The Barn
Before opening, owner Amy Morton (and yes, her father is the steak famous Arnie Morton) did 20 to 30 blind taste tests before deciding on her meat supplier. You'll taste that attention to detail from the porterhouse to the dry-aged New York strip. Rear 1016 Church St., Evanston
EJ’s Place
This OG supper club never disappoints. The steaks and chops sizzle, the drinks are icy cold and, while entrees come with a house salad and your choice of potatoes, don’t forget to order the creamed spinach. 10027 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Mino’s Italian
Yep, it’s in a renovated car repair shop, but no, it sure doesn’t look it once you’re in the door. The bistecca alla Fiorentina is a monster recommended for sharing among three or four diners. It comes with two side dishes, so you will be more than full at meal’s end. 985 Green Bay Road, Winnetka
Morton’s The Steakhouse
While Morton’s is now an international restaurant group, it started in Chicago (see Arnie Morton's name checked above). So this team knows steak and also sides like baked five-onion soup and jumbo asparagus. 699 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook
Stefani Prime Italian
This just-opened steakhouse in Lincolnwood shows the know-how of the Stefani family with favorites like Chicken Vesuvio, must-haves like prime cut steaks in every size and order-to-impress seafood towers. 6755 N. Cicero Ave., Lincolnwood
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