Small Cheval- Old Town

If not the best burger in Chicago, then It's certainly in the top 10. It's juicy and flavorful and the bun and condiments really complement the meat. Cheese has a mild sharpness to it. The shoestring fries are good. Get the mayo to dip them in. Shakes are absolutely amazing. Very thick and delicious. I arrived when they opened on a Thursday morning and there was no line. Got my burger within five minutes. Service was friendly and helpful. There's no indoor seating. Outdoor seating consists of picnic tables flanked by propane heaters. They offer gluten free buns

I loved this restaurant. From the burgers, to fries, to shakes, and just atmosphere. The staff was super friendly and easy to order. The burgers were extremely delicious. They are easily one of the best burger places I have ever been. The burger was juicy but not too greasy. It’s hard to find a burger joint that doesn’t make super greasy burgers and still taste good. The chocolate shake is what I ordered and it tasted amazing. I’m a huge fan of dipping my fries in my shake and it tasted so good together with the shake they gave me. I would highly recommend coming to small cheval. Even the little ones in our family enjoyed this restaurant and wanted to go back again. They have their own homemade garlic aioli sauce they offer and it tasted with both the burgers and fries. If you haven’t tried this restaurant then you are for sure missing out.

Flavor: A Service: B Tea: F Solo dining: A This was a good burger but beware it’s not the same as Au Cheval. Perhaps the patty is flavored the same but the bacon is not the same and there’s no option for egg. And fries are the only side option. So all in all, a fair substitute when you can’t get the real thing - but it ain’t the real thing.

Food was pretty tasty and at a good value. The burgers all have 2 patties. The shake was phenomenal. I mixed all 3 flavors: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. It was so smooth and didn't feel heavy. It was really hard to find a place to sit. There is a super limited first come seating area, and people tend to take up whole tables for smaller parties. It's easier to take out if you have a larger group. The staff are all very positive and up beat. They forgot to give me fries, and we're very helpful in making it right, with a great attitude.

Great burger & fries, love the boozy shake! (I got chocolate + amaretto.) The atmosphere was chill with lots of outdoor seating available on a Friday at lunch time.

Burger was one of the best I’ve ever had! Idk how they did it but it was a yummy crust on the outside and juicy on the inside! Plenty of seating and the service was pretty fast.

First time visiting this location, but I've visited others. To begin with, the service is great because they're friendly and helpful. Also, we ordered at the counter and it took about 5 minutes to get our food. Lastly, the burgers have a juicy flavor and the toppings compliment the burger. The fries are average. Overall, I recommend getting a burger from this location. Photos below: 1. Wagyu truffle cheeseburger with bacon 2. Outside view 3. Golden fries 4. Inside view

Great food, fries were the best I’ve ever tasted and the setting was cute. Service was super friendly and efficient. Longgg queue and expensive but that’s down to the quality so can’t complain!

If you're looking for a burger in Chicago stop looking now and go to Small Cheval. Service was fast. Restaurant is cute. Burger was amazing. Took my first bite and said "Holy sh*t"

My husband and i were visiting chicago, and our my friend recommended this place to us! NO RAGRETSSS! would definitely love to be back here again. Not a huge fan of burgers & fries but this place just hit different! My husband couldn't believe it was actually eating them quick! you gotta get those garlic aioli sauce, they're ducking crack sauce for all i know! Put them in your burger, fries dipping, slurrrp'em! lol this place gets super busy and there's not much benches to seat on. very casual place, came here for lunch. 10/10 would recommend & would come back here again :)

While the wife & I was getting our bikes serviced we stopped by Small Cheval for a burger since it was next door to the bike shop and we heard they had fire burgers. Cool out door seating you seat yourself after ordering. They serve Burgers, fries, shakes & shots! The wifey got a plant based burger, I got the famous double cheeseburger (plain) I always order my burgers plain in order to really taste the product!! I got chocolate shake & we shared some fries. My said the Plant based burger was average at best. So I guess 5/10. The double cheeseburger wasn't the best I've had and nothing to bring me back. I thought it was less than average in have to give it a busted 4/10. The chocolate shake However was great! Nice and thick!! Very chocolaty flavor! 8/10 for the shake. The fries were pretty decent 6.7/10 Nothing to write home about. The food was mediocre. The service was cool though. I doubt if we'll return. 5/10

An amazing place for a quick burger and fries. The root beer on tap is some of the best, crisp soda I've ever had. The service is a little slow but the ambiance with the outdoor sitting is perfect any day of the week. Getting your burger with home style is a must!

