Sullivan’s At Last
After over 3 years away from this steakhouse in the thick of downtown – on the 37th gathering of Steaks, Cigars & Dreams – the distinguished gentlemen gathered for another unforgettable night.
Upon our arrival, it was obvious that it was going to be special: the maiter d’, hostesses and cocktail waitresses in the bar were all quick to ask “who’s ‘The Drunk Idiot'” and “why can’t you drive 55?” They did their homework and were excited to engage in what has become a Chicago tradition second to none. Live jazz emenating from the corner, a drunken face sucking session and a menage a trois in the making added to the “ambiance” at the bar.
This time we were walked through our sides promptly after their arrival: the oysters rockefeller, pesto risotto fritters and calamari were highlights. Wedges, chopped and caprese salads were terrific. When the steaks finally arrived, no one was disappointed; the 22oz Bone-In “Cowboy” Ribeyes stole the show though everyone else seemed more than satisfied.
While we did not have the opportunity to retire upstairs for cigars due to the city ordinance imposed since out last visit, the decision was quickly made to stay at Sullivan’s and close out the evening in style. The waitresses continued their friendly banter and served several more rounds. While I was the winner at the dinner table, the tab at our after dinner drinks made up for it.
In short, the evening wreaked of success on all counts and I believe it ranks as one of the top 5 Steak Night experiences we’ve had since beginning the tradition in April of 2007. Thank you, Sullivan’s.
Faithfully yours,
Holingwa
Filed under: General
Bet your sweet ass I’m all over this comment board. At $150 a pop being late to post is an expensive habit – more expensive than any other harmful habit I may have. Dinner was solid, service was very good, turnout was impressive and I finally lost at the cc draw…so everyone should have gone home happy.
Most everyone made it for a nightcap which was a considerable improvement over previous efforts and special props to Rick Ray for having the energy to try and suck out the last drops of the summer scene.
Bring on the knockout pool.
Great to see that I can add 10 and 10 still (per the security to enter comments) considering I have apparently missed a historic steak night. All I can say is that I have been impressed with Sullivan’s in the past and thank god we got let in after Jevon’s walking orders just a handful of steak nights ago. Funny how a trend seems to be emerging where the night is a lot more fun when I am not there…tear forming…
Happy to return to Sullivans, considering it was my pick the first time around and a smashing success. This evening was no different. I showed up a bit early to test out their Gimms and I was most satisfied. I also wanted to squeeze an extra in under Glick’s dime, thanks John. Upon Reeshard “The Drunk Idiot” Ray finally arriving, we were taken to our table in the dining room. It was distinctly more quiet then I recall. However, the exuberance of our server, Michelle “the red head” Ray (no relation) made up for any calm there was in the crowd. A big gold star to Can’t drive 55 for sharing the blog with the staff and to the staff for their intent review of nicknames – bravo.
The apps were excellent. Sullivans does a nice twist on fried calamari, which includes a bit of an Asian flare and is quite tasty. My “big bone” rib eye was killer. A ton of flavor and cooked to perfection. Sullivans is always consistent and I actually think they improved upon their performance for this version of steak night. Note to the proprietor – do something with the gorgeous space you have upstairs that now sits empty.
Looking forward to the next time around.
It was said in passing by a member of our audience, that perhaps my comments lacked a bit of gusto. With that sentiment in mind, I shall rant.
Talk about returning to the scene of the crime…. the smell of gin still lingered softly after 3 plus years. I too found the bar area to be a welcome sight, fine jazz filled the room, while a young lass decked out in the “house” garb was very friendly sight in welcoming our party.
It cannot go unmentioned that old Scotty Markets aka Lamb Boat, AKA Sprout’s daddy has been noticeably absent as of late. It is unacceptable and fills me with great sadness and emotional distress.
I concur with Ole Gimms, the dining room lacked a bit of energy that one comes to expect on a Thursday in downtown; that coupled with the numerous sparklers that were brought forth for 6 birthday’s threatened to make a trip to Sullivan’s more like a trip to TGIFriday’s. However, redoubtable steaks, fantastic sides (see gouda mac and cheese) and better than average starters, made Sullivan’s a gentleman’s choice.
$16 glasses of scotch and after dinner drinks pushed the bill to the highest levels in months; however, the excellent company, the dramatic weather and friendly banter made for a 7.5 ranking.
Paging Dr. Martin, Dr. Martin… your presence is needed in October
The word that comes to mind to describe Sullivan’s is underrated. It may not have the cache of some other places and perhaps it should because it delivers.
I didn’t arrive until 8:15 because I have the misfortune of working half way across the state. The distinguished gentlemen were already seated when I arrived. I spoke to the hostess to find our table and was greeted with the following “Are you with steaks and cigars, you must be the drunk idiot, follow me.” This certainly set the tone for a memorable evening.
I ordered the porterhouse, which was great. The pesto fritters were excellent and the calamari is the best this side of Capital Grille. Excellent sides too and I believe they were presented in a manner that met the expectations of Mr. Thoresen.
Our waitress was a master of her craft and also possessed the greatest last name in the history of mankind. The dining room was a bit slow for a Thursday night. I think the smoking ban is the greatest law ever. Your clothes no longer smell like smoke after a night out, you get a break from Glick over the course of a meal as he goes outside to smoke, what’s not to like. However I will say every time I went to the bathroom and passed through the empty cigar lounge I wished we could go up there for a post dinner drink and stogie.
Once again I did not win at credit card roulette. I have not won once, a losing streak that rivals the Pittsburgh Pirates.
At some point after dinner I lost my cell phone. However there were no clever signs posted or discussions with the Tribune this time and the cell phone was not recovered
Let me start off by saying that I am proud to have lost at credit card roulette. How could I have possibly taken away from the man of the hour, the birthday aka Mr. President?!? Next time…next time.
On to the food and atmosphere. I was impressed with the meat and loved the scenery, especially the young woman from some country in the Balkins. In any event, all good times. I also have to admit that I was a big fan of the attention poured on to us. Although I still haven’t determined whether the printout was created before our arrival, or afterwards. I’m not sure that it really matters though, as it was still pretty goddamn cool to be loved like that.
You guys have already covered the waitress and everything else interesting, but let me add a thing or two about the recommended “dressings” for the steak. Well, just one thing: DON’T DO IT! The best idea of the night was easily using the dressings as “dips”. Innovation and never settling gentlemen, that and hard-work, is what will get our nation’s children through these tough economic times and keep us ahead of the Chinese.
I would give Sullivans a 8 out of 10, and it misses out on the 9/10 because a) nobody gets a 10, or else they stop trying and b) who the hell recommends dressing for a steak? Awful, just awful.
Well, for all of the future/redo steak joints out there, remember one thing, we want good steaks and always send us your “Best”.
And the now for the grand finale…. I must say I was aggressive in my order of the trio of filet mignon. After being walked through the available sauces during the appetizer course I decided I needed all of them on top of my delicious cuts. inevitably it was overwhelming and I sadly admit I failed in completing the deed. The pesto fritters were delectable as was the calamari. The rains came and we stayed. I too was impressed by our well researched wait staff. I have not managed to walk free since my return from africa. Onward to October. Scoooooter, where is the fiyuh?