Chicago Steak Company Review 2023: The World’s Finest Beef

Overview

The Chicago Steak Company vows to deliver the ultimate steak experience to foodies who like to enjoy a juicy and delicious cut. The brand does so by using centuries-old aging techniques and Chicago’s fame for high-quality American meats that goes back to the 1860s.

Hand-cut, Mid-West raised, USDA Prime beef is the Chicago Steak Company’s specialty, but the menu includes other options, such as burgers, chicken, pork, gourmet meats, seafood, desserts, and sides. Moreover, you can use this service to send an impressive gift to the foodie in your life – they’ll definitely appreciate a cut of Wagyu Beef.

However, with great quality come great prices. Therefore, even though the Chicago Steak Company delivers a good selection of meats, sides, and desserts, the cost can get quite high if you want weekly deliveries.

If you’re looking for gourmet meals, Blue Apron’s menu offers excellent culinary variety and includes several steak dishes each week. Plus, Blue Apron has a separate wine menu, which you can use to pair with your food. This is a bonus compared to the Chicago Steak Company, where you only get wine pairing guidance.

Of course, the Chicago Steak Company has its strong points, so make sure to continue reading to learn more.

Pros

• Prime quality ingredients

• Impressive care during the meat preparation process

• Humane and sustainable growing methods

• Current deal – 20% off

Cons

• Higher prices than regular meal delivery services

• Mostly focused on meats

• Not a good option for weekly deliveries

What’s on the Chicago Steak Company Menu

The Chicago Steak Company menu is mainly focused on serving high-quality beef cuts sourced exclusively from Mid-West-raised heritage cattle. You can shop by cut (filet mignon, ribeye, top sirloin, and more), by grade (Premium Angus Beef, Wagyu Beef, and so on), by price, or as a bundle.

You can also order burgers, gourmet meats, seafood, desserts, sides, seasonings, and more. And, if you’re looking for gift ideas for the foodies in your life, the Chicago Steak Company has your back with a selection of packages, apparel, and other items.

Meal Options

The Chicago Steak Company can accommodate several diets that focus on consuming high-quality proteins that are low in carbs and rich in healthy fats. As such, if you are on a diet like keto, paleo, carnivore, high protein, or low carb, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Plus, a variety of meat and seafood products are naturally gluten-free, such as steaks, chops, seafood, and some sides. However, some of these products may be processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients, so there’s a possibility of cross-contamination.

I like that the menu manages to stay varied, even though over 70% is focused on meat. This means that anyone who’s not on a vegetarian or vegan diet will have plenty of options. Of course, the Steaks menu section is a must-see, with options for different cuts and grades. But you should also have a look at the Burger & Meats, Seafood, and Desserts & Sides sections.

In terms of steaks, the Chicago Steak Company is one of the best on the market. The company received the People's Choice Award for best-tasting steaks out of 8 leading steak purveyors. Plus, the chefs boast about the brand’s commitment to tradition and selective sourcing that give these steaks premium tenderness, marbling, and flavor.

Each steak is aged for 4 to 6 weeks to develop the complexity of flavor that’s only available in 5-star restaurants and high-end steakhouses. The Chicago Steak Company has its own Dry Aging Facility, due to which the brand developed a unique flavor profile. Plus, the steaks are trimmed by butchers using traditional techniques and hand-carved with expert precision to remove extra tissue and fat.

The menu also includes gourmet meats (chicken, pork, ribs, ham, turkey, and so on), which go well on the grill or in delicious family dinners. You also have 3 types of steak burgers (Premium Angus, USDA Prime, or American Wagyu), brats and hot dogs, a wide range of fresh fish, several Surf & Turf options, and more.

To sweeten the deal, the Chicago Steak Company also offers desserts, such as pastries, puddings, cheesecakes, and more. Plus, there are a few side dishes, such as casseroles, appetizers, and Mac & Cheese.

You can order a cut of steak, burger meat, or seafood, or you can try a variety of cuts and meats by choosing 1 of the many packages and assortments available. There are even several bundles and gift boxes designed to share with the family, where you can combine different types of meats.

