How is The Grill on the Alley - Chicago restaurant rated?

The Grill on the Alley - Chicago

4.2

958 Reviews

$30 and under

Steak

Top Tags:

As soon as you walk through the doors of The Grill on the Alley in Chicago, you are transported to another time and place reminiscent of the great American grills of yesteryear. The unique decor has an elegant feel with its polished hard wood floors, leather banquettes, and white linen tablecloths. A virtual art gallery adorns the walls of our many dining rooms while the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald linger in the background as white-jacketed waiters attend to your every need.

Since opening in June 2000, this high-end steak and seafood house has made its mark on Chicago with locals, and tourists alike. The Grill has become one of the most popular places to gather for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all types of special occasions. Located on the floor level of the Westin Hotel, The Grill on the Alley is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Chicago with easy access to the McCormick Place Convention Center, shops, museums and theaters.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Steak, Seafood, American
Hours of operation
Daily: 6:30 am to 12:00am
Phone number
(312) 255-9009
Website
http://www.thegrill.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Geordan Stenson
Catering
Catering and Delivery available. Contact SpecialEvents@grillconcepts.com to order.
Private party facilities
The Grill on the Alley's locations have private dining areas accommodating intimate family celebrations and high-profile executive meetings with a full-service bar, perfect for rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions. Visit us at www.TheGrill.com to view the virtual tour and private event menus.
Private party contact
Private Dining Manager: (818) 251-7021

Location
909 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Cross street
Delaware & Michigan
Parking details
Parking Garage in Westin hotel 24 hours.
Public transit
Chicago Red Line
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Indoor Smoking Area, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 958 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4.1Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

