Harry Caray’s – Hey Now!!
Created in 1987, Harry Caray’s is rooted in Chicago history and moreover, based in sports lure. Amazingly, in the 4 plus years of Steaks and Cigars, we have not been to this fine establishment. Let’s get into the review:
BATTING PRACTICE (DRINKS):
Brad, John and I elbowed up to a high boy and tasted the delicious kettle chips that are presented to the table. Delicious – so much so, they can ruin your hunger for the main course. In due time, Chris arrived from the airport (points for best effort to attend) and Father Cole returned for his first steak night since the birth of Simone. Glick was on time and we made for the table promptly at 8.
EARLY INNINGS (Apps/ Service/ Atmosphere):
Sadly, the dining room was nearly empty and the vibe was low key. That said, the boys were in good form and provided energy enough for the whole place. We were welcomed by our server Steve, who I must say was one of our top 5 to date. Knowledgeable on the history of the place, candid in feedback on dishes and not over the top in pushing us to more expensive items – Note: although we ordered two ravioli – he only delivered one, so as to not over fill on aps. The ravioli was tremendous, good calamari and positive meat and cheese board – a first for steak night.
MIDDLE INNINGS: (Where dining establishments win and lose):
Great pace to the night – our steaks were promptly prepared. I had the dry aged ny strip – flavored nicely with a salt and pepper rub, nothing too fancy. All was well – with the exception of Chris, who found his steak lacking in proper temp and overall flavor. Unfortunately, the sides were lackluster. Creamed spinach had little flavor, potatoes and mac n’ cheese were moderate – the brussel sprouts with bacon stole the show.
ENTER SANDMAN – CLOSER:
Fitting that the day before Mariano Rivera retired, we closed strong. Hans joined us for desert after his romp at he real estate awards. We had flourless chocolate cake, key lime pie and the show stopper peanut butter and snickers pie. We celebrated Glick’s actual birthday and rejoiced an evening of brotherhood.
Sadly, Scott was in NYC and Rick was prepping for an interview – still – good night at a new place. Looking forward to baseball season
Rating 6.5
Filed under: General
Damn – sorry to miss this one, well sort of. Low key vibe, one order of ravioli, letdown sides and a meat and cheese board? Jeez, without me and Rick this group seems to have turned into bridge club. Also, was the interview Rick was prepping for at midnight or something that evening?
Looking forward to coming back with a bang next month at a place guaranteed to have some bustle; as I assume I will be in the lead for the bracket contest. Glick I have to say you are reformed – one time two times in a row is quite a feat…I just miss you boys as I know you do me.
“All right! Lemme hear ya! Ah-One! Ah-Two! Ah-Three!”
How about we just say 7 out of 10? That’s actually much better than I expected. I really can’t say anything bad about Harry Caray’s outside of my steak being overcooked. Sure, it’s a touristy spot, but one that has deep roots in Chicago’s history. It has part classic steakhouse and part museum vibe.
Jevon, Gimms, and myself arrived first to a large, but empty bar area and rifled down some homemade kettle chips which were excellent. Glick was on time, Cole returned as a new dad with some cute pics of him in a women’s baby carrier wrap, and a beautiful daughter. Holinger is far and away the MVP of effort making it in great time form the east coast.
We sat promptly at 8:00 and everyone was on time. The restaurant was empty too but our group can always liven a place up. Steve was our waiter and was on the ball pretty much all night. We started with fried ravioli, calamari, and charcuterie plate. The ravioli and calamari were both above average.
I had the bone-in ribeye. It had a really nice and simple salt and pepper rub, but unfortunately was overcooked. At the right preparation, this would have been a great steak. The mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes were average at best. The brussels sprouts were outstanding. S glad this side has become a staple of restaurants in the past couple of years.
For Glick’s birthday, the key lime and flourless chocolate cake were the dessert options and both were serviceable.
Sometimes a slow night is what we make of it and with this fine crew, even the slowest of nights is exciting.
Harray Caray’s was more about the gathering than the food; like a late season game at Wrigley Field when the Cubs have long been eliminated from the playoffs. Show up with a cadre of good friends and you’re bound to have a good time, some laughs and leave satisfied, regardless of the outcome.
Arriving straight from ORD, I was greeted by our host, Daddy Gimms and a smiling Mr. Crenshaw. Welcome indeed. A couple vodka gimlets, greeting the new Daddy Don and the night was off to a roaring start. I split the bar tab with a couple others due to a tardy post last month.
The inside of HC’s is massively outdated which is OK: it’s a classic. However it doesn’t set the greatest tone. Nor did the apps. I felt the ravioli was mediocre, the calamari was fine but not a standout and it was no wonder the meat and cheese board went back half finished.
Steve, our waiter did well the entire evening. A true veteran.
Once the steaks arrived, I was ready for a game changer. Unfortunately my steak came out well done and did not deliver. Sides were all forgettable except the brussel sprouts – I think I ate more of them by weight than the steak.
Happy birthday to Mr. Glick and a strong finish on dessert. Had a phenomenal ride home in Mr. Fedderke’s new beast.
Following up on Gibson’s, the old school Chicago tradition continues. I had not been at Harry Caray’s for dinner since the 1990s so this was a welcome trip down memory lane.
Starters were ok, meat plate was in line, calamari was weak.
Steaks were pretty good. Sides were mostly good but the creamed spinach disaster trip conituned (Someone needs to remind/re-establish the concept that good creamed spinach involves a blender and a little bit of cream. Not a saucepan and a ton of cream. Somewhere along the way the art of creamed spinach got lost.).
Desert was solid and the service made this a great night. Honestly this was probably a 7 for quality of food but service, atmosphere, etc gave it another 1-1.5 points on its own.
Afterwards headed to Sienna Tavern…new hot spot, the 1.5 attractive single girls left in Chicago seemed to be hanging out there. That added another half point.
First Impression:
Very positive. It’s a restaurant that is old and could use remodeling…it’s dark and could certainly use some additional lighting (which is probably why most of us had only ventured into the place during the lunch hour), but the drinks were nice and stiff, and the cut of meat was rewarding.
Service:
The service was a bit slow, but this is no way a reflection of the waitress that we had. He was very friendly, attentive, and knew the menu well. I suspected that the problem was in the kitchen, but then remembered Del Frisco’s and all was forgiven.
Food:
The appetizers looked fresh, and seemed okay based upon appearance. Unfortunately, the ones that that we ordered were very under-seasoned. The steaks, however, saved the day (although at least guest’s cut was not up to par). I think that they cook on the high side; so if you order a medium rare, expect it to be a little more medium.
Overall:
Mixed opinion about this place. I see it as still a solid lunch spot with a few good drinks on the menu, but I would reserve the dinners for when Grandpa is in town and you’re looking for “something Chicago”.