RPM Steak Chicago: 7 Secrets Behind The City's Most Exclusive Celebrity Steakhouse

RPM Steak Chicago remains one of the city’s most coveted and talked-about dining destinations, setting an unparalleled standard for luxury steakhouses in the heart of the River North neighborhood. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the restaurant continues to draw crowds with its sleek, sophisticated atmosphere and a menu that pushes the boundaries of classic steakhouse fare, moving far beyond the traditional Prime cuts to offer some of the world's rarest beef. This deep-dive guide uncovers the most current and exclusive details, from its high-profile celebrity ownership to the single most unique cut of Wagyu beef you can only find here, ensuring you have the freshest, most informed perspective on this Chicago institution.

The Power Players: RPM Steak's Celebrity and Culinary Profile

RPM Steak is not merely a restaurant; it’s a collaboration between two of Chicago’s most formidable names in entertainment and hospitality. This partnership has cemented its status as a dining hotspot known for both its cuisine and its incredible people-watching opportunities.

• Owners (Celebrity): Bill and Giuliana Rancic. The celebrity power couple, known from reality television and entertainment news, bring a layer of Hollywood glamour and high-profile appeal to the brand.
• Owners (Culinary): R.J., Jerrod, and Molly Melman. These siblings are the next generation of leadership at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE), the famed Chicago-based restaurant group founded by their father, Rich Melman.
• Restaurant Group: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises (LEYE). LEYE is a legendary name in the industry, operating over 130 restaurants and more than 60 brands across the United States, lending immense operational and culinary authority to the RPM brand.
• Concept: RPM Steak is positioned as an "updated take on the classic steakhouse," blending a mid-century modern aesthetic with a focus on premium global sourcing and immaculate service.
• Location: River North, Chicago, a prime location that contributes to its "moneyed vibe" and accessibility for the city's elite and visitors alike.
• Sister Restaurants: RPM Italian and RPM Seafood, both part of the growing RPM Restaurants group, further establishing the brand's presence in luxury dining.

7 Secrets That Make RPM Steak Chicago Truly Exclusive

RPM Steak’s reputation is built on more than just its high-profile ownership. The following seven details are the core secrets that elevate it above other luxury steakhouses in Chicago and across the country.

1. The Exclusive Namiki Wagyu Program

The biggest secret and most current culinary draw is RPM Steak’s exclusive Wagyu program. It is the first restaurant in the entire United States to offer Namiki Wagyu. This ultra-rare beef comes from cattle raised with meticulous care in Japan, with only six loins sourced from 2,000 carefully raised cattle. This level of exclusivity means diners are tasting a product that is virtually unavailable anywhere else, making it a pilgrimage site for serious steak connoisseurs. The menu features nearly two dozen different cuts of beef, but this particular offering, alongside the Westholme Strip Steak brushed with savory Beef Butter, is the pinnacle of their selection.

2. The Iconic Coal-Burning Oven

A significant, yet often overlooked, detail of RPM Steak’s preparation is its state-of-the-art coal-burning oven. This specialized cooking method is crucial for achieving the perfect char and smoky depth that defines their best cuts, including the signature dry-aged steaks. The intense heat from the coal oven seals in the juices and creates a crust that is difficult to replicate with standard grilling methods, ensuring a distinct, high-quality flavor profile.

3. The Must-Try 14K Chocolate Cake

While the steaks are the headliners, the desserts are equally legendary. The most talked-about sweet ending is the 14K Chocolate Cake. This dessert is a decadent, multi-layered marvel combining both milk and dark chocolate. It’s so rich and intense that it has become a staple order for both first-time visitors and regulars. Another standout is the Havana Dream Pie, which some Chicago food critics have called their "favorite dessert in Chicago."

4. The Unconventional Steakhouse Favorites

RPM Steak excels by offering traditional steakhouse fare with a refined, modern twist. Beyond the classic filet mignon and ribeyes, they feature dishes that have become signature favorites:

• Center-Cut Prime Beef Wellington: A labor-intensive classic that showcases the kitchen's technical prowess.
• Prime Midwest Steak au Poivre: A perfectly executed pepper steak with a rich, creamy sauce.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: An appetizer that elevates simple pork belly to a high-end experience.
• Hamachi Crudo: Demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to excellent seafood, a nod to its sister restaurant, RPM Seafood.

5. The "Business Casual" Dress Code Vibe

For those planning a visit, the atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy. While the official dress code is Business Casual, the reality is that the clientele often dresses to impress. The restaurant’s sleek, bi-level design, centered around a stunning wraparound marble bar, encourages a polished look. It’s a place to see and be seen, with a reputation for "great date night vibes" and frequent celebrity sightings, including a notable visit from President Obama in its early days.

6. The Rare Wine Program and Happy Hour

For the dedicated oenophile, RPM Steak offers a Rare Wine Program featuring a list of exceptional and hard-to-find vintages. This commitment to an elite beverage selection matches the exclusivity of their beef program. Additionally, they offer special offerings like a Happy Hour, providing a more accessible entry point to experience the high-end atmosphere and sample select items from their acclaimed menu.

7. The Best Sides in Chicago

No luxury steakhouse experience is complete without the perfect sides, and RPM Steak’s offerings are frequently lauded. The most popular choices include the incredibly rich Bacon Mac & Cheese and the addictive Parmesan Rosemary Fries served with a side of Truffle Béarnaise. These dishes, along with others like the Cremini Mushroom Pizzette, ensure that every component of the meal, from appetizer to dessert, maintains the same level of luxury and flavor.

Making a Reservation: Tips for Dining at RPM Steak

Given its popularity, especially during peak dining hours and on weekends, securing a prime reservation at RPM Steak requires planning. The restaurant is recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, which speaks to its consistent quality and high demand. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made directly through the RPM Restaurants website or via platforms associated with the MICHELIN Guide. For the best people-watching experience, aim to score one of the semi-circular booths on the main level. Dinner reservations, particularly for large parties, should be booked weeks in advance. For a more spontaneous visit, checking for availability during the earlier Happy Hour window or later evening times might yield success. RPM Steak Chicago continues to define the modern luxury steakhouse. By blending the star power of Bill and Giuliana Rancic with the culinary mastery of the Melman family and LEYE, and by offering truly exclusive ingredients like Namiki Wagyu, it ensures its place as a top-tier destination for Chicago dining in 2025 and beyond.