12 Steakhouse Chains Illinois Locals Will Happily Pay For
Illinois knows how to do steak right. From sizzling ribeyes to perfectly charred filets, the Prairie State has no shortage of steakhouse chains where locals are more than happy to spend their hard-earned cash.
Whether you’re craving a casual family dinner or a fancy night out with someone special, these spots deliver quality cuts, unbeatable sides, and service that keeps people coming back for more.
1. Texas Roadhouse — Countryside (9960 Joliet Rd)
Peanut shells crunching underfoot and fresh-baked rolls arriving hot at your table—that’s the Texas Roadhouse experience in a nutshell. Located at 9960 Joliet Rd in Countryside, this beloved chain has won over Illinois diners with its legendary hand-cut steaks and legendary hospitality.
The atmosphere buzzes with energy, making it perfect for families, friends, and anyone who appreciates a good meal without stuffiness.
What really sets this place apart is the value. You get massive portions of expertly seasoned beef, plus sides like buttery corn and loaded baked potatoes that could be meals on their own.
The servers are genuinely friendly, often joining in with the restaurant’s lively, upbeat atmosphere.
Locals rave about the Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs and the USDA Choice Sirloin, both cooked to perfection every single time. Kids love the fun atmosphere and coloring sheets, while adults appreciate the consistently delicious food.
Texas Roadhouse proves you don’t need white tablecloths to serve outstanding steak—just passion, quality ingredients, and a whole lot of heart.
2. LongHorn Steakhouse — Oak Lawn (9530 S Pulaski Rd)
Bold flavors meet Western charm at LongHorn Steakhouse, situated at 9530 S Pulaski Rd in Oak Lawn. This chain has mastered the art of fire-grilling steaks to juicy perfection, earning a devoted following among Illinois locals who know quality when they taste it.
Walking through the rustic doors feels like stepping into a ranch house where everyone’s welcome.
Their signature Outlaw Ribeye is a showstopper—thick, marbled, and packed with flavor that makes carnivores weak in the knees. The chefs here take pride in their craft, never rushing the cooking process.
Each steak gets individual attention on the grill, ensuring that medium-rare actually means medium-rare.
Beyond the beef, LongHorn serves up incredible sides like parmesan crusted asparagus and wild west shrimp that complement the main event beautifully. The staff treats regulars like old friends and newcomers like honored guests.
Prices stay reasonable despite the premium quality, making this Oak Lawn location a go-to spot for date nights, celebrations, and those times when only a perfectly cooked steak will do.
3. Outback Steakhouse — Springfield (2590 Wabash Ave)
G’day, mate! Outback Steakhouse brings Australian-inspired flavors to Springfield at 2590 Wabash Ave, and locals absolutely love it.
This chain has become synonymous with hearty portions, bold seasonings, and that famous Bloomin’ Onion that’s basically a work of deep-fried art. The casual vibe makes it ideal for any occasion, from birthday dinners to casual Tuesday nights.
The steaks here are seasoned with Outback’s special blend of spices that create a craveable crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Their Victoria’s Filet is butter-soft, practically melting on your tongue.
Pair it with their signature loaded mashed potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a meal worth writing home about.
Service remains consistently excellent, with servers who genuinely care about your dining experience. They’re quick with recommendations and make sure your steak comes out exactly how you ordered it.
The Springfield location maintains the chain’s high standards while adding that special Illinois hospitality. Whether you’re a Springfield native or just passing through, this Outback delivers the kind of satisfying steakhouse meal that keeps people coming back again and again.
4. Ruth’s Chris Steak House — Northbrook (933 Skokie Blvd)
When Illinois locals want to celebrate something truly special, they head to Ruth’s Chris Steak House at 933 Skokie Blvd in Northbrook. This upscale chain has perfected the art of the steakhouse experience, serving USDA Prime beef on sizzling 500-degree plates that keep your steak hot from first bite to last.
The elegant atmosphere whispers sophistication without being pretentious.
Every cut of meat is hand-selected for quality, then broiled at incredibly high temperatures to lock in the natural juices. The signature sizzle when your plate arrives is music to steak lovers’ ears.
Their filet mignon is legendary—so tender you barely need a knife, with rich flavor that speaks for itself.
The Northbrook location treats every guest like royalty, with attentive service that anticipates your needs before you voice them. Side dishes like creamed spinach and au gratin potatoes are prepared with the same meticulous care as the main courses.
Yes, Ruth’s Chris commands premium prices, but Illinois diners gladly pay them for anniversary dinners, business celebrations, and milestone moments that deserve nothing less than extraordinary.
