- Attraction: Elba’s Golden Steer Steakhouse
- Location: 7635 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60130
- Industry: Steakhouse
- Website: https://www.elbas-goldensteersteakhouse.com/
The building at 7635 Roosevelt Road has a long, colorful history tied to multiple families. It originally opened in 1934 as the Irish West Side Bar.
What started as a neighborhood bar evolved into something extraordinary – in the 1950s, the building was home to the Pink Clock Bar, which is currently best remembered as mobster Sam Giancana’s hideaway. Today, you’ll dine where legends once gathered, in a steakhouse that has preserved its vintage charm since 1969.
This is where Elizabeth Taylor drank Jack Daniels (she preferred it poured neat!) and Blackhawks star Stan Mikita dined.
When longtime employee Elba Caragher purchased the restaurant in 2023, she made one thing clear: “Nothing is changing. Everything will stay the same. Nothing is broken.” After working there for over two decades, she understood what made this place special – and why it needed to remain untouched.
What Makes The Steaks & Menu Special
The Famous French Onion Soup: Chicago’s Best gave the steakhouse a nod for the best baked French onion soup. You’ll find onions simmering in outstanding broth, topped with a thick layer of melted Gruyère cheese that’s baked until crispy on top yet gooey underneath. Every steak dinner becomes an excellent value when baked French onion soup or a cup of the soup of the day, a generous dinner salad, and choice of potato are included with the price of every entrée.
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Keep Exploring →Prime Steaks Done Right: Golden Steer has capitalized on top-quality steaks garnished with a single mushroom. You’ll taste the difference in their prime filet mignon, ribeye, and weekend prime rib that customers consistently praise for perfect preparation. The 10-ounce prime filet mignon comes with baked potato and house salad, making it a complete dining experience.
The Legendary Steerburger: The praiseworthy steerburger served up on dark rye bread has been a customer favorite for decades. You can top it with Swiss, American, or bleu cheese, and it captures that old-school burger craftsmanship that’s become increasingly rare.
Fresh Seafood Selection: You’ll discover options like broiled Pacific grouper, Australian lobster, broiled Boston scrod, and Atlantic salmon. The Scallops De Jonghe is a delectable choice that’s well-recommended, showcasing their commitment to quality beyond just steaks.
House-Made Desserts: You can’t pass up two large portions of house-made tiramisu, and you’ll also find tasty cheesecakes and rich chocolate mousse that provide the perfect ending to your meal.
Atmosphere & Historic Character
Timeless Dining Room: The dining room of today’s Golden Steer Steakhouse is the old dance floor of the Pink Clock, but while some things have changed over the years, the white tablecloths, candles, and mirror art set the scenery exactly as it looked in 1969 when the Steer first opened its doors.
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Discover MoreYou’ll feel transported to a different era with dark wood paneling, leather booths, and low lighting that creates an intimate, old-school ambiance.
Authentic Vintage Feel: The décor retains that classic steakhouse feel, with dark wood paneling, leather booths, and low lighting that creates an intimate, old-school ambiance. The dining room is a bit small and cramped, but this coziness adds to the authentic supper club experience where conversation flows easily.
Lively Yet Intimate: It is a dimly lit place and gets rather loud during peak times, creating that bustling steakhouse energy where you’ll hear the sounds of celebration and good times echoing through the historic space.
Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: Most reviewers highlight that prices are low for what you receive, making this a refreshing find in today’s dining landscape. Steaks, seafood, burgers are great and priced well, especially considering the generous portions and included sides.
Reservation Essential: Definitely a reservation needed for dinner, particularly on weekends when the small dining room fills quickly. You can make reservations by calling ahead, and it’s wise to plan especially for weekend prime dining hours.
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Keep Exploring →Family-Friendly Classic: Good ole family style feeling makes this perfect for multi-generational dinners, special occasions, and anyone seeking that authentic neighborhood steakhouse experience that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Fresh Preparation: Every dish is prepared the moment you order it, ensuring that your meal arrives hot and made-to-order rather than sitting under heat lamps.
Parking & Location: Located on Roosevelt Road with convenient parking, and just over a half-mile walk from the Forest Park Stop on the “L” Blue Line Train for those using public transportation.
Elba’s Golden Steer Steakhouse
📍 7635 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60130