Moreover, the desserts and side dishes are designed family-style (the whole cake or dish), so you can’t purchase just 1 serving. You’ll usually have around 4 servings per side dish and about 7 to 8 servings per dessert.

I think the menu is great for a family of 4 on a balanced diet. The kids will love the comfort food side dishes and desserts, and the adults can enjoy a perfect cut of steak that fits their taste. However, if you’re looking for a meal kit subscription, I think HelloFresh is the best option for a family. 

Customization

The Chicago Steak Company offers a variety of cuts and meats, which you can cook at home based on a detailed list of instructions. The meat, fish, and seafood arrive frozen and vacuum sealed to lock in the freshness, so there isn’t much to customize.

On the other hand, the side dishes and desserts arrive fully cooked or oven-ready. Therefore, the Chicago Steak Company doesn’t leave room for customization. However, you can adjust the taste of your steak, burger, or grill by adding special seasoning (your own or bought with the meat).

I like that the menu is easy to navigate due to the well-designed filtering system that lets you find the exact type of meat you want. You can look for products by cut, grade, or price. Also, if you’re looking for inspiration, you have the Best Sellers and Coach Ditka’s Favorites sections, where you can find the best of the best cuts.

At the Chicago Steak Company, every cut is carefully curated by specialized chefs, which is why these steaks are in the top 2% of beef worldwide. The same is true about the gourmet burgers, which often feature blends from the Premium Angus, USDA Prime, and Wagyu lines.

The other types of meat are also prepared for your oven or pan, so there isn’t much room for customization. So, if you’re looking for a service that’ll allow you more freedom (especially when it comes to full meals), you should check Home Chef and its Customize It feature.

Unboxing

The unboxing experience is impressive and gives you an idea of the high standards of quality and satisfaction practiced by the Chicago Steak Company. Because the packaging is exquisite, you can offer a beautiful cut of Wagyu beef as a gift and be sure it’ll make a wonderful impression.

First, all the meat is flash-frozen in its natural juices to lock in the flavor. Next, each cut is individually wrapped and vacuum sealed to ensure the freshness and the high quality of the ingredients. The steaks are then wrapped in food-grade paper that has the Chicago Steak Company gold label and placed in a beautiful cardboard box.

Your order will come in a perfectly packaged shrink-wrapped cooler that's reusable. Also, the cooler is lined with dry ice to avoid any accidental thawing down the road. Inside the cooler, you’ll find a Chicago Steak Company catalog with offers and new additions and a registration card with your order’s unique registration number. You can use this number to track your order or file a complaint with the company.

The box doesn’t include any cooking or heating instructions, but this isn’t a problem since the Chicago Steak Company website offers a bevy of information on this topic. There are articles, recipes, videos, and anything a steak aficionado could ever want to learn more about cooking their favorite beef cut.

Also, I like that most of the packaging is recyclable or reusable. The only part you won’t be able to recycle is the plastic used to vacuum seal each individual cut or food item. Also, this wrapping must be removed before you start cooking or heating your products.

Cooking with Chicago Steak Company

You’ll receive your steaks, burgers, and seafood fresh, flash-frozen, and individually packed in a vacuum seal. The Chicago Company recommends storing all the items you don’t want to consume right away in your freezer (for a max of 6 months). The cut you want to prepare must be left to thaw, preferably in a pan, in the fridge, for about 24h.

You can cook the steak, burger, or seafood according to your own preferences, or you can follow the instructions offered by the Chicago Steak Company. If you’re a beginner, I highly recommend following the guidelines provided by the company. Keep in mind that these instructions are offered by professional chefs who know how to cook a 5-star restaurant juicy and flavorful steak or burger.

The side dishes and desserts arrive frozen and need about 10 to 20+ minutes in the oven. Also, depending on your preferences, you can add dessert toppings to make things a bit more interesting. For instance, you can upgrade a boring cheesecake with a bit of chocolate topping and some whipped cream.

