As the best steakhouses in Chicago IL and top steak restaurants in town remind us, the city has shaped and defined the traditional American steakhouse. But if you look closer, you’ll also discover that the town also transformed the concept, and opened it up to redefinition and innovation. When you’re in the Windy City, you could be looking for that more traditional experience, but trying something new wouldn’t hurt, either. These top 10 venues – among the best steakhouses in Chicago, IL – are slicing up some of the best chops in the city, each with its own take on the tradition. Some stick to the classic menu with a few new, innovative touches, while others flip expectations upside down to bring you an entirely unexpected experience. Incorporating approaches from international cuisine, and updating classic steakhouse décor are just a few ways that Chicago has leaped ahead of the steak game.
| Name | Location | Description |
| Boeufhaus | 1012 N Western Ave | This German-inspired steakhouse will serve you your cuts and chops in a rustic, yet sleek, Humboldt Park locale. The Shortrib Beignets are the ideal start of the proceedings, while the Steak Frites provide the perfect entree. If you’re still hungry, finish up with the Sweet Corn Semi Freddo for a savory feast that will leave you more than full. |
| Chop Shop | 2033 W North Ave | Chop Shop is a hodgepodge: Housed in a renovated, 100-year-old auto repair shop, this place is part deli, part music venue, part butcher shop, part restaurant, and part bar. On the menu, you’ll find the Butcher’s Cut of the Week and the Signature Butcher’s Board, but the Chop Shop burger (which features aged Windermere cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, charred red onions, and “dream sauce”) is a home run. |
| Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | 60 E Grand Ave | Joe’s is the product of an idea that initially derived from a 1913 Miami Beach restaurant. Chicago’s version of Joe’s opened in 2000 and rapidly secured its place as one of the city’s premier restaurants. The Crab Legs are served with a generous portion of butter, but only share them if you’re feeling generous yourself. The dry-aged chopped steak is another stellar choice, and just one more dish on the menu you’ll think twice about sharing. |
| Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse | 1028 N Rush St | Gibsons was the first restaurant to secure a USDA Prime Certification. This classic American steakhouse offers an exhaustive selection of cuts and a mind-bogglingly comprehensive list of sides, but its Filet Mignon with a double-baked potato never fails to satisfy. |
| RPM Steak | 66 W Kinzie St | With its contemporary fare in a truly contemporary setting, RPM Steak prides itself on culinary innovation in every aspect of its cuisine. The Duke, a signature dish here, is a savory rib eye filet and one of RPM’s best cuts. And you can’t go wrong with the Millionaire’s Potato, as it features fontina and black truffles. |
| Swift & Sons | 1000 W Fulton | Swift & Sons takes its design inspiration from old-school Chicago cattle industry. While the décor is rustic and retro, the menu is anything but. If you’re feeling indulgent, split the Beef Wellington for a succulent, satisfying meal. Not a meat eater? The Mushroom Wellington is a vegetarian-friendly alternative that doesn’t lack any other of the rich flavors you’re searching for at a premium steakhouse. |
| Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf | 218 W Kinzie St | Jazz music, warm lighting, and luxurious seating are what distinguish Bavette’s from other steakhouses. Except for their menu, of course. This French take on the Chicago steakhouse blends traditional American staples with French refinery. No dish speaks to that more than the Roasted Bone Marrow, which comes with caramelized red onion jam and parsley salad. |
| Chicago Cut Steakhouse | 300 N LaSalle Dr | Chicago Cut Steakhouse has a unique take on the steakhouse classics — it is one of Chicago’s best. The steaks are legendary, but the iPad wine list is something else entirely. You can search by region, price, vintage and name to find the perfect pairing for your Marinated Skirt Steak. |
| Gene & Georgetti | 500 N Franklin St | Gene & Georgetti’s Italian take on the American steakhouse is a dining experience like none other. This place is perfect for upscale dining with guests who have eclectic palettes. It also offers traditional cuts of meat, sure, but in addition serves up Italian specialties like Chicken Parmigiana and Veal Scaloppine as well. |
| GT Prime | 707 N Wells St | “Indulge. Imbibe. Explore.” is what Chef Giuseppe Tentori invites you to do at GT Prime. And you should, as Chef Tentoria is committed to locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors, which he transforms so that his dishes are fresh and fun. What’s fresh and fun now? The Short Rib Tortellini. |
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Intrepid intern Christina Elia is currently pursuing her BA in Art History Communications at Fordham University, and writes about various topics ranging from arts and culture to practical tips and how-to advice. She has been published on online platforms such as The Odyssey. You can follow her on Twitter via @stinaelia
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