Categories: Restaurants

At The Table: Steakhouses

Author: Jody Robbins

Chicago steakhouses are legendary, be they of the Italian steakhouse nature (Gene & Georgetti's) or more modern in concept (Custom House), Chicagoans and visitors to the city alike keep the city running with a steady diet of red meat.

Some go for the "Fridge" burger, others "Da Pork Chop," but steak is king at Mike Ditka's, a Chicago steakhouse where the reigning king of Chicago sports is on-hand most nights. If a table is not your thing, enjoy a spot at the active, old-school bar with bartenders that are quick to make a joke and keep the atmosphere lively. Give a nod to 'Da Coach on the way out; if you're brave enough, say hello, but be prepared to withstand that infamous glare from a gridiron great. Perfectly prepared martinis and choice seafood are draws unto themselves at Sullivan's Steakhouse, but this spot is all about Chicago steak, and it shows. The richly decorated dining room is just one of the atmospheres available here, as is a nice selection of cognacs and single malts.

We're not sure what's more impressive at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, the raw meat tray-wielding waiters who describe each cut of meat in detail while wagging it around the table, or the well-heeled Chicago crowd of good looking people, but, being steak lovers, we'll stick with the meat. Leading the movement to modernize the steakhouse concept without losing what makes it so edible, all-star chef Shawn McClain has added Custom House to his stable of successful Chicago restaurants. The intricately sourced, artisanal meats served here are full of flavor and pleasing textures, but it is McClain's attention to the sides and extras that makes this one stand out.

For many Chicago steakhouse aficionados, the Chicago Chop House exemplifies the classic Chicago steakhouse, and we have to agree. Hundreds of historic photos complement a well-prepared and -served line-up of wet-aged steaks, and it's a no-nonsense business crowd that usually resides here. On the other end of the timeline is David Burke's Primehouse, which serves prime, dry-aged steaks that are stored to perfection in a downstairs salt cave and Kobe beef sashimi. A New York City-based celebrity chef, this is a return to Chicago for Burke, and meat eaters seem pretty happy about it.

Burke's former employer, Smith & Wollensky, is another New York City import, and one that has become a Chicago staple from its perch over the Chicago River. The steaks here are all dry-aged in a massive meat storage locker in the basement, and this extravagance comes through in steaks that are tender and boiling with flavor. To consider the newly opened Avenue M a steakhouse flies in the face of the instincts of every Chicagoan, but the bone-in New York Strip (a Kansas City cut) and the filet mignon harkens to our basic instincts in a wonderful way, and we'll give it the benefit of a doubt. It's hip, cool, and very modern, as are the prices.

The consistent service and product at Gene & Georgetti is backed up by its status as one of the oldest and most respected restaurants in Chicago (opened in 1941 by the late founders, Gene Michelotti and Alfredo Federichi). The crowd varies from regulars that have called it home-away-from-home for years, to celebrities and politicians visiting Chicago . Keefer's is another spot that believes in being much more than a steakhouse, and it has been so from the start thanks to executive chef John Hogan, who has a long involvement with the Chicago restaurant scene.

True to basic steakhouse ethics, you'll never leave Morton's, The Steakhouse hungry. This latest installment of this Chicago-originating landmark is in the North Loop area next to the new Hard Rock Hotel, and sports the high level of service and steakhouse dining on display since 1978 at the original State Street location. From its origins as a small Louisiana steak joint, Ruth's Chris Steak House has grown into an international chain with strong enough fundamentals to gain respect even in steak-crazy Chicago. Options abound, from the petite filet to the porterhouse-for-two and opulent seafood options, as well. The steaks here are known for being served on sizzling hot platters with a last-minute pat of butter providing the sizzle.

Check out places of interest near At The Table: Steakhouses:

312 Chicago
1030 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Italian-flaired steak house overlooks a tropical plant-filled atrium, complete with waterfall, providing a tranquil distraction while dining.

676 Restaurant & Bar
676 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

Located on the fourth floor of the Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 offers gorgeous views of Michigan Avenue through the dining room’s expansive windows.

Alinea
1723 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chef/owner Grant Achatz's Alinea has quickly proven itself one of America's most unusual, provocative, challenging, and sought-after restaurants.

Avenue M
695 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

This modern steak house strives to impress only the most luxurious crowd. An array of contemporary appetizers compliment the finest cuts of steak and chops, and the hip patio gives the restaurant a glamorous vibe. 

Brazzaz
539 N. Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610

Servers at this River North Brazilian steakhouse carve some 16 varieties of meat tableside.

Carmichael's Steak House
1052 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60607

Chicago Chop House
60 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

This steak house is located in a restored Brownstone with multiple levels of dining and a variety of energy levels.

Chicago Firehouse
1401 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

This American eatery is located in a landmark-designated early 1900s firehouse, and serves specialties such as mango and chili barbecued pork chop, a blue-cheese crusted rib-eye and slow-cooked pot roast.

Crofton on Wells
888 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This contemporary American restaurant headed by executive chef Suzy Crofton, a long-time and much-acclaimed Chicago chef. Expert a nicely balanced menu pulling on French and other influences in style and with an emphasis on organic ingredients.

Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60605

Custom House, led by Shawn McClain, named Best Chef Midwest by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, focuses on offering the finest artisanal meats and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Unlike most classic steak houses, Custom House allows carnivores to savor their meat raw, cured, marinated, braised, roasted and slow-cooked.

David Burke's Primehouse
616 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

Nestled inside the St. James Hotel on the corner of Rush and Ontario streets, this contemporary Chicago steakhouse not only serves mouth-watering steaks, but offers patrons tastey appetizers and unique seafood creations as well.

Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Selecting only the best aquatic cuisine, Devon Seafood Grill features creative dishes from Chef Scott Barrow.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
25 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60610

A new entrant onto the Chicago steak house scene, Fleming's acquits itself very well while serving traditional fare (prime steaks, chops and salads) in a very contemporary setting with a stellar accompanying wine list.

 

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
960 Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire, IL 60069

A contemporary steak house set in the northern Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire, Fleming's also has a location in downtown's River North neighborhood. All of the locations of this national chain are known for consistent service and decent prices.

 

Gabriel's Restaurant
310 Greenbay Road, Highwood, IL 60040

French and Italian cuisine fill the menu of this fine-dining restaurant in one of Chicago's suburbs.

Gene & Georgetti
500 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Chicago's oldest steakhouse dating back to 1941, this is a classic, Italian-style steakhouse.

 

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This perpetually packed Rush Street heavy-hitter, which is named after the onion-garnished Gibson martini, features USDA prime aged beef like a porterhouse and rib-eye, massive Australian lobster tails and oversized desserts.

Granite City Food & Brewery
14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462

Serving up Chicago brewpub fare in the western suburb of Orland Park, Granite City gets the job done with burgers and flatbread pizza appetizers--along with a number of high-quality brews.

 

Harry Caray's
10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

This is the suburban outpost of the popular Chicago eatery, which is named after Chicago's beloved baseball announcer, Harry Caray.

Harry Caray's
33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Italian steakhouse is named for Chicago's beloved baseball announcer, Harry Caray.

Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood. 

 

Keefer's
20 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60611

This French-inspired steak house offers steaks, chops and seafood, plus a bisto menu of lighter fare like seafood pot pie and a steak sandwich with pommes frites

Kinzie Chophouse
400 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60610

This steak house has a warm interior with earth tones and French doors that open onto the seasonal sidewalk cafe, and it's conveniently located in the shadows of the Merchandise Mart.

Mike Ditka's Restaurant
100 E. Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611

This clubby eatery, which is a shrine to sports, and in particular a shrine to former Chicago Bears coach (and the restaurant's proprietor) Mike Ditka, is located in the Tremont Hotel.

Morton's, The Steakhouse
65 E. Wacker Pl., Chicago, IL 60610

This is a spin-off of the synonymous-with-steak Morton's; Arnie Morton founded the original Chicago location in 1978.

Morton's, The Steakhouse
1050 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This is the first location of the now-synonymous-with-steak Morton's, which was founded by Arnie Morton in 1978.

Nine
440 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60606

Located in the Daniel Burnham-designed building now known as Randolph Place, Nine is a classic Chicago steakhouse with upscale American style.

Phil Stefani's 437 Rush
437 N. Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611

A Italian steak and seafood restaurant popular among busy shoppers and tourists. 

 

Powerhouse Restaurant & Bar
215 N Clinton, Chicago, IL 60661

Targeting the business crowd, Powerhouse, located in Chicago's West Loop, serves a powerful American menu with a focus on steak.

 

R.J. Grunts
2056 N. Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

A comfortable atmosphere with American fare is served at this historic restaurant--historic because it was the very first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, the company founded by culinary entrepreneur Rich Melman. Another interesting note is that R.J. Grunts was the original restaurant to establish the theme that has been followed by other, more commercial "flair" restaurants.

 

Ra Sushi
1139 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This outpost of Ra, a chain of contemporary, if somewhat commercial, sushi restaurants, is conveniently located along Steakhouse Row in the Viagara Triangle area of the Gold Coast--a lighter alternative to the heavier fare nearby.

 

Ra Sushi
310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

Located in the new and fabulous Shops on Butterfield, this latest RA Sushi location has happy hour Monday through Friday 4-7.

Rainforest Cafe
605 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Kids love this restaurant. The menu contains a mish-mash of fusion fare, but the real attraction to this scene is the tropical fauna and animals feigning life through mechanistic motions.

Red Light
820 W. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

A pan-Asian eatery with a focus on seafood and vegetarian dishes.

 

RL
115 E. Chicago Ave. , Chicago, IL 60611

All the sophistication of Ralph Lauren and his style-making career come into play at this Mag Mile restaurant. American fare is served and executed by the kitchen at a high level. Service is always on its game and the hanging-everywhere art collection is all over the place and featureds some of Lauren's personal collection.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roditys
222 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of Chicago's long standing Greek restaurant, expect classics and old school service, as well.

 

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

RoSal's Cucina
1154 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

This contemporary Southern Italian restaurant features dishes like broccoli and shells, chicken cacciatore, eggplant Parmesan and spinach lasagna.

Roy's
720 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Hawaiian fusion spot has outposts all over the world. It serves American cuisine with a Hawaiian cultural viewpoint.

 

Russian Tea Time
77 E. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

This full-of-frills tea house has been giving visitors to Chicago a taste of Russian culinary luxury for years now; a great spot for a special meal or snack with that special someone.

 

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.

 

Saloon Steakhouse
200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

A top Chicago steakhouse right off Michigan Avenue, expect a classic steakhouse when you stop in here. It's not all about the steaks, though; expect lighter choices, as well.

Salpicon
1252 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

This eatery serves contemporary Mexican fare in a colorful and cozy dining room, plus there's outdoor dining in the form of a covered sidewalk cafe in the summer months. Executive chef Priscilla Satkoff turns out some of the best Mexian and Latin food in Chicago while her husband, Vince, manages the wine list and an excellent tequila selection.

Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606

Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria. 

Santorini
800 W. Adams St, Chicago, IL 60607

Known in Chicago's Greektown neighborhood for its focus on seafood, Santorini is casual, affordable and tasty. In Chicago, you have to try the saganaki, a.k.a. fried cheese at any Greek restaurant and get ready for a surprise.

Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

A crashingly original BYO restaurant headed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Michael Carlson. The surroundings are simple, yet elegant, and the food is of a level with top kitchens practicing avant garde dining mixed with a dose of molecular gastronomy. If that confuses you, this might not be the right experience for you unless you're heartily open to new things.

 

Shochu
3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes. 

 

Shula's Steakhouse
301 E. North Water St, Chicago, IL 60611

This chain steak house is located in the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. In case the name didn't give it away, this spot is courtesy of legendary football coach Don Shula, and his son, Dave. The decor is football-focused; look for pictures and game balls as artifacts. Even the menus are hand-painted on NFL footballs then signed by Coach Shula. Menu choices include a massive 48-ounce porterhouse, lamb loin chops and Norwegian salmon.>

Smith & Wollensky
318 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This steak location is a Chicago outpost of the New York-based steakhouse chain, which specializes in on-premise dry-aged beef, with choices like a bone-in rib-eye and porterhouse.

Sullivan's Steakhouse
415 N. Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610

This Texas-based steakhouse chain features a 1940s-inspired decor with live music seven nights a week. The menu offers steaks, chops and seafood, plus martinis and extensive cognac and scotch selections.

Tango Sur
3763 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Anchoring one end of the busy Southport Avenue corridor, Tango Sur brings the meat-centered cuisine of Argentina to Chicago.

 

Tapas Las Ramblas
5101 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640

This traditional Spanish tapas restaurant is perfect for kicking back and relaxing. Set in a casual neighborhood away from glitz and glam, feel free to stroll in wearing jeans and a T-shirt and enjoy culture that won't break your wallet. 

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale two-story lounge and steak house features a dramatic lower level lounge with a gorgeous bar, and the clubbier upper level restaurant features rich cherry wood and leather accents and tables topped with white tablecloths.

The Capital Grille
633 N. St. Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611

This outpost of the Atlanta-based chain, which specializes in dry-aged Black Angus beef, is a good pre-theater spot with its close proximity to the Lookingglass Theatre, and it's just east of the Magnificent Mile.

The Grill on the Alley
909 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Located on the ground floor of the Westin Hotel, this steakhouse also has seafood. 

 

The Palm
323 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

Weber Grill Restaurant
539 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

For a relax atmosphere filled with the smells of a great barbeque, eat at Weber’s Grill. The open kitchen shows the chefs cooking your order over an open flame on actual Weber grills.

Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This globally influenced contemporary American restaurant is located in the luxurious Intercontinental Chicago hotel.

Granite City Food & Brewery
14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462

Serving up Chicago brewpub fare in the western suburb of Orland Park, Granite City gets the job done with burgers and flatbread pizza appetizers--along with a number of high-quality brews.

 

Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611

Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the  daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz. 

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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.

Jack Binion's Steakhouse
777 Casino Dr, Hammond, IN 46320

Jack Binion's Steakhouse, located inside the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, offers gamblers and non-gamblers alike a fine dining experience feature choice cuts of prime rib, steak and veal, as well as an opulent variety of fresh seafood. 

 

The James Hotel
55 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611

This ultra-modern hotel leans toward less is more in a very cool way. Rooms are set up for ultimate functionality with a nod toward contempoary design.