Butcher and the Bear

Steak house · Park West

Butcher and the Bear

Steak house · Park West

5

2721 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Photos

Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null
Butcher and the Bear by null

Highlights

Steakhouse with speakeasy vibe, wagyu, seafood, cocktails  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

2721 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 Get directions

butcherandthebear.com
@butcherandthebear

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

2721 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 Get directions

+1 312 955 0306
butcherandthebear.com
@butcherandthebear

$100+ · Menu

Reserve

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

Chicago’s Best Steakhouses | Eater Chicago

"This Lakeview steakhouse features a wagyu tasting board with beef sourced from Australia and Japan. Other options are prime black Angus from Second City. This is a tiny and dimly lit space that brings a more energetic atmosphere to a neighborhood steakhouse. The steak flights are a unique way to experience what the steakhouse has to offer." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-chicago-steakhouses
View Postcard for Butcher and the Bear
@infatuation

The Newest Restaurants In Chicago

"We could make jokes about The Revenant or a certain TV series with a penchant for “yes, chef!”-ing. Instead, we’ll direct you to what we can only assume is the unofficial mascot of this new Italian steakhouse in Lincoln Park. Does Chicago need another Temple of Beef? Maybe not, though this one has a speakeasy-style atmosphere and $140 wagyu steak tasting board." - john ringor, veda kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/new-chicago-restaurant-openings
View Postcard for Butcher and the Bear
@eater

Butcher and the Bear, Lincoln Park’s Moody New Steakhouse, Is Open - Eater Chicago

"Butcher and the Bear, located at 2721 N. Halsted Street, is an upscale, low-lit steakhouse with a modern speakeasy vibe. It is the creation of Kosti Demos, Chris and Susie Maloyan, and chef Saul Ramos. The menu features a variety of steak options, including a wagyu steaks tasting board, and seafood dishes such as crudo and Oysters Rockefeller. The restaurant also offers a global wine selection and a cocktail list with unique drinks like an olive oil martini. The space includes a 10-seat bar, an elevated dining room, and a 'bear den' dining area, seating a total of 80 patrons. The decor is inspired by old speakeasies with dark green and red tones and bear-themed elements throughout." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2024/1/19/24044174/butcher-and-the-bear-neighborhood-steakhouse-cocktails-wine-lincoln-park-chicago
View Postcard for Butcher and the Bear
@eater

The Best Upcoming Chicago Bars and Restaurants to Know - Eater Chicago

"Signage has gone up for Butcher & Bear, a new Italian steakhouse at the former Mayan Palace Mexican restaurant." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2023/9/22/23885513/new-chicago-restaurants-bars-fall-2023-coming-attractions
View Postcard for Butcher and the Bear
@infatuation

19 Grocery Stores And Specialty Markets To Check Out When You're Sick Of Jewel

"The Butcher & Larder in Lincoln Park has locally-sourced meat from butchers who are knowledgeable and happy to help you out. You’ll find housemade sausages (both smoked and fresh) in addition to other cuts of meat - like lamb shanks and tomahawk steaks, plus marrow and animal fat. This place might be trendy and aesthetically pleasing - but we can’t deny that the shop concept is very well fleshed out. Get it? Fleshed out." - courtney sprewer

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/grocery-stores-and-specialty-markets-chicago
View Postcard for Butcher and the Bear

Abby Busch

Google
All I can say is — WOW! From the moment we walked through the door, we had an absolutely phenomenal experience. It was our first time dining here and we were celebrating my husband’s birthday. He was warmly greeted with birthday wishes right away, setting the perfect tone for the evening. The service was outstanding — attentive, gracious, and genuinely kind. Everyone who approached our table exuded warmth. Our server, Mario, was fantastic — sharp, friendly and full of great recommendations (and yes, definitely a “smart guy” 😉 inside joke!). The wagyu tasting board was a true standout; brilliantly crafted and literally melted in our mouths. Honestly, it surpassed any other steakhouse experience we’ve had in Chicago. To top it off, we were treated to a beautiful birthday dessert sampler. Every dessert was executed perfectly, but the carrot cake stole my heart. All in all, it was a birthday to remember — my husband loved every minute of it. Thank you for making it so special!

