The Best Steakhouses in Chicago

From swanky Gold Coast venues to old-school River North standbys.

Between Michelin stars, James Beard titles, and a discerning crowd’s ever-evolving palate, Chicago has come a long way in establishing itself as a frontrunner in global and contemporary cuisine. But make no mistake about it—we’re still a steakhouse town at heart. Perhaps it’s the top-tier service or guaranteed cause for celebration enveloping guests as soon as they come through the door. Or maybe it’s the high-caliber cuts, show-stopping seafood, and mic-dropping desserts, all of which are bound to leave your party sated and speechless. Either way, you’re looking at an evening that won’t soon be forgotten.

Here are some of the city’s best places to load up on meat, potatoes, and so much more.

Steak 48 Chicago
Steak 48 Chicago

River North
This River North restaurant relies heavily on local purveyors and industry experts when sourcing its specialties, including USDA Prime dry-aged beef and A5 Wagyu selections. From there, chef Brian Key and his team take the reins, delivering ingredient-focused mains like NY Strip, Filet Mignon, and Chilean Sea Bass alongside thoughtfully composed sides and desserts (think Sweet Potato Praline, Alaskan King Crab and Rock Shrimp Mac and Cheese, and Corn Crème Brulee). Those seeking something over-the-top can go off-menu with the Butcher’s Cut, a Wagyu ribeye cap steak that’s become a fast fan favorite.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.

El Che Steakhouse & Bar
El Che Steakhouse & Bar

West Loop
Chef John Manion points to his South American upbringing as the inspiration behind this standout chophouse, an homage to Argentina's celebrated asados—those backyard barbecues serving up masterfully grilled beef. Credit the 12-foot custom-built hearth, too, which makes its mark on everything from Sweetbreads and Chorizo to Sirloin Cap and Marrow Bone. Try all of them with the Parrillada, plus an insider tip: On Tuesdays, that smorgasbord clocks in at $60 (versus $105). Manion took his love for meat a step further in recent months, too—as a response to the pandemic’s effects on the restaurant industry, the team launched El Che Meat & Provisions, a counter-service market offering Creekstone Farms USDA Premium Black Angus Beef alongside a full array of at-home cooking accoutrements, from handmade knives to ironware.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out via Toast.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

River North
A tuxedo-clad staff greets guests in comfortable, classic quarters at this downtown destination—the first to open beyond the original location’s debut in Miami circa 1913. Settle in, then let the feasting begin—on New York Strip, Bone-in Filet, Stone Crab Claws (flown in from Florida fisheries, no less), and tableside Dover Sole. For dessert, make way for a parade of homemade pies, from Key Lime and Banana Cream to Pumpkin Chiffon and Chocolate Fudge.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out and delivery online.

Maple & Ash (Chicago)
Maple & Ash (Chicago)

Gold Coast
Chef Danny Grant helms the menu at this flashy Gold Coast emporium, which has become known for its opulent environs and orders alike. Case in point? The fire-roasted Seafood Tower, a decadent display of hearth-cooked delights like oysters, Alaskan king crab, and lobster, or the I Don't Give a F*@k Chef’s Tasting Menu, a multi-course invitation from the kitchen to kick back, relax, and enjoy the royal treatment for a night. That regal touch applies just as much to dessert, where the Sundae Tower arrives packed with three kinds of ice cream and nearly a dozen different toppings, from pecan streusel to candied coconut.
How to book: Reserve via SevenRooms.

BLVD Steakhouse
BLVD Steakhouse

Fulton Market
This meaty gem draws inspiration from Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard and all of the Golden Era decadence it evokes. Spot that luxury throughout the space by way of cascading chandeliers, velvet-backed seating, and mid-century metallic details, then experience it via the palatial menu. For a particularly indulgent eve, start things off with Caviar Service before moving on to heartier mains like Lobster Thermidor or Steak Frites (featuring a 10-ounce prime bavette with hand-cut fries and bone marrow butter, mind you). Keep the retro-luxe vibes flowing with the Grasshopper Sundae, a gargantuan serving of pistachio-mint and raspberry gelato festooned with Chantilly cream and Fernet-infused hot fudge.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash.

Swift & Sons
Swift & Sons

Fulton Market
With lauded chefs Chris Pandel and Leigh Omilinsky at the helm of the dinner and pastry programs, respectively, expect a wow-factor experience with every dish, from the Double-smoked Bacon Potato Pierogies to the Honey-laced Apple Tarte Tatin (not to mention the accompanying house-made Butterfinger). The steak selection ranges from an eight-ounce filet on the petite end of things to the mouthwatering 34-day Dry-aged Porterhouse on the epic side, and also includes a buttery Beef Wellington for two, complemented by mushrooms, foie gras, and spinach.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable or order take-out and delivery online.

RPM Steak
RPM Steak

River North
With its sleek digs and balanced menu, this sophisticated venture between the Melmans and Rancics naturally bridges the gap between old-school and new-school chophouses. The Black Truffle Burger topped with rich foie gras butter is one of the most luxurious power lunch options in town, while the expertly crafted cocktails, thoughtful vegetable sides, impressive steaks, and tableside Baked Alaska share the spotlight at dinner, making for a very memorable meal.
How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery online.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Gold Coast
Gibson’s mammoth steaks are crowd-pleasers for those celebrating everything under the sky, from birthdays to business wins (it only gets better come dessert—the service team here has gained a reputation for some of the best singing around). The success of their menu is hinged upon its generous portions and on-point seasoning, found in everything from King Crab Claws and the 48-ounce Porterhouse to a colossal slice of Macadamia Turtle Pie.
How to book: Reserve via SevenRooms.

CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE
CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE

River North
Prime steaks are both cut and dry-aged onsite before greeting guests in the expansive dining room, a 225-seat, red velvet-boothed space flanked by towering wine shelves. Get a load of the river and the skyline as you take on a marinated Cajun Rib Eye or blue cheese-topped Filet. Chicago Cut's key to staying on top of the steak game? Nebraska-raised beef sourced from land 1,300 feet above sea level—carefully calculated coordinates for what has become this establishment’s prized inventory.
How to book: Reserve via OpenTable.

River North
Dining at Brendan Sodikoff’s speakeasy-style steakhouse is like being thrust into a meat- and Scotch-filled Ron Swanson fantasy (minus to drab khakis and dad vibes). Their unbeatable boeuf is served up in many forms, such as Béarnaise Filet Mignon or Bone Marrow spread on fresh Frites. The Gatsby-like surrounds only add to the mystique, as do the exquisitely mixed classic cocktails and vast wine list.
How to book: Reserve via Resy.

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Nicole Schnitzler is a contributor for Thrillist.