Small Cheval

I ordered a double cheeseburger, fries, lemonade, and ice cream and WOW. Everything was just delicious!! I was seriously delighted by this meal. I will be coming back again. The food and customer service was great! I ended up coming back the same day for another ice cream cone. It was THAT good!

$4 for a coke is steep. Burgers are great they could definitely use some extra condiments. Reminds me of Bills on western and Howard less than 1/2 price. Paying for location and branding Ok for once or twice but not sustainable

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!

while at its best small cheval can do a great burger, and the buns and sauces are never bad, the chefs often seem to often pre-/par-cook hamburger patties and heat lamp/reheat them as needed. this is understandable from a workload standpoint, and perhaps only happens when busy, but really worsens the burger at its core; rather than maillard crisp edges and fresh juices spilling out, you get school cafeteria chewy, uniformly dry and flavorless. even nice fixings can’t cover that kind of thing up, and you expect more for the price.

Burgers and fries were great as always and the the salted caramel milkshake was really good too. Customer service was on point and everyone was really friendly. The layout is a little funky but the outdoor patio looks nice for when the warmer weather hits

Had heard good things about the Au Cheval and have not been so tried Small Cheval but this burger was just ok. I will definitely try the Au Cheval sometime soon but would rather try a different local joint that go back here. Staff was nice, atmosphere is calm and clean, nice outdoor area and it was fast.

Last night we visited Small Cheval for the first time. The gentleman at the counter that greeted us and took our order was friendly and helpful. While the burger and fries were excellent, I was surprised there is only enough seating indoors for perhaps a dozen people along counters by the window. Appears to be set up for "take out" at this location until their summer outdoor patio area opens.

This restaurant always had great, polite staff, until this guy showed up. He ruined my mood today. I cancelled the order and left. What kind of attitude does this guy have towards people?

I've been to Small Cheval in the past but never this location. We decided to eat here after vintage clothing shopping in Ravenswood. This is a smaller location and you can sit and eat inside but it is along the window. So if you are eating with a large group, you can eat outside (weather permitting). We ate inside. The service was great! The person taking our order was very nice and helpful. The food came out in a timely fashion. We forgot to ask to remove the mayo on our burger (egg allergy) and they quickly remade one with no questions asked which was very nice. The food was delicious as normal and I've mentioned this before, the best fries. I got the veggie burger and it was spot on. Small Cheval will slays be one of my favs. The shake was good, I got the shake off the month (espresso). It was thick. My only complain is the straw (it kept cracking). Overall, great food, great service and even better company!!! Thanks!

Took the family here for a quick lunch and was happy to see the patio open, pet friendly. Everything is a la carte, and if it is busy inside you're able to order pickup online from their website. The double cheese burger was 10.99 and addition of fries was 4.59. The burger was juicy, a tad creamy with their sauce, and the bun added a pleasant slight sweetness while adequately absorbing the beefy flavor while not getting soggy. Fries are lacking compared to the burger. Some pieces were crispy while others were soft. They needed more seasoning or a sprinkle of salt. The chicken tenders were a harmonious combination of light crispy with perfectly tender chicken. They need to do the same with the fries. Small cheval always had a solid simple burger that doesn't require all the extravigent additions to make it rememberable. Happy hour weekdays 3-5 for $6 beers and cocktails. Paid and free street parking in the area. Limited seating inside. Menu is accessible online and I recommend ordering through there.

Good service. That said, I emailed the company and explained my disappointment with the food quality. I broke it down very thoroughly with dates and times. I did this with hope of getting a response...not a refund or credit. I got no response, been over a month so far. I was a chef for many years in the restaurant businesses here in Chicago. I try to be as fair as possible when I do reviews because I know it can affect a business long-term. But I really think it's important for these companies to read the emails and respond and at least apologize or offer another experience and in my case I didn't want it for free. I just wanted them to say you know what we screwed up. Please come back. I'd have to be really hungry to wanna go back there.

Visited Lincoln square location for the first time. Dry cheeseburger and stale fries. I usually go to the Rosemont location or the one in wicker park and those locations have not failed me yet.

i've been going to Small Cheval since their very first location in Wicker Park Bucktown: I know they have expanded to many locations in Chicago including this newest one in Lincoln Square/ North center. here's what I liked. double cheeseburger is still pretty hefty with a great bun and two pretty big patties. ( note that you have to ask for lettuce and tomato separately. The not so great part were the fries. They're incredibly fresh and crisp and I don't know if they changed their recipe but it was one of the saltiest batches I've ever ate. My mouth still feels that one hour later. they only have minimal seating inside which wasn't a challenge. Service was friendly and food came out really fast, and the pricing has not changed significantly since the last time I went there, meaning you can get a pretty filling burger and fries for under $20.