Overall, you have to invest a bit of time when it comes to cooking with the Chicago Steak Company, but the results are worth the effort. But, if you don’t have the time or the disposition to spend a few hours in the kitchen or over the grill, a service like Factor may be a better option.

Shortlist of My Favorite Meals

As a grillmaster myself, I can’t ignore the Ultimate Grilling Assortment offered by the Chicago Steak Company. The bundle is perfect for when you want to throw the best grill party in your backyard. Plus, you’ll definitely impress your foodie cousin or coworker since the package includes the following:

• 4 Premium Angus Beef Ribeyes

• 4 Premium Angus Beef Top Sirloins

• 4 Lemon Herb marinated Chicken Breasts

• 16 Gourmet Angus Steak Burgers

The steaks are hand-selected and hand-carved to make sure only the best possible cut made it into your package. Also, the meat was cured using the wet aging technique (for 4 to 6 weeks) to intensify its naturally delicious flavor.

With this package, you’ll cook the juiciest, most tender, and most flavorful steaks ever. In fact, if you follow the cooking instructions, your steaks and burgers will be on-par with the ones you can get at 5-star restaurants like Jordan's or Ditka's.

Another recipe you can’t ignore is the American Wagyu Steak Burger. The package includes 8 individually wrapped Kobe-style Wagyu steak burgers (8oz each). The burgers are made from trimmings of Kobe-Wagyu steaks and aged for 4 to 6 weeks using artisan aging techniques to ensure every bite will have the perfect tenderness and flavor. Plus, each patty is cut extra thick for maximum juiciness.

This bundle is perfect for a backyard grilling session with a couple of friends or for an afternoon with the family. You can also store them in the freezer and cook them 1 by 1 in a pan whenever you feel like it. Add some veggies and your favorite cheese and condiments, and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready in no time.

Prices

The Chicago Steak Company works like a regular online store, so you can order whatever you like. Most items are available as a bundle or package in a variety of sizes and quantities. For instance, if you want to order Premium Angus Beef Filet Mignon, you can choose the size (5oz, 8oz, 6oz, or 10oz) and the quantity (2, 4, 6, or 8 pieces). On the other hand, if you choose a pre-defined bundle, like the Premium Angus Beef Ultimate Gift Assortment, you can choose how many bundles you want but not what goes into each package.

Prices start at $60.00 per item but vary greatly depending on what type of meat you want (steaks, seafood, gourmet, and so on), whether you want side dishes and desserts, and so on. Standard shipping costs also vary, depending on the amount you order. For orders up to $69.99, you’ll pay $19.99, orders up to $119.99 cost you $25.99, orders up to $179.99 are $29.99, and anything over is $34.99 per shipped order.

Other costs apply for different shipping formats – Express Delivery will be an additional $19.99, while Overnight Delivery will be an extra $39.99 ($49.99 for Saturday Overnight). Plus, if you live in Hawaii, Alaska, or Canada, the shipping upcharge will be $59.99.

Overall, the Chicago Steak Company is on the pricier side, especially if you’re not there for the side dishes and desserts. Most people tend to pay between $200 and $400 per order, sometimes more.

Shipping & Delivery

The Chicago Steak Company delivers all over the US, including Alaska and Hawaii, and Canada. The brand uses UPS and FedEx as the main delivery services, which is why prices and delivery times will vary.

Standard delivery should arrive between 5 to 7 days or less, depending on traffic and weather conditions. If you choose Express Delivery, the order should reach your doorstep in 2 to 3 business days, and if you choose Overnight Delivery (before 4 PM during the week), you’ll have your box by the following business afternoon.

In each case, you can select a delivery date, and you can track your order. After placing your order, you’ll receive 2 email notifications – the 1st will be a summary of the order, and the 2nd will contain the tracking number and any additional shipping information.

To speed up your delivery, you should place your order before 4 PM CT on a weekday. Since the steaks are cut to order, the company can’t offer same-day shipping, so all the orders placed after 4 PM CT will be processed the following business day.

How Chicago Steak Company Works

The Chicago Steak Company isn’t a subscription-based service, and you can place orders like you would in a regular online store. However, you can create a My Chicago Steak profile where you can keep track of your orders, see shipping info, and more.

