Small Cheval- Old Town
Axel · 1218 Google reviewsSmall Cheval- Old Town — neighborhood food in Old Town. Order the Burger. Unpretentious and comfortable, exactly what you want, and no long waits. "The pickles on the burger were thick cut and offered refreshing whispers with each bite of this savory burger" — George Clydesdale [$$, patio]
What 1,621 diners keep saying
What 1,621 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Tried Small Cheval for the first time today. Really good burger, cozy patio atmosphere, and friendly service. Simple food done right.”
“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”
“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!”
“We had to add the OG Small Cheval to our list of restaurants when visiting Chicago. The doubles are a good size, no skimping on portions here! Milkshakes are a perfect thick and creamy treat, chocolate was our favorite. The garlic aioli dipping sauce was delicious on the fries. This place was packed on a Tuesday, but service was quick. The outdoor seating area is awesome! Shade and air spaces were available.”
“Nice place to hang out with the grandkids and grab a quick bite”
“Solid burger, pretty big for the price. Added tomato and lettuce. Garlic aioli made the flavor of the fries next level. Seating was nice both indoor and outdoor. Would return for a casual lunch/dinner.”
“Bom local para uma boa refeição. Bom atendimento e preço justo. Fica sempre cheio mas espere um pouco que arrumará um local para sentar. Melhor o opção na região.”
“This restaurant was recommended to us as a great place to try burgers, so we decided to give it a shot. I ordered the vegan burger made with Beyond Meat (or a similar plant-based patty). Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The menu is extremely simple — just a few burger options and fries, with very little else to choose from. The burger itself was average at best. It was edible, but not particularly enjoyable or memorable, especially considering the reputation of the place. One thing I did enjoy was the non-alcoholic beer, which was surprisingly good. The outdoor seating area is also nice, with plenty of tables available. We were actually caught in a rainstorm during our visit, and the covered patio provided great shelter, which we appreciated. What I found most confusing was the service model. Customers place their own orders, pick up their own food, and are expected to clean up after themselves. That’s perfectly fine, but then I don’t understand why a 20% tip was added. There is essentially no table service being provided. Overall, neither the food nor the service justified the price or the hype. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend this place, as there are many better dining options available.”
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