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Carson’s Ribs Chicago’s Original #1 Essential BBQ - Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago, Chicago, IL

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago

4.9 (2196)
$31 to $50
Barbecue
465 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 52 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for business meals
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
Since 1977, Carson’s is a beloved restaurant known for best ribs barbecue in the city of Chicago dedicated to hearty portions of delicious food and friendly service at a fair value using only quality ingredients. Slow-smoked Best BBQ baby back ribs are a highlight. Other great options like BBQ or Greek Chicken and Chops, Salmon, Shrimp, USDA Certified Black Angus Prime Steaks, Juicy Cheeseburgers, Scratch made coleslaw, hand crafted cocktails, homemade dressings, homemade corn bread, fresh potato sides, homemade desserts and much more. Conveniently located Downtown Chicago Streeterville, near Navy Pier and Michigan Ave on Ogden Slip of Chicago River, a beautifully renovated space of exposed brick and wooden beams over 100 years old. Special place for celebrating. Notable people, like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jordan have dined over the years. Carson's is considered a top-notch landmark restaurant in Chicago, serving award-winning competition-style Best Barbecue and Steaks. RIBS.com

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-9200
  • Website
    http://ribs.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue now has a beautiful event space to host large parties. Our Classic Chicago River Room can be reserved for large private events for complete sit down dinners with a private bar. The River Room has lovely views of Ogden Slip and City lights, exposed brick, wood beams, picture windows, tablecloths, waiter service, full bar and wine list. Aside from our River Room, we have a fabulous large stand alone private dining room table perfect for elegant celebratory occasions. Carson’s is an authentic Chicago family owned and operated restaurant since 1977 which delivers a PERSONAL TOUCH hard to find elsewhere. We serve Delicious Award Winning Barbecue, Prime or Angus Steaks, Chops, Chicken, Shrimp, and Salmon. Desserts, side dishes, and cornbread are also HOMEMADE. Large carry out orders are available for pick up. Please contact Party Planner Nick (323) 540-4888 You may also feel free to contact owner Dean Carson at 773-310-1000
  • Private party facilities
    Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue has beautiful event space to host large parties. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your party needs and reserve your important date.
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Location
    465 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Cross street
    Lake Shore Drive
  • Parking details
    4-HOUR SELF PARKING AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $12 at Downtown Chicago in Streeterville. Self-park directly across the street; enter on Illinois Street at Parkview Garage - 456 E Illinois St. The garage is UNDERGROUND below One Bennett Park. Please validate your ticket at Carson's front desk at the end of your visit. For questions, call 312-280-9200.
  • Public transit
    CTA 66 Chicago Bus - Eastbound toward Navy Pier | Take the CTA Red Line "L" to Grand & State, then walk or bus 7 blocks east on Illinois Street.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago's menu was last updated on 8/19/2022.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,196 people are saying

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Chicago is a beloved dining destination renowned for its "best ribs ever" and exceptional service. Guests rave about the "wonderful hospitality," "great food," and "excellent ambiance." The restaurant offers a diverse menu, including standout items like "delicious char grilled and bbq offerings." Ideal for any occasion, Carson's consistently delivers an "amazing experience" with attentive staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
2,196 Reviews

  1. Andi VIP

    Chicago / Illinois36 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is always delicious and fresh. Great service from the front door to the bar to the wait staff.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Andi, Thank you for your terrific 5 star review! We are delighted to hear that you consistently find our food delicious and fresh, and that you experienced great service from the moment you arrived, including at the bar and from our wait staff. We appreciate your kind words. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago Team RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sarah

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time to Carson's and we were very impressed! Our waiter Daniel was amazing and extremely helpful. All of our food was fantastic and the atmosphere was lovely. The best meal of our vacation. Highly recommend.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Sarah, We extend our sincere gratitude for your lovely 5 star review. We are delighted to learn that your vacation experience at Carson's was impressive and that both your meal and the ambiance were top notch. Your commendation of Daniel will be shared with him as well. We eagerly anticipate the pleasure of welcoming you back to Carson’s in the future. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  3. Linda

    Chicago / Illinois4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience. Carson’s is one of my favorite restaurants.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 5 days ago
    Dear Linda, Thank you for your kind 5 star review. We are delighted to hear that you consistently have a great experience at Carson's and that we are one of your favorite restaurants. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  4. Michelle

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Carson's is a Chicago Staple! Always great food, service & ambience, although as an old school Chicagoan, I miss the nostalgia of the old location on Wells. Very happy to visit the new location and the bar along the river is beautiful.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 5 days ago
    Dear Michelle, Thank you for your wonderful 5 star review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the food, service, and ambiance at Carson's Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue. We also appreciate your kind words about our newer location and riverfront bar. We understand and appreciate your nostalgia for our old Wells Street location, and we're so glad you were happy with Streeterville Carson’s now. We strive to maintain all traditions and original cooking methods our long-time patrons cherish while also offering a refreshed experience. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  5. Miriam Kelen

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was my second time at the restaurant! We enjoyed a lot! Good food and place! I’ll be back!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 5 days ago
    Dear Miriam, Thank you for your fabulous 5 star review of Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago! It was great to hear that you enjoyed your second visit to our restaurant so much. We’re delighted that you liked the food and the atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago Team RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  6. Marsha VIP

    Chicago / Illinois127 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A good selection of wine and great Ribs. I recommend Carsons.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 5 days ago
    Dear Marsha, Thank you for your kind 5 star review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoy our wine selection and great award winning BBQ babyback ribs, and that you highly recommend Carson's. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back soon. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago Team RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  7. Carol VIP

    Chicago / Illinois12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another great experience. Food was good and Jime is the best!!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on June 14, 2025
    Dear Carol, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with us! We truly appreciate your 5 star review. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you enjoyed your meal and that Jaime provided you with such excellent service. We pride ourselves on both the quality of our food and the dedication of our staff, so your feedback means a great deal to us. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to Jaime, as we know it will make their day. Thank you once again for your wonderful review. We look forward to welcoming you back to Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago again soon! Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago Team RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  8. Rick

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best ribs I’ve ever had! Just like I had growing up.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on June 8, 2025
    Dear Rick, Thank you so much for your amazing 5 star review of Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue in Chicago! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your recent dining experience with us. It’s wonderful to know that our award winning BBQ ribs were a highlight for you and that they brought back fond memories of your childhood. That's the kind of comforting and delicious experience we aim to provide for all our guests. It would be our sincere pleasure to welcome you back to Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue again in the near future. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you another memorable meal. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago Team RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  9. Miki

    San Francisco Bay Area1 review

    5.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were on a girls trip celebrating 2 college grads. Firstly, I put in a request for river view seating in my reservation and it was honored. We had a fantastic window table with a view of the water! Marino, our waiter, was superb!! Made excellent recommendations and helped us have a special celebratory dinner and desssert! Loved the corn bread, grilled shrimp, French onion soup, ribs!!, kabobs, and steak!! They were all cooked perfectly and full of flavor! Scalloped potatoes and cheesy baked potato’s were delicious too. Highly recommend!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on June 11, 2025
    Dear Miki, Thank you for sharing a wonderful 5 star rating of Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago. We’re so pleased you enjoyed river view seating and were delighted to fulfill your request. We’re especially happy Marino provided excellent service and contributed to making your celebratory dinner and dessert truly special. We’ll certainly share your kind compliments with him. We further appreciate you mentioning so many of our offerings, including homemade corn bread, grilled shrimp, scratch made French onion soup, award winning ribs, kabobs, steak, and cheesy baked potatoes and very glad everything was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming your group back in the future. Sincerely, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

  10. Marsha VIP

    Chicago / Illinois128 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent burgers. I highly recommend Carson's Ribs.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Marsha, Thank you for your excellent review of our burgers and for highly recommending Carson's Ribs! We truly appreciate your kind words. Best regards, Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue Chicago RIBS. com

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 280-9200.

Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago is rated 4.9 stars by 2196 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois
  4. Chicago
  5. Gold Coast / Streeterville

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 52 times today
Google Map for Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago

465 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Lake Shore Drive
  • Neighborhood
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 11:30 am–11:00 pm Sun 11:30 am–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    4-HOUR SELF PARKING AVAILABLE FOR ONLY $12 at Downtown Chicago in Streeterville. Self-park directly across the street; enter on Illinois Street at Parkview Garage - 456 E Illinois St. The garage is UNDERGROUND below One Bennett Park. Please validate your ticket at Carson's front desk at the end of your visit. For questions, call 312-280-9200.
  • Public transit
    CTA 66 Chicago Bus - Eastbound toward Navy Pier | Take the CTA Red Line "L" to Grand & State, then walk or bus 7 blocks east on Illinois Street.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • Website
    http://ribs.com/
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-9200
  • Catering
    Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue now has a beautiful event space to host large parties. Our Classic Chicago River Room can be reserved for large private events for complete sit down dinners with a private bar. The River Room has lovely views of Ogden Slip and City lights, exposed brick, wood beams, picture windows, tablecloths, waiter service, full bar and wine list. Aside from our River Room, we have a fabulous large stand alone private dining room table perfect for elegant celebratory occasions. Carson’s is an authentic Chicago family owned and operated restaurant since 1977 which delivers a PERSONAL TOUCH hard to find elsewhere. We serve Delicious Award Winning Barbecue, Prime or Angus Steaks, Chops, Chicken, Shrimp, and Salmon. Desserts, side dishes, and cornbread are also HOMEMADE. Large carry out orders are available for pick up. Please contact Party Planner Nick (323) 540-4888 You may also feel free to contact owner Dean Carson at 773-310-1000
  • Private party facilities
    Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue has beautiful event space to host large parties. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your party needs and reserve your important date.
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