Yes, this place hits all the marks very well: service is astounding, food was amazing, ambiance was really fun (i.e., dark, romantic, lounge-like). I took my wife here for her birthday. She absolutely fell in love with the place and said she was having a great birthday. She wasn't planting seeds, I swear, but our server, ever the professional, said he'd take care of us. And he did, punctuating our dinner with a wonderful dessert with a birthday candle. Speaking of candles, the focaccia appetizer came out with a lit candle that melts a tasty, buttery dipping sauce. I had work done at the dentist earlier, so I had a hard time eating. Every bite was painful, but I heated up our leftovers and fell in love with my rigatoni with vodka sauce all over again. Yum. The only drawback is the prices. We're not rich, but we love a great experience. We understand that an experience like that comes with a price, so we'll be back as much as we can. read more

We visited Butcher & The Bear and had a disappointing experience in terms of food, service, and ambiance. Especially not a good dinner option despite being excited for it for our Valentine's Day dinner. Food- really liked Caesar salad and Mac n cheese. However, this is a steak house. We ordered ribeye in medium and NY strip in medium rare. However, ribeye was medium rare and ny strip was cooked medium well. I considered telling our waiter but he never appeared at our table to ask about how our food was. He showed up half an hour later to ask if we wanted dessert. I didn't eat my ny strip because it was so dry and my husband had a few bites. Service- as mentioned above, the server barely showed up. Also our food arrived later than everyone next to us. The couple next to us got sat down after we put in our entree order and get they received their entree before we did. No apologies or context given on the delay. Also, I know they offer half orders for certain dishes like salad for takeouts and deliveries and saw older TikTok videos that mentioned getting half portions too. We asked if they do half portions so we can try more items in the menu, we simply got a "NO" without any kindness or explanation given. It was said as if we were asking them something stupid. Ambiance- I think the bar area is nice looking, but we were sat in the basement. It was crammed, the tables were small, and because it was a small room, you can really hear other tables conversations. For casual restaurants I don't mind that type of ambiance but if we are dropping more than $300 for 2 of us, I am going to compare it to comparable places in that price range: Bavettes, Gibsons, maple and ash, swift and sons, Alston, etc. this is significantly lacking compared to all of those "nice steakhouses". Theres not even a coat check. Also our leftover was packed in a cheap black plastic bag. Once again, not matching with the price point. We are locals and were very excited to try this place not far from us, but sadly, it was a truly disappointing experience and if anyone asked me if I'd recommend this place, I would say look elsewhere. read more

Butcher & The Bear - NY strip and Mac n cheese - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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4.5 to 5 so I made it a 5. Only reason for the half point is I'm a tough grader. Four of us came on a Tuesday night so the place never filled up. We had excellent service all evening. The cocktails were well done with the obligatory (to me, anyway) single giant ice cube. The chef included a waygu beef amuse bouche and they were delightful. The rosemary foccacia was a big hit. The group went a bit overboard with starters. I enjoyed the wedge salad but I would say they need a stronger blue cheese in the dressing. I had a filet which was done to my request (blue). The green beans were very tasty, The fries were excellent. Tablemate had the lamb and loved it. I didn't try them but the table loved the made at the table bananas foster. read more

