Giving up veganism before moving to Chicago was probably a smart move on my part, for it's well known that Chicagoans love their food, and at the top of that culinary heap is the mightiest of the mighty—steak. Located in the heart of the Loop, Rosebud Prime sits awkwardly across from one of its sibling outlets, Rosebud Theatre District. While the latter focuses on pastas and meatballs, Rosebud Prime keeps it all about the meat.

Talk about classic—the split-level dining room is bisected by a dramatic grand staircase, encased with chocolate leather walls and crowned with elaborate chandeliers. The ambiance might seem a little over-the-top, but the token red chairs, banquette seating and crisp, white linen tablecloths pull together the room with a delightful Mafioso flavor. No matter how impressive, no amount of decor could possibly detract from the main event—Rosebud's signature bone-in filet ($42) weighs in at a hefty 18 oz and is topped with wild mushrooms. If you want to get all hyphy with it, the 36 oz porterhouse ($65) should earn you some major carnivore cred. The dainty among us can stick with the 8 oz filet ($30) and be perfectly satisfied.

Daily specials range from osso bucco to fish and chips, and a regular menu of comfort items like fried chicken, baby-back ribs and pork chops is always available. The seafood options range from scallops to ahi, with lobster and shrimp cocktails making cameos at the front of the meal. As is par for the course at any steakhouse worth its (ahem) chops, the massive side menu includes half a dozen takes on the potato, and plenty of artery-clogging veggie preparations like creamed spinach and broccoli au gratin.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe