Wildfire

My husband and I returned back to Shaw's Crab House a year later, and it was still just as fabulous…read moreas it was before. We were lucky enough to get the same amazing waiter. He'd been there 32 years. Hope to get him next time we're back. Honestly, it's the freshest seafood around. They know how to shuck oysters and prepare them perfectly anytime of the year. The oysters were absolutely amazing. And then the crab legs....oh my goodness..delish. Everything was just so delicious. And I have to give a shout out to their sweet, creamy butter. Lastly, we love sitting in the thick of it where you get to see them preparing the oysters and all the seafood. Love this place. Thank you Shaws!

Incredibly delicious. Everything was as fresh as can be. Definitely come if you like crab!!…read more We were a little mislead by some of the pictures online / on the website of the Norwegian crab (not by any fault of their own, just a poor assumption from our side). When we received it we were a little disappointed by the size. But the pieces were still so juicy and delicious! Just want to give a heads up also that their menu is on rotation, what you see online may not be what you get! Love me some sushi, so I was excited to try the California roll, although it was hard to justify it being $18!!! The crab was very minimal, as you can tell by the pictures... it was missing the classic California roll taste given barely any meat. The Mac and cheese side was good. Nothing too special. plus. But standard is the best word I can think of. Shareable portion, which is a plus. Service was excellent. The server was friendly and personable. Ambiance is great, it's an elevated crab house aesthetic. There is a dress code to enter. Overall, I can't say we had the experience of the price we paid. They gave us free the dessert sampler for our anniversary, yay!!!

Inside main dining room

Full Dozen Oysters

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Lobster Roll

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

4.4(3.3k reviews)

Went yesterday to celebrate my 40th birthday. The service was impeccable. From the high-five I…read moregot at the Host stand to the well-wishes on my way out the staff made the experience very enjoyable and memorable. Our server, Jacob, was helpful and his recommendation of the Lyonnaise Potatoes did not disappoint. We had the small whale, an aged ribeye sandwich, and I got the filet mignon with bone marrow butter. The chilled seafood was delicious, especially with the house mustard sauce. My partner said the steak sandwich was the best they ever had. The filet was easily the best steak I've ever had though the dry-aged ribeye at Abrasado in Mendoza, Argentina is a close second. The grand martini was a perfect pairing for the chilled seafood. They threw in a complimentary brownie with ice cream for a bday dessert which was appreciated on multiple levels. We're not affluent and a meal like this was definitely a splurge but I have zero complaints and would 100% come back for a comparable special occasion. Everything was perfect and I'll remember this meal forever. Thanks, Joe's!

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab was a highlight of my time in Chicago. I started with East…read moreand West Coast oysters, then had the filet mignon and lobster tail. Both were fantastic: the filet had a beautiful sear and rich flavor, while the tender, sweet lobster was perfectly cooked, especially with butter. The service was top-notch. Everyone was welcoming and attentive without being overbearing, and our knowledgeable server offered great recommendations. The staff made the meal feel special. Joe's also delivers a classic Chicago steakhouse atmosphere: dark, polished, and lively, with families, business diners, and couples. It's a confident, established spot for more than just steak; a proper night out with polished service and timeless ambiance. Great food and exceptional hospitality made this an experience I'll remember. I'd gladly return on my next visit to Chicago.

The dining room

Creamed Corn

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Beef Tenderloin Slider

Bar Mar

4.3(652 reviews)

0.7 mi•The Loop

So happy that I finally tried Bar Mar. I came on a weekday for dinner and the place was busy…read more Definitely mostly people coming together after work! The food was incredible and the service was attentive and considerate. They definitely take pride in serving fresh and delicious food and making the guests feel comfortable. The vibe was very energetic and bustling! People were having a nice time but it was a bit loud so keep that in mind. The menu is definitely seafood-forward, but the short rib entree was recommended so I went with that and it was delicious! The meat was so tender. I also tried the sea bass and it was very yummy.

This place was very hit or miss…read more The cocktails were decent and interesting. The sloppy joe was pretty good, very quirky take. Jose's tacos were tasty with the caviar but nothing incredible. And the coconut tuna ceviche lacked in coconut. Neptune's pillows were bad. The tuna was super mushy and a bad texture, skip this. The muscles were a'ight. The Sea bass was okay but the sauce sucked. The $6 chips in olive oil were literally potato chips in a bag. The flan was great. The prices were high. The staff was iffy. Weird dude at front door... Then our waiter didn't give us any complimentary peanuts when we got there or caramel's when we left... that bothered me. Meh

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The Dearborn

4.4(2.8k reviews)

0.7 mi•The Loop

•$$

This was my second visit to The Dearborn, and the food and service were both on point. We ordered…read morethe salmon tataki, fish and chips, Wellington burger, and Midwest fried chicken. Everything was well prepared, but the fried chicken was the standout, especially with the hot sauce adding another level of flavor. The staff stayed attentive throughout dinner and even replaced our plates between rounds, which was a level of service I wasn't expecting. I also respected seeing the owner personally making the rounds, stopping at every table to check on the guests and the food. Calm atmosphere, solid hospitality, and a kitchen that delivers.