I eat maybe one cheeseburger a year, and I'm glad this was the one. Heads up: they automatically come with two patties, I did not know this. I got the white cheese sauce on the side for my fries - excellent decision. The fries were lovely and salty, somewhat similar to McD's, which is kind of the king of fries. The burger was really tasty, not overcooked and also not too pink. The bun was nice, looked like a brioche. I would definitely go again when in Chicago.

We ordered the cheeseburger with friends. The food was pretty good, considering the price point. It complimented well with the fries along with the Oreo shake. I highly recommend getting the shake with food--the food came out pretty fast and the overall experience was pleasant.

Stopped by for some lunch after the Wells St Art Fair, it was a good move. This place was recommended to me by someone who was shocked that I've never been, and now I see her point. Really great burgers and the fries were perfectly done. Has a really cool and sizable outside patio for seating. Will be back.

After receiving multiple recommendations to try their burgers, we stumbled upon the old town location! The place was packed so that was a good sign! We didn't wait too long to order and got an order of their golden fries, two double cheeseburgers, a shake and root beer float. The total was around $50 before tip. They only offer outdoor seating but do have heat lamps around their patio area to help on the cooler days! We waited maybe around 20-25 minutes for our food, though the shake and float came out before then. The burger lived up to its hype, delicious. The fries were perfectly crisp. The strawberry milkshake was quite quick. The root-beer float was your typical float imo. Overall good food, but had I known only outdoor seating, I would've come more prepared. Definitely worth trying!

Really bad experience tonight, my burger was essentially uncooked. It was raw and cold to the touch. I've noticed a decline the last few times I've gone and haven't posted, but I felt compelled to do so because I had to throw my meal in the trash tonight. Seems that this chain is swapping servicing a high quantity of people for quality food. The burger and fry quality is noticeably lower. Not sure if it is just the location or the business as a whole.

The food is delicious, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The patio is open, clean, and inviting. A great place to get a tasty burger!

Small Cheval never disappoints! The cheeseburger was just as good as I remember it being, it was cooked perfectly & the onions/sauce are what make this burger so amazing!! Also ordered a lemonade, if you're a fan of sour lemonade you'll love it as much as I did! It was my first time trying the fries & they were SO good!! Perfectly crispy and salty, the fries are a MUST order! This location does not have any indoor seating but don't worry there are tons of outdoor seats with heaters to keep warm in the winter! Every time I visit Chicago I will be coming to Small Cheval for these yummy burgers and fries!

Great little burger joint. Tasty and quick, really good fries. My favorite is the garlic aioli

The trick is to order online. It's gonna come out from the same window and you can just do it while you're on your way. I managed to beat my hangry friends to my burger because I ordered it in the uber. Gotta play that long game y'all. Also gotta get that cheese sauce because it goes great with both the burgers and fries. The burgers themselves are solid and have a nice crust.

Okay I've lived in the Chicagoland area practically my entire life, and I've never been to small cheval... I KNOW. I'm in disbelief also. But there's no time like today. So I went to have my first au cheval cheeseburger and it was one of the best things to ever happen to me! Small cheval features a limited menu with hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. They only offer outdoor seating on a first come first serve basis. But it's also a perfect take out spot! You walk in, place your order, get your buzzer, grab a seat, and wait for the the best burger of your life. I got the cheeseburger + fries (with the aioli sauce to dip). This burger is truly what I have waited for my entire life - from the perfect bun which is soft and fluffy to the incredible patty which is perfectly cooked and seasoned, it could not get any better. The meat was soooo juicy and every bite exploded with flavors from the meat, the pickles, the cheese, and the delicious sauce inside. The fries were perfect - salty and crispy. And dipping it inside the aioli only made them taste better! I could go on and on about this place, but I think you get the point. I've never had a better burger (although I have yet to try au cheval so I guess the jury is still out!) 1000/10 would HIGHLYYY recommend!!!