Came on a Sunday for their girl dinner special - $29 for two martinis and caviar fries. I had never been here before and was so pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the interior was and how delicious our food was. The interior is cozy, moody, and romantic. It's perfect for a winter night out. In addition to the girl dinner special, we also had a full meal with hamachi crudo, a 14 ounce New York strip, green beans, and cacio e pepe gnocchi. Everything was phenomenal. I will definitely be back!! Next time I need to save room for dessert. The staff here were also super knowledgeable and friendly which made the experience even better. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is definitely a place for a date. Very moody with only small lamps on the tables for light. Our waiter was kind and quick, dressed in all black had the staff looking sharp. Beet salad with spicy feta was a superb flavor balance, highly recommend. The steak was melt in your mouth perfection! Scallops definitely should have been seared longer but the accompanying mole was delicious. Chocolate cake was ok, a bit on the dry side. The carrot cake was the best I have had in quite some time. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Carrot cake (restaurant week sized) - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I wanted to find a nice restaurant to take hubby for his birthday. Did research and found this place that is known for it's ambiance. We visited there on 9/13/25. Caesar was our waiter & we loved his personality and attentiveness. He even wished hubby a "Happy Birthday". When you walk in, you can see how cozy the seating area is just past the snazzy bar. Even though it was crowded in there, the noise level was just right which I appreciated. It's a great place to take a special person for a celebratory dinner. Food was divine. We had the strawberry salad, scallops, roasted duck and our drinks were good too! My Lemondrop Martini was yummo! And I loved that hubby's drink was in a beautiful crystal glass. Such a classy touch. They brought out a special birthday dessert for hubby and sang to him. All of the tables around us joined in the singing, it was GREAT!! The one thing I would ask them to improve on is the valet parking. We sat in front of the restaurant a good 10-12 minutes before someone came to park our car. The same thing happened when we were leaving, we were standing outside for awhile before our car came. Luckily the weather was pretty decent that night but I can't imagine this happening in the dead of winter so I would ask that this be worked on. We enjoyed our time there and would like to come back to the posh environment and this time try their steak which they are known for. Everyone around us was having the steak. Thanks Butcher and the Bear, you're alright with us! read more

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Date night went well! We have been watching the Bear and seeing all the great food decided to give this place a try and it was fantastic. The ambiance was romantic and speak easy. The service was kind and attentive. The food was delicious. I shared a steak, Cesar salad, and creamy mashed potatoes with my husband and it was perfect portions and cooked to perfection. Definitely will be back for more! read more

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We came to Butcher and the Bear for a birthday celebration, and it was an okay experience - We started off with the Seafood Platter, which was a nice app to share - this came with a lobster tail, shrimp, oysters, and ceviche, with mignonette and horseradish cocktail sauce; the shrimp was large, and the oysters were fresh. We also ordered a few of the Foie Gras Toast, which used challah bread and topped with pomegranate and candied walnuts; this was a bit too sweet for us. For our mains, we knew we wanted to focus on the steaks - the Wagyu Steaks Tasting Board came with sliced Japanese Teres Major A5, the Australian Wagyu NY Strip, the Australian Stone Axe Full Blood Wagyu Flat Iron, and the Australian Stone Axe Wagyu Picanha. The picanha was a little too fatty, which was a bit disappointing. You had the option to add a Bone Marrow Butter Poached Lobster, but we passed. Our counterparts ordered the 30 oz USDA Prime Bone-In Ribeye, the 9 oz Prime Filet Mignon, and the Butcher's Cut Steak Frits (served with hunters sauce, truffle-Parm fries, and garlic aioli); all these dishes came with Portuguese sea salt, 5 peppercorn salt, and Second City Prime Salt to enhance the steak flavors. The service could have been better, and there definitely needs to be a refresh on the training. The restaurant itself is dim-lit, kind of giving off a speakeasy vibe. I am curious about their HH, but not sure if I'd go out of my way to return. Metered street parking can be found in the area. +poor service +metered street parking read more

Incredible food and drinks in a great atmosphere. Service was fantastic. Highly recommend

Throughly disappointed with the food & service. Reserv was for Mothers' Day. I ordered New York Strip, hubby ordered Rib eye steak, but he didnt received the entire steak. Both steaks was barely warm. Our sides were green beans(tasty but tough, didn't remove the stems Mac and cheese, which was bland and barely any cheese, and lastly candied sweet potatoes, there was nothing candied about them at all. Our server didn't introduce himself so we didn't know his name, and wasn't helpful at all. We will never return. Proceed to this restaurant with caution! They are very pricey as well.! This was a BIG Mistake! Not our usual steak restaurant but wanted to try something different. Next time I will make resv at The Capital Grill, or Joe's steak house & seafood they have excellent service and top tier steak & food. read more

You'd never guess there's a high-end steakhouse/speakeasy tucked behind the unassuming façade at 2721 North Halsted--but once inside, Butcher and the Bear delivers a luxurious, intimate experience worth discovering. Opened in 2024, the space is moody and upscale, with dark, polished décor that sets the stage for a serious steakhouse experience. What truly sets it apart? Two of the partners, Chris and Susie Maloyan, also own Second City Prime, so you're getting top-tier cuts without the inflated prices you find at big-name steakhouses. Our party of five sat upstairs and received impeccable service from Cesar--knowledgeable, attentive, and on point all night. We kicked things off with two standout starters: - The Foie Gras Toast--rich, buttery foie layered with pomegranate and candied walnuts. Unexpected. Divine. - A dozen East Coast Oysters--fresh and briny, a perfect warm-up. The showpiece of the menu is the Wagyu Board: four 2.5 oz tastings of Japanese and Australian wagyu for $140. While the meat was buttery and beautifully marbled, it arrived slightly warm and lacked a char. One of our group sent it back for a reheat. Honestly, I preferred my 16 oz Prime Ribeye--charred to perfection, bursting with flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. It stole the show, and a few bites from curious tablemates confirmed it. Side standouts: - The whipped potatoes were so creamy and addictive we ordered a second round. - The brussels sprouts--crispy, caramelized, and perfectly seasoned--might've been the best veggie dish I've had in months. Dessert didn't disappoint: - The towering Chocolate Cake was rich and shareable. - The Crème Brûlée Gelato was decadent and smooth. - And the Bananas Foster Crepes, flambéed tableside, were a theatrical and delicious finale. We're already planning a return visit in August--this time I've got my eye on the 30 oz Prime Bone-In Ribeye. The Wagyu Board? Might be a one-time experience. read more

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Had a delicious steak during my birthday week. Cooked to absolute perfection, and a very high quality meat. I had sweet potatoes on the side and they even brought me a special birthday dessert. I had the best conversation with the bartender. Overall a very cozy upscale vibe and amazing experience. read more

Butcher & The Bear - birthday donuts - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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1920's speakeasy premium steakhouse elegance. Saul Ramos' cooking is phenomenal. I was told they often change the menu, offering limited ish options. The atmosphere was cozy and dim, my favorite type. The staff were pleasant, affirmative and informative. Great experience here, and worth the $$. Thank you Butcher team!! read more

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I went to Butcher and the Bear for the first time recently and I have to say they surpassed all of my expectations. From the time I walked into the door the service was top notch. Madison, Christina, and Rachel were awesome and took good care of me while I was there. The restaurant is dimly lit and very cozy. I sat near the fireplace because it was just adorable. It's a great restaurant for a date night or small gathering as the group seated next to me were celebrating a birthday. The food and wine were great quality. Everything came out in a timely fashion and was delicious. I had no complaints at all. I would 10/10 recommend! I can't wait to come back! read more

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Butcher and the Bear delivered an incredible dining experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely outstanding, we started with incredibly fresh oysters, then moved on to the wagyu tallow candle, which was rich, aromatic, and such a unique, memorable touch. The wagyu tasting board was phenomenal, with every cut cooked perfectly and bursting with deep, buttery flavor. The lamb was equally impressive, tender, juicy, and expertly seasoned. We ended with the dessert flight, which was as beautiful as it was delicious. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and full of creativity. They also have octopus, tartare, ribeye, rigatoni, brussel sprouts, mushrooms, and many more. The whole team and staff were so kind and attentive. They were so energetic and always asking all the customers if they need something. The overall atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. I can't wait to return and try even more from their menu! Thank you, Butcher and The Bear! read more

Butcher and the Bear offers a beautiful ambiance that immediately sets the tone for a pleasant dining experience. The space feels thoughtfully designed and inviting, making it a great spot for a relaxed yet upscale night out. The cocktail list is well-curated, and the wine menu offers a solid selection with something for different tastes. Appetizers arrived with nice presentation and solid plating, but flavor-wise they didn't quite deliver a memorable wow factor. The steaks, however, were a strong point--cooked exactly to the requested temperature, which is always appreciated and not something every steakhouse gets right. Service throughout the meal was good: attentive, professional, and smooth without being overbearing. read more

We've been here twice and once was to celebrate our anniversary. Service is always great, it's pretty loud depending on where you sit but I requested a quieter table for our anniversary and they made sure we got one. The standouts for me were the yellowtail app and the ribeye and both were fantastic. If I lived closer I'd probably go more often but if you're looking for a steakhouse that isn't downtown, this is a great option. Keep in mind parking sucks but they have valet. read more