OMG! Walk, run, sprint here to get the FISH N CHIPS THAT ACTUALLY BEAT BOBBY FLAY. The executive…read morechef and now chef partner, Aaron Cuschieri, is absolutely amazingly talented. I am used to really good fish and chips... I've never had better fish and chips than Tom Douglas's Mr. Fish in Seattle, UNTIL NOW!!!! Wow, wow wow wow! Do not pass GO, do not read the menu, just order the darn fish and chips! It might be a whole heart attack on a plate... But it doesn't matter... You can walk all of Chicago and burn it off. I decided to work out before I came here for this big splurge and I'm so glad I did. I can see that this is the theater district... And you could come here before a show fish and chips and have the best night of your entire life! I can't wait to try more of this chef's food! I'm BEYOND INSPIRED! ps great beers here toooooi!

$12 Martinis for Martini Mondays

New Spring Menu

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Spring desserts

Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House

4.1(1.3k reviews)

0.6 mi•Near North Side

Wow! The first time…read morewe came to the Chicago location of Hugo's Frog Bar, we had the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and it was amazing - best I'd ever had. That was 12 years ago. Since then, I've had crab cakes all over the U.S. and Hugo's remained my gold standard. Tonight, 12 years later, we returned to Hugo's on Rush Street downtown Chicago. We had a 6 pm reservation on a Monday night. We were given the option to eat in the special Elevator Car, so we chose it. It was a bit tight getting into the bench seating but once in, we were quite comfortable and it was really quaint. I'm glad we chose it. Our server tonight was Stephanie O and she was amazing. So knowledgeable, so pleasant and very accommodating. We told Stephanie we planned to take it a bit slow, starting with cocktails. She took our cocktail orders and we took our time enjoying them, admiring our special Elevator Car and pondering dinner options. Of course, a Crab Cake was definitely happening! Stephanie checked in with us from time to time and when we were ready, we asked her to drop a Crab Cake order. Oh my - it was amazing, just like the last time! Just enough breadcrumbs in it to hold it together. Baked, then seared on both sides on the flat top and served with their house made remoulade. For us, this menu item and a service as great as it was from Stephanie and the rest of the team was enough of a reason to come to Hugo's. After we'd finished sharing the Crab Cake, Stephanie stopped by with the fresh fish options platter to explain each one to us, how it would be prepared and what it would be like. We nearly went for the Snapper but dropped back to our original thought of trying their Shrimp De Jonghe along with a dinner salad. So glad we did as the Shrimp De Jonghe was really tasty and just enough food. The salad and shrimp meal were both kitchen-split for us. Nice touch - thanks team! I have to add that we've had Shrimp De Jonghe somewhere else and we recall it as not being as good as Hugo's. I like how their breadcrumb on the shrimp here was less a breading and more of a dusting. I'd like to mention the rest of the staff we saw in action. The hostesses were quite pleasant, found our reservation and seated us with pleasure. The table team from the water guy, to him and others clearing completed items was excellent. The chef or one of the cooks brought out our split Shrimp De Jonghe. That was a nice touch. And of course our server Stephanie - amazing. Great meal tonight at Hugo's and over the top service from everyone. We will be back - maybe even this week.

I really enjoyed my meal. I ordered the white fish with mashed potatoes, and everything was…read moreincredibly delicious and perfectly prepared. I really loved it and will definitely be coming back! The only thing that was a little disappointing was that there were quite a few flies flying around inside, and they would occasionally try to land on the food, which was not very pleasant.

Us seated in the elevator car

Bookbinders soup!

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Lump crab mac and cheese

Luke's Lobster Chicago City Hall

4.4(756 reviews)

0.7 mi•The Loop

•$$

Had their lobster roll with a side of lobster bisque. The bisque could have used a bit more lobster…read moremeat, but it was tasty still. The roll, Was amazing. I actually drizzled some of the bisque onto the roll and it was amazing. Service was professional and fast.

"There aint nothing like a good lobster roll"! Luke's Lobster Chicago gets it right…read more Had a craving and got my fill. Went for the lobster roll flight. Three half sized lobster rolls with different butters; lemon butter, spicy honey butter and truffle butter. My favorite, all of them. Lol. It comes with a soft drink and a bag of chips. I will never know how the blueberry soda tastes. The condensation caused a hole in the bag. It slid out onto the sidewalk just minutes from my destination. Guess I needed to drink water. My lobster flight and chips were amazing.

