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Keefer's Restaurant

4 star rating
based on 55 reviews

Category: Steakhouses  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Near North Side
20 W Kinzie St
(between Dearborn St & State St)
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 467-9525
  • Hours:
    Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
    Fri 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
    Sat 5:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
  • Menu: MenuPages
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Valet
  • Attire: Dressy
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Dinner
  • Alcohol: Full Bar

55 Reviews for Keefer's Restaurant

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Photo of Jess S.

 

1

20

Jess S.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
04/17/2008

I went here on a date last week and it was delicious! We split the crab cake appetizer which was delicious, and for the main course I had the small filet and asparagus, and my date had the larger filet and spinach. Both were really tasty! Actually if we go back I'd skip the asparagus and get some of the potatoes--I saw some go by and they looked awesome. We also had the cheesecake for dessert which was really yummy--I highly recommend. Really the beef is divine so if you're #1 fan like I am, definitely go. The atmosphere is really nice...kind of mood lighting and mix of tables and booths, which makes it a bit more casual. Definitely a good date--can't wait to go back! Also, the house pinot noir was very good!

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4

49

Annie B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/02/2008

This place is solid!  Steakhouses are not my go-to choice for a nice dinner, but some co-workers (all dudes) and I were in town for work and they all wanted MEAT.   So we headed over to Keefer's from our hotel..... and it was yummy!  

I had the lobster, avocado, and citrus salad to start, which was fabulous (I would have licked the plate if I weren't such a LADY).  Then I had the small filet, medium rare and it was the perfect size and taste - buttery and delicious.  The sides are done really well too - crispy pommes frites and creamy au gratin, and perfectly cooked asparagus and green beans.  What a well-rounded meal!  We had to skip dessert because we were so stuffed.  

PS - we also had two vegetarians join us for dinner at the last minute and they were very happy with their choices as well (some ravioli concoction) - so it sounds like the non-steak is good too....

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Elite '08

173

344

Carol K.

Hinsdale, IL

4 star rating
05/11/2008

Chicago is known for it's steak and Keefer's is close to the top of my list for where to go.  While I have been here several times before, last night's experience was excellent- great food, great service and I always love the ambiance so this girl was a happy camper from the get go.

We got here around 8:30 on a Saturday night. While the place was busy- it wasn't super packed so we had time to sip a martini or two at the bar and people watch.  The bar is huge- it's circular design and open feel allow people to move from the entry way to the seating areas easily.

The friend I came with is a regular here- so the manager and bartenders took really good care of us all night.  We even got a round of drinks comped which was a pleasant surprise!

Once seated in the main room, we looked over the menu and began to order.  I always like to order a few things so that I get to taste a range of the menu- so even though there were only two of us- we ordered 3 appetizers to share; the crab cakes, the steamed mussels and the calamari.  All three were delicious.  

My favorite were the mussels- steamed with shallots, garlic and white wine, they were plump and juicy.  My only wish is that there would have been something to soak up all the delicious juice.  Ahh, maybe I'm just spoiled by another place I like in town that serves fries with it's mussels for that very reason.

We then split one of their salads- it was tomatoes with toasted pine nuts and balsamic vinaigrette and had Gorgonzola cheese on top.  Absolutely perfect.

For our entrees- while their fish sounded good- I felt that I needed to order a steak- for those that know me- a very predictable NY strip.  But it was delicious!  My friend had the bone in rib eye which was definitely the better choice.  His had so much more flavor that I kept asking for another bite.  Needless to say- there were no leftovers of the rib eye.  But lucky for me- there was enough of my steak left for another night!

The sides are what you'd expect from a restaurant like this.  We had the creamed spinach (I still don't care for it but I seem to be tasting it at every place in Chicago cuz all my friends do) the steamed asparagus and some au gratin potatoes that were made with Gruyere cheese that were just exceptional.

By this time- there was no room for dessert, but on other visits I have had the triple chocolate flourless cake and the chocolate pudding with whipped cream and both are certainly "calorie worthy".

