Fantastic experience at this OG Chicago steakhouse. I'm glad that I chose this to be my first steak…read moreexperience in Chicago. There's a reason it's so frequently recommended. We did the Chicago cut, ribeye, medium, rare, and the pork chops medium with a wedge salad on the side. The meal could not have been better and the restaurant and service around point wonderful experience. I already plan on returning to Gibson's, but this time trying the one in Rosemont. One criticism was the Keylime pie. It was super tall, but the cream on top wasn't particularly good. Overly sweet and not adding anything. The Keylime portion on the bottom didn't have much tanginess to it. A real missed opportunity, especially at the price.

This "sniffs in" at 4.5 stars…read more.. Per our local friend this is a classic Chicago steakhouse. LOADED WEDGE SALAD w/BACON, TOMATO & BLUE CHEESE: -- appropriate amount of tasty creamy dressing -- very large but great for 3 people needing some greens with their beef -- I stirred it up well and very tasty -- good or better balance of ingredients RATING = A 22 OUNCE CHICAGO CUT: -- ribeye type cut -- medium-rare -- pre-cut per our request (I prefer not as steak stays hotter when served) -- nice edge bark -- nicely cooked -- best beef of the night -- the rib bone piece was legit but did adhere to the bone a lot RATING = A FILET MIGNON (14 ounce): -- cooked rare plus -- definitely rare -- pre-cut again -- cuts easily but maybe not like butter -- very good steak but I still feel like a recent Mastro's petit filet cooked rare + was better) -- served with Bernaise sauce RATING = A- JUMBO LUMP CRAB CAKE w/thousand island sauce?: -- big fat delish cake -- lightly breaded -- tender and fresh RATING = A+ CARROT CAKE: The MOOSE is loose!!! -- this slice of cake is the size of our head -- it appears to be a 1/4 cut of a gigantic carrot cake -- there are three cake layers w/thick layer of cream cheese on top of each layer -- it could be better with black walnut throughout the cake -- there are walnuts pressed into the backside of it which is nice -- the golden raisins are not ideal but forgivable compared with regular raisins ("squishy" is not needed in carrot cake) -- very moist even days later stored in their plastic to-go container RATING = A The dining room is super active with staff and very noisy so it may not be the ideal choice for a romantic dinner or true catchup with friends you have not seen in a long time. But there is no denying the STAFF are fun and excellent as is the chowder.

Yes, this place hits all the marks very well: service is astounding, food was amazing, ambiance was…read morereally 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.

First off, what you're getting for your money just doesn't gel…read more I dont mind paying an exuberant amount for food if the food matches the price but sadly it doesn't here.... The good: Salad was amazing with bits of nicely cooked pork belly mixed in and the salad dressing is to die for Focaccia bread was very good but nothing special but the bone tarrow butter was fantastic and carried this bread. Brussel sprouts were flavorful but greasy and overcooked... Beef cheek ragu noodle dish was heavy yet tasty.. Rib eye steak done medium rare was fatty and very very chewy so this was a complete fail, but seasoned very well...extra 10 bucks for some dipping sauce for the steak but worth getting to elevate the steak...Definitely don't do any steak under medium here... Lemon sorbet was the true winner of the night...Delicious without being too tart..... Overall like I said, not worth the $250 price tag before tip...._

I had the pleasure to dine at Penumbra on a Thursday evening. We were celebrating a graduation and…read morethe staff were very welcoming when we arrived. I was visiting from out of town and was not familiar with the parking around the area. I asked one of the staff members and immediately they reassured me that the side street would raking was totally fine to park just so long as it wasn't the front of the building where you have to pay. The food started with a complementary potato soup which was flavorful and lovely. We got a round of drinks and one of our party didn't care for her drink and it was replaced no question. We had the flat iron steak, the chicken, and the salmon and each entree was wonderful. The proteins were all very tender and juicy. I was also very pleased with the salad that came first which was lightly dressed and very seasonal. We finished our dining experience with a slice of cheesecake. It was a nice cap to the end of a wonderful meal. I would recommend this restaurant for any occasion - I would love to come back and try some of the other items on their menu.

**Hidden gem!!!**…read more Penumbra is SUPER sexy and low-key elite. This is one of those spots that will make you look like a total restaurant pro if you take someone there or recommend it. The ambiance is intimate, romantic, and just feels exclusive without trying too hard. I took my girl there for her birthday and she absolutely loved it -- which is always the real test. We had the ribeye and the Rotini Bianco, and both were excellent. The ribeye was cooked perfectly, tender and flavorful. The Rotini Bianco was rich, creamy, and done just right. Every dish felt intentional and well executed. Don't hesitate to book. If you're trying to impress or celebrate something special, this is the move.

