7 Illinois Steakhouses Locals Wouldn’t Visit Again & 7 Tourists Love
Illinois steakhouses offer a wide range of dining experiences, but not every spot wins over the locals.
Some miss the mark with overcooked cuts or underwhelming flavors, leaving longtime patrons unimpressed.
Meanwhile, tourists often flock to other steakhouses that wow with atmosphere, presentation, and classic flavors.
Exploring these differences reveals which restaurants consistently satisfy and which ones fall short, showing that a steak’s reputation can vary depending on whether you know the state’s true taste.
1. Outback Steakhouse: Tourist Favorite But Locals Roll Their Eyes
Tourists flock to Outback’s faux-Australian atmosphere like moths to a flame. The Bloomin’ Onion appetizer continues to wow out-of-towners who snap Instagram pics of the crispy petals.
Meanwhile, Chicago natives chuckle at the thought of choosing a chain over their beloved local spots.
The consistent but unremarkable steaks satisfy visitors from smaller towns, but Illinoisans know better options exist just blocks away.
2. LongHorn Steakhouse: Visitors Love It, Locals Avoid The Crowds
Road-tripping families can’t resist LongHorn’s kid-friendly atmosphere and predictable menu.
The Western-themed decor creates exactly the steakhouse experience tourists expect when traveling through the Midwest.
Local steak aficionados, however, scoff at the pre-marinated cuts and cookie-cutter experience.
The wait times during peak tourist season drive away residents who know quieter spots with better quality beef and personalized service just around the corner.
3. Texas Roadhouse: Out-of-Towners Cheer While Locals Steer Clear
Visitors absolutely adore the complimentary rolls and cinnamon butter that appear moments after sitting down.
The lively atmosphere, complete with line-dancing servers, creates the exact dinner-and-show experience tourists crave.
Locals, however, find the noise level unbearable and the meat quality inconsistent.
Many Illinois residents have been burned by overcooked steaks and hour-long waits, especially at suburban locations where parking becomes a nightmare during peak hours.
4. STK Steakhouse: Tourists Splurge While Locals Cringe at Prices
Visitors from smaller towns marvel at STK’s ultramodern design and clubby atmosphere in downtown Chicago.
The dramatic presentation of dishes, complete with smoke and tableside flourishes, makes tourists feel they’re experiencing true Chicago luxury.
Savvy locals, however, see through the flash and recognize the inflated prices.
The DJ booth and mood lighting can’t disguise what residents consider mediocre cuts for the price point. Chicagoans typically save STK for expense account dinners or avoiding it altogether.
5. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Tourist Bucket List, Local Special Occasion Only
Travelers mark Ruth’s Chris as a must-visit Chicago dining experience, eagerly booking reservations months in advance.
The sizzling butter-topped steaks arriving on 500-degree plates create the theatrical dining moment visitors crave.
Chicago residents, however, view Ruth’s Chris as an overpriced chain that lacks the authentic character of locally-owned steakhouses.
Most locals save this spot exclusively for business meetings or when out-of-town relatives insist on visiting the nationally recognized name.
6. Morton’s The Steakhouse: Tourists Book Tables While Locals Know Better Options
Visitors to Chicago consider Morton’s the epitome of classic steakhouse dining.
The tableside meat cart presentation and old-school service style charm out-of-towners seeking that quintessential Chicago steakhouse experience.
Locals, meanwhile, find Morton’s stuck in a time warp with uninspired sides and predictable preparations. The corporate ownership has slowly eroded what was once a Chicago institution.
Residents typically bypass Morton’s in favor of independently owned establishments with more personality and better value.
7. The Capital Grille: Camera-Wielding Tourists Flock While Locals Yawn
First-time Chicago visitors marvel at Capital Grille’s polished brass fixtures and impressive wine display along Magnificent Mile.
The attentive service and predictable menu make tourists feel comfortable dropping serious cash for a guaranteed good meal.
