Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

isabellejkendrick
Jul 3
2 min read

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf has been on my Chicago dining wishlist for a while—and I finally snagged a few coveted bar seats for dinner. This upscale steakhouse delivers on every front: timeless speakeasy vibes, moody interiors, exceptional service, and a fantastic menu.

We kicked off the evening with a Spicy Pickle Tequila Martini, an off-menu gem that set the tone for the night. The drink had the perfect balance of briny, spicy, and smooth, and easily ranks as one of the best pickle martinis I’ve had in Chicago. Major props to the bartender for the creativity and execution!

Spicy pickle tequila martini served at the bar at Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf in Chicago.

For starters, we went with the Wedge Salad and the house Bread for the Table. The wedge was crisp, chilled, and generously topped—classic in the best way. The bread was warm and soft, a must-order to soak up every bite of the meal.

Classic wedge salad and house bread service at Bavette’s steakhouse.

For our entrees, we split the Wagyu Burger and the Petite Filet Mignon—both outstanding. The burger was simple and executed flawlessly, just high-quality beef and flavor. The filet mignon was cooked to perfection: tender inside with a crisp, seared crust.

The real standout? The Truffle Mac and Cheese. It had a golden, crispy top layer and a rich, creamy interior bursting with truffle flavor.

To wrap up the night, we ordered the Chocolate Martini with a shot of espresso—basically a luxurious adult milkshake. Light, creamy, and perfectly sweet, it was the ideal finish to a decadent meal.

Chocolate espresso martini dessert cocktail on a moody bar counter.

From expertly crafted cocktails to rich, indulgent entrees and sides, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is absolutely worth the wait. The moody interior, attentive service, and standout dishes make it a top-tier dining experience in Chicago’s River North. I’ll definitely be returning to explore more of the menu.