Top Ten Chicago Steakhouses You Need to Visit

Chicago may be known as the “Windy City” but at the Chicago Steak Company, we like to think of our namesake town as Steak Capital, USA.  From Midwest cattle ranchers with generations of experience in raising only the finest beef to butchers that are experts in selecting the finest cuts, Chicago is the mecca of gourmet steaks that melt in your mouth and explode with flavor.

While we tend to enjoy our gourmet steaks from the comforts of home thanks to Chicago Steak Company’s door to door delivery service, sometimes a dinner out is in the cards.  When date night on the town calls, we like to spend time surveying some of Chicago’s finest steakhouses, which is no small feat given the sheer number that call the city home.  Whether you’re visiting Chicago or call the city home, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best steak restaurants around.  Each of these serves only the finest in Midwest beef and Chicago’s reputation for being the king of steak proud.

Methodology

When preparing our list of top ten Chicago steakhouse restaurants we applied our own high standards, first and foremost, weighting the scores heavily in favor in those who source only the finest quality beef.  Selection of available cuts and variety of sides and accompaniments were our next highest factors.  Finally, we took into consideration the fine details such as ambiance, reputation and service.  To break the inevitable close call between these fine establishments we applied the subjective yet all important “Would We Take a First Date Here” test; a time-honored method for evaluating any potential gourmet dinner meal.  What we came up with was a list of 10 of the best Chicago steakhouses, with five more that were so good they deserved a nod to their beefy wonders on our honorable mentions list.

The depth and quality of this list speaks to Chicago’s long and renowned history for being the source of some of the nation’s finest steak.  While we may have ranked our preferences, you certainly can’t go wrong with a dinner night out at any restaurant that made the list.

The Top 10 Chicago Steakhouse Restaurants

1.    Bavette’s Bar and Boeuf

Address: 218 W. Kinzie St Chicago, IL 60654

Dry-Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: Bone-In Filet Mignon

The Breakdown: It takes a lot to be called the best of the best on a Chicago Steak Company list.  This River North newcomer to the Chicago steakhouse scene more than delivers.  Offering a French twist on the classic steak restaurant, Bavette’s is all at once elegant and relaxed.  Pull up a seat at the plush red leather booths and enjoy a classic cocktail and seafood appetizer while listening to the sultry sounds of live jazz music.

When it comes to the beef, only the highest grade will do.  Bavette’s serves up USDA Prime meat in a variety of staple cuts.  If you’re looking for something different, try on the bone-in filet; a tender, juicy and flavorful rarity among steakhouse fare.  Oh, and don’t forget the bone marrow, a house specialty.

2.    Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab

Address:  60 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611

Dry-Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: Bone-In Ribeye

The Breakdown: Joe’s may have started as a seafood focused restaurant in Miami, FL, but when they opened their Chicago Location in the early 2000’s the addition of tender, succulent Midwest raised beef was a match made in heaven.  The Chicago location of this iconic steakhouse boasts only the finest USDA Prime steaks.  Their specialty cuts include a bone-in ribeye that is the thing of meat lover’s dreams.

Of course, you can’t forget the stone crab that made Joe’s famous, or one of the other seafood accompaniments to your surf and turf meal.  If you have a sweet tooth, save room for a slice of Joe’s iconic key lime pie.  Reservations are highly recommended at this popular River North spot.  And gentlemen, don’t forget the jacket which is highly recommended at this white tablecloth establishment.

3.    Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse

Address: 1028 N Rush St Chicago, IL 60611

Dry-Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: The dry-aged, “42” Tomahawk     Chop

The Breakdown: When it comes to iconic Chicago steakhouse, few places can compete with the Gibson’s name or dining experience.  From the leather booths to the impeccable service, this Chicago area steakhouse exudes luxury and Midwest charm.  The beef certainly isn’t lacking, either, and guests will find no shortage of quality menu options.  Hearty appetites should try the prime rib on for size, which is served in portions that would make a linebacker tap out.

