11 Illinois Steakhouses So Popular, The Wait Can Take Hours

Illinois doesn’t just serve steak: it celebrates it.

From Chicago’s glittering downtown dining rooms to hidden neighborhood gems where the grills never cool, the Prairie State has earned a reputation for turning out some of the juiciest, most unforgettable cuts in the country.

These spots have built cult followings with perfectly aged beef, indulgent sides, and the kind of warm, buzzy atmosphere that makes every bite worth the wait, even if that wait sometimes stretches for hours.

1. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Walking into Gibsons feels like stepping onto a movie set where every character orders the biggest steak on the menu. This Chicago institution has been packing crowds since 1989, and the buzz never dies down.

Regulars swear by the massive portions that could feed a small army. The signature Chicago-cut ribeye weighs in at a whopping 22 ounces, making it a carnivore’s dream come true. Pair it with their famous creamed spinach, and you’ve got a meal worth the wait.

Reservations disappear faster than their famous pepper steak. Walk-ins often face waits stretching past two hours on weekends, but the lively bar scene makes time fly surprisingly fast.

2. Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Perched along the Chicago River, this steakhouse serves up views as stunning as its meat selection. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city skyline while diners dig into some of the finest dry-aged beef around.

The dry-aging program here is serious business, with steaks aged up to 35 days for maximum flavor. Each cut develops a rich, nutty taste that regular steaks simply cannot match. The bone-in filet mignon practically melts on your tongue.

Prime dinner hours bring waits that test even the most patient steak lovers. Arriving before six or after nine improves your chances, but weekends remain a wild card no matter when you show up.

3. RPM Steak

Celebrity sightings happen more often than medium-rare mistakes at this Giuliana and Bill Rancic–partnered hotspot. The sleek, modern design attracts a fashionable crowd that appreciates both style and substance on their plates.

Beyond the typical steakhouse fare, RPM surprises with creative sides and seafood options that rival the beef. Their king crab cocktail and lobster mac and cheese steal the show as perfect partners to any steak. The Japanese A5 wagyu is worth every penny if you’re feeling fancy.

Booking a table requires planning weeks ahead for weekend dinners. The bar area accepts walk-ins, but expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and a soundtrack of clinking cocktail glasses.

4. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf

Candlelight flickers across dark wood and leather banquettes, creating an atmosphere that screams romance and old-school charm. This French-inspired steakhouse nails the vintage vibe without feeling stuffy or pretentious.

The menu reads like a greatest hits album of beef and bourbon. Signature dishes include a bone-in filet that’s butter-tender and steak frites that transport you straight to Paris. Their cocktail program deserves equal applause, mixing classics with creative twists that complement the rich food perfectly.

5. Maple & Ash

Forget everything you know about traditional steakhouses because Maple & Ash rewrites the rules with theatrical flair. Servers deliver dishes with showmanship that matches the bold flavors, making dinner feel like an event rather than just a meal.

The menu pushes boundaries with unexpected preparations like dry-aged duck and bold Asian influences. Even classic steaks get creative treatment with unique rubs and sauces that elevate each bite.

Weekend waits regularly hit the two-hour mark despite the restaurant’s spacious layout. The energetic atmosphere and flowing cocktails help pass the time, though patience definitely pays off here.

6. Swift & Sons

Step back to the golden age of Chicago in this stunning Art Deco space that once housed a meatpacking headquarters. The building’s history runs deep, and the design honors that past with brass fixtures and vintage elegance throughout.

Prime cuts dominate the menu, but the burger at lunch has developed its own cult following. Dry-aged beef gets star treatment here, with expert preparation that highlights natural flavors. The porterhouse for two makes an impressive statement when it arrives at your table sizzling hot.

Securing a prime-time reservation requires booking well in advance or trying your luck as a walk-in. Weekend evenings bring the longest waits, often exceeding ninety minutes for parties without reservations.

7. Prime & Provisions

Classic American steakhouse traditions get the royal treatment at this Fulton Market gem. Everything from the white tablecloths to the perfectly charred exteriors on each steak speaks to time-honored cooking methods done right.

The beef program focuses on USDA Prime and American wagyu, sourced from top ranches across the country. Sides like duck fat potatoes and roasted bone marrow elevate the experience beyond basic meat and potatoes. Their raw bar offerings provide a refreshing contrast to the rich beef dishes.

Peak dining hours see waits climbing past two hours for walk-ins hoping to snag a table. Making reservations at least a week out gives you the best shot at avoiding the lengthy queue.

8. Asador Bastian

This Basque-inspired concept brings the northern Spanish “asador” tradition of wood-fire grilling to Chicago with authentic techniques and impressive showmanship.

The cooking method makes all the difference, imparting smoky depth that gas grills simply cannot replicate. Skirt steak and short ribs shine here, served family-style with chimichurri that packs serious garlic punch. Empanadas and grilled vegetables round out the South American feast spread across your table.

Limited seating means competition for tables runs fierce, especially during weekend dinner service. Waits frequently exceed ninety minutes, but watching the fire-roasting process provides entertainment while you wait your turn.

9. Gene & Georgetti

Since 1941, this family-run institution has served politicians, celebrities, and regular folks who appreciate no-nonsense quality. The checkered tablecloths and vintage photos create an atmosphere that refuses to chase trendy decor fads.

Garbage salad—despite its unfortunate name—remains a menu legend, piled high with meats, cheeses, and vegetables in Italian dressing. The steaks arrive simply prepared, letting quality beef speak for itself without fancy sauces or garnishes. Cottage fries on the side are mandatory for the full authentic experience.

This Chicago landmark stays packed regardless of the day or time you visit. Reservations are required and include a 15-minute grace period with a cancellation fee policy. Delays are common even for those who planned ahead and called weeks early.

10. Gibsons Italia

Gibsons took their legendary steakhouse formula and gave it an Italian twist that works beautifully. The result blends two beloved cuisines into one menu that satisfies both pasta cravings and steak appetites with equal skill.

Tuscan-style preparations meet Chicago-sized portions in dishes that honor both traditions. The bistecca fiorentina, a massive porterhouse rubbed with Italian herbs, exemplifies this fusion perfectly. Homemade pastas and risottos provide lighter options, though most diners cannot resist ordering at least one premium cut of beef.

The popularity of the original Gibsons carries over here, creating similar wait times and crowds. Weeknight dinners offer slightly better odds, but weekend reservations vanish almost immediately when they become available online.

11. Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Stone crab claws flown in from Florida share menu space with Midwestern beef in this surf-and-turf paradise. The combination might seem unusual, but it works spectacularly well for diners who cannot choose between land and sea.

Prime steaks get dry-aged for tenderness while the seafood tower impresses with its towering height and fresh catches. The hash browns—shredded and crispy—have earned cult status among regulars who order them every single visit. Key lime pie provides the perfect tangy finish to a rich meal.

Chicago’s downtown location stays busy from lunch through late dinner, with peak times bringing waits approaching two hours. Reservations disappear quickly, making spontaneous visits a gamble that rarely pays off during prime dining hours.