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Small Cheval - Old Town

1345 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Small Cheval - Old Town 8.4
Old Town
A focused, counter-service burger stop built around a tight menu and repeatable execution. The move is to keep it classic—one burger, fries, and a shake—because the strength here is consistency, speed, and that crisp-edged griddle profile.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheeseburger, Wagyu Truffle Burger, Shoestring Fries
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.4 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Tight, griddle-forward burger execution with minimal decision fatigue.
Who should go: Burger purists and fast-lunch seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for speed
What to order: Cheeseburger, Wagyu Truffle Burger, shoestring fries
Insider tip: Order tight: one burger each—skip over-stacking extras.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Old Town; metered spots nearby but competitive in evenings. Rideshare or walking is easiest.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter-service energy, fine for conversation but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours, faster if ordering solo
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burger option available
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan burger; sides only
Gluten-free options: Limited—burgers can be ordered without a bun, but no gluten-free bun option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a romantic date—great if you want fast food and easy conversation, not atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; seating is first-come, first-served and turns quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and easy portions make it friendly for kids, though seating is limited.
Best For
Better for: Quick, reliable burgers with consistent execution and minimal wait times
Skip if: You want a sit-down burger experience, expanded menu, or a quieter, date-focused setting
Small Cheval - Old Town 8.5
Old Town
A tight, counter-service burger stand where the fries are the real repeat-order move: crisp, salty, and built to handle dips without going limp. Treat it like a focused fast-casual run—fries + burger + a shake—and you’ll get the most consistent payoff.
Must-Try Dishes: French fries, Garlic aioli (for dipping), Cheeseburger combo
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.9 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Crisp, repeatable fries that stay dip-ready.
Who should go: Burger-and-fries purists
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest lines
What to order: Fries, cheeseburger, shake
Insider tip: Order fries well-done for extra crunch.