This legendary Italian Steakhouse serves the finest prime, aged steaks and chops in a truly warm "Chicago" atmosphere. Harry Caray's has won numerous awards including "Best Steakhouse" by the Chicago Tribune's Dining Poll and Best of Citysearch Poll, Wine Spectator's prestigious "Award of Excellence" every year since 1989, and has been ranked continuously in the top 100 highest grossing restaurants in America. The friendly, energetic atmosphere embodies the amiable personality of the restaurant's namesake. The combination of mahogany paneling, white tablecloths and a veritable museum of baseball history creates a warm and casual elegance. Located in the heart of Chicago's River North, Harry Caray's Chicago, designated the "Official Home Plate of the Chicago Cubs," is within walking distance of numerous major hotels and office buildings.
I was disappointed
by
Pat B.
|
Insider Guru
| Rank: 1,336
I don't know, maybe it's me. They are a very nice restaurant and a sentimental fave with Chicagoans because of the late, great Harry Caray. But this place did not really stand out for me. The appetizers and most dinner items seemed overpriced, and the food was good, not great. However the ambience and the excellent staff are something to rave about.
Posted 09/02/05 | Report Abuse
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Great Food --- Fun Environmnet
by
Carol M.
|
Insider Guru
| Rank: 321
I am a huge Cubs fan so I had to go to this restaurant. The food is well priced, and delicious too!!! The atmosphere is relaxing and provides a lot of nostalgia for any baseball fan.
Posted 07/17/05 | Report Abuse
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well done the credit physician
by md physician
the credit physician and the restoration 750 club,out celebrateing another home owner geting the keys to there new home,the credit physician helps first time home buyers acheive the american drem of home ownership,why not celebrate by haveing a steak at harry carays,its awesome and the service is great,we sited the credit physician ,helping another person with a low score,good job harry carays your food is awesome and your staff the best
Pros: the credit score over 750
Cons: low credit score
Posted 11/09/09
Worth trying
by cynthiawood
I enjoy dining here with friends. The Italian food is well prepared. Sometimes their service is not up to par with their great food, but overall it is worth coming here.
Posted 07/07/09
Take Me out to the Ball Park!
by BTZ7783
This has some of the best food and service in the city of Chicago. This is a must visit for anyone traveling, living or moving to the city.
Pros: Great Steak
Posted 03/11/09
Over Rated Experience
by byrdycity
My friend and I were staying @ the Lombard Westin and decided to have a late dinner @ Harry Carrey's Restaurant. The waitor was animated, but slow taken our orders. My friend had the sirlion burger and I had the 8oz Tallgrass filet mignon. I ordered the steak well done, but the middle was clearly RED. I know that rare and pink meats are famous, however I find it Carnivoric (EEEK)! The burger was dry, but flavorful. Needless to say I won't be returning...Too Expensive for mistakes!
Pros: Plenty of Parking
Cons: Service
Posted 12/29/08
Holy cow or Holy cr@p?
by guera399
Spent a weekend in Chicago for an extremely formal wedding extravaganza that was catered by Harry Caray's inside the Westin Hotel. The tomato soup was bland, and the filet and chicken served for the main course was nothing special. My main complaint is that the service was completely unacceptable. The wedding party paid for top shelf liquor only to have bartender's that only knew how to make the most basic of drinks and didn't even speak enough English to really communicate. I ordered six different things over the course of the night to try to come up with something that tasted right and not even a margarita was done well. On top of that the bartenders seemed to have attitude and slammed glasses and rolled their eyes with each drink they made. Had to go to another restaurant and pay to have a few drinks done well only to bring them back to the reception and have the wait staff steal them off the tables. Over all a horrible experience for what was supposed to be a celebratory evening and I will surely never visit this restuarant on my own accord!
Posted 08/16/08
Big Portions!!
by awesome514
I love this restaurant. They make some of the most amazing italian dishes (outside of little Italy, of course), and the portions are enormous!! For the cost conscious, go with the pasta dishes. You can get one entree to split between 2 (or even 3) people. I don't like that the steaks don't include any sides, but I'll live! And, be sure to sit in the bar, or on the "patio." There is no need for reservations or waiting, and they serve a full menu. Plus, the servers are much more easy going than the ones in the dining room.
