El Che Steakhouse & Bar

I was there with my friend to celebrate our birthdays.. I was expecting a great presentation on food and table for the prices we are willing to pay. But unfortunately we were sitting in a very small table... Plain table with a candle, it wasn't prepared, no silverware until they brought the food. We ordered a couple of drinks they took forever to come, and we started with appetizers so delicious, by the way.. 🥰 but when we order the sirloin steak and the fillet mignon and 2 sides dishes... they brought first the steaks our side dishes they came after we almost finish our steaks and they were Very salty (broccoli and polenta) So sad to share this news.

I was there with my friend to celebrate our birthdays.. I was expecting a great presentation on food and table for the prices we are willing to pay. But unfortunately we were sitting in a very small table... Plain table with a candle, it wasn't prepared, no silverware until they brought the food. We ordered a couple of drinks they took forever to come, and we started with appetizers so delicious, by the way.. 🥰 but when we order the sirloin steak and the fillet mignon and 2 sides dishes... they brought first the steaks our side dishes they came after we almost finish our steaks and they were Very salty (broccoli and polenta) So sad to share this news.

Updated review: The owner responded and made a thoughtful gesture to make things right. For this reason, I am changing my rating to 5 stars. This kind of business acumen has fully reinstated our goodwill. Walking into El Che, the ambiance is stunning, with dim candlelight creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere. We were greeted promptly by the hostess and seated shortly after. I took the booth, as it’s understood who sits there in our relationship. My husband sat in the chair across from me, as there wasn’t enough room for both of us on the booth side. I ordered the half seafood platter, which is as visually stunning as it’s hyped to be—definitely video-worthy. The sauce was phenomenal, and most of the seafood was excellent. However, it’s very dark in the restaurant, so when I took my first bite of the lobster tail, I didn’t fully notice how charred it was. That bite ended up being overwhelmingly bitter, like eating poison—it was absolutely disgusting. While the photo may not look as bad, I believe I had taken the biggest, most charred bite right away, which made it worse. I showed the lobster to a staff member who came to check in on us, though he wasn’t our server. I explained that it was extremely charred, and he responded that the lobster is cooked on an open fire and that, even if they redid it, it would always come out the same way. I didn’t want to argue or disrupt my date, so I left it at that and cut around the burnt parts. Still, for a dish priced near $100, with only two scallops, two clams, and one burnt lobster tail, I feel it didn’t live up to the hype or the value. The Valentine’s Day drink special, “Rude Boy,” featuring Mezcal, was a highlight and very enjoyable. Our server checked on us periodically and provided attentive service throughout the evening. While the atmosphere and portions of the evening were enjoyable, the overly charred lobster tail and lack of value for the price make me unsure about returning. If this is how the dish is meant to be, it would be helpful for management to clarify that upfront—especially since the viral photos and videos online do not reflect this level of char. I’d also suggest reconsidering this cooking approach if it results in such a bitter, unpleasant taste.

Updated review: The owner responded and made a thoughtful gesture to make things right. For this reason, I am changing my rating to 5 stars. This kind of business acumen has fully reinstated our goodwill. Walking into El Che, the ambiance is stunning, with dim candlelight creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere. We were greeted promptly by the hostess and seated shortly after. I took the booth, as it’s understood who sits there in our relationship. My husband sat in the chair across from me, as there wasn’t enough room for both of us on the booth side. I ordered the half seafood platter, which is as visually stunning as it’s hyped to be—definitely video-worthy. The sauce was phenomenal, and most of the seafood was excellent. However, it’s very dark in the restaurant, so when I took my first bite of the lobster tail, I didn’t fully notice how charred it was. That bite ended up being overwhelmingly bitter, like eating poison—it was absolutely disgusting. While the photo may not look as bad, I believe I had taken the biggest, most charred bite right away, which made it worse. I showed the lobster to a staff member who came to check in on us, though he wasn’t our server. I explained that it was extremely charred, and he responded that the lobster is cooked on an open fire and that, even if they redid it, it would always come out the same way. I didn’t want to argue or disrupt my date, so I left it at that and cut around the burnt parts. Still, for a dish priced near $100, with only two scallops, two clams, and one burnt lobster tail, I feel it didn’t live up to the hype or the value. The Valentine’s Day drink special, “Rude Boy,” featuring Mezcal, was a highlight and very enjoyable. Our server checked on us periodically and provided attentive service throughout the evening. While the atmosphere and portions of the evening were enjoyable, the overly charred lobster tail and lack of value for the price make me unsure about returning. If this is how the dish is meant to be, it would be helpful for management to clarify that upfront—especially since the viral photos and videos online do not reflect this level of char. I’d also suggest reconsidering this cooking approach if it results in such a bitter, unpleasant taste.

Saw the happy hour special on Insta and wanted to check it out. The food was okay, I did enjoy the lobster but my steak was a bit dry but had flavor. The beef empanadas were not flavorful but the sauce it came with was delicious. I also started with the oysters but they had a slightly fishy taste and the toppings did not work for me Service was good, I appreciate how the bartender worked in his area. The ambiance was nice and sultry. Great for afterwork drinks and conversation.

Saw the happy hour special on Insta and wanted to check it out. The food was okay, I did enjoy the lobster but my steak was a bit dry but had flavor. The beef empanadas were not flavorful but the sauce it came with was delicious. I also started with the oysters but they had a slightly fishy taste and the toppings did not work for me Service was good, I appreciate how the bartender worked in his area. The ambiance was nice and sultry. Great for afterwork drinks and conversation.

Review for El Che in Chicago We chose El Che for my birthday dinner, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Here’s what stood out: • Bone Marrow: This was an absolute highlight—rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. A must-try dish! • Seafood and Lobster Tail: The lobster tail and seafood dishes were incredibly fresh and well-executed. Each bite was delightful. • Ribeye Steak: For dinner, we had the ribeye steaks with fries, and they were phenomenal. The steaks had a beautiful exterior crust and were cooked to a perfect medium rare, just as we requested. Truly steak perfection. • Malbec Selection: Their wine list, particularly the Malbecs, is impressive and pairs beautifully with their dishes. • Unique Touches: They also serve Yerba Mate, which was a refreshing and unique addition to the experience. Portion sizes were generous, the service was attentive, and the overall ambiance made for an excellent evening. If you’re a fan of steak, seafood, or just outstanding food in general, El Che is a place you can’t miss. Highly recommended!

Review for El Che in Chicago We chose El Che for my birthday dinner, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Here’s what stood out: • Bone Marrow: This was an absolute highlight—rich, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. A must-try dish! • Seafood and Lobster Tail: The lobster tail and seafood dishes were incredibly fresh and well-executed. Each bite was delightful. • Ribeye Steak: For dinner, we had the ribeye steaks with fries, and they were phenomenal. The steaks had a beautiful exterior crust and were cooked to a perfect medium rare, just as we requested. Truly steak perfection. • Malbec Selection: Their wine list, particularly the Malbecs, is impressive and pairs beautifully with their dishes. • Unique Touches: They also serve Yerba Mate, which was a refreshing and unique addition to the experience. Portion sizes were generous, the service was attentive, and the overall ambiance made for an excellent evening. If you’re a fan of steak, seafood, or just outstanding food in general, El Che is a place you can’t miss. Highly recommended!

The family steak is wonderful and feeds 4-5n or 3-4 (hungry) people. All the food is grilled over live fire coals at an amazing hearth. The bone marrow (with mezcal) is something you will remember and don't sleep on the Bronzino, wow! The staff are friendly and there is a long list of nice wine at a great price. Excited to come back to El Che real soon!

The family steak is wonderful and feeds 4-5n or 3-4 (hungry) people. All the food is grilled over live fire coals at an amazing hearth. The bone marrow (with mezcal) is something you will remember and don't sleep on the Bronzino, wow! The staff are friendly and there is a long list of nice wine at a great price. Excited to come back to El Che real soon!

Finally got to check out El Che tonight, but I have to admit I was a tad disappointed after I had heard so much hype about this place. The pluses were definitely the Wagyu Tartare and Empanadas as starters. The mushroom empanada in particular was great, and the Wagyu tartare is some of the best beef tartare in Chicago. We also got the grilled shrimp and Provoleta, the shrimp were solid but I’d pass on the Provoleta next time. I got the Bone in Ribeye as my entree and it was very grisly and not seasoned as well as I would have hoped. Cooked to my liking but overall was hoping for a better steak. Could have just been an off night, our service was great so that was a plus. I think it’s still worth checking out, and I will definitely give them another chance in the future!

Finally got to check out El Che tonight, but I have to admit I was a tad disappointed after I had heard so much hype about this place. The pluses were definitely the Wagyu Tartare and Empanadas as starters. The mushroom empanada in particular was great, and the Wagyu tartare is some of the best beef tartare in Chicago. We also got the grilled shrimp and Provoleta, the shrimp were solid but I’d pass on the Provoleta next time. I got the Bone in Ribeye as my entree and it was very grisly and not seasoned as well as I would have hoped. Cooked to my liking but overall was hoping for a better steak. Could have just been an off night, our service was great so that was a plus. I think it’s still worth checking out, and I will definitely give them another chance in the future!

10/10 The service was spectacular! My mom is East Asian so hot water is a must for her, so we asked for a cup. Unlike some extremely racist NYC “high end” restaurants, the server here was quick to respond and brought not one cup but a cup with a jar of hot water! They also ensured that my cup was always full. Our server was also very knowledgeable and patient. The food was great too. Came in large delicious servings despite us only ordering the cheapest foods. The steak frites were juicy and tender, the fries crispy, and the broccolini was flavorful. I will recommend the restaurant to all my friends; it deserves all the attention .

10/10 The service was spectacular! My mom is East Asian so hot water is a must for her, so we asked for a cup. Unlike some extremely racist NYC “high end” restaurants, the server here was quick to respond and brought not one cup but a cup with a jar of hot water! They also ensured that my cup was always full. Our server was also very knowledgeable and patient. The food was great too. Came in large delicious servings despite us only ordering the cheapest foods. The steak frites were juicy and tender, the fries crispy, and the broccolini was flavorful. I will recommend the restaurant to all my friends; it deserves all the attention .

Came here for a client dinner and was very pleased Large portions and meat was done to perfection We were sat near the actual chefs table. You could feel the heat off of the fire side , a true experience. Drink list was sufficient. Reminder that it is Argentinean.

Came here for a client dinner and was very pleased Large portions and meat was done to perfection We were sat near the actual chefs table. You could feel the heat off of the fire side , a true experience. Drink list was sufficient. Reminder that it is Argentinean.