High-quality steak dinner/budget: An oxymoron?

Howdy, everyone!

I'm looking for opinions on choices for DH's upcoming birthday dinner. While he enjoys most any type of food prepared well, let's face it: The man really enjoys a good steak. (I still remember celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant downtown where you could actually grill your own steak if you wanted -- does anyone recall this place? This would have been circa 1994, and Keith really liked it, but I digress.)

When considering options, at first my heart was all aflutter when I got an email about a three-course, $46/PP deal at Tramonto's in Wheeling; I had fuzzy memories of positive reviews on LTH. However, tonight's perusal of the boards made me rethink that option.

Due to budget considerations, we don't eat out that often, and, as Willie Loman famously said, "attention must be paid;" in our case, that attention would be to current income streams. However, since we do eat out so rarely, I'm thinking that it would be better to go for broke than settle for a mediocre meal.

We've never been there, but one thought was Pete Miller's in Wheeling; however, when I reviewed the menu, it seemed to me I could spend not that much more and provide Keith with an outstanding experience at David Burke's Primehouse. Conveniently, David Burke's has reservations available at the times that are most preferable next Thursday.

Are there any places less expensive than these two spots that would offer a really nice birthday night out? Since we're in Park Ridge, getting to just about anywhere is convenient, especially on a weeknight.

Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated!

Our family has gone to the Weber Grill restaurants that feature steaks and other grilled items for several birthdays. I can not say that you will have the greatest dining experience there compared to the Prime house or other top of the line steak places but its good and I think the price would be less. It appears that steaks are about 27 dollars give or take and come with garlic mashed potatoes. Other sides are additional but probably one side could be shared by two people.

There are locations in Schaumburg as well as Lombard, all within striking distance.

GNR-winning Sabatino's might fit the bill - http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=3719

toria wrote:Our family has gone to the Weber Grill restaurants that feature steaks and other grilled items for several birthdays. I can not say that you will have the greatest dining experience there compared to the Prime house or other top of the line steak places but its good and I think the price would be less. It appears that steaks are about 27 dollars give or take and come with garlic mashed potatoes. Other sides are additional but probably one side could be shared by two people.

There are locations in Schaumburg as well as Lombard, all within striking distance.

It's funny you should mention Weber Grill; that was where we went last year for his birthday celebration! While we did enjoy our meal, I try not to repeat restaurants since, like I mentioned above, we don't eat out very often anymore. That's the only reason it wasn't on my list of places to consider this time around.

Sharon

sdbond wrote:Howdy, everyone!

I'm looking for opinions on choices for DH's upcoming birthday dinner. While he enjoys most any type of food prepared well, let's face it: The man really enjoys a good steak. (I still remember celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant downtown where you could actually grill your own steak if you wanted -- does anyone recall this place? This would have been circa 1994, and Keith really liked it, but I digress.)

Sounds like the old Butcher Shop restaurant on west Ontario (closed for some time now).

Kman wrote:

sdbond wrote:Howdy, everyone!

I'm looking for opinions on choices for DH's upcoming birthday dinner. While he enjoys most any type of food prepared well, let's face it: The man really enjoys a good steak. (I still remember celebrating our anniversary at a restaurant downtown where you could actually grill your own steak if you wanted -- does anyone recall this place? This would have been circa 1994, and Keith really liked it, but I digress.)

Sounds like the old Butcher Shop restaurant on west Ontario (closed for some time now).

Thanks, kman! I do believe it was, indeed, the Butcher Shop. I think the concept probably appealed mostly to men who enjoy working with open flames. I recall I was less enthused about having to cook my own dinner.

Sharon

Dave148 wrote:GNR-winning Sabatino's might fit the bill - viewtopic.php?t=3719

Dave,
Have you had any of their steaks? From the reviews I'm reading, it sounds like the Italian classics are the better choices there.

Sharon

Golden Steer?

Honestly, if you want to go out for a steak, I would just splurge. Go to Primehouse or something like that. Steak is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for. If you want to go out for a high-quality steak, go to a high-quality steakhouse.

