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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Illinois

Ribs and onion soup

The combination of rich onion soup and a hearty serving of ribs makes for a grounding, heavy meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
The Brown Onion image 1
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American restaurant

Small bar and dining space offers an intimate atmosphere with a wrap-around bar, multiple big screens, and booth seating. The crowd includes many regulars, creating a friendly, welcoming vibe similar to a hometown pub. A cozy slot machine room adds to the casual, nostalgic feel.

Slabs of ribs come tender and fall right off the bone. Fries accompany the delicious ribs that remind of classic rib houses.

French onion soup comes in a good portion and tastes exceptionally good. It stands out as a solid choice for a side or starter.

People are saying

"The bar food here is surprisingly delicious and a good value."

"The ribs here are so tender, they just fall right off the bone."

"I found the French onion soup here to be exceptionally good."

Good to know

1

There is convenient parking in the lot.

2

The place was packed during my visit.

3

I paid $47 for two steak sandwiches.

02
Gale Street Inn Chicago image 1

Newly remodeled space combines Great Gatsby decor with a supper club vibe and a small stage for live jazz and ukulele performances. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with ample table spacing for comfortable conversation. Lively evenings feature phenomenal live music that enhances the classic old school Chicago environment.

Ribs here fall off the bone and have no gristle, fat, or small bones. The barbecued ribs come in a half rack option and pair well with crab legs for a spectacular meal.

Baked French onion soup stands out with its perfect balance and divine appearance. It consistently pairs well with hearty dishes like ribs and steak sandwiches.

People are saying

"These ribs are the best in town, truly fall-off-the-bone perfection."

"It's got this awesome old school vibe, like a supper club."

"I thought the French onion soup was perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the place fills up quickly.

2

Live jazz music happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

3

The free parking is convenient.

03
Elba's Golden Steer image 1

Small steakhouse with old-fashioned decor and dark, mirrored walls creates a nostalgic, old school vibe. Atmosphere feels unpretentious and charming despite being loud when busy. Bar area offers a cozy spot for cocktails with a casual, down-to-earth crowd.

Full slabs of ribs come extremely tender and packed with flavor. The BBQ ribs stand out as fabulous and consistently great.

Rich and flavorful, the French onion soup stands out with a slightly salty edge. It consistently earns praise as one of the best versions around, often paired well with salad or served alongside main dishes.

People are saying

"The French Onion Soup here is delicious and flavorful."

"It's an old school steakhouse with a great vibe."

"The French onion soup here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must on weekends to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant charges a $5 fee for splitting a plate.

3

All meals come with soup, salad, potato, and bread.

04
Touchรฉ French Creole image 1
Creole restaurant

Louisiana-inspired Creole restaurant with New Orleans-style decor and a beautiful mural sets an elegant, classy atmosphere. The space feels cozy yet upscale, often busy with a lively crowd. Music and a full-service bar add to the chill vibe perfect for date nights or celebrations.

Short ribs have a rich flavor and pair well with mashed potatoes. They are good but not always fork tender or highly memorable.

Rich French onion soup features prominently on the menu and often serves as a starter alongside gumbo. Its flavor stands out enough to prompt repeat orders.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here serve amazing, flavorful food that's perfectly seasoned."

"The ribs here have an amazing New Orleans feel."

"You have to try the French onion soup; it's a must-try dish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for tables without a reservation.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

05
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro image 1

Large bar with warm wood decor and a cozy fireplace creates a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of Ireland. Live traditional Irish music plays most nights, adding to the friendly, family-run vibe. The space balances an upscale feel with a family-friendly environment.

Ribs here are known for being fall off the bone and come in a rib sampler or dinner for four. They pair well with fries and curry sauce and are often described as fantastic and beautiful.

Guinness onion soup stands out with its bitterly decadent flavor and rich depth. It tends to be salty but remains excellent overall.

People are saying

"This pub has such a cozy and friendly atmosphere."

"I thought the ribs here were fantastic."

"The Guinness onion soup was a highlight, bitterly decadent."

Good to know

1

The storytelling event occurs on the second Thursday of each month.

2

Live Irish music sessions are held on Wednesdays and Sundays.

3

The Sunday trad session runs from 1 to 3 pm.

06
The Village Squire (Crystal Lake) image 1

Castle-inspired design with brick walls, stained glass fixtures, and separate rooms creates an old-fashioned tavern vibe. Live music adds energy but can get loud near the stage. The atmosphere balances comfortable and spacious with a historic feel.

Ribs here are very tender and fall off the bone with excellent flavor. They stand out among other menu options and are consistently praised.

French onion soup offers a rich flavor with a delicious broth and a good balance of ingredients. Some find it could use more onions, but it pairs well with other dishes like ribeye and brisket mac.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great and cooked to perfection."

"I found the ribs to be phenomenal."

"I thought the French onion soup was fantastic."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Thursday night.

2

Daily specials are available; check the menu for details.

3

Every Friday, enjoy all-you-can-eat breaded perch.

07
Pilot Pete's image 1
American restaurant

Restaurant overlooks an active runway, offering a front-row view of planes taking off and landing. Atmosphere is aviation-themed and family-friendly, with kids often entertained by watching aircraft. Decor includes hot air balloon elements, creating a unique dining experience near a small airport.

Ribs here are fall-off-the-bone tender and very tasty. The combo with chicken fingers adds variety, and the weekend Caribbean rib special offers a unique twist.

Baked French onion soup stands out with its rich flavor and delightful presentation. It pairs well with other menu items like fish and chips or salads.

People are saying

"The staff's quick, kind response made it feel really Kid Friendly."

"These ribs were so tasty and falling off the bone."

"I thought the baked French onion soup was delightful."

Good to know

1

Pilot Pete's offers all-you-can-eat fish fry on Wednesday and Friday.

2

All-you-can-eat cod is available on Sunday and Wednesday nights.

3

Pilot Pete's hosts a hops and props event with vintage airplanes.

08
Jameson's Charhouse image 1

Dark interior with 1980s design and live band creates a lively but sometimes noisy atmosphere. Bar area offers seating and a variety of cocktails, though drink quality varies. Known for high-quality steak and classic dishes, it balances a social and professional vibe despite some dated furnishings.

Ribs come with a great char crust and very tender meat. The BBQ ribs are succulent and pair well with mashed potatoes.

Baked French onion soup stands out with its rich flavor and delightful warmth. It features a good balance of broth and onions, though some wish for more Gruyere cheese on top.

People are saying

"The seafood here is fresh, juicy, and mouthwatering."

"The food at these dinner spots is great and a good value."

"I thought the baked French onion soup was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is generally available, even during busy times.

2

The restaurant offers two-for-one specials on select days.

3

Expect longer wait times for food on weekends.

09
The Backyard Steak Pit image 1

Open-air grill with large flame creates a cozy, upscale atmosphere featuring candlelit dinners and tablecloths. Bar area offers a lively space for cocktails, though noise can carry into the dining room. Decor blends modern style with classic touches reflecting the restaurant's long-standing presence.

Ribs come with a smoked flavor and a slightly charred crust from grilling. They are thick, juicy, and often compared favorably to other well-known spots.

Rich seasoning defines the French onion soup here, avoiding heavy saltiness. It stands out as a delicious and essential choice.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked perfectly, every time."

"You have to try the French onion soup; it's delicious."

"I thought the ribs were awesome, better than Carsons."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted for tables of fewer than five people.

2

Expect high prices for the quality of food served.

3

The restaurant opens at 4 PM for new sailors' families.

10
Squire Ale House image 1

Medieval decor contrasts with bright lighting and comfortable cushioned seating. Live music and outdoor fire pits create a lively atmosphere, especially on the patio where the vibe feels like a party. The space suits large groups with ample seating and a well-stocked bar.

Ribs here vary in quality. Some fall off the bone and taste great, while others do not meet expectations. Prime rib is available on weekends but costs $40 and feels overpriced.

Baked French onion soup features a rich, savory broth topped with melted cheese that complements the caramelized onions well. It suits cold days with its warm, comforting flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

"The baked French onion soup was good and ideal for a cold day."

"I especially enjoyed the prime rib on weekends."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait on Friday evenings during peak hours.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

11
Miller's Ale House image 1

Spacious restaurant with charming wood decor and multiple TVs showing various games creates a lively atmosphere. Noise levels rise during peak times, contributing to an energetic vibe. Two bars offer a wide selection of beers on tap, making it a popular spot for sports fans.

Full slab of ribs dinners come with a baked potato, vegetable medley, and coleslaw. Some ribs have lots of bones and little meat, and they are not always tender. Deals on ribs dinners happen on Mondays and Tuesdays.

French onion soup stands out for its rich flavor and tenderness. It pairs well with salads and burgers, making it a solid choice here.

People are saying

"Our server Dani was outstanding and very helpful during lunch."

"The French onion soup's rich broth and browned cheese were amazing."

"The ribs here are delicious and the portions are huge."

Good to know

1

Expect a 55-minute wait for a table on Saturday nights.

2

The tables and common areas are often unclean.

3

The manager does not accept temporary IDs due to company policy.

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