We had no intention of eating here, it just happened by accident because we found two seats at the…read morebar and wanted a drink. Perilla is a tastefully decorated restaurant, both loungey and rich, but still makes you feel like the joint is all for you. You know, 5 star service is such a lost art, it makes you forget how much you miss it when all of a sudden it happens to be right in front of you. Ricardo, our bartender, what a gem. Forget about the perfectly made drinks that were served to us. Ricardo made us feel right at home with his kind disposition and friendly demeanor. But it doesn't just stop at Ricardo. Everyone was absolutely fantastic. We could have been served 7-11 sushi at this point and I still would have left 5 stars. Food time. The kimchi pork dumplings were an absolute flavor bomb and that parmesan broth gave the dumplings a little extra kick that took it to the next level. Plus, I love when the dumpling wrapper has a little chew to it and isn't this soft mush that dissolves in your mouth. The beef fat frites were a nice treat as well. They were not extra or over the top in anyway. But you can tell when something is done well and correctly, just like these fries were. The Premium Steakhouse Set, in my opinion, is all two people need to enjoy this very special experience. All the accompanying condiments were exceptional on their own and could have functioned as their own course. The Japchae glass noodles were a stunner. The real sleeper was the chopped lettuce greens tossed in their chili vinaigrette. Could have eaten 20 bowls of those lettuce greens. Sadly, I forgot the name of our server who cooked and cut our meat for us. She really added to the experience. She expertly prepared our food while maintaining a fun and pleasant conversation with us. The meat itself, my goodness, tender, smoky, quality-forward, and perfect served with the condiments. What a spectacular meal and overall experience.

So the food here is pretty good and so is the ambiance but the service is really what fell flat…read moreespecially for an upscale restaurant . I was staying at the hotel and encouraged to check out the restaurant so came downstairs to reach out to the host about a reservation. They told me they were fully committed the whole night, I said okay is there a waitlist, she looked at me unsure. I explained further if there is a cancellation would love to be notified and she wrote my name down. I went back to the lobby, looked on OpenTable and I saw multiple reservations. I went back to the hostess showing the 8:15 resy I got and she said it wasn't accurate and if someone booked it and came they would refuse them (what???!! There's a cancellation fee as well). I asked about the 8:45 and her coworker said that IS available. I was confused, because a minute ago she said they were fully commited. Which I said back, she said there is actually an 8:45 (okay so you lied). I asked if we could put our name down for that and did. After that extremely strange interaction, which I was not used to after eating at many higher end restaurants we sat down at 8:45. We ended up getting a mix of small plates. The waiter was clearly trying to sell us their expensive courses for his tip though he was very sweet... which he may not have realized we had an expense budget for work and we were trying not pass that. He emphasized the small plates were small and not enough food which we fell for and got more and had way too much food and passed our expense budget due to it. The food is great, it's the service that has work to do especially for such a high price tag. Get the chicken for sure. Dumplings you can pass on. The broccolini (not pictured) is great as well. Amazing sauce. As the food is good I would not come here again due to the service as their are other restaurants that are more buttoned up than this.

John was the best server I've had in a very long time at any restaurant. He made my goddaughters…read more17th birthday very special. He paid extra attention to her to make her day special. Next time I go I will only be sitting in John's section. Thank you John for a memorable experience.

Our servers name Jamie and we just wanted to thank him, he made our experience so special and we…read morefelt so seen and valued as customers. You can tell he truly loves his job, plus the atmosphere and team work together smoothly. The food was presented with love, the sauce on the steak was stunning, everything was excellent and we left so satisfied. We'd like to take a moment for the shrimp scampi because wow. Perfectly cooked shrimp in a sea of magical butter sauce. We hope to be back soon. Thank you for a magical evening. Shout out to the magical moment with the personalized menu and individual birthday cake!! Honestly we'd like to give you the galaxy but we only have five stars :)

The vibes were great and felt like a true old-school steakhouse. Lots of families, business…read moredinners, and longtime regulars. Not a trendy spot, but that's part of the charm. The wood shelving, classic decor, and lively atmosphere made it feel timeless. The service was easily one of the best parts of the experience. Since it was our first visit, David walked us through the restaurant's history, constantly refilled waters, and somehow managed to clear plates within seconds of us finishing. They also made us an anniversary card, gave us complimentary sparkling water, and surprised us with a slice of key lime pie. The hospitality was incredible and made us feel genuinely celebrated. The stone crab was super fresh and the mustard sauce was the perfect pairing. The crab bisque was rich and creamy. The filet was cooked perfectly with a great sear, while the stuffed lobster tail was warm, flavorful, and topped with a parmesan crust. The lobster roll was solid with a perfectly toasted brioche bun. The sweet corn was sweet, buttery, and smoky. For dessert, the blueberry pie was so comforting. The filling had a chewy texture, wasn't overly sweet, and the crust was perfectly crisp. The key lime pie was a nice surprise from the restaurant and had a great graham cracker crust. Overall, every dish was delicious and executed well but nothing really wowed me flavor wise. If you love classic steakhouse food and seafood, this is the spot. The service alone makes it a fantastic spot for celebrations. Thank you David & Joe's Seafood for the incredible night.

Some maître d's are good at hospitality. Jeff W. is operating on another level. Remembering a…read moresurname is one thing; recognizing you early, out of context, before you even formally check in, and greeting you with confidence -- that's a genuine talent. People like him have almost a "super‑recognizer" ability: they store faces, mannerisms, and micro‑details the way others remember song lyrics. It's rare, and when you encounter it, it feels almost uncanny in the best way. And the fact that he consistently recognizes you over the years tells you it's not luck. It's intentional, it's skill, and it's part of why the place feels special before you even sit down. Pair that with a meal that exceeded expectations -- that's the kind of night that reminds you why you've been a loyal patron for so long. Great food is memorable, but great hospitality is what makes a restaurant feel like a second home.

For my boyfriend and I's first sit down meal in Chicago, I chose to indulge in brunch at La Grande…read moreBoucherie. I had seen it previously advertised on TikTok and decided it looked like a nice, upscale dining experience and the perfect mimosa-filled brunch opportunity. Upon coming in at 11 when the location opened, I was already impressed by the beautiful cafe inspired French interior. The warm lighting and refined Parisian details were so beautiful and elegant, and I especially loved the look of the bar, which is a central statement of this restaurant. I chose the French toast breakfast and my boyfriend got the steak and eggs, and we both had mimosas as well! My French toast was light, fluffy, and delicious, definitely a solid choice. My boyfriend was super impressed by the steak and eggs and said it was the best breakfast he had our entire trip! The food itself was great and I would love to come back and try their dinner menu at some point. The service, however, is what truly stood out to me in our experience. Our servers were very helpful, knowledgeable about the menu, and speedy. We truly felt taken care of. Fernando was the sweetest and most welcoming, and he immediately made my boyfriend and I feel so welcomed and at home in Chicago. We greatly enjoyed our conversation with him and he even gifted me a coffee table book detailing the history and menu of La Grande Boucherie, which was so kind and such an amazing gesture. Fernando set our experience apart from any other dining experience in Chicago and he made this meal one of our favorites!

We booked a table for 8 to celebrate an 80th birthday. The service was fine as was the ambiance,…read morebut we found the food to be mediocre and overpriced. We ordered the $195.00 seafood tower, only to find that it barely included any seafood, 1/2 of a lobster, 4 shrimp and about a dozen oysters. I understand that Chicago is not a coastal city, but to not even include an entire lobster for a tower that cost $195.00?! Yikes! The drinks are also very expensive, and we found the steaks to be tough and dry. The Niçoise salad was awful, and not at all what we expected. It was drowning in dressing and the combination of anchovies and tuna did not work. It was also quite obvious that the tuna was not seared properly. I did think the roast chicken was good, and the fries were by far the best part of the meal. We went to several fine restaurants over the past few days to celebrate a milestone birthday, and La Grande Boucherie was the absolute worst in terms of value and quality of food. They were also the only establishment that didn't give the celebrant a small desert with a candle to mark the occasion. Just disappointing all around.

Last night my wife and I stepped into The Dearborn and had an amazing dinning experience. It was an…read moreatmosphere of comfort and charm. The service was outstanding. Our dinner guide, Nicholas, was superb. Very knowledgeable about the menu and suggested two perfect spirits from the bar. My wife had the Irish old fashion which was excellent. I had a vodka Gimlet, which also was superb. Palate pleasing! The meal was absolutely enjoyable. I enjoyed the Curry Chicken. The thigh meat was tender and succulent. The curry was sweet and creamy. It came with pita bread which added to the dinning experience. Just wonderfully enjoyable. My wife enjoyed the Fish and Chips which beat Bobby Flay. True words from the menu. Wife said if was the best fish and chips she has ever had. Then came the dessert. Now I asked Nicolas and he suggested Pavlova and Blood Orange. Which lead me to survey Margaret and she suggested Sticky toffee date cake. After a friendly jostling back and forth of desert knowledge Greg the Maitre-d made also suggested the Sticky toffee. Both came and to be honest both were outstanding. Excellent choices. All and all this was a great dinning experience from beginning to end. We will return next time we are in Chicago.

Absolutely delicious! I went with friends to celebrate my birthday and had a wonderful time. We had…read morean assortment of appetizers, drinks, meals and desserts and everything exceed our expectations. Everyone was beyond friendly and the food...sooo good. I shall dream about their chocolate cake. Definitely recommend you give this restaurant a try- you won't regret it!