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
DAN MARTINI
Chef de Cuisine
QUENTIN BONIFASSY
General Manager
ERICK “FROGGY” MARTINEZ
Sous Chef
JAROD BOYER
Assistant General Manager
Private Events Manager
TOP PRESS
OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2023 & 2024 • The Banchet Awards Nominee, Restaurant of the Year 2025
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
