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Welcome to Erie Cafe

Erie Cafe is a classic Chicago steakhouse known for its generous portions and old-school ambiance. Located in River North, this establishment offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a family night or a date. Customers rave about the massive portions, quick service, and top-notch dishes like filet mignon and veal. The attentive waitstaff and extensive wine selection add to the overall dining experience. With a menu featuring classic dishes like prime rib and veal piccata, Erie Cafe remains a go-to spot for those seeking an authentic Chicago steakhouse experience. From handshakes to exceptional cuts of meat, this restaurant exudes quality and tradition.

Erie Cafe: Reviews & Ratings

Jeff M.
Jeff M.

Wanted to try this place for a while. It's around d the corner from our daughters. Made reservations easily. We ate inside. Waiter was a seasoned veteran. Great service. We split a salad and each ordered an entree which both dishes were enough for the both of us served on literal platters. Huge portions. We had a few drinks as well. Very good. We will be going back. Found a great place.

Robert R.
Robert R.

Solid patio with massive portions. Service was extremely quick for both drinks and food. Will definitely be back

Benjy E.
Benjy E.

Came here on our first ever trip to Chicago. Wanted old school steakhouse. LOVED IT. Filet and veal were both awesome. Wine selection was perfect. Service was out of the 90s and perfect. Loved everything about it.

Bob C.
Bob C.

Had the pleasure of stopping in for a holiday event. Didn't eat but had a beverage and met a few employees and based on what I saw on the inside quite impressive with great atmosphere. And based on the standing room only and the great smells and well stocked tables (food) I'd say it's a place you'd want to visit. My 5 star rating does not include food tastes but based on what I saw and smelled I give it the high rating. Enjoy all :)

Clara S.
Clara S.

I've been wanting to try this spot that is tucked away in river north. I love the old school vibes and wish some frank sinatra was playing in the background to top it off, but no music was playing this night. It's so cozy inside as well, but it was tough to get a waiter's attention at first. I had a couple of glasses of the Chianti which I liked over their cab. We had the grilled calamari to start, which was so tasty and delicious with a great sauce to dip your bread in. We also had the lasagna which came with a nice side salad and potato chips. It was very filling and satisfying to share. Overall I love the old ambiance of this place and would wanna try some more menu items! Great for a family night or date night.

Courtney P.
Courtney P.

Visitor to Chicago here... this place was recommended to us by the owner of a pizza place in downtown, he said it's one of the best Italian/steaks in Chicago. Well he did not disappoint! We are from texas and this place definitely measured up to texas steak! We ordered the blue cheese ravioli, stuffed cheese ravioli with vodka sauce, wedge salad, chicken parm, and tbone, and creamed spinach. Wilson was our server, he was freaking phenomenal!!!! All of the food was delicious!!! Definitely a place to eat at on future trips to Chicago! The atmosphere was so fun, and the decor was great to look at!

Stephen C.
Stephen C.

Still a real deal Chicago steakhouse. They've been around many years and most of the professional servers have been around with them as long. When you work the floor in a spot like this you have no reason to leave. The customer base and quality speak for itself. Most of the employees started as young guys and make a hell of a living, some into the six figures. Repeat business here is the rule and there's a reason for that. Why? because they know their business and they know their customers, most by first name. The service is top shelf and the decor harkens back to a time when handshakes were gold and a word was a word. Just a stroll around the dining room and the art and photographs take you back to a time when handshake deals made made and the celebrities that crowded the room. If the walls could talk oh the stories they could tell you on Erie Cafe's history and standing in the city. Set off the beaten path and away from the madness and hubbub of the grind the neighborhood has grown around Erie Cafe. It is the anchor of all around it and they are the neighborhood. From the table side salads and menu entrees the care is spot on. Their cuts of meat are exceptional and you never get a bad temperature or a dish that cannot be fixed if not to liking. They have several house specialties and the servers are not afraid to suggest certain meals for large groups of hardcore carnivores. Some of their offerings don't even exist in most establishments anymore. The classic dishes are served at Erie cafe. A must try is the prime rib! Nowhere have I ever had better. Price points? Well, it ain't cheap, but Chicago steaks ain't for sissies either. The quality and service = top shelf.

Cassie E.
Cassie E.

We went at 4 pm on a Thursday. There was no one in there when we got there, which was nice. They let us pick wherever we wanted to sit. I prefer booths, so we picked a booth and the waiter pulled the table out to let us walk in to sit down and then pushed the table closer. The service was excellent. My glass of water never got close to halfway. They were constantly filling it up. I really wanted veal piccata and it wasn't on the menu, but they made it for me anyways, which was super nice. It was the best veal piccata I've ever had, which is really impressive for not even being on the menu. The inside has a bunch of old posters, but still gives off a little Italian cafe vibe. This place is perfect for an intimate location you might want to take a client to impress them or take someone on a date. The food is a bit pricey, which I didn't know until we got there. If you get steak, you will be paying about $70... I was not aware that it was that fact of place... I was in a sweatshirt... I definitely recommend dressing like you would for a fancy Italian restaurant. I was so embarrassed that I was in a sweatshirt. The food was very good. I wish they provided oil and cheese with the bread, but that's honestly my only complaint (if you consider it a complaint). The Homer ice cream was clearly homemade and it was PHENOMENAL. I didn't know ice cream could taste like that. I normally wouldn't recommend getting ice cream as your dessert at a restaurant, but in this case, I do.

Location

  • Erie Cafe
    536 W Erie St Chicago, IL 60654 Hotline: (312) 266-2300

Erie Cafe, located in Chicago, is a hidden gem that offers a unique dining experience in the heart of River North. This steakhouse exudes old-school charm and sophistication, making it the perfect spot for a special dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Upon entering Erie Cafe, you are greeted by a cozy and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable meal. With its outdoor seating and classy interior, this restaurant caters to a range of diners looking for a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.

One of the standout features of Erie Cafe is its extensive menu that includes many vegetarian options, ensuring that all guests are well-catered for. From juicy steaks to flavorful salads, the dishes at Erie Cafe are prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in a dining experience that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

  • Classy ambiance
  • Extensive menu with vegetarian options
  • Old-school charm
  • Excellent service

Customer reviews rave about the generous portions served at Erie Cafe, with many diners praising the attentive and seasoned waitstaff. The outdoor patio is a favorite spot for guests looking to enjoy their meal al fresco, while the full bar offers a wide selection of drinks to complement your meal.

Whether you're looking for a romantic date night or a family-friendly dining experience, Erie Cafe has something for everyone. Stop by and experience the charm and delicious cuisine that this hidden gem has to offer.