Chicago Steakhouse Rankings

Capital Grille (***) $$$ Informal/Formal
633 N. St. Clair St., (312) 337-9400

The newest of the city's major steakhouses. This one has become the new hot spot it seems. The decor is polished and a happy medium between the sterility of Morton's and the clubbiness of the Chicago Chop House. The place is very convivial, but filled with suits and other more formal attire. While not strictly prohibited, jeans would probably seem out of place. The service is excellent, as is the food. The appetizers are all pretty good and range from Beluga caviar to steak tartare. The steaks themselves are a bit lacking compared to the top places in town, but are still pretty damn good. A very good peppercorn encrusting is available.

Chicago Chop House+ (****) $$$ Casual/Informal
60 W. Ontario St., (312) 787-7100

One of the top tier steakhouses in the city. Every piece of the meal from beginning to end is top notch. Perhaps a tad too top notch. The bread is so good, I too often fill up on it before even making it to the appetizer's, much less the steak. The atmospher is very clubby with lots of smaller rooms on three floors and lots of dark wood trim. Of course there are lots of tourists and such, but that's just the price you pay in that neighborhood.

Eli's the Place for Steak- (*) $$$ Informal
215 E. Chicago Ave,. (312) 642-1393

The only major steakhouse in Chicago that is actively bad. All around a poor performer. From just average beef that is cooked poorly to terrible service, this restaurant does little right. To be fair, had I gone in with lower expectations, I would not have been so disappointed, but this place has a solid reputation (and prices to match). Definitely an establishment to avoid.

Update: After seeing this web page, the owner of Eli's emailed me to express his disappoinment in our appraisal of his restaurant. He invited us back for a dinner on the house, hoping we would have a better time the second time around. I did not take him up on his offer. However, we did make a second steakhouse trip here unknown to him. The food quality was much better, but still we would put Eli's somewhere in the lower middle part of the pack.

Gene and Georgetti's- (**) $$$ Casual
500 N. Franklin St., (312) 527-3718

This is probably the most over-rated place in town. The steaks are only ok, but the service is poor. The staff treats you like you aren't worthy to be in their restaurant (unless, I hear, you happen to be a regular). While the food is only average, the prices aren't, so be ready to fork over a bundle for the privilege of eating here.

Gibson's+ (****) $$$ Casual
1028 N. Rush St., (312) 266-8999

Massive quantities of awesome beef await you at this very convivial near north eatery. Along with some of the best service you will find anywhere. Reputably one of Dennis Rodman's hangouts. Reservations are a must, as are deep pockets. Of note: the colossal surf and turf, and the peppercorn steaks.

Lawry's Prime Rib (***) $$ Casual
100 E. Ontario St., (312) 787-5000

There is definitely nothing fancy about Lawry's. Just big hunks of the best prime rib around - slow roasted and carved at your table. All cuts come with a portion of their famous spinning salad. Mini lobster tails are available to complement the beef. Hope you aren't hungry for appetizers before dinner because Lawry's doesn't have any! Prices here are very reasonable, especially compared to the major steakhouses in town. You could easily go here on your own dime. Of note: the Lawry's Seasoned Salt which originated at this restaurant.

Magnum's (***) $$$ Informal
225 W. Ontario St., (312) 337-8080

It's just a notch below the top steak places in town, but Magnum's makes for an interesting change of pace nevertheless. The lineup of beef is solid, as is the rest of the menu. Beware of the entertainment, which can be outright terrible. Also beware of the obscenely high prices. Of note: the attached upscale night club to which you receive complimentary admission after dinner.

Morton's of Chicago (****) $$$ Informal/Formal
1050 N. State St., (312) 266-4820

The flagship location of this legendary chain is, like most of its brethren, located in the basement of an office building, and has a sterile decor to match. But don't let that scare you away from what is perhaps the most solid all around steak house anywhere. Tremendous appetizers including the don't miss shrimp alexander. Incredible cuts of beef for the entree. Desserts to boggle the mind. A decent selection of wines and imported cigars are available. Of note: chocolate souffle (order in advance). Reservations are essentially required, along with a large expense account as all items are a la carte.

The Palm (***) $$$ Casual
323 E. Wacker Dr., (312) 616-1000

The walls of this place are covered with paintings of the faces of famous and regular guests. But even if you aren't a regular, you'll still get good service and great steaks and seafood. The atmosphere is festive, if a bit tourist infested. Not one of the absolute top places, but definitely worth a visit. Note that this review is based on the previous location.

Riva (**) $$$ Informal
700 E. Grand Ave. (Navy Pier), (312) 644-7482

This restaurant features an awesome view of the downtown skyline from its perch at the end of Navy Pier. The tourists will be out in force here, but you won't experience the rushed service so common at Navy Pier eateries. Instead, you'll be treated to solid, if not spectacular, beef and seafood. Be careful when they claim to be out of something, however. Last time I was here my party was refused lobster even though the restaurant had a tank full up front. Of note: the Buckingham Fountain, a huge tower of shellfish appetizers.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (****) $$$ Casual
431 N. Dearborn St., (312) 321-2725

A New Orleans based chain it may be, but they serve up a steak to match the best old line Chicago steakhouses. The monster cuts of prime aged beef come in sizzling hot plates of melted butter. The appetizers and sides (including many different types of potatoes - order several and serve them family style) are awesome, as are the desserts. If you are not on expense account, this place will vaporize your wallet in a hurry as everything is a la carte and very pricey. Since the place is a chain, I would have to recommend that you hit a place with more local flavor.

The Saloon (***) $$$ Casual
200 E. Chestnut St., (312) 280-5454

This place is not as well known as other steakhouses in town, and so has commensurately less tourists cramming in. This makes for a welcome change to the better known establishments, even if the food does fall a bit short of the top tier. Be sure to try the bacon-scallion smashed potatoes.

Smith and Wollensky (***) $$$ Informal
318 N. State St., (312) 670-9900

This New York import is the latest addition to the Chicago steakhouse scene. While it has decent steaks, this place is torpedoed in the rankings by its insanely high prices. Somebody forgot to tell management that River North ain't Manhattan. $3.50 per prawn is just a little over the top for this market.

Sullivan's (***) $$$ Informal
415 N. Dearborn St., (312) 527-3510