2018 top independent restaurants in Chicagoland
By Restaurant Business Staff on Oct. 16, 2018Fifteen of the country's highest-grossing independents are located in Chicago and the surrounding area, an increase of three from last year's list. The number is bolstered by a group of steakhouse newcomers including Maple & Ash, RPM Steak and Swift & Sons.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 9
Annual Sales: $25.4M
Average Check: $78.23
The Buzz: Parent Gibsons Restaurant Group opened an Italian steakhouse, Gibsons Italia, in Chicago in October 2017.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 20
Annual Sales: $21.3M
Average Check: $82.00
The Buzz: The result of a 2000 partnership between Joe's Stone Crab's family owners and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Maple & Ash (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 24
Annual Sales: $20.3M
Average Check: $85.00
The Buzz: A second Maple & Ash, at the Scottsdale, Ariz., Waterfront development, will open by early 2019.
RPM Steak (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 26
Annual Sales: $20.3M
Average Check: $98.00
The Buzz: RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman—children of famed Chicago restaurateur Rich Melman—are among partners in RPM Steak.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (Oak Brook, Ill.)
Top 100 Rank: 37
Annual Sales: $18.3M
Average Check: $76.96
The Buzz: Even though McDonald's corporate headquarters, formerly across the street, moved downtown, this Gibsons is doing just fine.
Bob Chinn's Crab House (Wheeling, Ill.)
Top 100 Rank: 40
Annual Sales: $18.1M
Average Check: $42.32
The Buzz: Spotlighting the beer/seafood compatibility, Chinn's has expanded its craft beer selection and organized beer dinners with brewery partners.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (Rosemont, Ill.)
Top 100 Rank: 41
Annual Sales: $18.1M
Average Check: $74.81
The Buzz: Parent Gibsons Restaurant Group has opened ChiSox Bar & Grill at Guaranteed Rate Field where the White Sox play.
Chicago Cut Steakhouse (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 48
Annual Sales: $17.4M
Average Check: $88.00
The Buzz: Owners David Flom and Matthew Moore closed sister concept Ocean Cut in 2018 after a three-year run.
Shaw's Crab House (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 49
Annual Sales: $17.4M
Average Check: $68.00
The Buzz: At 34, Shaw's Crab House is one of Lettuce Entertain Your Enterprises' longest-running concepts.
Swift & Sons (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 66
Annual Sales: $15.1M
Average Check: $98.42
The Buzz: Opened by Boka Restaurant Group (Girl & The Goat, Boka and others) in 2016, Swift & Sons makes its Top 100 debut.
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 68
Annual Sales: $15.0M
Average Check: $76.95
The Buzz: It opened in 1997 next door to sister restaurant Gibsons Steakhouse.
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 71
Annual Sales: $14.9M
Average Check: $55.00
The Buzz: The historic Dutch Renaissance Revival-style building that houses Harry Caray's was built in 1895.
Prime & Provisions (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 77
Annual Sales: $14.5M
Average Check: $95.00
The Buzz: A stylish steakhouse from the owners of Chicago hot spots Bull & Bear, Siena Tavern and Public House.
Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 86
Annual Sales: $14.1M
Average Check: $30.53
The Buzz: A restaurant and wine bar famed for its Italian small-plates menu, from the Gibsons team.
Tavern on Rush (Chicago)
Top 100 Rank: 89
Annual Sales: $13.7M
Average Check: $75.00
The Buzz: Seat yourself in the restaurant, patio cafe or tavern sections of this classic Chicago steakhouse.