Our experience was exceptional from start to finish. The dining room was stunning and there were many locations for a good photo op. The menu had something for everyone. We were not disappointed by the recommended 'dressed eggs', and really enjoyed the oysters. Caviar bump- was buttery and had a good salt to it. Steak sauces - the bordelaise had a nice savory but sweet balance . Steak was cooked perfectly. For dessert, we also were not disappointed by our lovely server Stephanie's recommendation of the apple tarte (with carrot ice cream- yes I said carrot ) . Would love to go back to try more of the menu. read more

See all

The Alston, circa Dec 2025, delivers an outstanding restaurant experience. I have eaten here five or so times since they opened, and each experience has exceeded the last. They had a couple misses on their menu in the early months, which have been cleaned up nicely in recent visits. I think they still tend to overcook their steaks by 1 full notch (rare+ comes out med rare; med rare comes out medium), but one can adjust for that. As a Bavette's / Gibson's Italia loyalist, I confess that the Alston's Vander Farms Wagyu cuts are incredible! I can't easily name one steak of this caliber that you can find in Chicago at the price point. The flavorful duck is also a special item that delivers on high expectations. The service also is much-improved since the opening months, when one might have thot them overmatched on busy nights. I have recently found the servers and managers to be highly attentive, clearly making our visits extra special with little touches and attn to detail. Importantly, the decor and interior design have always been flat-out second to none -stunning. There is no equal in Chicago. You can find a well-heeled, good looking scene here on weekends. It is great to see that the Alston has become a restaurant executing at a high level. read more

A Memorable Opening Night at The Alston I had the pleasure of taking my wife to The Alston on its opening night, May 30th, 2025, and we were absolutely impressed by the experience -- from the ambiance to the wine to the impeccable service. Service & Atmosphere From the moment we arrived, Amir, our server, made us feel welcomed and well cared for. His attentiveness and warmth truly elevated our evening. Jordan, the sommelier, was equally excellent -- his recommendations were insightful, and he guided us to an exceptional bottle of Keenan Capstone Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. It was a standout selection from The Alston's impressive wine list. The ambiance of the restaurant is something special. The decor is elegant yet inviting, with stunning views that add an extra layer of magic to the dining experience. It's clear that a great deal of thought went into the design of the space. That said, finding the restaurant was a little tricky -- it's tucked next to Sophia Steak and near the Lifetime building signage, so look out for those landmarks. Drinks & Starters We began our evening with a refreshing surprise -- a bright, citrusy spritzer made with Tito's vodka, St. Germain, lemon, and lime. It was the perfect palate opener, paired with warm, crusty bread and deliciously creamy butter that had us hooked from the first bite. For starters, we shared the Fire Roasted Tomato Niçoise -- an artful plate accented with beet, cucumber, and citrus oil -- and the Seared Foie Gras, which was expertly prepared and deeply flavorful. Main Course & Dessert For the main course, I chose the 10oz Center Cut Filet Mignon with a rich, velvety bordelaise sauce, accompanied by a side of roasted mushrooms. The flavors were on point, and the sauces were especially remarkable -- complex, balanced, and clearly crafted with care. The only hiccup was that our steak, ordered medium, came out slightly rare and lukewarm, but we chalked it up to the understandable kinks of opening night. To finish, we indulged in the Apple Tarte Tatin topped with a unique grilled carrot ice cream -- an inventive and satisfying close to the meal. Final Thoughts The Alston is already showing great promise. With a talented team, a thoughtful menu, and a showstopping ambiance, it's poised to become one of Chicago's next culinary gems. We even saw Chef Jenner Tomaska himself making rounds and performing tableside service of Duck à la Presse, which looked incredible. We'll definitely be back soon -- next time with a group to explore more of the menu. read more

Incredible decor, food was 10/10. Ceaser salad, crab cake, center cut filet were amazing, service was great.

