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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
2064 Reviews
$31 to $50
Barbecue

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 27 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Good for groups
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
  • 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.
  • Location
    465 E. Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611
  • 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

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,064 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

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue in Chicago offers an exceptional dining experience with "delicious food," "outstanding service," and a "beautiful and pleasant" ambiance. Renowned for their ribs, steaks, and "generous portions," Carson's is a go-to for locals and visitors alike. Guests rave about the "craft cocktails," "comfortable seating," and "amazing views" of the Chicago River. Whether for special occasions or casual outings, Carson's promises a memorable meal.

2,064 Reviews

  1. Marsha

    VIP

    Chicago

    91 reviews

    5.0

    91 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Carson’s Ribs is awesome. It is a great and safe neighborhood; tourist; family; date or friendship venue.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded today
    Hello Marsha. The entire Carson’s team would like to wish you a very happy holiday and New Year. Thank you for being such a loyal awesome guest.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Marykay

    VIP

    Chicago

    46 reviews

    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellence food and service. One of the best all around restaurants in Chicago. Lively vibe, excellent food and variety. Thank you Carson’s!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Irv

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was wonderful however the service was just average. We had to ask three or four times for a simple service such as empty plates for barbecue rib, bones, before we finally receive them. This occurred in several other areas as well. I found the overall service fairly good And the food excellent. My wife and I will return. 

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jeremy

    Amarillo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The whole experience was wonderful. The food and service were excellent. We’ll return and we will recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  5. David

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just an all around great dinner. Really appreciated the service. And the prime rib was delightfully prime.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded today
    Happy Holidays. Thank you for taking the time to provide such a positive review about our slow roasted amazing prime rib following your recent 5 star dining experience at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago. We truly appreciate you letting everyone know your feedback that you had such a great dinner. We will look forward to serving you again in the future. Happy Holidays

    Is this helpful?

  6. Marsha

    VIP

    Chicago

    91 reviews

    5.0

    91 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great neighborhood restaurant. I highly recommend Carson’s.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Heather

    VIP

    Toronto

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a fantastic evening and John at the back bar is terrific. We look forward to our next visit.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 17 December 2024
    Thank you for your fantastic compliments about John’s service at the back river bar. We are extremely fortunate to have bartending at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago. We very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back and serving you again anytime. Feel free to request John’s area when reserving and we will do our best to accommodate. Happy Holidays.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Patrick

    VIP

    Chicago

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best food ever! Go every time I’m in town. My family and I enjoy it immensely. Best ribs!!
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 15 December 2024
    Hello Patrick. Thank you for taking the time to provide such a positive review about our amazing best bbq ribs following your recent 5 star dining experience at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago. We truly appreciate you letting everyone know your feedback that we have the best food ever and that you and your family enjoy dining together with us immensely every time in town. We will look forward to serving you again in the future. Kind Regards and Happiest of holidays to you and yours.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Chuck

    Hawaii

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We dined at Carson's over the weekend on a Saturday night. Service was great, the prime rib was excellent the ambiance was very nice.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 17 December 2024
    Hello Chuck. Thank you for your compliments about our service staff and your 5 star dining experience Saturday night. We love hearing that you found our prime rib excellent as well! Here at Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Chicago, we very much look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you back for some more nice ambiance and quality dining. Happy Holidays!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Barbara

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Food was good, and service was great. Next time I would prefer a table rather than a counter seat.
    Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - ChicagoResponded on 17 December 2024
    Thank you for your continued dining loyalty and kind rating. Sincerely, Carson’s Prime Steaks and Famous Barbecue Management Team of Chicago

    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 4.8 stars by 2064 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 27 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
  • 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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