IT IS HERE! We have been loyal Small fans for quite some time. We frequented the Wicker park location enough to make a few friends, which to us counts more than the excellent grub. It was hard to figure out when this location was going to open, but we would walk by to check on the progress every now and then. This is our second time, within a week, that we have stopped by and can say that all is right in the world. Even saw a friendly face. Burgers were cooked medium and juicy. The aioli is still my favorite. And the drink selection, both alcohol and non, should please everyone. We love restaurants with small menus and chefs whom just know how to make simple and delicious food. We are so happy this finally opened as we can now just walk over to get our fix. Only problem now is what our doctors are going to say. read more

Burgers were average. Place is small. Service was fine. Liked the plant based Carmel sundae. But no nuts are served. read more

Disappointed! Cold fries, burger room temperature, bacon tasted like Oscar Myers- skinny, no applewood taste. It seemed like food was prepared like Mc Donalds. If this us a franchise, they need more training. read more

Solid burger, but nothing mind blowing as the reputation suggests. Fries are good-thin like frites. The staff kept the line moving and the wait for the food wasn't too long. The inside seating is very limited but when the weather warms up, that outdoor garden area will be lovely! Really happy places are investing in the south. read more

This (small) burger joint is amazing! Talk about simplicity meets contemporary. I absolute love the concept: small menu, pleasing decor, enjoyable outdoor patio, and booze (local craft beer on tap!). The burgers - yes, you can taste they are cooked to order. No, these are not gourmet burgers nor they are trying to be. Don't expect to be asked how well you want your patties to be cooked, or request fancy toppings to be added (no fried eggs, no avocado, no aioli sauces, no peanut butter). These are retro-style classic burgers. Their in-house mustard is killer! The staff are incredibly amiable, so definitely no complaints with their outstanding customer service. read more

Small Cheval- Hyde Park - Food menu - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Food comes out hot and delicious. The service is also quick and friendly. It's a great spot to sit outside and enjoy a beautiful day. I wouldn't recommend take out, definitely go there and enjoy the food. read more

Overall the vegan/plant based/ meatless burger was not worth it. The quality was good but the burger itself was lacking flavor. The meatless patty I believe is "beyond meat" based. It was a little dry/overcooked. However, the dairy free/vegan oat milk vanilla milkshake was THE BEST!! So thick and creamy with a ton of flavor. 3 stars because I think it's great that this place at least has vegan options if you are out with friends/family but definitely not worth the price. $27 after tax for burger, shake and fries.... There are honestly better vegan burger options in the neighborhood. I will be back for the milkshake and looking forward to trying the vegan/dairy free soft serve option. read more

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Now these are some good burgers. Juicy, filled with flavor and the bun was fresh. There fries aren't anything special, but they aren't bad. I like the fact that they have a different ketchup and mustard, even though they still have your regular ketchup and mustard. It would be nice if they added more condiments on the menu, and the drink prices for liquor should drop a dollar or two. I'll be back if I'm in the area again... read more

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Wooo I think they fixed the tables! No more food sliding off. Love every chance we get to go.

The food was ok not like the original on Randolph I asked for slightly past medium and they over cooked the burgers Fries were ok too read more

The best burger I've ever had or at least top two! The meat was so fresh, it just left me speechless!

I'm from Chicago but live in Seattle now, so every time I come home I MUST get small cheval or Au cheval. The Hyde Park location is new since my last visit and closer to my parents so I was eager to check it out. Did not disappoint! Ample outdoor seating, park view, super friendly service and great food (per usual)! Maddy was amazing! Will definitely be back!! read more

They never miss!!! Always consistent. The burger is perfect and flavorful! The golden fries are amazing and the garlic aioli........ so freakin good! They have really good milkshakes also. read more

Marcus really made this experience so wonderful! Loved the atmosphere and food ! Wonderful Time read more

Experienced growing pains in today's visit to small... IOur burgers were very under cooked... may not do burgers here again...

We ordered a number of cheeseburgers and fries to go, since seating was limited here (2-3 indoor benches and some outdoor picnic tables, but these are harder to use during a Chicago winter). Cheeseburgers had nicely melted cheese and looked great, but unfortunately didn't seem to have much taste. Fries were solid, and while the garlic aioli dip didn't resonate with me, I liked that they offered different options. I didn't dine in but staff seemed friendly, the restaurant itself was small but clean. As this was my first time, I don't know if my experience was reflective of the usual quality, but looking at the food alone, I think Small Cheval would have warranted 3-3.5 stars normally. Unfortunately, having only just returned to Chicago after a long while, I was a bit blindsided by the "restaurant surcharge" they surreptitiously added on to my bill without telling me. On Au Cheval's website, they mentioned that they added the surcharge to account for rising costs, and that customers can request for it to be removed as an "opt out" system. That said, I was never informed that I would be charged for this, nor that I could ask for it to be taken off. I recognize that restaurants may need more income in this economy, but adding this surcharge while artificially making prices look low shows a lack of transparency. I would have been fine with it if they had been upfront with me. Ultimately, it wasn't that much more money, but these kinds of deceptive business practices make it harder for me to support the business. read more

