The Barn Steakhouse image

The Barn Steakhouse

Restaurant Cafe Steak house Event planner

Chic spot for New American fare, steaks & cocktails in rustic surrounds at a former stable. People often mention Barn, great, experience, menu, service, atmosphere, restaurant, cooked, amazing, time,


Address

1016 Church St Rear, Evanston, IL 60201

Website

www.thebarnsteakhouse.com

Contact

(847) 868-8041

Price rating

$$$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (418 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 to 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 8:30 PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 5 to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 5 to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Barn (14) great (13) experience (10) menu (10) service (10) atmosphere (8) restaurant (8) cooked (8) amazing (7) time (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Robert C. 1 year ago on Google
    This past Saturday I had the most amazing time at The Barn Steak house. I was celebrating my 5.9 birthday with 6 of my closest friends. Josh was our amazing but patient server for the evening. We were just a touch picky; only a touch lol but the food and cocktails were delicious and made up for a little lost time. The basil martini minus the basil bits lol were outstanding from start to finish and we finished. wink wink! The food, the FOOD! we had an array of everything from steak, chicken, salmon, roasted asparagus, crab cakes, (perfect fries) an assortment of desserts but that chocolate cake with the raspberry puree, lord help me! Everyone one of us was very very please and said several times while leaving; We will be back!!! The atmosphere and overall staff of the barn house has really GREAT energy. Before I eat anywhere that's my first rule! I went twice before my birthday dinner. My 6.0 next year will be celebrated there on a much grander scale! Run and make your reservations! Remember, chocolate cake with raspberry puree.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tara Tussing U. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm not sure how we missed this gem for so long. The food was great. I got a salmon prix fixe which was delicious. It's normally medium rare. I asked for rare and it came almost sashimi style, aka perfect! It melted in my mouth. The salad was good with anchovies fillets which were a nice surprise. Dessert was a carrot cake that was a bit too sweet for me. I'll try another dessert before saying they lack a solid pastry chef. The staff was friendly. Very nice experience. I'm making plans for my next visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karly A. 1 year ago on Google
    I recently held my wedding reception at the Barn and it was absolutely perfect. We received endless compliments about the quality of food, drinks and atmosphere. The staff is very attentive and professional—huge shout out to Danielle for all the work she did to make our dream wedding come to life. We're excited to celebrate our future anniversaries here! 10/10 recommend the Barn.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Csilla M. F. 5 months ago on Google
    We had such an interesting mix of an experience here. Came here on a Saturday night, with an early (5:30p) reservation. It was a busy night. The place is amazing - it has very high ceilings, brick walls and a great ambience. It is kind of hidden as you walk in from an alley, and the outside is very unassuming, but when you walk in you find a wonderfully designed, warm and welcoming dining hall. We were seated on the balcony which provided amazing views of the restaurant. We had Jacob welcoming us and filling our water glasses. Jacob was amazing - he had just the right amount of polite and professional friendliness and he was courteous and attentive. Then came our waiter, David. David ended up being the counterbalance to the lots of positives of The Barn. He wasn’t particularly polite and he was really not friendly to us. When I asked for a cocktail menu he basically yelled at me saying “if we have WHAT??”, and pointed to the menu in my hand “the cocktails are right there”. As he was cleaning up our plates from the table he rudely interrupted our conversation “can you pass me that knife?” - this might pass at Lou Malnatis but in a steakhouse the caliber of The Barn, I would respectfully expect a higher level of service. All throughout our dinner we felt as if we were a burden on his schedule that night. We did stay longer than most I’ll admit, so at some point a wonderful manager named Kathleen (?) came up to us and asked us to relocate to another table. She handled this so very professionally, she offered us dessert on the house for this slight inconvenience so we didn’t mind at all. And the desserts were absolutely fantastic. All in all, while we didn’t quite enjoy the service by David, everything else was lovely. I definitely recommend The Barn - the food was fantastic (our group tried the steak: the filet mignon was great, the calf liver was outstanding (it’s not often that I find a well prepared liver dish on the menu) and the swordfish - this was not as well loved as the other two. The desserts were fabulous - the cheesecake was light and airy, the chocolate cake rich and scrumptious, the carrot cake spicy and wonderful). The army navy cocktail was also really good. I’ll definitely be back here - maybe we will catch David in a better mood next time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah W. 2 years ago on Google
    HANDS DOWN the best restaurant in Evanston! It might even be one of my favorites in the whole Chicago area. Granted, I’ve only lived in suburbs three months but it can’t possibly get better than The Barn Steakhouse. The decor - 5 stars! The service - 5 stars! The food - 5 stars! The cocktails… you get the picture. This place is bomb. First off the decor is straight up gorgeous. There’s a big feature chandelier, and the lighting is just right. Flatteringly dark, but you can see the menu and your food. The service is also phenomenal. Super friendly and helpful. And then just when I was thinking that I don’t even care how the food is, I’m coming back for the ambiance and cocktails… The STEAK! The SALAD! And the MASHED POTATOS! And that CAVIAR SANDWICH! Perfection. I can’t believe that all of our new Evanston friends didn’t immediately spill the beans about this place - maybe they’re hoping to keep the reservations available for themselves? Honestly, I almost didn’t post this review because SAME. I want to eat here every day. There’s even a $35 prix fixe deal if you take the 5-6 pm dinner slot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent meal in a warm atmosphere! The space feels intimate and warm despite it being a high ceiling, concrete floored barn… great design. Also manages to feel casual and elegant at the same time, with both the design and ambience. The meal was excellent. We shared the chopped salad, filet mignon with horseradish which was cooked perfectly and the red wine glaze is an excellent touch, the robuchon mashed potatoes and mushrooms which were both excellent sides, the crab spaghetti which has a spice to it and a ton of perfectly cooked crab, and the pecan streusel carrot cake. Everything was amazing, would recommend every dish. Worth the trip from the city up to Evanston for a meal that rivals the best steakhouses in Chicago, including all those hard to get resy Hogsalt restaurants.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 0verfiend 4 E. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice and cozy place. A good selection of cocktails and wines. Quality meats and meals. Servers and staff are pleasent and helpful. Will be glad to come back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great experience at the Barn Steakhouse celebrating my wife’s birthday with our friends. The service was top notch & the food was incredible. We will certainly be back again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony Y. 11 months ago on Google
    The Barn Steak House truly lives up to its name, seamlessly transforming a barn into a tasteful and whimsical restaurant. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the delightful details that added a unique touch to the ambiance. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bar drink menu, filled with playful and creative options, brought a sense of fun to the evening. The dinner menu, I was impressed by its simplicity and focus on honest, good food. The dishes showcased high-quality ingredients and were prepared with skill and precision. What truly sets The Barn Steak House apart is the outstanding service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Their attentiveness and friendliness made me feel like a welcomed guest in their own home. The genuine care and hospitality extended throughout the evening, elevating the overall enjoyment of the meal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John B. 8 months ago on Google
    This is essentially a high-end steakhouse, and they do them very well and for a decent price. The other entrees might be more uneven - one of our party had the risotto, and it was pretty bland. Wine selection not quite as extensive as you might expect from a high-end steakhouse, but the cocktails were inventive takes on classics and very well done. Overall experience was good in main dining room, which is a bit tight seating but noise isn’t too bad.