I've been to the Bucktown location of Small Cheval and now this Old Town location - both offer a no frills, delicious cheeseburger. I ordered mine without any of the free extras (tomato, lettuce). The regular cheeseburger comes with aioli, pickles, and two patties with American cheese. I got fries with a side of white cheddar sauce. I was told by other customers that the garlic aioli should come free if you ask for it - but I was informed of this after I'd already left. I sat on the patio in the shade and enjoyed my cheeseburger and fries. I got a fountain drink (free refills). I have yet to try the original Au Cheval and savor the full experience. I heard that the latter's cheeseburgers incorporate higher-end ingredients and the tables are more of a sit-down, but Small Cheval offers a solid cheeseburger done right.

I have tried small Cheval several times in the past but I am finally getting around to writing a review. The old town small Cheval is a casual and small space. The service is fast but can get slow on weekends, especially with all the college crowd partying here. I don't eat beef so I naturally tried the plant based burger and the golden fries. The plant based burger was juicy, slightly smoky and cooked to perfection. The pickles and the tomatoes complimented the patty well. The bun was soft and fresh. It really felt I was eating a high quality burger. I was initially thrown off by the amount of lettuce but the burger overall worked. The golden fries were nice and crispy and the exact thickness that I like. The fries paired with garlic aioli is an amazing combination. A must visit!

One of the best burgers in Chicago ... my favorite part about this place is the Garlic Aioli. To. Die. For. That $$$$ could go on anything! And I really appreciated they have them next to the ketchup and open to take. The burger was surprisingly great temperature and cooked exactly they way it should be. Even with the long line, I felt like we were in and out. Plus their seating area is cool to hang and chill with friends, especially being in a good area as well. This was not my first time at Small Cheval and this will not be last, definitely! Thank you Small Cheval, I will be back for sure! Personal Review: 9.1/10

When I crave a burger, I crave THIS burger. So juicy and delicious. This is the li'l sister to Au Cheval in Fulton Mkt, but the same delicious burgers. Bare bones, few options. But this is FINE! Cheeseburger with bacon, tomato and lettuce optional. It might be nice to mention somewhere on the menu that those BLT options are $2 extra ($2 for lettuce?!), I'd likely have skipped them. The burgers, though, are fantastic. Just perfect. Yet not so overly ginormous that you experience food coma. No, these are a perfect size. Full complement of canned beverages, some unusual sodas, wine, beer. Service was prompt, and rapid. This place is really a place to visit when it's warm out, so you can sit in the beautiful patio in front, but visiting in January (when it's sparsely attended) is great too, 'cos outdoor heaters! I gotta remember to come here more often, 'cos I REALLY love these burgers.

We put in an order for pickup and was told that the order would be ready in 30 minutes. It was not. We showed up to pick up our food and there were two people at the desk. One ignored us and the other responded once we asked why it was not ready. They said it would be ready in 5 minutes. It was but they missed all of our condiments. Food was good but not doing pickup ever again.

SO GOOD! We ordered two Plant Based Burgers and they were both mouth watering good. The French fries were a higher quality McDonald's fries (meaning absolutely delicious without the grease). They have a garlic aioli that is so delicious. Only outdoor seating on long picnic tables along with heaters by each table. The bathrooms are nice and clean. Great service!

The best fries I have ever had periodt! The burger was good, and so was the shake and rootbeer. If you are in the mood for a better-than-average burger, this is the spot! YOU HAVE TO GET THE FRIES! Not your normal price, but I felt it was worth it!

Small Cheval came recommended to me by a friend and I'm glad I took their advice and gave it a try. We ordered cheeseburgers and fries and grabbed a table to patiently wait. Unfortunately it did take some time to get our order...I eventually went up and asked if our order got lost in the shuffle. It was true. The offered us free sodas (pop, if you will) and our food came out in a few minutes. Make sure you grab a table as soon as you can if you plan to eat there. Its all outdoors here. It's a small joint and real estate is prime. Would I come again? Yes, but probably take it to go.

