5 Illinois Steakhouses Tourists Love To Visit & 5 That Locals Say Are The Real Stars
In Illinois, steak is more than dinner — it’s a tradition woven into the state’s identity. From glitzy downtown temples where tourists snap selfies with their porterhouse to tucked-away suburban gems where regulars know the servers by name, the Prairie State sizzles with options for every kind of carnivore.
After years of exploring Chicago’s flashy hot spots and the locals-only hideouts scattered across the state, I’ve noticed one undeniable truth: not all steakhouses are created equal. Some spots have the celebrity buzz, the Instagram lighting, and the price tags to match — perfect for a night of spectacle.
Others keep things simple: perfectly seared cuts, family recipes, and a loyal following that would rather keep their favorite table a secret. Here are ten steakhouses that show both sides of Illinois’ beef-loving soul — five that tourists can’t resist, and five that locals claim as their true stars.
1. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse: Chicago’s Celebrity Steak Scene
Last summer, I spotted three Hollywood actors at Gibsons while savoring the most magnificent bone-in ribeye of my life. This Gold Coast institution has been Chicago’s see-and-be-seen steakhouse since 1989, with walls adorned by celebrity photos that tell the story of its illustrious clientele. The USDA Gibsons Prime Angus beef is exclusively sourced and aged to perfection, creating steaks with a distinctive flavor profile you simply can’t find elsewhere.
Their massive portions have become legendary – I still chuckle remembering my first visit when my eyes bulged at the 32-ounce porterhouse arriving at our table. The white-jacketed servers add to the classic steakhouse atmosphere, moving through the bustling dining room with practiced precision while reciting the evening’s specials with theatrical flair.
2. The Capital Grille: Corporate Card Heaven In Downtown Chicago
“Your table is ready, Mr. Johnson,” the host announced, making me feel like royalty despite being a first-time visitor. The Capital Grille exemplifies upscale dining with its mahogany paneling, art deco chandeliers, and oil paintings creating an atmosphere that screams ‘expense account approved.’ My dry-aged porterhouse arrived with a perfect sear that still haunts my dreams.
While tourists flock here for business dinners and special occasions, the real magic happens at the bar where veteran bartenders craft the stiffest manhattans in the city while sharing insider Chicago stories. Their signature sides deserve special mention – particularly the lobster mac and cheese that caused an actual argument at our table over the last bite. Come early for their happy hour if you want the experience without the eye-watering final bill.
3. Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse: Where Sports Legends Meet Prime Beef
“Holy cow!” I couldn’t help but exclaim, channeling the legendary broadcaster himself when I first walked into Harry Caray’s. Baseball memorabilia covers nearly every inch of wall space in this River North institution named after the beloved Chicago Cubs announcer. Tourists wielding selfie sticks queue up to photograph the extensive collection of sports artifacts while waiting for tables.
The menu blends traditional steakhouse fare with Italian influences – their Vesuvio-style bone-in ribeye with roasted potatoes, peas, and garlic sauce converted this steakhouse purist into a fusion believer. The restaurant buzzes with energy during Cubs games, when the bar area transforms into a sea of blue jerseys and the signature Harry Caray glasses hanging above the bar seem to watch over the festivities. Their house-made giardiniera adds a distinctly Chicago kick to any dish.
4. RPM Steak: Modern Glamour For The Instagram Generation
Stepping into RPM Steak feels like walking onto a movie set – all gleaming surfaces, dramatic lighting, and beautiful people. My sister nearly dropped her phone trying to capture the perfect shot of her 14K gold-flecked Wagyu steak for her social media followers. Created by celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic, this River North hotspot draws influencers, tourists, and hopeful celebrity-spotters. The menu offers modern interpretations of steakhouse classics alongside innovative dishes like coal-roasted king crab and truffle beignets that had me making embarrassingly pleased noises with each bite. Their steak selection spans from affordable cuts to budget-busting Japanese A5 Wagyu that melts like butter on your tongue.
5. Steak 48: Arizona Import Taking Chicago By Storm
My reservation anxiety at Steak 48 was justified – even on a Tuesday night, the place hummed with energy and every table was filled. This relative newcomer to Chicago’s steakhouse scene has quickly become a tourist magnet with its theatrical open kitchen and glass-enclosed meat aging room. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase Chicago’s bustling streetscape while diners feast on wet-aged steaks cooked in a 1,800-degree broiler.
The Caesar salad prepared tableside created such a spectacle that strangers from three tables away came over to photograph the process. Their seafood program rivals the steaks – I still dream about the chilled shellfish tower that arrived billowing with dry ice smoke. The cocktail program deserves special mention for creative concoctions like their smoked Old Fashioned that arrives under a glass dome filled with applewood smoke.
6. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf: The Speakeasy Steakhouse Locals Guard Jealously
“Please don’t write about this place,” my Chicago friend half-jokingly pleaded as we descended into Bavette’s dimly lit, jazz-filled dining room. Locals consider this River North gem their secret, despite numerous accolades and perpetually booked reservation slots. Unlike traditional steakhouses with bright lighting and white tablecloths, Bavette’s embraces a speakeasy aesthetic with vintage chandeliers casting a golden glow over leather booths.
Their bone-in ribeye arrives with no pretense – just perfect seasoning and an optional roasted bone marrow that transforms the already stellar steak into something transcendent. The cocktail program rivals any dedicated cocktail bar in the city. My Old Fashioned was mixed tableside with theatrical flair and scientific precision. The hidden downstairs lounge allows walk-ins to dine while enjoying the full menu – a secret weapon for last-minute steak cravings that savvy locals utilize religiously.
7. Gene & Georgetti: Chicago’s Original Steakhouse Since 1941
The worn wooden bar at Gene & Georgetti has supported the elbows of mayors, mobsters, and everyday Chicagoans for over 80 years. “Take the broiled strip steak, medium rare,” advised Tony, my waiter who’s worked there for three decades, when I made the rookie mistake of opening the menu. This River North institution represents old-school Chicago at its finest – no frills, no trends, just perfect steaks cooked under a salamander broiler and served by tuxedoed waiters who’ve seen it all.
The dining room’s wood-paneled walls are adorned with faded photos of celebrity diners from Frank Sinatra to Lucille Ball. Locals know to order Italian specialties alongside their steaks – the chicken Vesuvio and garbage salad (loaded with salami, cheese, and olives) represent Chicago’s unique Italian-American heritage. The tiramisu recipe hasn’t changed since 1970, and thank goodness for that.
8. Butcher And The Bear: Chef-Driven Steak Experience In Logan Square
The first time I visited Butcher and the Bear, I walked past it twice – the unmarked door and nondescript exterior hide one of Chicago’s most exciting steakhouses. Locals jealously guard this Logan Square gem where tattooed chefs butcher whole animals in-house and cook cuts you’ll never find at chain steakhouses. The constantly rotating menu features creative preparations like dry-aged beef tartare with fermented hot sauce and beef fat brioche that had me scraping the plate embarrassingly clean.
Their commitment to whole-animal butchery means unusual cuts like bavette and coulotte appear alongside familiar ribeyes and strips. The drink list focuses on small producers and natural drinks that perfectly complement the robust flavors. Don’t miss their house-made charcuterie board featuring everything from classic sopressata to experimental items like beef heart pastrami that will forever change how you think about preserved meats.
9. Beelow’s Steakhouse: Suburban Farm-To-Table Pioneer In Lake Zurich
“Those cattle you passed on your way here? That’s your dinner,” joked my server at Beelow’s, though there’s truth behind the humor. This family-owned Lake Zurich gem raises its own Black Angus cattle just miles from the restaurant – a farm-to-table concept that predates the trendy term by generations. The Beelow family has farmed in Lake County since the 1920s, and their steakhouse showcases their heritage with black-and-white photos of ancestors alongside modern farming practices.
Their signature bone-in cowboy ribeye undergoes a proprietary aging process that concentrates flavor while maintaining remarkable tenderness. Locals pack the place on weeknights while city dwellers make the 40-mile journey from Chicago for special occasions. The homemade steak sauce contains 15 secret ingredients and ages for weeks – I’ve unsuccessfully tried to recreate it numerous times in my kitchen.
10. Penumbra: The Underground Steak Speakeasy Changing Chicago’s Meat Scene
Finding Penumbra required following cryptic instructions that led me down an alley, through a fake freezer door, and into Chicago’s most exciting steakhouse revolution. This South Loop speakeasy-style spot only seats 24 diners per night for a beef-focused tasting menu that changes weekly based on the whole animals they source from small Illinois farms. Chef Maya Williams’ unconventional approach includes dry-aging techniques borrowed from Japan and Korea, resulting in steaks with flavor profiles I’ve never experienced elsewhere.
The 180-day aged ribeye cap served with fermented mushrooms and beef garum sauce created a flavor explosion that left me speechless for a good minute. Reservations open monthly and disappear within minutes. Locals set calendar reminders and compete fiercely for seats at the chef’s counter, where you can watch the kitchen team apply blowtorches, smoke guns, and other modernist techniques to elevate steak to an art form.