Unearth The Voyage
Chicago’s steak scene runs deeper than the downtown tourist traps. While plenty of visitors line up at the Loop’s big names, locals know the real magic happens in neighborhood spots scattered across the city.
From West Town to Lakeview, these 15 steakhouses deliver world-class cuts, inventive cooking techniques, and the kind of atmosphere that keeps Chicagoans coming back for special occasions and Tuesday nights alike.
1. Boeufhaus (West Town)
Food writers have been buzzing about this West Town gem for years, and for good reason. Boeufhaus sits comfortably outside the Loop, serving up steaks that rival anything you’ll find in the tourist-heavy downtown corridor.
The kitchen here treats beef with the kind of respect usually reserved for fine French cuisine, which makes sense given the restaurant’s European-inspired approach.
What sets Boeufhaus apart is its commitment to technique and sourcing. You won’t find massive, over-the-top portions designed to impress out-of-towners.
Instead, expect perfectly cooked cuts that highlight quality over quantity, paired with thoughtful sides that complement rather than compete.
The atmosphere leans intimate and neighborhood-focused, with a vibe that feels more like a hidden local treasure than a flashy destination. Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so plan ahead if you want to snag a table.
Locals appreciate that Boeufhaus doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It stays in its lane, does steak exceptionally well, and has earned its reputation through consistent excellence rather than marketing hype.
If you’re seeking an authentic Chicago steakhouse experience away from the downtown crowds, this is your starting point.
2. North Center Prime (North Center)
North Center finally got its own proper steakhouse, and residents couldn’t be happier about it. This newer addition brings the full steakhouse experience to a neighborhood that previously required a trek downtown or to River North for premium beef.
Eater flagged it as a significant addition to the area’s dining scene, and the crowds haven’t let up since opening day.
The restaurant understands what neighborhood diners want: high-quality steaks without the pretension or inflated prices that come with a downtown zip code. You’ll find all the classic cuts prepared with skill, plus a wine list that impresses without intimidating.
Booking a table here has become a local ritual, especially for birthdays and anniversaries. The space feels polished but approachable, with service that strikes the right balance between attentive and relaxed.
Regulars appreciate that they can walk in wearing jeans or dress up for a special night out.
What really makes North Center Prime work is its understanding of community. This isn’t trying to be the fanciest steakhouse in Chicago.
Instead, it aims to be the best steakhouse for North Center residents, and that focus shows in every detail from the menu to the hospitality.
3. El Che Steakhouse & Bar (West Loop)
Open flame and smoke define everything at El Che, where Argentinean asado technique takes center stage. This West Loop spot positions itself firmly in the South American steakhouse tradition, which means you’re getting beef cooked over live fire with methods perfected over generations.
The result? Steaks with a char and flavor profile you simply can’t achieve with conventional cooking.
El Che’s menu reads like a tour through Argentina’s grilling culture. Expect cuts you might not see at traditional American steakhouses, prepared with chimichurri and accompaniments that honor the restaurant’s roots.
The kitchen doesn’t shy away from bold flavors, and that confidence pays off on every plate.
The space itself feels warm and inviting, with design elements that nod to South American influences without feeling like a theme park. You can watch the grill action from certain seats, which adds to the experience and reminds you that this is cooking as craft, not just dinner service.
For locals seeking something beyond the standard Chicago steakhouse formula, El Che delivers. The asado approach brings different textures and flavors to familiar cuts, making it a favorite for adventurous eaters and beef purists alike.
4. Tango Sur (Lakeview)
Time Out warns about the wait, and they’re not exaggerating. Tango Sur doesn’t take reservations, which means you’ll likely spend some time outside before scoring a table.
But locals keep coming back because the payoff is absolutely worth it. This no-frills Lakeview spot serves Argentinean-style steaks that punch well above their price point.
The ordering process is refreshingly simple. Pick your cut, get it with chimichurri, and prepare for a perfectly seared piece of beef that rivals spots charging twice as much.
Tango Sur keeps things straightforward, focusing on quality meat and proper cooking technique rather than fancy presentations or elaborate sides.
Here’s the bonus that makes the wait more bearable: Tango Sur is BYOB. Grab a bottle of Malbec from a nearby shop, and suddenly you’re having a premium steakhouse experience at neighborhood prices.
