http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com/
When my in-laws said they were coming to visit I scrambled to find a good steakhouse. They’re French and very serious about their red meat. So I asked a friend and native Chicagoan what the best steakhouse in Chicago is and he replied with absolute resolution: Gibson’s.
We arrived to a packed house the night of our reservation. In fact, we could barely get in the door and had to fight our way to the bar for a pre-dinner drink. (According to our waiter it was a “slow” night). And let me just say that I can absolutely see why Gibson’s has a reputation for being the unofficial headquarters of the Viagra Triangle. It is also obvious why this established, speak-easy like stop on the restaurant tour has become a favorite for locals, tourists and visiting celebs. There are photos of visiting V.I.P.s all over the walls, but conspicuously missing are pictures of President Obama and Oprah.
Even without the blessings of two of the most influential Chicago natives in America today, Gibson’s doesn’t seem to be suffering. It has a tried and tested feel that is both comforting and exciting.
I hate to say that while the food was good it wasn’t fantastic. It certainly wasn’t bad, but one of the steaks was undercooked and in general I would expect more oomph out of a restaurant with a reputation for being among the best in Chicago. And there are a lot of steakhouses in Chicago. We’re surrounded farmland around here, people. And Midwesterners love their beef…almost as much as the French.
We had a lovely bottle of Cakebread Cabernet with our meal….OK we had TWO bottles. I find that when you have good wine, good company and good food it’s best to make a meal last as long as possible. It was this thinking that led us to order a dessert that typically serves 14 people. That or copious amounts of wine, but the 4 of us did our best to put a dent in the crumbly, crunchy Carrot Cake.
The greatest thing about Gibson’s is the service. I have experience in the food service industry (I was a bar manager and server in college), so I know how difficult it can be to deal with the tipsy idiots at your table who swear they can finish the Mt. Everest of desserts even when you try to warn them against it. Our server was attentive, funny, knowledgeable and went out of his way to make our experience the best he possibly could. That alone is reason enough to patronize this restaurant if the great atmosphere and chance to experience a famous Chicago restaurant is not.
The important things to remember about Gibson’s: make reservations at least 3-4 weeks in advance, keep an eye out for celebs (or just a potential Sugary Daddy/ Cougar) and order a really good bottle of wine….or two.
RATING: Four giant Carrot Cakes
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