Amazing burgers, chill ambiance, and fast & friendly service! I love the outdoor seating and it's such a vibe at night sitting with the string lights above you. Ordering at the counter is easy, and they give you a buzzer to come back when your order is ready. They also seemed to have an efficient take-out operation. Best burger I've had in a really long time and at a good price!

Friendly staff, delicious food!! Had a slight mix up with the order and they gave extra fries and cheese sauce because of it. Super kind of them! The burger was tasty and juicy. Loved that it didn't taste plain. Fries were so good. And the aioli was really good with both!! Definitely would come back next time I visit.

i was visiting chicago for the long weekend and had friends recommend au cheval to me, but i couldn't snag a reservation so we went to small cheval instead. you order at the counter and are given a buzzer with a number, and the buzzer will buzz when your food is ready. all of the seating was outside. it was very warm inside, but i noticed that maybe that's just how all of chicago is in the winter. i ate half of a cheeseburger and had some golden fries. both were good but not mind-blowing. overall a great place for a casual meal!

This location has such a great space outside! I love stopping by here after a day at the zoo or at North Ave beach The service is easy and simple. You go to the counter to order and they'll call out your number for you to grab your food. They even have boozy milkshakes here. Small Cheval as a whole has my favorite burger in the whole city. The cheese and sauce they use is always the perfect amount to balance out the burger. The burger Pattie's aren't too thick, which I love. They even have lettuce buns for anyone who is gluten-free or trying to avoid the carbs. Their ketchup and cheese sauces are so yummy! They recently added the wagyu truffle burger and my goodness, it is just so so delicious! If you really want to try Au Cheval but don't get a chance, stop by small cheval because it is 100000% worth your time.

We chose this spot just based on proximity (Airbnb down the street) but wow this meal was impressive. Solid burger and fries, I usually don't care for dijonaise but after Small Cheval I'm sold. My partner upgraded to the wagyu truffle burger and I kinda wish I had because it was worth it. I'll have to save room for a shake next time too.

The burger was good. I had plain old cheese meat and bun burger. Not quite a smash burger but thin patties that were not dried out. Fries were crispy but not overcooked. Mine I added lots of pepper and a bit of salt. Limited seating but they were nice enough to turn on some extra heat outside since it had snowed earlier and was still a little cold out. The service was friendly. It did not take too long to get the food. I would eat here again

Though this place is definitely a step above needing to wait a couple hours at Au Cheval--the burger is truly not worth it here. I get that you're not supposed to expect the same level of quality here but the burger is both expensive and not that great here. You're going to be paying almost $20+ here for some burgers and fries (when did a burger become so expensive??) and the result is a very salty burger and a hefty credit card charge. I will say the fries are pretty good, they have a similar size and texture to in-n-out fries, but they're actually fluffy and seasoned. Most of the appeal here is that it's fast casual and quick to eat with large groups of people with their benches right outside--that being said I don't think the burger here is worth the premium price.

10/10 amazing cheeseburger. People always say that you will be blown away by the burger at small cheval because nothing compares to in n out if you're from California. To be fair, I can't compare the two because they are two different price range/quality but I would definitely be very satisfied if I could eat a cheeseburger from small cheval everyday. This location has only outdoor seating so it might be tough to eat there if it's cold out. You order inside or dine-in or takeout and wait for your order to be called. The menu is basic offering burgers, cheeseburger, plant based burgers, fries, and milkshakes. You also have the option of your burger being homestyle and bacon costs extra. I opted for the homestyle cheeseburger and my boyfriend and I shared some fries. All in all a very good burger. The fries were delicious too. Definitely not the soggy fries you get from in n out that's for sure.

