North Center Prime — Local services in Lake View Township

I visited this steakhouse in June 2025, shortly after it opened. I had high hopes and truly wanted to support a new spot in town, but the experience was far below expectations, especially given the high-end pricing (nearly $400 for three people).

Service Issues:

It took nearly 30 minutes to place our order because the server simply disappeared.

There was a 20–30 minute stretch where no food was leaving the kitchen for any table.

Our waiter didn’t know the recommended cooking temperatures for different cuts (he suggested medium for a filet, which is not appropriate).

Table and Atmosphere:

No butter knives were provided for bread or tartare.

Bread service was minimal (only two small rolls and a single slice of bread for three diners).

Food Problems:

Shrimp cocktail was served at nearly room temperature, as though it had been sitting out.

Steak tartare was not chopped finely enough, making it awkward to spread especially without proper utensils.

The three steaks were the biggest disappointment:

Filet came out closer to medium, very dry in parts.

Ribeye was not a good cut. It was tough and chewey, charred on the outside but undercooked inside.

NY strip was a good cut but arrived rare to raw, had to be sent back, and came back with the outside further charred but the inside still not right.

Across the board, steaks were under-seasoned. This was especially frustrating since steak is the centerpiece of the menu. A steakhouse has to be able to cook their steaks properly and they messed up on all 3. Inexcusable, even for the opening weeks.

Sides were a relative bright spot (potatoes au gratin excellent; mushrooms flavorful; brussels sprouts good but soggy).

Desserts were mixed (carrot cake and key lime pie solid, cheesecake dry and flavorless).

Root Cause (and Fixable): The biggest technical issue with the steaks appears to be grill temperature. It was clearly too hot, leading to charred exteriors before the interior can properly cook. This was consistent across all three cuts. Adjusting grill calibration and seasoning would make an immediate improvement.

The Most Frustrating Part: I tried to reach out directly several times via phone and social media because I know new restaurants have a learning curve. Unfortunately, it took over a month to receive any meaningful response. That lack of concern and engagement was the worst signal of all. Guests are trying to give feedback to help you succeed and ignoring that is a missed opportunity.

Final Thoughts: At these prices, the experience needs to match true fine dining standards. Right now, it’s far off. I genuinely want this restaurant to succeed, but without immediate attention to service, communication, and steak execution, I fear they’ll...

I tried to give this feedback privately by sending two direct messages to the restaurant, but unfortunately, I never received a response—which has been just as disappointing as the meal itself.

I took my boyfriend out for an early Father’s Day dinner and we were excited to try a new steakhouse in the neighborhood, especially one outside of River North. We had a 7 p.m. reservation and were seated promptly.

Bread was brought quickly, but the butter was oddly textured—almost as if it had been left in a hot kitchen too long and then put back in the fridge—and there were no butter knives. We chalked it up to new-restaurant kinks.

We ordered several appetizers. The escargot was warm but not hot, and the small puff pastry on top made it hard to eat. The steak tartare was overpowered by arugula and lacked basic seasoning like salt and pepper, which wasn’t on the table. The Caesar salad was good, but we had asked for it to be split and instead had to request extra plates. The oysters were the highlight of the starters.

We finished the apps fairly quickly, but then waited over 30 minutes for the 28oz ribeye. After my boyfriend asked, the server said the kitchen was backed up. It arrived about five minutes later—uncut and with no plates. We asked for it to be sliced in the kitchen and turned to the sides: potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Without getting into detail, they were completely inedible and we sent them back.

The steak returned, sliced, and was a real disappointment. It was a poor cut, with more than half of it just fat. There were maybe three or four edible pieces total.

By that point, we skipped dessert and just wanted to leave.

We genuinely wanted to enjoy this meal and support a new local spot, and I had hoped to offer this feedback directly. But since my messages went unanswered, I’m sharing it here in hopes that the restaurant takes it seriously and makes improvements. We’d love to see a great steakhouse thrive in the neighborhood—this just wasn’t it, at...

A phenomenal dining experience at North Center Prime!!

From the moment my wife and walked in, it was clear North Center Prime is more than just a steakhouse. It’s where exceptional food, an inviting atmosphere, and top-tier service come together to create something truly memorable.

The Food: We began with the Roasted Bone Marrow, which was rich and luxurious, paired perfectly with toasted sourdough and a bright herb salad that cut through the richness beautifully. The Shrimp DeJonghe was just as impressive, with plump shrimp in a decadent garlic-herb butter that we couldn’t get enough of.

Then came the highlight of the evening: the Bone Ribeye. This 28 oz cut was a true showstopper, deeply flavorful, perfectly marbled, expertly cooked, and so tender it practically melted in our mouths. Paired with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes finished with bone marrow butter and fresh chives, it was an absolute dream.

To Finish: We ended the meal with the Basque Cheesecake, which was stunning in both presentation and taste. Lightly caramelized on top, perfectly creamy inside, and served with fresh berries that added a bright, juicy contrast. The finishing touch of whipped cream and a sprig of mint made each bite feel extra special.

Ambiance & Service: The setting was elegant yet relaxed, making it perfect for a special night out. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu, guiding us through selections that made the entire experience even better.

Final Impressions: North Center Prime delivered one of the best dining experiences we’ve had. Whether you’re a steak lover or simply someone who appreciates outstanding food and service, this place is a must. Come hungry, savor every bite, and prepare to leave...