back to At the Table with LPC
I thought I had eaten at some of the best steak houses in Chicago – Gibson’s, Gene and Georgetti, Smith & Wolensky, and Kinzie Chop House to name just a few. But RPM Steak in the city’s River North neighborhood takes steak to another level.
Although expensive (and what steak house isn’t these days?) the experience you’ll enjoy at RPM Steak is truly worth the investment. Clearly, many others have formed the same opinion. Five of us met for dinner on a Monday night in July and, although we had made reservations, there was still a wait.
The décor is modern and sophisticated, with an elegantly appointed sunken dining room. Watching the animated crowd while sipping a cocktail at the bar, I would have thought it was a weekend night. RPM has quickly become a place to “see and be seen,” and probably a place where an expense account comes in handy.
Our server suggested we try three different steaks, which the chef would cook to our liking, then slice and serve family style. After some debate we decided on the ribeye, a New York strip, and the bone-in Kansas City strip, with sides of potato, onion rings, and asparagus. We added a request for seafood (broiled black cod, which did not disappoint).
Before indulging in our main course we sampled the thick sliced bacon, stuffed crab legs, and a selection of salads. All were delicious – a good omen. Regrettably, they were out of the crispy Brussels sprouts, which sounded as though they would be a perfect complement to our meal.
The steak exceeded our already high expectations. Each selection was perfectly prepared, tender and flavorful, and cooked to just the right temperature and texture to be mouthwateringly satisfying. This was seriously good steak in a city that is serious about its steaks.
The service was as exemplary as is the food. Our waiter was a seasoned professional, guiding us through the menu and helping us navigate the different choices of steak. He was also persuasive in suggesting that we split desserts, which we had no business ordering… but no trouble eating. The cheesecake and chocolate cake were a nice finishing touch to a great meal.
RPM Steak has shot to the top of my long list of favorite places to enjoy a steak. With its lively atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious steaks, you can’t go wrong here.
RPM Steak
66 W. Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312.284.4990
http://rpmrestaurants.com/rpmsteak/chicago/