NEWSLETTER
If you’re a burger lover and live anywhere near the city of Chicago, chances are you’ve heard someone talk about Au Cheval in the West Loop. They’re routinely ranked as one of the best burgers in the city, and it’s basically a must-try for any foodie. That is, if you can get in. Like a few other spots in the West Loop, Small Cheval doesn’t take reservations. You just have to show up, put your name in, and go hop around Randolph for a few hours before you actually get to sit.
Or … you can go to Small Cheval. That would be their spinoff restaurant that serves only burgers and fries at a faster, more casual place. The burger isn’t actually the same, but … and don’t tell anyone I said this … I think it’s actually a lot better. I’m all for the fancy, expensive Au Cheval burger every now and then, but the overall experience and quality (and pricing!) at Small Cheval is WAY better.
The only problem? There aren’t a ton of locations. As of today, there are five Small Chevals in the city: Hyde Park, Riverside, Fulton Market, the West Loop, Old Town, and Wicker. But today, they’re building their sixth location and it’s going to be RIGHT OUTSIDE OF WRIGLEY FIELD at Gallagher Way. I am STOKED.
It looks like this will be located at the location of Joe Maddon’s old restaurant, Maddon’s Post. I know the recent Wrigleyville renovations aren’t exactly for everyone (the neighborhood absolutely lost a lot of it’s charm … and got about 3x more expensive), but this isn’t a Harley Davidson showroom or a LuckyStrike bowling alley. These are absolutely fantastic burgers. I’m on board with this one. And I know where I’m getting my first pre-game meal this year.
