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    Maple & Ash

    4.2 (2.5k reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:30 PM
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    MAPLE & ASH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Classy
    Upscale
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    Recommended Reviews - Maple & Ash

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    Pornstar
    Dianna S.

    We loved this restaurant! The food and service were outstanding. A welcome drink and special take away menu for our birthdays. Highly recommend!

    Dawn W.

    I was super excited to check out the Chicago location since I live around the corner from the Miami one. The service was warm and welcoming. The food was delicious. The brunch buffet was great! I enjoyed everything. I especially loved the carving station. The filet melted in my mouth. The grits were also soooo good! Also added on some lobster for a little razzle dazzle. The ambiance and rustic decor was beautiful! I will definitely be making a reservation for my return!

    Lemon drop
    Brandi F.

    From the moment you walk through the front door, this restaurant sets the tone--sexy, upscale, and completely intoxicating. Upon arrival, we were escorted to the third floor, where the attention to detail and service truly stood out. Our server, John, made the experience exceptional by starting us off with complimentary cocktails and a light appetizer--both perfectly crafted and delicious. We ordered the fire-roasted oysters, which were simply divine, along with a crisp and flavorful wedge salad. For the main course, the filet was cooked to perfection--tender, juicy, and full of flavor--paired beautifully with rich, savory potato scallops. To top it all off, we were treated to a complimentary dessert: a decadent chocolate cake served with smooth vanilla ice cream. Every detail, from the ambiance to the service and the food, was flawless. This is easily a 5-star experience, and I will absolutely be returning!

    Rolls
    Kristen A.

    I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this spot (except I'm pretty sure the AC was broken because it was HOT) but the food and service was outstanding. One of the better steakhouses I've been to.

    Asparagus
    Jennifer M.

    This used to be the spot for dates, anniversaries, celebrations, etc. The food seems to have changed and quality is not the same. The cocktails used to be the best in the city but they have changed the menu.

    Gerald H.

    Saturday night dinner reservation here. One of the trendy restaurants that specialized in steak and American style fare. Made a reservation for 9:30 and got here right at that time. Upon checkin to the hostess stand inside the door - you're sent thru the bar area to an elevator and up to the 3rd floor, where you enter the restaurant. We checked in there and were told the table was being prepared. The issue here is the hostesses are told to tell people to hang out at the bar and they'll come and get you when your table is ready. Issue with this is: you can't hear yourself think and there was an insane log jam there. So we retreated and sat out at the foyer. We were taken to our table in about 15min. Still very loud - and I'm not sensitive to loud ambience but it was heavy. Darkly lit place with no ceiling lights just candelabras on the tables. Kind of cool - very loud. We started with the Caesar salad which was partly charred and served with a soft boiled egg. It was good enough but the charring was a little over the top. For an entree I ordered the special Japanese's wagyu 6oz. I also added the brussel sprouts and we shared the au gratin potatoes. The steak was perfect really - tender, evaporated upon taste, and executed perfectly. The sides were ok - potatoes were the better of the two we got - as the brussel sprouts were just brussel sprout leaves no sprout themselves. Very hard to eat this way. For dessert I ordered the coconut cream pie which was a massive wedge. Tasted very good and I polished it. Our waitress - English? Took care of us, but was handling other tables as well so other staff also stepped in to fill drinks and make sure our experience continued at a timely rate. Overall, I would recommend here as a nice different speed than the usual steakhouse.

    This is steak au poive before sauce was poured.
    Douglas B.

    World class steakhouse. Many choice in Chicago but this is up there with the best. Strong attentions to details. Strong staff at all levels. 5th time dining here.

    Mac and cheese, and brocollini.
    Kawone H.

    Maple & Ash has been one of my go-to restaurants since they first opened. While certain things never disappoint, some aspects simply are not as good as they used to be. The service and ambiance remain top tier. The staff is attentive, polished, and consistently helpful. While I appreciate the restaurant's attire policy, it does seem selectively enforced, considering the number of guests wearing sneakers and t-shirts. It gives the impression that enforcement is somewhat at-will. The welcome treats at the start of the meal are always a nice touch. Our server, Brad, was excellent...attentive, knowledgeable, and thorough in explaining the current offerings. And those meatballs...still incredible. Absolutely one of the standout items on the menu. Shrimp Scampi...yes and yes! The mushrooms were fine, but nothing particularly memorable. The sautéed greens were refreshing and something I would gladly order again. One surprise of the evening was the Steak Frites. Even though I did not order it myself, it was honestly the best steak entree at the table. Unfortunately, my Steak au Poivre (ribeye medallion) was the biggest disappointment of the night. The Steak au Poivre, served with peppercorn seasoning and a green peppercorn sauce, arrived split down the middle and lacked flavor almost entirely. To its credit, it was cooked perfectly. But for the price point, flavor matters most, and this dish simply did not deliver. As someone who loves a good ribeye, I would not order this entree again. The beverages were enjoyed by everyone at the table, and after a long week, that macchiato definitely hit the spot. If you love espresso, this is an excellent choice. And last, the chocolate is a nice treat share. Everyone can enjoy a taste, if you love chocolate. Overall, Maple & Ash still delivered a great birthday dinner experience. I came, I ate, I paid...but I definitely will not be ordering that Steak au Poivre again.

    Imani P.

    A Gold Coast local staple. I come here all the time from happy hour to your weekend celebratory dinner with friends or with your partner. These pictures are from my birthday, where we enjoyed some surf and turf, caviar, Wagyu, steak, and some beautiful Cabernet. Love coming here, just for a drink for a nightcap as well. Service is always professional.

    Yining D.

    What an amazing experience. This is the epitome of what a Chicago steakhouse should be. I will compare all future experiences and restaurants to this one. Amazing service, great pacing for the food, and delicious entrees. My husband and I came here to celebrate his birthday, and Sarah took great care of us. We loved the personal touch with the printed menu. We decided to go all out and do the tasting menu, and we were so glad we did. They said they'd take care of us and they didn't disappoint. Standouts were the halibut, the seafood tower, the New York strip with bone marrow, the ice cream sundae, the coconut pie, and the wedge salad. I love that the menu was seasonal as well, the hamachi sashimi came with strawberries in a strawberry chili sauce that was tangy and flavorful. Every course left an impression on us. We thought the Brussel sprouts were a little bitter, and Sarah immediately asked if we'd like a substitute with asparagus or dessert. We chose the dessert and were surprised at the level of care from the staff here. Highly recommend coming here for a special occasion. They'll make you feel so welcome and taken care of. The food is definitely on the pricier end but it's totally worth every dollar. Two people doing the tasting menu with 1 cocktail cost around $550 pre tip. Employee benefits and tax are included as added costs to the bill. All the employees act as a well oiled machine, working in-sync to set clean utensils, clear the table, and set up the next entree. Bathrooms were upstairs and were spacious and clean. The restaurant itself has a dark ambience lit just by candles at the table. The music in the background is a little loud and distracting. It's got a fun, young vibe. If they had a piano in the background playing jazz music, that might fit the ambiance more. It was a little hard to hear my husband above the music.

    Marcel (I could be wrong on the spelling) was our waiter !(ask for him) !came from out of town (Detroit). He was above and beyond with the service we came a group of waitresses. It's hard to get good service. We appreciate it so much. Everything was honestly a 10 out of 10. I ate beef carpaccio with crab. I don't even like seafood. I would order it again also Ate raw fish , mind you I don't eat seafood at all, and everything was amazing. complementary drinks and appetizers. The best restaurant I've been in years service and food wise. also such a beautiful setting

    sooner than later / fake accents
    Jessica H.

    i've been here three times now and each visit surpasses the last. i am constantly blown away by the level of service, the quality of the food, and the attention to detail in every single dish. i'd be hard pressed to name my favorite bite, and each time the menu has been a little different, but you can't miss with anything steak or seafood. each time i've let the servers help guide my choices and i have not once been disappointed, even in dishes that wouldn't necessarily have been my first choice. pricey? definitely. worth it? without a doubt. 10 out of 10, no notes.

    Hamachi Crudo
    Christina L.

    I am thoroughly surprised with my experience at Maple & Ash! The energy from our server and staff was outstanding! We were welcomed with a 'welcome drink' and a sign for it being our first time. We decided to order the "I Dont Give a F*@K" from the menu, and the bourbon tasting. It's a chef's choice option on the menu. The menu included an oyster shooter, caesar salad, seafood tower (clams, king crab, oyster), ribeye with accompaniments, and ice cream sundae with toppings tower.

    Fire-Roasted Seafood Tower w/ pasta

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    Love these photos! So happy to hear it, Myia!

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    Too expensive for small size fish. Just a hangout local be seen place. ----------------------------

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    Thank you so much, Hayley! We agree - the seafood tower is a must :)

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    Page 11 of 64

    Maple & Ash Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Maple & Ash

    Do they give free cake for your birthday?