Keefer's is always on my list when I want a consistent steak experience.  I love the simple, modern interior, the great service and food that rivals some of the better known names in town for steak.  Check it out for yourself.  While not cheap- it delivers on it's promise of being your favorite "steak home".

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125

Amanda C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
04/20/2008

What a lovely dining experience!

I called on a weekday to make reservations for that weekend, and right off the bat, I was pleased.  The person taking the reservation was very friendly and accommodating, and not at all snooty.  Good start!

We showed up a little late for our reservation, but we seated immediately by a pleasantly smiling hostess to a lovely booth near the bar.  The decor is clean, modern, and just plain inviting.  It's not the leather and dark wood of the old boys steakhouses.  It's open and airy feeling.

Our waiter is kind and efficient, was always willing to make a recommendation, and he had an excellent knowledge of the menu.  He also advised us that the sides were not gargantuan, so we should probably order two.  

I started with the lobster bisque, which was creamy and not the least bit fishy.  It was, quite possibly, the most delicious lobster bisque I've ever had (and this opinion was seconded by the boyfriend!)  He started with the iceberg and palm salad, which was excellent as well (very good dressings).

My boyfriend ordered the porterhouse, I had the halibut (the fish special for the evening, crusted with crab).  We both were in complete heaven...my boyfriend said that it was the best steak he'd had in Chicago (my several bites confirmed that it was a fabulously delicious piece of meat!) and my fish was tender, flaky, and well-seasoned.

The sides?  Truth-be-told, we had so much food that we probably could have split a side, but still...we got to sample two fantastic dishes.  We had the croquette potatoes (in a fontina cheese sauce) and Hogan's peas (with cream, bacon, and leeks).  Our server told us that Hogan is the chef, and he created that pea dish to prove that anything can be made edible (even peas) with enough cream and bacon...my kinda guy!

Even though we were stuffed, we ordered some gelato to split, and coffee, of course!  It was the perfectly sweet ending to a fantastic meal.

We will definitely be back.  It was a terrific dining experience, the food was fantastic, the service was efficient and friendly....just an absolutely wonderful dining experience.

(Oh, and my boyfriend said that he'd give this place five stars if he reviewed anything other than Subways!)

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4

Anna S.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
04/12/2008

My boyfriend and I had the Bone-in Ribeye, Sauteed Green Beans, and the fish special for that night. I honestly forgot what type of fish it was but it had a crabmeat crust. The bone-in ribeye was very tasty. They season their steaks with salt, pepper, and butter. I thought the seasoning was just right.  Unfortunately we were not too impressed with the fish, which is probably why I don't even remember what type of fish it was. The green beans were nice and simple. They had a bite, which is the way I like them. I give Keefer's 4 stars, not only because of the bone-in ribeye, but because I thought the service was great. Our waiter was attentive and one of the Keefer brothers came by to ask if we were satisfied with the steak and with our dinner in general. It was a nice touch. I would definitely come back.

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2

34

Rich E.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
03/06/2008

The food is fantastic-great steaks, chops, fish and lobster. Also, the bar/bistro menu has one of the best burgers in the city and the steak sandwich is awesome. Nice staff (OK the matride's in the front can be a bit snobbish), but the servers are knowledgeable and the chef will custom make any order. I think it would be impossible to have a bad meal here.

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67

Kate R.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
03/22/2008

Hands down the best steak I have ever had. Great service, great food and great wine! Whether its  quick meal after work or a leisure night out with a loved one, this place will never disappoint.

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31

Tony K.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
02/10/2008

OK, came here last Friday with some co-workers and out of respect, I joined them for a fish dinner in observence of Lent. Wow can you imagine a steakhouse that serves up fish as good as it's steaks? First of all, I know my fish, and know it well, however, this wasn't your run of the mill cod.

The fish came out thinly fried with the most perfect dry crispy crust you can imagine. Then the surprise, the fish was flaky and sweet, I said this has got to be Hake, and sure enough, Chef Hogan came out and answered my presumption. Wow was this good, and the thin french fries, fried perfectly and seasoned with a sprinkle of Kosher salt,  and Basil tartar sauce made this a meal that scored a 10 in my books.

