Behind the Grill
El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s homage to Argentina's beloved asados: traditional backyard barbecues featuring platters of rustic grilled meat
This Argentinian-influenced steakhouse, located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” has built a reputation as Chicago's go-to destination for premium beef, South American wine and soulful live-fire cooking.
A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the inspiration for El Che’s menu and is the heart and soul of the restaurant.
THE TEAM
CHEF JOHN MANION
Chief Fire Watcher & Owner
ALEX CUPER
Beverage Director of Operations
ADAM MEYER
Chef de Cuisine
LIZ COOK
Assistant General Manager & Private Events Coordinator
TOP PRESS
OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2023 • Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 2021 & 2022 • World’s Best Wine List 2021 Two Star Wine List
To see all of our press hits, visit our Press page
INSIDE HOOK
Chef John Manion’s Steak Recipe Begins With a Fire Pit and Ends With “Meat Butter”
FOOD & WINE
Maximo Beef Ribs with Chimichurri
CONDE NAST TRAVELER
The Best Restaurants in Chicago
WINE ENTHUSIAST
All About Asado, Argentina’s Iconic Wood-Grilled Beef
ROBB REPORT
The 14 Best Steakhouses in Chicago
WINE SPECTATOR
Alex Cuper Homes in on South American Wines in the Windy City
