The Best Steakhouse in Chicago, Can't wait to have their 36 oz Tomahawk for 2 and a fantastic bottle of wine from their great wine cellar with my wife. I been to all of the Chicago Steakhouses and THe Alston is the greatest restaurant for Food, Service and Ambiance. read more

A French-influenced steakhouse? Sign us up! Our party of 4 had a beautiful booth table on a Saturday night. It felt private but we were able to see all the dining room action. It's so pretty in here! * Fried Prawn Sandwich - this was super tasty. The pickled fennel added such a bright flavor * Pork Belly Rillettes - tender, melt-in-your mouth good * Pigs in a Blanket - not your 1980's version! * French dip sandwich - off menu but if you know, you know! * Filet Mignon - cooked perfectly Pittsburgh medium * Frites - can't go wrong here! Service was stellar - attentive and personable. Ryan was our sommelier and he nailed it. His wine pairings were perfect. It was such a pleasure meeting him! If you arrive early, be sure to visit their cozy and swanky bar area for a pre-dinner cocktail. Espresso Martinis all-the-way! read more

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We chose this restaurant for our anniversary and, unfortunately, it fell short of what we expected. The main dishes were very good, but overall, the experience was just okay and didn't stand out from the many other steakhouses we've visited. For a restaurant associated with a Michelin-starred chef, we expected a level of food, service, and attention to detail that would really set it apart but we've honestly had much better. The service was friendly, but felt rushed and not quite as polished or attentive as we would expect for this caliber of restaurant, especially considering there were only three other parties dining during our entire evening. We ordered cocktails, wine, appetizers, entrees, and dessert, and aside from a simple "Happy Anniversary," there wasn't much acknowledgment of the occasion. After ordering and paying for our dessert, we were given an additional off-menu dessert, which was a nice gesture, but overall we've experienced other restaurants that made our anniversary feel much more special and memorable. The decor is beautiful, but the overall experience didn't feel particularly distinctive or celebratory. It felt very similar to the atmosphere around the business parties dining there that evening. Ultimately, we left disappointed. The food had some strong points, but for the price and reputation, we expected more. We've had better experiences elsewhere and likely won't return. read more

Beautiful venue and a very well organized event. Chicken decor everywhere. The hostesses were amazing and made sure that everyone was having a good time. You receive one egg at check-in which is good for one vote. Drop the egg in the basket of whom you deem to be a worthy competitor. Welcome glasses of champagne were handed out. Signs everywhere encouraging you to hold on to your glass for refills. There were several stations that had bottles on ice. Champagne and sparkling wine in both red or white. I may have had one refill. The chicken offerings were really nice and creative which added to the competition. There was crispy and crunchy to well seasoned and spicy. There was a really cool chicken photo booth. I did grab a few props and play a little. Oh what fun. Volunteers were walking around selling raffle tickets for what they promised were good prizes. Anyone that purchased a raffle ticket received a rubber chicken necklace. Oh boy. If you squeeze it, it makes a chicken noise. Lol. I said goodbye to my table mates and cut out before the winner was announced. Later I found out that it was Honey Butter Chicken, which is exactly where I placed my egg. read more

The Alston - Crispy chicken strip with slaw and pickles - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Unbelievable good and experience! I also want to recognize, Mitch, our server for the evening! He made the whole dining experience unforgettable! I hope The Alston recognizes him for going above and beyond! Everything we ate was perfect? The cocktails were delicious! We had steaks (of course!) and appetizers and sides. The corn and potatoes were delicious. We topped the meal off with the basque cheesecake. The Alston itself was stunning! The Alston will continue to be on our list when we come to Chicago. read more

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Service was attentive. The waiter would check on us often. We went for an early dinner on a Sunday so the dining area was quite empty until 6PM. It didn't look like reservations were a must. The food overall ambiance was quite dark in the hallway. People had trouble finding the restroom. I liked the 16oz Rosewood Ranch Wagyu NY strip which was a little crisp and deep brown on the outside. The rest of the food and drinks were good as well. read more

