If it's a succulent, properly prepared and down-right delicious piece of meat that you're craving, Chicago can easily deliver—and then some, at least according to the 2024 World's Best Steak Restaurants list that was just released.
Crowning Buenos Aires' Parilla Don Julio with the coveted title of top steakhouse in the world, the list features a respectable six Chicago-area eateries that are sure to draw a crowd following the pronouncement, starting with Asador Bastian (214 W Erie Street) at No. 14.
A new entry this year, the River North chophouse boasts Basque influences and has been lauded by critics and locals alike.
The star of the menu? The chuletón from the Holstein or Galician Rubia breed (basically, a T-bone), which is charred on the outside but remains medium-rare inside. Served with roasted piquillo peppers and just some salt, it proves that, in this kitchen at least, simple is better.
José Andrés’s fabulous Bazaar Meat (120 N Wacker Drive) overlooking the Chicago River lands at No. 39, thanks in part to the inventive small plates served, including foie gras cotton candy and bread made with Kobe beef.
The third Chicago-area mention on the global ranking is Swift & Sons, at No. 62. According to the survey, the modern Fulton Market District steakhouse "pays homage to Chicago's meatpacking heritage with its chic, industrial decor that features dark woods, leather booths, and vintage accents." We couldn't agree more. Add to it the exceptional cuts of meat on offer and you've got yourself an absolute must-visit.
Bavette's (218 W Kinzie Street), reminiscent of the moody jazz bars that dominated the scene way back when, lands at No. 67.
"The menu at Bavette's is a tribute to traditional steakhouse fare, with a focus on prime cuts of beef from the US that are exquisitely prepared," reads the list. "The restaurant's signature dish, the dry-aged bone-in ribeye, is a standout for its depth of flavour and buttery texture." We couldn't agree more with that assessment.
GT Prime (707 N Well Street), also a new entry, also makes an appearance, this one at No. 75. Part of our own list of best steakhouses in Chicago, GT Prime is a marvelously beautiful destination that invites diners to revel in seafood towers galore and a whole lot of meat, from an A5 Kagoshima wagyu to a bison tenderloin.
Gibsons Italia (233 N Canal Street) makes a landing at No. 80, rounding out the Chicago mentions on the global list. Blending Gibsons' selection of the finest beef with a modern Italian concept, the restaurant that feels uniquely creative at every bite. The panoramic views don't hurt either!
If those six aren't enough, Chicago is also getting an outpost of Hawksmoor, a British steakhouse chain, later this year. Hawksmoor's Dublin location was ranked No. 12 on the list.
Although we'll stop short of calling ourselves one of the meat capitals of the world, one thing is clear: Chicagoans know how to prepare a very good steak.