Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table.
Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.
For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.
Why they're an Icon
Executive chef: John Manion
From the OpenTable editors: A live fire grill glows at the heart of El Che, a South American–inspired steakhouse lined with glossy black marble and tile that Chicago Magazine named one of the best restaurants in the city. Chef John Manion grew up for a few years in Brazil and got into asado grilling while traveling in Argentina. Come prepared to feast on seafood platters with charred lobster tails and the party steak, a 42-ounce wagyu flap with red and green chimichurri. Those in the know also appreciate the wine list, which exclusively showcases South American makers and won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
Semi-private dining room that seats up to 25 guests. Buyouts and large party reservations available. Please contact us at jboyer@elchebarchicago.com if interested.
There is a parking lot located directly across from the restaurant with limited availability. Street parking available, as well as valet services at Soho House around the corner on Green Street.
Public transit
CTA Green & Pink Lines -- Morgan CTA Blue Line -- Grand
48oz Porterhouse RR Ranch Washington StateUS$255.00
Creekstone Farms
Certified Black Angus | Kansas
8oz Filet & Dada SauceUS$61.00
8oz Filet & 'Surf & Turf'US$90.00
1/2 Lobster Tail, Lobster Diavola Butter
14oz Prime Center Cut Ribeye US$69.00
32oz Prime Dry Aged Bone-In RibeyeUS$145.00
Sides
Beef Fat Fries
Garlic, Parmesan, Chimi Aioli
Papas Bravas
Pimenton Aioli, Aged Cheddar, Scallions
Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Vinegar Caramel, Chimichurri
What 2,171 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
4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.2Value
Noise • Moderate
Review summary
AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Che Steakhouse & Bar offers a "warm and inviting" atmosphere with "amazing food" and top-notch service. Guests rave about the delicious steaks and unique dishes like beef fat fries and empanadas. While some find it "a bit pricey," the overall experience is often described as "phenomenal" and "a must return" for special occasions.
2,171 Reviews
S
Stan
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
The entire staff made my wife feel very special on her birthday, as this is her favorite restaurant in Chicago….kudos to El Che once again.
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P
Pamela
VIP
Greater Boston
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Exquisite food and beautiful space. The highlight of the dinner was the waiter. Nico was extremely attentive and welcoming!
El Che Steakhouse & BarResponded 2 days ago
Pamela, thank you for your kind words! We’re delighted that you enjoyed both the food and ambiance, and we’ll be sure to pass your compliments along to Nico—he’ll be thrilled to hear it. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable evening!
Best regards,
El Che Team
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D
David
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
It was so good and we had a lovely time. Will be coming back soon
El Che Steakhouse & BarResponded 2 days ago
We're so glad you had a lovely experience at El Che, David! Come dine with us again soon and let us know which dishes are your favorite - so far!
Best,
The El Che Team
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C
Christine
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 5
Had an amazing experience with a great wine list! We would love to come back and try some more of their delicious food
El Che Steakhouse & BarResponded 2 days ago
Thanks for rating us 5 stars, Christine! We're so glad that you thoroughly enjoyed your experience at El Che, and even more ecstatic that you appreciated our South American wine list. Come dine with us again soon and tell us what you've yet to try on the menu!
Best,
The El Che Team
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R
ROBERT
VIP
Chicago
348 reviews
5.0
348 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
El Che never disappoints. We loved the grilled oysters, the sweetbreads, and the NY strip. And definitely order the beef fat fries to go with anything! Do good.
El Che Steakhouse & BarResponded 2 days ago
We're so glad that you keep returning to El Che, Robert! The Grilled Oysters, Sweetbreads, and Prime NY Strip is a solid Che culinary journey. Thank you for believing in our Beef Fat Fries just as much as we do! Come dine with us again soon!
Best,
The El Che Team
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L
Liz
VIP
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
I hadn’t been here and years and was excited to come back, it was excellent all around. Service, pace, food, atmosphere. I’m always hesitant to order a dry aged bone in rib eye because of the cost and of course you want it to be perfect, and this was! Thanks for the awesome meal.
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J
Jacob
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Everything was amazing! Couldn’t recommend El Che more!
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A
Alex
Chicago
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 4
El Che was a good experience, it is a little dark inside and I ordered truffle on my dishes that i could barely tell were on there due to the lighting, other than that. Great food, atmosphere pretty solid. I would return again for the Mar De Plata but For $800+ for two people I was not blown away.
El Che Steakhouse & BarResponded 2 days ago
Alex, we appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear you enjoyed the food and atmosphere. We understand how lighting can impact the dining experience and will keep that in mind. Your thoughts on the Mar de Plata and overall value are invaluable to us—we’re always striving to deliver an experience that truly wows. Hope to have you back soon!
Best regards,
El Che Team
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s
sasha
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great service & Connor was a great server? My steak was a little overcooked by the staff did a great job with brining me a new one and the food was really good :) I would definitely come back!
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J
Jordan
VIP
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
This place doesn’t miss! Fantastic vibes, food, and service.
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FAQs
El Che Steakhouse & Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 2171 OpenTable diners.
El Che Steakhouse & Bar does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.
Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.
There is a parking lot located directly across from the restaurant with limited availability. Street parking available, as well as valet services at Soho House around the corner on Green Street.
Public transit
CTA Green & Pink Lines -- Morgan CTA Blue Line -- Grand
Semi-private dining room that seats up to 25 guests. Buyouts and large party reservations available. Please contact us at jboyer@elchebarchicago.com if interested.