The steaks here are superior, however fish and chips? who would of thought. The fish was marinated in beer and vinegar and was an explosion of flavor like non other. This is a must try, especially with a cold Blue Moon...killer fish and chips, felt like I was in London, and only this time, it was better.

If your observing Lent or just in the mood for some English Pub grub, give Keefers a try, this was such a pleasant surprise to all of us. I even took a plate home for the next day.

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Elite '08

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177

Brett D.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
12/17/2007

Drum Roll Please........ the jury is in and the great steak debate can be laid to rest. Keefer's is the prizewinner for best Chicago steakhouse.**

It may not have the old school ambiance of Chicago Chop House, the gold-digging cougars of Gibson's, the pretension of Morton's or the national chain feel of Ruth's Chris..... No, what Keefer's has is delicious food, great drinks, impeccable service and lovely ambiance all under one roof.

The steaks are aged and then cooked to perfection in-house and served with a slathering of that melt in your mouth maitre 'd butter. The steaks are a la carte but the sides are generous so portion wisely and make sure not to miss the potato croquettes in fontina fondue. It's so good you'll be licking the plate like Lassie in mere nanoseconds.  

A strong wine list and classic Americana deserts round out a gets-no-better-than-this experience.

Keefer's downplays typical steakhouse haughtiness in favor of amazing food and attentive service - that's fine by me! They also have a mean business lunch which is a bit heavy day fare for my taste, but good for a boys club lunch.    

**And as the official judge on Steak and all things delicious I hearby declare this case as officially closed. No appeals will be accepted.

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Elite '08

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Thamara D.

Des Plaines, IL

5 star rating
03/07/2008

It's actually 4 1/2 stars. I am saving the other 1/2 for my next visit to try their steaks, that I've heard so much about.
When my date picked this place I looked it up on yelp and thought hmmm....... sounds like another expensive steak house!
Yes most of it looked like a traditional steakhouse, but they made it modern and stayed away from making you feel like you should have a big stinky cigar in your mouth to fit in. Even though the room was full we were able to have a pleasant conversation and enjoy our first date.
We decided to have a few appetizers since it was a bit late.
The lobster, avocado, shrimp salad was just sooo good. The sauce was amazing and the shrimp and the lobster tail was so fresh.
Mussels with marinara ( by request) was perfect.
Fried Calamari must have been good, because my date seem to love it.
The server was friendly and attentive. Especially when I spilled red sauce on my top,he was right there with another napkin and helped me get over my feeling that I am two and in need of a bib during meals ( did I mention this was a first date)
I would have never picked this place for a date, but I am glad he did. We had a great time and I look forward to going back to try the full menu.

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3

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Steve T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
12/26/2007

Great place to go for steak.  The selection was large, and the waiter was very patient in explaining the selections and specialty toppings.  As with most steak establishments everything is a la carte, expect to pay upwards of $50+/person.  The steak was definitely worth it, I got a filet, medium rare, was grilled perfectly.

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26

Kris A.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/20/2008

I agree with some of the other reviews; this would be a 5 star in any other city.  But since this is Chicago, it is just one of several good steak places - probably not the best.

The atmosphere is nice; usually pretty quiet and subdued, despite the fact that it is a large and open dining area, and I've only had great service here.  

I personally think the steaks are fantastic.  Definately melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  I've also had crab cakes and they were pretty tasty as well and would make an excellent appetizer for your table.   I really appreciated that the side dishes were just as delectable as the entrees - for example, the asparagus is always cooked to perfection - not too crunchy, not too mushy.  All in all - seriously good eats.

It's pricey, but come on.  You're not going to get a cheap steakhouse in that part of the city.

I'd say one thing lacking is that even though it's a nice place, it doesn't have that "Chicago" flavor.  A little generic.

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3

19

Kelly F.

