there so it wasn't a matter of the commute. They were obviously sitting out for a bit before we got them, did not taste made to order as you would expect. It seems like they are coasting on their reputation and don't really care if they serve a good burger because people will pay for it just to say there's a Small Cheval in their neighborhood. I might give it another shot in the summer if they end up with a patio. Otherwise, not worth the $75 to feed three people