Restaurant Review: Mastro’s Steakhouse

Price: $$$$ ($50 and up per person) Last weekend, my boyfriends parents came to town to visit us from Boston. For most people, this situation would probably drum up tons of anxiety and ensue a potentially uncomfortable situation. However, I am one of the lucky ones who have the most incredible “dating in-laws” (yes I made that up) that you can ever imagine. These people are truly my second family and I couldn’t have been more excited to have them in town! 🙂

Dan’s Mom is a huge foodie, and asked me to plan the weekends dinners. Instantly, I knew I had to take them to Mastro’s. I had heard really great things about the place, but hadn’t gotten around to trying it yet. That being said, Saturday night we headed over to there and now I’m going to tell you what I thought!

Food Review: 

Here is what we ordered and some feedback on each of the dishes:

1) Ahi Tuna Tartare: This dish was literally incredible. Not only was it some of the freshest tuna I’ve tasted, but it was beautifully layered with avocado and crushed wontons (for texture). It was topped with a delicious sauce so complex in flavor, it is difficult to describe. It will be the best $17 you can spend on tuna, I promise.

2) Caesar Salad: I’m sort of a caesar salad snob and I have to say, this one really didn’t meet my expectations. I don’t love caesar dressings that have a heavy “anchovy” flavor , and this one definitely did. If that’s your thing, then by all means order it, but I can’t endorse this one. At $12…you can skip it!

3) French Onion Soup: Wow. This dish deserves a standing ovation. It’s crazy how a soup as simple as french onion could send my taste buds to another galaxy. The soup was rich and full of a deep beef flavor (they are a steak house, so it makes sense) and topped with delicious bread and so much cheese, it was a meal in it of itself!

Insider tip: If you are on a budget, but want to check out Mastros, head over to the bar area one night  and just order this soup. Not only will it be one of the best soups of your life, it will totally fill you up and only cost you about $11 :).

4) Hamachi with Crispy Onions: Now normally I’m not the biggest hamachi fan, but if you put crispy onions on anything, I’m totally going to try it. This dish was pretty simple and delicious. The fish was very fresh and the crispy onions added great texture. A little expensive (about $22), so I may not order it again.

5) Filet Mignon: So THIS is why you come to Mastro’s! This steak was probably one of the best I’ve had in my entire life. Dan’s Dad and I both got this and couldn’t stop talking about how incredible it was. The steak comes out on a plate so hot that the steak is still sizzling and cooking (picture fajitas coming out at a Mexican restaurant).

My guess is they cook it pretty rare and it cooks the rest of the way right on the plate. At $42-48 per steak, I know it’s not affordable, but if you like a great steak, save up and try this one!

6) Creamed Spinach: When a steak is so good, who even needs sides, right?! This spinach wasn’t my favorite. I don’t know if it is just my taste buds, but to me, it lacked flavor. For $10…I’d pass on it.

7) Asparagus: Another lackluster side. I had it grilled and I just wasn’t totally impressed. There wasn’t really anything bad about it, but for $11, it wasn’t anything special either.

8) Warm Butter Cake: Holy deliciousness. I physically don’t think I’ve ever tried a better dessert in my entire life. Since I eat more than the average person (I’m not proud of this lol), that’s a pretty incredible compliment. This cake is truly indescribable (I could try, but probably wouldn’t do it justice) and you’ll just have to head down to Mastro’s to try it out for yourself!

Decor Review:

This place is pretty amazing! It’s a true mix of “traditional steak house” with a modern, trendy twist. It’s dimly lit and is definitely one of Chicago’s hot spots.

The bar area is surely somewhere I’d go back to and hang out. They had amazing live music, delicious cocktails and a fun atmosphere!

Verdict:

Do yourself a favor, if you love steak, great seafood and mind-blowing deserts, save up a little and head over to Mastro’s Steakhouse on 520 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood.

Have you been to Mastro’s? What do you think? Do you have any other favorite steak restaurants in Chicago?

Love always,
Erica