Small Cheval- Rosemont — Restaurant in Leyden Township

So, my family and I dined in here on 5/12/24 and at first the place looked promising. As we walked in, the dining area was different with the open roof, but interesting. We were not greeted when we came in and after deciding what we wanted, still wasn't greeted at the register. The man who took our order appeared to have a demeanor of someone who didn't want to be at work. He didn't smile, appeared to be in a bad mood, and was not really helpful with explaining anything. We had ordered 3 of the burgers, chicken strips, 2 orders of fries, 2 cans (yes cans) of pop, and a lemonade from their fountain. After getting a shock of the price, which was about $70 for the meal, the one thing I didn't understand was why did the register ask me when I was paying if I wanted to leave a tip?! We didn't order from a waiter/ waitress, I stood at a counter like at a Burger King and placed my order, so who was I tipping? Then I was informed and given a buzzer thing to let me know when my order was ready I could come pick it up at the counter. Again, who am I tipping? We took our seats and while waiting, I looked over the receipt. Wow, I was a bit surprised to see that a can of pop was $3 and the lemonade was $5! On top of the price, it was not very big and packed with ice. So $11 for 3 drinks, I couldn't believe it. The burger and chicken tenders I would say were about average prices, around $10-$11, but nothing else with it. You have to pay for the fries which were about $4.50 each. Last charge which I still do not understand or was told about was a restaurant surcharge fee. At the bottom of the receipt, it says that it is added and can be removed by upon request. Well, if I knew about it I would have told them to remove it. We got buzzed to pick up our food and overall it didn't look bad. The chicken strips were in my opinion the best of the meal. The fries were not that bad, but nothing I'd say worth $4.50 each. Unfortunately, we were not impressed with the burgers at all. Honestly think I've had a better burger at Burger King, especially I could pay about the same price for a meal there for the price of the burger at Small Cheval. The burger actually seemed over cooked, almost dry, not a lot of flavor and whole thing began to fall apart with every bite. At the end of it all, we were disappointed with the food and service, especially since the restaurant had just opened. It appeared to be just an amped up...

Not having been to Au Cheval yet, it’s hard to compare Small Cheval to its predecessor. With that being said, we still tackled Small Cheval.

It’s a fast casual restaurant with a few items on their menu: cheeseburger, burger, grilled cheese, chicken tenders or chicken sandwich. They also have a smashburger, but why?

I ordered the cheeseburger and my wife got the chicken sandwich (on the recommendation of our cashier/server). You can get fries or truffle fries (don’t hold me to that, I just don’t recall).

The fries are large enough for two people. I’m a cheese fry guy. The don’t really have cheese fries but you can get a cheese sauce cup on the side. It was okay, nothing spacing. For the chicken tenders/sandwich, they have a bunch of sauces to choose from. My wife had the buffalo sauce and said it was pretty good.

As for the burger. It was good. I asked for it medium rare and it was cooked that way. The bun held up so well, that I wish there was less of it. It’s very bready (see thick). It was made to order which was nice. It was a good burger overall.

The chicken sandwich was delicious! It was a thick, juicy breast lightly fried. And the fried chicken is gluten free. I’m not sure if they have a gluten free bun, but they were proud to tell me the fried chicken is gluten free.

They have fountain drinks (just go up and ask for refills). They also serve alcohol, but is a limited list. They even have alcohol to mix in the ice cream.

They also have soft serve, shakes, and concrete mixers (like Dairy Queen’s blizzards). My wife got a soft serve vanilla cone and I got their banana cream pie concrete mixer. Their soft serve is a mix between DQ and gelato. It’s very smooth, creamy, and refreshing.

The banana cream pie mixer was really, really good. However, you did have to get through half a small drink size cup to get to the banana cream pie part, but it was good and very filling and easily can be shared.

Lastly, the staff was very friendly and helpful giving you their thoughts on what to order.

Overall, if you’re looking for a good burger, chicken sandwich and some good ice cream, you certainly can’t go wrong with...

The food at Small Cheval is nothing short of exceptional, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor. Specializing in burgers, the menu is concise yet delivers on every front. The signature cheeseburger, a standout, features a juicy, perfectly cooked patty nestled in a soft, toasted bun, topped with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a generous slice of melted cheese. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine, proving that sometimes, less is more. Accompanying the burgers are golden, crispy fries seasoned to perfection, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. For those seeking something a bit more indulgent, the loaded fries, topped with cheese and savory bacon bits, are a must-try.

What sets Small Cheval apart is its ability to deliver consistently delicious food in a setting that feels both trendy and comfortable. The service is friendly and efficient, adding to the overall positive experience. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a leisurely meal, Small Cheval impresses with its blend of modern design and flavorful food. It’s a place that not only satisfies your appetite but also leaves you looking forward to your next visit.

Small Cheval effortlessly marries modernity with a touch of Spanish flair, creating an ambiance that's both stylish and inviting. The design of the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between sleek minimalism and warm, earthy tones that echo the vibrant spirit of Spain. Upon entering, you are greeted by a contemporary space with clean lines, polished concrete floors, and large windows that allow natural light to flood in, highlighting the restaurant’s carefully curated décor. The subtle Spanish influences are evident in the use of terracotta accents, rustic wooden beams, and intricate tilework that adds a layer of authenticity and charm to the overall aesthetic. This blend of modern and traditional elements creates an environment that feels both fresh and familiar, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal or a more intimate...