Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

"One-year anniversary? Your boss's boss is visiting from corporate? Just want a perfectly cooked bone-in ribeye and piece of chocolate cream pie that’s so good you’ll order a second for the car ride home? Go to Bavette’s. This dark steakhouse (filled with plush leather booths and 1920s jazz music) is like hanging out in the windowless parlor of some rich old lady’s mansion. Everything about the space seems designed to keep you there forever, including a basement that has its own separate vibe (that vibe is “sexy Blair Witch house party with no visible exits”). It’s also the best steakhouse in a city full of them. And that said, some of the best dishes here (like the fried chicken, short rib stroganoff, and complimentary bread—yes it’s that good) aren’t even steak at all. Reservations are released online 21 days in advance at 9am. They have bar seating and a couple of tables in the bar area available for walk-ins, and if you get here early (they now open at 4pm Monday-Thursday and 3pm on Friday-Sunday) you’re likely to get one." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"An upscale steakhouse known for its classic ambiance and high-end menu." - Ashok Selvam

"Hogsalt Hospitality’s sultry French-inspired spot is at the forefront of a new wave of steakhouses in Chicago. There are traditional entrees, such as roasted chicken and lamb chops, along with contemporary choices like fried chicken and a French dip sandwich. The beef is predictably top-notch, especially the 42-day dry-aged rib-eye that’s complemented by bearnaise sauce. This is one of the busiest restaurants in town, so plan ahead with a reservation." - Ashok Selvam

"One of Chicago's most popular steakhouses, known for its dark and moody atmosphere, and part of the company behind Au Cheval." - Ashok Selvam

"Nearly every major steakhouse in Chicago has a signature dessert and Bavette’s is no exception. The standout chocolate cream pie features a silky, fudgy filling in a crumbly Oreo crust with a giant dollop of whipped cream on top for good measure. Book a table through Resy." - Serena Maria Daniels