Smith & Wollensky - Chicago image

Smith & Wollensky - Chicago

Restaurant Cafe American restaurant Event venue Steak house Fine dining restaurant

Steakhouse chain outpost serving prime, dry-aged steaks, seafood & wine in a power-dining setting. People often mention steak, great, good, river, amazing, experience, service, recommend, time, server,


Address

318 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Website

www.smithandwollensky.com

Contact

(312) 670-9900

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (2.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 12 to 8:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 12 to 8:30 PM
  • Thursday: 12 to 8:30 PM
  • Friday: 12 to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 8:30 PM
  • Monday: 12 to 8:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: steak (36) great (25) good (22) river (19) amazing (17) experience (17) service (16) recommend (16) time (13) server (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 ARI K PRODUCTION (Arian K. 1 year ago on Google
    Good Weather, and why not trying some place near the river with open patio. Smith & Wollensky seemed like a good choice, and I liked it but my opinion is for the service charge and the money you spent you don’t receive the deserved services! First of all, inside the bread they served in the beginning, we saw one strand of hair which we denied it, but after seeing the second hair strand I asked my server to change the bread. Second, I believe it would be nicer if they design some food ornaments with our steak. Third, we asked for well done, but it was medium rare inside in some portion. Generally speaking, I didn’t like the fact, I was charged automatically 18% for Service Charge and 20% for Tip without the option to choose.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Cash M. 1 year ago on Google
    First, service was amazing. The host was friendly and our server knew the menu and all the small details. Wine was good. Bread was amazing! But the food was bland. Everything needed salt. The steak was cooked at the perfect temp, but lacked flavor. We wouldn't go back. Not even for the view.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bull D. 1 month ago on Google • 597 reviews New
    High end steak restaurant with an excellent menu and delicious food. We were impressed by everything, including our competent waitress. It was odd to see staff members spending time on their phones, obviously just killing time. The evening was a bit slow but it still is awkward to see staff simply staring at their phones, sometimes for a very long time. Other than that it was a great dining experience.

