This Chicago Restaurant Serves Such Classically Delicious Cheeseburgers You Could Cry

Burgers are bountiful in Illinois. Across the state, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from, from fast food to gourmet fare. Chicago’s Small Cheval gives you the best of both worlds: a classic, no-frills cheeseburger that’s so tasty it might bring tears to your eyes.

(No, that’s not the onions. You’re really crying over a cheeseburger. It’s okay. We’ve all been there.)

Small Cheval currently has two open locations: in Wicker Park at 1732 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, and at 1345 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610.

Small Cheval / Official Website

Small Cheval prides itself on being a fast, casual, stripped-down burger joint. But don't let the humble branding fool you. Small Cheval's food menu may only be three items long but it contains multitudes. This place makes a beautiful burger and has a cozy and stylish atmosphere to boot. Half grab-and-go dining, half hip destination for a quick drink, Small Cheval is a big-league burger joint.

Small Cheval / Official Website

When it comes to burgers, Small Cheval's choices are the essence of simplicity. Do you want cheese? (Obviously.) Do you want to add an extra patty? (Probably, but careful because it comes with two by default.) Do you want to add bacon? (Again, obviously.)

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Small Cheval / Official Webpage

Small Cheval is owned and operated by Hogsalt, a Chicago restaurant group. Though they are only a decade old, Hogsalt's restaurants are defined by their retro sensibility. The recipe for Small Cheval's nuts-and-bolts, grab-and-go burger is borrowed from its sister restaurant: the acclaimed Au Cheval. It's a burger tasty enough to make your mouth and eyes water with joy, even without the add-ons. You might want to stack 'em up; just try and pace yourself. It's a long way to the top.

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Small Cheval / Official Website

The fries at Small Cheval are as classic as the burgers. This is one place where Small Cheval deviates slightly from its retro sensibilities. Here, garlic aioli is the preferred dipping sauce. When you try it, you'll see why this flavor was worth coming back to the future.

Small Cheval / Official Website

The bar at Small Cheval also benefits from a more contemporary flavor. With a variety of craft beers on tap for the hip and shots for the party people, Small Cheval lets you get boozy with your burger. For sober sipping, there are also milkshakes. You'll want one of those if you're tipsy, too.

Small Cheval / Official Website

Small Cheval is designed to be quick and delicious, but that doesn't mean it's not a welcoming place. It's Old Town and Wicker Park locations have ample outdoor seating for burger-eating and a warm ambiance befitting its playfully nostalgic style.

The next time you’re in Chicago, stop by Small Cheval for a back-to-basics burger that will blow your tastebuds away. With a classic taste worth crying over, we’d say it merits a trip to the city all on its own. Give yourself some time before heading home, though. Driving while crying doesn’t seem safe.

If you live in Chicago, you obviously have an advantage. In fact, you could be getting your burger on at Small Cheval right now. What are you doing reading this at all?

In your eyes, what makes a cheeseburger to cry over? Where do you go for a cheeseburger that makes you flip? We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos. Get in touch!