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La Grande Boucherie
ZipPicks Awards
Best French in River North
Best Steakhouse in River North
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in River North
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in River North
Master Critic Review
La Grande Boucherie
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
La Grande Boucherie brings a Parisian brasserie-and-steakhouse hybrid to a dramatic Belle Époque space overlooking Dearborn. Under chef Michael Taus, the kitchen now backs the grand room with improved escargots, steak frites, and rich desserts plus a well-priced lunch and brunch program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boeuf Bourguignon, Prime Steak Frites, Crème Brûlée
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Huge Art Nouveau brasserie marrying French classics with Chicago steakhouse energy.
Who should go: Groups wanting scene-y French steakhouse dining.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing and value.
What to order: Escargots, steak frites, shared dessert like crème brûlée.
Insider tip: Use the prix fixe lunch or brunch to experience it for less.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; limited metered street parking in River North. Most guests use nearby paid garages or occasional dinner-service valet when offered — expect downtown pricing.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses are common, but polished jeans are generally acceptable.
Noise level: Lively and bustling during peak dinner; conversation is workable at smaller tables but can feel loud for quiet catch-ups.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended — walk-ins may face long waits (often 45–90 minutes) or bar seating only during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially outside peak convention or holiday periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, egg dishes, and pasta/brasserie classics can be ordered vegetarian or easily adapted.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable sides and salads may be modifiable; best to confirm options with the server.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — steaks, seafood, and some salads can be prepared gluten-free upon request, but cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want an impressive, high-energy brasserie setting; less ideal if you prefer a quiet or intimate conversation-forward first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up between seatings, but expect a wait on weekends and prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who can handle a busy dining room; high chairs and space for strollers are limited during peak service.
Best For
Better for: Grand, dramatic atmosphere; group celebrations and business lunches; classic French steakhouse dishes with accessible prix fixe lunch and brunch value.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, cutting-edge French cooking, or a casual, budget-focused dinner.