871 Reviews

TL
TastybutLoud
Phoenix
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 27, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Awesome chicken pot pie! Service is extraordinary.
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KD
KarenD
Dallas
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
So many Chicago Foodie places to select from, but I'm so glad I didn't miss this place! The entire experience was exceptional! Would highly recommend!
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TS
TomS
Chicago
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Bridget was great. This is a great place for a regular night out or for a special occasion.
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CR
CarlR
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall4food4service1ambience5
We go seated and for about 40mins were waiting to get service and after we got served our food it took another forty mins for them to come back and check on us. But the only good part was our host robert he served us as if he was the waiter and I commend him on his excellent service. But as far as the waiting staff it was not up to standards several waiters and waitresses walked past as if we weren't sitting there. I understand that it was busy but there no way it should have been a upsetting experience as that. I've been to some bad restaurants but there service was better than what I've ever experienced
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Austin
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great, service was great as well. I’ll be sure to visit again!
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CI
ChIL
Chicago
35 reviews
vip
1.0
35 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food4service1ambience3
Service was off. We had to ask for bread, our dinner salads, and our sides of creamed spinach. We did get our glasses of wine comped, but the lack of attention in service was off-putting.
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A
Armando
Chicago
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall1food2service1ambience1
So I had made reservations on Valentine’s Day. When we arrived, we were barely greeted by the host. To be quite honest he had no interest in helping us. We sat at our table and waited 45 min for water, we had no server, I unfortunately had to pull a waitress from a different section to take our orders since no one seemed to have any interest. What make it worse is, this was the night that I had plan to propose, unfortunately the situation/vibe was off since we arrived. Will not be coming back.
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TS
TomS
Chicago
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for the Friday Prime Rib special. It was cooked perfectly. The service and atmosphere are always welcoming.
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VY
VivianY
Chicago
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good place for Valentine Day dinner!
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K
Kp26
Chicago
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very good food & service...
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R
Rick
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food from start to finish. Excellent wait staff! I highly recommend this outstanding restaurant for your dinning pleasure.
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f
fashionable
Chicago
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We enjoy this restaurant very much and prize it for its quiet ambiance which is why we brought a couple from our building who hadn't been before to catch up...GREAT for conversation. We are very fond of Brigitte, but this evening we had Octavio for the fist time and though he was very good, we'll continue to ask for Brigitte. When you start to go there regularly you can try them both and find your favorite too, just like you will their menu. Our guests had the chicken pot pie and the other, the burger without the bun and with a side of brussel sprouts instead of the fries or cole slaw...I did the plain burger and the cole slaw which is a non-mayonnaise version that is delicious. Both burgers were done perfectly though our orders were the opposite amount of doneness for each. My husband nearly always has the meat loaf and it wasn't quite as good as usual, maybe a little too done, he thought. Otherwise, the timing of the courses was great, Octavio was very attentive without being intrusive and our guests promised they'd be back. Bravo to an ambiance level that allows conversation with an enjoyable meal! (PS--don't miss the chicken pot pie--it's a specialty there and really terrific)
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HK
HelenK
Chicago
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall1food1service1ambience2
I’m not sure what happened last night but overall horrible experience. I noted on my reservation that this was for a birthday and that a guest in our party had tree nut allergy but server didn’t acknowledge at all. This is my neighborhood restaurant, came back for my dad’s 80th because we had great experiences with Bridget in the past. Our server however was not friendly or inviting; the restaurant was EMPTY yet it took over 40 minutes for our food. Server also missed a part of our order until we brought it to her attention. Food was mediocre at best, I had to return my chicken entree, not only was the presentation awful but it was overcooked, dry and salty, I had to send it back. The Caesar salad was also terrible, just a bunch of lettuce thrown on a plate with dressing. Luckily my dad’s filet mignon was decent and the whitefish another guest ordered was prepared well. The two gentleman who were part of bussing staff were kind and warm, our server could have taken some pointers. Management should probably pay attention to the negative reviews it’s been getting.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great experience. We were greeted immediately, seated even faster. The waitress and supporting staff were absolutely attentive and kind. The food was more than delicious, it was a wonderful experience. Thank you to all who made this an awesome time for my niece and me.
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M
Mela526
Chicago
477 reviews
vip
5.0
477 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience4
Wonderful meal and many options from which to choose. There is something for the steak lover and the non steak eater. Our server was wonderful. Attentive for sure but not overbearing by any means. Very personable!!! I would definitely go back. Travel Zoo voucher that we had was very generous in covering the dinner. Thanks to travel Zoo we discovered this restaurant. In Westin Hotel so hard to find if you do not know it is there.
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B
Buttercup8561
Chicago
42 reviews
5.0
42 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my husband downtown on the train for dinner!! He isn’t a fan of going to the city drive there for work for 40 years so train. Can. And dinner
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AM
AnneM
Chicago
241 reviews
vip
5.0
241 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a wonderful dining experience. Great food and service
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience5
All in all it was a good restaurant. We went New Year’s Eve so they only had the holiday menu which is very small. Saw the full menu on Open table and got excited but what we got was good.
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l
laurah
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
the grill was amazing. . our waiter was AWESOME !! it was my birthday and he totally made us feel special.... the food was so good. the portions were great... i loved my drink.. so good... i would definately go back....
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience3
Very dark and quiet. Food was great but expensive.
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TS
TomS
Chicago
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I always love dining at The Grill on the Alley. The service and the food are always excellent. Julie is one of my favorite servers and always pleasant to dine with. The host staff always greats me as a returning diner and remembers us from each dining experience. Carol is always a pleasure to see when I walk in. I always recommend The Grill on the Alley to my friends looking a for a great place in Chicago to dine out.
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M
Mlml
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
Food was great as was the service. The dessert, not so great.
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N
Nick
Chicago
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall3food2service4ambience3
