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Keefer's Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Steakhouses Restaurants Seafood Steakhouses, Seafood [Edit]
20 W Kinzie St(between Dearborn St & State St)
Chicago, IL 60610
Neighborhood: Near North Side
(312) 467-9525
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand-Red (Red Line)
State/lake (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
Merchandise Mart (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Sat 5 pm - 10:30 pm
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Upscale
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
219 reviews for Keefer's Restaurant
Review Highlights
"...possibly, the most delicious lobster bisque I've ever had..."
(in 22 reviews)
"Oh my goodness, the steaks were amazing."
(in 52 reviews)
"I had the bone-in ribeye and it was great."
(in 11 reviews)
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219 reviews in English
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Review from Joe L.
Chicago, IL
1/20/2012
Ok so here is the deal..after much discussion on Yelp Talk about where to go to blow our Fantasy Football winnings, we ended up at Keefer's, it was not our 1st choice but it worked out great.
Note - I am not a normal reviewer, was motivated by fellow Yelp Talkers...anyway to the review:
So there was 3 of us. Started with Vino that rocked. My buddy is wine guy so he started us off with a bottle of 2010 ORIN SWIFT CELLARS, THE PRISONER. Great wine, nice and heavy and it went great with our seafood starters.
So on to the food:
Starters:
My other buddy has never had pork belly and it was one of their specials, so we ordered. You could cut it with a fork, so damn tasty and salty. The only thing that could make it better if it was wrapped in bacon...Love me some bacon!!
Steamed Mussels
Black Mussels steamed in Shallot, Garlic, & White Wine Cream - I love Mussels in Red, but this sauce worked. It was more like an alfredo. But if I have choose, I want my Italian red sauce..Mussels cooked perfectly and none missing the meat inside.
Grilled Calamari
Lightly Grilled on Flat Iron with Tomato Confit, Garlic, Balsamic Vinaigrette & Arugula - Never go wrong with griled Calamari..Perfectly cooked, with a little char on them to make them a little crispy...
Dinner:
We all got the Bone-In Ribeye, which was Larger Delmonico with Sweet Bone in Flavor. I went with no extra seasoning, which at the end of the day was a mistake for me. I like my steaks peppery and salty, so blackened is my go to, but I wanted to taste the untouched steak so I ordered normal. Don't get me wrong it was good and I would order it again, but just blackended.
After Dinner:
Had some after dinner drinks and got some cheesecake, it was so creamy and the strawberries and blueberries that came with it, knocked it out of the park.
Overall great experience, but wouldn't say it was the best in the city. Would I go back?? Sure I would.. -
Review from Stephanie L.
New York, NY
1/9/2012
Everything about our meal ran very smoothly. Our waiter put out some good service and the place itself is nice. There's a good amount of seating at the (full service) bar to grab a stool and have a drink while you wait.
I can't say anything necessarily bad about Keefer's - the food was all very good. I just don't think there is anything about the steakhouse that makes it stick out or say "eat here again!" to me.
As an original Chicagoan, I wish I could like this place more. I'm sorry. : ( -
Review from Elizabeth G.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011
Ok, kids, it's a nice steakhouse. As such, you expect large portions, big prices. But Keefer's doesn't have that stuffy, old man cigar feel. As for everything else, here's a better breakdown for you.
Cocktails - 4 stars
Wine selection - 3.5 stars
Steaks - 4 stars
Sides - 4 stars
Dessert - 4 stars
Service - 4 stars -
Review from Manny S.
Fort Worth, TX
11/28/2011
Well a local friend of mine told me this place was good but not great, but I'm starting to think she doesn't know what she's talking about when it comes to food. The service here was very good, the menu is very diverse with many options, ALL of which are apparently good, and they offer "bistro" alternatives that involve more than a deep fryer and flat top grill. My co-diner had the Sole which he swears by and looked amazing and I had the tenderloin medallions from the bistro menu which were amazingly delicious - tender, well-seasoned, amazing sauce, cooked accurately to temperature. Seems simple, but so few places can get that right. I would definitely come here again.
The wine we had was not that good, certainly a unique bottle of Margaux wine, but I think nothing should be put on a list if it isn't that good. -
Review from Amelia B.
