Upon entering Chicago’s newest sexy and swanky steak spot Steak48, you are greeted with a wall of cleavers, followed by  a wall of impressive bottles of wine.  You’ll then maneuver down the long halls, awesome artwork to be met by smiling faces that greet you when you check in.  This is the third location for Steak 48, and the company’s executive chef, Marc Lupino, has taken up temporary residence in Chicago to assist with the opening. There’s also some local talent involved: 20 year steakhouse veteran Brian Key (Gibson’s, Weber Grill) will serve as executive chef.

Steak 48 is a 12,000-square-foot, two-story restaurant “airy and unexpected”. The space also includes an 800-square-foot patio and  bar, but the focal point is the kitchen, which is encased in glass on three sides and allows diners a full view of Key and crew.

 

We were escorted to what I have to admit I think was one of the best tables in the place!  Seated right on the side of the bar, in the center away from the hustle bustle of the bar BUT in a sense on a stage with a front seat to do some serious people watching!   Once seated our server Juan (who was absolutely AWESOME) gave us a few cocktail suggestions to start with and from there the Steak48 experience began. We tried the Pineapple Mezcal, Old Fashioned and Ginger Peach cocktails which were perfect to sip on. The appetizers were AMAZING, King Crab and Avocado Stack which has huge chunks of two of my fav things separated by a crispy wonton!  Delish!!  Next up, and highly recommended by Juan was the Tuna & Salmon Poke -another winner!  And no evening would be complete in the realm of beginning bites at Steak48 without yes of course a fresh seafood tower!  You can pick your favs by the piece or let them do it for you, either way I promise you will NOT be disappointed!  Ohhhh and how could I have forgotten about the colorful and oh so flavorful Roasted Beet salad!  Beets and goat cheese and pistachios!  Ummm YES!

 

 

 

 

 

Ok on to the Steak and the sides!!!

 

I opted for the bone-in filet mignon with a black truffle sautéed Maine lobster and I was NOT disappointed!!  I am  a true believer that presentation is everything and apparently so is Steak48 as the steaks arrive in show stopping fashion on a sizzling, 500-degree plate, HOT!

Alaskan King crab & Rock shrimp mac & cheese OMG so much flavor!  Roasted sweet potatoes with bourbon and torched marshmallow  – -NOTHING like mom used to make!  Corn crème brulee, a twist on an old school fav!  Last but certainly not least, the Roasted Brussel sprouts with yep – -BACON!!!  Say no more!

 

 

 

 

And just when you think you cannot take any more of this tasty roller coaster ride and they take away your plate, Juan asks do you have room for dessert?!  Hmmmm I am NO quitter!  Luckily I was sharing with my girl so we were able to try two items from the dessert menu.  We opted for a small version of the freshly baked beignets served hanging from a 16-inch (non-edible) tree structure, with Nutella ganache and crème anglaise for dipping. AND the Ultimate warm vanilla caramel cake!  Vanilla gelato, whipped cream (served on the side) topped with house made praline pecans. Kill me now!  Juan suggested the perfect dessert wine Graham’s “six grapes” porto which perfectly complimented our dessert.

 

 

I highly recommend Steak48.  It is perfect for a date night, celebratory dinner or just drinks and bites at the bar.  Service was TOP NOTCH I am already looking forward to going back!

 

Cheers!