A warm atmosphere and an excellent steakhouse menu make this a local favorite.

The Scene
You can find glitzier steakhouses in the city, but it's hard to beat the Saloon for comfort. A cozy room on the ground floor of the charming Seneca Hotel, the Saloon glows with romantic amber light, and the handsome decor--rust-colored walls, brass table lamps, black and white photography--enhances the intimate scene. A sophisticated crowd of Streeterville regulars hunkers down in booths and at the bar; amiable, seen-it-all servers provide efficient, well-paced service.

The Food
Expertly prepared American fare puts this restaurant right up there with Chicago's top red-meat joints. Portions are huge, but it's still hard to say no to starters like moist, meaty lump crab cake or prime rib quesadillas. On the lighter side, there's ripe beefsteak tomatoes and onions with crumbled blue cheese. However, these are all just warm-ups to the steaks, which include a tender, sliced NY strip with bordelaise sauce, and the deservedly famous bone-in filet, a juicy, smoky prime cut that's worth fasting for. You won't have room, but white-chocolate croissant pudding is a must for dessert.