Inside

Luke's Lobster Chicago City Hall - Lobster Roll Flight (three 2 oz half-rolls: lemon butter, spicy honey butter, and truffle butter w/ chips and a soft drink)

Lobster Roll Flight (three 2 oz half-rolls: lemon butter, spicy honey butter, and truffle butter w/ chips and a soft drink)

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Seafood flight with crab, lobster, and shrimp

Maple & Ash

4.2(2.6k reviews)

0.6 mi•Near North Side

We went again last night - the 5 star review remains in place - still amazing, and still really…read moreexpensive. We love it - had one of their fired seafood towers last night and it was incredible (and the touch of adding the pasta at the end was a step above). Their did kill the free house made chips and caviar - but I think they needed to because of the influencers that come there just to have one drink and take pictures of themselves.

I expected a professional, high-quality dining experience, but unfortunately, this was extremely…read moredisappointing. After receiving the wrong order and waiting an excessive amount of time for our food, we ordered the seafood baller which we were told would accommodate six people. That was absolutely not true. The platter came with maybe three shrimp, barely any scallops, and mussels that were mostly empty shells with no meat inside. It was essentially a large platter of shells and nowhere near enough food for six people. When we asked to speak with the manager, he came to the table while I was in the restroom. Although six other people were sitting there and available to explain the problem, he chose to leave and never returned. Without speaking to us or offering to replace the meal, he took it upon himself to remove the seafood baller from our bill. We weren't looking for free food we wanted the meal we had ordered so we could eat. After sitting there for hours, we still left hungry and somehow had a nearly $700 bill for a couple of sides, two steaks, and drinks. Our server was amazing and did the best he could, but the management and overall level of professionalism were unacceptable. When a guest's order is wrong, management should communicate with the table and make an effort to resolve the problem not simply remove the food without discussing it. We absolutely will not be returning. The experience was nowhere near worth the money.

Made it Maple and Ash!

Roasted Asparagus

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You've never had loaded baked potatoes like this. Never. Ever.

RPM Seafood

4.0(723 reviews)

I started with the Verdant Vices, which uses an Aguasol Reposado for the base. An aged reposado…read morebrings that nice, subtle oakiness and warmth, which probably balanced out the sweetness of the guava and the sharp kick from the jalapeño perfectly--definitely a much richer flavor profile for a cocktail like that than if they had just used a blanco. The crab cake was phenomenal, definitely better than what I had expected since this isn't exactly Baltimore. The glaze on top is absolutely perfect, and it is so thick and packed with fresh blue crab and minimal binder, finished with a bright lime-soy glaze. Excellent service too.

I'm gonna start my review with what I did not look about my time here …read more The greeters at the front HORRIBLE . They are rude , the don't welcome you with a hello just a look up and down as if to ask WHAT DO YOU WANT . I even gave a compliment to kinda break the ice on the awkwardness, no response lol this normally would be all it took for me to turn around and not spend my money It was pretty hard getting seating anywhere thjs day so we decided to still grab a seat and maybe grab a cocktail depending on how our waiter treated us , and honestly thankful for her being so nice and accommodating and gracious we decided to stay and have lunch . Lunch was phenomenal ! I had the king crab roll Tempura black bass Branzino and the whipped mash potatoes Every single item 10/10 .

Interior

Strawberry sorbet, lemon zest

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Pinot gris

Lure Fishbar

4.3(243 reviews)

Food was okay but a bit overpriced for the portion size. We tried the uni pasta and sesame tuna…read moresalad. Not sure if I would come again since there's so many good options nearby. Restaurant was not that busy and pretty quiet, service was good.

My husband and I were looking for fish and didn't want to go too far. Lure came up with good…read morereviews and a short walk from our hotel. I ordered the house favorite: Branzino. My husband got the special. We can't recall what kind of fish it was, but it was from Lake Michigan and FRESH! Mine was served with whipped potatoes, while his came with risotto. Both were delightful. Our server, Jake, was knowledgeable and funny. We appreciated his willingness to allow us to try a few wines before making a decision. I wish we had room to try the cookie skillet he recommended. I loved the ambiance: dimly lit, no televisions, cozy booths. Romantic and calm -- exactly what I was looking for after a long, touristy day!

0.5 mi•Near North Side, River East

Clean classy place

Shrimp Po' Boy

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Main dining area

Nora Restaurant

4.3(230 reviews)

In Chicago for a few days and relying on Yelp to take us to new places…read more Nora was 2 blocks from our hotel. This place is all about service. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted and escorted quickly to our table outside. Mirco was our server and we asked him for recommendations. He was so spot on it was amazing! We started with 1/2 dozed oysters and Tuna tartare. The tartare melted in your mouth and had a mild flavor. You could taste everything from the capers to the lemon in each bite. I'm not a huge oyster fan but my fiancé seemed to love them. Mirco recommended the Sardinian style ravioli filled with melt in your mouth short rib smothered in a rich mushroom and truffle sauce. Heaven!! She ordered the beet salad with salmon and gigantic grilled shrimp added. She just raved about it all. I appreciated great food but great service is what makes it a memorable experience. This checked all the boxes. 5 stars!

the appetizers were better than the mains -- we tried the fried calamari, wagyu carpaccio, and…read moreburrata, which were all delicious. in terms of the mains, the steak and lamb shank were way better than the pasta dishes. the steak and lamb were pretty tender and flavorful! unfortunately, the short rib ravioli's pâté filling was grainy and felt dry. the oxtail rigatoni was pretty bland and not enough oxtail

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Filet Mignon gorgonzola sauce

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Seafood skewer

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94 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Gavin R.

7 years ago

My wife, two adult children and I wanted a special dinner during our recent trip to Chicago. There are MANY steak houses in Chicago, but we all decided on Wildfire based on reviews and the fact that it is an "old school" steak house. We were not disappointed. The restaurant decor was exactly what we wanted...dimly light with a 1940's throwback atmosphere. Pretty busy for a Thursday night, but we walked in for our 7:30 PM reservation and we were seated right away in a booth that was comfortable for all 4 of us. Jesse was our waiter...He was AWESOME. Through casual conversation, we found out that he was really a bartender and was pulling double duty that night due to some staffing issues. Well, it did not matter. Jesse did not miss a beat. He was very attentive and stopped to see us very often to check on us and even took time to chat with us even though he was clearly busy. This kind of worked out well for us as my son fancies himself somewhat of a mixologist so having a bartender as our waiter was great for my son. Jesse went out of his way to prepare old school gimlets for us right at table side and prepared his specialty virgin raspberry drink for my under 21 daughter. So fun! Jesse also prepared drinks for us that he and the other bartenders were "testing". The food...awesome! Three of us got steak and my daughter got the Salmon teriyaki. Everything was prepared perfectly and it came out QUICK! We all got different sides so we could sample them all. Augratin(SP) potatoes were excellent!! The long & short of it is that we were treated like we were regulars there even though we were tourists and that made us feel great! Overall our food was great, atmosphere great, service great...this was a great experience for us and we will return to Wildfire next time we are in Chicago. read more

Jennifer k.

19 years ago

I love a good steakhouse. Although this one is a chain restaurant, it is done well and it is done right. I like the atmosphere, the decor, and I have to admit that the food is spectacular. I also like the fact that it is reasonably priced, you won't leave broke or hungry, and there are absolutely no airs. It's set up like an old fashioned supper club, and you can dress up or down. We have been to Wildfire quite a few times....admittedly we once went twice in a week. They have great wine tasting dinners. Hands down, I would recommend one to anyone who is interested in learning the art of wine pairings. It is really great fun. Our first time, my boyfriend I felt like were were on a couples blind date. You are paired with 2 or 3 other couples at your table, and the wine and courses are never-ending. I also like that they offer drink trios as well as their steak trios. It's a great way to taste and experience new foods and drinks. I love their chopped salad...it is by far different from any other chopped salad that I have ever had because it contains tortilla chips, corn, and a citrus lime vinaigerette. The only salad that I have had there that I did not enjoy was their tomato salad. It was way too mushy and flavorless. We've enjoyed all of their appetizers, and have tried steaks, pastas, and their duck. Their desserts are also very tasty and highly recommended. I highly recommend Wildfire for a unpretentious steak dinner. Dinner for 4 including alcoholic drinks and tip will cost around $200. read more

Marsha C.

5 years ago

I had a horrible experience with this racist place. My friends and I had reservations for Friday night for 8:45 for a party of 5. Three of us arrived on time, however the security guy there said he was locking the door and not letting anyone in after 9. If that was the case they should have not had the option for an 8:45 reservation. We told him 2 were arriving soon and they got there at 9:01. This security guy was an asshole and was being difficult not letting my two friends in (we were all black women btw). I asked for management, and he was also no help. The manager didn't try to help, accommodate, nothing. These men were both white men and had an issue when all they had to do was not be difficult and seat us. Instead there ego's got in the way. Also, the security let a black couple in who was running late, but they had no issues and clearly security wasn't going to give them a hard time maybe because there was a man with her. I lost my cool and said F them. Wasn't the best thing to say but I have never felt disrespected. I will never give this place my business again! read more

Tonekia P.

Elite 25

135

191

341

2 years ago

A Memorable Dining Experience at Wildfire Chicago. During my recent visit to Wildfire in Chicago, I had the pleasure of enjoying their grilled pork chops paired with a classic lemon drop cocktail. The pork chops were cooked to perfection--juicy, tender, and seasoned impeccably, showcasing the restaurant's expertise in preparing quality meats. The lemon drop was well-balanced, providing a refreshing complement to the savory entrée. The ambiance at Wildfire is both inviting and sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for various occasions. The attentive and friendly staff further enhanced the dining experience, ensuring that every need was met promptly. Located in the heart of Chicago, just blocks from Michigan Avenue, Wildfire offers a convenient and central location for both locals and visitors. I highly recommend Wildfire for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in Chicago. Their commitment to quality food and exceptional service makes it a standout choice in the city's vibrant culinary scene. read more

Rebecca L.

