By The Editors By The Editors | October 27, 2023 | Food & Drink Community Guides
Whether you’re searching for that perfect special occasion restaurant or you're on the hunt for a delicious, high-quality steak in Chicago, we’ve got you covered. From Chicago’s long-time mainstays to exciting new takes on the classic steakhouse, these are the 16 best steakhouses in Chicago.
See Also: The 16 Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago
214 W. Erie St. / Website
At this River North newbie, chef Doug Psaltis gives foodies an intriguing new take on Chicago steak with a Basque-inspired menu that pays homage to both our fabled steak scene and Spain’s renowned asadors (grill houses). Set in the historic 1883 “Flair House,” an intimate townhouse tucked along Erie Street in the heart of the gallery district, the handsome room serves up highlights like Txuleton, a thick-cut, bone-in Spanish steak grilled over charcoal; tempting seafood options like sole amandine, octopus a la plancha and wild turbot in pil pil (chili garlic oil); and desserts from Psaltis’ wife and partner Hsing Chen, including burnt Basque cheesecake and a golden chocolate hazelnut cake finished with gold leaf.
218 W. Kinzie St. / Website
With French flair and elegant interior touches, this intimate and moodily-lit steakhouse is a great spot for a date. Premium cuts include filet mignon, dry-aged porterhouse, Chicago cut classic ribeye, and New York strip. Unlike many steakhouses, this spot has a dedicated vegetarian menu, making it easy for all of your crew’s dietary needs to be met.
817 W. Lake St. / Website
Step into BLVD Steakhouse to be entranced in a world of glamour. Inspired by Hollywood, the lavish dining room features velvet chairs, intimate booths, and a handful of glistening chandeliers. While it’s tempting to stop in simply for the numerous #ootd photo opportunities, the steaks and cocktails will have you staying for the night. Premium steak cuts include filet mignon, ribeye, porterhouse, New York strip, and A5 Wagyu, all of which can be paired with bone marrow, truffles, blue cheese, and more luxe upgrades.
300 N. LaSalle Drive / Website
A favorite among athletes (especially MLB players), politicians and celebrities alike, this classic steakhouse features stunning riverside views and storied steaks. Luxe menu items include the lauded bone-in prime rib, filet mignon, ‘lobstercargot’, Cajun ribeye and Delmonico steaks, among others. This is the quintessential Chicago steak spot.
845 W. Washington Blvd. / Website
One of Chicago’s most respected veteran chefs, executive chef/partner John Manion pays homage to Argentinian asados with this comfortable, convivial West Loop gem, where Manion and team cook over an open fire in the restaurant’s 12-foot custom-built grill. From slabs of Creekstone Farms meat to shellfish and veggies, most everything gets the fire-grilled treatment, but the menu offers pleasures like flaky and flavorful empanadas, salads and more, rounded out with a smartly curated list of mostly Argentinean wines. Pro tip: Reserve seats at the chef's counter for the ultimate El Che experience, a 10-course feast where you’ll have front-row seats to the action just feet from the fire (yes, it gets toasty).
318 N. Sangamon St. / Website
In the heart of the buzzing Fulton Market District, this hot spot from the minds behind neighborhood faves Bar Siena and Lyra serves up steakhouse fare with Italian flair—think shellfish towers, dry- and wet-aged cuts of Linz Heritage Angus Black Angus beef and truffle mushroom lasagna—in a sexy, moody space perfect for dates, business dinners and special occasions.
500 N. Franklin St. / Website
With over 80 years of Chicago excellence, Gene & Georgetti is the oldest steakhouse in the city. The interior is cozy and wood-class, reminiscent of an old-world style. On the menu, find Italian classics like prosciutto with burrata, ravioli, frutti di mare, as well as premium steak cuts like ribeye, porterhouse, T-bone and New York strip.
1028 N. Rush St. / Website
This iconic steakhouse has been a Chicago staple for over 30 years. The restaurant is plastered with framed photos of the famed guests who have dined there, making it a great spot to enjoy some Chicago history. On the menu, premium steak cuts include Chicago cut, grass-fed Australian filet mignon, tomahawk and porterhouse, among others.
707 N. Wells St. / Website
Chef Giuseppe Tentori’s modern steakhouse features manageable portions and enviable finds like Australian Wagyu and Japanese A5 Wagyu. The interior features an opulent chandelier and chic touches of dark wood. This spot is a definite must for meat lovers. The menu features ‘the carnivore’, a spread of prime filet, bison, prime New York strip, and Wagyu filet, served together.
8 W. Maple St. / Website
Visit this stylish restaurant for a divine menu, crafted by two Michelin-starred chef Danny Grant, and an extensive wine list lauded by industry experts. Premium steak cuts include olive-fed Wagyu from Japan, American Wagyu strip steak from Chatel Farms, Georgia, dry-aged tomahawk, and filet mignon, among others. Can’t decide what you want? There’s an option for that. Pay a flat price and the chef will select a meal for you. Visit on the weekends for an over-the-top brunch experience.
520 N. Dearborn St. / Website
Enjoy regular live jazz at this swanky national chain. While being dressed to the nines is a prerequisite for this steakhouse, with caviar and Japanese A5 Wagyu on the menu, you’ll feel appropriately luxurious.
65 E. Wacker Place / Website
Head to this classic steakhouse for premium cuts, luxe seafood to stack on your steak, and raw bar favorites. Butcher favorites include tomahawk ribeye, Wagyu filet, lamb chops, and USDA-certified filet mignon, among others. However, try to save room for dessert, as Morton’s has a menu dedicated to cocktails made for pairing with desserts. This spot is sure to give you quintessential steakhouse vibes, perfect for an elegant meal with parents or a feast with your crew.
222 N. LaSalle St. / Website
This Chicago favorite prides itself on quality meats and inventive dishes. Premium meats include 45-day dry-aged Linz Heritage beef, available as a center-cut porterhouse, Kansas City strip, New York strip and bone-in ribeye. This luxe spot also has a huge variety of liquors and a wine menu perfect for pairings. Finish your meal off with a cigar from the restaurant’s collection.
66 W. Kinzie St. / Website
This celebrity-owned spot features high-quality meats and a range of seafood. Enjoy Wagyu cuts from Japan, Beeman Ranch, and Creekstone farms, with the option to add king crab Oscar, black truffle butter, white truffle butter, and black truffle bearnaise to the top of any steak. Then, top your meal off with a signature cocktail or glass of wine.
615 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
With a lengthy liquor menu featuring whiskey, scotch, tequila, cognac, and wines, choosing your steak is only half the battle at this River North steakhouse. Premium steak cuts include filet mignon, dry-aged bone-in ribeye, Australian Wagyu filet, and New York strip, among others. Top off your meal with a touch of luxury by adding truffle butter, foie gras, chef-style burrata, crispy shrimp, or black truffle sauteed Maine lobster, to the top of your steak.
1000 W. Fulton Market / Website
This modern West Loop steakhouse boasts that American steak was born in Fulton Market, and they’re here to prove that heritage only enriches their flavors. Explore the restaurant’s hefty steak menu, with highlights including Australian Wagyu ribeye, Japanese A5 Wagyu strip, snow-aged Wagyu tenderloin from Niigata, Japan, and filet mignon, among others. Visit on the weekends for a tableside bar cart experience and decadent dessert trolley.
Looking for more luxe stops in the city? Check out our picks for The 6 Must-Visit Restaurants For Lobster Lovers In Chicago
Photography by: Top photo by Lauri Patterson / Getty Images; Fioretta photo by Garrett Sweet