When you think of steakhouses you think of just that, steak & lots of it. Maybe some fish or chicken on the menu as well but it’s not often you find a steakhouse with incredible steak & tons of other options. That is unless you’ve been to Erie Cafe. Locally owned & operated since the ’90s by a Chicago family, Erie Cafe can hold it’s own as both a phenomenal steakhouse & Italian restaurant.
Aside from their generous menu, Erie Cafe is one of the only restaurants that will willingly let you order anything you want. Book a party in their banquet room & they’ll even go as far to serve you anything from fried chicken to guacamole. In their every day dining rooms, they’re well aware of picky eaters, dieters, & those with allergies which is why they’re happy to accommodate diners’ dietary restrictions & personal preferences. Something I can truly appreciate coming from a family of 6 where no one could ever agree on a specific cuisine for dinner.
Now onto the good stuff: the food! Man oh man, where to begin with all of this cheesey deliciousness. I guess it’s only natural to start with one of my favorite dishes, the Penna alla Vodka. As someone who is a self-proclaimed sauce addict (I seriously drench everything in sauce..I’ve been told numerous times it’s disgusting. Whatever, I’m over it…) the sauce to pasta ratio was surprisingly golden. While the pasta wasn’t drenched in sauce, it didn’t even need it! Yup, you heard me right, I ate a Penne alla Vodka that wasn’t covered in sauce & really, really enjoyed it. In fact, I would go as far as saying I loved the dish! Definitely a must order.
The other dishes I had were the fried meat ravioli (coated in blue cheese crumbles, be sure to ask for a side of marinara to dip this in!), pizza bread (do I even need to explain?!), & the grilled calamari (something they’re known for!). All three were beyond delicious & I would definitely order them again. Beginning in the spring (if weather permitting–fingers crossed!) Erie Cafe will open their patio. This patio is unlike most others in Chicago as it sits right on the Chicago River & gives you a clear view of parts of the city. So yes, Erie Cafe allows you to eat mounds of pasta while sitting on the riverfront enjoying the warm weather. This place is my new best friend.
Make sure to check out Erie Cafe at 536 W. Erie St. in Chicago!
***Food C/O Erie Cafe
Biana @ Blovedboston says
Well this makes me want to make my way to Chicago ASAP and eat at Erie Cafe!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Caitlin says
You would LOVE it, Biana!! Next time you’re in Chicago for sure! xo
Ali says
OK I have to go here! That pizza bread looks insane! On my to-do list!
Caitlin says
You definitely do need to!! It’s beyond delicious! xo
Amy Ann says
This all looks and sounds so good!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Caitlin says
It was absolutely delicious!! You should check out Erie Cafe! xo
Kathrine Eldridge says
This restaurant sounds and looks amazing! I need to get myself there soon. Especially when they open their patio. I’m all about patio dining in the summer in Chi-town!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Caitlin says
Yay, you’re going to love it!! Enjoy! xo
Gabriella Lenzi says
We loved having you in at the Erie, Caitlin! Thank you so much for the beautiful photos.
Caitlin says
Thank you so much, Gabbie!! It was truly wonderful! xo
Hiedi says
I seriously love this place! My favorite place in Chicago! The staff is awesome as well!
Caitlin says
Yay, so glad you think so!! We loved it too! xo
Vanessa @ Living in Steil says
Everything looks delicious — especially that penna! I definitely have to try this place the next time I’m in Chicago.
http://www.livinginsteil.com
Caitlin says
It was delicious!! Enjoy! xo
kelsey bang says
beautiful food photography! this food all looks oh so delicious!
kelseybang.com
Caitlin says
Thanks so much, Kelsey!! Enjoy! xo
shamuboo says
Hello Dear! Thanks for the nice comment on my blog. Yours made me hungry darn you! ;)P have not been to the Windy City since summer 2015 but really enjoy it when I go. Superb food pictures, I tried to eat my screen 🙂 As long as I can figure out how I will be following you for sure! xoxo
All Things Bright and Lovely
Caitlin says
Thank you so much for the kind words!! Glad you enjoyed! xo
Heidi says
Omg I want it all! I need to get over there ASAP!
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Caitlin says
You’re going to love it, Heidi!! Super delicious! xo
Vishakha@Reviewwali says
Food posts make me drool ! Love those pictures. Have a great day ahead.
http://www.reviewwali.com
Caitlin says
Thanks so much!! Enjoy! xo
Rena says
It’s obviously very yummy there!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Caitlin says
It’s beyond delicious!! Enjoy! xo
Miss Baby Blue says
Hey girl, great post! Love it!
My new post is up, so please check it out http://missbabybluelove.blogspot.rs/2016/02/coffe-time.html
Caitlin says
Thanks so much, Miss Baby!! You should check ’em out! xo