Thomas T

Google
My fiancé and I dined in with a dear friend and we all agree that this place is spectacular. We found ourselves delighted by the tender wagyu steak tartare and flavorful nonna’s meatball; I think these appetizers are a must-try. The 16 oz black onyx ribeye stole the show however, which was cooked to a perfect medium and is without a doubt the best steak I’ve ever had. Sides were plentiful, highly recommend the whipped potatoes and charred broccolini. Service was attentive and personable, our server even gave us a complementary dessert to celebrate our recent engagement. Can’t wait to come back to our new favorite steakhouse and try their other offerings.

Tiffany Jean

Google
Butcher and the Bear delivered an incredible dining experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely outstanding — we started with incredibly fresh oysters, then moved on to the wagyu tallow candle, which was rich, aromatic, and such a unique, memorable touch. The wagyu tasting board was phenomenal, with every cut cooked perfectly and bursting with deep, buttery flavor. The lamb was equally impressive — tender, juicy, and expertly seasoned. We ended with the dessert flight, which was as beautiful as it was delicious. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and full of creativity. The overall atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, and most of the staff were fantastic. While our waitress’s service was a bit underwhelming compared to the rest of the experience, everyone else — from the host to other servers — was attentive, friendly, and truly made us feel taken care of. The quality of the food and the overall experience still made it an unforgettable night. I can't wait to return and try even more from their menu!

Lisette John

Google
I had a delightful dining experience at Butcher and The Bear! We started our evening with a lovely glass of Chardonnay, which perfectly set the tone for the meal ahead. For an appetizer, we indulged in Nonna's Meatball, a comforting dish that truly captures the essence of home-cooked Italian goodness. For my main course, I opted for the Mac & Cheese alongside a beautifully cooked salmon. The mac and cheese was rich and creamy, while the salmon was flaky and flavorful—an excellent combination that left me satisfied but eager for dessert. To cap off the night, we couldn't resist the Banana Foster Crepes. The table-side preparation added a fun touch to our meal, and the sweet, indulgent flavors were the perfect ending to our dining experience. The ambience of the restaurant was cozy and relaxing, enhanced by soft music that made for a pleasant backdrop. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who made sure our needs were met throughout our visit. Overall, Butcher and The Bear exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to return for another enjoyable evening!

Ashley W

Google
Three ladies and a bar. Myself and a couple of friends decided to sit at the bar so we could order the burger. But first, the bartender was on point. The cocktail were so good as well as the wine. We shared the caviar and chips, which had pieces of Ibericho ham. Easily could've ordered two of these. The quality of meat on the burger was top notch. I love that the burger was not over the top with fixings and sauces. Service was fun and attentive. We enjoyed ourselves.

Isabel McGraw

Google
The food was decent but nothing exceptional; it doesn't make you crave it. For the price, I was expecting a little more. I would describe the restaurant as relatively average. I also felt rushed out of my table despite the available tables. For instance, the staff cleared our plates even when not everyone in our party of 3 had finished eating and frequently asked if we were still working on our meals. The restaurant claims a two-hour time limit for table occupancy, so why the rush? This was particularly surprising since it wasn’t a busy day for the restaurant.

Caroline Claffy

Google
An exquisite experience overall - the service, the atmosphere, the drinks and of course the food were all 10/10. We enjoyed their newest Sunday tradition of “Girl Dinner” and felt like royalty! Cannot recommend enough.

Michael Curry

Google
What a fantastic culinary gem. Made a brief visit to Butcher and the Bear on our way to Wrigley. Dark and sultry ambiance with craft cocktails and a creative menu. Our bartender. Patrick, was friendly, conversational and a true mixologist. We did not indulge in desert on this particular evening but the couple next to us had a monste turtler cheesecake and said it was too die for.
google avatar

Brennan B.

Yelp
I had the pleasure of experiencing this restaurant recently, and I would gladly return! The server was extremely helpful and provided excellent recommendations! She also was very friendly and added a hint of comedy here and there. The food was excellent. I tried the oysters rockefeller, squash salad, broccolini, NY strip, mac & cheese (awesome cheese pull) and the 20K chocolate cake! I enjoyed each of them! The ambiance is perfect for a date night or a nice night out with friends or family!
google avatar

Christopher V.

Yelp
I try to visit a restaurant a couple times before stamping with a 5 star rating, but it's a new year. Hopefully they don't embarrass me, lol. Everything pictured is worth ordering. Service at the bar and tableside was exceptional. Butcher and the Bear is a classic steakhouse that doesn't veer too far from tradition. Standouts include the Lobster Tail and the Seafood Tower. Pro Tip: The tower can be ordered chilled or grilled. The experience wasn't perfect, having to wait a bit past our reservation time to be seated and I realized I was significantly overcharged for my ribeye after leaving the restaurant. I never keep receipts so I didn't bother to follow up. Still a Top 5 Classic Steakhouse in Chicago and 5 star worthy. 4.5 stars.
google avatar

Jewel D.

