Whiskey + Steak: The Dream Culinary Combo
via Remington’s
“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” – Mark Twain
In a city known for its steakhouses, finding the perfect whiskey pairing for your steak dinner is a beautiful journey in Chicago. A journey we’re happy to take ;) Our favorite picks for a classic steak dinner with a great glass of whiskey are the perfect places for a relaxing evening and a #treatyoself meal…
Remington’s {20 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.782.6000}
We cannot go wrong with a single item on Remington’s menu. This classic steakhouse has everything you could want, from almost every cut of meat to American sandwiches we know and love, all cooked to perfection.
If we had to choose, our dream meal here would start with the East Coast Oysters to share, followed by The Remington (a dry aged prime, bone-in strip) with a loaded baked potato. Their cocktail menu has the classic options, and a delicious gimlet, but their wine list is where they are dressed to impress.
Prime & Provisions {222 North LaSalle Boulevard, Chicago; 312.726.7777}
Have you ever had dry-aged steak? If not, this is the perfect time to try it! Prime & Provisions is a stand out steak stop for its robust 500 square-foot dry-aging room. This is a unique process of preparing meat by drying it surrounded by pink himalayan salt and letting it soak through an aging process.
By the time it makes it to your plate, this seared cut of meat bursts with flavor and falls right off the bone. Executive Chef Joseph Rizza has perfected this craft for years. But, if someone in the family doesn’t eat red meat, the King Crab legs is where it’s at.
via The M Room
The M Room {450 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.224.1650}
This concept Room is an innovative pairing of Roka Akor’s Japanese cuisine, and The Macallan whiskey. If you’re looking to step out of your regular whiskey drink and into an experience, try this tasting menu.
What’s unique about the M Room is that the order of the tasting menu mirrors the process of making whiskey—barley, yeast, oak, sherry and whiskey. Each flavor smoothly flows into the next from course to course.
Plus, you cannot convince us that there is a better beef wellington than the M Room American Wagyu Filet Wellington. You’ll sip on cocktail masterpieces all along the way and by the end of your meal, your taste buds will have traveled the world.
Chicago Chop House {60 West Ontario Street, Chicago; 312.787.7100}
Historic and classy describes Chicago Chop House well. The atmosphere of this renovated 120-year-old Victorian brownstown gives the feeling of a clean, historic clubhouse.
The French Onion soup is a rich start before your filet or if you’re looking for something fresh and from the sea—the Lobster Escargot is our favorite. No matter what entree you choose, you cannot miss out on the sides. Our go-to’s are the Brussel Sprouts, or the Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese—our mouths are watering just thinking about it.
Bazaar Meat {120 North Wacker Drive, Chicago; 312.820.6601}
If sharing is the name of your foodie game, book a reservation at Bazaar Meat. This is not just a restaurant, but a full culinary experience! Chef Jose Andres knows how to build a concept that will keep Chicago foodies coming back for more. Each plate resembles a piece of art and every bite packs a punch that will have everyone in disbelief.
From Spanish Octopus to Wagyu, this downtown restaurant has menu items and flavor pairings that are hard to match with any meal you’ve had before. We’re also partial to the Surfer Rob Roy, a scotch blend with twists of coconut and sweet vermouth.
via Swift & Sons
Swift & Sons {1000 West Fulton Market, Chicago; 312.733.9420}
Who doesn’t love a modern moment to mix up your steak night? Swift & Sons keeps the classy steakhouse trademarks and puts a modern spin on them with beautiful and trendy decor.
The menu is just as pretty! Each plate is a careful, intentional, artistic layout worthy of snapping a few pictures. We love to start with a Grilled Artichoke Ravioli before a delicious Wedge Salad, finishing off with any cut of steak. This is a place you’ll also want to save room for desert.
Gibson’s Italia {233 North Canal Street, Chicago; 312.414.1100}
A Chicago classic—Gibson’s Italia is above all, consistent and a classic. We love the versatility of this menu! There’s no telling if you’ll crave a Squid Ink Linguine, a New York Strip or an Australian Lobster Tail. Or order a side of the Foie Gras Red Wine Sauce to top your steak and experience a delightful burst of flavor. Here, you can have it all! If the weather permits, book a table on the patio—the surrounding area of string lights and trees is a refreshing view amidst the cityscape.
By Daisy Bolin | Special Correspondent