Oh, and the Mojito Martini is delicious. Just don't drink one on an empty stomach!! You'll be buzzing all night.
Pros: location, food, service
Cons: expensive
Posted 06/20/08
Good food but bad service!!
by rashad83
The food here is good, from starters to main courses and sides.The decor and atmosphere are nice too, but our waitress was snotty and i couldn't figure out why!!!overall good place but not the greatest.
Pros: steak
Cons: service
Posted 04/22/08
great service
by superb84
the food was good we enjoyed our steaks very much. The salads not so much. The sides where about par nothing to write home about. I was told that this place was the best around better than Ruth Criss. Well I have to say I am sorry but Ruth Criss steak house is far better and about the same price.
Pros: cool pictures up on the walls, great service.
Cons: steaks are nothing special see Ruth Criss
Posted 01/17/08
Best Veal Chops Anywhere.
by gregoryh68
We visited Harry Carrys last weekend for our first time and my wife has been mentioning going back, along with her craving for their veal chops since. I also enjoyed their food, atmosphere and friendly service.
- Gregory H.
Pros: Veal Chops a Must.
Cons: none
Posted 01/15/08
Go Cubs Go
by zlsmooth
Harry Caray's is just so much fun. I have always enjoyed the food as well as the service. I recommend it to anyone that is in the area.
Posted 01/07/08
Great Place!!
by cafecritic
Nice atmosphere, consistantly fresh flavorful food and the first place I visit on trips to Chicago. Wayne is a great server! He has been there for many years, explains the menu very well and goes out of his way to make you enjoy your dinner.
Pros: Good Service, Good Food
Posted 09/16/07
They know how to char a steak!
by pogue31
Great steak!..The sports schtick is fun but the food is serious. It's hard to find a steak cook (with hot enough fire) that knows how to "char" a steak (the old phrase is "Black and Blue"); Harry Caray's did it perfectly! The bartender TRIED to make a proper Old Fashioned, but lacked the proper muddling, sugar cube and bitters; a good try with Maker's Mark, though. Super garlicky mashed potatoes and wonderful arugula salad. Lots of families & Cubs fans...noisy...bustling...yet attentive service. Water glasses never reached half empty! To paraphrase Abe Lincoln: "If this is the kind of restaurant you like...you'll like this kind of restaurant."
Pros: Great steaks & salad...no nonsense dining
Cons: Crowded; possible for a long wait
Posted 07/12/07
Good Steaks, Nice casual dining
by sugarywitch
Harry Caray's cooks a great steak, but the ambiance leaves something to be desired. The food lives up to the prices, but clearly they aren't going for a typical steakhouse atmosphere. They do a nice job of creating the sporty casual aura they are aiming for, and it was cute, but generally I prefer a more sedate atmosphere. If you're in downtown for dinner and catch yourself under-dressed for the usual steak house this is the way to go!
The service was very attentive and the waiter was very nice, but perhaps they should ask if you want a description of every kind of meat , since many of us don't need a lesson on the difference between a rib-eye and a fillet.
The bone in ribeye and the asparagus appetizer were both very good. The restaurant also offers tall grass beef for the health conscious, I didn't try it but I thought it was a nice option for them to provide.
Pros: Good Meat!
Cons: Slightly cheesy atmosphere (intentionally)
Posted 06/09/07
Simply Outstanding!!!
by yphawaiian
My wife and I flew from Hawaii to celebrate our wedding anniversary and Harry Caray's treated us like royalty. I had the chops which were outstanding and my wife had the chicken fettucine. My wife said that it was the best chicken fettucine she ever had. The service was good and the atmosphere excellent. Harry would have been proud of his namesake restaurant...MAHALO!!!
Pros: Great food!!!
Cons: LIttle Pricey, but worth it...
Posted 06/03/07
good steaks.
by jbjim
Steaks probably better than Ruth's Chris or Morton's, but no Peter Luger's.
Very crowded, but service was good to very good.
Great for sports fans.
Would recommend if visiting Chicago and looking for moderately priced dinner, kids okay.
Would not recommend if looking for gourmet dining experience, or to impress clients, high maintanence date--you have to shell out a little more cash in Chicago for that.
Pros: great sports bar, good steaks, good to very good service, food/service correlates with price
Cons: crowded, expect a wait
Posted 05/23/07
Absolutly a M-U-S-T
by tonytheb
Are you kidding me! The atmospher the service and the food from taste to presentation. IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THEN THIS!!!!