This burger was so good. I love anything with truffle but the mixture of the truffle cheese sauce and the wagyu beef plus the American cheese was amazing. I'm still thinking about it, it's a must try!! Make sure to get the garlic aioli with the fries. Such a good combination

Finally got to eat a burger from small cheval (first cheval experience). Love the ambience in this open air setting with picnic tables between to old town buildings. Ordered a burger and fries. Made to order and delicious. Fries are more on the over seasoned side but not overly. Loved the garlic aioli you can get at their condiment station. Goes well with the fries. Food was quick and service friendly.

We will drive from Wrigley to go to this Small Cheval in Old Town for two reasons. 1. The mobile ordering for Wrigley is always unavailable and 2. The food just tastes better at this location! I don't know what they're doing but they're doing it right. The staff are always so welcoming and friendly. The food comes out quick and it tastes way better than the other location. Also, I just learned from one of the staff that you can do a Neapolitan shake! My mind was blown. Try it if you like milkshakes. They have vegan milkshakes as well.

A double burger has less meat than a McDonalds quarter pounder. Fries are no better than McDonalds. Grossly over priced and shared tables. Sorry, but 2 burgers, 2 fries and 2 diet cokes for $50 is insane. Not to mention near impossible parking. NOBODY CAN DENY THIS.

You would see many 4/5 star reviews. Don't trust them! We did and regret it. This place is quite overrated and the burgers are definitely not the $20+ price they charge. The reception at Au Cheval sends you to this Small Cheval when you can't get in there because of the 2 hours wait, citing that the burgers here are as good (they aren't) We ordered the cheeseburger and the wagyu truffle cheeseburger and couldn't find any difference between them - no sign of truffle or wagyu. The latter costs double / $20+ (adding bacon costs another $7). Decent burgers but not worth the price, wait, or the hype.

Fast, fresh and delicious burgers and fries. Juicy burger served "to-go" , plenty of picnic tables to stop and eat. Fries are amazing also! Definately want to come back for this

Solid, juicy, no-frills burger for a quick bite? This is the place. Choose between hamburger, cheeseburger, or plant burger. The hardest choice you have to make is whether you want to make it a single or double! You're obviously getting fries too. They have a great little outdoor patio and the service is fast and friendly!

My memory of Small Cheval is way different than I experienced today! I'm well aware that Covid changed everything: Our work, play, eating, drinking, socializing, entertainment, travel.......(again) everything! So, Small Cheval Old Town is set up for outdoor dining only and pick-up and delivery of their burgers. On this chilly Sunday afternoon my wife and I ordered two cheeseburgers sat outside in 48° weather and braved the actual changing of the seasons. Are their cheeseburgers still good - Yes! Were they worth the price they are charging - No! There are so many outrageously wonderful cheeseburgers in this city now, with full service accommodations I'm getting the feeling that Small Cheval is a shadow of what it used to be. Au cheval, the Mother restaurant to Small Cheval is still first class and wonderful. For some reason unbeknownst to me, this powerful brand, let their satellite restaurants slip a bit. I will happily still frequent the Mother Ship, but alas, their appendage is not worth the inconvenience that comes with the simple act of chowing down on what used to be a pretty terrific cheeseburger in a welcoming environment!

First time here and would definitely recommend! My partner and I came here before 530pm on a Saturday and we were lucky to be in front of the cash register. After we ordered, a huge rush of people came in. By the time we left, there was a huge line. My partner and I got the cheeseburger with everything on it (including bacon) and golden fries. The burger itself is thick and when I mean thick. I mean it with 3 c's LOOL. It's a hefty and meaty burger. You can easily get full from it. The bacon was a nice compliment. The fries was basic. However, the sauce (I think it was garlic aioli) was a game changer. Price was reasonable for a GOOD burger. I would come here again!

Great burger, the fries had the perfect church while still being soft on the inside. Highly recommend getting the aioli as well! Only outdoor seating, it was a little chilly as not all the heating lamps were working.

A definite go-to spot for an amazing no-frills burger! Walking in and seeing a line up to the door made me mentally prepare myself for a long wait, but less than 15 minutes later I had my cheeseburger and fries in-hand. The staff was super friendly, and helped clear out some tables so my group would be able to sit together. There is only outside seating, so in the winter it can be brought, but they do their best to light all the patio heaters which do a pretty decent job. The burger was juicy and cooked to a beautiful medium. And the fries were delightful and even better with their addicting garlic aioli.

