Maple & Ash

Did someone say scene? Oh darling, that’s half the fun at Chicago’s buzziest steakhouse, Maple & Ash. Deep-set leather couches, clubby music and even a photo booth lend the multilevel marvel an irresistible party vibe.

This restaurant is set to the soft glow emanating from the semi-open kitchen, where a wood-fired hearth lights up dry-aged steakhouse classics, cut to generous proportions. Seafood lovers will find plenty to mull over too, like a tangle of octopus and squid, prepared in the wood-fueled oven and served with dill yogurt, arugula and roasted potatoes. Then, a fire-roasted seafood tower is brought tableside, featuring lobster tail, scallops, Manila clams and king crab, all bathed in garlic butter, chili oil and served with house-made pasta.