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Food was delicious - 4 stars Desert was amazing - 5 stars Service was OK - 3 stars Overall 4 stars. Recommend you give it a try. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friends and I went for their new "girl dinner" special, two martinis and loaded fries w/ caviar, and we enjoyed it! The fries were really flavorful and the drinks were well mixed! The ambiance was dimly lit and perfect for date night or a girls night out. My only complaint was the service, it was less than welcoming from the moment we walked in. Once he was free, the only person who made up for it was the bartender. read more

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Butcher & the Bear - Chicago, IL: The Wagyu Tasting Board That Broke My Brain I thought I knew what good beef tasted like. Then I met the Wagyu Tasting Board at Butcher & the Bear and realized I'd just been eating steak kindergarten until now. This isn't a charcuterie board; it's a full-blown luxury flight of beef that should come with its own passport. The rest of the menu is ridiculous (bone-in ribeyes the size of hubcaps, truffle mac that should be illegal), but that tasting board is the single most decadent, jaw-dropping meat experience in Chicago right now. Cocktails are killer (order the smoked cinnamon old fashioned), service is sharp and genuinely excited to watch you lose your mind, and the sleek, dark dining room feels like a secret carnivore club. If you love steak even a little, you owe it to yourself to experience this board. Bring friends, bring an empty stomach, bring reverence. Butcher & the Bear didn't just serve wagyu; they redefined the word "out of this world." Five stars, zero chill, already planning my #1 reservation in the city. Run, don't walk. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Wagu Tasting Board - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really enjoyed the dinner i had here last night. The service was a 100000/10! Everyone was super attentive, kind, and had great personality. The food was pretty good. I would say the stars of the show were the meatballs, biscotti cheesecake, and the focaccia. Overall vibes were dark, grown, and sexy! A nice spot to try out. read more

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Great place. Love the atmosphere. Always great service and exceptional steak. One of our favorite steakhouses in town

WOW. That's it. That's all I really have to say! We stopped in to try their restaurant week menu. I don't like tartare but theirs was magical. I got the Filet Mignon which MELTS in your mouth. We also tried the macaroni and cheese on their regular menu. Im super picky on macaroni and cheese, but this was the best one I've ever had at a restaurant. Chocolate cake for dessert was so rich and moist and topped with gold flakes. I think they use a rum in it as well. Such a great date night. I highly recommend. read more

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I try to visit a restaurant a couple times before stamping with a 5 star rating, but it's a new year. Hopefully they don't embarrass me, lol. Everything pictured is worth ordering. Service at the bar and tableside was exceptional. Butcher and the Bear is a classic steakhouse that doesn't veer too far from tradition. Standouts include the Lobster Tail and the Seafood Tower. Pro Tip: The tower can be ordered chilled or grilled. The experience wasn't perfect, having to wait a bit past our reservation time to be seated and I realized I was significantly overcharged for my ribeye after leaving the restaurant. I never keep receipts so I didn't bother to follow up. Still a Top 5 Classic Steakhouse in Chicago and 5 star worthy. 4.5 stars. read more

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Let me just say this place is well worth the reservation and plan ahead. We unfortunately were going to be late to our reservation but the manager told us over the phone that we could sit at the bar. When we showed up they were great at finding us some space at the bar and the bartenders provided amazing service. We started the night off with their engine 55 which if you love Mezcal is well worth it. We then decided to do their restaurant week menu and add some Mac &Cheese on the side (best decision ever). I started the night off with the waygu tartare which was a new experiment for me and man did I love it. We truly both enjoyed our meals I got the sea bass which was cooked to perfection with a flavorful sauce that continued to evolve over time. We finished the night off with a nice chocolate cake with edible gold and whisky that was so rich and light that I wish I had more of now! We paired this with their homemade bananas foster gelato and I was not at all disappointed. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

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Went for Restaurant Week; dinner for $60. Opted for the wagyu tartare, Calabrian vodka rigatoni, and the chocolate cake. Wasn't too impressed by the wagyu tartare- the potatoes on their own were good, but the texture didn't complement the meat, as both just felt mushy together. The rigatoni and chocolate cake were fine, just nothing special. Overall can't really say the restaurant week menu specifically was worth it for me. Service was also pretty rushed. Overall vibes of the place were quite nice though-dimly lit and intimate with a dark library aesthetic. read more

