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Say goodbye to your grandfather’s steakhouse, and say hello to see-and-be-seen buzz, Russian novel–sized wine lists, and molecular mixology. These sizzlin’ steakhouses also deliver prime cuts in a thousand permutations of meaty perfection—from grass-fed and dry-aged to adobo-rubbed and pepper-crusted. Chophouses have never paired porterhouses and panache so well.
Best Sizzling Steakhouses in....
Best Sizzling Steakhouses
Chicago
David Burke’s Primehouse 616 N. Rush St., River North, 312-660-6000 brguestrestaurants.com
The Draw: David Burke’s celebrity star continues to rise—both in Chicago and on the East Coast—with swanky, sophisticated, and utterly confident restaurants such as this. The Scene: The cushy interior doesn’t disappoint, with mother-of-pearl plastered walls, chocolate leather chairs, and red leather tabletops all forming a glitzy backdrop to the steaks that come to the table still sizzling. Mon–Wed 7am–2pm and 5–11pm, Thu–Sat 7am–2pm and 5pm–midnight, Sun 7am–3pm and 5–11pm. $$$$ Hot Tip: Primehouse’s location in the James Hotel makes it easy to slip into the adjoining JBar before or after dinner for a Mojito Diego (Cruzan rum, mint, lime, mint foam); the intimate, exclusive hotel lounge is well worth checking out.
Gene & Georgetti 500 N. Franklin St., River North, 312-527-3718 geneandgeorgetti.com
The Draw: Waiters whose tenure is measured in decades graciously serve huge steaks that are both tender and char-grilled to perfection. The Scene: Located in a quaint little wooden building in River North under the L tracks, Gene & Georgetti has a Rat Pack feel that’s unmistakable. Isn’t it fair to say that old-school steak lovers tend to hoard Sinatra albums? Mon–Thu 11am–11pm, Fri–Sat 11am–midnight. $$$ Hot Tip: Don’t fall for the hype attaching fake cachet to the tables downstairs— they’re for tourists. Upstairs you’ll get a table quicker, which is why half the crowd there is local.
Morton’s 1050 N. State St., River North, 312-266-4820 mortons.com
The Draw: Very simply, this local legend that spread to Beverly Hills and elsewhere serves the finest steaks and lobster. Friendly, loquacious waiters help, too. The Scene: Exposed brick walls, plush carpet, and large booths create drama in a large basement room. The portion sizes of everything—from the shrimp appetizer to salads to the hunks of meat—border on the ridiculous, so plan accordingly. Mon–Sat 5:30–11pm, Sun 5–10pm. Bar 5pm–1am. $$$$ Hot Tip: Come early to enjoy a drink at the surprisingly sceney bar and mingle with the city’s movers and shakers.
