Chicago Best Steak Forecast for 2015

Just when you thought Chicago had maxed out on steakhouse supremacy, along comes a new year filled with all sorts of fresh protein promise. On the heels of 2014, which brought us the likes of RPM Steak and Grillhouse by David Burke, the steakhouse forecast for 2015 looks stronger than ever. Here are some of the steakhouses opening this year that we've got our eyes on: 

STK
STK: coming soon to a River North near you

 

STK: Chicago is about to get a steakhouse with a bit more femininity. The One Group's STK chain is set to take shape in River North this year, peddling its infamous "female-friendly" menu and marketing. This can largely be chocked up to its club-like vibe and the options to order steaks in small, medium, and large sizes. The bold new endeavor definitely sets itself apart from the local steakhouse fray, due to open on two floors across 13,000 square feet of the Museum of Broadcast Communications building. 

 

Gene & Georgetti  Operating for the better part of a century as one of Chicago's oldest and most revered restaurants, Gene & Georgetti is finally about ready to expand with a second location, this time in the suburbs. Coming later spring to Rosemont, the restaurant will have seating for up to 300, promising all the classics of the original with potential for additional menu items exclusive to Rosemont.  

 

GT Prime: Giuseppe Tentori already struck gold with GT Fish & Oyster, now it's time to expand his talents in a meatier direction. GT Prime looks to be the next project from Tentori and red-hot Boka Restaurant Group, tentatively opening somewhere near GT Fish this year in River North. Somewhat similar to the menu format at GT Fish, diners can expect a more share plate-focused interpretation of steakhouse fare, with housemade steak sauces, and a casual, hip atmosphere. 

 

Chop: Porkchop is the little engine that could. When it opened its first location a few years ago on Randolph Street, it seemed destined to flounder in the shadows of its heavy-hitting neighbors. But the bold little barbecue restaurant has managed to stick in there and beget a veritable empire of spin-offs throughout the city. Next up, the Porkchop brand goes bigger and better than ever before this year with Chop, a full-fledged steakhouse coming to the South Loop's Roosevelt Collection. The 2,300-square foot restaurant will focus on heftier, higher end dishes than its Porkchop kin, and if its predecessors have the formula down pat like they seem to, this bodes well for the steakhouse-deprived South Loop. 

 

Prime & Provisions: DineAmic Group, the folks behind Bull & Bear and Public House, are next focusing on steak for Prime & Provisions. Coming this year to the northern fringes of the Loop, Prime & Provisions boasts two floors, 12,000 square feet, and seating for 300, plus more outside when the weather allows. Oh yeah, and a whole lot of beef. While many new restaurants these days scramble to chase trends, Prime & Provisions promises to adhere to steakhouse traditions for its meaty menu, featuring Caesar salads, shellfish towers, and Heritage Black Angus beef aplenty, stowed in the restaurant's dry-aging room immersed in Himalayan salt. Inspired by Chicago lore and supper clubs of the 1920's, the design of the restaurant will skew just as classic as the cuisine, outfitted with leather booths, wrought iron, Carrera marble, walnut lighting, and chandeliers. Look for Prime & Provisions to premier in the spring. 

- Matt Kirouac

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