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 2,176 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 lively atmosphere with "fantastic vibes" and "superb service." Known for its "exquisite food," the restaurant excels in creating memorable experiences, perfect for celebrations or date nights. Highlights include the "42oz Waygu flap" and "beef fat fries." While some find it "a bit pricey," the overall ambiance and culinary delights make it a "must-visit" in Chicago.
2,176 Reviews
K
Keiosha
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 4
Service 5
Ambience 5
Good 1st experience. Super loud in the restaurant . I’m usually always cold but I was HOT. Food was great
Is this helpful?
A
Adrianna
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Fantastic food, service and ambience. We loved it!!!!!!
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C
Christopher
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
Great on all counts! High-level, knowledgeable service, fun scene, beautiful table presentation, creative yet accessible menu of exceptional quality.
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C
Cyrinity
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 4
Ambience 5
We had the 42oz Waygu flap, Japanese sweet potatoes(my personal favorite) & fries and everything was great! I wish our table was a bit bigger. Our server was kind, patient and attentive. Great spot to celebrate an accomplishment or a cozy date night.
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A
Alexis
VIP
Chicago
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
Overall 5
Food 5
Service 5
Ambience 5
From the time we walked in the door to the time we left the customer service was amazing!! The food was good! Try the empanadas and the beef fat fries and ribeye were also good!! I would highly recommend. I went for my birthday!! Shout out to Scott! Great service!!
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S
Stan
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
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
Greater Boston
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 18 February 2025
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 on 18 February 2025
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 on 17 February 2025
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 on 18 February 2025
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 on 17 February 2025
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 on 18 February 2025
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
349 reviews
5.0
349 reviews
Dined on 16 February 2025
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 on 18 February 2025
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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FAQs
El Che Steakhouse & Bar is rated 4.7 stars by 2176 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.