The BYOB culture has become part of the restaurant’s charm, with regulars treating it like a dinner party where you bring your own wine.
The space is cozy and often packed, with tables close together and a lively atmosphere. Don’t come here for a quiet, romantic evening.
Come for excellent beef, friendly service, and the satisfaction of finding a genuine neighborhood gem.
5. Swift & Sons (Fulton Market / West Loop)
Old-school swagger meets modern Fulton Market energy at Swift & Sons. Time Out specifically highlights the range here, from classic filets to Japanese A5 wagyu that’ll make your wallet weep and your taste buds sing.
This West Loop heavyweight has earned its reputation through consistent excellence and a menu that respects tradition while embracing premium options.
The beef Wellington deserves special mention because it’s become something of a signature dish. Watching it arrive at nearby tables often leads to spontaneous order changes, and for good reason.
The kitchen executes this classic preparation with precision, wrapping quality beef in flaky pastry that somehow stays crisp.
Swift & Sons occupies a beautifully restored space that feels both historic and current. The design nods to Chicago’s meatpacking past while maintaining the polish you’d expect from a top-tier steakhouse.
It’s the kind of place that works equally well for business dinners and special celebrations.
Service here runs professional without feeling stuffy. The staff knows their cuts and can guide you through the menu’s options, from more approachable steaks to the splurge-worthy Japanese wagyu.
Reservations are essential, especially during peak dining times when the restaurant fills with a mix of locals and food-savvy visitors.
6. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf (River North)
Time Out puts Bavette’s at the top of its Chicago steakhouse guide, which tells you everything you need to know about its standing in the local scene. This River North institution remains one of the hardest reservations to snag in the entire city, with tables filling up weeks in advance for prime weekend slots.
The hype is real, and it’s earned.
What makes Bavette’s special is its ability to feel both upscale and welcoming. The dim lighting and vintage-inspired decor create an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights, while the menu delivers serious steakhouse credentials.
Every cut comes out cooked exactly as ordered, with sides that complement rather than overshadow.
The bar program deserves attention too, with classic cocktails executed properly and a wine list that offers options across price points. Many locals start their evening at the bar, enjoying a drink while waiting for their table and soaking in the bustling energy.
Reservations are absolutely essential here, and even then you might face a short wait. But the experience consistently delivers, which explains why Bavette’s maintains its status as a local favorite despite the challenges of getting in.
Plan ahead, book early, and prepare for a memorable meal.
7. Hawksmoor Chicago (River North)
The historic LaSalle Powerhouse provides a stunning backdrop for Hawksmoor’s Chicago location. This British import brought its acclaimed steakhouse formula across the Atlantic, setting up shop in a building that adds architectural drama to an already impressive dining experience.
The soaring ceilings and industrial bones of the space create an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Hawksmoor approaches beef with a distinctly British perspective, which means you’ll find cuts and preparations that differ slightly from traditional American steakhouses. The kitchen sources quality meat and treats it with respect, resulting in steaks that satisfy even the pickiest Chicago beef enthusiasts.
Sides lean British too, with options like beef dripping fries that have become menu favorites.
The space itself is worth the visit even before considering the food. The powerhouse conversion preserved the building’s historic character while adding modern comfort and style.
It’s dramatic without feeling over-the-top, impressive without being intimidating.
Reservations are available and recommended, especially if you want to dine during peak hours. The restaurant operates with published hours and maintains an active presence, making it a reliable choice when you’re planning a special meal.
Locals appreciate the international perspective Hawksmoor brings to Chicago’s steakhouse scene.
8. Asador Bastian (River North)
Live-fire cooking and premium products define Asador Bastian’s approach to steakhouse dining. This River North spot recently landed major recognition in broader steakhouse rankings, confirming what locals already knew about its quality and technique.
The restaurant centers everything around open flame, bringing a primal, elemental quality to the cooking that you can taste in every bite.
Asador Bastian sources exceptional products and lets the fire do the talking. The kitchen’s confidence shows in the simplicity of preparations, allowing quality beef to shine without unnecessary embellishment.
When your ingredients and technique are this good, you don’t need to hide behind fancy sauces or complicated presentations.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between rustic and refined. You’re aware of the live-fire cooking without feeling like you’re at a campfire, and the space maintains elegance while celebrating the primal nature of grilling over flames.
It’s a tricky balance that Asador Bastian pulls off successfully.
Recent accolades have raised the restaurant’s profile, but it hasn’t lost sight of what made it special in the first place. The focus remains on exceptional beef cooked over live fire, with service that’s knowledgeable without being pretentious.
Reservations are recommended as word continues to spread about this River North gem.
9. Chicago Cut Steakhouse (River North riverfront)
Time Out spotlights Chicago Cut’s scene, steaks, and riverfront location, and all three elements combine to create a memorable dining experience. The restaurant occupies prime real estate along the Chicago River, offering views that complement the high-quality beef arriving from the kitchen.
During warmer months, the location becomes even more appealing as the riverfront buzzes with activity.
The steaks here meet the high standards you’d expect from a restaurant trading on the Chicago name. Quality cuts cooked properly, with options ranging from classic preparations to more adventurous offerings.
The menu respects steakhouse tradition while giving diners room to explore beyond the standard filet and ribeye.
Chicago Cut understands that atmosphere matters as much as the food. The space feels polished and energetic, with a buzz that suggests special occasion dining without the stuffiness that sometimes plagues upscale steakhouses.
Service runs professional and attentive, handling both regular guests and first-timers with equal care.
One practical note: the restaurant lists current operations clearly, including maintenance closures when necessary. This transparency makes planning easier and shows respect for diners’ time.
Check the website before making reservations, especially during off-season months when scheduled maintenance might affect availability. The riverfront location and quality steaks make Chicago Cut worth the planning.
10. Prime & Provisions (Loop edge)
A DineAmic Hospitality steakhouse that brings the group’s signature style to the Loop’s edge, Prime & Provisions maintains an active reservation presence and consistently appears in major steakhouse roundups. The restaurant occupies an interesting position, technically downtown but with a vibe that feels more approachable than some of the Loop’s stuffier options.
The menu covers steakhouse essentials with the kind of polish you’d expect from an established hospitality group. Quality beef takes center stage, supported by sides and appetizers that show creativity without straying too far from what steakhouse diners expect.
The kitchen executes classics reliably while offering enough variety to keep regular visitors interested.
Prime & Provisions benefits from its hospitality group’s experience, with service that runs smoothly and professionally. The staff handles the details well, from timing courses properly to offering helpful menu guidance when asked.
It’s the kind of competent, friendly service that makes a meal more enjoyable without calling attention to itself.
The space itself feels modern and comfortable, avoiding the dark wood and leather that define more traditional steakhouses. This lighter approach works well, creating an environment that feels current without chasing trends.
Reservations are available through standard booking platforms, making it easy to plan a visit when you’re craving quality beef near the Loop.
11. RPM Steak (River North)
Time Out calls RPM Steak an expense-account buster, and that assessment is accurate. This River North heavyweight caters to a crowd willing to spend serious money for premium beef and a scene to match.
OpenTable confirms active operations and availability, though scoring a table during prime hours requires advance planning and possibly some flexibility.
The restaurant delivers the full upscale steakhouse experience, from quality cuts cooked precisely to your specifications to an extensive wine list that can push your bill into stratospheric territory. RPM Steak knows its audience and caters to diners seeking not just excellent beef but also the atmosphere and prestige that comes with a high-profile reservation.
Celebrity ownership adds to the restaurant’s profile, though the food stands on its own merits. The kitchen takes beef seriously, sourcing quality cuts and preparing them with skill.
Sides and appetizers show creativity while respecting steakhouse traditions, and presentations arrive polished and Instagram-ready.
The scene at RPM Steak runs energetic and buzzy, with a crowd that leans fashionable and well-heeled. This isn’t the place for a quiet, intimate dinner.
Come prepared for noise, energy, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of Chicago’s dining scene. Expense accounts welcome, but personal credit cards work too if you’re ready to splurge.
12. Maple & Ash (Gold Coast)
An innovative take on traditional steakhouse dining, according to its booking profile, and that description fits. Maple & Ash earned MICHELIN Guide recognition, confirming its position among Chicago’s top dining destinations.
The Gold Coast location attracts a mix of neighborhood residents and food enthusiasts willing to travel for the experience.
What sets Maple & Ash apart is its willingness to push boundaries while respecting what makes steakhouses work. The menu features creative preparations and unexpected combinations alongside more traditional options, giving diners the chance to explore or stick with familiar favorites.
The kitchen’s confidence shows in both the innovative dishes and the classic preparations.
The space itself reflects the innovative approach, with design elements that feel fresh and contemporary rather than adhering to traditional steakhouse aesthetics. It’s a beautiful room that photographs well, though the focus remains on the food rather than just creating an Instagram backdrop.
Service at Maple & Ash runs knowledgeable and attentive, with staff who can guide you through the menu’s more adventurous options or help you find the perfect classic steak. The MICHELIN recognition raised the restaurant’s profile, but it hasn’t changed the core approach.
Reservations are essential, especially on weekends when the dining room fills with a mix of regulars and curious first-timers eager to experience the Gold Coast’s innovative steakhouse.
13. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (Gold Coast)
If you want old-school Chicago steakhouse energy, this is the template. Gibsons has been serving massive steaks and pouring generous drinks for decades, establishing itself as the definition of traditional Chicago steakhouse culture.
The restaurant is actively listed with current hours and reservations, continuing to pack the dining room night after night.
Everything at Gibsons runs big: portions, flavors, atmosphere, and the crowd’s energy. This is classic American steakhouse dining without apology or modernization.
Massive cuts of beef arrive perfectly cooked, sides come in shareable portions that could feed a small army, and the whole experience feels celebratory and indulgent.
The Gold Coast location attracts everyone from business diners to families celebrating special occasions to couples on date night. Gibsons has that rare ability to feel appropriate for almost any dining occasion, whether you’re closing a deal or marking a birthday.
The bar area buzzes with energy, often packed with people waiting for tables or just enjoying drinks and appetizers.
Gibsons represents a certain era of Chicago dining, and it continues to thrive by staying true to what made it successful in the first place. No trendy rebrands or menu overhauls, just consistent execution of steakhouse classics in an atmosphere that feels authentically Chicago.
Reservations are recommended, though walk-ins might find bar seating during off-peak hours.
14. Gibsons Italia (West Loop / riverfront)
OpenTable describes this as pairing Italian dishes with Gibsons steakhouse standards, and that combination works better than you might expect. Gibsons Italia takes the family’s steakhouse expertise and adds Italian influences, creating a menu that offers both premium beef and pasta, seafood, and other Italian classics.
The riverfront West Loop location adds appeal, especially during warmer months.
The restaurant successfully walks the line between steakhouse and Italian restaurant without feeling confused or unfocused. You can absolutely come here for an excellent steak prepared with Gibsons’ decades of experience.
But you can also explore the Italian side of the menu, finding dishes that complement or replace the traditional steakhouse experience.
The space feels more contemporary than the original Gold Coast Gibsons, with design elements that nod to Italian influences while maintaining the upscale polish you’d expect from the name. The riverfront location provides views that enhance the dining experience, particularly from window tables or any outdoor seating when available.
Gibsons Italia is currently bookable through standard reservation platforms, making planning straightforward. The dual identity works well for groups with varying preferences, where some diners want steak while others prefer pasta or seafood.
It’s a smart evolution of the Gibsons concept, expanding the family’s reach while maintaining quality standards.
15. Bazaar Meat by José Andrés (Loop / riverfront)
Time Out highlights Bazaar Meat as part of Chicago’s flashier steakhouse wave, and flashy is the right word. José Andrés brought his theatrical approach to meat and dining to the Loop’s riverfront, creating a restaurant that feels more like a culinary adventure than a traditional steakhouse experience.
The official location page publishes current hours, confirming active operations.
Bazaar Meat pushes boundaries with preparations and presentations that go well beyond standard steakhouse fare. While you can certainly find excellent beef here, the menu encourages exploration with options ranging from Spanish jamón to creative preparations that showcase Andrés’ innovative approach to cooking.
It’s beef-focused dining for adventurous eaters.
The space matches the menu’s theatrical energy, with design elements that create visual interest and drama. This isn’t a quiet, intimate dining room.
Bazaar Meat wants you to feel the energy and excitement, creating an atmosphere that turns dinner into an event. The riverfront location adds to the overall experience, particularly from tables with views.
Service reflects the restaurant’s high-profile nature, with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the menu’s more unusual offerings. Bazaar Meat works best when you approach it with an open mind and willingness to try preparations you won’t find at traditional steakhouses.
Reservations are essential for this Loop destination that brings celebrity chef energy to Chicago’s beef scene.