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My husband and I had a really nice dinner at The Alston. We decided to sit at the bar as we sometimes find the service to be faster as we have small children at home. Our bartender was attentive and our service overall was perfect. The restaurant is dark, romantic and moody which I loved. Everything was clean and well maintained. The food was overall good, but I wouldn't say "Great". We each got a filet and it was cooked the perfect medium rare that we asked for. The tuna crudo was a fantastic appetizer and our favorite bite of the night. It does pack a little heat at first which we weren't expecting but it was super flavorful and fresh. We also split the truffle baked potato and the creamed spinach which were both just OK in my opinion. When I go to a steakhouse, usually the sides are the stars of the meal and these were not bad but also nothing exciting to either of us. The truffle potato lacked a bit of flavor which surprised us and the creamed spinach also could have used a little extra something. I will also mention that as a staunch researcher of menus before I eat anywhere, the menu online is very outdated compared to what was presented to us in the restaurant. There were a lot of items I wanted to get that weren't being offered anymore. Overall, it is a very nice restaurant but for the cost I couldn't say it's my favorite. read more

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I came to the Alston for Father's Day, and was blown away by the experience. First off - the space is immaculate. It's a great mix of booths and tables; super high ceilings and lots of space (so you don't feel like you're sitting on top of people.) I had ribeye skewers (starter) and the NY strip for the main course. The skewer was excellent; the steak wasn't bad but candidly I've had beer NY strip in the city. All the sides (mashed potatoes and brussels) were legit. My daughter tried their cheeseburger but she likes her burgers plain (so she didn't get all the cool stuff that comes on it.) I'll reserve judgement until I try the burger as it was meant to be served. For dessert I had the apple dish and it was solid. I only tried one drink, but it was solid. Next time I go, I'll try that burger or one of their seafood options. I definitely recommend this place. read more

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Incredible dinner at The Alston! From the moment we walked in, I loved everything about this restaurant. It's incredibly elegant and beautifully designed, with paintings and digital art throughout the space--and even the ceiling. The service was fantastic, and the food was just as impressive. The oysters were delicious, and the tomahawk was, without a doubt, the best piece of meat I've ever had. Absolutely incredible! The potato were also delicious. Since it was my birthday, they surprised me with an incredible dessert, which made the night even more special. The cocktails were also SO good! It is definitely on the pricey side, but it's a high-end restaurant and, for a special occasion, I think the experience is absolutely worth it. Everything--from the food and cocktails to the service and stunning atmosphere--made this one of my favorite dinners in Chicago. Highly recommend! read more

Great food, good service. We told our waitress we were celebrating our Anniversary. Although acknowledged verbally, we weren't given any Anniversary treat like a dessert or anything. Ambiance is elegant, moody, and dark in the evening. Mesmerizing ceilings. read more

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I came here for an early dinner the other day. As we entered we noticed the place was basically empty. Appeared to be more staff present than actual people dining there. The ambiance is gorgeous and the service was really great. The food in my opinion was not amazing. As a matter of fact the rolls were my favorite part of my meal. I wanted to love the lobster bisque but it had a weird aftertaste. The crab cakes were only ok. I would not order them again. Although the restaurant is very nice, I am not rushing to dine here again. read more

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The Alston offers a beautiful dining experience. The staff were gracious and welcoming. The management team were exceptionally gracious. The rooms are gorgeous. Dark and cozy even though the space is grand. I loved the walk-in wine room. I attended an event that was executed perfectly. The seafood tower and the caviar ice cream cones were stand outs. I plan on returning for dinner very soon. read more

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One of my favorite new restaurants I've tried this year. The Alston is one of the newer additions to the an already strong Chicago steakhouse scene. I was very impressed by the interior decor and food. In terms of vibes, I'd say it sits between RPM (classic, formal) and Maple (flashy, sceney). The prices are also comparable between the three, with the large format steaks between 200-300$. Dry age, wagyu, truffle, caviar, they cover all the bases on the menu. The apps here are all also 20$+, definitely paying a premium to dine here. They do run small, so order extra! The bone marrow pasty was unique and a standout to us. The wine and drinks were great as well. The service while strong leans towards casual. I think it comes down to preference. They're still professional and friendly. Definitely a must-try if you've been looking for something new! I'll personally be returning. read more

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The Alston is among the finest restaurants in Chicago, and it's somehow still a hidden gem. If you haven't gone, GO NOW. Either the main restaurant or the bar offers a wonderful experience with great food, drinks, service, and ambiance. read more