  • 4/5 CARLTON J. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a wonderful time ! Wanted to do something different. Even had a room at the Hilton/Orrington.Kind of a hard place to find but when you do find it you yearn into the Ambiance of the restaurant. The rib eye was delicious and cooked just right. The potatoes were meh....but overall a great experience.

  • 5/5 Celestine Pates B. 7 months ago on Google
    The Barn Steak House who would have thought; this restaurant would leave a lasting memory. The restaurant is warm and inviting, yet you can't help but to admire the level of detail this owner put into every area the eye can see. The menu wasn't overwhelming, straight to the point with the right amount of offerings. Our dinner selection were plated and looked like they were ready for a magazine shoot. With so much going on in the world - acts of kinds are falling further and further from automatic gestures. However the staff went above and beyond to explain the best parings, recommendations. Our water glasses were never empty as our server checked on us quite often. If any of the servers were having a bad day; you certainly couldn't tell. I would go back just to see and be around this friendly group of people. Of course we will dine!

  • 5/5 Elayssandria L. 6 months ago on Google
    The Barn exceeded all expectations during my recent visit. The Crabcake appetizer, a masterpiece with King and lump crab meat, stole the spotlight with its delightful blend of flavors. The Green Goddess aioli added a surprising and exceptional touch, elevating the crab cake to a whole new level – without it, the dish would be just average. The bone-in ribeye, cooked to perfection at a medium doneness, was a carnivore's dream. Paired with Chives, parsley, and marrow butter potatoes, every bite was a symphony of flavors. Isabella, our server, proved to be a gem – attentive, knowledgeable, and offering excellent advice on menu choices. The Barn is a must-visit for those seeking a remarkable dining adventure. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Cassondra H. 10 months ago on Google
    I went here for my Birthday and was not disappointed. The vibe of the place was exactly what I was looking for, elegant and fun. The drink selection was great for those drinking and not. The food was top tier delicious. In our party of 4 we split two apps, each had a main course and split 3 slices of dessert though we could have easily gone with just two. With beverages and tip it came to about $120 per person, is a great special occasion location or if your budget allows for an elevated experience.

