Smith & Wollensky - Chicago

Smith & Wollensky is a classic steakhouse with a rustic, old-school feel. The atmosphere is warm & inviting, & the service is attentive without being overbearing. The steaks were great quality & cooked well, exactly as expected. The whipped potatoes were super light & smooth, & the truffle mac & cheese had a surprisingly delicate flavor. The house bread, though, was the real standout--warm, flavorful, & the perfect start to the meal. Everything here is traditional, well-executed, & exactly what you'd hope for in a classic steakhouse experience.

Good steaks! Delicious desserts! Excellent service! Beautiful view of the river! A little overpriced given the sides are very small potions and weren't anything worth writing home about. The bacon in the Brussel sprouts were dry and like rocks. Our family of 4 ordered 2 waygu filet mignons, 1 signature dry aged ribeye and 1 signature filet mignon, a Cesear salad, 2 whipped potatoes and 1 Bacon Brussels Sprouts. For dessert we had a gigantic slice of Chocolate cake and a chocolate chip cookie skillet with vanilla ice cream. The steaks: were good, but were they great? I'd say average. I've had worst and I've had better. The sides: left something to be desired. Salad was refreshing and dressing was perfectly distributed and seasoned. Whipped potatoes tasted a little bland and almost reminded me of dehydrated potatoes. Brussel sprouts were a complete disappointment. I love Brussel sprouts and these were brunt and soggy, the bacon topping was unpalatable. I would suggest skipping them. The desserts: Came to a steak house and the dessert was the best part of the meal, sadly. We came here as a recommendation from my husband's co-worker while in town for work. We come to Chicago frequently as we both have business in the area. Not likely that we'll come here again.

While waiting for a table, my son and I had drinks at the downstairs bar area and enjoyed the game on television. While walking down, we were rudely stopped by a woman who came across like we didn't belong in the venue, I thought it was me, but my son also expressed the feeling of negative energy coming from the woman "guarding the establishment." The drinks were good, though it was my first time, the food was as expected from a Chicago steakhouse. Our server was attentive and polite. I'd return...

This was one of the most perfect meals that I've ever had. From the ambiance, to the service, to the food, everything was outstanding. My husband made reservations online about 3 weeks ahead of time. We ended up getting to the restaurant an hour before our reservation and they still were able to accommodate us. The gentleman at the host stand was beyond nice! We were seated immediately and looked over the menu. We ordered a Caesar salad to share for an appetizer. For my meal, I ordered the signature filet mignon and my husband ordered the Cajun marinated rib eye. We shared a side of the truffle Mac & cheese. Bread was also served complimentary at the beginning of the meal. I want to say this was one of the best of everything that I've ever had - bread, salad, steak, and mac & cheese. We also shared their signature gigantic chocolate cake for dessert. You cannot go wrong ordering anything on their menu. The portions were big (especially the cake), so we did take a lot of the meal home. The service was unmatched. Multiple employees came by our table to refill our drinks, drop off food, or pack up the leftovers. The restaurant is beautiful inside and has a gorgeous view of the water outside. This is a great date spot for an anniversary or a birthday!

We made a last minute reservation at Smith & Wollensky's on a Saturday and it did not disappoint. We were seated at the cutest table with a view of the lake, it was such a romantic vibe. We started with the tuna tartare which was plated to perfection. I had the seared tuna which was crispy on the outside and melted in my mouth on the inside. The coconut fried rice and pickled veggies complemented it nicely. We also got the Wagyu NY strip, which came with a show! They smoked it right at the table. It added to the entertainment of the night. Overall, we were very impressed with Smith & Wollensky's. We will be back!

A top notch traditional steakhouse experience with splendid views. The service was impeccable with outstanding recommendations. I usually order steaks medium well but on this occasion went medium and was happy with that preparation. The seafood tower was amazing with oysters, shrimp cocktail, lobster, octopus, and tuna. The steaks were delicious and we ate every bite. The side dishes were ok, including grilled mushrooms and whipped potatoes. The only item I would not order again were the truffle fries. The ambiance and good views of the river made for a memorable experience. This was our one fancy family dinner for our weekend vacation.