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.

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.

$16 for a mediocre burger & fries. Staff pretty apathetic - always in back, (1-man show?) coming to the counter only when someone came in. Asked for 5 ketchup packets and was given 4 then he quickly swung around & walked to the back before I could say anything. No ambiance, better off with takeout. Won't be rushing back anytime soon, plenty of other choices.

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.

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.

Very small place for the neighborhood. Ten patio outside helps but we're in Chicago so there's limited use of it. It's always a hassle to get a spot to sit and eat. The worst part is that we always had to rush since people are waiting right next to us . The burgers are good but not the best. You always had to add extra stuff on the burgers for extra $.

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

Don't like writing bad reviews but this is gonna be one, just nothing good about this joint.. nothing! First off, whoever designed the interior must be a child with no concept of the real world.. not only is there nowhere to sit but people waiting for to-go & door dashers have nowhere to wait. You can't even throw away your trash without bumping into someone! I've been going to Small Cheval since they opened and brought many people there that always talked about how good it WAS.... not anymore. The burger is absolutely horrible, I've had better at the airport down in Mexico. TINY patties (About half of what they used to be) , two tiny near rotten tomato slices one with the core mark, white iceberg? lettuce and a HUGE bun. I mean come on, this is Chicago and this is easily the worst display of a burger I have come across... served cold. Chicken Tenders that I heard were good from some folks were just ok and also not very hot at all.. served with Sweet Baby Rays sauce? Gone are the days of Self Serve Sauce instead you get a HALF a thimble of that garlic aioli in the bag. Totally understaffed with one guy running FOH juggling dine in and carry outs and all the orders seemed to FINALLY come out at once? Pricing is fine until you see the little 3.25% "Service Fee".. so tacky and Hogsalt prob has gross sales annually of over $100M! To me it almost feels like they are franchising these out because theres no way they would put their name on that burger. Even though we live in neighborhood would never come back. Talk LATER

Over $25 for fries, a Coke, and a mediocre cheeseburger? I'll pass and go to Slim's that's only a couple of blocks from here. At least at Slim's, you can actually sit down in a decent booth and eat your meal versus the limited seating (all uncomfortable stools).

Perfect burger, incredible shakes, and unbelievable service. I was having a hard week, and the people working there were angels and made my day! Everyone is so nice there, great vibes (ambiance) every time.

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.

3rd time I've ordered form this place and it hasn't changed. Asked for lettuce, tomato and fresh onions on the burger...twice to check for understanding. It's not like the menu is complicated. They only have two things if you don't count the fries. Got home and guess what happened. Explains the 3.7 stars Yes it 1st world problems but just trying to be honest because that's why we have yelp right? Tried calling them only to get a voicemail that hasn't been setup yet. All this technology and we can't seem to solve a simple problem. C'mon Sodikoff... we have to do better. Can we go back to basics and taking orders on the phone? I miss the convo with the employees. Jeez!

This place is great! I have ordered several deliveries without a complaint. The food arrives quickly, hot, and without error. One of my favorites for a quick delicious meal!

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.

First time was so-so - the burgers were put together in a super sloppy way and fell apart easily. Gave it a second chance and the shakes were half melted - even though we were waiting inside the restaurant for 15 min for our order. For these kind of prices, I get it may be quality food but the execution needs to be much better. So many other good places nearby so likely won't be back.

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.

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.

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.

Amazing burgers, chicken and fries, super friendly staff. Looking forward to returning!

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

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.)

Our food took forever and the staff was so mean when we asked for an update. I think they forgot about the ticket (which happens) but being rude when we asked for the status was not right. We were with others who ordered after us and received their food much quicker

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.

Incredibly, incredibly slow. Like 35 minutes for a burger. There was no other customers here

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Great smash burger, great fries, and the garlic aioli is a perfect dip. The new patio is really nice as well.

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My child and I went there the staff was friendly, but for the price point of two double cheeseburger fries and no refill on the lemonade way too expensive. I can go somewhere else and get something better than that.

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