PRICE:
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Popular with its Gold Coast neighbors, Gibsons is the steakhouse you visit when you want to take in a scene. There are sporty cars idling at the valet stand, photos of celebs and near-celebs who've appeared here, and overdressed denizens mingling and noshing in the bar, which has a life all its own. The dining rooms evoke a more romantic feel, from the sleek Art Deco decor to the bow-tied bartenders. The portions are notoriously enormous, so Gibsons is best for groups who are happy to share dishes (I wouldn't recommend it, however, for a romantic dinner a deux). If huge portions aren't your thing, you can also order from the bar menu. The namesake martinis are served in 10-ounce glasses, and the entrees are outlandishly scaled, from the six-piece shrimp cocktail so huge you swore you downed a dozen, to the turtle pie that comes with a steak knife (and could easily serve eight people). Yes, Gibsons has a clubby atmosphere, but considering the crowds who show up nightly, the food deserves some credit.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Chicago 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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