  • 5/5 Ketan P. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been to this location and few times, and I finally wanted to a review. We went for my birthday and it was great. Waiter and staff were attentive & very knowledgeable. Food was fantastic and drink selections are great. I had dry aged ribeye Cajun style. Supper tasty and I should not have asked for Bernaise Sauce - didn’t need it. I got my favorite side dish of hash browns. My wife had a cocoa and coffee rubbed steak with spinach.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Seth L. 1 year ago on Google
    Talk about a nice dining experience in Chicago! The staff and The food was amazing! We got the New York Strip, filet, and the ribs appetizer. Everything was cooked perfectly. The ghost strawberry margarita was so good! Definitely something different but so good. The New York Strip was probably the best tasting steak I’ve had in a long time. It had great flavor and plenty of juices. The whipped mashed potatoes were a great side choice to get as well. We had a blast sitting by the windows and looking at the boats on the river and waving at everyone. Highly recommend this place for a nice dinner, and view of the river and surrounding buildings.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Yossy-72 Y. 2 years ago on Google
    We took a Easter holiday lunch here. Since it was very sunny and clear day many customer enjoyed outdoor seating. We ordered a S&W salad and a dry aged rib eyed steak 28oz and a French fry. We two shared them but so huge volume that we couldn’t finish them. Steak was tender but a bit greasy. Salad was good. Our server was friendly and attentive. We enjoyed nice river view. Will try at dinner time again.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wendy E. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything you expect from a high end steak house plus more! The staff was beyond amazing, professional yet very personable. The food was incredible, great start to the New Year!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ling W. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect location for a steak dinner. I feel like you can never go wrong with a steakhouse that has wagyu. The steak here is cooked perfect. I asked for medium - perfectly pink center and no running blood! The s’more as a dessert is a good touch… mostly because the marshmallows were toasted to a light crunch. I don’t know how that happened but it is so great. Paired with cookie crumble and ice cream… yum. Happy eating
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan R. 2 years ago on Google
    It is an absolutely fabulous place!! I'd say an iconic place, the absolute best steak house in Chicago. It has an absolutely amazing selection of wines and the menu is also quite extensive! Famous for its aged steak, you absolutely cannot go wrong here! I have had opportunity to eat at various steak houses in Chicago this by far has easily won first place in my book!! Kristie our server who has been there for 17 years made our experience memorable from her attention to detail, to her recommendations, and friendly helpful disposition, making this one of our absolutely most memorable experiences ever!! Thank you so much we absolutely loved you!! While enjoying our delicious meal, perfectly paired wine recommendation, the superb level of service from both management and rest of the staff, the icing on the cake was the breathtaking views of the river. We most definitely recommend this restaurant for in addition to the detail placed to our perfect overall experience, the kitchen undoubtedly also got it right as the mushrooms, asparagus, the steak, the desserts, the appetizers everything was cooked to perfection!! I love this place and will return!! Thank you to Kristie and the rest of the crew for your professionalism and the friendly amazing attention to every detail which again made this experience perfect and unforgettable!! I recommend them, it was the best experience I ever purchased!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gaston D. 1 year ago on Google
    We came here a couple of weeks ago after the Marathon and we had a nice dining experience. The staff and the food were amazing! Everything was cooked perfectly. The New York Strip was probably the best tasting steak I’ve had in a long time. It had great flavor and plenty of juices. The whipped mashed potatoes were a great side choice to get as well. The Gigantic chocolate cake is really Gigantic. Highly recommend this place for a nice meal, and view of the river and surrounding buildings.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Janet M. 6 months ago on Google
    The spicy shrimp appetizer over mashed potatoes was terrific, as was the clam chowder. We split a 10 oz filet, which our server offered to slice and have arrive on two plates. I would not do this again - the steak temp/doneness and texture was off. The flavor of the side of creamed corn was overwhelmed by cheese. Service was attentive and professional, and the main dining room is bright and airy at lunch with great views of the river.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darren P. 8 months ago on Google
    Do not be fooled by the exterior, I assumed it was another Irish bar when in fact this is a fabulous restaurant. We sat outside and absorbed the amazing city feel and served by our delightful host Michelle. Very friendly and excellent knowledge of the menu and wines. The steak we had was superbly cooked and accompanied by a superb bottle of red which complimented it well (totally recommend - see pictures) The truffle chips were amazing and steak so flavoursome. Totally recommend this place for ambience , the food and lovely people hosting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adnan D. 1 year ago on Google
    I had an excellent experience at S&W. We were seated in the wine cellar as a private party of 11. Be comfortable with spending at least 150 a head to have a good experience. I had several cocktails that were all really great. My steak was cooked perfectly. You'll be happy with any cut here, and I would highly recommend adding the peppercorn brandy sauce (though I did not this time). Lastly, we had a great experience with Laura. She was a great hostess!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Antonio Antuñano G. 2 months ago on Google • 175 reviews New
    We went to celebrate my birthday with my family. The staff was very friendly and helpful, the food was very delicious, abundant and in a very homemade presentation but with a classic steak house touch. The personalized tableware and napkins, as well as the grape details on the glasses, seemed very traditional to me and gave it a unique touch of identity. I recommend the American Wagyu Carpaccio as a starter, as well as the Oscar Filet. The complimentary bread is good, but it will take up space that you will need later… I was left wanting dessert and digestif…. but we leave it for our next visit, it is a fact that we will return. As for prices, well they are $$$ of $$$$$. Viable for a good celebration.

  • 5/5 Phil K. 3 months ago on Google • 74 reviews New
    Smith and Wollensky is one of our go-to steakhouses in downtown Chicago. The river view is breathtaking and the steaks never disappoint! I highly recommend S&W!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam 3 months ago on Google • 157 reviews New
    Great service and fabulous food. Only negative was that the brussel sprouts were overly salty, everything else was excellent. Loved their digital wine menu!

