Gibsons Steakhouse Review

Hyoju Jun

As a UChicago student, sometimes you just crave a night off-campus that feels a little more intentional than the usual Hyde Park routine of Strings, Noodles Etc., Seoul Taco, etc. If you’re on the hunt for a special date night with loved ones, Gibsons Steakhouse is definitely the right choice. I went into the restaurant with high expectations, having heard it described as one of Chicago’s most classic steakhouses with a long, established history.

Step inside Gibsons Steakhouse and the first thing I noticed is the warm lighting, tightly packed tables, and wooden paneling that gave the space a classic, slightly old-school feel. The white table cloths, neatly set glassware and utensils, and framed photos along the walls also contributed to the classic Chicago steakhouse vibe that Gibsons is known for. When the dining room got a little more packed as the night progressed, Gibsons was busy enough to feel lively, but not so loud that you couldn’t hold a conversation with your table. Though I sat inside the restaurant this visit, I would love to try the terrace seating next time!

The first thing I ordered was the non-alcoholic Espresso Martini. Despite having no alcohol, the “martini” didn’t taste watered down or overly sweet like many mocktails tend to be. The espresso flavor was clean, with a slight bitterness towards the end, well balanced by the creamy foam on top. Overall, it was refreshing, not too heavy, and a nice way to ease into the meal.

To start off my meal, I ordered the shrimp cocktail and oysters. These dishes are classic steakhouse starters, but Gibsons’ were exceptionally good. The shrimp was extra large with a crisp bite. It was very fresh, and the accompanying chili cocktail sauce added the perfect tang, making it taste even more impressive. The oysters were just as enjoyable—cold and lightly briny without any muddiness. A squeeze of lemon enhanced the flavor, and the mignonette contributed additional acidity, which paired well with the oyster’s natural salinity.

Now onto the main dish… the steak, of course! My party of four decided to order the steaks family-style so that we could each try every steak we wanted. The Chicago Cut, T-Bone, and mashed potatoes all arrived on a separate serving platter. The humongous portion size of the mashed potatoes instantly surprised us. We were relieved that we held ourselves back from ordering one more side dish as the mashed potatoes alone were enough—perhaps even too much—for four people. The steaks were sliced evenly, which made it easy for everyone to try both cuts. The Chicago Cut had a deep, well-seared crust with a juicy center, and the T-Bone’s tender side offered a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Both cuts were well seasoned, so even though the restaurant provided the usual steak sauce and whole grain mustard, we did not use them.

Overall, I would rate Gibsons Steakhouse a full ten out of ten. From the service to the drink to the starters—and especially the steak—everything lived up to its reputation. I highly recommend it for special occasions such as date nights, birthday dinners, or a girls’ night out!