Ambiance = 6 Star Food= 6 star Service = 2 We had 5 outstanding appetizers and I tried one of their signature drinks. My wife took a sip, we ordered one for her, 20 minutes to get it???? Huh? Server never came back after munching for 2 hours to take entree order, huh????? Offered us free desserts, sorry pass read more

Located near State and Chicago, this brand new seven month restaurant is well decorated with intimate and large tables. The gilded room is for large parties. The wood work, soft lighting, floor to ceiling windows, and chandeliers add elegance to the dining room areas. I ordered the Chicag Restaurant Week dinner special. I upgraded $20 for the steak. The wait staff were friendly and attentive and knew the menu well. read more

The Alston - Dining room area with almost floor to ceiling windows and small table spaces. - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Alston, in my opinion, is simply okay. The place is a lot larger than I imagined, and the vibe inside is very trendy. I thought the tables were well spaced; I hate feeling like I am sitting on top of other people. Since it was restaurant week, we opted to do the restaurant week tasting menu. I did like that they still had the full menu available to enjoy as well. Overall the food was decent. I wouldn't say it was spectacular but it wasn't bad. I don't know if I'd care to come back for the regular menu--I think I'd leave thinking it was an overpriced meal for what it was but who knows. read more

A Stunning Setting That Struggled to Deliver I so wanted to absolutely love this place. We dined at Alston with a party of four for a 5:30 PM dinner reservation. We were seated right on time, and from the moment we walked in, everything looked like a five-star experience. The attention to detail--from the floors to the ceiling, the elegant décor, the lighting, even the restrooms and personalized candles--was truly stunning. Visually, Alston delivers luxury in every sense. But unfortunately, the beauty didn't quite extend to the full dining experience. Let's start with the food. While some dishes shined--the New York strip was cooked to perfection and the potatoes au gratin, though extremely salty, were rich and flavorful--many others fell flat. In fact, several dishes were overly salted, to the point that it masked the ingredients and dulled the overall flavor. The lobster bisque which we all got was one of these dishes. Although very nicely presented and served it was overly salted and very curry forward. The mushroom side was underwhelming, and the Caesar salad was especially disappointing. Instead of a shareable plate, it was literally an intact head of lettuce--not exactly practical for a table of four hoping to enjoy a classic dish. The service also left much to be desired. While it started out promising, things took a noticeable turn as the restaurant got busier. Our server missed two of the appetizer dishes we ordered, and while we initially thought he was pacing them with the meal, it became clear he simply forgot. We didn't see him for a full 25 minutes, and it was the manager who ended up checking in with us. To top it off, we were charged for one of the missing appetizers on the final bill. The manager did take care of our check and adjuster bill accordingly. That was greatly appreciated. Two highlights - a complimentary bread service, and complementary beverage when you first sit down at the table; which were a thoughtful and tasty touch. To be fair, Alston is still relatively new, and some bumps are to be expected. But with the elevated price point and luxury aesthetic, expectations are understandably high--and unfortunately, they weren't fully met. It's a gorgeous space with potential, but the experience needs to catch up to the surroundings. read more

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The Alston - truly exceeded my expectations for service, food, and ambience. Servers/chef were super accommodating to our dietary restrictions and were very knowledgeable about the menu. We were started with complementary bread and champagne (and ended the meal with another!) Staff was super attentive and checked in frequently. Overall food was really great, I especially loved the steak burger! I also liked that you can get caviar bumps instead of committing to a full ounce or more, and I enjoyed it with the rye bread. I wasn't a fan of the "Caesar" salad which was just a head of lettuce with whole anchovies laid over. It had a vinaigrette dressing instead of a traditional Caesar dressing but our server did mention this beforehand. Everything else was great and I'd definitely come back! read more

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Great steaks, great flaming duck, made table , wonderful appetizers and impeccable service. Amazing wine list with a very knowledgeable sommelier . Great Chef, The most beautifully decorated restaurant.. Great for business meetings or date nights. read more