We celebrated our 33rd anniversary back in Chi-town where it all began. Seated at table #2 with a great view of the river and got spoiled immediately by our server, Noelle. She served us a Tequila Mockingbird and a Blueberry Vanilla Mule to kick off our dinner, which started with Angry Shrimp and a Wollensky salad, both big enough to split. The salad has the best Dijon vinaigrette dressing. Our steaks were cooked to perfection. My wife ordered the twin medallions and I chose the 10 oz fillet with coffee-cocoa rub and ancho chili butter. The onions, butter and rub were a fantastic combination! The dessert was a huge coconut cake with coffee (Illy) brewed just right. My only regret is that we didn't come here enough the last three decades. We will be back soon, for sure! Thank you Smith & Wollensky, for making our anniversary one we won't forget. Cheers!

Ambiance: We were super lucky to have our hostess giving us a front row, facing the river, high seat. We didn't have any reservation. So that is precious with no wait on a Thursday 5pm. We enjoyed our first dinner on our Chicago trip. Our waiter was super friendly. He was always around to see if we needed anything. He is fun and humorously and professional. There many bus boys that were doing great job in pick up empty plates and filling up cold water. We just want to have steak for the night. So we went for the highest grade on the menu: Wagyu porterhouse for two, medium rare. We shared and finished everything in my picture. The steak was amazing. It is tender, flavored outside and inside I can taste the steak itself original oily fat and chewy meat. Salad: how can they make the bacon on the salad so thick and juicy? Delicious combination in added taste! Complimentary: I see all table serve a flower bun with dipping sauce. It was like a meal to me already. It's all in the sauce even the butter sauce. Just different and it's free, you got to try to taste it. Overall: good environment, good waiter, good food, good vibe+++++

The service was 5/5, however the food did fall flat. To begin, the coat check was a smooth process & everyone was friendly. We originally were sat in the middle but when we saw a table empty by the window we asked to move & we were able to with no issue. We got the angry shrimp as an app (not pictured) & it was probably the best thing we ate. The steaks were cooked well, however, not the best steaks we've ever had. The brussels sprouts were very tasty & the mushrooms as well. The mac & cheese was a disappointment. Not very creamy & lacked heavily in flavor. We came in from out of town for an anniversary dinner but even if we lived in town we would not return for the price point.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smith and Wollensky Steak House in Chicago, and it was an experience to remember. Nestled right off the river, the restaurant boasts a breathtaking view of the water and the downtown skyline, setting the stage for a delightful evening. The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the surf and turf - a masterpiece cooked to perfection. My medium-rare filet mignon was flawlessly executed, resulting in a tender, meaty delight that left my taste buds dancing. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen. Lobster was well prepared, though a little overcooked, but still bring pleasure to each of my bite. The ambiance at Smith and Wollensky is a harmonious blend of tradition and sophistication. The classic décor and proper setting create an atmosphere that is both inviting and elegant, making it an ideal location for a special evening out. While the servers were generally attentive, there was a hint of formality that bordered on being a tad cold. Despite this, their professionalism did not overshadow the overall positive experience. The quality of the food and the charming surroundings more than compensated for any minor lapses in warmth. In conclusion, my dinner at Smith and Wollensky Steak House was a memorable gastronomic journey. The combination of a stunning view, perfectly cooked steak, and a traditional yet inviting ambiance made for an overall great dining experience. If you're seeking a classic steakhouse with a touch of elegance in Chicago, Smith and Wollensky is a definite winner. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxXQaRmOKuM/?igshid=OTU1ODAwZWUxYg==

Found ourselves without a Friday night dinner reservation after a sudden change in plans, Smith & Willensky was right across the river from us at the Renaissance Hotel and had openings. We had to dodge construction at the entrance, but it was a well marked and short detour. They sat us riverside, couldn't imagine a better view in all of Chicago, just above and right beside the river, really pleasant and fun. Started with a couple martinis, loved the choices they had on the menu for a simple gin (or vodka) martini. We split a Wollensky salad, it was plenty to share, though a bit too heavy on the dressing (on the side next time) and I don't really get the 'potato croutons'. Wife did the signature 10oz filet. Shame they didn't have a smaller cut for dining lighter, but she seemed to enjoy what she had of it. I did the wagyu flat iron and it was brilliant, a fabulously flavorful cut, nicely sliced to avoid any chewiness, and perfectly marinaded in a carne asada style. Beautiful. We shared the whipped potatoes as a side. Delicious, excellent accompaniment to the steaks and plenty to share. A happy find, and we'd certainly plan a return visit when we're next in the area.

