09/12/09

Another great steak

by Gesq

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.

• Pros: Great Steaks, Great Bar Area, Friendly Staff
• Cons: Can be very crowded, Wait time without a reservation is long

08/12/09

Great food and service

by Vivianne

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!!

04/12/09

Good Place to Avoid

by doctorjon

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.

• Pros: Nice Bar Area
• Cons: Food

11/20/07

Dean Martin would've eaten here.

by columthursday

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.

• Cons: Parking is by valet only

12/09/06

Bad service, fair food.

by bonmots

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.

• Pros: OK steak, creamed spinach.
• Cons: Smoke from cigar bar, poor service.

12/07/06

Swank, spacious restaurant draws a corporate River North crowd for steaks, stogies and martinis.

by Contributor

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.

• Pros: swank retro ambiencegood steaks
• Cons: uneven servicemediocre seafood dishessmall portions

10/27/06

Great Steak

by delbertm

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

03/06/06

Bad stuff

by bironman

Recently went after visiting several times. Normally great food(steaks) great service.

Terrible service. Worst steak I have had at quality restaurant.

Infifference from all-free desert that was worse than steak.

Place wasn't even busy at 7:30 on Sat night.

Bad call.

12/16/05

Great Place

by peacefuljoy05

I always enjoy my experience here at Sullivan's. Food is great and service is awesome and friendly.

12/16/05

A top-ten pick

by jasper_kilbasa

The members of the Chicago Steak Club returned to Sullivan's 12/15/05. The place was jammed and for good reason. The service was outstanding as was the steak. I ordered a full sized filet medium rare. It was cooked to perfection. The sides were outstanding. Sullivan's has a friendly wait-staff that was very attentive. Over-all, Sullivan's is a great place for steak.

• Pros: great steak, great service, great soup
• Cons: none