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Chicago, look no further than The Alston. From the moment you step inside, the interior immediately sets the tone--elegant, moody, and effortlessly sophisticated. The service? Impeccable. The wait staff was knowledgeable, attentive without being overbearing. The Bar Manager even took time to get us a tour of the Members only section. It was so elegant and luxurious. We started with a caviar bump, followed by escargot, which both were perfection. The Baked Scallop Saint Jacques was a rich, velvety delight--beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. For mains, the Filet Mignon was cooked flawlessly. The Boeuf Pithivier--a flaky, golden pastry filled with tender, flavorful beef--was an absolute standout, both in taste and presentation. On the side, the wood-fired asparagus added a lovely smoky char that complemented both mains. From start to finish, The Alston delivered an exceptional evening and you should definitely add it to your list! Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 read more

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The Alston serves a steakhouse grade burger right! From the high quality beef patty, firm brioche bun, shoestring truffle fries to a very flavorful sweet onion, I truly believe they have knocked it off the charts. The waiters here are amazing--extremely attentive to filling your water glasses. You will certainly leave well hydrated. Beautiful steakhouse. Amazing service and trendy instrumental music. read more

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Beautiful luxury space in high end location. Comfy, cozy and full of energy when you walk in. The service was excellent. The servers know the menu very well and are knowledgeable on the preparation and source of items. Everything I tried was excellent. read more

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TLDR: This review is for the NOT steak dinner that was pretty great otherwise. We came here for the steak and we didn't get it bc the server forgot to bring our steak--but we got an amazing Duck Press dinner which ended up being more than enough for the two of us... but our gluttonous fat child inside still wanted the dry-aged steak, dammit! We were also seated at first right next to the kitchen in a corner, which kind of sucked, bc it was so loud. (I usually don't care about seating, but constant loud ambient noise makes it hard to hear conversations so we asked to be moved to a better seat that was more date night appropriate.) Don't get us wrong, our server was super friendly and sweet but she forgot several more things here and there throughout the night (e.g. cocktail, pre-alcohol, etc.) and the business just didn't seem to be running smoothly--yet. The manager (?) came over several times to check in, and brought us a welcome drink bc we probably were seated for 15-20 min before our sever came over with our dinner menus. We thought the Seared Foie Gras was pretty good, but a little cold, and the escargot was a little too salty (but the puff the individual puff pastry was a nice touch, instead of the classic en croute). The Duck Press (very Paris 1906-esque from Chef Achatz) is definitely a show stopper and absolutely worth getting, but our duck legs were cold; the duck breast was perfect!! Would absolutely order again...and again! The Scallops were tasty but didn't realize they were going to be cooked. Oysters were excellent, but wouldn't expect otherwise from a steakhouse at this caliber. Also, oddly loved their really long fries! It's like when you get that one long fry, except it's every single one of them. Am I the only one who gets a kick out of that? Whatever. We would love to come back for the dry-aged ribeye but, we had a pretty great wet-aged ribeye at Joe's Seafood (unexpectedly) the following night for really reasonable price, so we're not in a big rush to return. Definitely would love to see them succeed and would love to return when they're up and running smoothly. read more

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I had a great experience at The Alston. The service was excellent, the waiter and busser were both very polite, attentive, and professional throughout the meal. They made sure everything was taken care of and created a welcoming atmosphere. Although the scallops and lobster bisque were a bit on the salty side, the raw dishes were wonderfully fresh and well prepared. The waiter even brought us into the wine room so we could take pictures. We would definitely come back again. read more

I don't rate many places 1 star, but I felt like this this place warranted one. My sister and I arrived to grab a quick bite and some drinks to end our weekend. When we arrived for a walk-in spot, the host told another employee to escort us to the "members-only" room as the restaurant part was completely empty. When we were told to sit anywhere, we waited 10 minutes and no one came. When we were about to leave, the bartender in this designated space asked what we were doing and my sister and I just said we wanted some apps and drinks. He told us to go to the other part of the restaurant without escorting us. Confused, we went to the other part of the restaurant where we decided to leave the restaurant as the miscommunication of staff members left us confused and disappointed. I would avoid this place at all costs. read more

THe restaurant is quite attractive...4 of us went for happy hour. The tuna curdo was terribly slimy nearly inedible. The drinks were just ok The service was ghastly. Had to search around the restaurant physically to find our server. We asked for a receipt when leaving but never got one. The server had disappeared again. Will not go back!!! read more

