520 N. Dearborn St., Near North
This upcoming River North outpost of the glitzy Mastro's chain, which has locations in Arizona, California and Nevada, offers a meaty menu of bone-in filets and New York strips paired with sides such as lobster mashed potatoes and fresh-cut fries. You'll also be able to indulge in an ever-changing lineup of seafood options, including swordfish, salmon and a chilled seafood tower, a customizable mix that might include shrimp, oysters and other oceanic options. The menu also offers several signature desserts, including Mastro's butter cake, cheesecake and pecan pie. And of course, no steakhouse is complete without an extensive wine list. This one will feature upward of 500 bottles. The prime downtown space, which formerly housed Blue Water Grill, stretches out over 20,000 square feet and seats more than 300. READ MORE
695 Deerfield Road, Deerfield
Cafe Lucci owners and brothers Bobby and Augie Arifi team up at this North Shore farm-to-restaurant table. Currently open for dinner, patrons are able to find raw oysters, salmon pastrami, foie gras, scallops and other creatures of the sea on the starters menu, as well as salads, burgers, steak, veal and pastas available as entrees. Enjoy a signature cocktail like the Deerfield Dirty Martini with pickle brine, garnished with bleu cheese stuffed olives or the Bees Knees, with gin, agave nectar and lemon juice. There is also an extensive beer menu, with local craft beers like Goose Island and Lagunitas as well as imported beers like Peroni and Stella. READ MORE
1751 Freedom Dr., Naperville
This is the newest suburban outpost of the globetrotting Chicago-based steak chain; the original is in the Gold Coast. Expect a familiar menu of steaks and seafood, with signature selections like the double-cut filet mignon and the 48-ounce porterhouse for two. The dining room here is flanked on one side by an open kitchen and private dining rooms on the other. During warm weather, a small patio area offers "Mortini" cocktails and a reasonably priced bar menu of mini-burgers and oysters on the half shell. READ MORE
1448 N. Wells St., Old Town
This Old Town bar and eatery is known for its barbecue baby back ribs, jumbo glasses of vodka-spiked lemonade, and of course, its cozy fireplace-warmed setting. A lineup of specialty burgers includes one piled high with housemade barbecue sauce, pulled pork and bacon. To wash it down, there's a handful of Goose Island brews on draft, plus the beforementioned vodka-lemonade in 16-, 32- and 44-ounce sizes. Though Fireplace is a bar first and foremost, it also gathers a dinner crowd for steaks and seafood. READ MORE
3313 N. Clark St., Lake View
The couple behind Deleece, Lynne Wallack and her husband John Handler, are also behind this spinoff. The grill pub menu is more meat-focused than Deleece's, with steaks and chops in the spotlight. You'll also find burgers, hearty sandwiches and substantial salads. At the bar, look for American craft brews (plus a handful of select imports) and whiskey. Come Sunday brunch, the grill pub doesn't mess with a good thing. The menu is nearly identical to the popular lineup at sibling Deleece. Sun worshippers, take note: In warmer weather, the back patio is among the best hideaways in this part of town. READ MORE
2835 N. Broadway , Lake View
This Lakeview fine dining spot (aiming to open in March 2012) is named for its massive raised fireplace, which can be seen from the street and from every seat in the warm, homey dining room. Red brick walls and white tablecloths serve as the backdrop for American bistro fare with holiday, global and seasonal influences. On the menu, expect to find surf and turf combos, steaks, chicken, pork, ribs and fish, with starches and vegetables on the side, of course. READ MORE
539 N. Dearborn St., Near North
Waiters at this Brazilian-style steakhouse carve a multitude of meats tableside, and there's an all-you-can-eat salad bar featuring more than 30 items. There are about 16 meats from which to choose, with some specialties you won't find at other Brazilian eateries. The contemporary decor features South American accents, including plasma screens in the bar area showing Brazilian entertainment. The bar offers caipirinhas and mojitos, plus a signature tropical cocktail and martini list. READ MORE
70 Yorktown Center, Lombard
Located in the Westin at Yorktown Center, this is the third outpost of the famed Harry Caray's. Prime steaks and Italian entrees such as chicken Vesuvio are the name of the game here. The decor echoes the downtown flagship, with dark woods, baseball memorabilia everywhere you look and a sizable bar room decked out with flatscreens. Don't care to watch the big game? Escape to the outdoor patio, which overlooks a pond and fountain. READ MORE
2942 N. Lincoln Ave., Lake View
Thanks to a lively atmosphere and word-of-mouth recommendation, this authentic Colombian steakhouse is a neighborhood favorite. The bulk of the menu is meat, including beefy choices such as NY strip, ribeye and skirt steak. "People like this because they find a different flavor, different foods, different ambiance," says owner Jorge Suarez. "When they get inside they feel like they're in another country." In March 2007, the restaurant moved a few doors down to a bigger space and added a liquor license; try a mojito or a glass of sangria. READ MORE
1983 N. Clybourn Ave., Lincoln Park
This Lincoln Park bar has one of the best lounging patios in the city. During warmer months, the tree-canopied space draws many crowds for dinner and drinks so scoring a seat can be tough. When temps drop, patrons warm up inside, taking seats in the overstuffed chairs and sofas arranged around a fireplace, or at the tables in the front of the bar. A dinner menu features upscale small plates like crab cakes and arugula salad with tomatoes and mozzarella, plus traditional pasta dishes and burgers. READ MORE
350 N. State St., Near North
What's in the name? A classic American dining club with a spirit of longevity, steadiness and timelessness, says proprietor and lifelong Chicagoan Keene Addington (founder and former CEO of Flat Top Grill). On the dinner menu you'll find familiar club fare using local ingredients such as pheasant pie, steak tartar and dover sole, along with a selection of wines and Prohibition era-inspired cocktails. For lunch, expect to see business and community leaders meeting for power lunches in a refined and conversation-friendly atmosphere. Addington envisions the club as an iconic Chicago mainstay, a sentiment reflected in the original artwork and artifacts (including mahogany from the old Pump Room). A jazz trio (including a 1918 Steinway piano) croons nightly playing tunes from a bygone era. READ MORE
1 S. Wacker Drive, The Loop
Despite its move from its old location in 2005, Lloyd's new dining room still features a strong Frank Lloyd Wright influence. Rich wood, stained glass and comfortable seating prevail. Located in the city's bustling Financial District and conveniently adjacent to the Theater District, Lloyd's menu is eclectic American food with an Asian flair, emphasizing seafood, such as crab cakes, but also offers pastas, stir fry, steaks and chops--many of which are cooked over a charcoal grill. It's still a favorite for the pre-opera crowd, but the menu after 3 p.m. is mainly just a lighter bar menu. READ MORE
3763 N. Southport Ave., Lake View
This Lakeview BYOB restaurant is a meat lover's dream, grilling large cuts of Argentinian beef topped with chimichurri. Appetizers and entrees include deep-fried empanadas stuffed with beef, chicken or ham and cheese; matambre (rolled veal cooked with vegetables); and milanesa a caballo (fried breaded beef topped with two eggs). READ MORE
1700 W. Division St., Wicker Park
This Wicker Park spot occupies the space vacated by Edge sports bar. Described by its owner as "low country-inspired," Carriage House offers Cajun- and Creole-inspired flavors not often to be found this far north of the Mason-Dixon line. The menu offers small plates - all less than $20 - as well as two larger plates meant for the table, such as a whole fish or a big cut of meat.READ MORE
