Small Cheval- Old Town

“My Fiancé and I came here on a Saturday night with some friends visiting us for the weekend.”

My Fiancé and I came here on a Saturday night with some friends visiting us for the weekend. We all had a little bit too much fun the night prior and chose to dine at Small Cheval in hopes of finding a lowkey vibe that offered comforting cuisine at a professional level. I think its safe to say that Small Cheval offered us all an experience that brought not only satisfaction but also a tiny little grin amongst even the most hungover face. As an Eastern European food connoisseur new to the Chicago area, I have carefully constructed a rating system that reflects my personal thoughts, feelings, and experience. Food: 9/10 My Fiancé and I each got the Signature Double Cheeseburger which was served house style (dijon, mayo, pickles, and onions). Overall, the burger was incredible and what made it unique was its ability to offer a savory, melt in your mouth taste without the heaviness of a burger that would sideline you on the couch for the rest of the evening. To my surprise, the soft and airy bun was able to maintain its structure until the very last bite. The pickles on the burger were thick cut and offered refreshing whispers with each bite of this savory burger. We also shared the Golden Fries which came with a side of what I believe was garlic aioli. The fries were straight cut and a bit thicker than your typical fries. Overall, the French fries were good but maybe could've been a bit crispier. The real highlight was the garlic aioli. I am a bit of an aioli snob, and this aioli was flirting with perfection. The aioli came in a tiny cup, but they happily gave us more upon our request. The aioli really took these fries to the next level. Drink: 8/10 The menu had some extensive drink options which looked interesting and delicious, but the only drink we ordered was their Hopewell Seasonal beer. I believe I was served a Hazy IPA which was delicious. The hoppiness of the beer with a subtle fruitiness complimented the burger and fries perfectly. Atmosphere: 9/10 The menu is kept simple and straight to the point, which provides the costumer with an intimate ordering experience. The outdoor patio allows customers to sit where they choose while enjoying the weather. This is a great option for a quick and casual sit-down meal done at a professional level. Return Likelihood: 9/10 This was a burger that I find myself still thinking about from time to time. They have perfected their craft and leave you wanting more. The prices are reasonable, and the quick/casual nature of Small Cheval make this a place that I can easily return to for a reliable gourmet meal. Thanks for the wonderful experience, George Clydesdale

George Clydesdale

Dec 2025

“Impressed—as expected after being recommended by many.”

Impressed—as expected after being recommended by many! However, I couldn’t picture how a burger could be “the best burger” or stand out… I learned!

Haley M

Nov 2025

“One of the best hamburgers I have ever had.”

One of the best hamburgers I have ever had. Definitely get the fries too!

R&A Gifford

Aug 2025

“We came during a rainy day, but the covered seating and heaters kept us comfortable.”

We came during a rainy day, but the covered seating and heaters kept us comfortable. The burgers were delicious, the fries perfectly crisp, and the vibe casual but cool. It took a bit longer than expected to get our order, but it seemed there were a few delivery orders ahead of us. Still totally worth the wait — probably even better when the weather’s nice!

Carolus van Leeuwen

Apr 2025

“Can never go wrong with a burger from here.”

Can never go wrong with a burger from here. The garlic aioli is the best! Fountain soda taste was off

Daisy Guzman

Feb 2025

“I tried the signature double cheeseburger with bacon, no pickles, and a side of fries.”

I tried the signature double cheeseburger with bacon, no pickles, and a side of fries. It was very good! Note in the picture that I had already taken a bite off one of the bacon strips. The beef itself is good with a softer texture that works well, the cheddar cheese is gooey and gives a little hit of salty flavor with each bite, which is balanced out with the cooler taste of dijonnaise. The fries were great as well and weren't too salty like some other places.

Jeff

Jan 2025

“Amazing double cheeseburger with fries and truffle cheese on the side.”

Amazing double cheeseburger with fries and truffle cheese on the side! Really nice seating area and atmosphere! Definitely coming back! Good service and nice people.

Momen Al

Oct 2024

“We arrived close to 6pm and there was no line, ordered their classic double burguer with fries,...”

We arrived close to 6pm and there was no line, ordered their classic double burguer with fries, great draft beer options too. The hamburguer was really good, fries were golden and beer was cold. What else could we ask for? :)

Fernanda C

Aug 2024

“Always delicious.”

Always delicious! I ordered the signature double cheeseburger, fries, and a vanilla shake for takeout. Next time I'll definitely order ahead as the line was really long, but it was a Friday night at dinner time and the line did move fairly quickly. The staff is always friendly, and you can't go wrong with their burgers.

Ashley Hayden

Aug 2024

“I loved this restaurant.”

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.

Ahmad Mahmoud

Apr 2024

“Fast, easy and delicious.”

Fast, easy and delicious! When it comes to ordering, so easy. When it comes to getting your food, so fast. When it comes to eating that burger and fries, so delicious! Neighborhood go to for a burger…but don’t leave without getting the chocolate shake!

Mitchell Barczy

Dec 2023

“Food was pretty tasty and at a good value.”

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.

Dilan Herath

Sep 2023