  • 5/5 Octav P. 2 months ago on Google • 139 reviews New
    It is one of the restaurants that I recommend if you want to have a nice experience. I made a reservation to have dinner here, I don't know if you have a chance to find a free table otherwise. It is located in the city center close to the river bank. You can also choose from a variety of good quality wines and champagnes.

  • 5/5 Pratik P. 1 month ago on Google • 132 reviews New
    Really good steakhouse. The atmosphere was awesome. Would have loved the window table but it wasn't available. The food was really good. Steak perfectly cooked. Would return for sure

  • 5/5 Tohu V. 1 year ago on Google
    Single traveller, here you‘ll be well seated and treated. After a warm welcome (table in center of restaurant was changed without fuzz to a table in one if the nooks). Food was of excellent quality. Warm bread and whipped butter set the right tone right from the beginning. Wine selection by the glass not overwhelming but some good choices. Service impeccable. Ambiance: lights and background music were well balanced.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travis B. 9 months ago on Google
    Reservations were easy to obtain & the views of the river were spectacular! My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and everyone who we encountered was magnificent; especially our server Justin. We were given a beautiful card and a complimentary dessert in honor of our special day, both of which were unnecessary but greatly appreciated. I cannot wait to come back to this location the next time we’re in Chicago. 5 Star service through & through.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Desire m. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    It's a steakhouse, so dont expect much more. They do steak and do it well. The atmosphere is great and the staff are perfect. We are not huge wine people, my partner, and I. However, they went through the wine tablet with us that had super cool programs to help select wine based on preference. For a nice steakhouse on the river, it was priced reasonably as well. The scallops were good, not fishy at all (which matters to me). However, the appetizer portion size for the cost seemed slightly inflated. 2 scallops were considered the appetizer, and it was $25. It was, however, delicious. If looking for a nice steak, some wine and to take in the river all warm inside would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolas S. 5 months ago on Google
    Outstanding service and cuisine! We were fortunate to secure a table by the window overlooking the picturesque Chicago River. The reservation process was seamless, and the team went above and beyond in accommodating my special requests. An exceptional dining experience that I wholeheartedly recommend! 😃😃
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ali 4 months ago on Google
    the root veggies and steak were great! my cocktail was awful :/ it was disappointing to not be able to sit by the water/any windows considering we asked for one of those tables specifically when making the reservations weeks in advance. our atmosphere was pretty ruined by a couple at a nearby table arguing/cursing loudly throughout the entire meal.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise L. 2 years ago on Google
    My friends took me here for my birthday. Each of us ordered a different cut of steak- ribeye, t-bone and NY strip. It was so good and the steaks are huge. None of us could finish the steak, we were only able to eat half of it. We also ordered the mash potatoes. Very creamy and buttery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Kim N. 2 years ago on Google
    I didn’t think I would be this disappointed after my dinner at Smith & Wollensky. I was hoping this would be a 5 star experience. We have seen so many good reviews, and wanted to go here for my sister-in-law’s birthday dinner. We ordered 2 starters, the Swinging Tomahawk rib-eye, signature filet mignon, signature bone-in rib-eye, and 2 side dishes. The swinging Tomahawk rib-eye was a disaster. We wanted medium rare and the steak came out very rare and bloody. We had to ask our waiter to sear it a bit more so that it’s more edible. To our surprise, our filet mignon and rib-eye weren’t any good either. They all were extremely rare and didn’t taste good. For a steakhouse like this, we expect to have them cooked right. Additionally, our waiter was so busy that he barely checked in or able to give us the dessert menu. We waited for awhile before we got his attention. Our dinner was almost $600, and we didn’t feel that the quality and service today were worth that amount of money. I unfortunately can’t recommend this to any steak lovers.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Long D. 2 years ago on Google
    Good food and good services. I can't complain. The dishes are a little bit pricey, but the quality of the dishes is worth it. If you have the money, I recommend trying their expensive dishes like the tomahawk steak or the seafood tower. They are very tasty.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andie m. 2 years ago on Google
    The only thing wrong with this restuarant was the price! But other than that, it is very well worth a visit, preferably a very special occasion due to prices!! Loved my food! Make a reservation before hand and arrive on time because they only allow a 5 minute grace period. They have a valet ($15.00 for the first 3 hours and its cash only) and the entrance is literally right before the bridge (I say this because the GPS takes you to the entrance to the banksy museum or the house of blues). The food was delicious and (depending on how you order your steak) so soft and tender. The dress code is "business casual" but i saw loads of people in everyday wear. My server said they do not do tastes for wines or sell wine by the glass but I saw loads of people with glasses and no wine bottles, so that did bother me... You spend an average $50.00 to $80.00 a person if you don't order an appetizer/dessert/side (yes, sides cost extra and they are a minumum of $15.00 because they only sell the steak and they do not come with any sides). Other than the price, the food is worth a second visit for sure!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle R. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband took me here for Mothers Day with my family, and we enjoyed the food and the view. The crab cake tasted perfect, and the coconut cake was delicious. The filet mignon was very tender and juicy
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Molly M. 1 month ago on Google • 91 reviews New
    I had an amazing Anniversary dinner here. Our table was right at the window that overlooked the river, it was a beautiful view. One I miss since I no longer live downtown. The food was delicious, the service was perfect, the noise level was pretty low, I didn’t struggle to hear my partner. It was a very special evening, thank you S&W!

  • 5/5 Travis C. 1 month ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    I’ve eaten at a few high end steak houses and several that are in the top ten and this one was easily the best. I had the 28 ounce Cajun marinated ribeye and it was fantastic. We also ordered fillet, sea bass, Caesar salad, the Wollensky salad, asparagus and macaroni and cheese. Finished with a crème brûlée.

  • 5/5 Tavia C. 1 month ago on Google • 78 reviews New
    This is my favorite restaurant now, the experience was top tier. The food was flavorful and the staff had great hospitality. Il be back soon to try other dishes.

  • 5/5 Nathalia B. 2 months ago on Google • 28 reviews New
    We come here almost every year to celebrate our engagement anniversary. Best steaks ever. I always get something off the wagyu menu. This year we also got the burrata appetizer and that was amazing!

  • 5/5 Carmen k. 2 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Food was amazing. Service was incredible. Had multiple people come by to check in that everything had met our standards. Waitress very attentive and gave great attention to detail in explaining the menu and drink options.

  • 5/5 Christi L. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was fabulous! We were able to have a river view right in the corner! Our steaks were perfectly done! The sides were amazing! Service was great with food coming out pretty fast considering they were crazy busy! Our waiter was very friendly and made sure we were very well taken care of! Mom got a card and a complimentary dessert (with a candle to blow out) for her 75th birthday!

  • 5/5 Anthony D. 7 months ago on Google
    Service was great, and the atmosphere was not quiet but enough to have a good time. We came here for a company dinner and they did not disappoint. Filet was cooked to a perfect medium rare, and the shrimp cocktail was fairly fresh. The dessert wasn’t something to write home about but the views offered where we were sitting made up the rest of the stars missing.

  • 5/5 Emily Z. 2 years ago on Google
    I saw this place one year ago and decided there for our 7th Anniversary. We booked online for a place beside the river. The food was really nice. And servers’ are great. We ordered a steak for share. We were quite hungry, it was great in mid-rare. Will definitely be back.

  • 5/5 Gaylee 2 years ago on Google
    What's not to brag about this place. I'd heard much about it and they did not disappoint me. Excellent customer service. The waiter knew the wine pairings perfectly. The food was high quality and delicious and generous portions. Great place for celebrations. Beautiful river views. Lots of action on the river keeps it entertaining. I will be back.