  • 4/5 Andi K. 5 months ago on Google
    Wood and a loft do not necessarily make a barn; however, the atmosphere is cozy, and the service is great! Start with a side salad and ask for cucumbers rather than onions. The dressing is tangy; have it on the side. The portions of the salmon and the chicken are generous. Ask for the salmon to be cooked, or you will get sushi... Two of the sides (asparagus and mashed potatoes) are generous enough to share. Dessert is so rich, so have gelato or sorbet; you will need a doggie bag! The prices are a bit high, but the service is worth it. Paid parking is available in a public lot on the side of the restaurant.

  • 4/5 Peter A. 1 year ago on Google
    They have a good selection of Bourbon. Ambiance was very nice. I was impressed by the side dishes and overall food preparation. I ordered the bone in ribeye which was delicious. I felt the steak was a bit overpriced, kinda tough, and thin. Server was a little forgetful. Overall, great experience and would probably repeat for some of the other dishes.

  • 5/5 Jennifer J. 1 year ago on Google
    Love this place. It's pricey, but our go to special occasion restaurant. Dining 5-6 you can get the pre-fixe menu which is smaller portions and smaller prices! It allows us to have a cocktail, add a side and come out full, but not miserable!!

  • 3/5 Jeff S. 1 year ago on Google
    Had reservations here when we were in town for Easter weekend. We dined here last year and had a fantastic meal, so we decided to come back this year. Appetizers were good, but my wife ordered a Vodka Tonic, which was either Vodka water, or Vodka Flat Tonic. We sent it back, which we usually don't do, and the next one was fine. Everyone in our party ordered the Filet cooked medium. They arrived and 3/5 were rare, and the others were Medium Rare. My wife's potatoes were also cold. The 3 rare steaks were sent back and they sent 3 new steaks. Again, we generally don't send items back, but they were not edible for my kids. Now, I get that issues happen, but usually when things like this come up, the manager stops by and checks on the table. Sometimes they even comp part of the meal. (Drink, Dessert or something.)None if that happened. Suffice to say, the whole experience was disappointing. Wouldn't rule out coming back, but I highly doubt that we will.

  • 5/5 Sheena C. 1 year ago on Google
    We were visiting from out of town and had such a great meal and experience here. The food was amazing and the filet was definitely one of the best I've ever had. Everyone was friendly and made sure we had a nice evening. We sat upstairs and it was intimate and beautiful. Perfect for a special occasion!

  • 5/5 Ana X. 2 years ago on Google
    We were around the area and this was our first time coming to The Barns. It was fully packed, so make sure to make a reservation. There were indoor and outdoor seatings. My partner definitely know this was going be a great place based on the unique wooden barn windows outside the building! He was right, from the food to the atmosphere, and the Barn Story, back of the menu! We ordered a few drinks, Australian Waygu, Shrimp spaghetti, Roasted South African Lobster Tail, and Mac&Cheese, everything were extremely tasty! All the servers and service were excellent! Beautiful atmosphere for an special date, celebration, or occasion! Highly recommend!

  • 4/5 Drew D. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool converted barn space. Love the evaporated milk painted logo on the brickwork. Unique, cozy, and classy space. Definitely want to come back sometime to take advantage of the Prix Fix Dinner

  • 4/5 Mike G. 2 years ago on Google
    The only reason I don’t give five stars is it is EXPENSIVE. Definitely for special occasions only. And that was proven when we noticed that almost every table had their dessert brought to them with a sparkler in it, and so did we since it was our anniversary. They actually ask if you’re celebrating anything when you make a reservation. The food is absolutely delicious, but like I said, be prepared to spend a lot.

  • 5/5 Philip B. 2 years ago on Google
    This was our first time in Evanston area and my daughter and I capped off an ice skating performance with a celebratory dinner. She is 13. Despite a modest order, we were treated with attention and the best service. The food was prepared wonderfully as ordered and it was the perfect atmosphere for a chilly January evening out. The steak was cooked well and the sides were delicious as well, including french fries and macaroni and cheese. The decor and ambience were wonderful. We will certainly be back!

  • 5/5 Nicole C. 2 years ago on Google
    Went for a date night and it did not disappoint. Great Australian wagyu with brussel sprouts and perfectly cooked Bone in rib eye. Service was great and the waiter was extremely knowledgeable.


Call (847) 868-8041 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Salad bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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