After trying most of their locations, I can say they all hit the mark. Rare for an establishment with multiple locations to excel in my experience but Small Cheval delivers. Waits can vary depending on location but my latest visit to Old Town, it was fairly quick so no complaints there. What can be said that hasn't already been said about Au Cheval's infamous burger that hasn't already been said? An easy choice that will satisfy your hunger even if you weren't in the mood for a burger, you will be at first bite. Can't have a burger without fries which are no afterthought here either. They are like when you get a rare batch of McDs fries that slap, but every time, paired with fancier sauces that you could spread on anything literally. While you're induldging in your gluttonous ways, why stop there when they have a solid array of boozy selections to choose from, though I prefer the ultimate sin of a milkshake that causes me to look at the mirror in disgust for the next few days. Eat here it's delicious. Stay fat mother suckers

Been dying to try small cheval because of the hype and because I really liked au cheval's burger. Like any other overly hyped place, I try not to overthink it and have an open mind going in otherwise you're bound to be disappointed. With that being said, small cheval burgers and fries just hit. the. spot. The food is on the saltier side, but in the best way. Don't forget the garlic aioli that they have on the side - dangerously addicting. Just be prepared to wait especially during peak times. I know where I'm going the next time I'm craving a hardy burger!

As a Los Angelino I have high standards for a burger and this place lives up to the hype and then some. Is it saltier than most burgers? Yes, but the greasy buttery burger, the garlic aioli, and the fries are enough to make me coming back. Not to mention the vibes with the kind people working there, the awesome music they always play, and the outdoor seating in the alley. Will be returning and bringing all my LA friends here

Burgers done one way, which is the right way. Double cheeseburger ha delicious beef and just the right amount of toppings. Fries are well made and McDonald's cut but longer and perfectly salted. Shakes are the 1/1000 McDonald hot fudge sundae with spectacular flavor but not over sweetened. Burgers were not greasy. Add brioche bun. Slam Dunk.

Cheeseburgers are delicious and come with double patties, pickles and onions. The garlic aioli is amazing! Fries are crispy and milkshakes complete the meal. Extra charge for tomatoes, lettuce, or bacon. Outside seating only at this location.

You wouldn't think that as a vegetarian I would like Small Cheval so much. BUT! Their veggie burger is fantastic. Really good flavor and texture, and it stays together well and doesn't crumble (IYKYK). The fries are also top notch! The best thing is arguably the sauce that comes on the veggie burger. I took off stars because it is very difficult to actually get your food for takeout here. The small window is always swarmed with delivery drivers and people picking up orders. Be prepared to wait (outside) to pick up your food. Make sure you always check your order too, because I have seen multiple people have to go back due to issues.

Tasty burger. Next time I'll be sure to order some lemonade with my $5 cup of ice. :)

I tried Small Cheval on a strong recommendation from a few friends. They went as far as saying that it was as good as my favorite fast casual burger joint. I unfortunately couldn't really see the vision with the meal. It was okay..But I don't think it was good enough to warrant a reorder from me in the future. In my opinion, the burger had far more bread taste than patty/condiments taste. In fact, I don't really think I was able to gather much else taste than just bread. The fries, also in my opinion, were salted far too heavily. That said, I did appreciate that they included a generous amount of fries with my order. I just couldn't see the hype tonight. To be honest, I would've rather saved money and ordered from McDonalds or similar.

Absolutely loved this place. All outdoor seating but there is an indoor store where you order and where the restrooms and drinks/sauces are. Simple menu. Their burgers come with 2 patties, pay a little extra to add lettuce and tomato. They have tubs of garlic aioli sauce and hot truffle cheddar pumps inside. Both sauces are to die for!!!! Loved dipping the fries in them. The fries were huge - probably could have just shared one with my husband instead of us each getting one, oops. Fries and burger were both on the salty side - could have done with less salt. All in all, fantastic burgers, fries, and free sauces to go with it.