    Nope! Be prepared to pay $18-20 for a dessert.

    Does anyone at the table need to do the IDGAF brunch or can some people at the table order it and others order a la carte?

    Everyone at the table needs to order it. Just like any fine dining establishment, the special menu must be ordered by everyone.

    How is the noise level in this restaurant? baby-friendly?

    It's definitely not baby friendly. Like others have mentioned it's a loud dining experience because of the little lounge they have in the front of the place plus just the den of people talking and having a good time. They do not have a kids menu and… 

    Is the patio heated? Need a last minute reservation for Friday!

    Was just there on Sunday but didn't see anything that looked like heaters. But people were eating outside

    Are ripped jeans but a nice dressy shirt acceptable for men?

    No ripped jeans is right in the published dress code.

    How do I get "Happy F*@king birthday custom menu at Maple & Ash?

    You request it when you make your reservation!

    Does the IDGAF menu include alcohol with the meal kr are drinks extra?

    I received a small welcome-in drink when we arrived at the table and a shot of vodka and caviar as part of the meal. 2 small alcoholic drinks.

    Do you have valet? If so, how much? Also. On open table, it doesn't require a deposit to reserve but on the other website it does, what's the difference?

    Hi! Yes, they have valet. I'm not sure how much. We made our reservation on Open Table and at the end of the process we did have to pay a deposit. Hope this helps!

    Do you all have brunch? What times?

    Hello! Yes, our main dining room has brunch every sunday from 11am-2pm!

    If I cancel before the 48-hour cutoff, will the $100 per person deposit be refunded?

    IDK.

    Hello, I received a reply back to my review to message the business to continue the conversation, but there doesn't seem to be a contact option on the Yelp listing. Is there an email address I can use to contact you?

    Hi Veasna - please email info@mapleandash.com. Thank you!

    My deposit was not applied on my final bill. Who can I speak with to get this refunded?

    Hello! I am sorry to hear that! Please email info@mapleandash.com Thank you!

    Are the Pro and Baller seafood towers priced per person, or are the prices listed on the menu for the whole tower?

    Per tower I believe.

    Is the seafood tower worth it for just one person?

    Depends on your definition of worth it. I personally think so.

    Is there a possibility for a walk in for a party of one?

    Bar seating is usually available if they can't get you a table!

    Does everyone in the party of 4 have to order the don't give a fu@k? Or can 1 person order it for themselves?

    Hello! The whole table with have to participate in the IDGAF menu.

    Can you try the tasting menu while sitting at the bar rather than the dining room?

    I do not see why they would not accommodate you.

    Does the reservation fee go towards the bill?

    Yes but they also have health insurance fee on the bill as well.

    With the change on COVID restrictions in ChicGo, is proof of vaccination still required?

    I was there a few weeks ago and did not need to show any proof. Just wearing masks when you're not at your table.

    Is there a specific Dress code?

    Not really. Guest normally dress business casual. But I have seen those who were dressed in jeans. But because you're such a nice place, I would suggest that you dress business casual.

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    Butcher & The Bear

    Butcher & The Bear

    4.4
    (183 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$$$

    Yes, this place hits all the marks very well: service is astounding, food was amazing, ambiance was…read morereally fun (i.e., dark, romantic, lounge-like). I took my wife here for her birthday. She absolutely fell in love with the place and said she was having a great birthday. She wasn't planting seeds, I swear, but our server, ever the professional, said he'd take care of us. And he did, punctuating our dinner with a wonderful dessert with a birthday candle. Speaking of candles, the focaccia appetizer came out with a lit candle that melts a tasty, buttery dipping sauce. I had work done at the dentist earlier, so I had a hard time eating. Every bite was painful, but I heated up our leftovers and fell in love with my rigatoni with vodka sauce all over again. Yum. The only drawback is the prices. We're not rich, but we love a great experience. We understand that an experience like that comes with a price, so we'll be back as much as we can.