I had the best steak of my entire life at Keefer's.
Ok, it was a tuna steak. But holy mother of goodness, what a tuna steak it was. Enormous, perfectly seared, perfectly tender and juicy, and perfectly seasoned. I dream about that tuna steak.
The rest of my family went, I suppose, the more "traditional" steakhouse route (pshawwww): three filets, all cooked to perfection (yes, and that includes my mother, who orders filets well-done. Cringe, I know).
Aside from the meat, the evening was perfection from beginning to end. I could not have picked a better place to impress the parents. Our server was extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and completely catered to my parents and their oddities. The sides were plentiful and delicious (though the grilled asparagus could have used a touch less oil), and our servers wine recommendations were spot on.
With a modern, classy atmosphere while still retaining a classic steakhouse charm, amazing food, and attentive service, Keefer's is a must among Chicago steakhouses.Listed in: Where the Suits Lunch
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Review from Kathleen C.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Keefer's! I've been to this restaurant more times than I can count and have never had a bad meal.
My most recent visit was with a work group. We were seated right on time with our reservation and greeted. Drinks were ordered and brought to the table quickly and on to menu options...where we couldn't decide. This, of course, is not the fault of the restaurant, just the fact that everything sounds delicious. The rest of the group debated various steaks, while I spent my time trying to determine what appetizer to get (I usually get a burger here...I know, how boring!). We settled on crab cakes, calamari, and a salad (there may have been something else as well...). In any case, all of the food was delicious. The steaks were also well loved as everyone's plates were licked clean. This leads me to a 5 for food.
The atmosphere, while nice, wasn't as bustling as usual (this could be because we were there relatively early and early in the week). However, the atmosphere is still fun, while retaining some steakhouse charm. A 4 for atmosphere.
Service was very good, though a bit slow at the end. I also think that we may have frazzled our server just a bit, but she was very nice. A 4 for service.
The bathrooms, as usual, are clean and tidy...a definite 5.
As to value...I think this place is a bit pricey, though I'm usually the one with the least expensive meal. I also would like some sides to be included with the meal, but hey, it's Chicago and steak, and that's (mostly) how we do things. So, a 4 for value.
Definitely a great spot. I like how it's a younger feel than some of the steakhouses in the city and it's much more welcoming. A good spot for a group! -
Review from Chuck K.
Chicago, IL
12/1/2011
Great Place for a Great Steak!
The Delmonico Rib-eye was absolutely amazing, prepared just as I ordered and full of wonderful flavors. All of their steaks are wet-aged 21 days and cooked with these seasonings and butter that make for an amazing flavor.
Wine prices were reasonable and this is a steakhouse ala carte style so expect to pay more for your sides. The potatoes augratin were unbelievable, man, I could have had them just for a meal by itself.
Finally capped off the meal with a Orange Chocolate Creme Brule, this was phenomenal!!!
Service was good and the it was a enjoyable long meal experience, the restaurant and bar is spacious and they have some nice holiday decorations out for Christmas Season.
If you're looking for something different in the way of a steakhouse, this place is worth checking out! -
Review from Kelly K.
12/13/2011
I never understand why people think this place is so good. Mediocre food and service and nothing is special about the ambiance or decor. The food was so not memorable I can't even remember what I had a few weeks ago.
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Review from Ha-ti N.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I just want to start out by saying, I really wanted to love this place. And the stars Keefer's is getting from me is for their impeccable service and willingness to satisfy their diners. Also maybe for their mashed potatoes. :P
My boyfriend made reservations at 830 and we called ahead to tell them we were running late. They were very understanding and told us it wouldnt be a problem. We came in, sat and waited maybe 10-15 min, I didn't mind waiting since we were late.
The server was very accommodating--answering every question I had. We both ordered the bone-in ribeye, lobster bisque and green beans. The lobster bisque was good but I've had better - lots of hints of like..nutmeg or cinnamon or something. Green beans, you really can't do those wrong unless you overcook - but you should really add garlic! Loved the garlic added on to it. Then the focus of the meal came out --- our ribeye. I was so excited to take the first bite but when I cut in, It looked more like a medium than a medium rare. I'm just one of those who cannot eat a steak that is over done and over done is medium to me. It's just a waste of a beautiful piece of meat if its not at least med rare! So I told the server, he quickly apologized and asked if I'd like them to redo it. of course i do! Maybe fifteen minutes later, the manager brought out a new ribeye, complimentary green beans n mashed potatoes. I was very very grateful for the thorough service. They checked up on our table a few times after that to make sure we were happy. The ribeye was good but I just wasn't blown away like I was when I went to Primehouse. Maybe it's the way they aged their beef or the cow itself but the texture of the steak was kind of crumbly even though done medium rare. I felt like around the outside of the steak, it was too overdone and then only when i got towards the center did it seem more like med. rare. It should be almost same throughout the entire cut shouldnt it? It didn't melt in my mouth like I thought it would. I was kind of underwhelmed... The maitre d butter + seasonings on top of the steak was okay. Maybe it's just the way they age it. I heard it is wet-aged as opposed to dry aged there's a bit of a difference with the two. I don't know. I'm just unhappy that I didn't like this place as much as I wanted to! If you're looking for a really really delicious, great piece of steak, I'd go to David Burkes Primehouse. The 55 day dry aged ribeye, absolutely to die for - tender, melts in the mouth, exploding with natural flavor. The ribeye here? .. meh.
Thanks for a wonderful service, Keefer's but I don't think I'll be back :( -
Review from Mel L.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2011
My boyfriend and I went here for dinner on a Friday night. We had 7:30 reservations which weren't necessary because it was pretty empty when we arrived. Our server was very friendly and attentive.
I had the small filet mignon wihch was tasty - but I liked my steak at Ruth's Chris better. My boyfriend got the bone-in ribeye which was better than my filet. We shared the au gratin potatoes which were to die for: cheesy deliciousness that was more than enough for two people. We got a bottle of wine which was good...the cheapest bottle of red (house) wine and I enjoyed it. Then we split the apple ice cream dessert which was good but not to die for. After dinner we got martinis at the bar which in my opinion, any alcoholic drink is hard to screw up, so they were good!
My only complaint about this place is that it doesn't have any atmosphere. I prefer a dining experience over just good food, and it had nothing special going for it. I guess they focus on the food, and I want a fun atmosphere... hence my only 4 stars. -
Review from Kristen D.
Bloomingdale, IL
12/11/2011
This place was very good and I hemmed and hawed over giving it 5 stars before settling on 4. I went there last night with some college friends and realyly liked the rib-eye, although I couldn't finish it. The portions were good sized and the service was fine but it just lacked something that keeps me from giving it 5 stars. Starting with the service, everything was very good without being truly exceptional. I would gladly recommend this place to anyone and would definitely eat their again but it fell jjust short of being truly outstanding, although I'll definitely give it another chance.
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Review from Cole D.
Washington, DC
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wide wine list that actually was priced less than other restaurants. And the dessert wine was perfect.
Very romantic ambiance with low lighting and below average noise level.
Host, server, and other staff was very friendly and attentive.
Appetizers and entrées were all spot on. Most everyone got a steak dish, and all enjoyed. Cooked to everyone's preference and very tender.
Since it's a three dollar sign place, you know going in that all the main entrées will generally be over $20 an the appetizers at least $10. Unfortunately there's no exceptions to that rule here.
The portions were not large, but not terribly small either. -
Review from Lily L.
I'm so torn as to what to rate Keefer's due to the following reasons:
Filet mignon - 3.5 stars. But for a price of $35 (although price doesn't include sides), it's pretty damn good but it could've been more "melt-in-your-mouth" type.
Porterhouse - ? stars. All I saw was my friend across the table devouring this huge chunk of meat like a beastly carnivore. His entree came with a filet mignon and he claimed that both were cooked the perfect medium rare and bloody the way he likes it. Safe to assume it was a good piece of meat.
Mashed potatoes - 5 stars. PERFECT level of creaminess and thickness sprinkled with bits of garlic on top. I couldn't stop eating my friend's bowl.
Lobster bisque - 3 stars. You couldn't taste much lobster as you're more overwhelmed by the taste of evaporated milk and the lack of creaminess of the soup. It was very thin and not as flavorful as I'd hope. Although if you mix it a little more you'll discover bits of lobster at the bottom.
Scottish salmon - 4.5 stars. Yes, yes I ordered fish at a steakhouse (I tend to do that because salmon is my preferred meat), but I thought it was cooked better than the filets--a little pink, but not too rare. The buttery cream with lentils and capers gives a light flavoring to the perfectly seared crust.
Fries - 5 stars. I'm not a fry person but god damn I couldn't stop eating my friend's basket (this is why I didn't order my own sides). They were cut thin and at the perfect crunchiness without any of the greasiness. And portions were more than enough to share around the table.
House salad - 4 stars. The mustard vinaigrette was pretty damn good, and this is coming from someone who doesn't like mustard. But I'd prefer the veggies to be chopped up more rather than in huge chunks.
Service - 5 stars. Incredibly hospitable upon the moment you step in. Two of my friends ordered the filet mignon--a medium and a medium rare. When they cut theirs open, it looked more like medium well and a medium. And when they showed our waiter, he without hesitation took them back and ordered new ones. During their wait (and I was trying so incredibly hard not to quickly devour my salmon), the manager had swung by to apologize and to ask if they wanted any appetizers while they were waiting. They said no thanks, and later we found out their new filets were on the house! He had also brought an extra bowl of mashed potatoes on the house as well, probably because he saw me sneakily eating my friend's entire bowl. Needless to say, we definitely tipped a quite bit more. -
Review from John M.
Chicago, IL
4/14/2011
Keefer's is one of my regular spots for business lunches. The service there is excellent and the food is top notch. its nice to be able to enjoy quality food and be in and out in under an hour. Unlike some other places, tables are not crammed together so you don't feel that every other table in the place is listening in to your conversation.
The steak salad is excellent, comes with a cup of soup and is a great bargain. Their burgers are also very good. -
Review from Liz A.
Chicago, IL
3/19/2011
I am not a huge steak person but if I'm going to eat one, it better be amazing.
I went here for dinner with a few work colleagues. The atmosphere is nice after a long day of work. You could tell most people in there were getting off work and eating with colleagues, family dinners or on a date.
The romaine salad was good and fresh.
I had the large Filet Mignon and ate literally almost all of it. Which is amazing because my family cooks steak all the time and I barely eat 3 oz, focusing on the rest of the food.
As a table, we shared the sauteed spinach, twice baked potato, cheesy potatoes and garlic potatoes.
We also shared the warm chocolate cake, apple pie and carrot cake. We polished the chocolate cake and carrot cake off like it was nothing.
I would definitely go back, especially for work, with family for a celebratory dinner or on a date.
You definitely get what you pay for here. -
Review from Justin R.
5/25/2011 Seated via OpenTable
We were headed to the city in a torrential downpour on a Saturday night, without reservations. Fired up Yelp, made an OpenTable reservation for 9:15, and showed up at 9. We were seated immediately. Good start.
Keefer's is definitely the kind of place you throw something fancy on for. Don't you dare wear your cut off jeans or flannel anywhere near here. I really liked the atmosphere, an appropriately dimly lit dining area, classy staff, and the feeling that you're in for something good.
As we had no plans to stay classy the rest of the night following dinner, I decided to go with something light, and chose the scallops and a side of asparagus. I couldn't have been more pleased with my decision. The scallops were more or less monstrous, and the asparagus, while somewhat expensive, was perfectly cooked and delicious.
With close proximity to bars and nightclubs, Keefer's is a good place to start the night off. Looking forward to trying a steak next time! -
Review from Pat M.
Wayne, NJ
10/28/2011
Great steaks and seafood. Service very attentive
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Review from tania c.
Coppell, TX
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Keefer's was a bustling when we arrived, but luckily we had reservations and only experienced a slight delay in being seated. Our waiter was extremely friendly and helpful, which always makes the dining experience special.
We started off with the calamari with spicy mayo. It was good, but not the best calamari I've ever had. The spicy mayo sauce was unique and tasty, but certainly nothing like the spicy mayo you would get with sushi. I know that's probably a dumb comparison, but I love me some spicy mayo. A girl can dream.
Next came the Lobster Bisque, also delicious but not record breaking. We had actually ordered 2 bowls, but they only brought out 1. In the end, I'm glad because this was all more than enough food for the two of us.
We also had a delicious bread basket full of a fresh variety of baked goods, including pretzel bread. I didn't know pretzel bread existed, and this was a very exciting discovery. It was delish.
For our main meal, I had the Pan Seared Scallops and Potatoes Au Gratin. My husband had the Boneless Rib Eye and Local Beets. The beets were some of the best I have ever tasted! The scallops and Rib Eye were both delicious, but I didn't really care for the potatoes much.
Overall, it was a great meal. There just wasn't that extra, taste-bud altering dish that I look for in a 5 - star meal. -
Review from Joel A.
Lake Forest, IL
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Couldn't get into the bar at Harry Caray's before a concert, so we walked across the street. Wife and I ordered a ribeye and Caesar salad to share at the bar. Service was great but the salad had a funky taste to it.
The Delmonico ribeye was huge but a bit boring. I just was not terribly impressed. I expected more for my money. -
Review from Jayde B.
Marlborough, MA
5/23/2011 Seated via OpenTable
Delicious standard 4 star steak house. Definitely quenched my meat craving! Everything was cooked wonderfully - steak, sweet potatoes, potatoes au gratin.
Only disappointment was dessert. Orange-chocolate creme brulee. I love chocolate and this was way too much chocolate. Oh well - great atmosphere and servers though! -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2011
We came for restaurant week dinner on a Saturday night. The place was huge with rounded features such as tables and windows. We were seated immediately and ordered
beet salad - good with lots of beet pieces
bone in veal strip steak - very good and well seasoned, i ordered medium rare and maybe should have ordered medium.
filet Mignon - very tender and juicy.
nougat glace - ok, wish the nougat was more flavored.
chocolate cake - ok, normal chocolate cake
I think I was very impressed with the veal more than anything. it was a good size with fantastic taste. The service was good as well, considering it was very busy. -
Review from Kathryn W.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2011
I love keefers! And I have a long list of reason why i love this place:
1. I have been coming to this place for years and every time they remember what type of wine I drink and bring it without me asking
2. the huge America flag hanging in the bar. classic.
3. the pretzel bread. amazing.
4. the chicken noodle soup.
5. its a steak house (and the steaks are awesome) but they have plenty of other really good things to eat on the menu.
6. the chef stops by the table to say hi. classy touch.
obviously I will be back. -
Review from Emily B.
3/25/2011
This review is strictly off their lunch service, I have yet to enjoy a steak dinner here, which I am sure is lovely.
I think it's a nice place to go with clients for a business lunch since the service is good and the dining room is quiet But for the layperson, you're not missing anything here in terms of satiation that you can't get from Portillo's or Jimmy Johns.
Had the chopped salad...just okay. Had the french onion soup...just okay. Dining partner had the burger and fries...good. Soft drinks are served in the bottle, so no refills. They don't seem too concerned with getting you in and out in a standard lunch hour, so be sure to tell them if you have somewhere to be.
Sorry this review is so lame. -
Review from April W.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
Went here for lunch, might go back for soup, it was good, the bisque. BUT it was probably one of the worst burgers I have ever had in my life. It wasn't skimpy, it just had no flavor and the bun tasted freezer burned.
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Review from Billy E.
Round Rock, TX
7/24/2011
Okay this is probably the worst review I'll write in terms of content but brother and i drank a lot of wine, lots of cocktails and I can't remember for the life of me what I ate BUT I remember that I kept saying how awesome everything was (atleast that's what brother reminded me of the next day). Now, take my review with a grain of salt because I truly was wasted, BUT again, all the food prior to my inebriation was outstanding (i think). I love the location and relative quickness to my hotel room at Amalfi (for obvious reasons). I know I want to go back because it was really good food.. I think.
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Review from Michael N.
Geneva, IL
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a bad dinner, but definitely did not live up to the hype ... at least not the evening I was there. The host was aloof and the server's mind and attention were elsewhere. In addition, the kitchen was a bit off with the cook time on the steaks. On the plus side: The space is great, the wine list was fairly impressive and the bar stocks Templeton Rye.
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Review from Winifred K.
Wylie, TX
11/3/2010
The foie gras was he most amazing I've had anywhere, including Paris.
The waiter recommended that I have the veal special as an entree, and I had to explain that unless it came with a Dalmatian coat and a chorus line singing "See My Vest", that I couldn't possibly have that much cruelty for dinner. He didn't understand. Some people just don't get me.
However, if you go, have the sabayon lemon parfait. It may be the best thing I've ever eaten. So good. So very, very good. -
Review from Kassie C.
Chicago, IL
12/23/2010
Love the atmosphere, location, and food at keefer's! I got the fish special- the halibut, which was excellent. My boyfriend got the fillet and seemed to really enjoy it as well.
My only complaint are the servers. We went on a Wednesday night-no crowd, but servers just kept circling our table!!!! Therefore, I felt a little awkward. Other than that I loved! -
Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've had better. Much better.
My ribeye steak was cooked perfectly medium but was still tough and chewy. The crab spring rolls were nothing to brag about - wouldn't order them again.
Our waiter was great at first but then seemed to disappear for the rest of the night after dinner was served.
So many better steakhouses in this town. -
Review from Therese M.
Rockford, IL
12/3/2011
This review would be a five if it were rating food alone. Anything I have ever had there has been exceedingly delicious! The lobster salad & the steak salad, lobster bisque & french onion soup, steak medallians and filet, creme brulee & puddings--I could not have asked for better meals. What i did not care for the noise--especially the last time there was an obnoxius patron that could be clearly heard and understood across the entire dining room and the staff did nothing to remedy the problem! I also did not care for the patronizing attention of the waiter--same one all the times I have been there--leaning on the table and explaining preparation of dishes I have had and did not ask about.
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Review from Joe C.
Washington D.C., DC
12/10/2010
Went on a Friday evening after work and was visiting Chicago. I got a table right away at 7:30. My waiter, Andrew was extremely attentive, getting me a very nice martini while I looked at the menu. I decided on the venison special as I order it any chance I can. The baby romaine salad was good but then I seemed to have to wait a long while for me entree. Then the chef came out and surprised me. He said he thought the kitchen had over done my venison, and would like to make me a new one, which I, of course agreed to. A short while later I had my entree. Let me tell you, this was the best venison I have had. It cut like filet mignon and was full of flavor and was not gamey.
The restaurant then offered to comp me dessert for the wait! Overall, I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Chicago. I have been to Ruths Chris, Schulas, Sullivans, and this is as good or better. -
Review from Winston G.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2010
Had a Caesar salad and the porterhouse steak - a 28-day wet aged, USDA Prime, beauty. Cooked to medium-rare. The filet side was a bit thinner than the strip side, which made the filet a bit more medium. However, the strip side was awesome. $46 for the porterhouse.
You can request a number of sauces here too to go with the steak, but the steak on it's own comes garnished with a bit of butter, salt, and pepper. Very simple. I tried the Bearnaise sauce, which was really good.
The service was great - fast and efficient. Definitely more of a modern steakhouse feel to this place. Didn't try any of the sides this time around, but they looked to be reasonably priced. -
Review from Peter S.
Suffern, NY
8/14/2011
Excellent steak, and blows traditional New York steakhouses such as Smith and Wollensky's out of the water when it comes to quality of the cut of meat. This steakhouse was recommended by several people to me when I was staying near Dearborn Street, and the food didn't disappoint. I am not the world's biggest steak fan, so it is saying something when I'm impressed by steak at a restaurant. The side dishes were equally as delicious and I recommend the roasted vegetables with potato.
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Review from Elizabeth S.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2011
I tried Keefer's for a dinner with friends after reading so many positive reviews. We ordered a few appetizers (calamari, fried zucchini, and gazpacho soup) which were all tasty. For the entrees, all of the other guests ordered steaks and I ordered the vegan-veggie platter. Everyone loved their steaks and thought they were well prepared. The vegetarian option was only okay. The grilled vegetables tasted good and were well seasoned, but the quinoa tasted pretty bad as the seasoning it was prepared in did not complement it well. Because of this, and since I am usually in charge of reservations, I will probably not return to Keefer's. If you are dining with all meat-eaters then I'm sure you will have an enjoyable experience.
Comment from Glenn K. of Keefer's Restaurant 7/19/2011
Thank you for the kind words about the appetizers and the… More » -
Review from Mr B.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2011
Ok, this is one of my favorite places to eat, period. We keep going back not only for the food, but for the service and atmosphere. Its simple, modern decor makes the food the focus. Service is attentive, but they know not to interrupt a conversation. I know it's over the top, but I have to recommend the bone-in ribeye. It's huge, but the flavor really is worth the indigestion. And to balance out the chunk of cow, I like to order a side of spinach- they serve it 3 ways, all are good.
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Review from Matt M.
Bremen, IN
11/14/2011 Seated via OpenTable 1 Check-in Here
great food, great ambiance. we had a reservation but were early, we were seated right away. the service was great and the steak was tops. i got halibut and it was a little dry, but great flavor.
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Review from David R.
6/15/2010
I first visited Keefer's in 2003 or 2004, back when I didn't know much about restaurants and had rudimentary tastes. I loved it and always recalled it as a swankly enjoyable experience. I had always wanted to return but never made it until recently.
On the one hand, I was somewhat disappointed at the disparity between the idealized Keefer's in my mind and the real Keefer's of 2010. Service, atmosphere, intangibles--they were all just okay. But on the other hand, the food satisfied right where it counts.
My porterhouse was quite simply the best steak that I have eaten in several years. I never hear Keefer's mentioned among the great steakhouses in our steer-loving city, but they should be. There are very few pleasures in life as transcendent as a perfect steak.
Most of the rest of the food--namely the bread, the mushroom soup, and the sauteed spinach--were less than memorable. However, the grilled calamari appetizer was a winner: they serve it chopped up with arugula, tomato confit, garlic, and balsamic dressing as a sort of calamari salad. I ate this entire dish by myself and could have kept going.
So although it wasn't the all-around spectacular experience that I had anticipated based on my recollection, the steak and calamari made this dinner four-star-worthy.Listed in: Calamari
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Review from Nicole T.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
I went here for dinner on a date last night and the food was excellent. This is a nice size restaurant that can accomodate both large groups as well as small. We were seated in a booth and our drink orders were placed right away.
For starters I had the crab spring rolls and my date ordered aspargus wrapped in prosciutto. The spring rolls were okay but I tried my date's aspargus and it was amazing! He also had the lobster bisque which he said was okay.
For the main course we had filets (9oz) , I had bleu cheese on mine and it was great. For sides we ordered spinach and sweet potato both were also good. I would definitely come back to this place. -
Review from Christine M.
Chicago, IL
8/30/2010
This place really hits the spot for me on many levels. First, the decor is great -- simple, elegant and modern. I love the large, curved bar and booths that line the walls and the main dining area is cozy and intimate. I sat on the patio, which was nice and quiet. It's just far enough from LaSalle to not be overbearing with the traffic noise.
I had a late night meal here and ordered their house salad which was a perfect mix of lettuces and an excellent dressing. For the main portion, I had the lobster bisque (one of my favorite dishes) and this was, by far, the best I had ever had. Breads offered were perfect -- an immaculate baguette and the raisin bread was also delish.
I really hope I get a chance to go back and try the foie gras (don't hate) and a full steak meal there, definitely to be followed up with a cocktail or two at that great bar. -
Review from Robert S.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2011
What to really say about Keefer's, well, the place is real good. From the food right down to the staff, I have no complaints.
I had the bone-in ribeye and it was great. Broiled to perfection and finished off with Maitre D butter. It was real good. But the star of the show were the Potatoes Au Gratin!!! My girlfriend had ordered the Restaurant Week Veal Chops and these potatoes were part of the meal. The Potatoes Au Gratin were nice and creamy and had Gruyere cheese which gave it a subtle nutty taste and it was to die for!! Who would have thought that a potato dish such as Potatoes Au Gratin would steal the show at a Steakhouse.
Keefer's has made it to the list of places to return frequently, and Potatoes Au Gratin, BEWARE, I am coming for you!! :)
