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.
But when in Chicago, eat like a Bear. Starting with 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. 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.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse, with a commanding view of the river, was recently voted one of America's Best New Restaurants by Esquire Magazine.
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.