NEW=A review added since the last Dining Guide.
Star reviews are based on at least two visits by the Tribune critic.
* = Good
** = Very Good
*** = Excellent
**** = Outstanding
Fork reviews are based on one visit by a Tribune staffer.
1 fork = Good
2 forks = Very Good
3 forks = One of the best
4 forks = Don’t miss it
Credit card key
A American Express
DC Diners’ Club
DS Discover
M MasterCard
V Visa
Steak
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; 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.-Sun, 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: $20-$35
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Valet parking
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-$34
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
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
One of the city’s finest steakhouses, has the crowded dining room and even more crowded attest. Strengths include an attractive interior, superior beef and knowledgeably opinionated waiters.
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; valet parking.
NEW The Grill on the Alley **
909 N. Michigan Ave.,
312-255-9009
Unapologetically old-fashioned, this copy of the original Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills is as straightforward as they come. Beef and seafood, much of it broiled and simply sauced, dominate the offerings, though there are plenty of salads for lighter eaters. The spacious, 225-seat dining room is clubby and comfortable; white-jacketed waiters are very professional.
Recommended: Dungeness crab cake, broiled sea bass, prime rib, strawberry shortcake.
Open: Dinner, breakfast and lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $12.50-$29.75
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Valet parking; wheelchair accessible.
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, 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.
Magnum’s Steak and 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, 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.
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. 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.
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: $15-$29
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
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: Wheelchair accessible; 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, lobster, 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
NORTH
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, prime burger (in the lounge only), bone-in ribeye, rack of lamb.
Open: Dinner Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $17-$50
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking.
WEST
Giannotti’s Steak House (2 forks)
17W400 22nd St.,
Oakbrook Terrace
630-833-2700
This Italian steakhouse is traditional, comfortable – and invariably packed.
Recommended: Stuffed artichoke, pork chops.
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun., Entree prices: $11.95-$27.95
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly
recommended
Other: Wheelchair accessible
SOUTH
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 Garden (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.
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: T-bone steak, strip steak.
Open: Dinner Wed.-Sun.
Entree prices: $9-$59.50
Credit cards: A, M, V
Reservations: Recommended for parties of 6 or more
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 Tue.-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.
Mr. Thai: The House of Noodles and Rice (3 forks)
3811 N. Ashland Ave.
773-244-9300
Mr. Thai is an acquaintance worth making. This spiffy, attractive, family-run restaurant is relatively new on the scene, but the efficient service and nicely turned out dishes belie its youth.
Open: Dinner, lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.25 -$7.
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible
Thai Classic (2 forks)
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.
NEW Thai Pastry (4 forks)
4925 N. Broadway
773-784-5399
The word “Pastry” in the sign for this Thai spot has led quite a few would-be diners to assume this is only a bakery. Yet most of the room is devoted to a restaurant that seats about 50. Flavors are as fresh and bright as could be hoped for, and the restaurant does indeed offer dessert; try the startlingly realistic miniature “fruit” made of sweetened bean paste.
Recommended: Tom yom koong, kuchai, chicken larb.
Open: Dinner, lunch Mon.-Sun.
Entree prices: $5.95 to $17.95
Credit cards: A, DC, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: 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 Mon.-Sun., 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: Yellow curry chicken.
Open: Dinner and lunch Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$10.95
Credit cards: M, V
Reservations: Accepted
Other: Wheelchair accessible; carryout and delivery.
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.
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.
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, beef tournedo (beef in wine sauce).
Open: Dinner Tue.-Sun.
Entree prices: $7.95-$21.99
Credit cards: 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: $7.95-$12.95
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: Whole snapper, beef salad.
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, 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: $14.50-$30.50
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Recommended on weekends.
Noise: Conversation-friendly
Other: Wheelchair accessible; parking lot.
