Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

"Bavette’s is our favorite steakhouse in Chicago. First, because the actual steak is delicious. Second, groups can come here, not order a steak (entrees like the fried chicken and the pork chop are outstanding), and still have a fantastic meal. Third, the 1920s jazz music playing in the windowless dining room makes this place feel like it exists outside of the normal space/time continuum. Just know that everyone also seems to love this place, so for a table that’s not at 3:00pm or 10:00pm, you’ll need to jump on a reservation when they’re available 21 days in advance." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

"The Verdict: We’d like to be eating at Bavette’s right now.  This dark steakhouse (filled with plush leather booths and 1920s jazz music) is like hanging out in the windowless parlor of some old money mansion. Everything about the River North space seems designed to keep you there forever, which might explain why tables are never available—no one leaves. Some of our favorite dishes here (like the fried chicken, chocolate cream pie, and complimentary bread—yes it’s that good) aren’t even steak at all. And drinking Old Fashioneds in a room that makes you feel like a character in Clue is objectively fun. " - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"Verdict: We’d like to be eating at Bavette’s right now. In a city full of steakhouses this is the best. That said, some of our favorite dishes here (like the fried chicken, chocolate cream pie, and complimentary bread—yes it’s that good) aren’t even steak at all. Unfortunately, this steakhouse in River North hasn’t become any easier to get into since it opened in 2012. " - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen

"Here’s another great steakhouse if you want to have Thanksgiving dinner in something that approximates a windowless parlor of some old money mansion. Bavette’s will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 12-8pm, but they haven’t actually posted any details on the menu. Assuming there aren’t any specials, go with the fried chicken, chocolate cream pie, and load up on complimentary bread (yes, we know none of those things are steak). We’ve never had a bad meal here, so we have faith it’s worth keeping on your radar, no matter the menu. The meal: Bavette’s is open on Thanksgiving Day, and that’s all we know so far" - adrian kane, veda kilaru

"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. " - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru