Master Critic Review
CHOP Steakhouse & Bar
7.7
Canada's 18-location steakhouse concept making its first U.S. play, splitting the difference between a traditional beef program and a seafood-forward menu that gives the miso-glazed sea bass equal billing with USDA Prime cuts. Happy hour pricing and half-price wine Tuesdays give it all-day utility that most steakhouses in the Grove don't match. Still in its first year inside CocoWalk's high-traffic footprint, building a local identity with solid early execution but limited track record to judge long-term consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Miso-Glazed Sea Bass, Prime Tomahawk (32 oz), Smoked Prime Rib Eye
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Canada's celebrated steakhouse brand making its U.S. debut, with Executive Chef Stephen Clark running a kitchen that treats seafood with equal seriousness to USDA Prime beef — a modern steakhouse that breaks the dark-wood-and-cigar mold.
Who should go: Groups wanting premium steakhouse range without stuffiness
When to visit: Tuesday for half-price wine bottles, or weekday happy hour 3–6 PM
What to order: Open with Steak Bites and $2 happy hour oysters, then let the table split between a Tomahawk and the Miso-Glazed Sea Bass — end with the carrot cake, which reviewers consistently flag as a sleeper standout.
Insider tip: The weekday happy hour (Mon–Fri 3–6 PM) offers $2 oysters, $5 drafts, and $12 cocktails — it's one of the best value plays in Coconut Grove for the quality level.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: CocoWalk multi-story garage on-site. Weekday daytime: $4 for 2 hrs, $8 for 2-4 hrs. Evenings: $8 Mon-Wed, $10 Thu-Sun flat rate. Weekend flat rate: $10. No restaurant-specific validation confirmed—call ahead to confirm if dining validation is offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—nicely dressed but not formal. Think dark jeans with a blazer or a casual dress. The space is stylish and modern (10,000 sq ft), so you'll want to match the energy without overdoing it. No sportswear or flip-flops.
Noise level: Split personality—the island bar and lounge area get lively and loud, especially weekend evenings. The main dining room is more refined and conversation-friendly. The covered outdoor patio sits in between. Request indoor dining room seating for a quieter experience.
Weekend wait: Reservations recommended—still building buzz as a newer opening (June 2025) but gaining popularity fast. Brunch (Sat-Sun 10 AM-3 PM) draws crowds.
Weekday lunch: Open daily from 11 AM (10 AM weekends). Typically easy to walk in for weekday lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—broader menu than typical steakhouses. Salads, wild mushroom risotto, shareables, and vegetable sides. Chef Stephen Clark's menu extends well beyond beef.
Vegan options: Moderate—more options than most steakhouses given the seafood-forward and globally-inspired menu. Salads and vegetable dishes can be adapted. Call ahead for specifics.
Gluten-free options: Not specifically labeled on the menu. Steaks, seafood, and vegetable dishes are naturally gluten-free. Call ahead for strict dietary needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, with the right table selection. The main dining room has warm, sophisticated ambiance with ambient lighting and elevated decor — well-suited for a romantic evening. Request an indoor table or the covered patio for a cozier experience. Avoid the island bar/lounge area for a date, as it gets lively and loud, particularly during game nights and happy hours. One reviewer specifically noted excessive noise from teenagers on the patio at CocoWalk, so an indoor table is your safest bet for uninterrupted conversation. Half-price wine bottles on Tuesdays make for a strong date night value play.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are feasible during off-peak hours — weekday lunches, early afternoons, and late-night (they're open until midnight weekdays, 1am Fri-Sat). This is a large 10,000-square-foot space at CocoWalk with substantial seating capacity, so your odds are better here than at smaller spots. However, weekend dinner prime time (6-9pm Fri-Sat) and Sunday brunch are popular, so book 2-3 days ahead for those windows. Reservations are available through their website.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — CHOP has a dedicated kids' menu for guests 12 and under, which includes a beverage and gelato with chocolate sauce. The overall atmosphere is upscale-casual rather than formal, and the spacious CocoWalk setting keeps things feeling open and approachable. The covered patio and bar/lounge area tend to be livelier and noisier, which can work in your favor with kids since there's ambient energy to absorb any kid-related noise. Brunch is an especially good option for families (Sat from 10am, Sun from 10am).
Is it good for groups? Yes — this is the strongest group dining option of the four restaurants listed. CHOP has a private dining room specifically designed for birthdays, special events, and celebrations. The 10,000-square-foot footprint means multiple seating zones: indoor dining room, island bar/lounge, and covered patio, giving groups flexibility. The shareable menu format (appetizers, steaks, seafood platters) works well for communal dining. Book the private room in advance by calling (305) 692-0762 for parties of 8+.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — CHOP has a covered wrap-around patio at CocoWalk with stylish design and ambient lighting. The covered aspect is a notable advantage for Miami's unpredictable weather and intense sun. It's a large, well-appointed outdoor area that blends into the CocoWalk pedestrian energy. Note: the patio can get noisy during peak hours due to foot traffic and the CocoWalk crowd, so if you prefer quieter dining, opt for indoor seating.
Best For
Better for: Versatility—this is the best all-around option for groups with different tastes. USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood (miso sea bass is a standout), raw bar, shareables, plus brunch and late-night service until midnight (1 AM Fri-Sat). Half-price wine bottles every Tuesday (up to $200). Private dining room for events. Happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6 PM.
Consider Alternatives If: You want authentic Argentine parrilla tradition or an intimate neighborhood experience. CHOP is a polished Canadian chain (18 locations in Canada) making its U.S. debut—excellent execution but less soul than the independent Argentine spots on this list. The bar area can feel more 'scene' than 'dinner.'
Hours
Monday11am - 12am
Tuesday11am - 12am
Wednesday11am - 12am
Thursday11am - 12am
Friday11am - 1am
Saturday10am - 1am
Sunday10am - 12am