As if Gibson’s needed another claim to fame, their gourmet beef certainly meets with Chicago Steak Company standards.  The USDA Gibson’s Prime Angus beef is the only independent restaurant certification for beef issued by the USDA.  Aged for 40 days and sourced for only the finest of Midwest sustainable cattle farms, Chicago locals know they can come to Gibson’s for a quality steak every time.

 

Boeufhaus

Address: 1012 N Western Ave Chicago, IL 60622

Dry-Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: 55-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye

The Breakdown: Having opened in 2015, Boeufhaus is certainly the newcomer to our list of top Chicago steakhouses.  Don’t let it’s “new kid on the block” status fool you.  What Boeufhaus lacks in age it makes up for in old world charm.  Focusing on sustainably and responsibly raised beef, this French meets German upscale restaurant is all Chicago when it comes to the steak.  With multiple dry-aged options and a seasonally rotating menu, Boeufhaus has launched itself quickly into the top tier of Chicago’s steak tradition.

If you’re trying to decide on starters, may we recommend the Tartar of Boeuf; a dish so rich it nearly melts in your mouth.  For sides, the fries aren’t just delicious; they’re cooked in Boeuf fat delicious, and need to be experienced firsthand in order to believe their rich flavor.  We’d suggest a desert, but who are we kidding, you likely won’t get that far before needing to order up a to-go container.

 

5.    RPM Steak

Address: 66 W Kinzie St Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)

Dry-Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: 60 Day Dry-Aged Long Bone Rib-Eye

The Breakdown: The place to see and be seen in Chicago’s steakhouse circuit, RPM backs up its celebrity vibe with exceptional food and amazing ambience.  From the hand selected cuts of beef to the generous and creative accompaniments, RPM is the place to go if you’re looking to impress and enjoy a quality meal in the process.

All of RPM’s beef is USDA prime and we highly recommend taking a tour through the not one, but three different filet mignon cut options on the menu.  In addition to Midwest raised cattle, Wagyu & Kobe certified beef features prominently and will certainly delight the taste buds of those looking to compare and contrast.  While this is primarily a steak review, we wouldn’t be worth our foodie salt if we didn’t advise you to save room for the acclaimed 14k Chocolate cake.  Smothered in chocolate and dusted with gold flake, this sumptuous desert is worth every penny.

6.    Chicago Chop House

Address: 60 West Ontario Street Chicago, IL 60654 (Magnificent Mile)

Dry Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: Mashima Beef in any cut

The Breakdown:  Porterhouse steak, fit for a king and exceptional, white linen service make this Chicago classic a definite contender.  Each delectable, beefy cut is available both in wet and dry aged options.  For those looking for an extra touch of luxury, try out the Mashima beef a Wagyu related, Japanese hybrid renowned for its flavor and tenderness.

If the upstairs steakhouse isn’t quote your speed, the relaxed and unpretentious piano bar on the lower level serves up the same quality meaty faire with cooler vibes and amazing music.  If the place sounds amazing, don’t take our word for it.  The Chicago Chop House received the “golden” rating which is the highest rating awarded to a Chicago steak house.

 

7.    Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Address: 300 N. LaSalle Dr. Chicago, IL 60654

Dry Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: The Holy Grail Steak – Bone-in Prime Rib

The Breakdown: Edged out slightly in the celebrity sighting category by RPM Steak, the Chicago Cut is certainly no slouch when it comes to serving up USDA Prime dry-aged beef dishes and accompaniments that will make your mouth water.  The menu entry for the “Holy Grail” steak is enough to make our mouths water over in anticipation of a bone-in prime rib.

The selling feature of the dining room is the gorgeous Chicago River views which should definitely be taken advantage of over a sunset dinner date.  Between the food, ambience and service, Chicago Cut is definitely not one to be missed.

