CITY
CAPITAL GRILLE **
633 N. St. Clair St.
312-337-9400
High-quality steakhouse, part of an East Coast chain, whose contemporary clubby decor, polished service, first-class beef (dry aged on the premises), and award-winning wine list have made it instantly popular with local businessmen and conventioneers – meaning that reservations are a must.
Recommended: Baby lobster, steak au poivre, veal chop, filet hash (lunch only), Key lime pie.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $16.95-$29.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Valet parking available; wheelchair accessible.
CARMICHAEL’S CHICAGO STEAK HOUSE **
1052 W. Monroe St.
312-433-0025
Acres-of-oak decor, vintage posters, Prairie-School accents and garter-sleeved waiters give Carmichael’s a generations-old appearance. Despite the touristy look, however, this is a comfortable restaurant with very good, Angus Beef steaks.
Recommended: Shrimp de Jonghe, barbecued shrimp, porterhouse al forno, bone-in ribeye, triple pork chop, bourbon bread pudding.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Fri., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $15.95-$49.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Complimentary valet parking, wheelchair accessible.
CHICAGO CHOP HOUSE ***
60 W. Ontario St.
312-787-7100
Touristy touches like the cornball postcard on each table and the ever-lit, year-round Christmas tree outside seem comfortably in place at this steakhouse, one of the city’s best.
Recommended: Steaks, shrimp de jonghe.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $15.95-$28.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Valet parking available.
ELI’S THE PLACE FOR STEAK **
215 E. Chicago Ave.
312-642-1393
A Chicago classic, Eli’s offers a quiet, almost stately atmosphere, understated service and superior steaks. And, of course, the cheesecakes are a national treasure. The cocktail lounge is a great place to unwind.
Recommended: Shrimp de jonghe, steaks, sauteed calf liver, potato pancakes, cheesecake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $18.95-$3
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
ERIE CAFE **
536 W. Erie St.
312-266-2300
Creature comforts are excellent in this lofty River North restaurant; the dining rooms are spacious and open, restrooms are spotless and smoking and nonsmoking rooms are far apart. Steaks, lamb chops and prime rib are all first-rate; the kitchen is less consistent with seafood options.
Recommended: Mussels marinara, garbage salad, lamb chops, T-bone steak, prime rib, cheesecake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $13-$34.50
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; complimentary valet parking.
GENE & GEORGETTI ***
500 N. Franklin St.
312-527-3718
As an old-fashioned “real guy” steakhouse, this place is unsurpassed. A see-and-be-seen restaurant of another age, Gene & Georgetti attracts a loyal and regular clientele, who come to view the politicians and enjoy the massively proportioned, impeccably prepared steaks.
Recommended: Strip steak, lamb chops, calf liver, garbage salad, cheesecake, spumoni.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $14-$38.75
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Complimentary valet parking, free parking lot one-half block east of restaurant; wheelchair accessible.
GIBSONS **
1028 N. Rush St.
312-266-8999
Where once Mister Kelly’s stood, you’ll find a very capable, very popular steakhouse notable mostly for its large portions, attractive interior and knowledgeably opinionated staff.
Recommended: Chopped liver, spinach salad, onion rings, filet mignon, barbecued ribs, strawberry shortcake, chocolate hazelnut tart.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $21.75-$33
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; $8 valet parking.
HARRY CARAY’S **
33 W. Kinzie St.
312-828-0966
10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont
847-699-1200
Legendary baseball broadcaster Harry Caray died in 1998, but his spirit lives on in this bustling place, an Italian steakhouse with sports-themed decor and an old-fashioned charm personified by white-jacketed, eagerly accommodating service. The award-winning wine list is a distinct plus. The Rosemont location opened in August 1999.
Recommended: Grilled baby octopus, lamb chops oreganato, chicken Vesuvio, Sicilian veal chop, tiramisu.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $11.95-$32.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
MIKE DITKA’S RESTAURANT **
Tremont Hotel
100 E. Chestnut St.
312-587-8989
The name has changed (previously it was Iron Mike’s Grill) but everything else is the same at the namesake restaurant for former Bears coach Mike Ditka. This is a predictably masculine place with sports-memorabilia decor, second-floor cigar lounge and a menu of steaks and chops with sly insider references (Grabowski sausage, the Fridge burger). It’s more sophisticated than it sounds, actually, and the food typically is very good. Steer clear when there’s a big convention in town, though.