5. The Capital Grille — Chicago (633 N St. Clair St)
Situated in the heart of Chicago at 633 N St. Clair St, The Capital Grille represents fine dining at its absolute finest. This distinguished chain has earned its reputation by dry-aging select steaks for several weeks, developing complex flavors that make ordinary steakhouses jealous.
The dark wood paneling and leather booths create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Their Dry Aged Porterhouse is a masterpiece—a massive cut that showcases both strip and tenderloin, each bite revealing layers of nutty, beefy flavor that only proper aging can achieve. The kitchen staff consists of true artisans who understand that great steak requires patience, precision, and premium ingredients.
Temperature control is taken seriously here; your medium-rare arrives perfectly pink throughout.
Service operates like a well-choreographed ballet, with servers who know the menu inside out and sommeliers ready to suggest perfect pairings. The Chicago location attracts business professionals, tourists, and locals celebrating life’s big moments.
While the prices reflect the premium experience, Illinois diners consider it money well spent for impeccable food, flawless service, and an atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
6. Morton’s The Steakhouse — Chicago (65 E Wacker Pl)
Few names command as much respect in the steakhouse world as Morton’s, and their Chicago location at 65 E Wacker Pl lives up to every bit of that legendary reputation. This chain pioneered the tableside presentation, where servers display raw cuts of beef and fresh seafood before you order, letting you see exactly what you’re getting.
The sophisticated setting feels both classic and contemporary.
Morton’s serves only the top two percent of beef available—USDA Prime cuts that exhibit exceptional marbling and tenderness. Their signature 24-ounce Porterhouse is a carnivore’s dream, perfectly charred on the outside and juicy within.
The kitchen uses incredibly high heat to create that coveted steakhouse crust while keeping the interior at your preferred doneness.
Beyond steak, Morton’s offers colossal shrimp, decadent sides, and desserts that provide the perfect sweet ending. The Chicago location attracts everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned regulars who’ve been coming for decades.
Service strikes the ideal balance between attentive and unobtrusive. Illinois locals gladly invest in Morton’s for business dinners, romantic evenings, and those special nights when only the best will do.
7. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille — Schaumburg (1780 E Golf Rd)
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille at 1780 E Golf Rd in Schaumburg has become a suburban favorite for Illinois diners seeking upscale dining without the downtown drive. This Texas-born chain brings serious steakhouse credentials to the table, featuring hand-cut aged beef and a tableside carving presentation that’s become their trademark.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes guests feel immediately comfortable.
Every Friday, Perry’s features their famous Pork Chop—a massive, slow-roasted cut carved tableside that’s become legendary among regulars. But make no mistake, the beef is equally impressive.
Their filet mignon practically dissolves on your tongue, while the bone-in ribeye delivers bold, beefy flavor with every bite.
The Schaumburg location boasts a gorgeous interior with contemporary design elements that feel fresh and sophisticated. Service is polished yet personable, with staff who genuinely enjoy helping guests navigate the menu.
Side dishes arrive family-style, encouraging sharing and conversation. Perry’s hits that sweet spot between special occasion destination and approachable neighborhood gem.
Illinois locals appreciate the consistent quality, generous portions, and attention to detail that make every visit memorable, whether celebrating milestones or simply treating themselves to an exceptional meal.
8. STK Steakhouse — Chicago (9 W Kinzie St)
Not your grandfather’s steakhouse, STK at 9 W Kinzie St in Chicago reimagines the traditional steakhouse experience with modern flair and vibrant energy. This contemporary chain combines exceptional beef with a lively atmosphere complete with DJ-curated music that transforms dinner into an event.
The sleek, stylish interior attracts a younger crowd alongside traditional steak enthusiasts.
The menu features playful twists on steakhouse classics while maintaining uncompromising quality standards. Their signature cuts are sourced from premium purveyors and cooked to absolute perfection.
The Wagyu Ribeye showcases incredible marbling that creates an almost buttery texture, while their smaller filet options accommodate those who prefer lighter portions without sacrificing flavor.
STK’s shareable sides come beautifully plated, looking almost too pretty to eat—almost. The truffle fries and parmesan truffle fries have achieved cult status among Chicago diners.
Service stays upbeat and energetic, matching the restaurant’s contemporary vibe. While some traditionalists might prefer quieter settings, Illinois locals who want their steak with a side of excitement flock to STK.
The Chicago location proves that steakhouses can evolve with the times while still delivering the quality beef that keeps people coming back.
9. Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse — Chicago River North (661 N LaSalle Dr)
Prepare for a meat marathon at Fogo de Chão, located at 661 N LaSalle Dr in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. This Brazilian steakhouse chain revolutionizes the dining experience with its churrasco-style service, where gauchos continuously circulate with skewers of fire-roasted meats, carving them directly onto your plate.
The two-sided disc at your table controls the flow—green means keep it coming, red means you need a breather.
The variety is staggering. Picanha, ribeye, lamb chops, pork ribs, chicken wrapped in bacon, and sausages parade past in endless succession.
Each cut is seasoned simply with sea salt, allowing the natural flavors to shine. The meats are cooked over open flames, developing a delicious char while staying incredibly juicy inside.
Beyond the meat extravaganza, Fogo de Chão features an impressive salad bar with gourmet selections, fresh vegetables, imported cheeses, and Brazilian sides. In addition to the River North location, the chain also operates another Illinois restaurant in Orland Park.
Service is impeccable, with gauchos explaining each cut and servers ensuring your needs are met. Illinois locals consider Fogo de Chão worth every penny for special celebrations where appetites run large and the goal is experiencing as many delicious meats as humanly possible.
10. Wildfire — Chicago (159 W Erie St)
Wildfire at 159 W Erie St in Chicago captures the essence of 1940s supper clubs while serving seriously modern steakhouse fare. This local chain (with several Chicago-area locations) has built a devoted following by combining prime steaks with rotisserie specialties and an energetic atmosphere that buzzes with conversation and laughter.
The open kitchen lets you watch chefs work their magic over wood-burning grills and rotisseries.
The menu offers something for everyone, though the steaks remain the undisputed stars. Their aged beef programs ensure maximum tenderness and flavor, while the wood-fire cooking adds subtle smokiness that elevates each bite.
The bone-in filet combines the tenderness of filet mignon with the added flavor that cooking on the bone provides.
What really distinguishes Wildfire is the overall experience—attentive service, reasonable prices for the quality delivered, and an atmosphere that feels celebratory without being stuffy. The Erie Street location attracts both neighborhood regulars and downtown visitors.
Sides arrive steaming hot, generous enough to share. Illinois diners appreciate how Wildfire delivers upscale steakhouse quality in a more relaxed, accessible package.
Whether you’re celebrating or just craving excellent beef, Wildfire consistently delivers satisfaction that keeps locals coming back time and again.
11. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse — Chicago (1028 N Rush St)
A Chicago institution since 1989, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse at 1028 N Rush St has become synonymous with the city’s steakhouse scene. This legendary establishment serves portions so enormous they’ve become the stuff of local legend—steaks that hang off the plate, shrimp cocktails with prawns the size of your fist, and desserts that could feed a small army.
The classic steakhouse atmosphere oozes old-school charm and sophistication.
Gibsons dry-ages their beef in-house, developing rich, complex flavors that showcase what proper aging can achieve. The Chicago Cut—a massive bone-in ribeye—is their signature, offering incredible marbling and flavor that justifies every dollar spent.
Each steak is hand-cut by master butchers who take immense pride in their craft.
The Rush Street location attracts celebrities, politicians, business moguls, and locals who appreciate the finest things in life. Service is professional yet personable, with veteran servers who know the menu backwards and forwards.
Yes, prices reflect the premium quality and generous portions, but Illinois diners consider Gibsons an investment in an unforgettable dining experience. This is where Chicagoans bring out-of-town guests to show them how steakhouses should operate—with excellence, consistency, and portions that ensure nobody leaves hungry.
12. Mastro’s Steakhouse — Chicago (520 N Dearborn St)
Mastro’s Steakhouse at 520 N Dearborn St represents the pinnacle of luxury steakhouse dining in Chicago. This high-end chain has earned its reputation by serving only the finest USDA Prime beef, prepared with meticulous attention to detail that borders on obsessive.
The elegant interior, often featuring live music in the lounge area, creates an atmosphere that’s simultaneously sophisticated and energetic, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
The bone-in filet mignon is Mastro’s calling card—a cut that combines the tenderness of filet with the enhanced flavor that cooking on the bone provides. Each steak is butter-basted during cooking, creating a rich, luxurious finish that elevates the already exceptional beef.
The kitchen maintains exacting standards, ensuring consistent perfection with every order.
Service at Mastro’s operates at a level that makes you feel like the most important person in the room. Servers are knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in creating a memorable experience.
The Chicago location features a stunning dining room and bar area where live music adds to the ambiance. Illinois locals save Mastro’s for their most important celebrations, knowing the premium prices deliver premium everything—from the quality of the beef to the final flourish of dessert.