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Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.4
Bazaar Meat is José Andrés’ high-concept steakhouse in the Bank of America Tower, built around tasting menus, dry-aged vaca vieja ribeye and theatrical small plates. Diners lean on it for special-occasion splurges and pre-theatre nights when they want wagyu, caviar cones and a room that feels more like a stage set than a clubby chop house. Strong critical attention and a World's Best Steak Restaurants nod keep it on the short list for destination steak in the Loop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vaca Vieja Ribeye, Foie Gras PB&J, Caviar Cone
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A theatrical, tasting-driven steakhouse where Spanish-inflected dishes, dry-aged beef and dramatic design turn dinner into a choreographed experience.
Who should go: Diners chasing theatrical, tasting-style steakhouse experiences and splurges.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours before theatre or big night downtown.
What to order: Vaca Vieja ribeye, Foie Gras PB&J, Caviar Cone to start.
Insider tip: Book the dedicated tasting menu and ask for a table with a clear view of the exhibition kitchen so you see the fire and plating show throughout the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is available in the Bank of America Tower with evening validation through the restaurant on most dinner services; valet is sometimes offered during peak weekends. Street parking in the Loop is limited, especially before theatre curtain times.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and cocktail attire are common, polished denim is acceptable but the room reads formal.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during prime dinner hours — conversation is possible at two-tops, but expect energy and ambient music rather than a quiet room.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits or lounge seating only near peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically dinner-only service — do not expect lunch availability.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some thoughtful small plates and a few composed courses can be made vegetarian — best to notify when booking so the kitchen can plan the tasting flow.
Vegan options: Very limited — this is a beef-centric concept; the team may accommodate select courses with notice, but a full vegan progression is unlikely.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes and steaks are naturally gluten-free and staff are attentive to modifications; alert your server so pairings and sauces can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if you want a high-impact, theatrical experience where the tasting format and presentation drive the evening. It’s better for milestone or statement dates than casual getting-to-know-you drinks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally — the bar or lounge may take limited walk-ins early evening, but main-room tables are usually booked in advance, especially on theatre nights and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the experience, pacing, and pricing are geared toward adults and special occasions. Older teens comfortable with tasting menus may enjoy it; younger children are unlikely to be a fit.
Best For
Better for: Showpiece steakhouse dining with Spanish-inflected tasting menus, dramatic plating, and signature items like vaca vieja and caviar cones — ideal when you want spectacle and chef-driven storytelling rather than a traditional chop-house format.
Skip if: You want a quiet, classic steakhouse with oversized cuts, à-la-carte simplicity, or a budget-minded meal — or if your group needs broad vegan options.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.6
A theatrical steakhouse built around showpiece cuts, Iberico, and playful José Andrés signatures in the Bank of America Tower. The room delivers a true occasion feel—best when you commit to one marquee steak, add one “only here” starter, and let the service pace the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bone-in ribeye, Octopus, Tarta de Queso
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A José Andrés steakhouse with theatrical, high-touch service.
Who should go: Celebrations, steak obsessives, opera-night diners
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing
What to order: Bone-in ribeye, octopus, tarta de queso
Insider tip: Anchor the meal around one signature steak, then share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available in the Bank of America Tower; nearby garages plentiful but expensive. Street parking is extremely limited, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual to formal. Jackets, dresses, and polished footwear feel appropriate; jeans are acceptable only if styled dressy.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — energetic dining room with buzz, but conversation at the table is still comfortable.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may be faster if available.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait with a reservation; short waits possible for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward starters and sides can be combined into a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with advance notice, but not the kitchen’s core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many naturally gluten-free proteins and dishes; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a confident or celebratory first date than a low-pressure one. It’s expensive, theatrical, and high-touch, which can feel intense but very impressive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely at peak dinner hours. Early evenings or late bar seating offer the best chance, but reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. Best for teens who enjoy steakhouse dining and can handle a long, structured meal.
Best For
Better for: High-impact celebration dinners, showpiece steaks, and diners who want a polished, theatrical experience with top-tier service.
Skip if: You want a quiet, understated steakhouse or are price-sensitive — simpler Loop steakhouses will feel more relaxed and less expensive.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A theatrical, steak-forward dining room that mixes showmanship with serious cuts and a luxe tasting-menu rhythm. The best move is to anchor the table with one marquee steak, then add one signature starter and one vegetable or mushroom side for balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wagyu steak, Caviar cone, Mushrooms and potato purée
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A high-theater steakhouse experience built around showpiece cuts.
Who should go: Celebrations and steak lovers who want a scene
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer service flow
What to order: Wagyu steak, a signature starter, mushrooms or sides
Insider tip: Commit to one big steak, then keep the rest shareable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at the building; street parking is very limited and unreliable in the evening. Rideshare is often the easiest option.
Dress code: Dressy casual to upscale—jackets and heels fit right in; jeans are fine if styled sharply.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—conversation is possible, but the room is energetic, especially at peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation is common; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused operation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward starters and sides can make a composed meal, though the menu is steak-centric.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and staff guidance, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for an occasion than a low-pressure first date—the room is theatrical, expensive, and attention-grabbing, which can overshadow getting-to-know-you conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at the bar on weeknights, but dining room walk-ins are risky—book ahead if timing matters.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—while older teens who enjoy steak may be fine, the cost, pacing, and atmosphere are geared toward adults and celebrations.
Best For
Better for: High-impact steakhouse theater, José Andrés flair, and celebratory energy—this is about spectacle as much as the food.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, strong value pricing, or a menu where vegetables or lighter fare are the focus.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Birthday & Celebration Central
Hidden Gems Heaven
A theatrical, steak-forward dining room where showmanship meets serious cuts and a tasting-menu rhythm, hidden upstairs in a sleek Loop tower. It’s best when you commit to one headline steak and fill in with one signature starter and one vegetable or mushroom side for balance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jamón Ibérico de Bellota, Pluma Ibérica de Bellota pork, Marquee steak (ask the server’s pick)
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-theater steakhouse experience tucked upstairs downtown.
Who should go: Celebrations and steak-first diners
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother service flow
What to order: Jamón, pluma pork, a marquee steak
Insider tip: Anchor the meal with one big cut—don’t over-order starters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Nearby paid garages in the Loop; street parking is very limited and unreliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets, heels, and elevated evening wear feel appropriate; jeans are fine if styled well.
Noise level: Moderate to high energy — conversation is possible, but the room has buzz and theatrical moments.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation is common; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Not typically a lunch spot; dinner-only experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-driven starters and sides, but the menu is clearly steak-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — possible to assemble a meal from select vegetable plates; best to flag dietary needs in advance.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many naturally gluten-free proteins and sides; staff is generally knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an impression-driven, high-theater dinner. It’s more celebratory than intimate, so it works best for confident, conversation-ready dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you’re flexible or willing to sit at the bar. Weekends are difficult without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The experience is long, theatrical, and expensive; better suited for teens or adult celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Showmanship, unique cuts, and a sense of occasion compared to more traditional steakhouses.
Skip if: You want a quiet, classic steakhouse or a quick, value-driven steak dinner without theatrics.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.4
A theatrical steak-and-technique dining room where the strongest “menu experience” meals balance showy small bites with one headline cut. Treat it like a paced tasting: start with the signature snacks, move into one composed hot plate, then anchor with a single steak and one side to keep the meal coherent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cotton candy foie gras, Bone-in ribeye, Bagel & lox cones
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A high-theater steakhouse with a true tasting-style progression and signature spectacle dishes.
Who should go: Celebrations and steak-first diners
When to visit: Weeknights for steadier service flow
What to order: Cotton candy foie gras, ribeye, Bagel & lox cones
Insider tip: Anchor the night with one marquee steak—use the rest as tasting-style support.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available through the building; street parking in the West Loop Gate area is limited and becomes difficult after early evening.
Dress code: Dressy casual to formal. Jackets and heels are common; jeans are acceptable but lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate-loud. The room is energetic and theatrical, but table conversation is still possible.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation is common; bar seating may open earlier.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though reservations are still recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes, but limited. Several vegetable-forward dishes and tasting-style plates are available, though the menu is steak-centric.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible with advance notice, but not ideal as a primary vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Yes. Many dishes can be modified, and the staff is accustomed to handling gluten restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a memorable, high-impact experience. The theatrics and pacing create a strong impression, though it’s better for confident diners than low-key first meetings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or at the bar, but reservations are strongly advised—especially for weekends and celebrations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. While children are allowed, the pacing, pricing, and theatrical focus make it better suited for adults and special-occasion dining.
Best For
Better for: Showmanship-driven tasting progression, signature spectacle dishes, and celebratory steak dinners that feel like an event.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional steakhouse or a strong plant-based menu—simpler or more classic options will feel more comfortable.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.4
A theatrical steakhouse experience where private dining works best as a paced progression—playful technique-driven starters, then one headline cut to anchor the table. It’s strongest when you commit to a focused order and let the service guide the timing so the meal stays coherent and celebratory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cotton candy foie gras, Bone-in ribeye, Philly cheesesteak
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A high-theater steakhouse with event-ready private dining and strong service choreography.
Who should go: Celebrations and steak-first diners
When to visit: Weeknights for steadier pacing
What to order: Foie gras, ribeye, Philly cheesesteak
Insider tip: Pick one marquee steak and build around it—don’t stack multiple big cuts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service is typically available during dinner service; nearby paid garages and limited street parking are also options. Street parking tightens significantly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished, especially for celebrations and private rooms.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but the room carries energy during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; private dining requires advance booking.
Weekday lunch: Not offered—dinner-focused operation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—vegetable-focused starters and sides can be combined into a full meal.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to coordinate with the restaurant in advance for private dining.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, celebratory dates than low-pressure first meets—the theatrics and pacing work best when you’re ready to lean into the experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends and private dining almost always require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children—the menu, pacing, and price point skew adult and celebration-focused.
Best For
Better for: High-theater steakhouse private dining with guided pacing and memorable, technique-driven moments.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key steak dinner or a purely traditional steakhouse without showmanship.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
8.4
A theatrical, chef-driven steakhouse designed for a high-energy date—tableside moments, bold flavors, and a menu that rewards committing to the “experience” rather than just ordering a lone steak. Go with one premium cut plus one signature showpiece starter, and treat dessert as part of the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cotton Candy Foie Gras, Bone-In Ribeye, Basque-Style Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Steakhouse drama and technique-forward plates built for a full experience.
Who should go: Couples who want a lively, theatrical dinner.
When to visit: Friday or Saturday dinner for full energy.
What to order: Cotton candy foie gras, bone-in ribeye, basque cheesecake.
Insider tip: Ask about tableside items early—some are easier to time at the start.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available through the building or nearby hotel partners; limited street parking and metered spots are difficult to find after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy—jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—energetic room where conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and sides that can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but not the menu’s strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many naturally gluten-free proteins and dishes; staff is knowledgeable about modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a second or third date—the high energy, theatrics, and price point shine when you’re already comfortable and ready to lean into the experience together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you’re flexible or willing to sit at the bar, but weekend dinner is tough without planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—while children aren’t prohibited, the pacing, price, and lively atmosphere are geared toward adults and celebratory dinners.
Best For
Better for: Theatrical dining, chef-driven creativity, and memorable tableside moments that feel like an event rather than a standard steakhouse meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, classic steakhouse vibe or a straightforward steak-and-sides dinner without spectacle.