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The Palm Restaurant - Chicago
$$$$ · Steakhouse, Seafood, Italian

323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Steakhouse in Loop Best Seafood in Loop Best Lasagna in Loop Best Date Night Steakhouse in Loop

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

The Palm Restaurant - Chicago 8.3
Loop
Vibes: Luxury Dining Elite Birthday & Celebration Central Business Lunch Power Players Group Dining Gatherings
A classic steakhouse format inside the Swissotel with a menu built around prime-aged beef, big seafood swings, and steady, occasion-friendly service. It’s strongest when you order like a traditional steakhouse—one prime cut per person, a shared side strategy, and a familiar starter—rather than over-stacking categories.
Must-Try Dishes: Gigi Salad, Prime rib, Lobster bisque
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school steakhouse reliability with Swissotel riverfront setting.
Who should go: Celebrations, business dinners, steakhouse traditionalists
When to visit: Weeknights or earlier dinner for smoother timing
What to order: Prime rib, Gigi Salad, lobster bisque
Insider tip: Order sides family-style and keep the table to one steak lane.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet at the Swissotel (typically paid); limited street parking nearby and fills quickly in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual to business dressy—jeans are fine, but lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively steakhouse hum, but conversation is easy at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak business hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, sides, and a few composed options can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly sides and salads; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steaks and seafood are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a polished, traditional setting—more classic than trendy, with comfortable pacing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or early evenings, but dinner—especially weekends—works best with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids; the atmosphere and pricing skew toward adults and celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Classic steakhouse reliability, group celebrations, and business-friendly service.
Skip if: You want a modern, buzzy steakhouse or a chef-driven tasting experience—choose a trendier room instead.