Good (Late) Eats near James Hotel (Wabash & Ontario)

Hi, a friend is boarding a plane and will arrive in Chicago around 9:30 tonight, probably getting to his hotel a little after 10. Any thoughts on places for a late snack or meal in that area? He is open to all kinds of foods but probably would avoid sushi, anything else Asian really, and pizza. How about a decent steak place (he'll be on the company dime but not a very high per diem). Is Frontera open that late /easy to get to?

David Burke's Primehouse is in the James Hotel, so if he's willing to pay their prices for steak, it might be the best bet. They're open until 11pm tonight.

Another good bet might be to walk over to Quartino.

edit: uh, i'm on crack, you're talking about the other james hotel. nevermind.

Frosty Melon wrote:How about a decent steak place

Frosty,

A much better than 'decent' steak place that's open late is Smith and Wollensky. The downstairs Grill Room, and attached bar, serves until 12:30am. Plus, it an excellent place to have a drink.

Enjoy,
Gary

Gleam: I think we're talking the same James Hotel (where is the other one?) at Ontario & Wabash. Their website does indicate David Burke's steakhouse is in the hotel.

Oh, we are. I'm doubly on crack.

Primehouse's address is on Rush, but, as you might guess, the hotel touches more than two streets.

So yeah, I would say Primehouse or Quartino, although Smith and Wollensky is nothing to sneeze at, either.

Quartino is a great option, I just got back from lunch there: papardelle with pork ragu.
Also, try Bijan Bistro on Erie and State, their kitchen is open until 4am!

gleam wrote:So yeah, I would say Primehouse or Quartino, although Smith and Wollensky is nothing to sneeze at, either.

Ed,

I didn't realize Primehouse was open late(ish) Between the two, Smith and Wollensky/Primehouse, my preference, slight thought it may be, would be Primehouse. Though if the person is looking to have a few drinks after dinner that would skew it toward S & W.

Just for my own edification I called Primehouse, the hostess who answered the phone stated the hours as

Sunday - Thursday
5pm - 10:30pm

Friday - Saturday
5pm - 11:30

Enjoy,
Gary

D'oh. Metromix lies again. Sorry, Frosty Melon!

So, where did he end up, anyway?

Gleam/Ed, great suggestion on Quartino. I got a text message "so good" at around 11:30 pm Chicago time, followed by a phone call thanking me (and in return, yourself) for the rec. He loved the scallops and the steak and was thrilled to find decent food so close to his hotel that late. Oh, and he compared it to Pastis in NYC, for what it's worth.

For tonight I suggested Primehouse...will report back if he goes.

Or he could just order roomservice at the James which comes from Primehouse. An unbelivably decadant experience to get incredibly huge caveman steaks and that crazy baked potato with all the bacon served in-room, with cocktail on the side. You can just crash out on the bed in a food coma afterwords (which is what we did!)

Well he ended up going back to Quartino last night for the caprese salad and veal. Again, he loved it.