Food is not very tasty. The beet salad was too sour and the steak was just ok. I don't want to come again

Went to the Alston last evening and was blown away by the staff, amazing food and classy and modern ambiance of a French influenced speakeasy Cozy feel with rich textures surround you while you experience fine dining. The waitstaff is knowledgeable and impeccable with speed and service From the bread that was specially cut at the table, to fresh oysters, crab legs, and scallops .... I could barely make it to the trout (which was also fantastic)! And don't miss the lobster bisque-the best I have ever experienced in my entire life Thank you for an amazing culinary journey awaiting my next visit read more

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found this place while looking for a good steakhouse in chicago loved the atmosphere the first thing you do on the way to your table is pick a votiv to set your mood. i picked the lotus first place ive ever been to where they cut your bread tableside. such an interesting thing to do just to elevate your experience. we got: seafood tower, which is kind of basic but i love shellfish so definitely tastty crab cakes, loved all the garnishes that came with it house salad, large and filling and can definitely be shared potato gratin & asparagus, sides. waiter also added on brussel sprouts for us, which turned out to be superb. and i got the center cut filet, which was thick and fat but still super tender and juicy i was also glad for such a high end restaurant, that they actually have yeungling. i had been searching for the beer since we got to chicago, since we dont have it where we're from. for dessert we got the basque, and i loved that it was a real basque. ive been to places where it said they had basque but then it just turned out to be a regular cheesecake. i would definitely go back here again. read more

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Great ambiance, perfect for date night! Service was good, not amazing, but it was very crowded. Now the food, it was ok. Maybe we went on am off night, but no dish was outstanding. Presentation also left something to be desired. read more

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Back for a second meal and torn by the ups and downs of our meals. The place is beautiful, the service is spectacular, especially when they slice the bread at your table, and many parts of our meals were great. Our group of 4 started with the escargot which was delicious but was on a flat plate which made it hard to share by scooping them up to another plate. The dressed eggs(deviled eggs) were also delicious. The wine list had a remarkable selection and we had a terrific Pinot Noir. The downs were the entrees. Last time I ordered the Dover Sole and didn't like the presentation or how thick it was rather than as filets. This time I had the Trout and we realized you had to pry it open like a book. One side was overly salty and the other side was ok. You also don't need to serve trout with a sauce. It smothered the trout flavor. One of our group ordered the pork chops which were good except he had more fat than meat. My wife had the hamburger which was fantastic! It seems the best thing to order here is beef! We ordered the eggplant pasta to share and it was overly salty and so rich that as a single entree I don't think I could have eaten all of it. There is great potential here when the kitchen settles down. read more

The Alston - Trout - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The service was excellent. Ambiance is amazing. Beautiful art deco, quite easy to have a conversation in a big group. Bar area is very elegant. Overall I would recommend it for a date or a big group dinner. Food is good. It's not a Michelin level by any means. Steaks and fish were solid. Seafood appetizer was fresh. Food is nothing special but good. read more

We dined with a group of 7 at The Alston to try out this new restaurant. I believe they have only been opened a few weeks when we had reservations. Looking at the menu prior to dining, we were really excited, a French steak restaurant is right up our alley. I'm giving some grace in my review knowing the restaurant has just opened recently and most likely has some kinks to work out. If this were an established restaurant the rating would be a 3 star. With that said, there were some quirks with their processes that threw us off. Nothing super crazy, but at the level they are positioning themselves and at the price point, you are putting yourself with the likes of Bavettes, Steak 48, RPM Steak etc. where the service is impeccable. A few of the key things that stood out to all of us; We had two people who are wine connoisseurs, we let them take control of wine ordering with the som. The som was knowledgeable and between them we had a few bottles that were great. The weird thing to note is the Alston has a different wine process, rather than the traditional table side bottle opening and taste or decanting, they do it in the back away from the guest. We all found that odd, different is ok, but something that has a meaning to the ritual it's odd they'd change that. We've dined at similar level restaurants where they inadvertently brought wrong bottle vintage to the table, and our friend knows wine and caught the mistake. One reason for showing and opening the bottle in the presence of the guest. My friend did explain that he'd like the rest of the bottles opened at the table and they obliged. One of the 10oz filets were ordered medium rare and it was prepared medium or warmer. We figured the wait staff were getting the hang of operations, but they weren't really on top of bringing the rose bottle to refill, they had the bottle chilling on ice. Our waiter didn't ask to refill the non alcoholic drinks, had to ask for a refill. And a few other small things like this. Again, nothing that ruined the dining experience, but anyone who's dined at some of their competition understands the subtle differences in customer service are what set good restaurants from great restaurant experiences. I personally assume the quality of the food will be great to exceptional when we're paying $400+per person, so the customer experience is what sets each restaurant apart. With the service things out of the way. I'd have to say the food was very good. We ordered at least 6 starter dishes and 4 sides. These were all very good. The purred potatoes 50/50 were a stand out! The au gratin potatoes were also a hit for the sides. I personally really enjoyed the "deviled egg" I can't remember what it's called on the menu. I believe everyone at the table ordered either boneless ribeye, fillet, or a fish. Everyone said their main dish tasted very good and prepared well, with exception of the one filet that was a bit overdone. Overall, our group will probably try The Alston another try in a few months to see if the service cleans up to give a fair shake. read more