IL

5 star rating
11/06/2007

My absolute favorite place for steak in the city.  I have an eternal craving for steaks at Keefers.  They have a excellent selection of steaks, I'm a filet kind of gal but at Keefer's I go for the lightly marbled delmonico... it's fantastico!

Their wine list is solid and they make magnificent martinis.

Everything here is done right, from service through to desert. I particularly enjoy the fine dining service but the casual, low-key atmosphere.  If you haven't tried this place you're missing out.

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280

Don W.

Portsmouth, NH

5 star rating
11/08/2007

There are so many good steakhouses in Chicago that it's hard to pick one, but I'm going to pick one anyway.  Of course the steaks and sides are amazing, of course the waiters are clairvoyant, I'm picking this one for the atmosphere.  It's different.  It doesn't feel like the typical steakhouse where you can't help thinking that some old guy is just about to light a cigar in the same spot that his grandfather did 50 years ago.  Just look at the reviews, then go for it.

And if they're full on the night you want to go:  great alternatives are Chicago Chop House and Smith and Wollensky.  They have a more traditional atmosphere but the food will be terrific.

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51

Linnea B.

San Diego, CA

3 star rating
10/17/2007

Good and tasty food, but not as memorable I would like..and I have eaten here twice.  I have to agree with Mark C. on this.

I ate here in 2003 and in 2007...sort of by accident as I didn't remember the name until I saw the place again, and then was like "Wasn't  that the place we had a good dinner in '03?"

Pros:  The food is GOOD!  There is NO Smoking!  (even in the Bar!)

Cons:  Not memorable enough for many folks to remember the name., other than "that place we ate that was good, but don't remember the name"

It seems like I might have ordered a filet in 2003, though that is awhile ago....It all depends on your business and personal preferences

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Elite '08

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Briana J.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/24/2007

I am torn between three and four stars for this place. The food is closer to four stars but the service was not great. Three it is.
We stared with the crab cake, which was wonderful and ever so sweet. Try it, you will like it. I ordered the organic salmon, which was just so so. It was supposed to be topped with a horseradish potato concoction but they forgot to add the horseradish. We finished with the creme bruele, which was of the orange and dark chocolate variety. It was amazing. I loved everything about it. Try it...but skip the salmon.

The service from our waiter was poor. He did not explain the specials to us but rather he told us to read them on the specials card. Not cool Sir, not cool at all. Additionally, we would ask for five more minutes and he would return in two. As I was ordering a glass of wine, we were interrupted by another waiter who was convinced that our waiter had stolen his order of crab cakes. It was all very awkward.

However, I must give credit where credit is due. The owner of the restaurant greeted us and visited us twice as we ate our meal. It was great because he did not simply ask how the food was but he had an actual conversation with us.

All in all, not bad, and hopefully...if you have a different waiter...your experience will be better.

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48

Brian H.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
10/02/2007

What, just one star? For a restaurant so many Yelpers love?  Okay, I'll explain...  There is absolutely nothing unique about this place.  It's simply a dressed up Houston's.  I ordered a $40 fillet - which was good, but not great.  I've enjoyed better steaks at 1/2 the price.  Service wasn't bad, but our server seemed "disengaged".    

I think this restaurant is perfect if you boss is in town and you need a upscale, yet generic restaurant to schmooze.  Otherwise, there are so many more interesting places in Chicago to explore.

Yawn!

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Charles L.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/17/2007

Good food, decently nice atmosphere, fairly high prices.

I had a business lunch here, and I'll echo some of Mark C.'s comments below: nothing really stood out.  I had the Seafood pot pie, which was a fun dish, and we shared the asparagus wrapped in prosciutto; both were quite good, but not uniquely so.

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Ryan K.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/17/2007

I agree with a lot of people on this one.  It's a good spot, no doubt.  It's just in the wrong city.  This place could be a 4 or 5-star restaurant in just about any other city.

I did have a great time though.  Steaks, appetizers, sides, wine, Service, etc.  It was all very good.  I might consider recommending this place if you have been to all the other great spots and are looking for something different.  It's also in a very touristy district, so be prepared for that.

