Chicago Steak and Fish: Here's the Beef!

Overview: has captured the essence of cool and casual. As the restaurant's name states, it's a place for meat and fish. The menu is simple with a good uncomplicated selection. For its beef items, the restaurant only serves hand-cut Harris Ranch Angus beef broiled at 1800 degrees for a sear that traps in all the juice and flavor. Chef Tom Jillo also has a nice selection of other proteins and fish to choose from.

Décor: Shades of tan are set off by large framed black-and-white photographs of Chicago in various growth stages. In addition to the dining room, there is a bar area and patio. In the bar above the entrance of the patio are figures of the “Blues Brothers” stationed in silent vigilance encouraging the spirit of good times. The Movie the Blues Brothers was set in and around Chicago. The patio is set with tall cozy tables. It appears to be an extension of the bar and is a popular haunt for regulars.

Drinks: Chicago Steak and Fish has a full bar and offers several beers and wines for one’s drinking pleasure. Amstel Light ($5.00), Corona ($5.00), Sierra Nevada ($5.00) Stella Artois ($5.00), and St. Pauli Girl N.A. ($5.00) are the beer offerings. There is wine by the glass ($8.00 to $12.00) and by the bottle. Chicago serves Opus One at $185.00 on the high end and La Crema Chardonnay at $36.00 on the moderate side. Non-alcoholic beverages include S. Pellegrino Sparkling water ($5.00), Fountain soda ($2.00), Orange Juice ($3.00), Pineapple Juice ($3.00), Cranberry Juice ($3.00), Hot Tea ($3.00), and Coffee ($3.00).

Appetizers:  The Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad, Caesar Salad, Stilton Wedge Salad, Pear Gorgonzola Salad are all available for $7.00. There are other salads featuring seafood like the Shrimp Louie Salad ($14.00) and Crab Cake Louie Salad ($15.00). The menu has Clam Chowder ($5.00) and Lentil Soup ($5.00) as warm starters and the Pizza Flat Bread ($8.00) comes in a variety of styles. There are also some nice options for protein lovers like Prawn Cocktail ($13.00), Crab Cakes ($15.00), Seared Ahi Tuna ($13.00), and the Chopped Rib Eye ($15.00).

Entrees: The trick to a flavorful, tender, and juicy steak is meat laced with fat so that it looks like marble. All of the beef served at Chicago Steak and Fish is from the Harris Ranch, well known for its rich, well-marbleized and flavorful cuts of meat. The best cuts are offered on this unpretentious menu, cuts like Filet Mignon ($26.00 and $33.00), Rib Eye ($28.00), Bone-In Rib Eye ($35.00), New York ($29.00), and Porter House ($38.00). The steaks are served with two types of sauce—black pepper and red wine demi. Other meat options are Rosemary Lime Chicken ($16.00), Steak Stroganoff ($17.00), Pork Tenderloin Piccata ($17.00), and Rack Lamb ($33.00). The fish is a collection of shell and water swimmers. Lobster ($30.00), Alaskan Halibut ($28.00), Sara’s Salmon ($23.00), Sea Bass ($28.00), Sole ($23.00), Calamari Steak ($17.00) are also available.

Sides: Each meal is served with two sides and each side is a tried-and-true compliment to the meat and fish. They include Baked Potato, Steak Fries, Brown Rice, Mac-N-Cheese, Creamed Spinach, Asparagus, and Roasted Cauliflower. As the sides are a part of the meal, you will have to ask your server what the a-la cart price is for each item.

Desserts: The desserts are simple fare. Items like the NY Baked Cheese Cake ($8.00), Chocolate Cake ($8.00), Lemon Bundt Cake ($8.00), and Mudd Pie ($8.00) are rich and satisfying.

Service: The service is kind, friendly, and professional. The wait staff is ready to provide an exceptional dining experience.

Signature Dish: Bone-In-Rib Eye—a favorite among patrons.

• Chicago Steak & Fish
• 330 North Santa Cruz Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95030
• Chef: Tom Jillo
• Cost: $25 to $70