I say go ahead...live a little

David Burke's.
Once I find a truly superior restaurant, I usually don't go anywhere else because
i just can't stand the disappointment.-Dick

My wife loves the strip at Anteprima and it is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. The strip is served sliced with arugula and lemon and is awesome, although I normally stick to the Pasta or seafood there. It is moderately priced, certainly not inexpensive, but think you get tremendous value and terrific atmosphere.

Socca also churns out some great Allen Brothers steaks on special quite often. They normally run in the low $30s when on special.

If you're looking for a traditional filet or traditional steakhouse steak these ideas won't be good, however, I would suggest;

Las Tablas
Tango Sur
Any brazilian steakhouse - Fogo De Chao, Brazzas, Texas de Brazil, Zed 451, etc - these should get you all in for $60 a head not including tip.

The first two should get you in at $60 complete with apps and drinks +/-

It appears that the primehouse does not list ounce size of its steaks. My biggest problem with ordering steaks at a restaurant is they are too big. I hate leftover steak. Having said that I would probably splurge on primehouse. If that is not do able I have heard golden steer is good. Probably many more good steakhouses in the city or near downtown.

sdbond wrote:

Dave148 wrote:GNR-winning Sabatino's might fit the bill - http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=3719

Dave,
Have you had any of their steaks? From the reviews I'm reading, it sounds like the Italian classics are the better choices there.

Sharon

It's been a couple of years - I think I had the NY Strip Steak.

To the extent you pay more at David Burke's, it's because you're paying for the dry aged beef, and prices for dry aged beef will always be more expensive than their non-dry aged counterpart (but also more flavorful). And for dry aged beef, I'm of the opinion that you can't do better than David Burke's. By the way, if you really want to make it a special birthday, let them know that . . . their service is top-notch and they will not disappoint.

toria wrote: I hate leftover steak.

Please send any to me. I love cold steak.

Another vote for David Burke's - partly because their steaks are so good, and partly because the rest of their menu features far more creativity than most other steakhouses.

The Butcher Shop on Ontario, fun times and bondng over flames. Not bad, but I remember it was too dark to see the meat you were cooking.

I am a regular advocate of Erie Cafe, because I love it. It is a steakhouse owned by an offshoot of the Gene & Georgetti's family. They have great steaks, and much friendlier service than G&G, friendlier service than most anywhere. Also, with each steak (at about $46) comes a salad and fried potatoes, so it saves a bit of money. Free valet outside also saves. Comfortable room with brick walls and white tabecloths. The prime rib is fantastic. Portions are huge (sorry, toria).

Also, if you want to stay in the neighborhood, Morton's in Rosemont doesn't disappoint. During the week, say hello to manager Patrick for the VIP treatment, Daniel on the weekends. They just brought back a fantastic veal chop to the menu. The steaks are great. Lobster bisque is my favorite first course there. Not inexpensive, but free parking if you avoid the valet there.

Erie Cafe
536 W. Erie Street
Chicago, Illinois
312-266-2300

Morton's
9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-678-5155

I have to echo the recommendation for Tango Sur, we eat there probably once a month and it really fits the bill, particularly as it's BYOB with no corkage fee. Dinner for two (appetizers, two filet dinners) this weekend with tax and a generous tip came in under $70. The only caveat is that they don't take reservations for small parties, so you do want to get there on the early side.

Eric wrote:Golden Steer?

Not being familiar with this restaurant, my first thought was that this was the name of a chain we had in Chapel Hill, back when I was in college -- for $1.99 on Monday nights, you could get a meal comprised of a trip to the massive salad bar, a gigantic baked potato and a steak of unknown origins. We would stuff ourselves, then roll out the door and finish off the night with a trip to Swenson's Ice Cream Factory for a cone.

Thanks for letting me take a trip down memory lane, circa 1977, Eric!

I went to Golden Steer's website, and of course read reviews here; it looks like a fun destination with good steaks served at reasonable prices, so it's definitely on the list for consideration. Thank you for the recommendation.

Sharon

jesteinf wrote:Honestly, if you want to go out for a steak, I would just splurge. Go to Primehouse or something like that. Steak is one of those things where you really do get what you pay for. If you want to go out for a high-quality steak, go to a high-quality steakhouse.

I say go ahead...live a little

Josh,
I like your philosophy!

Right now, I am leaning toward the splurge. What-the-hey, it's only money, right?

Sharon

Nearly all the steak houses in Chicago get their steaks from the same two distributors. The steaks come pre-cut in cryovac packs, so basically (meat-wise, at least) one place is the same as another. Assuming they can all cook a steak to order, I would just go with the cheapest (or the one with the best ambiance). Myself, I don't eat at steakhouses for that reason. Why pay big bucks for something I can cook better at home? The big exception to this is Dave Burke's Primehouse where they breed, butcher and age their own steaks. It is more expensive than other places, but not so much so, that the difference in price isn't justified by the quality of the meat.

I know you want to dine out, but personally, I would go to Zeir's butcher shop in Wilmette, buy a couple of extra thick, beautifully marbled, aged, prime steaks, and fire up the Weber (assuming you can cook a steak to order). Some of the steaks I have gotten from Zeier's rate among the best I have eaten in my life. The quality beats almost any steak house in Chicago, and compares favorably with Dave Burke's (at a much lower price point). If I received a couple of Zeier's steaks wrapped in a ribbon, I would be a very happy birthday boy. I would save the night-out splurge for some place more exotic and inventive than a steak house, but that's just me.

I'm a dedicated steak-a-holic. My thoughts for you:

As has been said, if its a blow out, its a blow out. You do get what you pay for with steak. With some places mentioned (e.g. Weber Grill), IMHO you'd do better getting a great steak from a butcher and cooking it at home.

Primehouse: Very good.

Chicago Cut: Probably more expensive, but better than Primehouse.

Joe's Seafood (stone crab): Believe it or not, I think their dry aged prime ribeye is among the best.

RPM Italian: Don't laugh. Their dry aged steaks (Rib steak, porterhouse for 2) is perhaps the best steak in Chicago. Dry aged for a minimum of 28 days, they source it from a top butcher in The Bronx (I think Luger has a connection with the supplier, too). Some of the best I've had.

If I had to pick, I'd do one of the above. Take a look on MenuPages and see what might fit your budget, then go for it.

Bperellis wrote:My wife loves the strip at Anteprima and it is one of our favorite restaurants in the city. The strip is served sliced with arugula and lemon and is awesome, although I normally stick to the Pasta or seafood there. It is moderately priced, certainly not inexpensive, but think you get tremendous value and terrific atmosphere.

Socca also churns out some great Allen Brothers steaks on special quite often. They normally run in the low $30s when on special.

Those places look great, but here's my "problem" for a birthday dinner with DH: I know my audience well, and can still recall the disappointment on his face one year when I promised him a steak dinner, and the restaurant I picked turned out to be Italian (this was pre-Internet days, so I'm not sure how I did my intelligence-gathering, but I obviously goofed).

The food was good, IIRC, but, I learned a lesson -- if I say steak, it better be a restaurant that focuses on that!

Sharon

toria wrote:It appears that the primehouse does not list ounce size of its steaks. My biggest problem with ordering steaks at a restaurant is they are too big. I hate leftover steak. Having said that I would probably splurge on primehouse. If that is not do able I have heard golden steer is good. Probably many more good steakhouses in the city or near downtown.

I have yet to figure out a good way to fix leftover steak that results in anything close to what was had for dinner the night before. Like you, I rarely can finish a whole steak, no matter what the size. My best idea is to just slice it up cold, and put it on a salad, but you would probably not find that appealing.

Sharon

ll982 wrote:If you're looking for a traditional filet or traditional steakhouse steak these ideas won't be good, however, I would suggest;

Las Tablas
Tango Sur
Any brazilian steakhouse - Fogo De Chao, Brazzas, Texas de Brazil, Zed 451, etc - these should get you all in for $60 a head not including tip.

