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La Grande Boucherie
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
La Grande Boucherie
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
La Grande Boucherie brings a Parisian brasserie-and-steakhouse hybrid to a dramatic Belle Époque space overlooking Dearborn. Under chef Michael Taus, the kitchen now backs the grand room with improved escargots, steak frites, and rich desserts plus a well-priced lunch and brunch program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boeuf Bourguignon, Prime Steak Frites, Crème Brûlée
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Huge Art Nouveau brasserie marrying French classics with Chicago steakhouse energy.
Who should go: Groups wanting scene-y French steakhouse dining.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing and value.
What to order: Escargots, steak frites, shared dessert like crème brûlée.
Insider tip: Use the prix fixe lunch or brunch to experience it for less.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; limited metered street parking in River North. Most guests use nearby paid garages or occasional dinner-service valet when offered — expect downtown pricing.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses are common, but polished jeans are generally acceptable.
Noise level: Lively and bustling during peak dinner; conversation is workable at smaller tables but can feel loud for quiet catch-ups.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended — walk-ins may face long waits (often 45–90 minutes) or bar seating only during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially outside peak convention or holiday periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, egg dishes, and pasta/brasserie classics can be ordered vegetarian or easily adapted.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and salads may be modifiable; best to confirm options with the server.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — steaks, seafood, and some salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request, but cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an impressive, high-energy brasserie setting; less ideal if you prefer a quiet or intimate conversation-forward first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up between seatings, but expect a wait on weekends and prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who can handle a busy dining room; high chairs and space for strollers are limited during peak service.
Best For
Better for: Grand, dramatic atmosphere; group celebrations and business lunches; classic French steakhouse dishes with accessible prix fixe lunch and brunch value.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, cutting-edge French cooking, or a casual, budget-focused dinner.
La Grande Boucherie
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
La Grande Boucherie brings a Parisian brasserie-meets-steakhouse format to a soaring Belle Époque-inspired room just off the river. Guests lean on steak frites, côte de boeuf, and bistro classics when they want French-leaning steak in a showpiece setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Côte de boeuf for two, French onion soup gratinée
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Grand French brasserie where steakhouse cuts meet Belle Époque theatrics.
Who should go: Guests wanting steak with a dramatic, Paris-inspired room.
When to visit: Weekend dinners or brunch for full room and sunlight.
What to order: Steak frites, côte de boeuf, French onion soup.
Insider tip: Budget extra time for photos; the interior is part of the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — expect paid garages within a short walk; street parking is limited, especially evenings and weekends
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished jeans are generally acceptable
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours — conversation is possible but the room can feel buzzy
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; without one, waits of 45–90 minutes are possible during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins are often seated with short delays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, sides, and a handful of bistro-style mains can be made vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and sides may be modifiable with guidance from the server
Gluten-free options: Several items can be prepared gluten-free on request; staff can help navigate sauces and breads
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dramatic dining room and French steakhouse vibe create a memorable setting, best for couples who want a lively, scene-forward atmosphere rather than something quiet or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally accommodated at off-peak times, but peak dinners and weekends typically require a reservation to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and special-occasion family meals; the space is formal and portions are large, with limited options geared toward very young children.
Best For
Better for: Guests who want French-leaning steakhouse dishes in a grand, visually striking room with a celebratory feel
Skip if: You prefer quiet, low-key steakhouses, minimalist dining rooms, or menus focused on dry-aged or hyper-traditional American steakhouse cuts
La Grande Boucherie
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
La Grande Boucherie brings a Belle Époque-inspired French steakhouse-brasserie to a sweeping, glass-roofed space just off the river. Under a big, glowing ceiling, guests move from onion soup and tartare to steak frites, seafood towers, and rich desserts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soupe à l’Oignon with Gruyère, Prime Steak Frites with herb butter and pommes frites, Coquilles St. Jacques with sea scallops and mushrooms
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A theatrical French steakhouse-brasserie where grand Art Nouveau design, classic bistro dishes, and a serious steak program share the stage.
Who should go: Steak and French classic fans who like grand rooms.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to enjoy the space without chaos.
What to order: Soupe à l’Oignon, steak frites, Coquilles St. Jacques.
Insider tip: Target weekday prix-fixe or Restaurant Week offerings to sample the room and core dishes at a softer price point.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at dinner; nearby garages are the most reliable option as street parking is limited, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, but polished jeans are generally acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at most tables, but peak hours can feel energetic and echo-y under the tall ceiling.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; without one, waits of 45–90 minutes are possible during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually manageable with short or no wait, especially earlier in the lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, soups, and several bistro classics can be ordered vegetarian or adapted on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward plates may be modifiable, but options are not the restaurant’s focus.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free; inform your server so the kitchen can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the grand room and French steakhouse feel make it impressive and celebratory, best for dates that lean formal or occasion-driven rather than casual conversation-heavy nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are most realistic at lunch or early evenings; for weekend dinners, plan ahead or be prepared to wait at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who can handle a formal dining environment; high-energy weekend dinners may feel overwhelming for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large, scenic group meals, celebratory lunches, and classic French steakhouse dishes served in an architecturally dramatic space.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, highly experimental cuisine, or extensive vegan/health-leaning options — a smaller bistro or modern French spot may suit better.
La Grande Boucherie
8.4
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
La Grande Boucherie brings a Belle Époque French steakhouse-brasserie to a dramatic glass-roofed space just off the river, with a serious steak program and classic bistro dishes. River North offices lean on its prix-fixe lunch and polished service for client-facing meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soupe à l’Oignon Gratinée, Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Grand Art Nouveau room marrying French classics with Chicago steakhouse energy.
Who should go: Clients or executives who appreciate polished French steakhouse dining.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing and service.
What to order: Onion soup, steak frites, shared French dessert.
Insider tip: Leverage prix-fixe lunch or Restaurant Week menus for stronger value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available during peak periods; easiest access is nearby paid garages. Street parking in River North is limited and competitive.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — blazers and business-attire are common for client lunches; polished jeans are acceptable but less typical.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible at most tables, though the grand room can feel energetic during peak services.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; without one, waits of 45–75 minutes are possible at prime times.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated on time with a reservation; walk-ins may face a short wait during peak corporate lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — salads, soups, and a handful of pasta and bistro dishes can be ordered meat-free; staff is accustomed to accommodating requests.
Vegan options: Limited — menu skews classic French and steakhouse; possible to build a meal with salads and vegetable sides if you request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — several steaks, seafood, and salads can be prepared gluten-free on request; inform the server for guidance and substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an impressive, grand setting with polished service — it feels formal and celebratory rather than casual or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and off-peak hours are your best bet, but prime dinner and weekday lunch periods generally require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who are comfortable in formal dining rooms; there’s no dedicated kids’ menu and pacing leans adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Client lunches, celebratory French steakhouse meals, and groups who value a dramatic room with attentive, professional service.
Skip if: You want a quiet, casual meal, budget-focused dining, or menus with broad vegan/plant-based options.