    First off, what you're getting for your money just doesn't gel…read more I dont mind paying an exuberant amount for food if the food matches the price but sadly it doesn't here.... The good: Salad was amazing with bits of nicely cooked pork belly mixed in and the salad dressing is to die for Focaccia bread was very good but nothing special but the bone tarrow butter was fantastic and carried this bread. Brussel sprouts were flavorful but greasy and overcooked... Beef cheek ragu noodle dish was heavy yet tasty.. Rib eye steak done medium rare was fatty and very very chewy so this was a complete fail, but seasoned very well...extra 10 bucks for some dipping sauce for the steak but worth getting to elevate the steak...Definitely don't do any steak under medium here... Lemon sorbet was the true winner of the night...Delicious without being too tart..... Overall like I said, not worth the $250 price tag before tip...._

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    Butcher & The Bear
    Mac n Cheese
    Mac n Cheese
    Beef tartare with smoked egg yolk and potatoes

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    Beef tartare with smoked egg yolk and potatoes
    Penumbra

    Penumbra

    4.8
    (1k reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$$

    I had the pleasure to dine at Penumbra on a Thursday evening. We were celebrating a graduation and…read morethe staff were very welcoming when we arrived. I was visiting from out of town and was not familiar with the parking around the area. I asked one of the staff members and immediately they reassured me that the side street would raking was totally fine to park just so long as it wasn't the front of the building where you have to pay. The food started with a complementary potato soup which was flavorful and lovely. We got a round of drinks and one of our party didn't care for her drink and it was replaced no question. We had the flat iron steak, the chicken, and the salmon and each entree was wonderful. The proteins were all very tender and juicy. I was also very pleased with the salad that came first which was lightly dressed and very seasonal. We finished our dining experience with a slice of cheesecake. It was a nice cap to the end of a wonderful meal. I would recommend this restaurant for any occasion - I would love to come back and try some of the other items on their menu.

    **Hidden gem!!!**…read more Penumbra is SUPER sexy and low-key elite. This is one of those spots that will make you look like a total restaurant pro if you take someone there or recommend it. The ambiance is intimate, romantic, and just feels exclusive without trying too hard. I took my girl there for her birthday and she absolutely loved it -- which is always the real test. We had the ribeye and the Rotini Bianco, and both were excellent. The ribeye was cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful. The Rotini Bianco was rich, creamy, and done just right. Every dish felt intentional and well executed. Don't hesitate to book. If you're trying to impress or celebrate something special, this is the move.

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    Penumbra
    Penumbra
    Quesadilla

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    Quesadilla
    Perilla korean steakhouse

    Perilla korean steakhouse

    4.1
    (216 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$$
    Locally owned & operated
    Takes reservations

    We had no intention of eating here, it just happened by accident because we found two seats at the…read morebar and wanted a drink. Perilla is a tastefully decorated restaurant, both loungey and rich, but still makes you feel like the joint is all for you. You know, 5 star service is such a lost art, it makes you forget how much you miss it when all of a sudden it happens to be right in front of you. Ricardo, our bartender, what a gem. Forget about the perfectly made drinks that were served to us. Ricardo made us feel right at home with his kind disposition and friendly demeanor. But it doesn't just stop at Ricardo. Everyone was absolutely fantastic. We could have been served 7-11 sushi at this point and I still would have left 5 stars. Food time. The kimchi pork dumplings were an absolute flavor bomb and that parmesan broth gave the dumplings a little extra kick that took it to the next level. Plus, I love when the dumpling wrapper has a little chew to it and isn't this soft mush that dissolves in your mouth. The beef fat frites were a nice treat as well. They were not extra or over the top in anyway. But you can tell when something is done well and correctly, just like these fries were. The Premium Steakhouse Set, in my opinion, is all two people need to enjoy this very special experience. All the accompanying condiments were exceptional on their own and could have functioned as their own course. The Japchae glass noodles were a stunner. The real sleeper was the chopped lettuce greens tossed in their chili vinaigrette. Could have eaten 20 bowls of those lettuce greens. Sadly, I forgot the name of our server who cooked and cut our meat for us. She really added to the experience. She expertly prepared our food while maintaining a fun and pleasant conversation with us. The meat itself, my goodness, tender, smoky, quality-forward, and perfect served with the condiments. What a spectacular meal and overall experience.

    I stopped by Perilla for a quick appetizer and a drink. It had been a long day, and I just wanted…read moresomething satisfying before heading home. I had just left the hotel across the street and wasn't exactly sure what I was in the mood for. I've walked past this place plenty of times but had never gone inside. Today felt like the right opportunity. I wasn't looking for a full meal, just a couple of small plates and a chance to unwind. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed. Even though I arrived about an hour before closing on a Saturday night, it was still busy, which is usually a good sign. The hostess greeted me right away and told me the wait would only be a few minutes. My server was excellent and made me feel welcome from the moment I sat down. I ordered the Brussels sprouts, the Korean fried chicken, and another appetizer that is admittedly difficult to describe, but it was delicious. Overall, the food was very good. The Brussels sprouts and the other appetizer were the standouts of the meal. The only dish that didn't quite measure up for me was the Korean fried chicken. It wasn't bad by any means, but it didn't have the same wow factor as the rest of the meal. That's really the reason for my three-star rating. Had I skipped the chicken, this easily would have been a four-star experience. The atmosphere, service, and most of the food were excellent. I just expected a little more from what should have been one of the restaurant's signature dishes.

