Sullivan’s Steakhouse – F*ck Change
Yes, it was time to get this thing back on the rails. A big “haleilujah” (or however you spell it) can be let out as we had the arrival of steak night at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. A bustling restaurant welcomed the group as 7 of us descended on the venue.
The evening was off to a good start with my punctual arrival at 7pm alongside Ol’ Gimms and Zee German. After having a couple rounds, none of which were gimlets by the way, we were joined by The Drunk Idiot and the night was fully underway. Quick note about the pregaming – Sullivan’s on Thursday’s might be a bit underrated; an engaging waitstaff, good scotch selection and live music that doesn’t overpower the environment of the bar are all good things most like to enjoy. But we aren’t here for the social scene…
The manager aka grand poobah of the restaurant, Keith, greeted us upon our way to be seated at the table, and recalled some visits we have made in the past. Nice to see our reputation had proceeded us.
Finally seated at the table, we were graced by the late, but non unannounced presence of The Bannister and Blackberry man, who had prior obligations that ran over time. The waiter, Michael, came over and introduced himself as our caretaker for the night and the wine and apps orders were placed. For the record, we went with the seafood sampler and the seared tuna, as well as the calamari.
Dinner was soon ordered, both for the group and for a very late, but not because no effort was placed to get there, Mr. Holinger. Dude was great over text updating me with arrival times and location. Much to the dismay of the group, I went ahead and placed an order for him and Michael did an awesome job managing the time sensitivity of the order as well as the group’s backlash for doing so.
I went with the med-rare bone-in filet, topped with a touch of gorgonzola. Unlike Grassfed, the steak came in one piece, was tasty and cooked to perfection. Absolutely awesome. In surveying the rest of the group, I found everyone’s steak to be perfect.
Dinner finished up with some birthday cake for Zee German (he was adored by the previously noted waitstaff in the bar) as well as some credit card roulette winnings for him as well. The cheesecake and key lime desserts, both comped, along with some port wine to finish it off (thanks), sent the boys off into the night to take on what was an electric night in the streets of Chicago.
Sullivan’s was a solid 9 on the night. Just when we needed it.
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7 Responses to “Sullivan’s Steakhouse – F*ck Change”
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Sorry to have missed this one gents. I was really ready to get back in the groove with a solid performance for steak night. Sullivan’s always seems to be a winner. I applaud the timeliness of Mr. Markets and the initial posting. Can’t wait for next month.
An ode to “take us through the sides.” My tardiness aside, this was the best visit to Sullivan’s yet. The redone look and feel of the room provided a new found energy. As live music and the aura of the bar wafted over our table, the group was in top form. The calamari and tuna led the way on aps, and I sampled three filets, each was covered in a different topping – oscar, peppercorn and blue cheese – all tasty.
Perhaps the most shocking moment of the evening was as we departed and a woman, obviously over served, was aggressively kissing several gentleman outside – telling each he was good, or not so good. Amazing.
I look forward to fall with October on the horizon.
I have to admit, after missing last month I was full of anticipation and excitement for this months outing. Sullivans was a superb selection which only added to the giddiness. Arrival on time as usual, I was pleased to see Poppa Ray well entrenched at a corner high top. Scooter and Reeshard Joelle shortly joined us for a solid cocktail hour despite only being the 4 of us. Poor performances continue for the above mentioned, but I will focus on the good in this post as they know they are disappointments to such a grand tradition.
The appetizers set my palate a-reeling. The calamari was some of the best we have had and the cold seafood platter was spectacular. I particularly enjoyed the tuna which was prepared with delicate care.
As always, the filet oscar was the choice. However perhaps due to my overflowing zeal for the evening I upped the ante with the bone in filet oscar. Holy mother of sweet baby jesus was this thing delectable. The meat could be cut with a butter knife and the oscar topping was a perfect pairing with just a very light sauce and a ton of crab. Wine was paired well and consumed in quantities that would make Bacchus blush.
I am not one for dessert. Typically I will have a taste and pass along. Not the case on this evening. Each dessert they presented topped the next. The oreo crust peanut butter mousse would leave most weak in the knees. The key lime pie packed a tangy punch with a perfect crust and texture. The cheesecake was better than any I have had on steak night.
Walking for free for the second time in three months certainly didnt dampen my spirits or the salute to my May birthday from Scooter.
I hold a special place in my heart for Saloon Steakhouse, but for now Sullivans will reign supreme for me. Solid 9.5
Holymotherofsweetbabyjesus, indeed. Thankful to join after a tardy arrival into O’Hare from the East Coast and was greeted by friendly, smiling faces, a fine glass of red wine, and a bone-in ribeye that would make meat lovers weep the world over. Adorned only by a light Sullivan’s seasoning, it was cooked to a medium rare perfection. Sautéed spinach and mushroom sides complemented it well and desert was served with a side of tawny port.
The new look should be note: Sullivan’s invested significantly in updating the bar area and it shows. Love it.
As usual, Sullivan’s delivered – the most consistent of any steakhouse in Chicago.
9.5 out of 10
Unfortunately, the likelihood of timely arrivals for myself in the foreseeable future is not good but I thoroughly appreciate the understanding of the group.
Sullivans has been and continues to be a winner. Always consistent, a great steak house atmosphere (especially with the recent remodeling) and wonderful staff make for a great dining experience. As per usual I was on time. Soon followed Hans, Scotty and Rick Ray. We enjoyed some bourbon, vodka and scotch in the bar complimented by witty banter from the wait staff. Live cocktail jazz played in the background as Hans commented how upset he was for leaving his Y(J)azz flute at Veronica Corningstone’s house the night prior. The bar area was bustling so it did take some time to get our cocktails and when we did, the server was off base on her Scotch knowledge – citing regional scotch’s from Speyside as those carrying heavy smoke and peat characteristics (Laphroig, Lagavulin and the like) not Islay. I corrected her in an arrogant yet playful way she promptly told me to “suck it”. I liked her moxxy…
As 8pm rolled up there was no Glick and no thoresen – not too much of a surprise on either account. Holingwa, dealing with a delayed flight, in true form tried to cram 10 pounds of shit into a 5 pound bag. Pulling his now patented…”order me a steak and I will have you guys wait an hour after your meal is finished so I can eat mine”, move. As much as I kid – always good to see that kind of dedication from a member of the group showing up with his luggage direct from Concourse C. Others in the group should heed notice. A note: I would be remiss if I did not say that the staff was spot on in timing Holinger’s meal…..well played Sullivans.
Anyway, I got a bit ahead of myself. When it was time to be seated, we were only 4. Greeted at the host stand by the manager, Kevin, who recalled the group from our previous visit – was an especially nice touch. As thorzeen and glick sauntered to the table at 815, we were ready to dine. Our gracious host Mr. Martin took charge of the apps and wine. Asian glazed calamari, a Cajun Ahi tuna and a seafood sampler complete with crab meat, legs, shrimp and oysters were all top notch apps. The calamari at Sullivans is always a standout – not sure there is another place that has the Asian twist which is delightful.
I went with the tomahawk bone-in rib eye and a rare-plus. I asked for a light Cajun rub on it and really received an overwhelming Cajun rub. The rare plus preparation was perfect, however. Sides of mashy P’s, Mac and cheese and creamed spinach all delivered – really exceptional flavor on the Mac and cheese.
Closing out the remarkable service and experience were glasses of tawny port and dessert; key lime, cheese cake and an Oreo thing that was killer – on the house. Sullivans, you know how to please a crowd. I think this was our third time to Sullivans and every time I dine I say it is one of the most underrated places in the city. I think it is time to stop calling it underrated and simply call it what it is – one of the best steak houses in the city.
….and of course my card was pulled first in roulette.
Back on track after the Grassfed debacle, it is nice to get back to a real steakhouse. Sullivan’s is the most underrated steakhouse in Chicago. For whatever reason it seems to lack the cache or “it name” factor of other places. Screw cache, I’ll take a killer meal, great atmosphere and excellent service any day of the week over so called “hot spots’ that don’t deliver.
The bar area was bustling but not uncomfortably crowded. A jazz trio providing the perfect soundscape for cocktail hour and the evening was off on the right foot.
Greeted by the manager, I thought his name was Keith not Kevin but after a couple of heavy pours at happy hour who knows for sure although I am confident it started with a K. None the less he recalled our group from a previous visit which says a lot about the level of detail and standard of service at Sullivan’s. The great service continued throughout the evening.
The Asian themed calamari is one of the best in the city, a title it shares with Capital Grille. I ordered a porter house medium rare and it was perfect on the strip and filet side, mac and cheese and mashy p’s were both tasty. I had to go back for a second and maybe a third taste of that Oreo, peanut butter mousse thing, a rarity of me at dessert.
Two good-looking ladies, who professed they had a crush on Hans assisted with credit card roulette. It is always more fun when there are good looking chicks pulling cards. Hans won credit card roulette, seems like a conspiracy or perhaps some foul play at hand given the ladies were enamored with his German charm.
Sullivan’s is one of my favorite places in the city and I think it is even better now with the new look.
For those wanting a night free of any distinguishing traits, any spice…then this was the night for you. Yes the dinner was solid and the group is always good for good banter and good times, but I feel hard pressed for anyone to be able to tell if we were at Sullivan’s or smith and wollensky’s or ruth chris or any other place in the city that is also in Indianapolis and Minneapolis and every other opolis there is.
After two distinctive dinners some were happy to get back to the normal grind, and this delivered. Scotty wore his fanciest jacket and pocket square to celebrate fashion night out and Ricky Ray impressed with his new “faux hawk” and accompanying leather accessories. He really rocks a leather vest better than most men can ever dream. Holinger came a little late but it was glad to see the gestapo relax their concerns and allow him to still join the table. kid ray and scottie tried an experiment in whether their wives are still paying attention to them now that they’ve had kids (i won the bet – they are, but just because they have to).
Overall Sullivan’s gets a 7.5 – can’t remember anything about the steaks that would give it a higher score