8.    Prime & Provisions

Address: 222 N LaSalle Dr. Chicago, IL 60601

Dry Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: Dry-Aged Bone-In Kansas City Strip

The Breakdown: For modern elegance that defies the classic steakhouse persona, look no further than Prime & Provisions.  Centrally located in the heart of the Loop, Chicago’s business district, this sleek eatery is no slouch when it comes to food to match the ambience.  Dry-aged, Black Angus beef is cooked to perfection before being finished with Wisconsin butter, a treatment Chicago Steak Company readers will recognize as our go-to favorite for serving up juicy, tender and flavorful steak at home.  Mind the heat, though.  All of Prime and Provisions steaks are served on a sizzling 600 degree plate, ensuring perfect temperature of meat, bite after bite.

9.    Primehouse

Address: 616 N Rush St. Chicago, IL 60611

Dry Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: 75 Day Ribeye

The Breakdown: For aging goodness,s nothing quite beats Primehouse’s dedication lengthy aging, creating that distinctive meaty flavor that fans of dry-aged meat know and love.  The on-site aging room allows this gourmet Chicago Steakhouse to serve up cuts ranging from 28 – 75 days, a rare find in dry-aged beef.

Located on the Magnificent Mile in the James Hotel, the restaurant is close to it all.  Grab a meal and a room, which may be much needed once the food coma kicks in.

10.  Maple & Ash

Address: 8 West Maple Street Chicago, IL 60610

Dry Aged Beef: Yes

What to Order: The Eisenhower cut

The Breakdown: As the name may suggest, Maple & Ash’s claim to fame is their unique wood fired cooking method that imparts a distinctive, smoky flavor the USDA prime gourmet cuts of beef.  Unique cuts such as the 40 oz + Eisenhower or the smaller, 16 oz Cowgirl cut will have you excited to return time and again to try out all the options.

With an extensive list of seafood options, wines that span the globe and a laid back, unpretentious dining area, Maple & Ash is just another on the long list of Chicago Steakhouse classics.

 

Honorable Mentions

GT Prime

The Nitty Gritty:  A classic steakhouse with a modern twist.  This Chicago newcomer believes in sourcing ingredients locally and supporting sustainable farming methods.  Their beef options include Wagyu options and sides and accompaniments are certainly not hard to come by.

Mastro’s Steakhouse

The Quick and Dirty:  Mastro’s is known nationwide as being chain steakhouse that offers quality and consistency, whichever location you frequent. Their Chicago addition is certainly no exception with a diverse menu full of all the cuts of gourmet beef you’ve come to expect in a quality steakhouse.

Tango Sur

For Your Consideration:  Tango Sur may be primarily a Latin American restaurant, but don’t let that small fact fool you.  The steaks at this local favorite are all USDA prime and cooked to perfections.  Tango Sur is also a BYOB so don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle along for dinner.

Morton’s

Just the Facts: Another powerhouse national chain steakhouse, for years Morton’s has been synonymous with providing only the finest beef, ambience and service.  Their Chicago location is located just steps away from the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile and the theater district, making it the perfect spot to catch a power lunch or romantic pre-show dinner.

Swift & Sons

30 Second Review:  Pristine, A5 rated Wagyu beef and exotic cuts of beef feature front and center on the menu of this up and coming Chicago Steakhouse.  And while the food is delicious, it’s the attentiveness of the servers and chef’s that really make a dinner at Swift & Sons a meal to remember.

The Wrap Up

We hope we’ve given you a starting spot for your next Chicago Steakhouse dining adventure.  From tender and succulent filet mignon to the deep rich flavors of a dry-aged porterhouse, Chicago’s steak culture is alive and thriving with the restaurants that made our list.  Have a favorite that we skipped or care to debate us in our selection?  Shoot us an email and maybe your pick will make Chicago Steak Company’s next list of who’s who in Chicago’s must have restaurants.  Chicago is the steak capital of the Midwest, if not the nation, and we’re always happy to meet the acquaintance of a new favorite place to enjoy quality, USDA Prime, Midwest-raised gourmet beef.