ASADOR BASTIAN

Asador Bastian – Basque Soul and Chicago Fire in Perfect Harmony

In a historic brownstone nestled just off Chicago’s Gold Coast, Asador Bastian has redefined the Midwestern steak restaurant by looking not westward—but across the Atlantic, toward the Basque Country. In 2025, this elegant asador stands as the second-highest ranked steak restaurant in North America - a well-earned accolade for a concept rooted in purity, provenance and flame.

Unlike the grand, clubby Chicago steakhouses of old, Asador Bastian brings a more intimate, curated approach to fire-led dining. The centrepiece is the txuletón—thick, bone-in ribeye from old dairy cows, aged with care and grilled over live embers in the traditional Basque style. The result is bold, deeply flavoured beef with complex marbling and an earthy depth that speaks of both animal and fire.

Led by chef-owner Doug Psaltis, chef- partner Christian Eckmann and hospitality professionals who understand the delicate balance between rustic tradition and modern elegance, Bastian marries warmth and sophistication effortlessly. The beef, much of it imported from Galicia or specially raised in the US to mimic the qualities of Spanish old cow, is dry-aged in-house and grilled in the open kitchen—always in sight, always honest.

The space is beautiful yet grounded: polished wood, soft lighting, exposed brick and subtle ironwork nod to the Basque taverns that inspired the concept. It’s intimate, quiet in all the right ways and gives centre stage to the fire, the product and the people who serve it.

The wine programme is exceptional—structured around Spanish reds, French classics and elegant new-world pairings, all chosen to complement the richness of the beef without overpowering its nuance. Service is sharp but unforced, led by a team that understands when to explain and when to simply let the food speak.

In a city already famed for its beef, Asador Bastian has created something rare—a steak restaurant with emotional clarity and cultural depth. In 2025, it stands not just as one of the finest restaurants in Chicago, but as one of the most important steak destinations in the world.