Great atmosphere, service, and food/drinks. No complaints. I ordered a steak and it was cooked to perfection. read more

The Alston - Martini - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

. This restaurant is a beautiful addition to the Chicago dining scene. We started at the bar and had some wonderful drinks. After an hour or two of drinking at the bar, we decided to go into the main dining room. The room is beautiful. We started off with some appetizers and was gonna get the steak until we were told that the burger is one of the best burgers in the city. I can't argue with that statement. It was one of the best burgers I've ever had. Can't wait to go back. read more

The Alston - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Full disclosure: steakhouses are my jam. I have been to almost every establishment in Chicago, and I do a week of steak dinners each year when my family skips town, known as "The Steakcation" to those in my circle. The Alston is one of the two new-to-me steakhouses I hit this week, so I was very excited to see the space. And, to the team's credit--almost as if they knew I was going to write about it--we were posted in a very handsome corner booth that overlooked the corner of State and Chicago. That meant our three-person group had a great perch to see the scene both inside and out. That's the one area where The Alston shines--the space. The curtains are dramatic, the seating is special, the table spread is nice, and everyone on the staff is decked out. (A question posed by our group: should I wear a red or purple tux jacket the next time I visit?) In many ways, this is a brighter version of Maple & Ash, with prices to match...which we will come back to. The service was also a highlight, and the service staff was everywhere. A bit like the downstairs/upstairs host station arrangement at steakhouses like Gibson's Italia, I was greeted in the building lobby by one person, who confirmed my reservation before sending me upstairs to do the same thing with a different host station. Getting seated was a swift process, and between near-constant water service and an attentive server, there was always someone lurking nearby waiting to help. For me, these are the basics of fine dining, and The Alston has the basics down--the look, the feel, the service level are all on point. Now let's talk food. We tried a few different small plates--oysters, the artichoke en crepinette (pardon my lack of French!), the dressed eggs. One of our diners got the caviar bump, which suggested that it would be served, cocaine-style, on a mirrored platter with a $100 bill to move the product. In some ways, we were right; a server showed up and placed a small sample of Siberian caviar on the side of my friend's hand, and we made a big show of him taking down a bump of "the good stuff." Was it good? Hard to say. Was it cool? Absolutely. That carried on throughout the night; the glassware used to serve cocktails was magic, but I thought the cocktails were not as magical (good, but not "wow"). The dessert presentation (basque cheesecake) was exceptional, even if we thought the flavor profile of the cheesecake was less so. The best food dish I tried all night was the potatoes au gratin, a true standout. Perfectly cooked, perfectly gooey, and the gruyere's flavor certainly didn't come across as strong as I initially feared. It was just right. The asparagus was only OK, and the endive was reportedly average. The only genuine miss for me was the steak. I blame myself for going small, but still, I thought the six-ounce filet mignon (I ordered it rare, it came out a little warmer than that) would be more flavorful. I was wrong. The lack of char didn't help, and the $10 helping of "Sauce L'Alston" (a peppercorn addition) also didn't bring home the goods. Across the three side sauces we added to our steaks, neither Sauce L'Alston, the "perigourdine" nor the "bavaroise" landed in quite the way we had hoped. Worse, that choice added $44 (for the three sauces) to our bill. That bill, all in, led to each of us paying $285 for this meal, just shy of $900 in total. Let's pause for a second. Yep, I get it--I walked into a steakhouse in Chicago. Remember, I do this a lot, to the tune of five times this week alone and maybe once or twice a month across Chicagoland and the US when I travel for work. So, I'm comfortable with the spend. I am not comfortable with the *value* offered by The Alston. The space is sexy, sure. Even the small bar adjacent to the main lobby on the third floor is quite handsome. And the staff is decked out. But it often felt like the $24 price for the truffle sauce was being used for the dry cleaning bill of the staff. There are multiple $20+ cocktails, in a city where most of the time, I can find a good drink for $15-$18. There's a $34 short rib pastry...which is about double the price of the short rib beignets at Boeufhaus. Some of that is the location, so again, I get it. But the reason why I stopped hitting Maple & Ash is the same reason I am unlikely to return to The Alston...$300/person for a steak dinner in Chicago is about $100 more than you will need to pay at a lot of other great spots in town. While we didn't do ourselves any favors by lopping oysters and caviar onto the bill, those items were strangely NOT that expensive at The Alston. A caviar cocaine bump only sets you back $15. That is totally reasonable! $16 for a steakhouse veggie side dish is absolutely market price as well. The space is gorgeous, and if anything, go for drinks and try out some of the smaller plates to see the restaurant in its glory. But in terms of a steak dinner, you can do a lot better in a lot of great locations in town. read more