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Sara J.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
10/22/2007

Butter melting in my mouth except that it is steak. Side of grilled asparagus. Martini size is your call, I recommend the lemon-drop. Exceptionally bitter. I have only had the fillet Mignon medium rare. Anything cooked longer disgusts me.

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Mark C.

Grand Rapids, MI

3 star rating
10/09/2007

Have been to Keefers a few times while in Chicago on business.  As stated by some other reviewers, there's really nothing that bad to say about either the food or the service...both are usually quite good.

The problem is that Keefers is a very good restaurant without any soul...why have the seafood here when you could go to Shaw's??  Why have a great steak here when you could go to...well...any of the other older steak houses in the city with a lot more personality.

With that being said, there IS something nice about not being so involved with the EXPERIENCE of the building/staff/decor and simply sitting down and enjoying a great meal without distraction....great place for a business meeting/meal.

Waiter we had tonight was excellent and quite knowledgable.

I had to try the lobster bisque to compare it to the "orgasmic" lobster bisque I had the night before.  While I didn't quite "lose it" over the bisque, it was good...just not as thick or creamy as I prefer.

The same was true for the small filet.  A wonderful piece of meat that order med. well so as not to have it too red...it certainly was medium well (I should have asked for medium...my fault for erring on the overcooked side).

Creamed spinach was good but certainly not the best I have ever had.

Martinis (Grey Goose, straight up with as many blue cheese stuffed olives they can fit in a glass) was PERFECT as usual.

Again, great food and service in a central location downtown....just a little "antiseptic" for my tastes....I live for the "experience."

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Mike M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
10/28/2007

The best steaks in Chicago, but make sure you're going to have a steak if you come here because I haven't tried anything else they offer.

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Rebecca T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
05/15/2007

Arguably the best steakhouse in the city...

I've been to this place several times over the years and the food has NEVER disappointed.  I love the asparagus-wrapped prosciutto with Bearnaise sauce and the pork chop.  YUMS.

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Teddy C.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
03/28/2007

I personally have never had a disappointing meal from Keefer's!  I usually order the Filet Mignon, and side orderes of Sauteed Mushrooms and the fried onion strings are to die for.  I could eat those all by themselves.  The wait staff is always pleasant and knowledgable.  We are regulars there, and the managers have almost always stopped by to ask how everything is.  

As for the chaotic and busy nature of the atmosphere, I rather enjoy it.  It stays loud enough that everyone in the restaurant doesn't know what you're talking about, and it keeps things exciting.  Keefer's will never be that stuffy library like steak house where you are afraid to speak too loudly.

They pour generous drinks there as well!  Who doesn't appreciate that!

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Erin C.

IL

3 star rating
07/14/2007

Unimpressive.  I don't get the hype around Keefer's.  It seems overly expensive for average downtown restaurant food.  I went there for lunch yesterday and ordered the Spinach & Roasted Tomato Ravioli (which is what I ordered the only other time I was there).  For a non-meat eater, there aren't many options.  The ravioli is delicious, especially since I don't even like most ravioli.  It's served with a choice of lemon oil or tomato sauce (I chose the tomato), and has arugula, cubes of mozzarella, and roasted red pepper on top (god I love arugula).  

However, I was severely disappointed with the salad I had pre-entree.  According to the menu, it was supposed to be mixed greens.  According to the server, it was supposed to have a Dijon vinaigrette on it.  The salad that arrived was predominantly iceberg lettuce (some of which was brown) and the dressing was more like a creamy honey mustard.  Bleh.  There were two grape tomatoes with the salad that looked like they had been stepped on in the kitchen.  Next time I'll opt for the soup.

The bar area is really cool though and I would love to come hang out here after work for some drinks (probably a bit on the pricer side though).

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John M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
02/15/2007

This is THE place for steak.  You will pay for it of course, but it's worth every penny.  I went there in shorts and a t-shirt last summer, and it was no problem.  Zero attitude.  Excellent service.

