Best Romantic Steakhouse in Chicago

My wife and I are going to celebrate our 5th year wedding anniversary in October in the city and wanted to know if anyone out there had comments on the Best Steakhouse in Chicago.

We want somewhere that it quiet and romantic downtown...

Thanks.

I work at the Grotto on State - a "classic Italian steakhouse" at 1030 N. State Street. Personally I think this is a very romantic space. our steaks rival the best you'll find anywhere in the city (they are hand selected by our chef - really!). The room is really relaxing, we surround a 3 story tropical garden atrium with a "waterfall", and the decor was designed to flow with the atrium. Anyway, you can check out our website, www.grottoonstate.com, for our menu and pix of the space.

Happy Anniversary, whever you choose to go!

Ciao
Sharon

A steakhouse that does a very nice job of providing for both Chowists and Carnivores is Keefer's. My oldest son loves steak, and we try to find restaurants that both he and we will like. Keefer's is one. Excellent steak, and other interesting dishes in a very attractive space, not as clubby as the traditional steakhouse, more open and contemporary. John Hogan has done a good job creating a steakhouse plus. (We last visited about two years ago).

Keefer's
20 W. Kinzie
Chicago

312467-9525

I have tried a few steaks from Keefer's. The best is the Delmonico heavy marble. However, the real stars at Keefer's are the sides. So good - I like Hogan's peas, crispy shreaded potato cake (ask for the sour cream & applesauce), and the sauteed spinach w/ garlic in addition to the staple steakhouse steamed asparagus w/ hollandaise sauce and sauteed mushrooms, of course.

Setting is very contemporary - almost a little bit too much for me. There's something about the 50's charm of the Chicago Chophouse that entices me. But if contemporary is romantic to you then Keefer's might be your best bet.

Oh - be SURE to get the orange chocolate creme brulee. IT IS AMAZING. I usually don't like flavored creme brulees but this one is the exception. Served very chilled, as it should be, with little pieces of chocolate covered orange peel on the bottom of the dish where the vanilla beans usually are.

Setting and sides aside... Honestly there are better steaks to be had. Particularly at Morton's and Chicago Chophouse - the porterhouse & the new york strip, repsectively.

Service was extremely friendly and prompt. No complaints there.

Hopefully this helped... Have fun on your anniversary!