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Visited as part of Chicago Restaurant Week for dinner. All three courses were amazing, but the filet and frites stole the show. Service was great and everyone makes sure you're enjoying every aspect of your visit. Would recommend for a date night! read more

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I knew anything coming from the team behind Sapori would be great, and Butcher and the Bear lived up to the hype! The vibes are great, very trendy-cozy, dark-moody. The menu has great options for any diet. We started with rosemary focaccia and the chopped salad. The bread was great, but the beef tallow candle took forever to actually melt enough tallow to spread on the bread. I don't eat steak so I got Brick Chicken and it was delightful!!! It was cooked super thin and crispy, with a really flavorful garlicky sauce. We also got broccolini and Mac and cheese which were both great. Cocktails were good and quite strong!! The star in my opinion though was the chocolate cake for dessert! The slice was HUGE and soo fudgey and delicious. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Chocolate cake! HUGE slice and sooo delicious - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food was absolutely amazing. We also appreciated us being compensated for our reservation being a little late. We were 10 minutes late and called them due to a traffic delay, but because of it. Our reaervation got pushed back 45 minutes, but they were great. The place is gorgeous and intimate. We had the porterhouse and split it. It was so good! The biscoff cheese cake was the creamiest the sauce tasted exactly like biscoff even without the cookie. Well worth it!!!! read more

Butcher & The Bear - Biscoff Cheesecake - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Everything here was complete perfection. This is truly the place to come for red meat. The steak was extremely flavorful, the lamb chops were the best! Both had the perfect amount of seasoning plus citrus flavoring. The braised short rib pasta was so stewey and comforting. For appetizers we tried the rosemary focaccia bread and the beef tallow that came as a candle was a cute way to serve the dish. The meatball was large enough to share. The sides were also super yummy. The mashed potatoes were super silky and velvety, melted in your mouth. And the flavor of the broccolini was super tasty read more

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The Butcher & The Bear -- A Michelin-Worthy Experience with Chicago Soul As globe-trotting foodies who proudly call Chicago home, my daughter and I have dined everywhere from Doris in New Orleans to Trattoria Dall'Oste in Florence. So when a Sunday errand run ended with us walking into Butcher & The Bear -- dressed in yoga pants, sneakers, and a White Sox visor -- we had no idea we were about to experience one of the most memorable meals of our year. At first glance, we panicked. Dim lighting. Swanky speakeasy ambiance. Were we underdressed? YES. But the hostess and manager welcomed us with open arms, reassuring us with, "If it's Wagyu you're craving, then Wagyu you shall have." Hospitality? 10/10. Our server Katherine was phenomenal -- informative, warm, and effortlessly cool. We let her guide the experience and we're so glad we did. What we ate: * A crostini topped with branzino cream & vinaigrette (the perfect bite) * Haley mocktail (Lyre's N/A gin, pomegranate, lemon, hibiscus ginger beer) * La Marga mocktail (Ritual N/A tequila, mint, lime soda) * Wagyu tasting board - featuring 4 cuts including a decadent Japanese A5 NY Strip * 16 oz Black Onyx Ribeye - my daughter's pick, grilled to juicy perfection * Whipped potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, mac & cheese - all phenomenal * And the star of the show: Rosemary focaccia served with a wagyu beef tallow candle -- yes, an edible candle that melted into a rich, savory dipping sauce. Iconic. The Butcher & The Bear doesn't just serve food -- they serve a whole moment. Come as you are. Leave completely transformed. Michelin-worthy. Chicago-approved. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Wagyu tasting board - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I will start and end my review talking about the lamb chops, they were so memorable, I can't wait to go back! But before the lamb chops, I will tell you about our experience. We had a reservation for 8pm and were told that our table wasn't ready, but we were offered to sit at the bar and order a drink in the meantime. One of the members of our party was a bit late, so it worked out well for us. We got seated around 8:30pm, but leading up to that, the staff continuously checked in on us and provided us with updates. In the meantime, I ordered the Engine 55, the bartender was super helpful and the drinks were great - he was definitely a mixologist. The place is a vibe - it's dark and moody, but still welcoming and not overly dark inside like some places can be. There's candles throughout, and lights around the tables. Once we were seated, we were immediately greeted by our server, who shared a list of specials and told us about the menu. This is the type of place where you order everything at once and the kitchen spaces out the dishes for you, accordingly. Unfortunately, because we were there so late, we mostly ordered entrees so didn't get the full experience this time. They started us off with a complimentary amuse bouche - a croquette. I think it was swordfish that night and it had a very tasty sauce accompanying it. A member of the kitchen came and described the dish to us and it was super yummy, the sauce was a perfect complement. We each ordered an entree, one member of my party ordered the charred octopus appetizer as a main - and then we ordered a bunch of sides, which were shareable. Of note were the whipped potatoes. I had the lamb chops, which were outstanding. Super meaty, juicy and flavorful. I had leftovers and couldn't wait to eat them the next day. Service was consistent and very thoughtful, the staff was patient with our party and very accommodating. For dessert, we got the 20k gold chocolate cake, which was a huge piece of cake and incredibly rich. If you're not into rich desserts, this one might not be for you, but the other desserts we saw floating around looked delicious too. Next time, we have our eyes on the carrot cake. I highly recommend the Butcher and the Bear, it's definitely worth a visit. read more