The Alston is like that dating profile your so excited about for weeks, and then you show up for the date and it's a let down! I really wanted to love this place, as I had heard so many great things about, BUT I would not be doing the city of Chicago or this community any justice if I didn't tell the truth. I booked a reservation for my 40th birthday on a Sunday. Not very crowded at all, maybe about 13 tables being serviced in the main dining room. Service was okay! Our waiter was kind! He was running multiple tables and took time to get back to us. For my wine drinkers, the sommelier is where the service was lacking! I asked for a recommendation on a bold wine closer to a Super Tuscan. He had nothing close, but en route to find something he had an attitude and acted as if we were waiting his time. When he couldn't suggest a wine that close to that. Food- Cavier bump genius idea! Probably the best part of the menu! The dressed eggs were great, but for the price they could've given us two eggs. We had the lobster bisque, nothing special, and serviced a tad cold. The burger was good, but I've had better. Why didn't I get steak at a steakhouse? Well in my experience, if you see others ordering a steak, you know it's great. Not what I observed. Most tables were ordering the duck, the burgers, and gnocchi (do not order). We saw a table get steak and two were sent back. Value: Our bill was $611 with tip. Don't mind paying it at all, but the food and the service have to be great, and this wasn't. Final thoughts: Just know they're are other options that will give you excellent service and food for that value. Also, any high end restaurant that's rated a 3.8 and you see no management feedback, not a good sign. read more

Chef Jenner Tomaska never disappoints. The Alston is the right amount of dim and light in the restaurant. It has a very jazzy French vibe. My partner had an old fashioned one word INCREDIBLE. I was very jealous I didn't get that. I had the sweet peach, the sweet peach is a little too sweet for my liking but, it was still really good. They gave us butter and bread to start. Butter tasted like it was made with beef tallow. So the sour dough bread didn't pair well however the French and the multigrain went perfect with it. The baked Scallops are delicious. The king crab cake was sooo good. loved the flavors I think it needed a little more citrus that's just my opinion. Baby sweet potato is the real star here. When I tell you I can eat a whole bowl of them! Took a couple of big spoonfuls of them. We split the dry aged porterhouse. Cooked to perfection. We combined it with the mushrooms I personally think it needs more sauce but still very good a little bit of too much parsley. All in all foods great here. Staffs extremely friendly and attentive. Food was so good I forgot to take photos. read more

Perfect place to celebrate an occasion, will be back! Everything was top tier from Matt our server to the Waygu Tomahawk- the star of the show was the French onion soup and the scallops. 10/10. Only small detail is it is darker than I would have liked. read more

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