The Chicago Chop House is one of the finest, if not THE finest, steak houses I've ever been to. First of all, it's in the heart of the River North neighborhood in downtown Chicago. Secondly, it's housed in an ornate building on W. Ontario. And third, it's probably more than a steak house, it's a great fine dining destination.
The Chop House has hundreds of historical pictures that are on the walls throughout the place. There are pictures of famous (and infamous) Chicagoans, old restaurants and stores, the stockyards and other interesting photos that are fun to look at.
The appetizers are killer. I especially like the cajun sauteed shrimp. Spicy enough to zing your mouth, but not enough that you loose the overall flavor of the sauteed shrimp.
I've been to the Chop House twice - and thankfully, I didn't pick up the check either time. The first time I went, I had the 24 oz. bone-in prime rib. Man, it was killer! You don't know how bad I wanted to put that bone up after I'd finished and gnaw on it like a dog in the backyard.
The second time I went, I went big time and went for the 24 oz. New York Strip. Oh, my GAWWWD! It was heavenly. It was cooked a perfect medium rare and was juicy and flavorful. I even went with their famous American Fries, which are slices of baked potatoes sauteed with garlic, onion, pepper, parsley and oregano. Man, it was a pig out of biblical proportions.
The Chop House's wine list is also very extensive. I remember they had a lot of French wines, but seemed to be a little shy on the number of American reds (the ones I was more familiar with, any way). But the waiters were very well versed in the wines they served and can help you out with any questions you may have.
Like I said, I'm certainly glad I didn't pick up the check either time I was there. The first time I went in the late 80's, we were 10 people and the bill came to well over $1000 with tip. I went there with six others a couple three years ago and the bill was over $1000 again - thanks to four $125 bottles of wine that we had.
If you have the money to burn, and you're in Chicago, and you want a great meal, the Chop House should be at the top of your list.
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