Yelp
Fabulous experience. Ambiance was classy and charming, there was gorgeous woodwork, and low lighting so bring those readers. Perfect date spot though there were small friend groups too Food amazing- Our steak was fantastic, and blue cheese crusted. Focaccia was delicious but the two butter options were out of this world. To die for mashed potatoes. Service- very attentive server staff, excellent service all around. We had a reservation and were seated right away. Very pricey but nothing more than what I would expect from a high quality steakhouse I highly recommend a visit.
google avatar

Taylor D.

Yelp
Everything here was complete perfection. This is truly the place to come for red meat. The steak was extremely flavorful, the lamb chops were the best! Both had the perfect amount of seasoning plus citrus flavoring. The braised short rib pasta was so stewey and comforting. For appetizers we tried the rosemary focaccia bread and the beef tallow that came as a candle was a cute way to serve the dish. The meatball was large enough to share. The sides were also super yummy. The mashed potatoes were super silky and velvety, melted in your mouth. And the flavor of the broccolini was super tasty
google avatar

Kendra M.

Yelp
I knew anything coming from the team behind Sapori would be great, and Butcher and the Bear lived up to the hype! The vibes are great, very trendy-cozy, dark-moody. The menu has great options for any diet. We started with rosemary focaccia and the chopped salad. The bread was great, but the beef tallow candle took forever to actually melt enough tallow to spread on the bread. I don't eat steak so I got Brick Chicken and it was delightful!!! It was cooked super thin and crispy, with a really flavorful garlicky sauce. We also got broccolini and Mac and cheese which were both great. Cocktails were good and quite strong!! The star in my opinion though was the chocolate cake for dessert! The slice was HUGE and soo fudgey and delicious.
google avatar

Jazmin A.

Yelp
I will start and end my review talking about the lamb chops, they were so memorable, I can't wait to go back! But before the lamb chops, I will tell you about our experience. We had a reservation for 8pm and were told that our table wasn't ready, but we were offered to sit at the bar and order a drink in the meantime. One of the members of our party was a bit late, so it worked out well for us. We got seated around 8:30pm, but leading up to that, the staff continuously checked in on us and provided us with updates. In the meantime, I ordered the Engine 55, the bartender was super helpful and the drinks were great - he was definitely a mixologist. The place is a vibe - it's dark and moody, but still welcoming and not overly dark inside like some places can be. There's candles throughout, and lights around the tables. Once we were seated, we were immediately greeted by our server, who shared a list of specials and told us about the menu. This is the type of place where you order everything at once and the kitchen spaces out the dishes for you, accordingly. Unfortunately, because we were there so late, we mostly ordered entrees so didn't get the full experience this time. They started us off with a complimentary amuse bouche - a croquette. I think it was swordfish that night and it had a very tasty sauce accompanying it. A member of the kitchen came and described the dish to us and it was super yummy, the sauce was a perfect complement. We each ordered an entree, one member of my party ordered the charred octopus appetizer as a main - and then we ordered a bunch of sides, which were shareable. Of note were the whipped potatoes. I had the lamb chops, which were outstanding. Super meaty, juicy and flavorful. I had leftovers and couldn't wait to eat them the next day. Service was consistent and very thoughtful, the staff was patient with our party and very accommodating. For dessert, we got the 20k gold chocolate cake, which was a huge piece of cake and incredibly rich. If you're not into rich desserts, this one might not be for you, but the other desserts we saw floating around looked delicious too. Next time, we have our eyes on the carrot cake. I highly recommend the Butcher and the Bear, it's definitely worth a visit.
google avatar

Paige K.

Yelp
I'll start off by saying the service was great! Our waitress was super knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. She was attentive and made sure we were happy. We ordered: The seafood platter Waygu tasting board Miso sea bass Mushrooms Mashed potatoes The platter unfortunately was a let down. It was all chilled which I guess I didn't realize. For the price point, they really skimped on the crab so we were bummed. I think the warm platter at Maple and Ash is a hands down winner and much more affordable. The seafood was good, don't get me wrong but the portion was tiny for the price. The Waygu platter on the other hand was a good portion. We thought they were all tasty! But again, for the price point, I probably wouldn't get it again. I've had non waygu that was better IMO in Chicago but it is fun to try. The mushrooms were great and my family enjoyed the mashed potatoes. But the star... was the sea bass. Best I've ever had! Would come back for that bit unfortunately the waitress said it rotates so no guarantee that it's the same in the future. Oh last but not least! The complimentary bday dessert was amazing! Not usually a bombolini fan but it was delicious! Overall, great service, good food but I would pick other places based on the price points.
google avatar

Debra F.