Recommended: Oyster shooter, DA pork chop.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sun., brunch Sat., Sun.
Entree prices: $10.89-$32.89
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
MAGNUM’S STEAK & LOBSTER **
225 W. Ontario St.
312-337-8080
777 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard
630-573-1010
1701 W. Golf Rd., Rolling Meadows
847-952-8555
Despite the macho name, this city steakhouse and its west-suburban siblings are sophisticated and civilized. Decor is stylish, service is knowing (if a bit by-the-numbers) and steaks are first-rate. Do be prepared to deal with noise.
Recommended: Ribeye steak, Kansas City strip steak, lamb chops, veal chop.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch (suburbs only) Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $13.95-$85
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Noise: Bring earplugs
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
MILLENNIUM **
832 W. Randolph St.
312-455-1400
In the heart of Randolph Street’s convergence of trendy restaurants sits this unabashedly classic steakhouse, which emphasizes prime, house-aged beef.
Recommended: Grilled crab legs, spicy calamari, porterhouse, smoked prime rib, Chocolate Churchill.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $18-$29
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
MORTON’S OF CHICAGO ***
1050 N. State St.
312-266-4820
You won’t find a better steak than the thick, beefy beauties cooked here. The attractive dining room does a good job of overcoming its windowless basement locale; tables are close together, but it’s a convivial crowd. Civilized touches include excellent service, a very good wine list and classy ambience. The most expensive steakhouse in town, but worth every penny.
Recommended: Steaks, veal chop, baked potato, dessert souffle for two.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $19.95-$31.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: Discount parking with validation.
THE PALM **
Swissotel Chicago
323 E. Wacker Drive
312-616-1000
Big steaks and bigger lobsters, served with utter lack of pretension and fuss, are what you’ll find in this chain’s Chicago chapter, ensconced in snazzy digs, including an outdoor patio.
Recommended: Crab cakes, N.Y. strip steak, lamb chops, Key lime pie.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $14-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE **
431 N. Dearborn St.
312-321-2725
933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook
847-498-6889
This large chain’s two Chicago-area outposts can hold their own with the veterans of the local steakhouse scene. Comfortable surroundings and pampering service are perks, and the steaks — especially the porterhouse, which is sized for two or three diners – are excellent. Appetizers are a bit scrawny, but they’re hardly necessary, as the steaks are humongous.
Recommended: Tenderloin, porterhouse, veal chop, Caesar salad, potatoes au gratin, chocolate mousse cheesecake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sat., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $14.95-$32.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly.
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking $8.
SMITH & WOLLENSKY **
318 N. State St.
312-670-9900
This impressive steakhouse sits at the base of Marina City. Part of a New York chain, it offers succulent, aged-on-premises steaks, hefty lobsters dusted with cayenne pepper and a monstrous twice-cooked pork shank. The light-filled dining room is decorated with American art; an outdoor patio overlooks the Chicago River. The downstairs Wollensky’s Grill offers smaller-portioned steaks and keeps late-night hours.
Recommended: Crabcakes, lobster cocktail, Wollensky salad, sirloin steak, Angry Lobster, apple tart.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $17.50-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
TAVERN ON RUSH *
1031 N. Rush St.
312-664-9600
Stick to the steaks and you’ll be fine at this always-packed steakhouse, the latest serious restaurant to venture back to the now-booming Rush Street area. The beef is first-rate, but inconsistency plagues other dishes. The look is traditional steakhouse, and the balcony windows overlooking the street are a clever touch.
Recommended: Pepper-crusted ahi, pizzas, porterhouse steak, NY strip, Key lime pie.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $11.95-$75
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available;
NORTH
EJ’S PLACE (2 forks)
10027 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
847-933-9800
E.J. Lenzi, who helped open Erie Cafe in Chicago, has opened this North Woods Lodge-y steakhouse on the North Shore. White tablecloths and a cozy fireplace are pluses, but the restaurant is very noisy.
Recommended: Garbage salad, swordfish, chicken Vesuvio, New York strip steak.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $14.50-$33.50
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-challenged
Other: Wheelchair accessible; complimentary valet parking.
