ZipPicks Awards
Best Burgers in Loop
Best French Fries in Loop
Best Late Night Burgers in Loop
Best Cheap Eats in Loop
Master Critic Review
Small Cheval - Riverside
8.5
Small Cheval’s Riverside outpost is a fast-casual spin on Au Cheval’s famed burger, dropping thick, griddled patties, melty cheese, and dijonnaise into a stripped-down menu. Office workers and river walkers line up for cheeseburgers, fries, and shakes with rare waterfront seating in the middle of the Loop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeseburger, Bacon Cheeseburger, Fries with garlic aioli
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: A stripped-down, riverfront offshoot of Au Cheval focused almost entirely on burgers, fries, and shakes.
Who should go: Burger purists chasing a fast but serious patty.
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to dodge peak office lines.
What to order: Cheeseburger with bacon, fries, classic shake.
Insider tip: Head for the riverfront patio on nice days; it turns a quick burger run into a full-on downtown moment.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; closest options are nearby paid garages and limited metered street parking in the Loop.
Dress code: Casual — office attire, jeans, and athleisure are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — outdoor seating is breezier and conversational; the interior can feel busy during rush periods.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during warm-weather patio days; shorter in colder months.
Weekday lunch: 10–25 minutes at peak office lunch hours; little to no wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — fries and shakes are the main non-meat items.
Vegan options: Minimal — fries may be workable depending on preferences, but there is no dedicated vegan burger.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free bun; fries may be an option depending on sensitivity and cross-contact comfort.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and quick — it’s counter-service and focused on burgers, so it works better for a low-key meetup than a long sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is first-come, first-served, and patio tables go fastest during nice weather.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual outings — simple menu, outdoor seating, and quick service work well for older kids; limited space and lines may be tougher with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-quality burgers with riverfront seating and a streamlined menu that keeps the focus on the patty and fries.
Skip if: You want a wide menu, table service, a veggie/vegan burger option, or a quieter, linger-longer meal.