Yelp
Everything about this restaurant is outstanding. Wonderfully decorated without being so stuffy looking, you are put at ease the minute you walk through the doors. Our waitress Rachel was beyond outstanding. She was very knowledgeable and extremely accommodating as we had a friend with dietary restrictions (gluten free). All the courses we had were delicious from the root vegetable salad to the tasty steaks which were cooked to perfection. Will definitely be returning !
google avatar

Marlene S.

Yelp
I had an okay experience. I was actually a bit underwhelmed. I've seen so many raving reviews online but the experience felt flat for me. The place is really nice and mood, very intimate which I loved. Service was fine and the food was just okay. Nothing was amazing, especially when it comparing it to other steak spots in Chicago. The focaccia bread had a nice presentation, but the bread wasn't as soft. NY strip was fine, mac and cheese lacked flavor, fries were very tasty and crispy. The 20k chocolate cake was massive but also just okay.
google avatar

Kianoosh K.

Yelp
The service was very basic at the host stand, decent with clearing the table and/or providing water refills. It was a great service from our server. She was truly a pro. Knew the menu in and out, with a nice tone of voice and engaging just the right amount. The food was good - not exceptional. No crust on a fillet, slightly cold meat. And the presentation felt lonely...but most importantly it took so long. A solid 1.5 hours until we got food. Personally I found the environment of this restaurant to be just "trying too hard". Very dark inside but loud both from the echo of conversation and from the music. It was not comfortable to speak amongst the table unless you raised your voice. I was hoping for more of a cozy place to dine and host and I might have had to done better research.
google avatar

Joyce T.

Yelp
Amazing food and service! We had the root vegetable salad shared the 38 ounce steak -delicious. The scallops were reported to be the best they ever had by my relative we dined with. Good Mac and cheese for a side. The focaccia bread was yummy and we finished with desert and it was a huge piece of carrot cake -enough to share with four people. Good drink choices and wonderful atmosphere.

Pete T.

Yelp
Wow- Not sure what to think. If your looking for a Chicago steak house stay away. Their sides and salads are way over priced for the sizes for what you get. $17 for two meatballs the size of a strawberry is ridiculous. And stay away from the mushroom side it's uneatable. $17.00 for a big mushroom that tasted like rubber. The server was nice--even though I ordered a NY Strip and they brought out a ribeye. I told him it was fine I would eat the ribeye because it would have been wasteful to send it back. Worst restaurant I've been to in a long time. Save your money - a lot better places.
google avatar

John R.

Yelp
I was looking forward to visiting B & B due to the fantastic reviews, and it did not disappoint. Thanks to the attentive care of my server Katharine. She made sure the food came out in a timely fashion and checked in to make sure we were doing okay. My favorites were the grilled octopus, grilled asparagus, seasonal mushrooms, Wagyu tasting board, and the strawberry gelato. It had a cozy and warm ambiance due to the dark walls and dim lighting. I would visit again for the excellent service and fantastic food.
google avatar

Geoff G.

Yelp
So this is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to in my life. Everything was so on point and service was five star perfect with zero 'hovering'. Well worth the splurge for such a great meal. Food highlights were the wagyu steak, great oysters, and a dessert that I can only describe as a donut with ice cream. But it was next level. This place has such a cozy vibe, just go you'll love it.
google avatar

Annie K.

Yelp
Cool/trendy ambience, loved the beef tartarte! Unfortunately those are the only highlights. Cocktail (martini) was ok. Sides (mushrooms, asparagus) were ok. Steak (ribeye) was just ok - a bit tough. Though it wasn't a bad experience, everything seemed overpriced, even pricier than steak joints in River North and the Gold Coast. We spent $500+ for a dinner for 4 (which was after a $75 discount for a promo they were running) and I did not think it was worth it. I don't see myself returning. Also, the front of house staff came off as unfriendly and pretentious. Weird for a restaurant in a chill neighborhood like Lakeview.

edsnotgodsucks e.

