We went to Chicago Chop House a couple of years ago and had a great meal that was reasonably priced. In fact it was one of the cheapest steak nights on record. Thus a return trip seemed in order.

I guess the previous trip set us up for the utter shock when we opened the menus and saw the prices. There was a split second of relief when it was realized the menus on the table were not the actual menus. The real menus were delivered and the prices were not much better, $70-$100 for a steak. What the fuck?

Unfortunately the sticker shock of the menu set the tone for an evening that was memorable for all of the wrong reasons. Although the group took the collective approach of “we are here let’s suck it up and enjoy it”. The tone was set and there was little positive momentum.

Perhaps the silver lining is despite the ridiculous prices the food was excellent. I had the bone in filet that was cooked to perfection and literally fell off the bone, packed with flavor. The truffle mac&cheese, au gratin potatoes and corn were all delicious sides. The scallops and crab cake appetizers were also top notch. Although the food was great it did not justify the price but it really would have sucked to pay those prices for a bad meal.

We had a private room, which was a nice twist on more traditional seating and provided a different experience. The service was average at best.

People were fired up about the integrity of steak night. While I am all for holding steak night in the highest regard and having positive productive discussion around rules and violations I didn’t feel that’s what happened. It seemed to have a more negative tone, which didn’t help the evening get on track.

It wasn’t all bad. There were some great one-liners and the group had a lot of fun making fun of Scotty for moving to Wisconsin, something he denies. Which sort of feels like Clinton saying “I did not have sexual relations with that woman”. Yeah you did Bill and Scotty we know your moving.

You know how some veterans wait their whole career to win the Super Bowl yet it continues to elude them. Then some rookie wins the Super Bowl his first year. That’s kind of how credit card roulette was last night; I have been going to steak night for three plus years and have no wins. Cartwright wins on his third dinner.

It is always a pleasure to hang out with Chicago’s finest gentleman regardless of the evening. However for me personally overall this was the least enjoyable steak night to date.

The batting order has been updated on the website. Chris “Muddle the limes” Holinger is in the batter’s box.

Cheers,
The Drunk Idiot

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