12 years ago

Last time I came here I loved it. The service was amazing from the very start of my meal. My friend who actually needs to have a gluten free diet due to celiac disease was the one who suggested we come here. Now I'm the type of girl who loves a good steak and a nice bottle of wine, and this place more than delivered. The Filet medallions were made perfectly medium rare. The only downside was the side of spinach was just average and did not really blow me away. My advice would be to get the baked potato as a side (friend had it and it was delicious). Also this is one of the few places that actually serves bottles of wine by a half bottle. We tried approximately 4 different wines between 4 people and everyone agreed that it was an amazing value to be able to sample that many wines and not have to pay for the whole bottle. One downside is this place can get a bit pricey, but then again you are in downtown Chicago so what do you expect? read more

Alejandro2016 S.

11 years ago

Had a wonderful birthday dinner here and the staff were great the entire time. Appetizers were perfect. My steak was one of the finest. My girlfriends steak was well cooked when she asked for a medium / medium rare, as we kindly told our server they immediately apologized and asked if it were okay to make another. Because we were on a time and had to be somewhere we politely refused and said thank you. A complimentary desert couldn't have tasted any better. Time comes the bill and there was only one steak on there. Seemingly confused we asked that there was a mistake but our server insisted that the cook takes to much pride in his craft and that we can't pay for something we didn't order. Will be going back solely on the service. read more

Brenda H.

17 years ago

When a friend said we were canceling our pizza and I have to say I wasnt happy, but when I was told we were going to Wild Fire, I was more than thrilled. I love the feel of this place. If you havnt been there, its a tiny bit old school where it reminds me of a super club. I love the food, my fav is the salmon with the spinach, and garlic potatoes, oh and the chopped salad as an appetizer. Having gone to Key West for many family vacations, I have to say they have a great key lime pie. And you know, every time I am there, literally, the place is packed!! And we were there on a Tuesday night!! I highly suggest reservations a few weeks in advance!! Oh and they have a new red and white wine flight thats awesome!!!! read more

Jamie S.

16 years ago

Best steaks in town. Now most people would say Gibsons, but honestly for the price and tenderness of the meat, this is the place to go. I always get the blue cheese crusted filet. We usually share a house salad, which can feed about 4-5 people, awesome! I recommend the sweet potato with brown sugar as your side dish. Also they have great desserts that will melt in your moth. Every time my parents are in town, they want to come here, which I don't blame them. They also have killer Martini's here, which I like them extra dirty. Couple of these and I will be good for the night. Great service and ambiance as well. read more

Johnny H.

179

4 years ago

Came here off of a recommendation from a friend and i will have to say it wasn't too bad! I usually never go into a restaurant with high hopes but my friend was hyping this place up. The steak and potatoes were absolutely delicious. The creamed spinach however, was ok, not something I would order again (lucky my gf enjoyed it or it would have been a waste) Overall i'd give it a 4.9/5 just based off my personal preference but nothing against this establishment :) i would definitely come back! read more

Norbert W.

118

15 years ago

Have had great experiences there. Really like the prime rib. have actually liked it better than the "top" steak houses in town (no, gibson's is NOT one. if you think so, try ponderosa. won't cost as much) friendly experience. lots of tourists, tho. like the art deco decor. they make a good martini, too :) real martinis, not sweet crap served in a martini glass :) apparently, the desserts are also very good. I'm a steak and veggies guy, so it was excellent! read more

miki p.

16 years ago

I went to dinner at Wildfire last night with my friends (they recommended this place as a great steakhouse). I loved decor, food, service... Prices are high - that's the only reason I'm giving 4*! We started with their bread - its great, just don't eat too much! Soup of the day, then file minion - trio, we get to choose flavors and creamed spinach, boys had halibut with roasted vegetables... pie for dessert. Everything was delicious! Will go there again probably... read more

Yelp M.

18 years ago

Most restaurants are one timers for me. You go once and you just want that one experience. Wildfire is a family favorite. The ribs are really good. The chopped salad is a must. We go anytime we have friends in town. I was a little disappointed with the service just once. The dessert came with the ice cream melted but believe me you, that's the exception rather than the rule. Great food, great service. The only problem is getting a reservation. read more

Jackie J.

15 years ago

Our family goes to this restaurant and orders out 2-3 times a month. I absolutely love the steak selection, the filet is so juicy and tender it melts in your mouth. I am also a big seafood fan and really enjoy the different fish selections Wildfire has to offer. We often order the Halibut or the Cod and really enjoy both. Our favorite dessert is the seasonal blueberry pie, it is sweet and tart all at the same time. We recommend this place to anyone! read more

Hannah L.

3 years ago

Everything is always delicious here! Started off with our favorite apps - sweet & spicy calamari special and bacon wrapped scallop skewers which were divine. Then for entrees - you can't go wrong with a steak here, especially with one of their famous crusts. My favorites are Parmesan or horseradish! Always a lovely time at wildfire, their servers are so knowledgeable, service is fast and the vibe is classy old school fun. Thank you wildfire!! read more

Olivia C.

Elite 26

215

275

3 years ago

Wild Fire combines great food and ambiance, offering a martini flight that takes the dining experience to new heights. The bison meatballs and mashed potatoes shine as the stars of the show, showcasing the kitchen's skill in crafting flavorful and satisfying dishes. Whether you're a martini enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Wild Fire delivers on both fronts with its inviting atmosphere and delectable menu. read more

Cinderlla B.

15 years ago

Such a great restaurant in the neighborhood, nothing can beat it, WOOOOW!!! Wonderful pick for families as well as dates looking for a lovely experience. I went on a monday evening with my friend, we were really excited, it has a nice ambiance and decor. We got grilled chicken salad, fried chicken and parmesan fish with rice, nothing went wrong in that, fresh, hot and cooked for perfection,, so scrumptious. read more

linda p.

19 years ago

Our waitress was very friendly and did a great job at telling us about the various specials and at recommending items on the menu.Food delicious (but not cheap by any means, especially if you get drinks), great service, and very nice atmosphere (great place for a nice romantic date!). The portions are on the smaller side, which I suppose is often the case at a restaurant of this standing. 4-1/2 stars. read more

Lynn P.

12 years ago

My family and I went there Saturday and had a great dinner. Downtown was busier than usual because it was St. Patrick's day weekend, but we were able to get a reservation. My husband is a funny eater and didn't enjoy the bread selection, but was extremely happy when his dinner arrived. It was nice going there with our son because that's where we had our first date 9 years ago almost to the date. read more

beth a.

18 years ago

Every holiday and birthday, my 3 sons, husband and I make our regular jaunt to Wildfire Chicago for the most delicious and oh-so-cozy ambiance of Wildfire. I always get the coconut crusted shrimp...a must have. The desserts are always delicious, but the sweet potatoes could be dessert in themselves. Say hi to John at the host stand, he's the best! read more

Patricia F.

3 years ago

It's one of my favorite spots. It was reasonably priced compared to other steakhouses in the area. I love the steak selection. The filet is so juicy and tender it melts in your mouth. I am also a big seafood fan and enjoy the different fish selections Wildfire has to offer. The steak and crusted lobster were cooked perfectly and delectable. read more

Wildfire - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

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(1.3k reviews)

I requested a table by the window because it was a birthday event and they gave us a beautiful…read moretable with a great view. The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and they even surprised us with a complimentary birthday cake. We had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend this restaurant!

06/29/26 I knew there was a S/W in NYC, but it is such a…read morehassle to travel there. When I looked out my hotel window and saw a S/W right across the street/Chicago River, I figured I'd waited long enough. We were seated promptly and had very attentive service throughout our meal, which was a 42oz porterhouse (for 2), truffle fries and a bottle of Daou California cabernet. The steak was done perfectly and was pretty tasty. Lots of steakhouses all over and S/W is supposed to be one of the best. The ambiance is 'old world', but not in a bad way, like I almost expected to see Al Capone walk in the door to his favorite steak house. Great view of the city and Chicago River. Would we go back (if we were in Chicago)? Probably not, but not because of anything this place did or didn't do, just because there are SO many steak places all claiming to be the best. My wife says I still make the best steaks on my BGE.

BLVD Steakhouse

3.8

(834 reviews)

That hamachi crudo was really nice, creamy, and flavorful. I wish it was three pieces. The prime…read morerib sando was good as well. It's about the size of a slider and a half. So if you are hungry go with the burger, fry, beer, and shot options. I tried the mango sorbet with my friends it wasn't my favorite but I'm not a mango person. The dulce de leche is the best Sean was a great waiter. I recommend him or Juuls

I am highly disappointed with their reservation request form situation. I submitted a request form…read moreas stated on the website link as well as from verbally speaking with someone on the phone and submitting it within the time frame. Keep in mind the request was for a Wednesday Evening to celebrate my actual birthday. I called the restaurant right as they opened on my birthday to confirm the reservation, as I have not heard back from anyone. I was told immediately "oh no we don't have anything for 12 people, someone just called before you asking about 10 people". I went on to explain that I completed things as instructed and have not heard anything back and I have people arriving to the restaurant in 2 hours, so what am I suppose to tell them? She said "Well, IDK what you should tell them because we don't have anything for 12 people". During this time, she has asked for my phone number, email, and name (3 or 4 times). I expressed to her that today is my birthday and I was looking forward to spending my birthday at the restaurant. She then tells me that she needs to speak with her manager and will call me back with 5min. I then told her that the number is now at 10. Upon the return call, she tells me that the reservation has been pushed through (in the tone that they are doing me a favor) and proceeds to tell me that, I will receive a text and within that text confirm and pay a deposit of $25 per person right now or it will be cancelled. I explained to her that, 1. I am driving on the Dan Ryan and will not be pulling out my card to do any of that "right now". 2. I explained to her that, this is something that could've been taken care of yesterday, if you all would've done your job accurately and in a timely manner. 3. I'm not doing that because a deposit per person was not mentioned on the site nor when I called. I ended the call and went into panic mode because I had 10 including myself preparing to patronize at this restaurant that just did me dirty on my actual restaurant. So I can say that, I was very frustrated and almost gave up celebrating and be celebrated on my birthday, so I had to find something quick! So my reservation number went from 12, 10, 6, to 5. All due to a restaurant not doing their due diligence. I am 95% sure that I will not even try again!!!

