Chicago Chop House

What has been known as the granddaddy of steakhouses in Chicago, Chicago is as much an icon as it is an institution. We went in a large party of six, expecting to be wowed. Unfortunately, we were sorely disappointed.

The restaurant lacked space and we were cramped into a small table laid for six against the wall. Although it was early, at only 6 o’clock at night, the service was close to abysmal. It took more than 10 minutes to get the menus and another 15 minutes before we could order. Hardly a good first impression. Naturally, the server would rattle off the specials and we opted for seared tuna belly and some scallops as a starter. Overall, it was delicious with the tuna seared just right and the scallops moist and fleshy. We also had lobster bisque, but it was starchy and heavy, which wasn’t the best thing to have immediately before a large steak.

As for the mains, it was truly pathetic that they would implement a ‘split’ charge of $20 when each steak is over $50! Sure, the steaks were great, and we could cut them straight though with the non-serrated knives, but there are other steakhouses just as good, with meat just as wonderful, and the sheer arrogance of the restaurant management seriously damaged our dining experience.

Naturally to complete the meal, we opted to share a couple of desserts, which in all honesty were nothing special. However, the biggest shock came at the end of the meal when the cheque arrived. Between six persons and one bottle of wine, the total came up to $1,049.00 with the tuna belly at $50 a piece! Absolutely appalling. To add insult to injury, they slapped on the 17% gratuity which meant for absolutely abysmal service, they had just pocketed $180 for nothing! We split the bills, got our coats and left. At the time of this review, I had heard they were going out of business. In my head, I thought the cost of our meal was enough to keep them running! Good riddance to them anyway as I have no intention of returning.

Overall Rating: 1 star