October’s Steak Night brought us to Shula’s Chicago location. The group was primed to kick off the fall season with a place not yet graced by the presence of the fine gentlemen of Steak and Cigars.

The Group:
We were down a few this time but the clan of Crenshaw, Cole, Thoresen, Ray (Rick), Glick, and Fedderke brought plenty of thunder.

The Scene:
Situated off of the lobby in the Sheraton Hotel Streeterville, it had a classic steakhouse feel once inside, but instead of classic Chicago figures, the walls were adorned with classic Dolphins of old. Cocktail hour was fairly tame. When Kid Ray isn’t there the bill magically shrinks to a reasonable amount. Hans spent some time in the depths of the Chicago underworld trying to find parking. He made it out. Everyone in the group was on time and we promptly sat down a nice round table, amidst just a few other patrons.

The Apps:
We started off with some bbq bacon wrapped shrimp, calamari “fries,” and a crab cake. All were well done. Good not great. Standard Oregon Pino selection by J Cizzle on the wine. Always good in my opinion.

The Steaks:
Instead of the standard platter of meat, Shula’s brings you a football, signed by the man himself, with all of their steak options listed on the side. I offered $50 to someone if they would kick a field goal in the restaurant. No takers though. I had the bone-in NY strip. I was a respectable piece of meat. Again, nothing jaw dropping here, but totally serviceable.

The Sides:
Potato gratin, roasted corn, creamed spinach, and mashed potatoes. I found them all pretty decent. The creamed spinach was a little too cheesy for me but Thoresen threw an “outstanding” label on it.

The Desserts:
While everyone made fun of my Creme Brûlée selection, I don’t remember anyone turning it away either. We also had the standard key lime and carrot cake. Who puts carrots in a cake?

Conclusion:
In closing, Thoresen won the lotto which was nice since they chose to add the tip in to the bill already. I guess you can expect that in a touristy, hotel housed place like this.

I think Shula’s is probably forgotten about b/c of the location and lack of all around atmosphere, but I think it can hold a candle to many of the average / above average places we’ve been. I think there’s a compliment in there somewhere. While not undefeated, I think on a given night it could look like a borderline wild card team.

6.5 / 10.

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