Stetson's Chop House & Bar

07/26/09

Unfortunate

by klberndt at Citysearch

3 of us staying at the hotel decided to splurge on a nice steak dinner. We did not have reservations, but were promptly seated. (Hey, someone's got to sit near the kitchen). Unfortunately, the elderly waitress seemed to be a bit overwhelmed. There were long pauses between her visits. Even worse was the other service. Waterglasses went unfilled for up to 15 minutes at a time. The first steak was supposed to be medium rare, but was well done. The other items ordered were OK, but not worth the money or the wait. The only exception for the evening was the avocado/lobster salad. It was delicious. The soup was way oversalted and overconcentrated. It was really inedible. The sommelier was nice, and helpful. Unfortunately, even he could not salvage what was a VERY disappointing experience. I would hop in a cab and go to any other steakhouse in Chicago rather than return here.

• Pros: Excellent lobster and avocado salad
• Cons: Overcooked steak, oversalted bisque

03/18/08

Fantastic Food and Outstanding Service

by Hayze at Citysearch

My family was staying at the Hyatt as a guest of the Make-a-Wish Foundation after our son beat cancer. We decided to dine at Stetson's on the recommendation of the Hotel General Manager, Patrick Donelly. The service was prompt, but not overbearing. The food was exceptional. My wife and I split/shared our appetizers and entree's. Everything was prepared to perfection! Our waiter made outstanding recommendations regarding appetizers and side dishes, and was spot on with his recommendation of entree's. I had Steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs and Lobster Bisque to start with, and my wife had French Onion Soup and a Caesar Salad Served In A Baked Parmesan Bowl. I tasted her soup and salad, and they were as perfect as my crab legs and lobster bisque! The waiter recommended side dishes to our table that he considered "must tries," and he was correct: Sauteed Spinach, Steamed Broccoli, the Chef's specially prepared Cream Corn, and Sauteed Mushrooms. Again, I tasted all four side dishes and they were delectable! The entree's--WOW! Absolutely perfectly prepared medium rare NY Strip for my son. A mouthwatering, tender and juicy Kansas City Steak - 16oz for my wife. (I actually ate half of it because it was delicious!) My daughter had the Roasted Chicken and it was moist and quite tasty. I had the Twin Lobster Tails (I gave one to my wife since I ate half her steak). The lobster was not overcooked as frequently occurs, and was outstanding! I cannot believe that this restraint has received negative reviews, particularly the review the characterized it as "definitely not a top steak house." NONESENSE! This place is a must for fine dining in Chicago. We have eaten in all the best steak houses in Chicago--Ruth's, Gibson's, Morton's, Kinzie St., Gene & Georgettee's, and others. I had never heard of, or been to Stetson's, but have sent all of my friends there since we dined there. I, no we HIGHLY RECCOMMEND STETSON'S for your dining pleasure! Mr. Donelly, thank you: it was great!

• Pros: The OUTSTANDING food and service.
• Cons: The Bar was full and a bit loud.

04/24/07

Definitely not a top steak house

by cellydaniel at Citysearch

My husband and I went to Stetson's for our anniversary dinner. We made a reservation for 8pm and they didn't seat us until 8:45. I was pregnant in my third trimester and I had to stand for 45 minutes since there were no room to sit anywhere and none of the staff even seemed to care about my condition. The waiter seemed nice and the ambiance of the restaurant was great. Dimmed lights, somewhat quiet atmosphere.

When we got our steaks, we were very dissapointed. My husband asked for a medium rare and his came over cooked. My steaks was undercooked. For the money that we paid for the steaks and from their reputation of being one of the best steak houses, I would expect them to know the difference between medium and medium rare.

No one apologized to us for the dissapointing meal and the waiter didn't seem to care that we were unhappy. If you want great steaks, don't come here, go to Gibson's instead.

• Pros: nice atmosphere, romantic setting, live music
• Cons: too expensive for what you get, below average service, poorly cooked steaks