High expectations, met with a gloomy reality  – One Clap

After several repeats in recent months, the group looked forward to welcoming a new, highly touted steakhouse to Chicago.  Unfortunately, the much hyped Chicago Cut failed to fully deliver.   A wall full of glass windows, a soaring ceiling and tremendous views of the river provide a stunning setting for this loop newcomer.   However, tables are grouped too close together, the service has yet to find their rhythm and aspects of the food leave much room for improvement.

Upon arrival, the group checked in and met for drinks.  The bar, while good looking, is too small and over crowded.   Tables, patrons and servers bounce into each other in perpetual motion.  After waiting for 30 minutes past our reservation to be seated, we were ushered to a table that was stacked on top of other parties and without sufficent space for the waitstaff to get by. 

Wine: The wine list on an Ipad, while “cutting edge”, leaves you feeling as though you are not at a steakhouse, but rather visiting the Apple Store.  Call me old school, but I like a place that prides itself on a Bible like book of fine grapes.  That said, for our trouble they comped us a nice bottle of pinot noir.

Appetizers: Our appetizers, while complimentary because of our wait, were the least satisfactory on record.  “Crab Bites” were frozen and lacked any true meat.  This area of the menu could use a great deal of work. 

Steaks:   It is a steakhouse, so here is where the rubber meets the road.  The Chicago Cut did not disapoint.  Cooked perfectly, I was thrilled with the namesake on the menu. 

Sides:  Another strong suit, the best creamed spinich I have had to date, complimented with very good hash browns and truffled potatoes.

Dessert: Brad was the birthday boy and enjoyed the benefit of an outstanding cheesecake.

Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a lesson in patience.  It shows that my thirst to go somewhere new, perhaps out weighed the need to let this place work out the kinks.  We will return down the line, but it was too soon. 

Rating: 6

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