Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue – Chicago (Streeterville)
Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue – Chicago (Streeterville) — reliable american in Streeterville that keeps people coming back. Order the cornbread. The portions alone make it worth the trip. "Aggressively seasoned, crispy golden brown skin, and tender juicy chicken" — Thomas Webb [$$]
What 2,668 diners keep saying
What 2,668 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“I think I found my new favorite place! I was greeted warmly at the host stand, and not having been here before they invited me to take a look around. I settled at the bar in the back room overlooking the water and tour boats. I started with a perfect Manhattan and the delicious corn bread, large enough for two and so good I took another home for a friend. Then came the prime rib sandwich, tender and juicy...the best I've ever had! Excellent service, and just lovely decor and setting. Can't wait to take my kids here when they come at Christmas.”

“Hadn’t been to Carson’s for years and stopped in on a recent visit to Chicago. It was everything we remembered and more! Enjoyed their “garbage salad” (big enough for two to split), along with a half-rack of ribs, creamed spinach, and their famous cole slaw. Generous portions, classic slow smoked bbq, and endless Chicago atmosphere. All amazing!”

“I can't say enough about Carson's. The staff, location, and food was all top notched. My steak was cooked to perfection at medium. The char on the top outside and just the right amount of pink in the inside. The portion size was large enough to have leftovers. Their is one improvement - signage. I walked from the Navy Pier to the restaurant and was standing right in front of it but did not know it because the sign was above my head on the building. There was no signage on the door or windows that I saw. I will visit again.”

“After an amazing ride on the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, we walked just around the corner to Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue. The food was delicious, the service was good, and our server had a great sense of humor. It was nice to find excellent barbecue beef options, and the brisket was incredibly tender. The restaurant has the atmosphere of a sports bar with a touch of class, blended with Chicago history. The walls are filled with photos of famous people who have visited over the years, making it feel like you're dining in a place that's been part of countless Chicago memories. The portions are generous, the food is full of flavor, and the location is perfect—within walking distance of the Chicago River and Navy Pier. Be sure to check out my photos to see the impressive portions and delicious menu items. One thing diners should know is that gratuity is automatically added to the bill. The restaurant says it's clearly posted, printed on the menu, and explained before ordering. However, after reading other reviews, it seems many guests may not realize it until they receive the check. The service style is also a little different from a traditional family restaurant. Your server takes your order, delivers your food, checks in once, and then brings the bill. If that's how the restaurant has chosen to operate, then the automatic gratuity makes sense. If the service is exceptional, you can always leave a little extra. If it isn't perfect, remember that everyone has an off day and the gratuity has already been included. Overall, I would absolutely recommend Carson's. The food is well prepared, the portions are generous, the atmosphere is beautiful, and it's a great stop while exploring downtown Chicago.If you'd like, I can also make it a little more humorous or more "Google review" style to help it get more likes and be marked as helpful.”

“Great food, great atmosphere, and the friendliest staff. We have been coming here for years on visits to Chicago. Carson's never disappoints!”

“Jose was are server and he did amazing! It was our first time here and he explained everything on the menu to a T! The food was beyond amazing the portions our huge just as the flavor is! We had a ribeye, onion rings, twice baked potato and salad with the creamy garlic dressing that we dipped everything in! We definitely will be returning.”

“Staff was friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a great vibe and location. I started with the legendary Caesar and it lives up to its name. The homemade dressing was amazing and best Caesar I’ve ever had! The pulled pork sandwich was juicy and the BBQ sauce was delicious. The au gratin potatoes were the perfect mix of creamy with a crunch top. Would highly recommended!”

“We sat in the back with the river view and it was beautiful. Our server Dan was amazing and OMG the food! Even the broccoli was absolutely delicious.”

“Cenamos para año nuevo todo muy rico ambiente increíble tranquilo para cena familiar vista la ruo espectacular 👌”

“The food and service was top notch. Really nothing to complain about. It was easy to get a table. (No wait) It is a little pricey, but it's expected in Chicago. It's interesting to checkout all the celebrity photos on the wall. Overall a great experience.”

“We had Caron's takeout, and it was extremely delicious. Their barbecue sauce is perfect - flavorful, acidic, and smooth. The ribs itself are great - on the chewy side and really delicious. The coleslaw is so great too, I recommend getting a large portion. The potatoes au gratin are heavenly, it's certainly an indulgement but completely worth it. The cornbread is soft, sweet, and fluffy. Everything is truly to die for. I highly recommend a visit.”
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