Posted 01/11/07
Great food, service & ambience
by cmsison
Always a great time and never a disappointment with the food, service and atmosphere (especially for Cub fans).
Pros: Great location-good food & service
Posted 12/04/06
Veal Chop, crab cake, key lime pie, fabulous customer service!
by kaygoldberg
I was at Harry Caray's for a small birthday party. I had the Veal Chop and it truly was the best I have ever had. The seasonings are perfect and it was cook to perfection! I also had the Crab Cake and there were chunks of crab meat which made it really delicious. I then had a piece of their Key Lime Pie. It had the perfect tartness to it - not too tart but the lime taste was there. Service was incredible! Great place to go.
Posted 11/26/06
Bad Food, Even Worse Service
by gotti646
The legend would be dissapointed this establishment is still linked to his name. I knew going in the food was overpriced because of the name and tourist appeal. However, I never guessed it would be this lacking. A seafood corn chowder was average and a slight step above canned soup. The toasted ravioli was a good start but everything headed dowhill fast. Tried the boneless vesuvio as local critics rated it the best in the city. It was bare bones chicken and potatoes. The meat was juicy and cooked well but lacked any real flavor. My date ordered a salad and some of it was brown. We decided to try some tiramisu and the waiter threw the spoon at me. I could expect that at a place like Ed Debevics but not here. We also witnessed waiters rolling there eyes about having to sing his historical song for a birthday celebration. I can understand that would get annoying but please do not show the disrespect or distaste towards the customer. This was one of my worst experiences as a regular diner in top Chicago restaurants, and we will not be heading back
Pros: History
Cons: Bad Food, Bad Service
Posted 11/17/06
You might as well go to Michael Jordans Restaurant.
by strikers699
There was a reason MJ's Restaurant got closed down and so should hary Kary's or however you spell his ridiculous name. Nice sports ambiance but the food is not that great. For a burger I recommend Boston Blackies. Good luck if you go here and support the worst sports team of all time.
Posted 11/09/06
Fun Place - Great NAME!!!
by yoojie
Went to Harry Careys after work with some friends to have drinks and some food. THe atmosphere was fun and cool. Overall a good place to go. I tried the Filet on the recommendation of citysearch, but thought it was good - not the best - I have had better. However the service was great!
Things to try: POTATO WEDGES! They were good.
Posted 06/28/06
Best filet mignon I ever had in my life.
by jbowring
I went for my 28th birthday a few years back and ordered the filet mignon. It was the most tasty filet I ever had. The wedge potatoes were an excellent side, too. I have never forgotten that meal and have longed to go back for it again. Next time I'm in Chicago I will be there for the filet.
Pros: #1 Filet Mignon, Nice bar ambience, Downtown
Cons: Crowded, Parking, Slightly expensive
Posted 10/03/05
Love this place
by ironsij0287
I try to make it to Chicago once a year to see the Cubs and when I go I try to make a stop at Harry Caray's for dinner. Aside from being a Cubs fan's dream to see all the nostalgia, Harry's offers up some tremendous food. This last time I had the filet mignon and it was fabulous. Great wine selection and the servers are friendly and professional every time. I would recommend making reservations if you know for sure you're going there for dinner.
Pros: Cubs fan's delight, Excellent steaks, Great wine selection
Posted 08/30/05
Fathers Day
by sundaze
I took my husband for dinner for Fathers Day and it was awesome experience! First of all we were running late for our reservations, called and they were happy to hold our table, got to Harey Careys and were seated in seconds of arriving, our waiter (RAUL) was GREAT recommended the Snapper (which my husband LOVED) and the pork chops ITALIAN STYLE (was REALLY GOOD) also advised us that for some reason the Lamb did not come out good that day and to stay away from ordering it (how nice of him) We had the WARM apple pie topped with ice cream (to die for) for dessert so overall my husband and I had a GREAT time at Harey Careys and will definitely be putting it in our top favorite list.
