Given the credibility of Chicago Magazines top Steak House list, I thought I was going to be quoting Public Enemy after this one….”Don’t Believe the Hype”. I could not have been more wrong. It is rare these days we find an establishment we have not dined. With December presenting light numbers for the group, Bavette’s was in play. You see, Bavette’s doesn’t take reservations for more than 6, which has always made it difficult for our party to bring it in the fold. While this group initially perceived that rule as a bit high-brow, when you are in Bavette’s and take in the floor plan it makes perfect sense.
I arrived late after multiple work holiday parties and well in stride. I was greeted by the Drunk Idiot, Zee German and Cizzle at the bar. Glick showed just after me and an Oban later we were taking to our corner booth in the downstairs parlor. Wreaking of rich mahogany – Bavettes has a great atmosphere and we were all ready to go.
Our server, Johnny, was on point and eager to please. He was forthcoming with his recommendations and personable, took to the vibe of the group and helped set a nice tone for the evening.
The group started with shrimp cocktail, garlic shrimp de jonghe and foi gras terrine which were all spot on. The steak selection was technically 3 cuts, which could draw some questions from the group, even if there were multiple variations – bone in and bone out or dry/wet aged. I prefer dry all day long and that is what I went with – dry aged rib-eye with roasted bone marrow. Sides selected were creamed spinach, elote style corn and of course, thick cut bacon.
My steak was simply outstanding. Outstanding. It was cooked to perfection and the half cut bone with the roasted marrow didnt over power the steak. In fact, the marrow was largely separate from the steak which I thought was perfect. The sides also killed. The creamed spinach with blue cheese and caramelized onions I think tops Del Frisco’s for best creamed spinach in the city. The corn, while a nice dish and tasted great, was just not my style. The bacon was excellent as well – I would argue we should have gotten that as an appetizer and not side – but enjoyed it none the less.
Overall, Bavette’s lived up to the hype. This is going to be a staple place for me to go for a long time to come. The best steak dinner and service we have had in a long time and was a great way to close the year. Sorry to those who missed!
9.5

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