The Palm - Chicago

3.4

(179 reviews)

This review is LONG overdue considering I've had an office next to The Palm for the past 15 years…read more At this point, I've done lunch, dinner, drinks, catering, private events--the whole nine yards. For lunch, I usually go with their three-course Power Lunch. You choose an appetizer, entrée and dessert, and it's always a solid amount of food. The lobster bisque alone is worth mentioning because it's excellent, and I almost always have enough food left to take something home. The salads are another solid option, but I recently discovered the Shrimp Sauté and OMG--it was excellent. Definitely adding that into the rotation. I also have to give them credit for private events and catering. We've hosted numerous big-name clients here for dinners over the years, and they've consistently delivered. When I need somewhere dependable for a business lunch, client dinner or private event, The Palm has been one of those places I know I can count on.

The Palm is a staple for my family…read more I've spent holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and even celebrated 100 years of The Palm. When I think of a place that's consistently good I automatically think of The Palm. The Palm is located inside the Swissotel hotel. The inside of the restaurant is large and could easily accommodate any size party. The Palm is a classic steakhouse so they do have a dress code and the food is on the higher end. It is possible to dine at The Palm and find lower priced items but I highly recommend visiting during restaurant week if you're on a budget. It's a great opportunity to try some of their popular dishes. I've yet to have a bad dish at The Palm but my go-to is the Chicken Parmigiana or ribeye steak paired with a side of mac-n-cheese and asparagus. Those dishes are a chef's kiss. If you love sweets I would highly recommend either cheesecake or chocolate cake.

Carson's

4.1

(473 reviews)

Loved the bar over looking the Riverwalk. Enjoyed the foos very much. Great service, nice people…read more Will return if I go back to Chicago

I have been dining at Carson's restaurant for over 30 years, but after my experience last night, I…read morewill be looking for a new barbecue spot. Up until four years ago, I used to visit at least five or six times every single year. Last night was my first time back since then, and I was deeply disappointed by how much the standards have slipped. The entire evening felt incredibly rushed. The person taking our order seemed to be in a massive hurry, acting short and dismissive with us. To make matters worse, an automatic gratuity was added to the bill. While I understand this is becoming a common industry practice, a gratuity should ultimately be an option based on service. The server did mention at the end that we could have it removed if we wanted to, but customers shouldn't be forced into that awkward position in the first place. Unfortunately, the quality of the food has also gone downhill. I always used to order the ribs and frequently took extra food home because it was so good. Last night, the food left a lot to be desired. The barbecue simply isn't what it once was. When my uncle graduated in the 90s we went to your previous downtown location.He loved the restaurant as well; the food, the exceptional service, and the warm atmosphere. I went there year after year. While I respect that they have managed to stay in business for 30 years, there were just too many issues with both the service and the food for me to return.

Tavern on Rush

3.8

(118 reviews)

I went to Tavern on Rush with my friends for happy hour, and we had a great time. The atmosphere is…read morerelaxed and casual, making it a nice spot to catch up with friends. I thought the happy hour menu was really good, especially considering the generous portion sizes for the price. We ordered the ceviche, sliced burgers, and the pork belly rice, and everything was delicious. My friends also tried some of the cocktails and really enjoyed them. The service was okay, but the food and overall happy hour experience definitely made it worth it.

This steakhouse offers classic dishes in large portions. We tried a steak, pasta, fries, and a few…read morecocktails and everything was delicious. The Old Fashioned I had here is probably the best version of the drink I've had anywhere. We ate upstairs in the dining room which has a nice street view and is well lit. Overall I felt like the vibes were good for a business dinner or maybe a family outing. The bar area downstairs is probably a better fit for dates. The service was 10/10 incredible. Our water glasses never dropped below half empty, and the waiters remembered our names.

Kinzie Chophouse

3.9

(995 reviews)

Cliff and Jose and the whole staff were incredible to work with. We had a last minute cancellation…read moreto a reservation we had with a restaurant because our party grew larger than expected for a restaurant we shall not name *cough cough*somerset*. This was not a problem for kinzie chophouse and their team. They welcomed our business with open arms. Thank you to cliff, jose, and the entire team for accommodating and for the exceptional customer service!

Save yourself a headache and don't try this joint…read more We ordered the Oddyssey price fixe menu for two. The service was terrible. So terrible that we placed our order, received the red snapper carpaccio course, finished it, and then waited 35 minutes before finally leaving as they failed to bring any bread, food, or drinks. Never even checked on us. We tugged our server's and the maitre D's sleeve several times and they perpetually promised our order was next to come out. Screw it. We got food at Miller's Pub on the way back to the hotel.