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Simona M.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
02/11/2007

Love the filet.  Gibson's is better.  I was expecting bad service, based on yelp reviews and a friend's recent experience, but we had a very good waiter, Zack.  Zack's "section co-waiter" was pretty rude, though.  Luckily, we only had two exchanges with this pretentious guy twice at the very end of the meal.  The asparagus was perfect and the potatoes au gratin were less than desirable.  Overall, a good meal experience.

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Vinod V.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/12/2007

I enjoy Keefer's.  I have been twice.  Both times I had an amazing filet mignon.  As you can tell from my profile, my favorite steakhouse anyplace is Mastro's.  Keefer's serves steaks which are about as good.  The filet I had last night was incredible.  

The atmosphere is great.  I love sitting by the large windows.  The River North location provides great people watching as it is squarely between where people work (Loop) and play (Gold Coast).  

Finally, our server last night was excellent.  He was extremely friendly, courteous and attentive.  He took his job very seriously, was very honest about the menu and had a warm, friendly personality.  He is among the best servers out there.

While I still prefer the atmosphere at N9NE, I think the steaks at Keefer's are a cut above.

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168

Monica A.

Forest Park, IL

2 star rating
03/01/2007

I was not impressed. We arrived at 5.30 and had to be at an 8 pm curtain call at the CSO. That should have been more than enough time, if we had one of the many milling around servers. It took over 20 minutes for me to get a drink. The waitress took the order and ran, leaving my husband, slack jawed. He wanted to order an appetizer.

My lamb chops were over cooked. I know what I mean when I saw rare. I want cold and blue in the center. They were more medium rare. The sides were ok. I made green beans at home in the microwave and my husband told me they tasted just like the ones we had at Keefer's.  I ordered the Hogan's peas and it was disappointing.

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Elite '08

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Nicole J.

IL

5 star rating
02/15/2007

SO delicious.  A little uppity for my taste but it's an open and airy restaurant with genuinely good American food.

Their chopped salad is literally, to date, the best GD chopped salad I've ever had in my life.  And their lobster bisque is amazing - not too fishy and a little bit of a lemony taste to it.

A good place to go if a boy is willing to buy you dinner or you just got an unexpected work bonus.

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Katsuyuki W.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
02/24/2007

There are many steakhouses in Chicago (especially in River North) but this one is pretty solid.  Great service, great steaks, and great atmosphere (high ceilings and big windows and low lighting).  I'd go here before the original Morton's.

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La Flaca V.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/28/2007

Yum, got stuff here!! They have a great selection of steak.  A bit pricey, but worth your money, if you steak and potato person!! :-)

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D'Elited D.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
06/28/2006

Let me start off by saying that I have been here numerous times for business and pleasure.  

As far as the ambiance - great, but tables are too close together and they have so much wait staff on the floor at any one time that you'll constantly have waiters bumping into your chair.

Food - excellent - no matter what you order - fish, lamb, chicken, steaks, calamari...it's all good.

Drink - they make great martinis and have a pretty extensive wine list.

Service - sucks more times than not.  If I did not have clients requesting to go here, I would not step foot in this place ever again.  The wait staff is polite and helpful, but management could not give a hoot when you have a complaint.  This is one of several examples that I could site, but it gives you an idea of what you'll deal with.  During an evening out with a bunch of friends, ordering steaks and wine (and probably spending roughly $70 per person), we complained to the manager that we were tired of being bumped into by the wait staff because of the cramped quarters.  His response, "So what do you want me to do about it?"  I told him that if I were at Bennigan's I would expect as much, but when I am paying $30 for a steak and $12 for a glass of wine, I don't expect to feel like I'm in a pinball machine."  He just didn't care.  

So I have been back with clients when they request to go, but I refuse to go back and spend any of my own money.  Again, great food and nice ambiance, but don't expect to be treated like you are special.

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andrea w.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
09/14/2006

I would suggest Morton's or Gibson's over Keefer's, but Keefer's is a very good option as well. I'm not a big steak fan, but I've had a few of their fish dishes and everything is very good. It's also a fabulous place to enjoy drinks on their outdoor patio over the summer.

