CHIReview
Prime & Provisions
All of Chicago’s successful steakhouses have carved out a niche. Chicago Cut - corporate excellence. RPM Steak - see and be seen to the extreme. Gibson’s - laid-back nostalgia ideal for family/friendly fun. Prime & Provisions? Not as easily stereotyped. And weirdly, that in and of itself is a good niche for this restaurant to have.
Of course, any good steakhouse has to have quality steaks, and Prime & Provisions keeps pace with the other well known spots in town. But any decent steakhouse is capable of putting out a good piece of meat. It’s the atmosphere, sides, desserts, and wildcard factors that make a true hit or miss.
At Prime & Provisions, the symbol directly behind the host stand resembles that of the Illuminati, and we’re convinced it’s a subtle foreshadowing that this restaurant has some tricks up its sleeve. Tricks like excellent fried chicken, lavender sea salt to sprinkle on steaks, and thick-cut bacon drizzled with dark chocolate and maple syrup that will blow your f*cking mind.
Located in a 1920’s office building on the corner of LaSalle and Wacker, the facade screams old crusty white guys indulging in the finer things in life. Luckily, it’s only an appearance, because the atmosphere inside is anything but uptight and dull. You’re immediately struck with a dimly lit bar filled with plenty of TV’s, upbeat music, and conversation. And the main dining room around the corner is a slightly more formal extension of the same vibes. Corporate suits are present, but ties are loosened and top buttons undone. Couples are on dates, but it’s a place you can be yourself without fear of awkward silence. And groups of friends are having a night on the town, complete with excessive food and drinks. Add it up, and all of these people in the same room help contribute to a comfortable mood.
So the next time you’re set on a steakhouse but can’t figure out which one fits your particular needs - consider Prime & Provisions, because it’s inability to be categorized is exactly what you need.
Food Rundown
Tuna Tartare
Ordinary in name, but not in presentation or taste. The salty chips make for better eating utensils than a fork or spoon.
Fried Chicken
Excellent fried chicken that comes with a chili bourbon maple drizzle. The only downside is it’s easy to eat too much and fill yourself up. The key is to get a half order and share it as an appetizer.
House-Flared Thick-Cut Bacon
Food genius comes in all shapes and sizes. Twinkies. Pixy Stix. And thick-cut bacon drizzled with dark chocolate and maple syrup. This sht is delicious.
Filet Mignon
Standard steakhouse filet, which we don’t mean as a bad thing. It’s tender, flavorful, and gets the job done. There are three size options available ranging from the $38 petite to $68 bone-in.
New York Strip
I’m a big New York Strip person, and the version here is delicious. Make sure to add a dash of the lavender sea salt for a bit of extra flavor, but don’t get carried away.
Whipped Potatoes
Strong side choice. A little horseradish parmesan crust makes for a nice touch.
Purple Cauliflower
Pickled purple cauliflower with pistachio and parmesan cheese. Really good, but also really cheesy and heavy, so keep that in mind.
Brussels Sprouts
A little disappointing after coming in bland and undercooked. We’d opt for other sides instead.
Tableside S’mores
This isn’t a dessert, it’s a beautiful masterpiece. A giant ball of graham cracker filled and plated with marshmallows and covered in chocolate arrives intact at the table. It unravels before your eyes as a waitperson pours warm chocolate sauce over the top. Don’t take our word for it, just look at this bootleg flip-book below.
