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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

4.8
4.8
2024 Reviews
$31 to $50
Barbecue

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 56 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for business meals
  • Charming
America's #1 BBQ since 1977. Carson's dedication to hearty portions and an unwavering commitment to finest quality makes it no wonder why people love Carson’s for over 45 years. Carson's slow-smoked BBQ babyback ribs are a star attraction. Other must-try items include BBQ or Greek Chicken and Chops, Salmon, Shrimp, USDA Certified Black Angus, Prime Steaks, Award-Winning Cole Slaw, homemade salad dressings, homemade corn bread, scratch-made potato sides, homemade desserts and more. Located conveniently in Streeterville, nearby Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue on Ogden Slip of Chicago River in a tastefully renovated cozy warehouse space with exposed brick and wooden beams over 100 years old. Above the glow of candlelight, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jordan, and hundreds of other notable Carson's fans join you in your meal. Come see why Carson's is a quintessential ONE AND ONLY #1 BBQ landmark restaurant in Chicago serving award winning competition style BBQ and Prime Steaks.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Barbecue, Steak, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 11:30–23:00 Sun 11:30–22:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 15:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (312) 280-9200
  • 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.
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,024 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Chicago offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing food" and "great service." Renowned for its prime rib, BBQ ribs, and "award-winning coleslaw," this classic spot features a "beautiful ambiance" and a "warm, cushy environment." Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or a memorable Chicago meal.

2,024 Reviews
  1. Bob

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Never EVER a Bad Experience! always our "go to" place and for special nights!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Hi Bob. We sincerely appreciate your 5 star review of Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue. It makes us super happy to be your “go to” place for special nights. Proud to be your 5 star choice on all points. See you soon.

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  2. Moshe

    London

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and exceptional service. Do not miss the place if you're visiting Chicago!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Outstanding! We love your 5 star review and superb comments about our amazing food and exceptional service at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago. Thank you for your dining loyalty and letting everyone know we are a Chicago must visit dining experience. We will certainly pass along your kind comments about exceptional service to the team and owner. Thanks again

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter was excellent! I especially appreciated the acknowledgment of my boyfriend’s allergy with the desert and side options provided. Manager and other staff very friendly. Will dine in again! 100 out of 100!!

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  4. Carolyn

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Arrived early and they still accommodated us! Waiter was very knowledgeable about food and how it should be prepared. He gave additional suggestions and was very attentive. Food came out hot and delicious!!! Overall great evening.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Hello Carolyn. Wonderful to know you experienced high level service and care during you dining experience with us at Carson’s Chicago. It makes us so happy to know you received hot delicious food and attentive service. We look forward to serving you again anytime for another 5 star visit.

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  5. Sharon

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I've been dining at Carson's for over 25 years. Excellent food, just sad to see how the prices continue to rise on the menu. I'll continue to visit on special occasions. Definitely worth going if you're thinking about it. Yum!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded 1 day ago
    Wow Sharon. This is the kind of review we love to read… An awesome guest dining for over 25 years. Thank you for your continued dining loyalty as it is very kindly appreciated.

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  6. Nathaniel

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything Was Great Food Customer Service Everything Definitely A Must Go.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 14 November 2024
    Hi Nathaniel! Thank you for this wonderful 5 star review of Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago. We love that your whole experience from the food to the customer service were great and we are a must for trying!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Vincent

    Charleston

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a fabulous place, grate food, service, and drinks
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 14 November 2024
    Thanks much Vincent for this kind review of Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Chicago. We appreciate earning the grade of 5 stars for our fabulous ambience, great service and delicious food and drink. We look forward to having you back with us again.

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  8. Hilarie

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 13 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    You have to eat at Carson’s if you haven’t done so already. Food was delicious and service impeccable. Highly recommend.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 13 November 2024
    We are very pleased by your kind compliments, especially those regarding impeccable service and delicious food while dining with us at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue. We appreciate your encouraging others to dine at Carson’s and taking the time to add those awesome diner tags. Thank you! It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome you back to continue creating more memorable experiences.

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  9. Dan

    Phoenix

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 November 2024

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    Great location. Great decor Service lacking for the the mandatory 20% gratuity for two ppl. Had to ask for drink refills reminders, did not check back on steak temperature. Requested Medium. Received medium rare. Server setup with so many tables. Felt like we were not priority. Would not recommend you to this location. I expected top service for the top dollar price. They fell short. I don’t mind spending money. Poor service with basic food cooking did not justify the cost of this visit. Maybe it’s bad luck. But table next to us complained his steak was undercooked. Beware.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 12 November 2024
    Mr Carson would like to speak to you about your dining experience. He can be reached at 773-310-1000. Thank you

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  10. Crystal

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 November 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    When my husband told waiter his chicken wasn't done and unable to cut. Instead of offering him a manager the waiter gave his sicinerary. No apology nor accountability.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 12 November 2024
    Hello Crystal. Thank you for advising of the situation. We are sorry to learn your experience was off and have forwarded your feedback to the owner and the management team at this location. If you would personally like to speak to the owner feel free to call Mr Carson on his direct cell 773-310-1000. His name and number are on every menu and he is very consumer centric.

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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 4.8 stars by 2024 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 56 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Area
    Gold Coast / Streeterville
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 11:30–23:00 Sun 11:30–22:00 Dinner Mon–Thu 15:00–22:00
  • 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, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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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