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    Custom built-in table side grilling
    Custom built-in table side grilling
    Whipped Bone Marrow Set
    Whipped Bone Marrow Set
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    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

    Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

    4.4
    (3.3k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$$$

    Joe's Seafood in Chicago has an unusual amount of personal history for me. It opened as a…read morepartnership between Miami Beach's iconic Joe's Stone Crab and Lettuce Entertain You, bringing South Florida to Grand and Rush. I first went when it was still a huge, buzzy Chicago spot, and one of my most memorable dinners came after my high school graduation in 2003. I even got a speeding ticket on Lake Shore Drive with my grandmother in the back seat on the way to dinner, which still makes me laugh. Chicago was an especially fun place for Joe's to arrive. Open outcry trading was still a force, and the wealth creation around it was wild: people who had dropped out of high school could become millionaires in their twenties, while math PhDs from the University of Chicago could make fortunes in the same ecosystem. It was a golden era for hustle culture, when commerce idolized Tony Montana in a way that today is more likely to idolize Jamie Dimon or David Solomon. Death Row and Bad Boy ruled the airwaves, while Michael, Shaq, Kobe, and Allen Iverson defined the NBA. Basketball was so dominant in Chicago culture during my coming of age that I still map other things, including restaurants, to NBA teams. Joe's felt like the Miami Heat coming to Chicago in much the same way Smith & Wollensky represented the New York Knicks: each brought a recognizable piece of its hometown culture into another major city. Joe's brought real South Florida sizzle to Chicago, and it landed at exactly the right moment. Going there felt like an occasion. Florida took longer for me to understand in full. My family has roots in the state going back decades, farther north along the Atlantic coast, and I didn't visit Miami until March 2007, when my sister started graduate school in Coral Gables. That trip began my love affair with Miami and helped me understand why the original Joe's was such an institution. A close family friend's father spent time around Miami in the 1960s and 1970s. He knew local fishermen who caught stone crabs, which gave me an appreciation for the older South Florida culture around the food, separate from Joe's own history. Another Joe's memory captures an entirely different moment. Looking through my OpenTable history, my July 31, 2008 reservation at Joe's in Chicago is the earliest reservation I can find at a restaurant that is still open today. I was 23, working at UBS, preparing to move to New York while the firm was already on fire from its mortgage losses, and Lehman would file for bankruptcy just weeks later. I was broke but wildly aspirational, dreaming about dinners at Balthazar, begging my way past the doors at Cain and Tenjune, hoping to drink for free, and trying to meet women comically far out of my league. Through all of those memories, the restaurant itself has been remarkably consistent. The stone crab claws are incredible, the seafood is excellent, and Joe's holds its own among Chicago's serious steakhouses. The room has traditionally felt a little more formal than Miami, with bow ties, polished service, and a darker old-school steakhouse rhythm, while still being genuinely welcoming. Finish with the key lime pie. Years later, my wife and I held our wedding reception at RPM Seafood, another Lettuce restaurant, then ate at the original Joe's during our honeymoon in Miami during COVID days later, which felt like a fitting circle back. In sheer range of venues, repeatability of quality and atmosphere, and consistency of hits, Lettuce is the gold standard in Chicago, with some of that same reach in Vegas and DC. I've been extraordinarily privileged in my exposure to hospitality, and I still repeatedly admire Rich Melman's model, taste, and execution, now carried forward by the next generation of the family. Joe's is a prime example: world-class, durable, unmistakably Chicago, and absolutely somewhere I want to return next time I'm in town with some dough to spend. While Joe's may not be French, this place still earns my highest marks: très bien!

    Had dinner at Joe's last week...service is still excellent and the restaurant is still great…read moreoverall, but the food has definitely declined in quality unfortunately. The baked potatoes and other sides were still delicious but the steaks came out dry and overcooked. The quality was very much lacking. Our waiter was kind enough to remake both steaks, which was very much appreciated and the second round was better but still not as good as we remembered. We'll likely return ... hopefully this was just a one time problem?

    Photos
    The dining room
    The dining room
    Creamed Corn
    Creamed Corn
    Beef Tenderloin Slider

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    Beef Tenderloin Slider

    Maple & Ash - steak - Updated August 2026

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