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Boeufhaus
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Boeufhaus
8.7
Boeufhaus is a French- and German-inspired brasserie and steakhouse on Western Avenue where dry-aged steaks, French onion gratinée, and bistro sides are treated with fine-dining technique. Locals treat it as a small, serious meat-focused dining room for lingering dinners, strong wine, and rich sauces rather than a quick neighborhood steak stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-Aged Ribeye, French Onion Gratinee, Boeuf Fat Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Intimate brasserie marrying serious steakhouse cooking with French bistro technique.
Who should go: Steak-focused diners who enjoy rich, brasserie-style plates.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners when the room feels lively but focused.
What to order: Dry-aged ribeye, French onion gratinee, Boeuf Fat Fries.
Insider tip: Reservations are small-room precious; book ahead and plan to linger over courses.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Western Avenue and nearby residential streets; can be competitive during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — think elevated bistro attire; jeans are fine if polished
Noise level: Moderate — lively brasserie buzz but still comfortable for conversation
Weekend wait: Often booked out; expect long waits or no availability without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — typically dinner-focused service
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful — expect salads and a few vegetable-forward plates depending on the season
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead to confirm accommodations
Gluten-free options: Some options available — many dishes are naturally protein-focused; staff can advise
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate dining room, attentive service, and steakhouse-meets-brasserie cooking make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on slower weeknights, but the room is small and often booked — reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the vibe leans adult, with a compact room and rich, steak-focused menu better suited to teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Steak lovers who appreciate French technique, rich sauces, and a cozy, intimate dining room rather than a large-format steakhouse
Skip if: You’re looking for a budget-friendly meal, vegan dining, or a loud, high-energy steakhouse scene
Boeufhaus
8.6
Boeufhaus is a compact West Town steakhouse where 55-day dry-aged ribeyes, short rib beignets, and careful sides come off a tiny line with surprising polish. Locals use it when they want Chicago steakhouse-level meat without the downtown pomp, with a bar that works as well for solo steaks as it does for date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
55 Day Dry Aged Ribeye, Short Rib Beignets, Cauliflower Gratin
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Neighborhood-scale steakhouse marrying French-German brasserie cooking with serious beef.
Who should go: Steak fans wanting big-flavor meat in a relaxed room.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or bar seats on quieter weeknights.
What to order: 55-day dry-aged ribeye, short rib beignets, cauliflower gratin.
Insider tip: If reservations are tight, watch for early bar seats for solo or duo walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood, generally easier on side streets but can be tight during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy
Noise level: Moderate — you can usually hold a conversation, but it can get lively during peak dinner service
Weekend wait: Expect a wait if you don’t have a reservation, often 30–60 minutes depending on time
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is primarily a dinner destination
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present — there are a few vegetable-forward starters and sides
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead if you need vegan entrees
Gluten-free options: Several items are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted — staff is helpful about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate without being stuffy, with great lighting and a polished-but-relaxed feel that works well for a special first dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — your best chance is early evening or at the bar on weeknights. Peak weekend times usually require planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s more of an adult, date-night steakhouse. Older teens are fine, but younger kids may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: A neighborhood-scale steakhouse experience with serious dry-aged beef and thoughtful sides — without the downtown formality or expense
Skip if: You want a large, traditional steakhouse scene with big crowds, tuxedoed service, or an extensive kid’s menu
Boeufhaus
8.8
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Boeufhaus is a narrow Humboldt Park steakhouse where dry-aged beef, French-leaning small plates, and serious wine service anchor a bistro-style dining room. The intimate back space and buyout options make it a strong choice for private dinners that still feel like a night out, not a banquet hall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry-aged ribeye steak, Steak frites, Beef tartare
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef-driven steakhouse energy in a compact space with intimate buyout options.
Who should go: Small groups seeking serious beef and bistro-style privacy.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for peak steakhouse buzz and service.
What to order: Dry-aged ribeye, steak frites, beef tartare platter.
Insider tip: Ask about large-format steaks and pre-set menus for private-room groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; it can be tight on weekends so plan extra time or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jackets and heels fit in, but polished jeans are fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bistro energy, but you can still hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: Expect little flexibility without a reservation; prime times book out well in advance.
Weekday lunch: Not typically open for lunch — dinner reservations are the norm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few composed plates and starters, but the focus is steak.
Vegan options: Very limited — best to call ahead if strictly vegan.
Gluten-free options: Possible — staff is knowledgeable and can guide you toward naturally gluten-free dishes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re aiming for an impressive, intimate steakhouse that still feels relaxed. The dim room and polished service make it ideal for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally early or late, but most dinner slots fill ahead — book ahead, especially for weekends or groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — it’s best suited to adults, celebrations, and date nights rather than young children.
Best For
Better for: Private celebrations where you want serious steakhouse cooking in a more intimate, chef-driven setting than a large-format steakhouse.
Skip if: You want a casual, loud bar steakhouse vibe, budget-friendly dining, or a wide vegan/vegetarian menu.
Boeufhaus
8.9
Boeufhaus is a compact West Town steakhouse where dry-aged ribeyes, hanger steaks, and French-German bistro plates anchor a low-lit room built for lingering dates. Couples come for precise cooking, serious wines, and a grown-up atmosphere that feels special without going full white-tablecloth.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry Aged Ribeye, Shortrib Beignets, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Intimate neighborhood steakhouse where dry-aged cuts meet bistro-level cooking.
Who should go: Couples who want serious steak in a cozy room.
When to visit: Later evening seatings for a slower, more romantic pace.
What to order: Dry aged ribeye, shortrib beignets, steak frites.
Insider tip: Book a small table toward the back to soften door and bar traffic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in West Town can be limited during dinner hours; allow extra time or use rideshare if possible.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets, dresses, and polished denim all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — it's lively but you can still carry on a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face long waits or limited availability.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically served; dinner is the main focus.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options, but the menu is steak-focused — expect limited dedicated vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Very limited — this is not an ideal choice for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be adapted; notify your server and they’ll help guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate room, thoughtful service, and polished steakhouse cooking make it a standout for romantic nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, especially midweek, but seating is limited — reservations are the safest bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the atmosphere is adult, quiet, and wine-focused, best suited for older teens or special occasions.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, chef-driven steakhouse dining with a neighborhood feel rather than a flashy corporate vibe.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, lots of casual kid options, or a big, bustling steakhouse with expansive menus.