Legal Sea Foods - Chicago

3.5

(313 reviews)

We went there and had lunch to celebrate my husband's birthday.The food was great! The service was…read moreexcellent--our server shauney , was friendly, attentive, and professional.Waiting time was very short and we had enough time enjoy the beautiful view of river and the delicious food. We will definitely come back.

My partner and I came to Legal Sea Foods for an anniversary happy hour. We were served by Nikki,…read morethe most wonderful (and funny) server. She was very attentive, especially given the amount of people enjoying the delicious happy hour service! The food itself was exactly what we were looking for. The oysters were fresh, the mignonette an excellent pairing as always. My partner, who is the expert of everything french fry, absolutely adored their thick cut fries. They were perfectly crispy on the outside, and balanced very well with the light appetizers. The calamari was a very fresh take on a classic. The sweet tangy thai sauce was quite a surprise, and although I wish the calamari itself was more crisp, I couldn't help myself but go back for more! Im sure the crab cakes would have been better fresh from the kitchen, but I admittedly let them sit while I started this review. If it's any consolation, here's a note from my southern belle herself "now those are some d*am good crab cakes."

Gene & Georgetti

3.7

(1.2k reviews)

OK, so I have to say this was probably one of the best cool bar experiences I've ever had... we…read morerolled up with plenty of space at the bar at 3:30 PM on a Monday afternoon and we're thrilled to have a front row seat to all the restaurant bar action. We were greeted by a lovely host who seated us at the end of the bar & we proceeded to get a couple of cocktails - me with my dirty martini "handsome Rob"s w/delicious blue cheese, stuffed olives and my husband with a couple of "one for the road"s. We opted for "appetizers" before we went off to our jazz club. My husband started with dessert - chocolate cake (which was fabulous & huge) - and I opted for a full caviar set up, which was probably one of the best caviar set ups I've had in a very, very long time (I'm a bit particular and this one killed it). The caviar was from Italy, and the blinis were thick & freshly made - with finely chopped egg white, egg yolk, red onion, chives, and a nice dollop of sour cream! The bartenders were engaging & fairly attentive and the bar itself has so much history / nostalgia. It was just great sitting there and enjoying ourselves chatting with other guests and observing the scene. I would highly recommend this place and I can't wait to go back and do it all over again! 5-stars

We were visiting from CA and so Gene & Georgetti was on our list for dinner. Overall we are very…read morehappy that we made it there for dinner. Service- our server was fantastic. Walked us through the whole menu, answered questions, and made recommendations. He truly made our dining experience special. The food was great! We shared pastas and a steak, along with the peppers and sausage appetizer and everything was great! Portions are huge! We couldn't decide what our favorite was. The only bummer is that we had an 8:30 reservation and didn't get seated until after 9 pm. I think there was an issue ( we were accidentally skipped) because people who arrived way after us were seated before us. The host was apologetic and did what she could to make it right.

Chef Art Smith's Reunion

4.0

(316 reviews)

•$$

So this is the restaurant that took over Bubba Gump at Navy pier. Today was my first time trying…read moreit. I was with some friends that were familiar. Of course I had the fried chicken because that's what they're specialize in. I also had the loaded mashed potatoes and the braised greens. When I say everything was top-notch delicious! It was truly an experience. We also had the hush puppies, the chicken sliders as well as fried green tomatoes, devil eggs, and lobster mac & cheese. Everything was truly amazing. The drinks were top-notch. They have a great happy hour from 3 to 6. I hate that I didn't take pictures of my food, but just trust me. The ambience was amazing. We sat outside on the patio. It was a beautiful night. Our server Autumn has been with the company for years. She's amazing and gave us amazing service. Conrad was our bartender and his drinks were top-notch. I highly recommend this place hit me back and let me know how you liked it.

I'm going to be brutally honest I thought we were getting pranked…read more I will say the food that we got was good, my catfish was hot and tasty, my friends chicken was good. But the service was beyond strange. It was around 7pm and there were only a few tables with patrons. Our server kept talking to us and looking at us like there was a ghost at the table. I honestly felt bad each time he came to our table. Like we were holding him hostage or something. We ordered biscuits for our appetizer. They never arrived. We order our entrees. Mine came with 3 sides. I asked to keep the greens and remove the other two and get mash. My meal came with only mash. He asked us how our food tasted before it had even arrived. He was as confused as us when we asked where the biscuits were. When we left around 8:30, staff were just laid out relaxing in dinner booths on their phones and another server came to my table wearing a hoodie over her work clothes. It was all bizarre. As if the manager was off for the night and everyone was counting down the seconds to leave. I repeat the food was good, but the service was like the twilight zone, I doubt we would ever come back.

The Oakville Grill & Cellar

4.1

(275 reviews)