Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Gold Coast / Streeterville
Carson’s Ribs Chicago’s Original #1 Essential BBQ - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago, Chicago, IL

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago

4.7
4.7
2069 Reviews
$31 to $50
Barbecue

Make a booking

2 people
21:00
Booked 27 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
  • Charming
America's #1 BBQ since 1977. Carson's dedication to hearty portions and an unwavering commitment to finest quality makes it no wonder why people love Carson’s for over 45 years. Carson's slow-smoked BBQ babyback ribs are a star attraction. Other must-try items include BBQ or Greek Chicken and Chops, Salmon, Shrimp, USDA Certified Black Angus, Prime Steaks, Award-Winning Cole Slaw, homemade salad dressings, homemade corn bread, scratch-made potato sides, homemade desserts and more. Located conveniently in Streeterville, nearby Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue on Ogden Slip of Chicago River in a tastefully renovated cozy warehouse space with exposed brick and wooden beams over 100 years old. Above the glow of candlelight, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jordan, and hundreds of other notable Carson's fans join you in your meal. Come see why Carson's is a quintessential ONE AND ONLY #1 BBQ landmark restaurant in Chicago serving award winning competition style BBQ and Prime Steaks.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-9200
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue now has a beautiful event space to host large parties. Our Classic Chicago River Room can be reserved for large private events for complete sit down dinners with a private bar. The River Room has lovely views of Ogden Slip and City lights, exposed brick, wood beams, picture windows, tablecloths, waiter service, full bar and wine list. Aside from our River Room, we have a fabulous large stand alone private dining room table perfect for elegant celebratory occasions. Carson’s is an authentic Chicago family owned and operated restaurant since 1977 which delivers a PERSONAL TOUCH hard to find elsewhere. We serve Delicious Award Winning Barbecue, Prime or Angus Steaks, Chops, Chicken, Shrimp, and Salmon. Desserts, side dishes, and cornbread are also HOMEMADE. Large carry out orders are available for pick up. Please contact Party Planner Nick (323) 540-4888 You may also feel free to contact owner Dean Carson at 773-310-1000
  • Private party facilities
    Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue has beautiful event space to host large parties. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your party needs and reserve your important date.
  • Area
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Cross Street
    Lake Shore Drive
  • Parking details
    4-HOUR SELF PARKING AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $12 at Downtown Chicago in Streeterville. Self-park directly across the street; enter on Illinois Street at Parkview Garage - 456 E Illinois St. The garage is UNDERGROUND below One Bennett Park. Please validate your ticket at Carson's front desk at the end of your visit. For questions, call 312-280-9200.
  • Public transit
    CTA 66 Chicago Bus - Eastbound toward Navy Pier | Take the CTA Red Line "L" to Grand & State, then walk or bus 7 blocks east on Illinois Street.
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace

What 2,069 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Chicago offers an exceptional dining experience with "delicious food," "outstanding service," and a "beautiful and pleasant" ambiance. Renowned for their ribs, steaks, and "generous portions," Carson's is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Guests rave about the "craft cocktails," "comfortable seating," and "amazing views" of the Chicago River. Whether for special occasions or casual outings, Carson's promises a memorable meal.

2,069 Reviews
  1. kathy

    VIP

    Cleveland

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our server, Heather, was great! She was attentive, informative and fun.

    Is this helpful?

  2. EDWIN

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Daniel was very friendly and he changed my view in steaks ! I would always get well done. He recommended medium and WOW! Filet mignon was AMAZING My husband and I went for our 4th year anniversary and no regrets! Food was 10/10 we got the Turf and turf, half combo,Corn bread, french onion soup and cucumber margarita. It was just all so good! Yum yum yum!!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Thanks Edwin for this great review of Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago. We are very fortunate to have an amazing staff who are not only knowledgable but love to go above and beyond for the guest and their experience. We love that you chose us to celebrate your anniversary and that our food was 10/10! It will be our pleasure to have you back again soon for another amazing filet mignon.

    Is this helpful?

