Best Upscale Steak in River North | Top 10 Upscale Spots

17 restaurants in Best Upscale Steak in River North | Top 10 Upscale Spots

• Mastro's Steakhouse — Steakhouse: Step into a world of high-octane glamour where the clinking of martini glasses and the soulful sounds of live piano set the stage for a night of pure indulgence. Shimmering towers of chilled red king crab and caviar-topped oysters arrive at white-clothed tables, showcasing a decadent array of ocean-fresh treasures alongside the kitchen’s signature prime cuts. This is a destination where sophisticated luxury meets a vibrant, electric energy, making every visit feel like a grand celebratory event.
• Joy District Chicago — American: This multi-level River North destination pulses with a high-energy urban glow, where sleek design and a spirited atmosphere set the stage for an evening of stylish socializing. The kitchen turns out a vibrant array of elevated comfort fare, from the delicate silkiness of tuna tartare to the savory depth of butter-basted steak frites and charred, juicy burgers. Guests linger over expertly stirred Old Fashioneds and crisp draft pours, soaking in a space that seamlessly blends a chic dining experience with the electric pulse of the city’s nightlife.
• Chicago Chop House — Steakhouse: Housed in a historic brownstone, this legendary sanctuary of steakhouse tradition envelops guests in an atmosphere of dark wood, vintage charm, and the irresistible aroma of searing USDA Prime beef. Decadence takes center stage as plates of roasted bone marrow, silken truffle burrata, and the iconic "Duke of Bacon" arrive at linen-draped tables, each bite celebrating the rich, bold flavors of an opulent Chicago feast. It is a place where timeless elegance meets culinary bravado, offering a quintessential dining experience that feels both grand and intimately celebratory.
• Benny's Chop House — Steakhouse: Benny's Chop House radiates a polished, high-energy elegance where the timeless allure of a classic steakhouse is reimagined through a lens of modern indulgence. The air carries the irresistible aroma of thick-cut maple-glazed bacon and sizzling seafood, setting the stage for a menu that balances the decadence of A5 Miyagi steak tartare with the delicate, buttery richness of lobster-crab ravioli. Guests are invited to sink into an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort, where every plate—from golden-crisped calamari to zesty ahi tuna poke—celebrates the art of bold, premium ingredients.
• Perilla Steakhouse — Steakhouse: Perilla Steakhouse reimagines the classic grill with a vibrant Korean soul, where the sizzle of premium meats meets the bold, fermented tang of house-made specialties. The air carries the enticing aroma of charred Gochujang pork ribs and crispy scallion pancakes, inviting guests to savor a menu that balances the decadence of A5 Wagyu with the playful crunch of Korean fried chicken. This sophisticated destination elevates traditional flavors through modern artistry, creating a communal dining experience that is as visually stunning as it is deeply flavorful.
• 320 River Bar — American: Bathed in the soft morning light reflecting off the water, this vibrant riverside destination offers a sophisticated start to the day where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the gentle breeze. The kitchen transforms breakfast into a celebrated ritual, serving up everything from velvet-poached eggs draped in rich hollandaise to zesty steak and eggs brightened by house-made salsa verde. It is a serene urban escape where guests can linger over artisanal avocado toast or a hearty breakfast burrito while watching the city wake up along the river’s edge.
• Prime & Provisions — Steakhouse: This grand, high-energy destination evokes the glamour of a classic American steakhouse, where polished brass and white-tablecloth elegance create a backdrop for pure indulgence. Shimmering shellfish towers and ice-cold oysters celebrate the bounty of the sea, while decadent bites like Kaluga caviar-topped potato skins and smoky charred octopus showcase a sophisticated play on texture and flavor. It is a place where every meal feels like a celebration, blending timeless luxury with a vibrant, modern pulse.
• Gene & Georgetti — Steakhouse: Stepping into this iconic landmark feels like a journey back in time, where white-tablecloth elegance meets the warm, storied charm of a classic mid-century steakhouse. The air is thick with the savory aroma of prime, char-broiled steaks and rich, simmering Italian sauces, served alongside glistening fresh catches in a space that hums with the clink of cocktail glasses and spirited conversation. Whether sharing a generous family-style feast or sipping a purposeful craft cocktail, diners are treated to a legacy of hospitality that transforms every meal into a timeless celebration.