Pros: Valet is cheap $7, Wonderful Staff, Fast service
Posted 06/19/05
Holy Cow!
by miknmsty
My husband and I went there on a birthday trip to Chicago. I made reservations online and mentioned the special occasion. When we arrived early, we waited at the bar where we enjoyed a drink and listening to the Cubs fans chatting. We were seated ontime, was waited on in a timely manner and enjoyed a wonderful meal! We both ordered the Wild Mushroom Risotto, it was delish! Before we left, we were deciding whether or not to order desert when the waiter stopped by with a the yummiest Key Lime Pie! All the waiters came by and sang "Hey! It's your birthday! Holy Cow!" We thuroughly enjoyed the experience and can't wait to come back!
Pros: Ambience, fair price, Great food!
Cons: crowded, loud
Posted 06/05/05
Wonderfull Visit
by mn_bill
Our visit to Harry Caray's was the highlight of our visit to Chicago. Being able to sample the cuisine of several of Chicago's "finest", all were a distant second to the first night's visit to Harry Caray's. We planned to dine in the restaurant dining room, but we're persuaded to try dining in the sports bar by a very helpful waitress. I feel guilty that I can't remember her name as her recommendations made for a great dining experience. Her recommendation of the New York strip steak although a little pricey was the best choice all week. Great atmosphere, great service and excellent food make for a great choice for dining in Chicago. Arrive early!!
Pros: service, food, atmosphere
Posted 06/05/05
an experience like no other
by gregmmorrow
Incredibly unique, lively, and interesting. Great for anyone who wants a taste of the local chicago. Great Service, Great Food. Not for those who are choosing between Applebee's or TGIF.
Pros: Steaks, Wine Selection, Memorabilia
Cons: A Very Busy Place
Posted 06/05/05
Chicago Food Nirvana Is Here!
by wlfitzgerald
The *only* place in Chicago where the whole family can have a great time, get the best of what they want, at a reasonable price, and with 5 star service to boot (without asking Dad to wear a tux, Mom to sport 4-inch heels, and check the kids somewhere else!!!!!!).
#1 picks for Adults: Lamb Chops Oreganato -- no doubt the best in the City!; Peppercorn New York Strip; Pulpo; Tomato Salad
#1 picks for Kids: Burgers, Sandwiches, Pasta - and -- the Fries are the best!!!
Dessert? No problem! Add to your hips, stomach, or wherever, especially with the awesome Tiramisu!!
Pros: Menu, Service, Quality
Cons: no reservations time, very crowded popular, high volume traffic
Posted 06/05/05
It was okay...
by m083
The food was good and ample, their Vesuvio style dishes are tasty. The ambience was fine, lots of sports memorabilia on the walls. Not great for a romantic night out, but good for groups. Service was average, at best. Be warned that the soft drink glasses are really small, and you practically have to beg for refills. One of the waiters actually took our soft drink glasses away, but didn't bother to bring us new ones to replace it. It took another 15 minutes before we were able to flag someone down and get new drinks. This didn't necessary ruin our meal, but it wasn't appreciated either!
Posted 03/24/05
Best Steakhouse
by universal2
The best food in downtown Chicago. Their ambience is great. You really feel as if you are in the Hall of Fame here. Their beer is as long as the pitcher's mound is to the catcher. Great place. A must-go-to if you are in the city and want a great meal!
Pros: ambience great
Posted 05/28/04
love it!
by laralescht
One of my favorites!
Harry Caray's is one of my favorites in Chicago! They have the best NY
strip I've ever had! I love how they bring out a tray and show you all the
different cuts of meat that you can choose from. The service is top notch
too.
Posted 05/11/04
Damn good food!
by trishcook
I always thought Harry's was just a sports bar--until I ate dinner there a few weeks ago. The food was amazing; the service attentive; and the atmosphere surprisingly elegant. I highly recommend the antipasto formaggio, Dutchie's salad and chicken vesuvio. If you haven't eaten at Harry Caray's yet, you're missing out on one of Chicago's great restaurants. A must if you're in town.
Posted 05/11/04
bigd3086
by bigd3086
This is surely one of the best restaurants in America. My wife and I were there for the 4th time. We have had something different everytime and each time it was wonderful but the last time was without a doubt the best ever. We both believe our dinners were one of the best we have ever had anywhere. Service is excellent everytime. But what set this visit apart from all the others is we sat next to Ryne Sandberg on the Saturday the Cubs clinched the Division. We Love Harays.
