STEAK YOUR CLAIM
Chicago’s history with beef is long and storied. But it’s what’s happening today with steak in Chicago that’s really big news.
If you have a favorite national steak house chain, they're all here: The Capital Grille, Sullivan's, Morton's, Ruth's Chris, Lawry's, Smith & Wollensky, The Palm and Texas de Brazil.
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse in the Gold Coast is another must try.
Or stop by Ditka's. Yes, da' coach knows how to cook up a mean piece of meat. He also has pretty sophisticated tastes in wine and cigars. Try his Kick Ass Red.
Another local favorite good for catching local celebs along with their hearty appetites is Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse. This is truly a "meat and greet" kind of place, with eight classic cuts and their own USDA Prime Black Angus beef.
Then there is Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, which was named "Best Steakhouse in Chicago" by the Chicago Tribune Dining Poll. Named after the late Hall of Fame baseball announcer, their signature steaks are selected from the finest USDA Prime beef and are aged 3 to 4 weeks to ensure maximum tenderness.
Chicago's oldest steak mecca is Gene & Georgetti. Serving legends like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope since 1941, along with today's Russell Crowe, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell, Gene & Georgetti is a comfort zone like no other. Wander off the steak menu and discover Robert Duvall's favorite garbage salad.
Another classic, Kinzie Chophouse, will greet you with warm decor, photographs of old Chicago and a menu carrying everything from a 12-ounce New York Strip to a 48-ounce porterhouse.
And part restaurant, part journey through Chicago's colorful past, Chicago Chop House takes the phrase, "eat, drink and be merry" seriously. With more than 30 wines by the glass, the Chop House is the perfect place to sip a different grape with each mouthwatering course.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, with a commanding view of the river, was recently voted one of America's Best New Restaurants by Esquire Magazine. Also of the contemporary design, David Burke's Primehouse serves up dry-aged beef in a sophisticated setting from within the James Hotel Chicago – be sure to ask about tours of the Himalayan salt-tiled aging room on premise.
Red and juicy or medium-rare, no matter how you like your steak prepared, Chicago could easily become your favorite city for cutting into it.
