Maple & Ash Chicago Steakhouse: Full Dining Experience Review

Maple & Ash at 8 West Maple Street in Chicago is one of those restaurants that show up on every "best steakhouse in America" list. My wife picked it for our anniversary dinner because she knows I like to check out these buzzed-about joints for myself instead of just reading about them.

Service That Stands Out

The service at Maple & Ash was outstanding. Our server, Mason, was excellent, walking us through the menu and adding small personal touches that made the night feel special.

What We Ordered at Maple & Ash

I went with the 32-day dry-aged bone-in New York Strip, Brussels sprouts, and an order of fries. My wife had the fire-roasted chicken, and we also split a bottle of wine. The surprise of the night came when Mason added shepherd's pie to my meal, something I had overheard a guy raving about at the bar. He didn't have to do that, but it ended up being one of the highlights.

The Downsides: Dark, Loud, and Pricey

There are a few tradeoffs, though. The dining room is so dark I was literally reading the menu by candlelight. The music is also loud, and to top it off, the bill isn't cheap. It's also not a quick dinner. The service seemed to be intentionally paced, so you have to settle in for the full experience. None of that shocked me, but it's something you should know before you go.

Who Maple & Ash Is Best For

In the end, if you're looking for a special occasion restaurant with all the extras, Maple & Ash delivers precisely what it promises: high-end steakhouse food with a lot of polish. Just be ready to spend some money. To me, the restaurant seems better suited for a group night out than for a cozy date night.

My wife summed up our trip to Maple & Ash best in the Uber afterward: "You like to think you're a foodie, but you'd be just as happy going to a place you've been to plenty of times before." She wasn't wrong. Maple & Ash is worth trying once, but I'm not sure if I need to make a return trip.