The Alston stands out in a city where restaurants are around every corner. The menu is chef-driven, the service is attentive, and the environment is surprisingly unique. The rib-eye we ordered was one of the best I've had in my LIFE, and my partner has not stopped talking about the escargot since we left. This is a place all Chicagoans need to try. read more

This restaurant is absolutely amazing that I tried for the first time last night. What an experience. The restaurant is beautiful with an intimate lounge and bar with views of the city, and the main dining room has massive elegant chandeliers and is one of the most beautiful rooms I've seen in the city. The Michelin starred chef was visible in the kitchen. We arrived early because we needed to finish up a business meeting and we started in the lounge. It was a very intimate and we started out with a seafood tower and their signature French martini. In the dining room the level of service was impeccable. They came around with personal purse hooks, which for a girl is a special touch. The wine list was phenomenal and they had my favorite from St. Emilion which always goes so nicely with their dry aged meat they are known for. I had the French onion soup, King crab cake, the Alston salad, followed by the dry-aged porterhouse. So delicious. It is a rarity to find quality dry aged meat. They said they are known for their duck, and I will definitely have to come back to try that! For dessert we ordered the pistachio mousse-like cake, a cheesecake, a lava cake, and the apple tart. All excellent. I liked the lava cake the best. I have a Birthday party coming up to plan, so I asked to see the spaces they have available for my party. Wow. I will absolutely host here because the private rooms are so exquisite. They have intimate spaces for around 12 people, special areas for wine connoisseurs, and could even accommodate large parties in an area that overlooks Holy Name cathedral across the street. Some of the spaces can be converted to open air. This is my new go to for just drinks with the girls or a beautiful dinner. read more

Steaks were really great , also very good escargot , overall all the food was good and the ambiance is very cool , unfortunately like other have mentioned they are struggling on service , after giving our full order to be spaced out we didn't see anyone for 25 minutes and then they just dumped everything on our table oysters salads hot appetizers was so weird and overwhelming , next came steaks and sides , our waiter was mostly MiA . read more

From the moment we walked into Alston, we knew we were in for a special experience. I loved that we were asked to choose a vase for a candle to set the ambience--it was such a unique and thoughtful touch that made the evening feel personalized right away. Our server, Taylor, was absolutely wonderful. Personable, attentive, and knowledgeable, he went above and beyond to ensure we had a great dining experience. As a pescatarian, I often have to double-check ingredients, but Taylor took the time to walk me through the menu and make thoughtful suggestions so I could enjoy my meal without worry. That kind of care is rare and deeply appreciated. My husband ordered a steak, which at first wasn't cooked to his preference. The way the staff handled it speaks volumes about their commitment to hospitality--they immediately offered to remake it and made sure we were comfortable in the meantime. The response was gracious and professional, turning what could have been a hiccup into an example of true customer care. Overall, the atmosphere, service, and food came together beautifully. Alston strikes the perfect balance between elevated dining and genuine hospitality, and we will absolutely be back. read more

The Alston - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I should have listened to the other reviews. Much better options in Chicago. Came for anniversary dinner. Booked a "standard" table only to be informed we would be seated on the fully covered terrace. Sure. Nothing like $100 steaks in 90° weather with humidity. Seated immediately upon arrival. Waited 17 minutes to be greeted. Ordered cocktails. After 15 minutes a different server came to our table and had no idea we had already ordered drinks (since they had not arrived). Re-ordered drinks and two apps. 5 more minutes go by and the original server comes back for an entree order. At this point I'm Confused. Who is our server? And where are our drinks? Eventually the drinks and apps came. We just asked for the bill. They took the apps off the bill. We left and walked over to Alpana for a much better experience. 0/10 do not recommend read more

The dining room is stunning and we had great service and an even better meal. The tableside Duck preparation is a can't miss! Looking forward to coming back this winter for the holidays, it's a new go-to spot for celebrating! read more

The space is gorgeous, the staff is attentive and welcoming and the food is next level-- this one's a hit. Highly recommend the scallops. read more

Disaster Experience--Overcharged, Ignored, and No Accountability I usually give restaurants the benefit of the doubt, but my experience at The Alston on 750 State S 3rd floor was so frustrating, I feel obligated to warn others. We came here to celebrate a birthday, and what should have been a special night turned into a complete disaster. From start to finish, the service was incompetent and disrespectful of our time. * It took 15 minutes just to get water and place our first drink order. * Drinks were brought out late, and mine didn't arrive until second round order was placed despite everyone else already having their first order finished . * The waiter forgot part of our drink order and never corrected it properly. * The so-called "complimentary" drink was charged to my bill, and when I brought it up, I was ignored. Then came the food disaster: * Appetizers, salads, and entrées all arrived at the same time, making the meal chaotic and unenjoyable. * Items we never ordered appeared on the table, and although we returned them immediately, they still showed up on the final bill. After all of that, I discovered I was overcharged by about $100. I tried to resolve this directly with the restaurant--I called FIVE TIMES and left detailed messages for the manager, but no one ever had the decency to call me back. Each time, I was told "someone will get back to you ASAP"--that never happened. I finally had to dispute the charge with my credit card company, but the restaurant refused to take any responsibility, and the dispute was denied. So now I'm stuck paying for their mistakes. This was not just a bad dinner--it was a waste of 3 hours of our time, a ruined birthday, and an example of how not to treat customers. The lack of professionalism, integrity, and follow-through is shocking. I won't be returning, and I strongly recommend others think twice before dining here. If you value good service, honest billing, or basic hospitality, this is NOT the place for you. read more

We came for a drink and dessert to check it out for a future dinner. We sat at the bar and ordered a drink and dessert after having a fabulous dinner at Petit Pomeroy. The place is pure hype. The crowd looks like flashy trash. The music was ear splitting. Dessert was not edible. Service was good though. We'd never return as Chicago has many excellent steak houses. read more

What an amazing rendition of a traditional Chicago steakhouse. Food was top notch, ambiance was fun, service was on point and design is incredible! read more

The experience far exceeded expectations. From the moment you arrive, you're welcomed with impeccable hospitality, and by the time you step into the dining room, you're immersed in an atmosphere of elevated luxury. That awe-inspiring entrance sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. The menu--both food and drinks--lives up to the ambiance, best enjoyed as shareable plates so everyone can experience a variety of dishes. Moments of magic unfolded throughout the night, from beautiful tableside presentations to the thoughtful education and attentive check-ins from the front-of-house team. To end the evening, we lingered in the bar area, an entirely different yet equally memorable setting. Intimate and refined, it's the perfect spot for a nightcap--an unmatched experience in the heart of the city. read more

The Alston is a fairly new steakhouse with a French influence. To put it mildly - skip it. The food was mediocre while pricey. Our food was served cold and was boring and uninteresting. This restaurant will not be open in a year. read more

Ambiance is dark & sexy, Service is impeccable, the wine list is spectacular for a restaurant that has only been open for 2 months. We ordered Duck - at a Steakhouse and we drank Pinot noir. I look forward to doing it again. read more

Over-priced, mediocre service, and over-cooked fish. They also charged a $100 corkage fee. The beet salad was excellent. The New York strip steak was just okay. Fortunately, the company was great. 2.5 stars. Alexander S. read more

Food, service and ambiance were outstanding! We walked in and were able to find a table in the bar. Ryan took care of us and was awesome! Very memorable experience and will definitely be back. read more

Our group of 6 went to Alston yesterday evening for dinner. We had high expectations but Alston met and exceeded all our expectations. From the hostess receiving us, taking us to the Bar/Lounge for a drink before dinner to being seated for Dinner, food, drinks and service was exceptional. Our server Mitch was very attentive to our needs. Two people in our group were Vegetarian and our dietary needs were fully accommodated. We will be coming back to Alston very soon again! read more

My wife and I were visiting Chicago and we went to The Alston for the first time. Our dining experience was beyond our expectations. We started with the Norwegian crab legs for an appetizer....so much better than Alaskan. We followed it up with the Wagu strip steak and the Pressed Duck. I have eaten at many fines dining establishments throughout the states and abroad, this one is by far in our top 3. This is a hidden gem located on State St. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a true culinary experience. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!!!!!!! read more

Great French food x steakhouse! Very tasty dining options and I'm excited to go back. Also, it's beautiful date night vibe! read more

The Alston - Lobster - Steakhouses Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Food not prepared properly in our party of seven. Under cooked on steaks. overcooked on fish. Beyond salty on all products on main courses . So bad that they thought complimenting a dessert's ,should make us happy when all we wanted was excellent food plus a great culinary experience. From the start our servers seemed to be well trained and conscientious to enjoy the night. The staff pleasent enough had no clue how to serve the meal and drinks properly . The food runners had no clue who had ordered what and was annoying because they broke into conversations and served food to the wrong person. Head waiter did not even watch the process to get it right. I am done complaining . Frankly speaking this experience for my guests embarrassed me. I am sure no one in the company cares, but i am local and you can text or e mail to discuss . read more

Great members lounge! Great view of the city and the steaks and appetizers are great.

They opened recently and seems to have their act together. It was extremely busy on a Tuesday and loud. We ordered several items to taste with some hits and a few misses. Steak tartare and Caesar salad were excellent The ribeye was tasty but also chewy. Dessert was cheesecake with blueberries. It was a glob of cheese.Not good read more

went back last night, still not what i want it to be. i know good food and preparation this has none of that.

The glamorous room and overblown service are writing checks the food can't cash. The asparagus was burdened with some kind of cream cheese garnish that completely dominate the dish. The brussels sprouts were bathed in some kind of sauce that was the only flavor one could detect. The lobster torte was heavy and gloppy, and the promised morels just disappeared in the dish. The desserts were heavily sweetened, and fairly ordinary. I will give a good rating to the house salad. My companions weren't impressed with the steaks, which lacked the kind of rich sear one expects on a high end steak. Overall, the food just doesn't cut it. read more

Work in Progress/Billing Issues. Small bar/lounge in this month old place was dark and noisy at 5 pm...terrace not open yet. CC billed additional amount a day after dining. Wrong and unsettling. read more

Wow where to start! I can honestly say this is the hottest new spot in town! The place is gorgeous! The view in the terrace is stunning. We were immediately greeted with warm welcomes from Daisha. She went above and beyond to make my birthday dinner extra special! Every bite here was top tier. Not one thing disappointed! Book a table now and see for yourself! read more

We came from out of state and tried this new place and had the best meal and service! Ambience was great too! It is pricey but we thought it was worth it and will definitely come back! Highly recommend. read more

The Alston delivers on all fronts--killer steaks, standout cocktails, and a sleek, modern vibe that feels both lively and laid-back. The food is rich and flavorful, the drinks are bold and inventive, and the whole experience feels like a night worth repeating. read more

Just terrible service overall. We walked in and the tables an ahead of us were taken to an area to choose their own candles which we were not given that opportunity even though it was our anniversary. The service was non existent and took forever to be greeted or get our drinks. We finally complained to the manager and she was very dismissive. The restaurant is pretty but with service and management like that it will not last. read more

I had a fine time hear The food and service were good. However, the server was efficient but very aloof doing through the job with no emotion. But we all have off days. My complaint is on the billing. They charged my card 5 times all vastly differing amounts. I call it to there attention and was told I wasn't alone and they're working on it. The bill did get adjusted but still having me pay more. I called 3 times ! I was never called back Wasnt a huge amount but not the point. I won't return as I need a high end restaurant to behave as such and that means both in and out of the dining room read more

This was a major disappointment on every level. We're downtown Chicago residents and have been to almost every reputable restaurant on the "top" editorial, critic's and people's choice lists in Chicago. We had a reservation in the dining room, but opted to eat at a large u-shaped booth in the bar room. Darker, moodier, more intimate, vs the giant ornate formal dining room. We started on a high note with well-made dry martinis from the bar, the Pretzel Epi and the Pomme Purée Frites (mashed potato fries). Both were very unique and tasty. But it was all downhill from there. My wife ordered the celery soup, which came to the table without a spoon. She waited on for several minutes before we finally flagged down a busser who saved the day. But now her soup was cold. She also ordered the 6 oz filet mignon as her main dish, but this cut was rubbery and not even close to what you'd expect from a premium center cut filet. Filet quality is usually a sign of a steak house's focus on excellence and attention to detail, yet this cut could barely be considered a cheap grocery store aisle London broil. I ordered their "Boef Pithivier", which was described as a "Short Rib, with Sauce L'Alston, in a Puff Pastry." When I asked about the dish, I was told "it's a unique dish, and the type of short rib that falls off the bone and melts in your mouth." The waitress also noted it included a "thin layer of sausage" inside the pastry (something not mentioned in the menu). I gave it a shot anyway. Result: Terrible. There was barely ANY short rib meat inside the pastry. It was ALL sausage. And it was barely hot. This dish was awful. The sauce was the only minor positive, but it couldn't salvage the dish. During our experience, our waitress disappeared several times, for several minutes, but thankfully the bartender slid in a couple of times when he noticed we were neglected for long periods of time. Net-net: If we ever go back (big "if"), we'd curate a very specific experience. Sit at the actual bar with bartender service, order up martinis, get the Pomme Purée Frites, and the Pretzel Epi. Exit. read more

We were very excited to try the latest addition to the busy steakhouse scene and ended up giving it a great big shrug, by the time we left. The room is beautiful, no doubt, and then it's pretty much "meh" from there. The wine was OK, the food was OK and the service, while pleasant was not as experienced as at other steak houses. My filet came on a plate with absolutely nothing else, it may have been 6 ounces pre cooked but it was the smallest 6 ounce filet, for the most money, that I've ever ordered. The sides were fine. The noise level , for a super upscale place, was just as noisy as any other run of the mill place in River North. While some guests were dressed nicely there were plenty in baseball caps and jeans. Seems like a place you go when you have a corporate credit card. Overall, nothing special. read more

Stunning restaurant. Outstanding service. 2 for 2 there. Food hit or miss. The turbot chop was all bones and served on what I would call a share plate. Underwhelming presentation and quality of the dish similar. Salad was wet and average. Trout was excellent and the best entree. Bread service nothing special. For the cost this place needs to nail every dish. I would go back and chalk it up to working out the kinks. And yes watch the check. The 3% feet is ridiculous and many extras caught. read more

We experienced The Alston for dinner last night. What an amazing new restaurant. From the moment we set foot onto the third floor we were greeted with hospitality. The ambiance is warm and inviting yet stylish and chic. The bar radiated with glamour and class. The extensive menu and wine list brings a fresh twist to your average steakhouse. We started our meal with the Baked Scallops Saint Jacques. They were succulent and flavorful and cooked to perfection. The Hokkaido scallops were tender and enhanced by the fresh herbs they were presented with. I can't forget to mention the fresh baked sourdough bread with the truffle butter made from beef tallow. Mouthwatering!!! For our main course we feasted on the SW Chairman's Cut . The 60 day dry aging of this steak in fish butter made it the most delicious steak ever eaten!! The asparagus and au gratin potatoes we the perfect sides for our meal. Each were prepared with special sauces to bring out the freshness and flavor . The meal was exquisite and satisfying so that we barely had room to experience the cheesecake but glad we found space to indulge in the sweet pleasure . The Alston is not to be missed for your next dining experience !!!!!!!! read more

Went last night with a group of 6 to celebrate a birthday. We were expecting a great experience considering the price point and left underwhelmed. The room is gorgeous but the food was good, not great. Had the beef tartare, escargot, foie gras, and oysters to start. Multiple steaks ( rib eye, strip, filet) and the turbot. Compared to other steak places in the city (Bavettes, RPM, Asador, Chop House) this just didn't compete. Would give them 3 stars except something shady happened at the end of our meal. We were celebrating a birthday and requested the dessert menu. Our waiter literally said " I took care of that for you, I know you are celebrating a birthday " and right away 3 different desserts were placed on the table, the lava cake even had a candle. We all were shocked and thanked the waiter a bunch assuming that he comped the desserts. Only after we left did notice that we were charged for all of the desserts. I wasn't looking for a handout but NEVER has a waiter ordered something for the table without us asking, let alone 3 items and added it to the bill. That is not how a fine dining experience should end and I will not be returning or recommending to this place. read more