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Bavette’s Steakhouse – Chicago, IL

Chicago’s downtown Loop is a hotbed for excellent restaurants, with an amazing variety of menus and décor, almost all of superior quality. That said, it is hard to beat an authentic Chicago steakhouse like Bavette’s.

The atmosphere at Bavette’s is sumptuous, with rich woods, a mixture of cozy tables and upholstered bankettes, all framed by elegant mirrors and subdued lighting. It made me want to behave like an adult. Yet conversation around the restaurant was lively and laughter erupted on a regular basis from one distant corner.

Five of us visited on a Monday evening, only to encounter a surprise two hour wait. Two hours on a Monday! Luckily we were able to secure a table in the area of the bar, and we sat down to enjoy what was to be an exquisite meal.

Our chummy group agreed to split three salads to begin with, choosing a wedge salad, bacon roasted tomato salad, and a salad featuring crab-stuffed avocado. All were huge, crisply prepared, and accompanied by plenty of hot crusty bread. A good start.

Being in Chicago, I chose a 10 oz. ribeye steak frites for my entrée. Although my steak was magnificently presented and perfectly prepared. I could not do it justice, as I was too full from sampling all three salads.

My companions roamed the menu for their meals. All chose wisely. Their entrees include filet mignon, short rib stroganoff, steak tartare, and a roasted chicken (with elote-style roasted corn) that was declared to be a “destination chicken.” High praise indeed.

Service at Bavette’s matched the atmosphere – quietly efficient and attentive. At the end of the evening we all felt that it was a dining experience more than just a meal. I highly recommend Bavette’s Steakhouse when business or pleasure brings you to downtown Chicago.

Bavette’s Steakhouse
218 W. Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.624.8154
http://bavettessteakhouse.com/chicago/