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Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
8.7
Bavette’s is a dimly lit steakhouse with clear French bistro DNA, known for dry-aged beef, classic cocktails, and a room that feels both bustling and romantic. Massive review volume and long-running popularity make it one of River North’s most reliable spots for celebratory steak-and-red-wine dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye Steak Frites, Roasted Bone Marrow, Chocolate Cream Pie
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: French-leaning steakhouse with top-tier cocktails and consistently packed rooms.
Who should go: Steak lovers seeking moody, celebratory dinners.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings or late nights for peak atmosphere.
What to order: Ribeye steak frites, bone marrow, chocolate cream pie.
Insider tip: Request downstairs seating for the most intimate, jazz-clubby feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Evening valet typically available near the entrance; nearby garages within 1–2 blocks; street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — dark denim or jackets are common; avoid overly casual athletic wear
Noise level: Lively and dim — conversational across a small table, but expect a steady buzz during peak hours
Weekend wait: 60–120 minutes without a reservation for prime times; bar seats may open sooner
Weekday lunch: Generally not open for lunch on most days — check hours if visiting midday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — a few salads, sides, and pasta-style plates depending on seasonal menu
Vegan options: Very limited — most items rely on butter, cream, or beef prep; call ahead for accommodations
Gluten-free options: Yes — steaks and many proteins can be prepared gluten-free on request; inform your server for modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the low lighting, jazz-club vibe, and strong cocktail program make it a romantic, high-impression setting, especially for later evening seatings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — walk-ins can try for bar or lounge seating, but expect long waits on weekends; arriving late or early evening improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the room is dark, adult-leaning, and best suited to teens and older; there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Romantic steakhouse dinners with a French-bistro edge, classic cocktails, and a mood-driven room that feels special-occasion without being formal
Skip if: You want a quiet, bright dining room, broad vegan/vegetarian options, or a casual, budget-friendly steakhouse experience
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
9.0
A dim, candlelit French-leaning steakhouse where dry-aged beef, strong cocktails, and rich sides meet a room that feels both celebratory and intimate. Locals use it for big steak nights that still feel relaxed rather than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged ribeye, Roasted bone marrow, Chocolate cream pie
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 9
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: French-leaning steakhouse where moody lighting and rich steaks define the night.
Who should go: Couples and groups planning indulgent, cocktail-heavy steak dinners.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for full buzz and bar energy.
What to order: Dry-aged ribeye, roasted bone marrow, chocolate cream pie.
Insider tip: Request a downstairs table if available for the most transportive feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Evening valet typically available; street parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses common, but nice jeans are acceptable
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at closer tables, but bar areas can run loud
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes opens sooner
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — salads, sides, and a few non-steak entrees can be composed into a meal
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is steak- and dairy-forward with few fully vegan dishes
Gluten-free options: Several steak and seafood items can be prepared gluten-free on request; confirm with your server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, intimate booths, and classic cocktails create a romantic, conversation-friendly setting that works especially well for confident, longer dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and lounge seats turn over periodically, but prime hours book out; arriving early or late evening improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — it’s a moody, adult-oriented room with a steak-centric menu; older teens comfortable with longer dinners may be fine.
Best For
Better for: Romantic steak nights, classic cocktails, and a moody, transportive atmosphere where the experience feels celebratory without being stiff or formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet dining room, broad vegan or vegetarian choices, or a quick, casual steak dinner without reservations.
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
8.9
Bavette's is a dimly lit French-leaning steakhouse where steak frites, pommes frites with garlic aioli, and a serious burger make fries feel as central as the beef. Since opening in 2012, it’s become a River North destination for celebratory dinners where rich plates, strong cocktails, and crisp, golden fries all land with impressive consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ribeye steak frites with hand-cut fries, Pommes frites with garlic aioli, Griddled cheeseburger with fries
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A French-inspired steakhouse where steak frites and pommes frites are destination dishes.
Who should go: Steak and fry obsessives planning polished, lingering dinners.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings when the room is buzzing but composed.
What to order: Ribeye steak frites, pommes frites with aioli, griddled cheeseburger.
Insider tip: Order an extra cone of pommes frites to share across the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot — most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare; limited metered street parking in the area and can be difficult during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses common, but polished jeans are acceptable
Noise level: Moderate-to-buzzy — conversational at smaller tables, louder during peak dinner rush
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation at peak times; bar seating may open sooner
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when service is offered, though availability varies by day
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, especially sides and salads — mains skew heavily steak-focused
Vegan options: Very limited — menu is not designed around plant-based dining
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be adapted (steaks, some sides) but fries and bread-based items are not gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim lighting, polished service, and cozy booths make it a strong choice for a confident, slightly upscale first date or second date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated at the bar or during off-peak hours, but prime evenings almost always require an advance reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it leans adult, celebratory, and cocktail-focused; older teens may be fine, but it is not geared toward young children or families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Rich, classic steakhouse dining with consistently excellent steak frites and crisp pommes frites served in a moody, celebratory room
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly meal, a quiet dining environment, or a menu with broad vegan or kid-focused options