Service was excellent but the food was "OK". Not really worth the $$$. We both had the Prime Rib and felt it could use some salt, garlic and in general some spice. The horseradish that came with it was very bland and watery.
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AM
AnneM
Chicago
241 reviews
vip
5.0
241 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and service
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f
fashionable
Chicago
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
So very glad the Grill is back to it's outstanding cozy dining room and excellent service! They had expanded into a space bordering Michigan Avenue, but that area was open to the bar and the servers shared with the bar area. They've closed that area and brought the main dining room back with it's cozy, intimate atmosphere and good service. While the host was slow getting to check us in, once we were seated, Brigitte was impeccable in her timing and service. The menu seemed slightly expanded but all of the good standards are there to be enjoyed again...great chicken pot pie and meat loaf only second to my own.... They have a great salted skin, baked potato that you can substitute for the mashed potatoes with the meat loaf for only $2.00. It's outstanding (my husband's favorite) and comes with a little tray of condiments to make it just how you like it. The menu is broad enough to satify anyone from salads and burgers to giant steaks and several seafood choices. You can't go wrong. The adjoining bar has great mixologists and a decent wine list as well. Either they've added some wonderful large art work pieces, or they're just displayed better now, but they're quite wonderful for their space. The booths are fabulous for romantic dinners or lively conversation that won't be interupted by boisterous groups. The groups that were there were having fun, but the booths kind of shield you in a very nice cozy way. If you're looking for a quiet evening with good food and conversation, this is one of the last bastions of both in Chicago.
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G
Gary
St. Louis
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I really like this restaurant a lot. I go for dinner every time I’m in Chicago Old school with good service. Everything is expensive but it’s on Michigan Ave.
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SE
SamE
Chicago
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service and food were great. Our server Carlos was very attentive and gave us great recommendations for dinner! Everything from the soup to the main course was delicious. The location is great right off Michigan Ave.
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MV
MikeV
Indiana
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite steak place!
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AM
AnneM
Chicago
241 reviews
vip
5.0
241 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food and service. We had a great time. The place is great!
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W
Wmiwink
Raleigh
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall3food4service2ambience4
Food was really great but service lagged and was very very slow. They are understaffed for the robust business they do. Frustrating.
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AD
ArleneD
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Only complaint....shrimp with crab stuffing was a skimpy portion of 4 pc. All were thrilled w food but me.
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TM
TammyM
New Mexico
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2019
overall2food1service3ambience4
This has always been my favorite steak restaurant, but my ribeye was dry and overcooked this time. Very disappointing for my one meal while in Chicago.
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TD
TimD
Cincinnati
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience3
Sitting right next to a hotel, you might suspect this will not be a great experience. You would be wrong. Granted the decorations seem dated, but in an "Old Chicago" kind of way, they make it work. The service is five star....folks filling your water, chatting, with the experience you would expect from a superb staff. But you go to restaurants for the food (and drinks) and you will not be sorry. I had the meat loaf/potatoes, my group also had the pot pie and the filet mignon sliders. The pot pie looks hand made (and probably would feed three. The sliders have an enormous choice of sauces, and were excellent. The meat loaf could have used a small vegetable, but also was excellent. I don't normally have two Bloody Mary's on a Sunday brunch, but to be honest, I couldn't resist. Old World charm, fantastic food, excellent service. Ask for extra spicy on the Bloody Mary!
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M
Melissa
Detroit
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2019
overall2food3service2ambience3
Service was horrible Heidi the waitress was not vey visible and in different . The restaurant was very warm inside must have the temps up to 80 degrees
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l
localvisit
Chicago
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 28, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience3
When we arrived at 4:30 there were only a couple of tables occupied (one with a screaming baby). Service started off good, then waiter disappeared. Manager had to clear our table and find waiter to bring us the check. For $200, I expect quality service and an excellent steak. Unfortunately, neither occurred.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff is always so great at the Grill! They made my birthday a special one!
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s
slr7
Chicago
62 reviews
vip
5.0
62 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A spot in the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue where you can enjoy a menu that will please everyone in an environment that is welcoming and allows for conversation. All 3 of us chose the trout last week - not because of a limited menu but because we had it before and knew it to be outstanding. We were not disappointed. Take the short turn off of Michigan - it will be worth it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience1
Awful - not even close to Beverly Hills iconic Restaurant. Food cold , service terrible
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EH
EmilyH
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2019
overall1food1service2ambience3
Our server Greg was decent, but less attentive than we would have liked. The staff seems stretched thin. Our dinner experience took over 2 hours. It took around 25-30 minutes to get our drinks, and nearly an hour to receive our food. The food itself was less than incredible. We ordered the filet mignon and it was not cooked to preference. Very well done. When we went to pay, it took so long that we both had time to go on separate bathroom breaks. We also ordered dessert (the brownie option) to go. Once we got home to eat it because we did not want to spend any more time in the restaurant, we were greeted with a nearly stale brownie. Needless to say, we were not satisfied with our experience here. For a bill of over $200, we expected better service and quality.
1 person found this helpful
DM
DinerMcGee
Chicago
15 reviews
vip
3.0
15 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience3
Service was very slow on a not crowded Saturday evening. The 2 steaks arrived hot 👍 The crab stuffed shrimp was delivered at room temperature 👎 Have enjoyed much better creamed spinach elsewhere. Had 2 ask 4 water twice before the glasses were refilled.
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FAQs

The Grill on the Alley - Chicago is rated 4.2 stars by 958 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for The Grill on the Alley - Chicago

909 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Additional information

Cross street
Delaware & Michigan
Neighborhood
Gold Coast / Streeterville
Hours of operation
Daily: 6:30 am to 12:00am
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Steak, Seafood, American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Parking Garage in Westin hotel 24 hours.
Public transit
Chicago Red Line
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Geordan Stenson
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Indoor Smoking Area, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thegrill.com/
Phone number
(312) 255-9009
Catering
Catering and Delivery available. Contact SpecialEvents@grillconcepts.com to order.
Private party facilities
The Grill on the Alley's locations have private dining areas accommodating intimate family celebrations and high-profile executive meetings with a full-service bar, perfect for rehearsal dinners and cocktail receptions. Visit us at www.TheGrill.com to view the virtual tour and private event menus.
Private party contact
Private Dining Manager: (818) 251-7021