Chicago Steakhouse | Bar — Restaurant in Essen

Mixed experience at Chicago Steakhouse in Essen

We had a rather mixed experience at the Chicago Steakhouse. The location is pleasant, with a nice setting by the lake, and the interior is nice. The staff was generally friendly, and the quality of the meat was excellent — definitely the highlight of the evening.

However, several things left us disappointed:

The restaurant was almost empty during our visit, which made the atmosphere feel a bit cold and lifeless.

The terrace, which offers a beautiful view, was inexplicably closed despite the lovely weather — not even accessible for a quick smoke or to enjoy the surroundings.

Unfortunately, the view is further obstructed by oversized decorative objects and statues that block what could have been a real visual asset.

There was a clear lack of coordination between the kitchen and the waitstaff: our main courses were brought out while we were still eating our starters.

As for the food: stick to the meat. The salmon tartare was disappointing — most likely frozen, with a mushy machine-cut texture, and served with bland industrial toasts.

The truffle fries were another letdown. At 11€, you’d expect at least a proper texture and some care in presentation — but the cheese wasn't even melted or gratinated, which left the whole thing strangely unappetizing.

To top it all off, the bill included items we didn’t order. We were refunded, but it’s something you really don’t expect from a place at this price point.

Overall, it felt overpriced for what it was. A shame, considering the location and the quality...

The resturant is tiptop when it comes to the view it offers and food quality, However, you should expect a super rude and offensive welcome and hospitality. Been there 3 times and two times I find the Mid-Age welcoming staff very rude and apparently not enjoying his job!

First time he did not even hi back to my girlfriend, offered us a table at the back corner of terrace. When I asked him if there's possibility to have another place he started shouting and complain why no one is satisfied, etc. Fortunately other staff came to us and in front of our very shocked eyes, apologized and offered us another table out of many free ones.

The second incident was even more strange, when I called the resturant and asked if the Terrace is open for the guests and reserve a table. After arriving there in 20 Minutes, the same guy offered a place inside, Mentioning the terrace is closed due to possibility of the rain. After being asked: "the why you didn't mentioned this on the phone, so I may reconsider my reservation, choose another resturant and save 20 Minutes drive?" He again leashed out, loose his temper and opened the terrace door, and told us you can go and sit there alone.

Point being here is, it must be impossible for the owner,management and the other staff of the restaurant, which do not notice such rudeness and his anger issues, and although I highly feel sorry for him, but this line of work apparently doesn't suit his character and personality. Big minus for a nice resturant and unfortunately two bad memories for me...

Chicago Steakhouse | Bar is a restaurant that seeks to replicate the classic experience of a Chicago steakhouse, known for its high-quality cuts of meat and an elegant atmosphere. Although there are several restaurants with similar names operating as Chicago-style steakhouses (both in Chicago itself and in other cities such as Berlin and Essen, Germany), the general concept remains. Common Characteristics of a Chicago Steakhouse | Bar: Meat focus: The main attraction is steaks, often prepared in charcoal grills or high-temperature ovens to seal juices and enhance the taste. Many pride themselves on offering premium cuts, such as USDA Prime, and meat aging methods (dry-aged) to intensify texture and flavor. Environment and Atmosphere: Generally, these restaurants seek to create a sophisticated, cozy and sometimes historic environment. This can include details such as soft lighting, leather furniture, and even elements that refer to the history of Chicago. It is common to be considered ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners. Comprehensive menu: In addition to steaks, the menu usually includes: Seafood: Fresh seafood options to complement the meat supply. Accompaniments (Sides): Several classic side dishes, such as baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, and other dishes to share. Sauces and supplements: A variety of sauces to accompany steaks, such as Dutch, béarnaise,...