Neighborhood regulars, however, find the experience formulaic and overpriced. The dry-aged steaks, while consistent, lack the character locals find at smaller establishments.
Most Chicagoans consider Capital Grille strictly for business dinners or when wealthy relatives visit from out of state.
8. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: Where Locals Return Again and Again
Chicago natives swear by Gibsons’ perfectly aged steaks and the bartenders who remember their usual order.
The massive portions and clubby atmosphere attract local power players who appreciate the no-nonsense approach to quality beef.
The dessert cart alone keeps regulars coming back, with slices of carrot cake bigger than your head.
While tourists occasionally stumble in, this Gold Coast institution remains primarily filled with Chicago residents celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a Tuesday night done right.
9. Chicago Cut Steakhouse: A Local Institution Tourists Haven’t Discovered
Riverside views and prime dry-aged beef keep Chicago’s business elite coming back to this local gem.
The breakfast service caters to early-bird deal-makers, while evening brings a sophisticated crowd of regulars who appreciate the sommelier’s deep knowledge.
Chicago Cut’s iPad wine list impresses tech-savvy locals without feeling gimmicky.
While occasionally mentioned in travel guides, this steakhouse remains mercifully under-touristed, allowing residents to secure reservations without planning months ahead for special occasions.
10. RPM Steak: Celebrity Spotting for Tourists, Quality Cuts for Locals
Celebrity ownership initially attracts curious tourists, but the consistently excellent meat quality keeps Chicago residents coming back.
The stylish dining room balances trendy and timeless elements without feeling forced or overly designed. Local foodies appreciate RPM’s Japanese wagyu program and coal-fired cooking technique.
While out-of-towners might come for the Giuliana and Bill Rancic connection, Chicagoans return for the perfectly prepared bone-in ribeye and the surprisingly reasonable wine markups compared to other high-end steakhouses.
11. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf: Locals’ Best-Kept Secret (Until Now)
Speakeasy vibes and jazz-age decor create an atmosphere that sophisticated Chicagoans adore.
The French-inspired steakhouse offers bone marrow alongside perfectly executed filets, drawing local food enthusiasts who appreciate the thoughtful departure from traditional steakhouse fare.
Low lighting and intimate seating arrangements make this a favorite date night spot for Chicago couples.
The no-photography policy keeps influencer tourists at bay, allowing locals to enjoy their ribeye and Old Fashioned without dodging someone’s Instagram photoshoot.
12. Gene & Georgetti: Where Chicago History Lives On Your Plate
Established in 1941, this River North institution serves steaks the old-fashioned way to multi-generational Chicago families.
Waiters who’ve worked there for decades know regular customers by name and exactly how they prefer their martinis.
The cash-only bar area remains a favorite for local politicians and business leaders.
While tourists occasionally discover G&G from guidebooks, they’re often intimidated by the no-nonsense service style that longtime Chicagoans find refreshingly authentic compared to the performative hospitality at newer establishments.
13. Prime & Provisions: Local Business Crowd’s Power Lunch Spot
Chicago’s financial district workers pack Prime & Provisions for important client meetings and closing celebrations.
The classic steakhouse atmosphere gets a modern update with leather booths and dramatic lighting that appeals to younger local professionals.
The bacon appetizer, thick-cut and drizzled with dark chocolate and maple syrup, keeps Chicagoans coming back despite the business district location.
While Loop hotels send curious tourists here, the restaurant primarily caters to a loyal local clientele who appreciate the balance of innovation and tradition.
14. Swift & Sons: Where West Loop Locals Celebrate Special Occasions
Housed in a former cold storage facility, Swift & Sons honors Chicago’s meatpacking history while serving forward-thinking steak preparations.
The dramatic staircase and custom millwork impress design-conscious locals who appreciate the nod to the neighborhood’s industrial past.
Chicago foodies love the seafood tower and creative sides that complement perfectly aged beef.
While the Fulton Market location sees some tourist traffic from nearby hotel recommendations, Swift & Sons remains primarily filled with Chicago residents celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and promotions.