Yelp
Had to wait 30 minutes post reservation time but no big deal. Everything was excellent. Had the oysters, scallops, seafood salad, brussel sprouts, filet and cheesecake. Drinks were solid. Will go again.
google avatar

Rob G.

Yelp
I love it when a new steak spot opens in the neighborhood and this one didn't disappoint. A nice cozy atmosphere and on this visit we ate at the bar. My wife has the seafood salad to start and said it was excellent. I skipped the apps and went straight for the steak - which was excellent. A perfectly cooked filet mignon with truffle butter. I had the double baked potato which was good but not great. A shout-out to the bartender Omar who was super friendly, made great recommendations and shared a few jokes. Glad we tried and will be back!
google avatar

Jennifer B.

Yelp
My husband and I went to Butcher & The Bear for dinner last evening, and we both thought it was excellent! We started the meal with the root vegetable salad and beef tartare. The salad was unique with a sweet beet puree, contrasting with the textures of the hearty root vegetables. My husband enjoyed the tartare with smoked egg yolk. I tried the potatoes without the beef tartare, and they were addicting! For the main plates, my husband had the NY Strip with a truffle butter enhancement. I ordered the salmon over a tasty rice and an eye-catching potato nest. The food was well seasoned as it should be! The steak was high quality. For dessert, we shared a slice of carrot cake. It was divine. The frosting was creamy and the sweetened crunchy carrot chips were one of a kind. This was the ideal end to a five-star meal. To drink, I ordered the Haley zero proof cocktail -- very nice! My husband had the Engine 55. He said the drink would be good on its own, but the spice level of the serrano pineapple syrup slightly overwhelmed the palate. The ambience was beautiful with low lighting, ideal for date nights or anytime you want a classic Chicago speakeasy vibe (with steak). Our server was spectacular. She took care of us through the whole meal, checking in appropriately to see how things were tasting, providing useful recommendations, and making pleasant conversation. At this price point ($100/person), my expectations are high, and Butcher & The Bear delivered. While fairly new to the neighborhood , I hope it is here to stay!
google avatar

Cynthia S.

Yelp
The server we had made some great recommendations and was very attentive to us! The ambiance truly felt like we were in a speakeasy during the prohibition. I loooved one of the specials - it was a steak with chimichurri sauce!!! Man was it good.
google avatar

Elizabeth J.

Yelp
My sister and I went for my birthday dinner. Staff went above and beyond. The kindest, most attentive staff across the board, especially our server, Wally. Friendly and walked us through the menu & provided great recommendations. Ambiance is intimate, cozy, and elegant. We were initially supposed to go the night before but they ended up having electrical issues - the communication about this was so polite and prompt and solution oriented. We were greeted with a delicious amuse bouche. I got the vesper martini and my sis got a delicious Chardonnay. We split the charred octopus (delicious, tender/not chewy, with a sort of Calabrian chili paste and crema). We split the root vegetable salad (so delicious and very different from any other salad I've had!), filet mignon (phenomenal. No notes), and the wagyu beef cheek cavatelli (delicious, decadent, perfectly chewy fresh cavatelli noodles). We split the carrot cake for dessert that was quite honestly the best carrot cake I've ever had. We will hands down definitely be back. Want to try the tasting board, Mac & cheese, and Caesar salad in particular! Better than any of the river North steakhouses I've been to.
google avatar

Asma M.

Yelp
I came across an add on IG for this restaurant (which I've been planning to check out) and they had a promotion to download the inKind app to get $75 off a $225+ bill so we came in on a Friday night which happened to also be around our anniversary so i mentioned that in our Open Table reservation and also requested a quiet table. We were seated right away and in the back which we preferred bc it was kinda loud, nothing offensive, but we just prefer no distractions during dinner. Our server was extremely well versed in the menu and very...lets say...passionate in her delivery. I didn't mind but it was a bit intense for my husband lol. She went thru almost all of it which we appreciated bc my husband was planning on the beef cheeks but when she explained that was a pasta meal he changed his mind. We ended up going with the hamachi appetizer and splitting the bone in ribeye and mashed potatoes. Everything was delicious and cooked perfectly. They also brought out a complimentary dessert which was pretty good but I can't remember what it was. Our favorite steakhouses are RPM Steak and Bavette's and this was on par with them. We had a cocktail and a bottle of red and everything with tax and tip came out to $340 which is slightly less than our favorites and this spot is not downtown so we'll definitely be back when we don't feel like dealing with dt traffic. If you're a fan of steakhouses, check it out, esp if they still have that promo. One thing to note is that parking is tough but they do have valet.
google avatar

Joulie S.

Yelp
I was very impressed by the moment I walked in, you can feel the warm ambience. There was a Live singer performing right when we walked in! The owners are very welcoming, they did an amazing job with decor! The bar caught my attention so we decided to grab a drink there before we head to our table. Omar, the bartender is easy to converse with. Most bartenders I meet are usually rushing or very dry. Omar has a friendly personality and offers genuine customer service. Let's not forget to mention, he knows his crafts. After we finished our drink at the bar, we headed to our table which was downstairs. The table lamps were a good lighting choice and gave it more of a speakeasy vibe. There was a fireplace and inside of it there were lit candles, which are flattering and relaxing. The room gave a warm impression. The food was spectacular!! It didn't disappoint whatsoever! We ordered the Seafood Platter for appetizers, then we ordered the Wagyu Beef Cheek, wow, just WOW!! And the Wagyu Tasting Board, which was a hit on our table. And few other side plates like Mushrooms and Asparagus. First of all, the steaks were cooked to perfection! It is tender, flavorful, medium rare and perfectly seasoned. Their meat is provided by one of the restaurant owners, Second City Prime! High quality meat that melts in your mouth. Also, we couldn't leave without ordering desserts, which are sharable, so make sure you make room for that. We didn't get a chance to try everything but we plan to come back to try different plates the second time around. Overall, everything was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to ensure we were attended to. From the moment we walked in, the drinks, the food, the ambience.....we were impressed and amazed by it all. We can't wait to come back and indulge some more!!
google avatar

Armando H.

Yelp
The place is exactly as described. Speakeasy meets steakhouse. The food, service, and ambiance were all great. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for a nice steak dinner.
google avatar

Hannah H.

Yelp
Wow is this place amazing!!! Service is a 10/10 the servers knew so much about their menu and had so much enthusiasm!! Food is out of this world!!

Jewel D.

Yelp
Fabulous experience. Ambiance was classy and charming, there was gorgeous woodwork, and low lighting so bring those readers. Perfect date spot though there were small friend groups too Food amazing- Our steak was fantastic, and blue cheese crusted. Focaccia was delicious but the two butter options were out of this world. To die for mashed potatoes. Service- very attentive server staff, excellent service all around. We had a reservation and were seated right away. Very pricey but nothing more than what I would expect from a high quality steakhouse. I highly recommend a visit.
google avatar

Ali G.

Yelp
The food here is good, but not sure it measures up to other great restaurants in Chicago. My partner and I made a reservation here for early dinner, though we didn't need it as it was not busy. The inside of the restaurant is small, dimly lit, a nice and intimate dinner vibe. I ordered the sea bass and it was excellent. My partner ordered the steak and also enjoyed it. Despite the good food, we noticed we weren't being attended to as much as other customers. Our waiter was polite, but very short with us. We noticed his demeanor was quite different with other guests, which made us a bit uncomfortable. Perhaps because we looked young? Honestly, if the food somewhere is amazing I don't care so much about the service. The food here was good, but nothing quite special and without great service we found the overall experience a bit lacking. Not sure if we would return

Neal R.

Yelp
I happened upon this fine restaurant one day while walking down Halsted. I looked it up and my wife and I decided to give it a try. We were very happy with everything about the place. Upon entering, the ambiance is great, beautiful, dark and comfy. And, conversation friendly. We started by splitting the Cesar salad (which was enough for 3-4 people) and it was fine. We learned that we could order a 1/2 salad in the future. My wife ordered the lamp chops (her personal favorite meal) and she said that they were great, the best that she has ever had. I ordered the salmon, not expecting much. Well, I was wrong; the salmon was great and the rice was amazing (something that I never thought I would say about rice). There was also a potato basket that was both beautiful and tasty. Though we were full, we ordered the chocolate cake as a dessert to take home, reasoning that if it was even close to the quality of the main courses, it would be great. And, a day later my wife and I can attest to the chocolate cake being great, as well as the portion being quite generous. All in all, a great restaurant in every facet for us. Can't wait to go back some time soon.
google avatar

Maria D.