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Brittany C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
07/12/2006

More trendy version of a steak house, lunches are teeming with meetings. Meat is delicious, I usually opt for the steak on a salad. Service is quick and professional.

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Matt R.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
06/28/2006

I've dined here on many occasions and while it's not the best steakhouse in Chicago it is a great place for a steak.  The crowd is very business oriented, although I don't believe I've ever dined here on a weekend.  The service is good and the food is excellent.

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Michelle B.

Hinsdale, IL

4 star rating
06/01/2006

This is a good place for a business lunch.  I've also spent a bit of time in their bar.  It's not as frantic as some of the other downtown steakhouses which is a nice change.

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Elite '08

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Leang E.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
01/25/2007

I came in feeling slightly uncomfortable seeing all the slacks and business suits people were wearing inside.  We were told by our vendors that jeans would be fine, since we would be going after our training session.  I only saw one other person wearing them, and I would at least put on casual attire.  The service was excellent.  Our waiter gave great recommendations.  I was happy that this place offered raisin bread in there basket.  I'm a huge fan of that.  We started out with the shrimp cocktail, which was delicious.  I can't understand why places serve portions in odd numbers though - would you really cut a shrimp in half...?  Anyways, I ordered the Porterhouse steak, a huge favorite of mine, and we split the potatoe croquets, asparagus, and green beans.  I was slightly disappointed with the porterhouse because it looked smaller than the 22 ounces that they say that the serve, and there was a little more gristle around the meat.  I believe that they are dry-aged steaks, and I wasn't overly impressed.  It was good but not phenomenal or anything like that.  I did enjoy their orange vanilla creme brulee.  I believe that the carrot cake that they make their is one of the employee's family recipes.  Also, if you love chocolate the triple chocolate cake is quite fabulous.  Not a bad thing to bring back to your honey if you are working late at the office.

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Kitaro K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
12/03/2006

Attended a private party recently, and had a prix-fixe dinner which was unremarkable.  We started with a lobster bisque which was quite "seafood-y" tasting, which was a pleasant surprise.  Although I'd have preferred to try one of their bone-in ribeyes or NY strips, only the filet was available on the set menu.  A good piece of meat and prepared to specifications (medium-rare), however I didn't really enjoy the steak.  Although I typically like the meat to "speak for itself," it was actually a bit bland; You CAN get your steaks done with a sauce at Keefer's.  The sides were likewise forgettable - their potatos au gratin were slightly undercooked & salty; the asparagus & broccoli plain.  I've found most sides at Chicago steakhouses thus far highly unremarkable, if not traditional I suppose (can't stray from tradition).  The breadbasket had a nice assortment - at least 5-6 types of breads/flatbread/wafers.  We sampled an assortment of desserts - numerous standouts include the Triple Chocolate, Apple Tart, Bread & Butter Pudding as well as the NY style cheesecake.  A nice offering is the wild salmon (and not farm-raised Atlantic) - I may actually try that the next time we're there despite being at a steakhouse.  Good service, however we were in a private room down the corridor offset from the main dining room - can't speak of the ambiance of the general dining room itself.

Update 1/2007: Bumped from 3 to 4 stars for good service correction; Recently attended another function, where the waitstaff had made a mistake re: my order.  This was swiftly rectified leaving me with a steak perfectly done to order - key was that they did not wait for me to notice that the steak had been overdone, but rather knew beforehand and offered to correct immediately rather than serve it; This is remarkable primarily b/c we were in a large group setting, where it's already remarkable that they will allow you to order steaks to specification (rather than the standard medium everyone in a large party will get).  Additionally, I found the filet to be more "tasty" this time around, possibly b/c I got it immediately and "hot."  Sides are still decent but unimaginative.  Desserts still fabulous, although a bit too sweet for some palates.  Their private room really is a great place for functions if you're looking.

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Eddie O.

Chicago, IL

3 star rating
04/23/2006

Not the best steakhouse in Chicago, but pretty good. I was here recently and really enjoyed my steak.  The atmosphere is pretty cool as well, especially when the patio is open in the summer.

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