Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoStill as GOOD as EverIt has been about years since we were in the Chicago location and th food and service were as great as we remembered. We don't get into Chicago proper much anymore, but when we do, IT has to be "Carsons". We really do miss the old Carsons in Lombard, which we went to at least monthly and ALWAYS took our out of town guest to. We only wish that they would consider placing another in the west suburbs. Really Loved their corn bread, which was new since the last time we were there, IT was Great..5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous Food & ServiceDining at Carson's is alway a treat. The food is amazing!!! I highly recommend the corn bread, au gratin potatoes, house made salad dressings and the BBQ beef sandwich! The service was excellent and the staff was very accommodating about our three month old. The host even tucked our stroller into a cupboard while we ate! This restaurant is truly one of Chicago's gems!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat Delicious Ribs?This is the place! Fantastic, tender, and tasty barbecue ribs!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have enjoyed Carson's inWe have enjoyed Carson's in Deerfield when visiting relatives, but this was our first experience with the downtown location. Food and service for the most part were good however my 1/2 slab of ribs were small in size and very dry and lean compared to my other 3 dining companions whose rib portions were meaty and moist. I probably should have sent them back but we had a show to get to.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMCarson's food is just absolutelyCarson's food is just absolutely delicious. I've been going to Carson's since I was a kid and their recipes still stand up as classy, refined, and delicious -- even while you're wearing a bib.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMExactly what you would exactExactly what you would exact from an upscale bbq restaurant- great bbq and sides, including double stuffed potato, cole slaw, and sauteed veggies.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect combination of barbecuePerfect combination of barbecue and fine dining. The ribs are delicious, perfectly cooked and not smothered in sauce so you can taste the meat. While a menu that lists "Famous Au Gratin Potatoes" appears to be hyperbole, it is not since they are served in individually baked dishes that have a baked topping that give credence to the claim of being famous.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMThe margaritas we orderedThe margaritas we ordered were absolutely awful. The ribs and two different potato sides were fabulous! The cole slaw was only fair. It was watery because I'd guess it was made in the morning. Carson's evidently changed the recipe for their key lime pie. We always considered their key lime pie (and the same pie from Heaven on Seven) were the two best places for this treat in the city of Chicago. We were disappointed. It wasn't bad - it just wasn't their former recipe which was superb. Carson's was always tops on our list for a special meal and for out-of-town company but we were disappointed last Wednesday.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall food and experienceOverall food and experience was good. Corn bread and roasted greek potatoes were AWESOME. Cole slaw is really good. Pulled pork and ribs were very good, however, I would not rate them as standout over other places I've been to for these same items. They were as good, but not necessarily the best I've ever had. Still would definitely go back!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMSome of the best BBQ nationwide.Some of the best BBQ nationwide. Awesome sauce, great chops, steaks. Starts off great with cornbread. Cole slaw great. Grew up with Carson's, since I moved away, always hit it when I come to town.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMHouston TX guest heard ofHouston TX guest heard of Carsons and wanted to compare to TX bar b q. He left stating the "best" bar b q he's ever eaten...4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time Favorite!First time, and it was delicious! The portions were very large.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMTrue to its reputation, Carson'sTrue to its reputation, Carson's does serve great ribs and, as it notes, not the falling-off-the-bone type. You need to eat them with your fingers, just ask for enough napkins. Excellent drinks, attentive waitstaff. Great atmosphere.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAn old favoriteI have been eating at Carsons since I was a kid, when it was in Rogers Park/Edgewater. The restaurant has since been closed but on occasion we make it to Deerfield or Downtown and we are still not disappointed. The food is just as good as it has always been and the sauce for the ribs is still the best we ever had. It was a real treat to go here and dine.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Prime RibWent there because we heard that their prime rib was good even though they're known for their ribs. Prime rib was good. As a matter of fact, I made the mistake of splitting one with me wife. I think I only got 25% of it but she'll never admit it. Waiter, Cam, was outstanding. Especially for putting up with us. Really appreciate the great service.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMAbsolute PerfectionI am very impressed by the perfection of Carson's food preparation. They have been around a long time and today the ribs are still world-class great. The twice-baked potato was perfection. The Roquefort salad dressing was exceptional. And the "Federalist Sonoma" Zinfandel was a new favorite.
Maybe this was not a "foodie" menu, but Carson's serves absolutely delicious food every day. It's an American landmark. Glad it's in Chicago!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBest barbecue you are goingBest barbecue you are going to find in Chicago! The decor is cozy, but upscale and very old Chicago. We would definitely go back.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMWANTED PRIME RIB...Grrrrrrreat as always. Only downside to this visit was NO PRIME RIB. medium. You could only get it "well or well done." Whats up with that? However, the sampler was delicious....3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMalways a good experience......thealways a good experience......the best chicken ever!3/14/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, we enjoyed an earlyAs always, we enjoyed an early dinner at Carson's. We discovered the roasted greek chicken and now it is hard to order anything else, although we have many favorites on the menu, especially their sandwiches and wraps. We also cannot resist ordering takeouts for dinner for the next evening. Our favorite waitstaff are JoJo and Nestor who always give you over-the-top service. All in all, it was a very enjoyable dining experience.2/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe dine at Carson's often.We dine at Carson's often. We enjoy several items on their menu: the sandwiches (barbecue salmon and pulled pork), the wraps, the Mediterranean chicken, and more. If you can handle a large meal, the appetizers are also quite good, especially the cornbread and the shrimp. Impeccable, friendly service; our favorites are JoJo and Nestor. It has a very comfortable atmosphere. All in all, it is a very lovely dining experience.2/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat timeGrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat time celebrating wife's birthday with party of 13... Wait staff very friendly.1/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe dine at Carson's at leastWe dine at Carson's at least once a month and ask for our favorite waitress, JoJo. We especially enjoy their roasted beet salad and wedge salad along with several entrees. Our favorites are the salmon sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, and the steak wrap, but we are going to be adventurous and try out some untried entrees that look very good. The Greek roasted potatoes, cole slaw, and corn bread are excellent also. We try to save room for the key lime pie dessert but often just need to take it home. The ambience can be either quiet or lively but it is always very relaxing and comfortable. We always have a great time at Carson's.1/11/2013 12:00:00 AM