Yelp
I wanted to call this place a neighborhood gem because it truly is, but people often associate that term with ugly, hole-in-the-wall spots that serve delicious food. This place is nothing like that. While the food is fabulous, the place boasts a luxurious speakeasy atmosphere. The decor is extremely well done--plush, elegant, dark, and romantic--you are immediately made to feel like a welcome regular. Welcome to the neighborhood Butcher & Bear! The food was beyond all expectations. We had fresh oysters served with 3 unique sauces, hamachi and scallop crudo, both absolutely exquisite (especially the hamachi!). The beef cheek and lobster tail with bone marrow took our breath away! As for the service, they have an all-star team. Cesar, our waiter, was knowledgeable and extremely accommodating. He later introduced us to the GM, Greg who was also super warm and welcoming. Cesar ensured all our dishes came out at the perfect time and the right temperature. His wine suggestion was a winner! The rest of the team seamlessly cleared plates, keeping our table neat and beautiful throughout the evening. This was an experience to remember, we will return!
google avatar

Melissa S.

Yelp
Really enjoyed my first visit to Butcher & The Bear and will definitely be back! The ambiance inside is awesome: very dark and elegant. Service was great all night: thanks to Cesar, our server, for being awesome. Our party enjoyed two appetizers to start with: the Nonna's meatball, which was OUTSTANDING, and a crab cake special, which was beautifully presented but honestly not super memorable for me. For our entrees, my friend and I each enjoyed the wagyu beef cheek, which was fantastic. My husband had the salmon, which he said was good, but he didn't love it. (In fairness, I think he was just sad that he didn't order a steak instead, LOL.) Also, we ordered the mac and cheese side to share, which was good but honestly not great. We had several bottles of wine with dinner which were all very good, and my husband and my friend had a cocktail which they really enjoyed. Somehow we thought we had room for dessert, so we ordered the key lime cheesecake, and what we received was the biggest slice of cheesecake you could possibly imagine. No way could we finish all of it even with three of us, but it was really good. Dinner was pretty pricey overall, but you get what you pay for, and we had a really good time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
google avatar

Alex L.

Yelp
Went to Butcher and The Bear a few weeks ago and had an excellent meal! Starting with the Caesar Salad, Porterhouse Steak, Mac & Cheese, and finally the Bananas Foster Crepes. Highly recommend checking out this new Lincoln Park hot spot!
google avatar

Eva C.

Yelp
The steaks were cooked to perfection and the staff was great. However... the mashed potatoes were gummy, the mushrooms were just ok, we should've skipped the steak tartare, and everything was extremely salty. And I don't know how a dirty martini could possibly cost $24.50, but I feel like we got ripped off.
google avatar

Abby R.

Yelp
Food is fantastic, I'd eat it every day if I could! What an amazing experience, and friendly staff, such a beautiful place as well

Jeniffer R.

Yelp
My husband and I visited Butcher & The Bear on a week night and we had a lovely experience. Ambience was cozy & romantic, great for a date night. I had a nice glass of red wine and we ordered the Caesar salad, meatballs, steak, salmon, vodka pasta, whipped potatoes and Mac&Cheese. We were very well served and taken care of.
google avatar

Adam E.

Yelp
Great food, great service. Love the ambience. Was pleasantly surprised by the NY Strip I'm usually a ribeye person. One star off because they were not flawless. Their signature old fashioned left quite a bit to be desired, the wild mushrooms were quite bland and plain, the Mac and Cheese was quite good. The béarnaise sauce was extremely thin and watery. My wife said her sea bass was one of the best she'd ever had, the couple dining with us shared mostly the same thoughts. We all had the same sides, my wife's friend had the beef cheek which she liked and her husband had the NY Strip as I did. Cooked to temp properly and had a nice sear. I liked that they asked us whether we wanted it pre sliced or not (we both declined pre slicing) as I'm not a fan of the pre slicing steak trend. Desserts were great we shared carrot cake and chocolate cake. They were both delicious and I'm not normally someone who would even try the carrot cake. One dessert is easily enough for two or more people. Great place. Hope it succeeds. Hope they thrive and continue to improve. Love having a place like this in this location!! But to get 5 stars at this price point you have to address the little things.

Sylvia M.

Yelp
Bartender on tonight (unfortunately didn't catch his name) was great and very friendly. Created conversation with all the bar patrons and extremely skilled. There was a flub-up with my entree order and the manager on shift noticed my demeanor as I am not one to complain being a fellow industry working and fixed it without hesitation. Filet Mignon was amazing, melts in your mouth, also got the broccolini side which had a umami marinade on it. Definitely worth trying. They have a great happy hour for cocktails and food. Got the shrimp cocktail and salty bear off of the HH menu. No complaints whatsoever. Place is absolutely beautiful. Wishing them much success.
google avatar

Sam P.

Yelp
Excellent service, ambiance, elegant setting with amazing food and presentation. I highly recommend !
google avatar

Andrea M.

Yelp
Love this place, great date night spot! Very sexy ambiance and amazing food. Highly recommend the brick chicken
google avatar

Karen L.

Yelp
We sat at the bar for drinks. Martini and old fashioned by Stasch were perfect. He was an awesome bartender with great energy and solid recommendations. The ambiance is dark and romantic. Tartare was delicious.

Mark S.

Yelp
I don't often review, but this experience was exceptional! I took a work team for a celebratory dinner. From the moment Ceaser came to our table, the service was the perfect balance of knowledgeable and polite without ever being invasive. To say the food was incredible is not enough!! The Hamachi crudo was elegant and balanced and a brilliant start. The octopus stopped conversations because it warranted acknowledgment. And when it came to the Wagyu Board - this is not an exaggeration. 8 adults literally uttered the following exclamations: "oh my!" and "wow!" and "Seriously!?" and we even got one "holy crap!!?" Beyond the quality and preparation, the value makes what others charge incomprehensible. I will summarize this way - one of my team members sent me the following text two days later after eating at Bavete's the next night (and I pass this on acknowledging they are great) "Bavette's was great but no where near the steak quality at B&B!" Well done, Butcher & the Bear!!
google avatar

Gina S.

Yelp
A new favorite in the city! The filet with truffle butter was incredible and the wagyu board was unreal. I loved the aesthetic of the restaurant as well.
google avatar

Luigi V.

Yelp
Simply put the best steak experience in Chicago. A gem in Lincoln Park worth making a special trip for. Staff is incredibly attentive, our waiter came from a butcher background and thoroughly explained every cut available. Chef Saul came out to present the Porterhouse we ordered (highly recommend getting if available) and made the experience all the more memorable. If you are looking for an experience to remember look no further, 5 stars!
google avatar

Serge G.

Yelp
Fantastic service and the food was delicious too! Highly recommend the Caesar & the carrot cake!

Bradie O.

Yelp
Everything was so great tonight. The service from Rachel B was awesome. She had great recommendations for drinks and food. I am definitely coming back to try the Mac and cheese next time!
google avatar

Chris S.

Yelp
This is a must-go! They hit everything on the head. Service is unreal - Rachel was fantastic! The restaurant is beautiful. The apps, salads, dinner (NY strip out of this world), and dessert (Chocolate cake is by far the best dessert I have ever had). WOW. GO!

Virginia K.

Yelp
My husband and I had a fantastic dinner at Butcher and the Bear. We both ordered steaks, and they were absolutely delicious. My filet was cooked to perfection. Although sides are sold separately, they are made to share and complement the main dishes beautifully. The restaurant's vibe was lively and enjoyable, making it a great dining experience overall.

N B.

Yelp
I dined here for a birthday recently and it didnt go well - I'm only writing this review because I tried sharing feedback privately and no one responded. While the service was decent, our server rushed us to order all at once, stating that this was the restaurant policy. We followed the process and ultimately ended up eating $300 of cold food. The next day I was ill, so bad I saw my dr, learned my symptoms were potentially due to cross contamination and undercooked meat, with the recommendation to contact the restaurant directly just in case, I ended up contacting them to report, followed up 3 separate times via email and no one responded to me. They also overcharged me by a large amount and continue to fight the claim I filed with my bank, yet still haven't responded to my 3 emails. I read other reviews similar to mine but only afterwards which was an even bigger disappointment. I won't be back but hopefully they make improvements!
google avatar

Edna A.

Yelp
My husband and I had date night last night Butcher and the Bear by far from walking in and being greeted by the hostess the Bartenders introducing themselves we felt so welcomed. We had Nona's meatball, the B&B chopped salad and the Filet & Bone in Ribeye that just melted in your mouth. Everything was EXCELLENT! Our server Oscar was amazing! The best service & food. Everything was on point! Already have plans to go back very soon!
google avatar

Isaac D.

Yelp
Food, service and ambiance are all fantastic! Great addition to Lincoln park. Wally is the best!
google avatar

Mark I.

Yelp
We walked here after the Cubs game and were starving. Immediately happy with the interior. Amazing food. Everything we ordered was so tasty. Started with oysters, then steak tar tar. Then moved on to a beet salad followed by scallops. Ending with a key lime cheesecake that was HUGE. Well worth the price.