Best Burgers in Chicago | Small Cheval

Sometimes the best meals happen when you least expect them, like eating a phenomenal burger on an outdoor patio in 15-degree Chicago weather. That's exactly what happened at Small Cheval, the fast-casual spinoff of Chicago's celebrated Au Cheval. I'm so glad I stopped, even if I did look like a crazy person braving the cold.

With multiple locations across Chicago, Small Cheval has perfected the art of doing one thing exceptionally well: burgers. And after my visit, I understand why.

Quick Facts

📍 Location: Multiple locations across Chicago (Old Town, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Gold Coast, Riverside, Fulton Market, Wrigleyville, Logan Square)

⏰ Hours: 11AM - 10PM Sunday - Thursday | 11AM - 11PM Friday - Saturday (varies by location)

💵 Price Range: $15-25 per person

🚗 Parking: Varies by location, street parking typical

📱 Website: https://smallcheval.com

☎️ Phone: Varies by location

🌟 Best For: Quick quality burgers, outdoor dining, straightforward menu, late-night food

First Impressions & Process

Step in and order. Easiest menu on the planet. Love that. Small Cheval's approach is refreshingly simple: they focus on burgers, fries, and fried chicken, and they do it exceptionally well. No fluff, no endless options, just quality food executed at a high standard.

The process is straightforward. Walk up to the counter, place your order, and either grab a seat outside or hang out and wait for your buzzer to sound. A couple minutes later, your food is ready. The efficiency is impressive without sacrificing quality.

They have frosty shakes and hand-dipped cones as well, adding the perfect finishing touch to a classic burger experience.

The Food: What I Ordered

I went with the Double Cheeseburger, Golden Fries with Truffle Sauce, and the Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich. Each item delivered beyond expectations.

The Double Cheeseburger comes house style with dijonnaise, pickles, onions, and American cheddar, cooked medium. The burger-to-bread ratio was perfect. Two juicy patties with gooey melted cheese, served on a quality bun that held up to the end. It was juicy, maybe even a bit sloppy, but that's exactly what you want in a great burger. The burgers are obviously going to be great when you're a spinoff of Au Cheval, home of what many consider Chicago's best cheeseburger.

The Golden Fries were crispy, well-seasoned, and hot. Perfectly cooked with that ideal golden-brown color that suggests they might be double-fried. The truffle sauce elevated them to another level entirely. These fries are legitimately addicting, the kind you keep reaching for even when you're full.

But here's the surprise: the fried chicken sandwich was incredible and not what I expected to enjoy the most during this trip. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned beautifully. It's called the "Famous" Fried Chicken Sandwich for good reason.

Seating & Atmosphere

Outdoor patio only at most locations, though some have limited indoor bar seating along the walls. The outdoor spaces feature picnic tables with umbrellas, and some locations have heaters for Chicago's unpredictable weather.

Even at 15 degrees, the patio experience worked. Yes, I might have looked crazy eating outside in that cold, but the food was worth it. During warmer months, these patios become prime real estate for casual dining with friends or enjoying a quality burger al fresco.

The locations vary in size and setup, but they all share that casual, fast-paced vibe. Some spots have larger shaded patios in the back, while others feature sidewalk seating perfect for people-watching.

Service Experience

Phenomenal. Great attitudes and personality. This was surprising, but maybe it shouldn't be. The standard of the food is high, and the same standard is clearly set for service.

The staff was friendly and conversational, which felt refreshing. They handled orders efficiently while maintaining a genuine warmth. When you're running a fast-casual operation focused on quality, the service needs to match the food, and Small Cheval delivers on both fronts.

What Makes Small Cheval Special

Small Cheval represents owner Brendan Sodikoff's vision of bringing Au Cheval's celebrated burger to more neighborhoods with a streamlined, fast-casual approach. The beef patties may feel slightly smaller than Au Cheval's, but the flavor is equally great, and the pickles, sauce, and bun are identical.

The intentionally limited menu is a strength, not a weakness. When you focus on perfecting a few items rather than offering everything, quality wins. Small Cheval proves this philosophy works. They literally only sell burgers, fries, fried chicken, and shakes. No fluff. And they do it exceptionally well.

The price is relatively expensive for a quick bite, but compared to what you could spend at many other places in Chicago, it's not too far outside the ordinary. You're paying for quality ingredients, expert execution, and consistency across multiple locations.

The Verdict: Is Small Cheval Worth It?

Yep! If you're a local and need a quick bite on a Friday night, this is a great spot to complete that objective. If you're not local but need a quick bite, you should absolutely grab it at Small Cheval.

The burger delivers on the hype, the fries with truffle sauce are addicting, and that fried chicken sandwich is a revelation. The efficient service and straightforward ordering make it perfect when you want quality fast food without the usual fast-food compromises.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

🅿️ Parking & Access: Varies by location. Most rely on street parking. The multiple locations across Chicago mean you can likely find one convenient to wherever you are.

⏱️ Best time to visit: The wait is usually less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for a quick meal any time. Peak dinner hours on weekends can get busy, but the line moves quickly.

💡 Insider tips: Don't skip the truffle sauce for your fries. It's worth the upcharge. The fried chicken sandwich deserves as much attention as the burgers. All burgers are cooked medium. If you want something different, check with staff about modifications. Outdoor seating is the primary option at most locations, so dress for the weather or time your visit accordingly.

♿ Accessibility: Varies by location. Most locations have level access to outdoor seating areas.

👥 Good for groups?: Yes, with picnic table seating that accommodates various group sizes. The casual, fast-paced environment works well for friends meeting up for a quick meal.

📶 Dining style: Fast-casual with counter ordering. Get your food, grab a seat, and enjoy. Perfect for when you want quality without a lengthy dining commitment.

Final Thoughts

Small Cheval proves that focusing on a few things and doing them exceptionally well beats trying to be everything to everyone. The Double Cheeseburger lived up to the Au Cheval pedigree, the Golden Fries with truffle sauce were legitimately addicting, and the Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich was the unexpected star of the meal.

The phenomenal service, efficient process, and consistently high quality make Small Cheval a reliable choice across all their Chicago locations. Whether you're a local looking for a Friday night burger or a visitor seeking a quick bite between activities, Small Cheval delivers.

Even eating outside in 15-degree weather couldn't diminish the experience. That's the mark of truly great food: when you're willing to be slightly uncomfortable because what you're eating is that good. Small Cheval earned that dedication, and I'd gladly do it again.

If you're in Chicago and need a quality burger fast, Small Cheval is calling your name. Just maybe check the weather forecast before committing to that outdoor patio.

Looking for more Chicago dining reviews? Check out my complete guide to the best quick-service restaurants in Chicago.

I paid for this meal myself. All opinions are my own.

Last updated: November 2025

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