Posted 10/19/03
Outstanding steak
by jallington
I had the nine ounce fillet for lunch. It was delicisous. Best crab cake I've ever had. And the creamed spinach was perfect.
Pros: food, service, histor
Cons: , parking
Posted 07/27/03
Mmmm....
by Godzuki24
Chicken Vesuvio. Nuff said. I have loved Harry's for years and am so glad that it stands the test of time. I come to Chicago and have the chicken every time. It is a decadent meal which satisfies me each and every time.
Pros: Chicken Vesuvio, Atmosphere, Location
Cons: loud
Posted 03/18/03
Good for to go
by jeglum
A great spot for to go stuff Quick good vibes but not in the top 10 for steaks.
Posted 01/12/03
Just o.k.
by bgcsolutions
The ambience is just o.k. the food is average and pricey at that.
Posted 12/26/02
Wild about Harry
by hkygrl
Pricey but the food has been good every time. I haven't been disappointed with this place but it's expensive enough to make me tend to go elsewhere, where blowing a lot of money is really really worth it. This place is good but not that good.
Pros: good food, nice atmosphere
Cons: expensive, standard
Posted 12/26/02
A Legend's Haunt
by Mulsanne
This place oozes of it's namesake. You can almost see him holding court at his favorite table in the corner. I had the best Filet Mignon in years here. Be sure to get a side ( comes piled on a large plate) of sauteed mushrooms. It's heaven!
Pros: nostalgic, great value, men's room attendant
Cons: parking limited, a bit noisy
Posted 12/18/02
A Nice Surprise
by smudgecats
From the start, Harry's has been a great surprise: a celebrity restaurant where the food was worth eating. It isn't someplace you go just once -- you'd go back even if the name was Kinzie Street Bistro or something like that. Great steaks and service, and a good wine list. And the service isn't rushed.
Pros: Great Food, Great Location, Great Ambiance
Cons: Harry's Gone
Posted 12/10/02
Harry can be proud!
by slmfeb
This is one of our favorite spots! We love the portions, the service, the atmosphere, and the extra special touches that the management staff provides. Favorites are the filet vesuvio and any fish of the day. Chocolate martinis are the best in the city!
Posted 11/26/02
What's not to like?
by Mr_Jerry
Love the food, love the baseball theme, love the celebrity watching. The veal chop is the best in Chicago.
Posted 11/26/02
Looking for better...
by MLars
... and it can't be found!
I go back and forth between Harry's and Ruth's Chris' filet mignon. No other restaurant has better chicken (vesuvio, parmasiana). Pasta as good or batter than any other restaurant in town! Overall the best restaurant in Chicago. I don't eat anywhere without comparing it to Harry Caray's. Being a baseball fan is a bonus and definitely not priority ... the food is! Choose between restaurant and bar.
Pros: Food, Ambience, Service
Cons: Crowded
Posted 11/13/02
Hard Rock Harry
by fredpetrino
This is a tourist trap as opposed to a quality Italian dining experience. The immense building doesn't allow for quality ambience and the service and food is average or slightly below.
Try smaller establishments: Mia Francesca is outstanding on Clark Street. Rosebud on Taylor Street is really the benchmark. The food quality is high and the dishes are delivered with a sense of pride and confidence. I can tell frozen gnocchi from fresh and so will you once you've sampled some Italian in Chicago including Rosebud.
Posted 11/07/02
Best Steaks Anywhere
by wadeaminut
Make sure to plan for extra time in the bar before sitting down for a meal. The bartenders are great and the clientele is better. An excellent addition to the great food.
Pros: Service, Cooked to order, Friendly
Posted 11/04/02
Chicago Experience
by m_murray01
Superb cuisine and eating among legends make the great steaks, side dishes, and steak alternatives Chicago's finest.
Pros: Food, Wine, Value
Posted 10/20/02
The One and Only
by theone891
Harry Caray the man of Chicago, so his restaurant goes right along with his legacy. If you visit Chicago it is a must that you eat at Harry Caray's. Good food and a Great environment at a classic eatry is a must.
Pros: Good Food, Great Service, Atmosphere
Posted 10/02/02
Harry Carry me back again & again & agai
by allenbg
Some of the friendliest staff in Chicago. The service was great, the steak was to perfection and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. Hats off to Harry's!
Posted 10/02/02