The first two should get you in at $60 complete with apps and drinks +/-

Hmm ... definitely going to explore these. If the restaurant's focus is on grilled red meat, DH should probably be happy.

d4v3 wrote:Nearly all the steak houses in Chicago get their steaks from the same two distributors. The steaks come pre-cut in cryovac packs, so basically (meat-wise, at least) one place is the same as another. Assuming they can all cook a steak to order, I would just go with the cheapest (or the one with the best ambiance). Myself, I don't eat at steakhouses for that reason. Why pay big bucks for something I can cook better at home? The big exception to this is Dave Burke's Primehouse where they breed, butcher and age their own steaks. It is more expensive than other places, but not so much so, that the difference in price isn't justified by the quality of the meat.

I know you want to dine out, but personally, I would go to Zeir's butcher shop in Wilmette, buy a couple of extra thick, beautifully marbled, aged, prime steaks, and fire up the Weber (assuming you can cook a steak to order). Some of the steaks I have gotten from Zeier's rate among the best I have eaten in my life. The quality beats almost any steak house in Chicago, and compares favorably with Dave Burke's (at a much lower price point). If I received a couple of Zeier's steaks wrapped in a ribbon, I would be a very happy birthday boy. I would save the night-out splurge for some place more exotic and inventive than a steak house, but that's just me.

DH does love to grill, and I get prime rib-eyes from Devon Avenue Meats here in Park Ridge for $11.98/pound that we cook up on any given Saturday night that he doesn't have a gig playing drums. Vince the butcher is "da bomb," as the kids like to say.

When we were talking about his birthday, at first he said, "I don't need to go out," but when I mentioned that we hardly ever visit a restaurant these days, he decided he was quite amenable to the idea.

Do you happen to know if local butchers like your favorite, Zier's, and mine, Devon Avenue Meats, obtain their beef from the same distributors, much like the restaurants?

MelT wrote:The Butcher Shop on Ontario, fun times and bondng over flames. Not bad, but I remember it was too dark to see the meat you were cooking.

I am a regular advocate of Erie Cafe, because I love it. It is a steakhouse owned by an offshoot of the Gene & Georgetti's family. They have great steaks, and much friendlier service than G&G, friendlier service than most anywhere. Also, with each steak (at about $46) comes a salad and fried potatoes, so it saves a bit of money. Free valet outside also saves. Comfortable room with brick walls and white tabecloths. The prime rib is fantastic. Portions are huge (sorry, toria).

Also, if you want to stay in the neighborhood, Morton's in Rosemont doesn't disappoint. During the week, say hello to manager Patrick for the VIP treatment, Daniel on the weekends. They just brought back a fantastic veal chop to the menu. The steaks are great. Lobster bisque is my favorite first course there. Not inexpensive, but free parking if you avoid the valet there.

Erie Cafe
536 W. Erie Street
Chicago, Illinois
312-266-2300

Morton's
9525 W. Bryn Mawr Ave
Rosemont, IL 60018
847-678-5155

Thanks, Mel; we dined at the Morton's in Rosemont in 2005, and I still remember that the tab was right at $250, which I must admit gave me pause at the time. It was a delightful meal, however! I will definitely check out Erie Cafe.

DutchMuse wrote:I'm a dedicated steak-a-holic. My thoughts for you:

As has been said, if its a blow out, its a blow out. You do get what you pay for with steak. With some places mentioned (e.g. Weber Grill), IMHO you'd do better getting a great steak from a butcher and cooking it at home.

Primehouse: Very good.

Chicago Cut: Probably more expensive, but better than Primehouse.

Joe's Seafood (stone crab): Believe it or not, I think their dry aged prime ribeye is among the best.

RPM Italian: Don't laugh. Their dry aged steaks (Rib steak, porterhouse for 2) is perhaps the best steak in Chicago. Dry aged for a minimum of 28 days, they source it from a top butcher in The Bronx (I think Luger has a connection with the supplier, too). Some of the best I've had.

If I had to pick, I'd do one of the above. Take a look on MenuPages and see what might fit your budget, then go for it.

I remember dining at Joe's one year for DH's birthday, and it was quite good. I'm not familiar with Chicago Cut, so will check that out. As noted above in one of my other responses, I better not promise steak and then head to a place with "Italian" in the name, no matter how good the steak might be!

Thanks for the recommendations; very much appreciated.

sdbond wrote:I'm not familiar with Chicago Cut, so will check that out.

You may want to check out the dedicated thread here. Good luck!