PETE MILLER’S STEAKHOUSE (3 forks)
1557 Sherman Ave., Evanston
847-328-0399
You’ll find serious steaks and seafood at this handsome restaurant, which has an adjacent jazz lounge.
Recommended: Fried calamari, baked portobello mushroom, burger (in the lounge only), filet mignon.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $17-$50
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
WEST
GIANNOTTI’S STEAK HOUSE II (2 forks)
17W400 22d St., Oakbrook Terrace
630-833-2700
Like its Norridge sibling, this Italian steakhouse is traditional, comfortable – and invariably packed.
Recommended: Stuffed artichoke, pork chops, prosciutto-stuffed veal.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun., lunch Tue.-Fri.
Entree prices: $11.95-$27.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
MONTCLAIR CHOP HOUSE (2 forks)
1401 Nordic Rd., Itasca
630-773-2750
The fine-dining room of the Nordic Hills Resort is sophisticated and cozy, and the menu offers more variety than the name suggests.
Recommended: Coconut shrimp, crab cakes, filet mignon, portobello primavera.
Open: Dinner, lunch and breakfast Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $14.50-$24.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
SOUTH
BOGART’S CHARHOUSE *
17344 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park
708-532-5592
18225 Dixie Hwy., Homewood
708-798-2000
Popular mid-priced steakhouse is packed nearly all the time, and no wonder: Hefty, well-grilled steaks come with salad, potato and other goodies, and prices are in the teens. Opt for one of the chicken dishes, and the bill comes down even more. Appetizer options are stuck in the ’70s and desserts are from a local bakery, but chances are good you won’t have room for them anyway. Decor consists of pictures and murals of Bogey in various poses – corny but cute.
Recommended: Buffalo wings, porterhouse steak, Casablanca steak.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $10.99-$24.99
Credit cards: A, DS, M, V
Reservations: Not accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
GINO’S STEAK HOUSE (2 forks)
16299 Wallace Ave., Harvey
708-331-4393
A sibling of Millennium in the city, Gino’s is one of the best steakhouses in the suburbs.
Service can be spotty, but the steaks and other dishes transcend minor glitches.
Recommended: Stuffed mushrooms, filet mignon, flourless chocolate cake.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $15-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible
JACK GIBBONS GARDENS (2 forks)
14700 Oak Park Ave., Oak Forest
708-687-2331
Affectionately known simply as Gibbons, this modest-looking steakhouse has been serving superior beef for 75 years.
Recommended: Prime rib, filet mignon, shrimp de jonghe.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $10.95-$22.95
Credit cards: M, V
Reservations: Accepted Sun.-Fri.; accepted for 10 or more Sat.
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking available.
KRAPIL’S (2 forks)
6600 W. 111th St., Worth
708-448-2012
A rustic-looking, old-fashioned steakhouse where the placemat is also the menu (prices aren’t listed), raffia-covered chianti bottles serve as candlesticks and steaks come in big, bigger and enormous sizes.
Recommended: Appetizer combo, filet mignon, Krapil’s parfait.
Open: Dinner Wed.-Sun.
Entree prices: $8.25-$49.50
Credit cards: A, M, V
Reservations: Recommended for parties of six or more.
Other: Wheelchair accessible
MR. BENNY’S STEAK & LOBSTER HOUSE
(2 forks)
20857 S. Cicero Ave., Matteson
708-481-5800
This clubby steakhouse has been around long enough to be in style, out of style, and back in again. Prime beef is the attraction, though fish and seafood are handled well. And the place is cigar-friendly.
Recommended: Prime rib, blackened walleye, petite filet.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $13.95-$34.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible
THAI
CITY
ARUN’S ****
4156 N. Kedzie Ave.
773-539-1909
The finest, most upscale Thai food you’ll ever experience is available at this Northwest Side jewel, a picture-perfect, cleanly elegant space decorated with beautiful artwork. Arun Sampanthavivat’s food is artistically noteworthy, too, beautifully presented and stunning in its complexity and exotic ingredients and flavors. There is no set menu; Arun’s features a Chef’s Design Menu, a multi-course dinner selected by Arun after consulting patrons’ preferences, dietary requirements and spice tolerance. The wine list is small, but every bottle is carefully chosen for its affinity to Thai flavors.