  • 5/5 Colin H. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely the second best steak I’ve ever had in my life. My favorite has been Gallagher’s in New York, but Smith and Wollensky had an incredible steak, great salad, solid cappuccino and delicious chocolate cake. The best part of the meal, though, had to be the potatoes. They were just the right amount of soft and crispy, not too salty, and incredible flavor. Plus, the views are incredible. You can’t go wrong here!

  • 5/5 Gabriela P. 2 years ago on Google
    Went here for the first time as a belated VDay lunch and really enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance. Michelle was a phenomenal server, I appreciated her recommendations and lovely demeanor. The scallop starter and seared tuna were very tasty, and I was surprised at how juicy the well-done steak was made. Can't wait to recommend this restaurant to my friends, and can't wait to go back!

  • 5/5 Brenda M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent service on a Sunday afternoon. Great seating by window for river view. Food was outstanding, and I just had the burger and cole slaw. Bread looked delicious, but I did not have any. Looking forward to revisiting here and trying other menu items.

  • 5/5 Susan N. 1 year ago on Google
    All my son wanted for his 16th birthday was a good steak in Chicago, so we booked a trip because we have not been anywhere since pre-covid! It was such a pleasant experience. The food was superb, and the service amazing! I put on the reservation that it was his birthday and they were so kind. Thank you S&W for making our son's birthday special.

  • 5/5 Isaura L. 1 year ago on Google
    Took my wife for her 40th birthday dinner with friends. The waiter knew from our reservation that it was a special celebration and they were very attentive to us and always spoke to my wife first. I loved the small details of service! We ordered the Tomahawk which was amazing! The waiters were great from the presentation, recommendations of drinks, to taking our pictures (more than once) it was a Wonderful experience and the service was just as lovely. Will definitely be visiting again!

  • 5/5 Chris S. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a fantastic experience. Downtown Chicago, sunset rolling into night, overlooking the river. Our server Maggie was excellent. In our party of 5, everyone raved about their meals and not one person complained about a single thing. As long as you go into it aware that it is not an inexpensive place, it's great for that special occasion.

  • 5/5 Barbara G. 10 months ago on Google
    We had reservations for my husband's birthday. Kristi was our server and she was amazing. She guided us through the menu and gave us incredible suggestions. The food, drinks and service were excellent. We had the oysters, surf and turf for two, the manchego roasted corn and a nice bottle of Chianti. They gave my husband a birthday card and Kristi treated him to a delicious cake. The manager came to our table and even offered to take pics of us. We highly recommend this restaurant. The meat was tender and would melt in your mouth. The asst servers made sure to attend to our needs and offered to pack our left overs. Excellent customer service and food.

  • 5/5 Carmen V. 11 months ago on Google
    My husband took me to this restaurant for a pre-birthday celebration and it was amazing! The views from the glass windows were spectacular, and the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Our server was attentive and friendly. Even though the place was busy, we didn't have to wait long for our drinks, appetizers and dinner. We definitely had a great time and the food was fantastic! We'll go back soon.

  • 3/5 Yvette 5 months ago on Google
    My coworker suggested this restaurant for us to eat. I ordered the bone in ribeye with fries and a lemonade. I actually enjoyed my fries more than the steak. The seasoning on them was very tasty! I don't eat leftovers, so I literally left half of my steak on the plate. The view outside is nice! However, I found myself distracted by a couple with their dog. I don't like dogs and definitely don't believe they belong around food, but that's not up to me. However, I don't think staff should touch pets and continue to work without washing their hands.

  • 5/5 Russell M. 5 months ago on Google
    Damn this place is good. Never disappointed. I consider this place in my top 3 steakhouses of all time. And all 3 are tied for 1st place. If I get a chance to go here, I go. Always worth it.


Call (312) 670-9900 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Valet parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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