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It's been a while but my experience last night at Butcher and the Bear awakened my desire to write some more reviews. The main reason for the three stars is the 3 issues that I had here during our service and how management handled it. Service was a 2 star. 1. We ordered 2 of the expensive steaks on the menu, asked them to come out Uncut, this is a normal ask as I don't want my 20oz rib eye to be getting cold as I eat it. I'm a big boy and can cut my own steak. Both of our steaks came sliced, if it's sliced, we send it back. 2. I ordered a Diplomatico reserva rum and they brought out the Planas, they had to remake the cocktail. 3. We ordered a rigatoni for the table which we had to ask for and it actually arrived after our refired steaks. We were a party of 3 and our one friend ate alone basically then watched us eat. 4. The manager came over, didn't address the situation upfront and didn't offer to comp anything. These three issues definitely warranted some love. Was shocked. Also the check had the items removed listed as spoilage and as a discount which was off putting. This should have been a 5 star experience and would have been 4 stars with some love. The steaks were cooked perfectly after being remade. I liked that it came with a side of salt and pepper to season. The sides were delicious as well. Amazing glaze on the broccolini. Mac and cheese was good. The cheesecake was incredible, Biscoff to its finest. I recommend the food, the ambience was cool and great for a date night as well as family fun. The service was good but the management's lack of handling their bungles was an issue. read more

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I'll start off by saying the service was great! Our waitress was super knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. She was attentive and made sure we were happy. We ordered: The seafood platter Waygu tasting board Miso sea bass Mushrooms Mashed potatoes The platter unfortunately was a let down. It was all chilled which I guess I didn't realize. For the price point, they really skimped on the crab so we were bummed. I think the warm platter at Maple and Ash is a hands down winner and much more affordable. The seafood was good, don't get me wrong but the portion was tiny for the price. The Waygu platter on the other hand was a good portion. We thought they were all tasty! But again, for the price point, I probably wouldn't get it again. I've had non waygu that was better IMO in Chicago but it is fun to try. The mushrooms were great and my family enjoyed the mashed potatoes. But the star... was the sea bass. Best I've ever had! Would come back for that bit unfortunately the waitress said it rotates so no guarantee that it's the same in the future. Oh last but not least! The complimentary bday dessert was amazing! Not usually a bombolini fan but it was delicious! Overall, great service, good food but I would pick other places based on the price points. read more

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Excellent speakeasy in LP! Service, ambiance, and food were all impressive. Octopus: 5 Oysters: 5 Mac and cheese: 4 Mashed potatoes: 5 Wagyu beef cheek pasta: 5+ NY Strip with béarnaise: 5+ Chateaubriand: 5+ Lattes: 3 (please upgrade your bean selection) Excellent all around, with meats perfectly cooked and complementary pairings. Glad to have them in east LP! read more