I've been to Au cheval a few times and loved their burgers. So as a Hyde Park resident, I strolled and saw Small Cheval and decided to go and see for myself! First the place itself is so cute, they only have like 4/5 things on their menu so honestly it's really only a burger spot(they also have a veggie burger option). But in my opinion, the burger tastes identical to the Au Cheval burger and it was really well made. This will definitely be a quick spot when I want a good burger. Hyde Park needed another burger joint and this definitely fits. I hope this restaurant continues to have such a great atmosphere, great quality food, and good servers. This was an great addition to Hyde Park. 5/5 would def recommend... read more

Great and simple. Fantastic burgers, honestly extremely solid. Straightforward menu: you get a burger and maybe some fries and a shake. Fries aren't bad either. If you're looking for some quick good food, definitely stop by. Highly recommend. read more

No need to look up the menu at this spot. The basics are served plus there's an option for those who are trying to eat a little bit more healthier. Cheval burgers have always been too tier and Small Cheval has not missed a beat. read more

I just recently moved to Hyde park from the Gold Coast, so when I found out that a Small Cheval was coming to the neighborhood, of course we were excited. Location on Wells in Old Town has always been a hit! Never once have I been disappointed with their service or food. Decided to try the one here in Hyde Park tonight. Burger, Fries, chocolate shake. Burger was perfect. Fries, a classic hit like always. Chocolate shake...normally the best part, I was extremely disappointed. It was terrible! Firstly, it was entirely too dark. I have grown accustomed to the perfectly creamy brown chocolate shakes that I have come to know and love. The color of this one was so very anomalous, I was almost nervous to taste it. I even saw stripes of chocolate syrup on the inside walls of the cup, giving it an almost zebra effect. When I tasted it, I could not believe how much chocolate syrup came up the straw. Way too sweet, way too much syrup and wayyy too dark. I even tried stirring it which only mixed in the excess and made it even less appetizing. Too bad they have not yet mastered the Small Cheval standard of the chocolate shake. Who knew something so simple could go so terribly wrong. Hopefully they get it together, because if this is how they think a chocolate shake is to be, I'd be better off going to McDonald's in River north. read more

Small Cheval- Hyde Park - Disgusting, overly chocolate shake with way too much chocolate syrup and way too sweet. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Another overrated and over priced burger joint. If I'm spending that much on a burger, it will be 5 guys. The ambiance is nice having the location next to the park, if lucky you might not get to hear the homeless couple that lives in the tent about 30 feet from this location. Service like food in my opinion is standard, doesn't standout. read more

Not nearly worth the price. Not a bad burger but not any better than fast food for double the money.

Friendly and efficient service! Awesome and much needed large outdoor dining option! But the food? How disappointing! I've enjoyed dining at the original Au Cheval (West Loop) and Small Cheval (Riverside Plaza) numerous times over the years. Burgers were ALWAYS piping hot, fries freshly made, drinks strong -- all amounting to the feeling that the Chevals were worth all my coins. Imagine my disappointment, then, when I excitedly took a friend to the new location on 53rd Street exactly one week after opening. Whhhhy was my burger not freshly made?! All the pieces were there but the whole thing was lukewarm. Freshly made alright...a couple of hours before I got there apparently. The burgers cost way too much to not be served piping hot. Even 5 Guys down the street serves hot burgers! Do better, Small Cheval. I hope y'all don't think you can serve Black folks any old thing. Certainly has never been the case at the other locations. Let's keep the brand strong: serve FRESH burgers. read more

Small Cheval- Hyde Park - Cool mural of Donny Hathaway. - Burgers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The burgers are the best I've had in a long while. So moist and just quality fresh ground beef. The fries are good, too, but I wouldn't stop here just for the fries. The garlic aioli is slap yo momma good and Sir Kensington's Ketchup is such high quality, but they have Heinz packets too. read more

This is a good restaurant that chose to come to Hyde Park. Basic small menu with great burgers and fries. My son had the cheeseburger(2 patties) and fries. He said he'd definitely return again. Professional and quick service finally in HP with good tasting simple food. Also, Alcohol and pop to choose from. read more

I really don't get the hype. It's a good burger no doubt, but the price point was bananas for a walk up burger joint. I may need to try the main one because I was scratching my head as to what the hype is all about. I can think of five burgers I'd have over this one easily. It was good, but #1 in chicago...highly disagree. read more

Great burger. Very Friendly staff and nice inside. Had a cool new look. Menu is very small but they do everything well. Good spot for a fast casual burger. Delicious, get the salted Carmel soft serve. Trust me. Slightly expensive but all great things in life are read more

Underwhelmed. I came here with a friend Friday August 12. The cheeseburger was mediocre at best and served lukewarm. The fries were ok. The margarita was mostly ice and tasted horrible. Most of the staff were friendly except one employee who acted as if he was doing me a favor for spending my money there. When a restaurant only has 3 food choices on the menu, they should be able to do them well. $40 for a burger, fries and one margarita served with a poor attitude. Won't be back read more

1st time trying any of their restaurants. Staff was friendly. Restaurant has outdoor patio. They have $4 shots of bottom shelf liquor but who cares my friend and I had 8 shots while waiting on food. Burger and fries will cost you about $15 unless you add bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes which is extra. I had bacon cheeseburger and added an extra patty. Burgers are already double so extra patty wasn't necessary this was my 1st time there didn't know. I also added a side of truffle cheese sauce which is extra. Burger was good I would have preferred it a little more well done but if you like pink in the middle knock yourself out. Fries were good. I'll definitely be back nice location and if you got a $50 budget you can eat good and drink cheap here. read more

While the food was decent, and my friend's shake excellent, I do not believe that the blatantly ballpark prices here are worth a trip. Shockingly, I was upcharged for a veggie burger and paid almost $30 for what amounted to a decent fast-food meal: something I could've gotten for half that by ordering take-out from Red Snapper or Harold's and then heading down to The Cove for a happy hour PBR. As is typical of so many Hyde Park culinary experiments, Small Cheval is overestimating the number of wealthy, prep-school undergraduates who will travel all the way up to humble 53rd St. for this golden patty and underestimating that of the ordinary, middle-class folks who will walk by after one look at the three-item, ten-dollar-minimum menu. While I wish them the best, as Old Man W. said, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, erm, you can't get fooled again." read more

Great burgers though on the pricy side. The fries are amazing with their garlic sauce.

For the last few years I've driven up north for a small cheval burger about once a month. Always amazing. Imagine my joy when one opened up right here in Hyde park!!! Finally went yesterday. Not only was it the worst cheeseburger I've ever had at small cheval, it was also one of the worst burgers I've ever had that wasn't fast food period. Absolutely disgusting. How in the world did they manage that?!?? read more

New to the Hyde Park area and looking for a good burger place. This place had some of the better reviews for the immediate Hyde Park area. I wish I could say something about this place that really made their burger stand out, and that it was unique in some way that made it a nice addition to the Hyde Park neighborhood. Instead I would say it was just your average burger place, with your typical inflated Hyde Park prices. It was good but not great. Maybe the best burger place in Hyde Park but that would be somewhat disappointing. When we return we will probably give it another try, but we were helping for something extraordinary and got something very average. read more

i aint gone cheval decent ..the burgers a mufukkin hit ..u gone spend sum money cuz da burger by it self wit no fries gone hit u for about 25 dollars on life read more

While I LOVE Au Cheval, I was not as impressed with Small Cheval in Hyde Park. The food was good, don't get me wrong! But that Patio/Hill/Catastrophe of an outside space ruined it for me as my food repeatedly slid off my table. Comfortable...it was not! You can do better Cheval! read more

Good food, nice service, but pricey. Had the plant-based burger, fries, and shake - $29 (not including tip).

The food is good, but for its price, well you can make your own for cheaper. If you have no regard for pricing than yes definitely try it out, the fries are really good and the bacon was the best part. read more

In the family of Chevals' ...this one..in Hyde Park, has a very nice outdoor.. They do add that surcharge here as well. It's a simple menu, burger, fries, shakes, dip cones, all REALLY good. They serve up a decent smash style burger. The thing about the Cheval' is their quality meats and ingredients...These burgers are that quality/fatty just the right amount to make them so flavorful when you are in the mood to indulge. read more

Yummy fast food burger and fries. The gf bun was great, the fries were perfectly salted. Staff was willing to look at ingredients and let me know the gf bun brand. read more

This is the second time I've had a cold burger and fries. When I ordered today, I told the cashier please make it hot, by the time I got home within 5-10 minutes, both burgers and fries were cold. Yes, I'm the one that said the one in old town is the best. These burgers cost too much, for this kind of outcome. Will not be going back. read more