• Smith & Wollensky — Steakhouse: This quintessential American steakhouse exudes a timeless grandeur, where white-jacketed service and the clink of crystal accompany magnificent towers of chilled shellfish shimmering on beds of ice. Masterfully charred Wagyu cuts and dramatic, salt-crusted tomahawks take center stage alongside prestigious Napa Valley vintages, leading the way to a grand finale of impossibly rich, towering chocolate cake.
• Billy Goat Tavern — American: Step into a storied subterranean haunt where the air is thick with the nostalgic aroma of searing steak and the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill. The morning rush is fueled by hearty, no-nonsense plates of steak and eggs and overstuffed omelettes, each served alongside a generous heap of crispy, salt-kissed hashbrowns. It is a timeless sanctuary of comfort where the clatter of the open kitchen and the warmth of a perfectly griddled meal offer a quintessential taste of the city's grit and soul.
• Cousins Subs — American: The aroma of hearth-baked bread serves as a warm invitation into this vibrant sandwich destination, where the satisfying crunch of a toasted sub roll meets the rich, melted indulgence of authentic Wisconsin cheeses. Sizzling griddles turn out hearty masterpieces like the signature cheese steaks and savory chicken phillies, offering a comforting, handcrafted dining experience that celebrates bold flavors and quality ingredients.
• Fleming's — Steakhouse: Fleming’s invites guests into a world of refined indulgence, where the glimmer of chilled shellfish towers and the delicate decadence of caviar service set a tone of sophisticated celebration. The air carries the savory aroma of perfectly seared bone-in ribeyes, while vibrant plates of ahi tuna poke and velvety lobster bisque showcase a mastery of both land and sea. Every detail, from the crisp crunch of a classic wedge salad to the polished, warm ambiance, culminates in a timeless dining experience that balances steakhouse grandeur with modern culinary flair.
• Steak 48 — Steakhouse: Bathed in a glow of modern glamour, this high-octane steakhouse pulses with energy as the aroma of seared USDA Prime and buttery Japanese A5 Wagyu wafts from the bustling open kitchen. Decadence defines every plate, from the silky indulgence of Wagyu tartare and caviar to the rich, bubbling comfort of Alaskan king crab and rock shrimp mac and cheese. It is a destination where sophisticated luxury meets culinary theater, inviting guests to linger over world-class cuts and inventive seafood in an atmosphere of pure celebration.
• RPM Steak — Steakhouse: Bathed in a glow of modern glamour, this sleek sanctuary reimagines the classic steakhouse experience with polished leather, dramatic lighting, and a high-energy pulse that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. The theater of the dining room comes alive through tableside preparations and the arrival of shimmering seafood towers, where the briny freshness of oysters and crudo meets the smoky indulgence of thick-cut bacon and charred octopus. It is a space where culinary artistry and a sophisticated atmosphere converge, turning every meal into a decadent, multi-sensory celebration.
• Wildfire — Steakhouse: Wildfire invites guests into a warm, high-energy space where the comforting aroma of bubbling French onion soup and golden skillet cornbread fills the air. The kitchen masters the art of elevated comfort, serving up velvety seafood bisques and tender bison meatballs that offer a sophisticated twist on classic American flavors. From the delicate crunch of oven-roasted crab cakes to the chilled elegance of a jumbo shrimp cocktail, every dish is crafted to be savored in an atmosphere of rustic sophistication.
• Michael Jordan's Steak House — Steakhouse: Bathed in a glow of sophisticated luxury, this high-energy sanctuary transforms the classic steakhouse experience into a celebration of bold flavors and legendary style. The table comes alive with the aroma of sizzling Nueske’s bacon and warm garlic bread, setting the stage for towering displays of chilled seafood and masterfully charred Delmonico steaks. It is a place where every meal feels like a victory, blending an atmosphere of refined intensity with the rich, indulgent comfort of world-class dining.
• Fogo de Chão — Steakhouse is the most accurate: The air hums with the theatrical energy of a traditional Brazilian churrascaria, where gaucho chefs navigate the vibrant dining room to carve fire-roasted meats tableside amidst an atmosphere of upscale warmth. Beyond the signature skewers, the experience unfolds with shimmering seafood towers and golden, honey-drizzled Queijo Assado, offering a celebratory feast that balances rustic heritage with refined elegance. Whether indulging in the full rodizio or savoring a delicate Chilean sea bass, guests are treated to a sensory culinary journey where every plate is a tribute to the art of the flame.