Seemor
Maple & AshB+Worth Trying
8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
· Steak house, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.5/5 Google (4079 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Luxe, high-energy steakhouse with showy touches and strong flavors; excellent for celebrations but pricey with uneven service and waits.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Maple & Ash delivers exceptional steakhouse and seafood execution with theatrical presentation that justifies its premium positioning and strong destination appeal. However, inconsistent food quality and notable service gaps—including waits past reservation times and variable attentiveness—prevent grade A territory. Best suited for special occasions when you can absorb potential timing delays in exchange for show-stopping dishes.
Restaurant Summary
A night here feels luxe and theatrical, from the welcome cocktail to the glow of tall candelabras. Guests gush about polished steaks and towering seafood, with one fan saying, "the steak was the best I have had in years." However, anticipate a high-energy room and occasional waits past reservation time. The cooking blends a contemporary steakhouse core with global accents: wagyu nigiri, tartares, miso and togarashi touches, and a showy tower program. The culinary approach leans modern and ingredient-driven: upscale comfort with flourishes rather than lab-like theatrics. It shines for celebrations and splurges when the kitchen hits its marks. Families are welcome, but it is more adult-leaning. Kids who like familiar fare may do fine with fries and mac, steak, or simple pasta, yet the scene can be loud and seating tight. There is no explicit kids menu noted, so conservative eaters should scan the menu first.
At a Glance
- Show-stopping steaks and seafood with modern flair
- Celebration touches like custom menus and welcome cocktail
- Long waits despite reservations on busy nights
- Service inconsistency ranging from stellar to inattentive
- Premium pricing with add-on fees may surprise
What Sets It Apart
- welcome_cocktail_and_caviar_chips
- personalized_celebration_menus
- steakhouse_plus_sushi_program
What People Love
- That first welcome cocktail moment
- Dry-aged steaks cooked to deep flavor
- Seafood tower theater
- Attentive servers who tailor the night
- Candlelit, celebratory vibe
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high; some find portions small for cost
- Waits past reservation time and table reassignment occur on peak nights
- Service swings—from expert to distracted—impacting the evening
- Review patterns show signs of templated owner responses and many staff name shout-outs; interpret extremes cautiously
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$120-180 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a dry-aged steak with Mac & Cheese ($18) and Roasted Mushrooms (price n/a)
- Seafood fans: Alaskan King Crab Legs ($78) plus Spicy Tuna Roll ($21) for contrast
- Dessert sharers: The Chocolate Fight ($32)
Perfect For
- Milestone birthdays with a bit of spectacle
- Date nights where ambience matters
- Corporate dinners seeking impact
- Food lovers chasing dry-aged steaks and wagyu
Location Insights
Area: Upscale, nightlife-heavy Gold Coast corridor attracting celebratory diners and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy at night with heavy foot traffic and nightlife crowds.
Nearby: Near Rush/State restaurant row, luxury boutiques, hotels, and bar scene.
Gold CoastThe Gold Coast is an upscale neighborhood featuring luxury boutiques, fine dining, and historic architecture. The dining scene is sophisticated, with a mix of high-end restaurants, trendy cafes, and classic American eateries, attracting well-heeled locals and visitors seeking quality and ambiance.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:30
Tuesday17:00–22:30
Wednesday17:00–22:30
Thursday17:00–22:30
Friday16:30–23:00
Saturday16:30–23:00
Sunday11:00–14:00, 17:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →