Wildfire Chicago

The Scene – With Wildfire's hefty pillars, wood cabin-like walls and stone ovens blazing in the visible kitchen, one can imagine Paul Bunyan striding in, laying down his ax and ordering a steak. A mix of well-heeled suburbanites, tourists and locals looking for a great steak fill the nearly 300-seat restaurant. – – The Food – Large portions of meat prepared simply with expertly proportioned elements and well-justified confidence. Wood oven-baked goat cheese is a killer starter, and tender broiled filet mignon is a favorite entree. Mushroom-crusted pork chop--a lean,…

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Editor's Tips

The Extras:: With six or more people, order from the Club Supper menu: choice of appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts, starting at $26.95 per person.
Where to Sit:: Avoid the hot, high-traffic central section and sit at one of the cozy booths on the perimeter.
What to Drink:: Martini flights are two-ounce tastes of four different flavors for $10.95. Beer lovers can sip the Goose Island-created Wildfire Pilsner; there are 20 wines by the glass as well.

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User Reviews (46)

ambiance	100.0% positive	“It's consistently good, the food is well-prepared, and the atmosphere's a lot of fun.” “The atmosphere and ambiance is comfortable.” “Excellent service, excellent atmosphere and excellent food!” “It's got great ambiance & atmosphere - nicely lit, casual & not too crowded for a more personal experience.” “We had a nice view of the bar and our table was perfect for 'people-watching'.” “The atmosphere is warm and cozy-great on a cold Chicago night!” “It's got a great location (heart of downtown Chicago).” “The atmosphere was alright, the service was decent, but the steaks were absolutely delightful.” “good food, great deserts, valet parking, american, barbeque, roughly 20-30 per person, open 7 days a week.” “These dimly lit areas are much more romantic than the busy crowed floor area.” “was traveling to Chicago and ate here based on the great views it received.” “atmosphere is great for business or pleasure.”
dessert	80.0% positive	“From the goat cheese appetizer to the horseradish steak to the german chocolate dessert it was truly an amazing meal!” “good food, great deserts, valet parking, american, barbeque, roughly 20-30 per person, open 7 days a week.” “Not to mention a great chocolate martini and spunky ice cream sandwiches for dessert.” “let the waiter know about the prime rib and he comped a desert for us but everything was so slow we didnt get out of the restaurant until quarter to 10.” “For dessert, we had the chocolate chip/pecan cookie baked in the pan to order with a dollop of vanilla ice cream which was a perfect, comforting end to a great dinner.”
drinks	100.0% positive	“The food is great and the waitstaff is uniformly well educated in the menu and the short but thoughtful wine list (and if you show an interest in the pricier or more interesting stuff, they'll bring out the "secret" Captain's List of wines, which is where” “There wasn't much space to sit or gather but the host staff was very friendly and did offer the bar area for seating early.” “We both had drinks, apps, and fantastic steaks for around $70.” “We had a nice view of the bar and our table was perfect for 'people-watching'.” “Has Great selection of wines and is a great place to hang for Martini's!” “The bar is well stocked with good wine choices & the martini menu is a fan fave.”
food quality	97.82999992370605% positive	“My colleague and I needed a great steak to celebrate the end of a long week.” “Not to mention a great chocolate martini and spunky ice cream sandwiches for dessert.” “Their onion loaf to start is amazing as are their martinis.” “Like many of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, the food here is consistently good.” “ribs were great as was the house salad (served for 2).” “Go here for a family gathering or just to treat yourself to some good food.” “In a town of great steak, it's not easy to say "highly recommended" to just any chop house, but Wildfire does a great job and at a very good value.” “good food, great deserts, valet parking, american, barbeque, roughly 20-30 per person, open 7 days a week.” “For good comfort food that you won't be dissappointed by, Wilfire is great.” “The steaks were fantastic and the service we received was top notch.” “Great food” “But here in Chicago, I have had the best meal I can remember in a long time (other than Bravo, an Italian restaurant in Clevelands South Suburbs) The blue-cheese crusted steak was cooked to perfection--at an actual by-the-book medium temperature with a pe” “Like, the best meal ever!” “It's consistently good, the food is well-prepared, and the atmosphere's a lot of fun.” “My favorite comfort food restaurant” “the creamed spinach is as good as berghoff's and the potatoes with vermont cheddar were decadent.” “Amazing steak” “Great food, great service, great value!” “The food at Wildfire is amazing.” “This was one of the best steaks I've ever had.” “We both had drinks, apps, and fantastic steaks for around $70.” “For the price, you get a great meal.” “Steaks average 20-high 30 dollars which is great for a steak -- compared to the other steakhouse down the street.” “Their food is consistently good from their steaks to chicken to fish and their more causal salads and sandwiches.” “From the wonderful table they gave us to the spectacular food we ate and the great service we received it was just a wonderful experience!” “The grilled chicken and mushroom skewers and the huge porterhouse steak were outstanding as well.” “From the goat cheese appetizer to the horseradish steak to the german chocolate dessert it was truly an amazing meal!” “I've been to Wildfire about 7 times and I have never had a bad meal or experience.” “The food is great and the waitstaff is uniformly well educated in the menu and the short but thoughtful wine list (and if you show an interest in the pricier or more interesting stuff, they'll bring out the "secret" Captain's List of wines, which is where” “The service was nearly flawless and I thought the food was excellent.” “Excellent service, excellent atmosphere and excellent food!” “The food was is very very good but my steak was quite salty and I love salt.” “The food was great but it's no Gibson?” “Great steak and a value for steak” “My NY Strip was excellent, and the parmesan crust (Wildfire's trademark is their interesting seasoned bread crumb crusts--6 varieties) gave it an added flavor unlike i'd ever had before.” “The food is awesome - portion sizes are plentiful.” “The Horseradish Crusted Filet Mignon is by far the best steak I have ever eaten in my life!” “The atmosphere was alright, the service was decent, but the steaks were absolutely delightful.” “We had the cold plate with shrimp, lobster, mussels, ceviche which was a safe but good choice, not the best, but for the main course I had a 10oz prime rib with a side of au jous and horseradish which were great!” “One caveat is the use of "crusts" on the steaks, which I find to be overkill and moreover unnecessary -- no need to complement the fantastic flavor of the top-notch beef served at Wildfire.” “The food was wonderful, try the filet trio with your choice of crust, you won't be sorry.” “good food” “The steaks are wonderful, as are the side dishes, and the huge salads.” “Service was still great as if the day was fresh.” “Enjoy good food in your jeans.” “For me personally, I will go back again for one of the best steaks I've ever had.”
menu variety	100.0% positive	“The food is great and the waitstaff is uniformly well educated in the menu and the short but thoughtful wine list (and if you show an interest in the pricier or more interesting stuff, they'll bring out the "secret" Captain's List of wines, which is where” “The bar is well stocked with good wine choices & the martini menu is a fan fave.” “Staff is friendly and helpful with menu selections.” “My NY Strip was excellent, and the parmesan crust (Wildfire's trademark is their interesting seasoned bread crumb crusts--6 varieties) gave it an added flavor unlike i'd ever had before.” “Has Great selection of wines and is a great place to hang for Martini's!” “Our waitress, Nicole was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the menu and winelist that we couldn't help but feel like we were the only people in the restaurant.”
overall	100.0% positive	“But here in Chicago, I have had the best meal I can remember in a long time (other than Bravo, an Italian restaurant in Clevelands South Suburbs) The blue-cheese crusted steak was cooked to perfection--at an actual by-the-book medium temperature with a pe” “My favorite comfort food restaurant” “Has Great selection of wines and is a great place to hang for Martini's!” “Although a tad corporate (Lettuce Entertain You owns about a zillion restaurants in Chicago) this is a great place.”
return potential	100.0% positive	“For me personally, I will go back again for one of the best steaks I've ever had.”
service	95.2400016784668% positive	“had the waitress-recommended Wildfire Raspberry Cosmopiltan - So Good!” “The atmosphere was alright, the service was decent, but the steaks were absolutely delightful.” “We had a nice view of the bar and our table was perfect for 'people-watching'.” “The waitress was helpful and attentive.” “very good service-get there early as it gets very busy quickly.” “The swordfish is incredible and the service was impeccable.” “Great food, great service, great value!” “To top that all off I had a wonderfully knowledgable server who was attentive to my needs and honest in her reccommendations.” “From the tri filet mignon entree to the fantastic service.” “The service was nearly flawless and I thought the food was excellent.” “let the waiter know about the prime rib and he comped a desert for us but everything was so slow we didnt get out of the restaurant until quarter to 10.” “There wasn't much space to sit or gather but the host staff was very friendly and did offer the bar area for seating early.” “We went on a Saturday night and the service was great too.” “like the "buzzy" feel without having to push my way through the crowd, and appreciate the professional, friendly and efficient wait and hosting staff -- the crowds verge on Great America proportions but you always feel like an individual customer and th” “Our waitress, Nicole was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the menu and winelist that we couldn't help but feel like we were the only people in the restaurant.” “The service is prompt, professional, helpful and of a level I'd expect at a great steakhouse (think Morton's, Capital Grille, Smith & Wollensky.” “From the wonderful table they gave us to the spectacular food we ate and the great service we received it was just a wonderful experience!” “Wildfire is a big room, teeming with people and they look happy -- for good reason.” “Excellent service, excellent atmosphere and excellent food!” “Staff is friendly and helpful with menu selections.” “The steaks were fantastic and the service we received was top notch.”
value	100.0% positive	“Great steak and a value for steak” “In a town of great steak, it's not easy to say "highly recommended" to just any chop house, but Wildfire does a great job and at a very good value.” “The grilled chicken and mushroom skewers and the huge porterhouse steak were outstanding as well.” “For the price, you get a great meal.” “Great food, great service, great value!” “like the "buzzy" feel without having to push my way through the crowd, and appreciate the professional, friendly and efficient wait and hosting staff -- the crowds verge on Great America proportions but you always feel like an individual customer and th” “The wall to wall mirrors make the place seem huge and uncrowded.” “The prices are less than $25 a plate, so I believe it is great value.” “The medallions were SO tender and the portions were perfect.” “It's huge and worth every penny!” “The steaks are wonderful, as are the side dishes, and the huge salads.” “Steaks average 20-high 30 dollars which is great for a steak -- compared to the other steakhouse down the street.”
wait time	66.66999816894531% positive	“But here in Chicago, I have had the best meal I can remember in a long time (other than Bravo, an Italian restaurant in Clevelands South Suburbs) The blue-cheese crusted steak was cooked to perfection--at an actual by-the-book medium temperature with a pe” “let the waiter know about the prime rib and he comped a desert for us but everything was so slow we didnt get out of the restaurant until quarter to 10.” “My colleague and I needed a great steak to celebrate the end of a long week.”

01/17/11

Wildfire more like campfire cooking

by Steve1969

Friday night reservations, seated on time, very noisy, small table off the main dining room. Service was pleasant but far from exceptional. The rotten fish smell coming from our mussel appetizer actually made adjacent dinners turn there heads to locate the source of the stench. Thankfully our server eventually returned to remove the rotten app from our table and our bill. Our entrees (petite filet and prime rib) were average in taste and slightly below average in texture. Completely disappointed we passed on a free dessert and made our exit. Overall C-

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09/24/08

Best steak in Chicago

by thedoglvr

Let me start with the best part: I ordered the filet medallions oscar and I COULD CUT IT WITH A BUTTER KNIFE! I have had meat that tender only one other time in my life. This was one of the best steaks I've ever had. Okay... now from the beginning...

We made reservations with 3 hours noticed and were seated at the time of our reservations. There wasn't much space to sit or gather but the host staff was very friendly and did offer the bar area for seating early. Our table was around the border of the dining room, which is square in shape with a raised border section over the lowered middle. We had a nice view of the bar and our table was perfect for 'people-watching'.

We each ordered flights of wine. I had the progressive and my fiance had the whites. The amount of wine in each glass was very generous - about a half a glass - and much more than the "shot" of wine that I have had in flights in the past. One of us had the barbecue chicken dish and the other had the filet medallions oscar. The medallions were SO tender and the portions were perfect. The filet was ordered rare, and a truly good rare seems to be hard to come by. Wildfire got it right. Other restaurants give you meat slightly well done and others seem to hand you something that isn't even warmed and somehow still frozen. This was a truly enjoyable cut and cooked filet.

The service was prompt. Nothing spectacular, nothing terrible. Just good, courteous service staff.

For me personally, I will go back again for one of the best steaks I've ever had.

Pros: location, price (relative), generous flights of wine, ambience, try the filet
Cons: few seats in the greeting area

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07/11/08

Outstanding Chicago steakhouse

by dsg29

My colleague and I needed a great steak to celebrate the end of a long week. I picked Wildfire because it was close to our hotel on State. St. I made the reservation through Wildfire's website for that same evening. In fact, I did it with less than 2 hours' notice. I'd go back again, regardless of where my hotel is in the future. I love a good steakhouse, and Wildfire is among the best I've experienced. The ambiance is classic upscale steakhouse. It's busy, but you can hear dinner companion without shouting. The service is prompt, professional, helpful and of a level I'd expect at a great steakhouse (think Morton's, Capital Grille, Smith & Wollensky...Wildfire is at least equal to any of those) The wine list is excellent, but it's really all about the food. My colleague pronounced her filet medallion the "best she's ever had, anywhere, anytime". My NY Strip was excellent, and the parmesan crust (Wildfire's trademark is their interesting seasoned bread crumb crusts--6 varieties) gave it an added flavor unlike i'd ever had before. The sides are shareable and terrific. The key lime pie for dessert was sublime.

Wildfire is outstanding, from the moment you enter until you stagger back out onto the street. If you're in downtown Chicago and you want a terrific steakhouse, Wildfire stands proudly with all the other better-known competitors. Give it a try. You'll be happy you did.

Pros: Incredible steak, great service, very good wine list, good atmosphere
Cons: none

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05/04/08

Great steak and a value for steak

by Celstrial

Haven't been to Wildfire in a while and after this weekend, I'm wondering why I don't come back more often. In a town of great steak, it's not easy to say "highly recommended" to just any chop house, but Wildfire does a great job and at a very good value. We had the cold plate with shrimp, lobster, mussels, ceviche which was a safe but good choice, not the best, but for the main course I had a 10oz prime rib with a side of au jous and horseradish which were great! Perfectly medium rare and warm by the time it was served. I had a side of button mushrooms which were perfectly seasoned and paired well with the meal. My date had a full rak of ribs which he enjoyed thoroughly. For dessert, we had the chocolate chip/pecan cookie baked in the pan to order with a dollop of vanilla ice cream which was a perfect, comforting end to a great dinner. Portions were large enough for left-overs which was even great a day later. Steaks average 20-high 30 dollars which is great for a steak -- compared to the other steakhouse down the street. Again, like every downtown/river north hot spot, make reservations a few days ahead.

Pros: Great steak value, good loud ambience, wide open dining room
Cons: Need reservations on weekends

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04/22/08

Lovely Chicago Steakhouse

by Ladybug626

I used to live in the Windy City and one of the places I really miss is Wildfire. It's got a great location (heart of downtown Chicago). It's got great ambiance & atmosphere - nicely lit, casual & not too crowded for a more personal experience. The food is awesome - portion sizes are plentiful. The bar is well stocked with good wine choices & the martini menu is a fan fave. Some of my favs were the cedar planked salmon, filet mignon, coconut shrimp and the red skin mashed potatoes. I've also heard good things about the ribs & creamed spinach. A reservation would help if you go on the weekends and/or plan a large table.

Wildfire Chicago

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What People Are Saying About Wildfire Chicago

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Editor's Tips

01/17/11

Wildfire more like campfire cooking

by Steve1969

09/24/08

Best steak in Chicago

by thedoglvr

07/11/08

Outstanding Chicago steakhouse

by dsg29

05/04/08

Great steak and a value for steak

by Celstrial

04/22/08

Lovely Chicago Steakhouse

by Ladybug626

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