Dined solo this evening and was promptly seated and greeted by the staff. This was my first visit. Was quickly served my choice of water (sparkling) by very friendly staff, and asked if I wanted a cocktail. Easy answer: yes! Ordered a Grey Goose martini and was given choice of regular olives or blue cheese -- I went with the latter. I requested a rocks glass instead of a martini glass and that was no problem. I also requested a straw because, due to a hereditary tremor, it's difficult for me to raise a glass without sloshing. This was provided no problem. My starter was oysters Rockefeller and I can honestly say it was one of the best versions of this often over-engineered dish I've ever had. Delectable cheese, fresh oyster and a spinach purée at just the right temperature. Accompanied this with a glass of the Nebbiolo. Main course was a filet mignon (rare), optional bernaise sauce and a side of the Robuchon-esque whipped potatoes. Everything was perfect. Another glass of the Nebbiolo to wash it down. Throughout the evening the service was excellent...there when you needed them, and leaving me to enjoy my meal and read Cubs baseball news as I liked. The atmosphere was darker, high-end steakhouse combined with a friendly and convivial vibe...the best of both formal and informal (I showed up in shorts and a t-shirt and no one batted an eye, but you would not be out of place in a suit and dinner dress, should you so wish.) Thanks to The Butcher & The Bear for a thoroughly enjoyable - and delicious! - evening. read more

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I was brought here for dinner by a good friend. It was crowded. We had 7:15 reservations, but weren't seated until an HOUR later. There were 3 or 4 other parties waiting as well who had the same reservation time or close to it. The hostess (who was nice and trying her best) just kept saying we should be seated soon. Did they offer us a drink or anything due to the long wait? No. The table where they eventually sat us was right smack next to a table for 4, where they had awkwardly stuck 5 people. So it was like we were all having dinner together. There was a small space between where I sat and the next person sat at that table, so when the waiter came to service them, his butt was right in my face. They did bring us an appetizer (we didn't get to pick) as an apology for having to wait so long to be seated. But I don't eat red meat or pork, so I couldn't enjoy it. I ordered the salmon with green beans and my friend ordered the steak. The salmon (which was hot) was sitting on the green beans - that were cold. I asked for new green beans and they apologized and brought out a separate bowl. They were hot, but way too doused with soy for my taste and it was difficult to enjoy them. The salmon was good, but no way worth $47. $28 would have been applicable. My friend did enjoy his steak. After the meal, they brought us a dessert as another apology. It was good, but very, very sweet. During the meal, our water glasses were never refilled and we were never checked on to see how everything was. Then after my friend gave the waiter his credit card, he came back with the bill only to apologize because he charged someone else's $800 meal on the card. He said he canceled it and gave my friend the receipt "if he needed to prove it." After everything that happened, I expected the manager to come talk to us and apologize in person. Even to offer us another opportunity to try them again another night on the house wouldn't be unrealistic. But that didn't happen. Ironically, I really wanted to like the restaurant and I did like the atmosphere - it's somewhat romantic and very cute and warm - but it's too crammed with tables and too loud. The people who work there are nice. I just expected a lot more from the food and service at these prices. read more

Everything about this restaurant is outstanding. Wonderfully decorated without being so stuffy looking, you are put at ease the minute you walk through the doors. Our waitress Rachel was beyond outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and extremely accommodating as we had a friend with dietary restrictions (gluten free). All the courses we had were delicious from the root vegetable salad to the tasty steaks which were cooked to perfection. Will definitely be returning ! read more

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The Butcher & The Bear! The steaks were excellent, and the Wagyu tasting board was an absolute standout -- rich, tender, and full of flavor. But the real surprise? Wagyu fat + butter chocolate chip cookies served with vanilla ice cream and milk. Hands down one of the most simple, creative + delicious desserts I've ever had. read more

I'll start with the service, which was really great! All the staff (not just our server) were so attentive and pleasant. It's a very dark and romantic kind of vibe in there. We were in the basement, I'm not sure if there's space other than that. It's a bit of close quarters but overall really nice. Now, the food was also so great! My filet was cooked perfectly and the potatoes were to die for. I wasn't a huge fan of the sauce that came with the broccolini, but it was cooked well. read more

Butcher & The Bear - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois