Raising the Steaks: Your Guide to North Shore Steak Restaurants

You know what isn’t rare on the North Shore? Knock-out great steak places! If you fancy a filet mignon or require a ribeye, head to these expert purveyors for a mouth-watering good time. Taste classic cuts and preparations or a local chef’s inspired take on elevating a steak dish to new heights. Indulge every foodie dream and venture out to Explore North Shore Restaurants.

 

Sophia Steak, Wilmette

Steak Chic
Sporting reviews from “flawless” to “friendly,” Sophia Steak (1146 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette) enchants with their charming dining room and premier beef offerings. You’ll find all-natural wet-aged steaks and prime 45-day, dry-aged Porterhouses or Tomahawk Ribeyes that feed two! The Flat Iron Steak Sophia comes peppercorn-crusted with roasted mushrooms and Cognac cream. Morton’s The Steakhouse (699 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook) has been the very definition of classy and classic for 40+ years. Their flavorsome Butcher Block menu boasts all-stars from Filet Mignon and Prime New York Strip to Prime Cajun Ribeye and Morton's Classic Filet Oscar. Inspired by that founder and steakhouse king Arnold J. Morton (aka her father), Amy Morton crafted a "meat-centric hide-a-way" with The Barn Steakhouse (1016 Church St., Evanston) nestled into a Downtown Evanston alleyway. All steaks are Heritage Angus Beef served with red wine demi-glace and German marrow butterball potatoes with toppers like blue cheese, tarragon horseradish, truffle butter, or Béarnaise.
 

EJ's Place, Skokie

Classic Entrée Selections
When you crave that lost-in-time supper club experience, head to EJ’s Place (10027 Skokie Blvd., Skokie). Their timeless entrées celebrate prime-aged steak in Petit Filet Mignon, Filet Mignon, New York Strip, Porterhouse, or Bone-in Rib-Eye. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (583 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling) elevates the experience for oenophiles with twists like the Prime Churrasco Grilled Steak (a chimichurri-rubbed Skirt Steak with cilantro-lime aioli) or the Trio of Medallions blessed with horseradish, bleu cheese, and parmesan-encrusted. Inspired by the Parisian greats, Pomeroy (844 Spruce St., Winnetka) is comfortable and elegant, bringing accessible French fare with menu standouts Steak Tartare with shallot, capers, Dijon, quail egg, and toast or the Steak à la Bordelaise Maître d’Butter with shallot confit.
 

Aboyer, Winnetka

Spotlight on One Scrumptious Dish
Some restauranteurs highlight the beef course with one glamorous star. At popular bistro Aboyer (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka) that’s going to be a Bistro Steak with prime, top sirloin served with chimichurri or au poivre, fresh-cut French fries, and Béarnaise sauce. Guildhall Restaurant (694 Vernon Ave., Glencoe) takes a different tactic with their European influences. Working with local and artisanal purveyors, their Steak Frites compliments the prime beef with grilled scallion salsa, truffle fries, and jalapeno aioli. Casual, contemporary, comfort food reigns at The Happ Inn Bar & Grill (305 Happ Rd., Northfield) where Carlos’ Skirt Steak Frites partners parmesan truffle frites and red wine compound butter with the juicy grilled main attraction.
 

Ruth's Chris Steak House, Northbrook

Great Houses of Steak
Go all out with a bounty of selections at these old-school steak palaces. Jameson’s Charhouse (9525 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie) is a solid go-to for special occasions. The Black Angus Beef is aged 21 to 28 days and hand-carved in-house. The Bone-in Ribeye (well marbled for superb flavor), New York Strip (a classic steakhouse staple), and Petite Filet Mignon (for the lighter appetite) are always winners. Founder and the First Lady of Steak, Ruth Fertel set the tone for her Ruth’s Chris Steak House (933 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook). Signature Steaks are the finest cuts of USDA Prime beef — cooked to perfection in an 1,800° custom broiler, then served on a 500° sizzling plate with butter and parsley. Specials like Chateaubriand for Two or Ruth’s Tastemaker Dinners with wine pairings make for an unforgettable night out.