Chicago is a city where business is done. It’s also a great tourist city. Whatever the reason you find yourself in this classic city on the lake, you need to get in the city…in the downtown and surrounding areas and live a little. As we know life is too short to not squeeze out some serious enjoyment now and then. Living well includes eating well which is why I’ve put together a list of the best steak houses in Chicago to guide your next culinary excursion in Illinois’ biggest city. I’m not talking about sports bars here, this is all about serious beef steaks in restaurants with an atmosphere to match.
My list is in no particular order. If you love steak (I know I do), my restaurant list will lead you to a place that is not only Chicago to the core, but will serve you an unforgettable steak in a memory-inducing atmosphere! The bonus is every one of these joints have fantastic cocktails and wines too.
My List of the Best Steak Houses in the City of Chicago
Bavette’s Steakhouse and Bar
218 W. Kinzie St.
Take a trip back to the age of jazz at Bavette’s and enjoy a dry-aged 24-ounce rib-eye while sitting in a red leather booth. There will be an over your head chandelier at this sultry charm filled steak restaurant. How about a “cuts like butter” bone in filet for that special occasion? Take a stroll through this classy European inspired restaurant and be sure to stop by the zinc top bar for some serious bourbon, signature cocktails, craft beer, or carefully selected wine.
Benny’s Chop House
444 N. Wabash
Looking for old school? Benny’s Chop House Restaurant serves up an old school dim, clubby atmosphere with a modern flair. Prime Allen Brothers meats are featured here. Be aware that you will have a “healthy” dinner bill when all is said and done. Their steaks are dry-aged, well marbled and packed with flavor which is just what beef fans want. Great wines and cocktails will complement your posh evening here.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse
300 N. LaSalle St.
Suited business types and the well-to-do mix during the evenings in the window-walled dining room of this place for steaks. Chicago Cut offers USDA Prime steaks out of New York that they dry-age on-premise in their dry aging room. Expect a good crust when you order a char-broiled burger. How about what they call “The Holy Grail”? That’s a Bone-In-Prime Rib which will set you back $74.00. Full bar and a full menu that includes seafood, fresh salads, sushi, and shellfish will impress. They are also known for offering the “Best Business Breakfast” and lunch is served too.
Gene & Georgetti
500 N. Franklin St.
If you want to take a trip back to the early 1940’s, then this steak joint is for you. This restaurant has a legendary history filled with movie stars, politicians, more. The crowd skews older and steaks “like they used to do them” reign supreme! Classic is the rule here with their dry-aged Prime cut beef. When you dine here, you’ll get a big, top quality slab of beef served to you in a Chicago institution. They offer a full menu but stick with a steak to avoid disappointment. We’re talking steak houses after all!
Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse
1028 N. Rush St.
Here’s another manly steak restaurant in the city of big shoulders. Wood paneling and potted plants evoke that club atmosphere popular in Chicago restaurants. Upscale and classic with a clientele from the famous to the guy down the street. Aged Prime steaks are well featured here. But there’s more. Gibson’s is well known for putting out their raw steaks at your table side along with huge lobster tails because these are their specialties. Everything is big and over-the-top. Since the cuts of steak and just about everything else including the desserts are giant sized, they don’t mind diners sharing dinners. Something to remember if you’re wanting a good meal without having to take out a loan.
Michael Jordan’s Steak House
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
505 N. Michigan Ave.
How could I possibly give you a list of the top steakhouses in Chicago without mentioning favorite son Michael Jordan’s place in the iconic InterContinental Chicago? Once again we’re talking about a steak restaurant in Chicago with old-school decor, glitz, and glamour. This place oozes swank from the dining room to the bar. Dimly lit and lots of leather too! How about a 24-ounce bone-in rib-eye that’s been wet aged for almost a month. You heard me…wet aged. Flip the coin and have a 16-ounce, 45 days dry-aged Prime Delmonico steak adorned with a balsamic-based au jus. Fancy dessert? There’s a 23-layer chocolate cake among other sweet finishes.
If you don’t mind spending for a great dinner or if your job includes an expense account to woo and impress clients when in the Windy City be sure to indulge your inner carnivore with dinner at one of these restaurants on my list of great Chicago steak houses.