Classic restaurant on the Chicago River! Very thankful to the staff who could work in a table for nine with no trouble. We had a work event and it was my bosses birthday and they made it very special. Even brought a piece of cake that would feed all nine of us. The steaks are superb and I had the veal chop, which was even better in my opinion. if you want steak in downtown Chicago with a view of the river in a very historic restaurant, make sure you stop in.

The food was delicious! We enjoyed crab cakes and oysters and the bread. River walk views made the experience worth the pricey menu. Excellent service by our bartender Bill. This restaurant owes me nothing.

Smith & Wollensky is a great Chicago steakhouse right on the Chicago river. The vibe and ambiance of the place is fantastic. We stopped in for lunch and some light bites before our architecture tour. We got their crab cakes and oyster both fantastic. The food was fantastic and the service was even better. I highly recommend sitting outside if the weather cooperates. Great place to go to get a drink and a bite with a view.

I felt humiliated embarrassed and totally harassed It started with my American Express card not being able for them to read since they do not have a "Card Reader" . I explained both cards were on my phone had never had a problem with paying my bill . They called the general manger , accounting and everyone else to see how else I could pay my bill. It was up to me to solve their problem Can you call a friend to pay your bill and you reimburse them No Can you have someone go get your purse or meet you here to pay your bill We need the complete number I'm not going to suggest because I was the only African American female in the restaurant it was an issue . This circus went on for over 30 mins until I was able to retrieve my total number , then they needed the cvs code and expiration date . Right now I have an acute headache , from dealing with this mess what I thought would be a pleasant experience turned out to be Chaos. A patron shouldn't have to go through hoops because you don't have a system in place Never going back

My evening here was amazing. First, let me start with the services. We were greeted twice and escorted generously to our table. In 2024, it's a great feeling to feel welcomed before eating. Secondly, it's a great feeling to know that servicemen (Andre) were friendly, and well knowledgeable of the drinks and menu. For the food, my meal was hot and delicious with a few classic sides. I had a 26oz Bone-in Rib eye AU wet-aged, peppercorn crusted, brandy peppercorn sauce cooked to perfection, and my husband had the 10oz filet mignon. We left knowing this is a memorable place that will be visited more often when we return to the downtown area.

Appetizers and wine were delicious, but for a $75+ USDA Prime steak, it was all unedible fat. It was super disappointing given the reputation of the restaurant. Only a few bites on the inside were pure meat.

Great people great service, shout out to Andre R he was an outstanding waiter. Food was amazing!!

Been here many times....first date with my future wife and last night the 6 year anniversary of that date...back in town for a long weekend. always love the service...but last night was especially awesome! I forgot her name, but our server was so nice. we sat outside late...she was funny, relatable (we shared something in common) we both order fish...my wife had the sea bass and i had the salmon. the salmon was a mediterranean style...first bite i was nervous, but after it calmed down it was sooo good and cooked perfectly. my wife loved the bass. we had a great wine recommendation and just had an incredible experience. as always.

We enjoyed a great Thanksgiving meal at Smith and Wollensky's in Chicago. Andre did an amazing job taking care of us, and we were very impressed with the service and attention he provided during our visit. I tried the Off The Rails Old Fashion which added some fun to our meal. You roll dice to see the type of bourbon and other ingredients for your drink. It provided an opportunity for a unique and tasty drink. We also appreciated the very open feel and views of the water from the dining room. Overall, we had an amazing experience from start to finish!

I came here a few nights ago for a staff dinner. The service was on point. There was someone to greet you at the door, someone downstairs to greet you as well. We got seated and water came pretty quickly afterwards. Then, our amazing server came over and greeted us for the night. He made some recommendations as we chose our apps and entrees. That night, we went with the wine selection, Caymus 2022, which was the perfect blend. We ordered the shellfish tower for six, crab cake, Wollensky Salad, Caesar salad, the waygu porterhouse, the tomahawk, and more. Everything was excellent. Everything was worth the price. The way that the meat melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. I'm still thinking about it today. Since we went in evening, we had a perfect view of the Riverwalk and the iconic Chicago sign on State. This is a perfect place for celebrations and dates. Don't forget to order dessert! We got the coconut cake and a presentation for the baked Alaska!

I met a friend that came into town and this is one her diehard favorites and I saw/ate why! We had reservations and they were incredibly accomodating when we changed from outdoor seating to one in the bar area (despite being busy and outdoor seating requests from other patrons, they had held onto an outdoor table for us since we requested it in our reservation). Our server was incredibly sweet, informative, and conversational which ended up in added laughter to our evening! I wish I remembered his name because he was worth mentioning! There are many seating options so there's something for everyone in their casually upscale ambiance. We shared the scallop appetizer, steak tartare, and sea bass, ALL very yom yom!! I'm looking forward to sitting in their outdoor area which looked amazing!!

Food was great. Had a filet which was cooked perfectly. Desserts were delicious. View was awesome over looking the canal. Service was excellent. Recommend making reservations.

i got the dry aged ribeye and it was absolutely fantastic, the crust was incredible. will definitely stop in again when i'm in town

We have been to SW many times but this last time was a great, great disappointment. From the service to even the quality of the meat our experience was awful. To the point where I was prompted to ask if there was new management in place .. the answer was no. Our group arrived on a busy night and was told to try the downstairs area. This is a mistake as to venture down the stairs you are visiting the land of the most surliest bartender in Chicago...and compounding the problem is the unsanitary way this person touches himself, picks at himself, and wipes his hands on his pants. At one point in time he spilled my water glass into my soup and only acted when I insisted he replace it. As for the food , I was a meat cutter ..I know quality and this place is sadly no longer your Dad's Smith and Wollensky...aside from the cold temp., and the 45 minutes to arrive, the meat was too gristled and fatty to even believe. Do not bother complaining as you'll be met with the slogan everybody uses "there's nothing we can do"... yes, there is something you can do ...don't go to Smith and Wollensky. Thank you

Beautiful restaurant on the lake in downtown Chicago! It wasn't ridiculously crowded and the staff was amazing and attentive. I didn't like how close the tables were it left little privacy and on both sides of us the people were kind of loud . There were a lot of open seats so I didn't understand why they lined us up together. The food was great. My steak was a perfect medium. I did get it oscar'd and I wasn't a huge fan of their sauce but the steak was amazing. The shrimp were delicious. They were huge, seasoned well and not even slightly overdone which is hard to do with shrimp. They surprised me with a HUGE piece of chocolate cake for my birthday. I am not a chocolate fan but this cake was still very good. It was fluffy and the icing was the perfect semi & sweet chocolate combo. Definitely a great birthday dinner

Solid steakhouse, I think they rest on their location a little too much and lose focus on the steaks, because a lack of seasoning and incorrect temperatures were apparent. We had an amazing view, and it's certainly a part of the overall experience. Our server was amazing, great recommendations, fantastic service. Let's start with the bread course, the bread is room temp, but had amazing flavor! I was hoping it would be a little softer and served warm, then it would be a 5 star, because the rosemary flavor was incredible, but our bread was a little hard and not warm. We got the 10 ounce standard filet, the American 9oz Wagyu filet, grilled mushrooms, plain fries and the creamy manchego corn. The 10 ounce filet came out over cooked (more medium well than medium) and just had a general lack of flavor, clearly under seasoned. It did come with a nice char on the outside. It wasnt a bad steak, it just wasnt amazing. The American Wagyu I would say is like the standard filet +. It's definitely no A5 Wagyu, but it's also not priced like A5, so is the $30 premium worth it? It did have a lot more flavor than the standard filet, but I don't think it was worth the extra money. Also, I found the presentation odd, to me it seemed like they knew they overcooked (ordered mediums and my guess is it was medium well, solidly) it and cut it and dressed it to try and hide it. I think S&W may rely on their guest ordering their different preparations of the filet and neglect the base steaks. The sides were fantastic. Fries were perfectly seasoned and crispy, the mushroom were great and the corn was outstanding. The corn is like a street corn and it was the best of the bunch, highly recommend. I would definitely come back, but it wouldn't be my go to, IMO RPM Steak is still the winner in the city.

I'm not usually a reviewer but I def wanted to after my dinner at Smith and Wollensky! I absolutely adored our server, Noelle! (Literally the server you pray to get on a special night out, they should give her a raise). She helped immensely with my dinner partner and I deciding between several Wagyu cuts of steak. Our final decisions were the filet and strip and they were FANTASTIC! The strip presentation was exquisite and the steak itself was delicious. Cooked perfectly med rare and the chimichurri sauce was delish. Thankfully for my friend and I, the coffee and cocoa rub on it was negligible. The filet was to DIE for...buttery, melt in your mouth exquisite! (Also ordered med rare). The bone marrow butter was the PERFECT accompaniment. When I return I'll def do the filet again. As a farm raised steak lover, it was damn near perfection. We had the mac and cheese, potato and onion hash and reg fries. All were outstanding sides. If I had to pick only one...I'd do the mac and cheese. I'd take a bath in that stuff! We had the bang bang shrimp appetizer and would def recommend that. The mashed potatoes under the shrimp were super tasty with the lobster butter sauce on them! We so wanted to try dessert but literally could not fit another bite of food lol. My only "complaint" for the entire experience, the maitre de that I checked in with to start dinner. He was really short with me (female) and because of the crowd noise I couldn't hear a damn thing he was saying as I tried to check in. He was really snarky when he repeated to my dinner date and I to go "downstairs". Ok buddy, I couldn't hear a damn thing you told me to do on this busy New Years Eve. Gave him a big smile and went down the stairs. lol. Def request Noelle if you want a really fabulous night at this place!! She is the kind of server that makes a pretty expensive dinner just awesome!

Visited here with my family on a beautiful sunny day, the food and weather was beautiful, service was good. Everything was cooked to our request, my parents enjoy everything! Thank you for a great lunch experience for my parents! :)

It's a cool spot on the river with a good ambience. However, I think it's pretty overpriced. The steaks were pretty good but I seriously think the prices need to be lowered

Went to Chicago marathon last weekend and came across this restaurant near my hotel by chance. What a great find. I ended up going there twice during my 4 days stay in Chicago. The food is scrumptious. My NY strip steaks were cooked perfectly. I saw other patrons' Tomahawk, it looks unbelievable. I would order that if I had my dog with me. Service was impeccable. The servers I had for both nights (Laura and Michelle) were hospitable and attentive. One of the managers Trent, he checks up on patrons (myself included) and is professional. Will definitely visit again next time I'm in town.

I had dinner at Smith & Wollensky for the first time during my trip to Chicago in August 2022. My cousin made a reservation for us and we were able to get a table next to the window by the river. The views were nice. Our server David was friendly and funny. He made great recommendations on food and drinks. I started with the Gunpowder Bramble. It was very good and refreshing. I loved the muddled raspberries. Appetizers: Steak Tartare - This was my first time trying tartare of any kind. I was a little weary about the texture but I'm trying to be more open minded with trying new foods. The seasoning was so good! It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. The texture was very chewy, but having the chips to eat with it helped a lot. If I were to order this again, I would ask for extra chips. East Coast Oysters - My cousin and her husband had these. I didn't try any but they said they really liked them. Bread - Garlicky, soft, and delicious! I liked the whipped butter that came with it. Entrées: Organic Salmon - The salmon was good, but could have been seasoned a little bit more. The black garlic romesco that came with it helped to add some flavor. I enjoyed the asparagus that came with it. Steak - Cooked medium. I tried a bite and it was really good! Very tender and juicy. Seared Yellow Fin tuna - I didn't try this, but my cousin enjoyed it. Sides: Sauteed Asparagus with Hollandaise - Delicious! Cooked al dente which I prefer. Creamed Spinach - When David brought this out, we sort of looked at it and wondered if we wanted to try it because it looked mushy. It does not look very appealing, but omg it was so good! It was so flavorful and creamy and had just the right amount of seasoning! We really enjoyed our dinner and the service was great! I'm happy I was able to try S&W!

Loved were we were seated and the great view of the water. The reflections of the city lights and looking at the boats going by captured my attention. The food being served to other tables around me looked amazing. When the server came to our table I was specific with my food allergies. When food was served with an item I'm allergic too. I called the server and kindly let them know. The server was apologetic and the manager came over. Case in point they took care of everything. Evening was saved and I was very happy.

Great service, great food, great location. Best Espresso Martini ever! Easy to get to and the service was impeccable. Great experience. Nice ambiance.

Loved the views, bread, and service but the food missed the mark. I was expecting the sides and steak to really blow me away, but they didn't. It's an iconic Chicago staple and the history is real cool, so I still recommend it for drinks and vibes. Decor-high class Chicago all the way. Tons of windows which allow you to take in the beautiful views of downtown Chicago. They have a large outdoor seating area, great for summer months. I just loved the decor, the field, and the vibes of this restaurant. Service-very good service, their entire staff was very professional and friendly. Food-this is where the mess was for me. The steak was OK I ordered the New York strip. It was a bit fattier than I am accustomed to, and there is no real flavor to the steak. The sides were also a bit disappointing, the Mac & cheese were just too plain. The brussels sprouts also didn't have a ton of flavor but one thing that was my favorite were the bread rolls, they were fantastic.

The picture was their first attempt at the 8 ounce NY Strip. I didn't need to taste it to see how messed up it was. On the plus side, they cut the steak in the kitchen for me, so I didn't have to butcher it by myself. On the minus side, they sent the plate exactly like this, and no fewer than three staff members saw this and sent it anyway. Before they respond saying that they'll share this with the chef, let me just say that if the chef couldn't tell this was bad on the way out of the kitchen, they may need more guidance than my yelp post can provide. This place used to be good. On the plus side the wait staff was nice. I didn't come for the staff, though. I just wanted a steak.

We came here before catching a show and loved the vibe Especially love that the food comes out and isn't rushed - aka able to enjoy the bread, then starter before the main meal comes out Four of us - we each got a filet and split sides to share (def would be well off splitting just two among four but we wanted options) we got whipped potatoes, Mac n cheese, Brussels, and creamed spinach. All the sides were delish! I LOVED the creamed spinach!!!! Filet ordered medium rare and came out perfectly with great flavor. Def would hit this up again when in Chicago!

Pros: great views, very attentive and friendly wait staff, great drinks Cons: steak was severely overcooked and under seasoned - expected better from a $100 steak at a renowned steakhouse.

The rude staff and MANAGER The staff make us feel unwelcome from the moment we arrived. I don't recommend this place if you're looking for friendly or enjoyable experience. Unreasonably Strict About Photos I was shocked when the staff refused to let us take a simple picture of ourselves at our table. It felt overly strict and unwelcoming. Very disappointing experience.

We had an amazing experience today for Thanksgiving! We are in town for the holiday and chose this restaurant based on their Thanksgiving menu. We had reservations and were immediately welcomed and seated with a view of the river. Andre was our waiter and he was amazing from start to finish. I had the Thanksgiving special and my husband had a steak, which was amazing. He had fun with ordering the "Off the Rails" old fashioned (twice!). Andre made that experience and our whole meal fun & we appreciate his outstanding service throughout the meal!

Amazed by how fast the kitchen team can serve up an delicious steak. Definitely come in hungry when choosing the signature USDA prime dry-aged bone-in rib eye, as it comes in at a whopping 28oz. We ordered ours medium rare and paired it with creamed spinach, whipped potatoes, and mac and cheese -- and have no regrets with any of the choices made. The riverside view is definitely a recommendation: views on the beautiful Chicago architecture right below Marina City. We did have some hiccups while being served (forgotten items on two separate occasions). Pro tip: the Mannequin chardonnay

Waited for a special occasion to finally try out Smith & Wollensky. All started quite good, nice wine list, great appetizers. Ordered the filet medium, but when it arrived it was overcooked to medium-well and quite tough. Waiter agreed and took it back to the kitchen, however the plate was brought back by another man who insisted it was a perfect medium. His tone was incredibly patronizing and his goal was clearly to shame and embarrass me into keeping this overcooked steak, at which he succeeded. The experience ruined an otherwise good meal and left an awful taste in my mouth. Felt like a tacky way to save a buck on a $1000+ meal and is the main thing I think of when I look back on this special occasion dinner. Won't be back.

Classic steak spot in downtown Chicago with great service and great martinis. Would recommend going here!

So we got here, sit down at the table and not sure how long we waited to actually be greeted ( but it wasn't quick at all) Get the waters and I ask for a straw .... What seemed like hours later we finally get asked what we want for drinks and we of course ordered an appetizer and arrived after a decent wait along with the drinks ( still waiting on the straw I ordered for my water) We ordered the carpaccio which was good but obviously a very small portion ( normal) We then ordered our entree ( both medium well) waited a longer period of time for them to arrive and they both came well done - I then ordered another drink ( and still waiting on the straw) Super horrible presentation We ordered a side of truffle fries that were cold, drenching in oil and not good at all Finished our food and right at that point my second dive arrived Service felt almost racist Like they didn't care at all we were there Like we didn't look rich enough to deserve an outstanding service Drinks 4 stars Food presentation 1 star Food temperature 1 star Food flavor 3 stars Service 0 stars We left and not even a good bye- thanks for your visit was received by neither one at the restaurant Unfortunately we won't be coming back here which is sad but even sadder is that I never received the straw I asked for ...: Terrible.

The food here was excellent. The ambience was amazing since we were able to sit on the patio and it was a beautiful day. Things that made me not want to come back: The waiter was intrusive. We were having a conversation and he strode up. Three feet from the table he starts shouting to us - do we like our meal or something similar. The conversation just stopped and we had to listen to this showboat waiter. Not appreciated at all. We never did pick up the conversation. This same waiter, when he came to pick up the money asked if we needed change. Maybe this doesn't bother most people but I always think it's presumptuous. It make me want to lower the tip. The waiter's name was Juan. Lastly, and this was not a big deal, they gave me a dirty fork. I gave it to a lady who seemed to be the manager and she took it away but did not bring me another. I had to ask, The bill was $270 and the experience I had did not reflect that expense. I was disappointed.

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 which they gave to us for free since we were there celebrating my son's graduation from Navy boot camp.

Now I'm not really a steakhouse kind of guy, so I don't know what a great one looks like. But I will say we had a great time at Smith & Wollensky and we would definitely do it again. We were a group of four and they seated us right by the window next to the river. It made for some amazing views at night! We were also celebrating my cousin's birthday and they took special note of that. They gave him a card hand signed by the manager and treated us to a free dessert: a 10 layer chocolate cake! Delicious. We went big and ordered a bottle of wine, their wagyu tomahawk steak for two, and their porterhouse steak for two. The presentation and meat cutting was excellent. When we asked for the house steak sauce, the manager came out and opened a brand new bottle just for us. And FYI the Wagyu Tomahawk is full Wagyu. From snake river farms. According to the waiter.

The service at Smith & Wollensky was amazing. We came in from a team summit for a glass of prisoner and they helped participate in the scavenger hunt. Come for the food...stay for the service

A Chicago stalwart, S&W still impresses. The cocktails were excellent and the wine list has a breadth of options, spanning from Napa Valley to Burgundy and beyond. We selected a Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Mont Redon, which was a lovely romantic addition to the list as Kelly and I drank that wine throughout our honeymoon in St. Martin a decade prior. We split a 10oz filet and it was good. Not especially unique but it delivers. Because we were going home we splurged on the chocolate cake. It was monumental, a luscious ode to the Devil and all his fine foods. It provided multiple days of satisfaction.