  3. George

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always the service and the food was fantastic! I come here every change I get when in Chicago.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Hi George. We truly appreciate this lovely 5 star review of Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago and our amazing service and fantastic food. We look forward to having you back again. Kind regards.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Nicole

    VIP

    Chicago

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on 25 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Came on Christmas Day service and food was great! Had the cesar salad and cornbread for appetizers. Drink-Margarita was very good. Corn bread is the best I ever had. Entree was ribs, so meaty and delicious! Coleslaw is so good. Fries were just ok. Will definitely be back!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Thank you Nicole for taking the time to provide such a positive review about our amazing, meaty and delicious bbq ribs following your recent 5 star dining experience at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago. We truly appreciate you letting everyone know your feedback that we are a great restaurant with great coleslaw, delicious cocktails and the best cornbread you've ever had. We will look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind Regards

    Is this helpful?

  5. Victor

    Mexico City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Extraordinario lugar. La atención muy buena y la comida excelente.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Gracias Victor!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Marsha

    VIP

    Chicago

    92 reviews

    5.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on 24 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Carson’s Ribs is awesome. It is a great and safe neighborhood; tourist; family; date or friendship venue.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 26 December 2024
    Hello Marsha. The entire Carson’s team would like to wish you a very happy holiday and New Year. Thank you for being such a loyal awesome guest.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Marykay

    VIP

    Chicago

    46 reviews

    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellence food and service. One of the best all around restaurants in Chicago. Lively vibe, excellent food and variety. Thank you Carson’s!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 27 December 2024
    Happy Holidays Marykay! We are always thrilled to serve you and Al. Thank you for your kind compliments about Carson’s excellent food and service. We are proud you consider us to be one of the best all around restaurants in Chicago. We look forward to welcoming you both back again for another wonderful evening. Happy New Year

    Is this helpful?

  8. Irv

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was wonderful however the service was just average. We had to ask three or four times for a simple service such as empty plates for barbecue rib, bones, before we finally receive them. This occurred in several other areas as well. I found the overall service fairly good And the food excellent. My wife and I will return. 
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 7 days ago
    Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback Irv. We appreciate you bringing it to our attention. We will share your message appropriately within the organization.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jeremy

    Amarillo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The whole experience was wonderful. The food and service were excellent. We’ll return and we will recommend.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 27 December 2024
    Hello Jeremy. Thank you very much for your 5 star rating of Carson’s Ribs of Chicago. We truly appreciate your recommendation letting everyone know your dining experience was wonderful and that the food and service were excellent. We look forward to you return ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Happy New Year 2025

    Is this helpful?

  10. David

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 20 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just an all around great dinner. Really appreciated the service. And the prime rib was delightfully prime.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 26 December 2024
    Happy Holidays. Thank you for taking the time to provide such a positive review about our slow roasted amazing prime rib following your recent 5 star dining experience at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago. We truly appreciate you letting everyone know your feedback that you had such a great dinner. We will look forward to serving you again in the future. Happy Holidays

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 280-9200.

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago is rated 4.7 stars by 2069 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
21:00
Booked 27 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago

465 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Lake Shore Drive
  • Area
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    4-HOUR SELF PARKING AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $12 at Downtown Chicago in Streeterville. Self-park directly across the street; enter on Illinois Street at Parkview Garage - 456 E Illinois St. The garage is UNDERGROUND below One Bennett Park. Please validate your ticket at Carson's front desk at the end of your visit. For questions, call 312-280-9200.
  • Public transit
    CTA 66 Chicago Bus - Eastbound toward Navy Pier | Take the CTA Red Line "L" to Grand & State, then walk or bus 7 blocks east on Illinois Street.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-9200
  • Catering
    Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue now has a beautiful event space to host large parties. Our Classic Chicago River Room can be reserved for large private events for complete sit down dinners with a private bar. The River Room has lovely views of Ogden Slip and City lights, exposed brick, wood beams, picture windows, tablecloths, waiter service, full bar and wine list. Aside from our River Room, we have a fabulous large stand alone private dining room table perfect for elegant celebratory occasions. Carson’s is an authentic Chicago family owned and operated restaurant since 1977 which delivers a PERSONAL TOUCH hard to find elsewhere. We serve Delicious Award Winning Barbecue, Prime or Angus Steaks, Chops, Chicken, Shrimp, and Salmon. Desserts, side dishes, and cornbread are also HOMEMADE. Large carry out orders are available for pick up. Please contact Party Planner Nick (323) 540-4888 You may also feel free to contact owner Dean Carson at 773-310-1000
  • Private party facilities
    Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue has beautiful event space to host large parties. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your party needs and reserve your important date.
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo