“There’s no denying it: This is a city that loves its steak,” even after all these years, said Time Out Chicago. Our own short list of favorite local steakhouses includes a few “icons of the genre,” including Morton’s, Gibsons, and Gene & Georgetti. But a few “less-orthodox” spots deserve attention too. They’re keeping the genre relevant.
Mastro’s If you’re carrying serious disposable funds, “Mastro’s is the place to blow them.” You’re sure to be hanging with a crowd of like means, and dry ice will cause your martini to “bubble like a cauldron” when poured. If you have to ask for the day’s market price on the “comically indulgent” lobster mashed potatoes, you probably don’t belong here. 520 N. Dearborn St., (312) 521-5100
David Burke’s Primehouse A celebrity chef puts his name on the door, but give partner Rick Gresh credit for much of what leaves the kitchen, including the warm popovers and beef filets that are “unstoppably tender.” The salt-lined drying cave on-site tells you that this modern steakhouse is serious about steak; the “hangover” bento boxes served at brunch tell you there’s room for whimsy. 616 N. Rush St., (312) 660-6000
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Bavette’s “Golden light bounces between tufted red-leather booths” inside this appealing newcomer, made up to look like a “vaguely French” steakhouse from the jazz era. The rib eye is cooked to perfection here, but we almost prefer the steak frites and the “otherworldly” roast chicken. 218 W. Kinzie St., (312) 624-8154
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