where sides are included with meal...(NOT a la carte)?  Looking for all inclusive dinner for approximately 50 bucks or less...preferably not a national chain.

I don't know of any steak houses that fit your specifications. My long time favorite, Chicago Chop House used to meet your specifications (although many would argue about being the "best") but they've raised their prices and gone a la carte. You might look at Fogo de Chão or Texas de Brazil. Good steak selections with everything included, and right around $50. Sorry, but they are chains with a salad bar but a damn good salad bar. Next best bet would be any one of several Italian places that also serve a decent steak. Another choice might be Weber Grill or Wildfire but it's a la carte as well.


-- Modified on 5/24/2015 2:33:16 AM

But the Outback Steak House is great. I love that place. They have a wednesday special. Salad, main course with a side, and desert for around 20 dolllars. Depending on what main course you order it could be a bit more. But still well under your 50 dollar limit.

It's about like nominating Red Lobster as "Best Seafood" restaurant,

Well I guess you can buy a lot milk and diapers with the savings. YOUR provider is so fucking lucky to have you.

Of course when I come to Chicago, the last place I will be going is to Outback.... I am going to enjoy some 5 star dining!

I'll save Outback for when I am home, where we don't have 5 star dining. Hell, we barely have 4 star dining in Milwaukee.

Blue Cheese crusted steak is pretty damn tasty lol.

OP: I doubt you could find some non chain steak in Chicago at that price point. Even the chains that charge that are going to serve you some alright steak vs mouth watering.

I was just pointing out that "some" people obviously have NO taste at all.

Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Outback to grab a quick meal or snack, but it's hardly "dining" Red Lobster is a MUCH better seafood restaurant than Outback is a steakhouse, and Red Lobster is hardly "dining" either. IMO you can't have fine dining without a decent bottle (or several) to wash it down with. When Kendall Jackson is the best wine on your list, you give up the right to call yourself a "dining experience"

The only problem now a days is the under $50 with the sides included. Like said in the other posts. Outback or the other chains are the only thing you might get. Wildfire is a good place. So is Gibsons (you have to get your sides though). Then there is a few that I really like downtown (but you will need to get your sides). They are, Rosebud Steakhouse (expensive but awesome), Michael Jordan's Steakhouse (good, more relaxed), Chicago Cut Steakhouse (expensive but awesome) ~~ AND voted #1 of the BEST Hamburger (Kobe, Turkey, or regular) in the Chicago area! They are so awesome!!!! I love cheeseburgers!!!!! YUM YUM! Sorry, got distracted! Hope this helps a little!!!
Have fun wherever you go!

Love
Zana

for a really great dining experience at an exceptional value, especially when I'm in huge metro areas where there are hundreds, and probably thousands, of options to choose from.  When I go out for steak I generally order a 8-10 oz filet (maybe cheese crusted) with mashed/baked potato and a vegetable...possibly soup on the side.   Granted the chains can be satisfactory when absolutely necessary -- but I can go to one of them anytime.  

I knew my OP would probably be a tall order when I posted it, but I really thought at least a few specific/worthwhile suggestions might be made that would be deemed worthy of further consideration... Chicago's a big place.  

Yes,  I could dole out more $$ if I really wanted to splurge (it's worth it once in a  while) ...but it's also helpful to be aware of other unique and satisfying options as well.

 

Thanks, Zana!  You've given me some options to research a bit more...I love trying new places (especially when the food is fantastic and I'm not leaving broke).

END OF MESSAGE

END OF MESSAGE

END OF MESSAGE

You are not going to find a steak restaurant in chicago for 50.00... just not going to happen. Most of the restaurants that I know of that are good are going to run closer to 80.00

They actually got a makeover not so long ago. Used to be everything there was deep fried. Now it's just made from frozen. LOL. Way better than Olive Garden though.

Smith and Wolensky..

I will confess, I have eaten at Outback, Red Lobster, and the Olive Garden, and their food is not what I would call "horrible" it's actually quite edible, but to call what they offer "dining" is to have ZERO conception of the term. lol

END OF MESSAGE

You can get a good steak with soup/salad for under $50 (before drinks).  Milwaukee Ave. just north of Lawrence.  On the way downtown from O'Hare.  Blue Line El stops across the street if you want to save cab/Uber money.  Very good food IMHO.  Known for their ribs.  Music a few nights a week.

Thanks for the suggestion...I may give this one a try sometime, as well as several other places that have been mentioned.  Do you know if easy/free parking is available here?

 

There is a plenty of free parking in the lot next door.

Nice!  That helps a lot...Thanks

My pleasure !!! Good luck, enjoy and have lots and lots of fun!!!!

Love
Zana

restaurant standards but I look forward to sampling some suggestions. I love a good steak or Italian food. But company you enjoy & conversation that flows as well as a good wine makes it fine dining experience