0 Followers
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés
ZipPicks Awards
Best Steakhouse in Loop
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Loop
Best Trendy Restaurants in Loop
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Loop
Best Tasting Menus in Loop
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Loop
Best Date Night Steakhouse in Loop
Master Critic Review
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.