How to Sign Up

1. Open the Create Account page – Open the Chicago Steak Company website, click on Account (in the upper-right corner), and select Create an Account. This will open the Create an Account page.

2. Fill in the required information – Add your name, email, and password, and click on the Create an Account button. Also, you can decide if you want to subscribe to the Chicago Steak Company newsletter and whether you want remote shopping assistance (for better assistance).

3. Add your address(es) – The Chicago Steak Company is very particular about address accuracy, so make sure you add the correct information.

4. Add your contact information – Go to the Address Book section (available in the left sidebar) and add the missing information, such as phone number or company.

5. Place your first order – Once you place your first order, you can see the details and tracking information under the My Orders section (left sidebar).

Managing Your Subscription

The account dashboard allows you to keep track of orders, change contact details and addresses, keep track of your reward points and store credit, and keep track of your gifts. The interface is easy to understand and navigate, so you shouldn’t have any issues.

Once you place an order, you can change or cancel it, but only if you act within the specified timeframe. For changes, you have only 5 hours after placing the order, and you have to call customer support to inform them of your needs. For cancellations, you have to call customer support at least 1 day prior to the order's shipment date.

Customer Service

Customer service representatives are professional and always try to deliver the best customer experience, regardless of your reason for getting in touch. Plus, the team is active online and replies to reviews and comments left by customers on platforms other than the official website.

The company offers 4 communication channels (phone, letters, live chat, and email), and you can connect with a human representative Monday to Sunday, between 9 AM and 8 PM CT. You also have access to a comprehensive FAQ section, plenty of educational resources (available for free on the website), and a multitude of reviews from other customers.

If you want to update or cancel an order, the phone line is the best option. But if, for some reason, the phone doesn’t work, you can always connect with a representative via live chat (as long as you try during working hours).

How Chicago Steak Company Compares to Other Meal Delivery Services

Chicago Steak Company vs. Blue Apron: Chicago Steak Company and Blue Apron both offer food delivery services, but they differ in focus. The Chicago Steak Company focuses on premium beef and gourmet meats products, while Blue Apron offers pre-portioned meal kits and gourmet recipes for a variety of meals, including vegetarian and seafood options. Plus,  Blue Apron is the more affordable service since premium beef products are typically more expensive.

Chicago Steak Company vs. Factor: Factor is a meal delivery service that provides healthy, fully-prepared meals to its customers. Factor’s menu variety is superior to Chicago Steak Company’s as it offers meal plans that fit a wide range of dietary needs, such as keto, low calorie, and vegetarian.

Chicago Steak Company vs. Green Chef: Green Chef is a great option for healthy meal kits that make everyday life more enjoyable. Chicago Steak Company, on the other hand, is more geared towards special occasions or those who want to indulge in a high-quality steak dinner.

The Bottom Line: Is Chicago Steak Company Worth It?

The Chicago Steak Company is a fantastic option for special occasions and foodies since it provides the chance to  try high-quality, hand-cut steaks aged to perfection. However, it’s also a more expensive service that requires a bit more effort than a regular meal kit.

You can still enjoy gourmet meals with Blue Apron’s diverse menu, which is more affordable and convenient on a weekly basis. There’s also a selection of meals that are WW-approved if you’re counting calories.

FAQ

How much does it cost to order from the Chicago Steak Company?

Depending on your selection, you can spend between $50 and $400+ per order. The Chicago Steak Company is a pricier service since it offers premium hand-cut steaks and fresh gourmet meats.

How does the Chicago Steak Company age its steaks?

The aging process is a well-developed technique that makes the meat more tender and flavorful. The Chicago Steak Company uses an old-world style of dry aging that takes a minimum of 28 days, after which the steaks are infused with an earthy and woody flavor.

How do I cook the steaks?

Chicago Steak Company provides cooking instructions with every order, and its website also has a recipe section with tips and tricks for cooking the perfect steak. So, you don’t have to be a seasoned cooked or grillmaster to know how to cook a proper steak.