Smith & Wollensky
15 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia X, r/chicagofood, r/AskChicago22 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Smith & Wollensky receives recommendations for steak and river views, with some diners treating it as a dependable chain option. One commenter sees it as a fallback rather than a special-occasion destination. Dissent includes poor steak meals, comparisons favoring other Chicago restaurants and questions about value.
Address
Smith & Wollensky - Chicago, 318 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
At a glance
- Opinions divided
- Yes
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Smith & Wollensky, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommends@StuartFeiner on X · Sep 2026taste
Calls it the best steak meal in four years in Chicago and worth the high cost.
- Caveatu/watchfiend21 in r/chicagofood · May 2026value
Says not to waste time or money there.
- Caveatu/Positive-Tonight4184 in r/chicagofood · May 2026value
Calls it a waste of the meal and money.
- Recommends@meathead on X · Oct 2026taste
A visitor says the kitchen cooks steak properly and describes a neighboring table's large tomahawk roasted, then seared with a torch and butter.
- Caveatu/Raccoala in r/chicagofood · Oct 2026ambience
Chain with no real Chicago connection; fine in a pinch, not special.
- Recommendsu/Extension_Skirt7764 in r/AskChicago · Aug 2026service
Says Smith and Wollensky serves the full menu at the bar and they've walked in before.
- Caveatu/MediumSizedTurtle in r/chicagofood · May 2026taste
Says they had one of the worst meals of their life here and would steer clear.
- Recommendsu/Busy-Dig8619 in r/chicagofood · Jul 2025ambience
Suggests it for the classic steakhouse experience.
Show all 22 cited comments
- Caveatu/itdoesntmatter123746 in r/chicagofood · Dec 2025taste
Calls the food crap and describes a gristly wagyu filet in an awful sauce.
- Recommendsu/testing81789 in r/chicagofood · Jul 2026ambience
Recommends it to someone wanting great views and good food.
- Recommendsu/Griffin5577 in r/chicagofood · Oct 2025consistency
Calls it a chain but guarantees a great steak.
- Recommendsu/v8packard in r/chicagofood · Jul 2025
First steakhouse that came to mind for the request.
- Recommendsu/_-Cleon-_ in r/chicagofood · Oct 2025
Personally likes Smith & Wollensky though notes being in the minority.
- Caveatu/Elobornola in r/chicagofood · May 2026
Ranks it in the lower tier of Chicago steakhouses and says better options exist.
- Recommendsu/Fluid-Leading-6653 in r/chicagofood · Oct 2025
Suggests Smith and Wollensky on the river.
- Recommendsu/Comfortable-Yak7286 in r/chicagofood · Sep 2025taste
Describes it as somewhat old school with steaks that are decent enough.
- Recommendsu/SenorMcGibblets in r/chicagofood · Oct 2026ambience
Recommends it and notes river views of downtown.
- Mixedu/petmoo23 in r/chicagofood · Dec 2025
Calls it mid among downtown steakhouses but has had some good meals and praises the view.
- Recommendsu/AllanRensch in r/AskChicago · Mar 2025taste
Calls Smith and Wollensky pricey but with great steaks.
- Recommendsu/ASHY_HARVEST in r/chicagofood · Jul 2024variety
Open for lunch with in-house dry aging, river views, dining room or casual grill downstairs.
- Recommendsu/fu7ur3pr00f in r/chicagofood · Oct 2026
Names Smith & Wollensky as a suggestion.
- Recommendsu/jacksmashsteel in r/chicagofood · Sep 2026
Lists Smith and Wollensky among steakhouse options.
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Freshness
Details last checked 10 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.