Open: Dinner Tues.-Sun. Entree prices: Prix-fixe dinner $75 (12-course tasting menu).
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Other: No smoking; wheelchair accessible.
THAI CLASSIC **
3332 N. Clark St.
773-404-2000
This attractive, spotless restaurant, just a few blocks south of Wrigley Field, rises above the crowd of Thai restaurants by virtue of its well-prepared, scrupulously fresh food and its charming, contemporary decor. The restaurant offers a $9.95 buffet from noon-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Recommended: Golden cups, steamed mussels, tom yum talay, Thai Classic soup, orchid chicken, seafood treasure, coconut ice cream.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.95-$11.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: BYOB; wheelchair accessible.
NORTH
JASMINE THAI CUISINE (2 forks)
242 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook
847-205-1414
Unpretentious and intimate, Jasmine blooms with crisp and complex flavors, adroitly using the fresh-picked herbs, fruits, vegetables and meats that are hallmarks of the tropical cuisine of Thailand.
Recommended: Mus Sa Mon beef curry, spicy chicken with lime, Tod Mun seafood rounds, custard.
Open: Dinner and lunch Mon.-Fri.
Entree prices: $7.50-11.50
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended for large parties.
Other: Wheelchair accessible
NOODLE GARDEN (2 forks)
1241 Chicago Ave., Evanston
847-332-2775
The less familiar the dish, the better at this north suburban spot; when in doubt, you’ll get good advice from your waiter.
Recommended: Tom yum soup, yellow curry chicken, pad woon sen, pad talay.
Open: Dinner and lunch Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$10.95
Credit cards: M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible; carryout and delivery available.
RUBY OF SIAM (2 forks)
1125 Emerson St., Evanston
847-492-1008
Startling, off-the-beaten-track Thai dishes are available here; the trick is sifting through the 117-item menu to find them.
Recommended: Crying Tiger, lime chicken, pla koong, kaoman somtum kaiyang.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $6.95-$16.95; $6.75 lunch buffet Mon.-Fri.
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
TASTY THAI (2 forks)
Hawthorn Village Commons, Ill. Hwy. 60 west of Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills
847-367-1980
A solid, family-run restaurant featuring basic Thai dishes with some interesting twists.
Recommended: Pad Thai, yellow curry, angel wings.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch buffet Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $6.95-$9.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible
VIETNAMESE
CITY
JULIE MAI’S LE BISTRO *
5025 N. Clark St.
773-784-6000
This charming Vietnamese restaurant also offers a small menu of casual French classics – hence the name. A recent interior redecoration was a welcome upgrade, especially because Mai retained the intimate alcove tables, which have individual light dimmers and are among
the most intimate, reasonably priced tables in town. The food is interesting, generally reliable and somewhat on the mild side; the ambitious wine list has many fine choices.
Recommended: Vietnamese pancake, lemon beef salad, catfish soup, shrimp le bisto, beef tournado (beef in wine sauce).
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$21.99
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; parking lot.
LA PAILLOTTE (2 forks)
3470 N. Clark St.
773-935-4005
Never mind the no-frills setting, because the cooking at this Vietnamese restaurant is especially satisfying.
Recommended: Soups, escargots, spring rolls, spicy catfish, steamed sea bass with ginger, homemade coconut ice cream
Open: Dinner Wed.-Mon., lunch Sat.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.50-$12
Credit cards: A, DS, M, V
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
LE COLONIAL **
937 N. Rush St.
312-255-0088
A stylish Vietnamese restaurant with colonial-French decor, and a dark upstairs bar that draws a young Gold Coast crowd. A user-friendly menu and moderate spicing makes it attractive for newcomers.
Recommended: Beef salad, whole snapper, steamed seabass, Le Colonial float.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Mon.-Sat.
Entree prices: $12.50-$24
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Valet parking available; no smoking in dining room.
PASTEUR ***
5525 N. Broadway
773-878-1061
A tropical-cool dining room with sherbet-colored walls, rattan chairs and tropical plants is home to what is arguably Chicago’s finest Vietnamese food. Those who remember Pasteur from its no-frills Sheridan Road days will be especially delighted.
Recommended: Chao tom, stuffed portobello, beef salad, pho, dungeness crab.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun., lunch Wed.-Sun.
Entree prices: $12.50-$25.50
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
