Chicago Prime Steakhouse

The meal is not served but presented at this classic-feeling steakhouse, where expert waiters make a show of raw cuts of beef, arranged on a tray for customers to peruse. Once you’ve selected your specimen (our apologies to the New York Sirloin, our favorite), no meal is complete without a Thousand Island–dredged salad (included) a heaping side of broccoli or french fries, and tiramisu (you’re “sharing” it) for dessert. Live music—and plenty of martinis—lends a happening vibe to the lounge, but we got a kick out of the main dining room, where the interior wall is fabricated to resemble windows looking out on the Chicago skyline.