
The Alston
The Alston is a French-inspired wood-fired steakhouse offering a blend of classic charm and modern culinary innovation in an intimate setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

The Alston

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Alston is a French-inspired wood-fired steakhouse offering a blend of classic charm and modern culinary innovation in an intimate setting.
"An unforgettable dining adventure that transcends the ordinary and elevates your evening out."
Reserve in Advance
Popularity demands reservations made well in advance to ensure your preferred dining time.
Locate with Ease
Look for Sophia Steak or Lifetime building signage to easily find The Alston's entrance.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
French Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

French-Inspired Wood-Fired Cuisine
Experience elevated French-inspired wood-fired steaks and unique dishes like pressed duck. A culinary delight.

Visually Stunning Desserts
Indulge in visually stunning and decadent desserts that are as delightful to behold as they are to taste.

Intimate & Sophisticated Atmosphere
Enjoy an intimate and inviting atmosphere with sophisticated decor and beautiful ambient lighting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Popularity demands reservations made well in advance to ensure your preferred dining time.
Locate with Ease
Look for Sophia Steak or Lifetime building signage to easily find The Alston's entrance.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Try innovative offerings like pre-alcohol probiotics or caviar bumps for a memorable experience.
Happy Hour Specials
Enjoy happy hour specials Monday-Friday, featuring martinis, old-fashioneds, and oyster towers.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Popularity demands reservations made well in advance to ensure your preferred dining time.
Locate with Ease
Look for Sophia Steak or Lifetime building signage to easily find The Alston's entrance.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Try innovative offerings like pre-alcohol probiotics or caviar bumps for a memorable experience.
Happy Hour Specials
Enjoy happy hour specials Monday-Friday, featuring martinis, old-fashioneds, and oyster towers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Alston offers a refined dining experience with French-inspired, wood-fired cuisine, exceptional service, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Diners rave about the perfectly cooked steaks, visually stunning desserts, and unique offerings like caviar bumps. While many praise the attentive staff and inviting ambiance, some have noted potential billing discrepancies.
"Tucked into an elegant corner of town, The Alston is a French-inspired wood-fired steakhouse that delivers both charm and culinary excellence in equal measure. From the moment you walk in, the outstanding and unique decor sets the tone—sophisticated, warm, and artfully curated, with beautiful ambient lighting that creates an inviting, intimate atmosphere.
The menu is a celebration of French technique and wood-fired boldness. The steaks are a standout—perfectly seared with a smoky depth that only a true wood fire can deliver. The pressed duck is both rich and refined, a rare find done exceptionally well. The scallops arrive perfectly caramelized, resting in delicate sauces that enhance without overpowering.
And don’t leave without trying the desserts—each one as visually stunning as it is decadent. The Alston isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience—thoughtful, flavorful, and unforgettable. A must-visit for food lovers and ambiance seekers alike."
karen radez
"Absolutely incredible experience and meal!! Top tier if you are looking for a dinner to impress your friends and even yourself! The dishes are unique and so is the venue. If you are looking for a restaurant to see what the Chicago food scene can offer, this is a great option to choose. We had several courses and were lucky enough to enjoy a beverage in the wine cellar, and we left feeling like it was the best evening we’ve had a long time in the city. If you haven’t checked it out yet, book your reservation now to see what the hype is about. Would highly recommend the steaks and seafood options. The ambiance and service is the cherry on top of the fantastic food!"
Anthony Jackel
"The Alston truly provides one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Chicago! The food is delicious, the atmosphere feels special yet welcoming. The staff deserves just as much praise. Everyone I interacted with was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share the experience. It never felt forced or rehearsed, they made the night feel personal."
EdPluv
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Alston specializes in French-inspired wood-fired cuisine, with a focus on steaks and unique dishes.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity. It's advisable to book well in advance.
Popular choices include wood-fired steaks, pressed duck, caviar bumps, and visually stunning desserts like the strawberry Basque cheesecake.
Yes, The Alston offers happy hour specials from Monday to Friday, including classic martinis and oyster towers.
The dining room is described as stunning, moody, and elegant, making it ideal for celebrations and special occasions.
Guests can enjoy unique experiences such as caviar bumps served on the back of the hand and exceptionally tall martini glasses.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In River North - Chicago
The Alston is a new steakhouse from the Esmé chef, and it mixes fancy steakhouse nostalgia (caviar bumps) with “this ain’t your average experience” touches (freakishly tall martini glasses). The dishes are straightforward but really good, like escargot that balances its saltiness with tasty mini butter pastries on top, and a porterhouse with a cherry glaze that's perfectly tender. This River North spot does have a sometimes-silly artsy side, like images of the Bean and the Venus De Milo projected on the ceiling.
Top 23 Luxurious Happy Hour Spots in Chicago for 2023
This newly debuted French-inspired steakhouse has just introduced a lineup of happy hour specials, available Monday through Friday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Visit to indulge in offerings like the classic martini (gin, dry vermouth and an olive), Trace bourbon-spiked old-fashioned, truffle-topped dressed eggs and chilled happy hour tower, piled high with oysters, razor clams and prawns.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit