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Ocean Prime

87 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
$$$$
Steakhouse, Seafood, Sushi

ZipPicks Awards

Best Steakhouse in Loop Best Seafood in Loop Best Sushi Rolls in Loop Best Date Night Steakhouse in Loop

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Ocean Prime 8.6
Loop
A high-volume, reservation-driven surf-and-turf room where the steakhouse side is most reliable when you keep the order classic: broiled steaks, one rich side, and a clean starter. It reads more modern-lounge than old-school clubby, making it a strong downtown choice for polished nights out and client dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, Black truffle mac & cheese
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.8 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Modern surf-and-turf polish with a consistent steakhouse backbone.
Who should go: Date nights, client dinners, downtown occasion seekers
When to visit: Weeknights or early reservations for best pacing
What to order: Filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, truffle mac & cheese
Insider tip: Keep it classic: one steak per person plus one shared side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at the restaurant; nearby garages are plentiful but fill quickly on weeknights after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jackets, cocktail attire, and heels all fit; jeans are fine if styled upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Easy to talk at the table, but the room has a buzz, especially near the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 10–15 minutes, faster earlier in the lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several vegetable-driven starters, salads, and sides can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable. Sides and select starters can be modified; staff is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Yes. Steaks, seafood, and many sides are naturally gluten-free, and servers are allergy-aware.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want polished and energetic rather than quiet and intimate. It signals effort and feels celebratory, though it’s not a low-key hideaway.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-peak times or by sitting in the lounge, but dinner hours are reservation-driven. Plan ahead for prime slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes, but it’s better suited for teens than young kids. The atmosphere and pricing skew adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Modern steakhouse energy, surf-and-turf flexibility, and a scene-forward dining room that works for dates and client dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet, old-school steakhouse vibe or a purely steak-centric experience without lounge energy.