Sullivan's Steakhouse

Doesn't Recommend

rosejian

Joined 2 years ago

Not Impressed. My family and I went to this restaurant to celebrate my nephew's college graduation (there were 11 of us). My sister heard that it was one of the best steak houses in Chicago, which made us look forward to dining at this place. Most of us ordered steak, of course, of varying cuts (filet mignon, New York strip, and T-bone). I must say that none of was raving over our individual dishes. In addition, the service was awful; we had to wait for 15 minutes to be served with our desserts. I wanted a refill of my coffee while having my chessecake, but the waiter did not bother coming back to our table (which pretty much happened throughout our dinner). Our check came close to $1,000, which would have been perfectly fine had we found our dining experience satisfying and enjoyable. Bottom line is that this restaurant enormously failed to leave a good impression on us, especially since it's supposed to be one of the finest in the city.

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jjmIII

Joined 3 years ago

better steak can be had.... Sullivan's is a great spot, but better Chicago steak can be had.

Wife had Halibut and a wonderful Lobster Rissotto (light on Lobster)... both VERY good.

I had the aged strip steak, and their mac n cheese. The steak was a 6/10, and while good, nothing to inspire rave reviews. It lacked the juicy flavor a $40 strip should have.

If you want a better steak and deal try Kinzie's chop house....I still think about that bone in strip...it was a juicy 10/10, and a steak I won't soon forget.

Good, but too low on the list, and cost more to boot!

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Joe Dan

Joined 3 years ago

WILL GO BACK!. My wife and I and another couple chose Sullivan's because the other couple said they had been there many times and it is always great. We walked in and were warmly greeted by a few very pleasant girls. The manager was also at the front and gave us a pleasant greeting. We decided to have a drink in the bar which was very fun and lively. This restaurant could stand up to any with ambiance. It is gorgeous, lively, and has great service. The bartenders were prompt and accurate. After being seated, our server treated us like we were the only ones there. Food was excellent; most of us got steak, cooked right on, while my wife ordered the salmon and wouldn't stop raving about it. The prices are good and you canNOT leave without dessert. We had the banana bread pudding and the brownie. Both were out of this world. Needless to say we will be back to Sullivan's often, whether for a fun drink or another delicious meal with top service.

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Gesq

Joined 4 years ago

Another great steak. I will not claim that Sullivan's is my absolute favorite steak house in Chicago - there are so many great ones, each with their own character. Sullivans does, however, belong in the ranks of great Chicago steakhouses. It is very reminiscent of swanky supper clubs.

I've never had a bad meal here. It can, however, get loud in here so I wouldn't recommend it for a romantic evening. I love their bar area as well - there's usually a small jazz ensemble or pianist.

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Vivianne

Joined 4 years ago

Great food and service. My husband and I arrived with our 3 kids very late after a show. We never thought they would serve us and to our surprise they let us sit (only one couple was there and they were paying the bill). The waiter was so friendly and nice and the steak was absolutely wonderful as well as the appetizers. We are going back next month and first place we'll go have dinner is Sullivan's!!

Doesn't Recommend

doctorjon

Joined 4 years ago

Good Place to Avoid. My wife and I tried this venue in mid April of 2009 on a Friday night. We ordered filets - one 12 oz. and one petite cut. The 12 oz. had no flavor whatsoever. Thinking it might just me my taste buds, I asked to try a bite of my wife's petite. That was better, but nothing extraordinary. After only four bites of my 12 oz. filet, I sent it back, asking that I be given the petite cut instead. The waiter did what I asked and provided more mashed potatoes for me. The fresh steak was OK - not great.

We were charged for two petite cuts - fair enough on the surface, but considering it was our first visit and that the waiter told me "these things happen," I would have felt better had we been at least given another drink or something to make up for the tasteless steak. Moreover, the assistant manager questioned me about the situation. When I indicated that the steak had no flavor, she said "That is interesting." One uses the word "interesting" only when not knowing what else to say. How about "We are very sorry and please accept the petite filet on the house."

Never again for Sullivan's. We shall stick to Gibson's, Chicago Chop House, and Morton's.

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columthursday

Joined 6 years ago

Dean Martin would've eaten here.. Taken straight out of Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/Joey Bishop/Sammy Davis, Jr vintage, Sullivan's Steakhouse on Dearborn is the most classy Sullivan's Steakhouse I've been to. The first floor serves as the main dining room which is a nice touch, as the second floor lounge is the only section where smoking is permitted. The steaks are, as always, brilliantly prepared and paired with wonderful sides. The seafood is fresh and reasonably priced. When I dine, I prefer to enjoy dessert in the lounge with a cognac or a coffee and a cigar from their excellent selection.

Sullivan's is on the main Friday night strip. You'll want to make reservations and arrive early. Bring plenty of cash because you'll want to tip the valet when you give him your keys AND when you get your car back.

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bonmots

Joined 7 years ago

Bad service, fair food.. First they lost our reservations, then the waiters spilled food on us. They comp'd us dessert to make up for it, but the dessert wasn't even plated as described on the menu. Pricey crab claws were clearly previously frozen - OK at some places and for some prices, but not here. Steak was fine, but not the best ever. Smoke from the cigar bar upstairs seeps into the dining room, especially when patrons bring them down and smoke them in the lobby. MUST go upstairs and THROUGH the cigar bar to get to the bathrooms. Will need to dry clean all my clothes. Yuck. I would not go back here.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Swank, spacious restaurant draws a corporate River North crowd for steaks, stogies and martinis.. The Scene
When it comes to ambience, Sullivan's can stand up to any other hot shot steakhouse in town. The spacious dining room is all mahogany wood and framed retro photos; a live jazz band plays in the smoky bar, where a well-dressed, corporate clientele sip martinis in the smoky haze.

The Food
Sullivan's menu is standard steakhouse, just the way Chicagoans like it: lotsa meat, a coupla salads, generous sides. Starters are pretty stingy, though--both Cajun crab cake and zesty tequila lime shrimp are too small to share. For entrees, stick to steak, like the tender New York strip or house specialty bone-in, 20-ounce Kansas City strip; smoked pork chops are worth a try, too. Don't forget your greens: Cheesy creamed spinach and crunch green beans are both delicious sides.

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delbertm

Joined 8 years ago

Great Steak. One of the best steaks I have ever eaten in my life. Excellent service and great dining atmosphere.