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!