If you’ve lived in the western suburbs for more than a week, you've probably seen the sign. It’s sitting right there at the edge of Yorktown Shopping Center. Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse Lombard IL isn't just a restaurant; it’s basically a local institution at this point.
Honestly, some people think of it as just a "sports bar" because of the name. They're wrong. Walk through those doors and you aren't met with cheap neon and sticky floors. Instead, you get dark mahogany, white tablecloths, and a vibe that feels like old-school Chicago snuck out to the suburbs for a quiet weekend.
The Vibe at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse Lombard IL
It’s a weirdly perfect mix. You have the "Holy Cow!" energy of the legendary Cubs broadcaster, but the dining room itself is sophisticated. Think of it like a guy who wears a tailored tuxedo but still keeps a lucky baseball in his pocket.
The Lombard location is specifically tucked into the Westin Chicago Lombard. This gives it a bit more of a "destination" feel than your average strip mall eatery. Most people coming here are celebrating something. You’ll see families in their Sunday best sitting next to business travelers who just want a decent martini and a steak that doesn't taste like it came off a conveyor belt.
What to Actually Order (The Hits and the Miss-ables)
Look, we need to talk about the Chicken Vesuvio.
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The Chicago Tribune once called it the best in the city. Since we’re technically in Lombard, let’s just say it’s the best in the 60148. It’s a half-chicken, swimming in garlic, white wine, and herbs, surrounded by those crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potato wedges. If you aren't a fan of garlic, don’t even look at this dish. Seriously. It’s aggressive in the best way possible.
Then there are the steaks. They use USDA Prime, wet-aged for about 28 days.
- The 8oz Filet Mignon: For when you want to feel classy but aren't starving.
- The 18oz Dry-Aged Ribeye: This is the heavy hitter. It's funky, rich, and probably costs more than your first car's monthly insurance payment.
- Toasted Ravioli: This is a nod to Harry's St. Louis roots. Most Chicagoans won't admit it, but St. Louis got this one right.
One thing people often overlook? The Holy Cow! Potato Chips. They make them in-house. They’re drizzled with a bit of gorgonzola or served plain, and they are addictive. Like, "I’m going to eat the whole basket and ruin my appetite" addictive.
Beyond the Food: Weddings and Private Events
The ballroom here is massive. We’re talking 6,000 square feet of space. It can hold up to 400 people, which is why half the weddings in Lombard seem to happen here.
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The coolest part isn't even the chandeliers. It’s the terrace. It overlooks a pond with a white marble fountain. When the weather in Illinois isn't trying to kill us with humidity or snow, it’s one of the best spots for a cocktail hour in the entire county.
They have these smaller rooms too, like the "Dancing Harry Room" or the "Wine Room." They’re perfect for those awkward corporate dinners where everyone is trying to look busy while waiting for the appetizers to arrive.
The History You Didn't Know
Harry Caray himself was actually Italian. His real name was Harry Christopher Carabina. Most people don't realize that the "Italian" part of the steakhouse name isn't just a marketing gimmick; it’s a tribute to his actual heritage.
The group is run by Grant DePorter, who is a legend in his own right. He’s the guy who bought the infamous "Bartman Ball" for over $100,000 just to blow it up and try to end the Cubs' curse. That kind of chaotic energy is baked into the brand’s DNA. While the Lombard location doesn't have the "Nitti’s Vault" like the River North flagship, it still carries that same sense of Chicago history.
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Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be real. It’s not cheap. You’re going to spend $50 to $70 on a steak. Sides like the Garlicky Spinach or the Four Cheese Mac 'n Cheese are "shareable," which is code for "expensive but worth it."
But here’s the thing: you aren't just paying for the meat. You’re paying for the service. The servers here are career pros. They know the menu backwards. They know which wine actually pairs with the rigatoni alla vodka and which one is just overpriced fermented grapes.
If you’re looking for a quick burger, go to the food court at Yorktown. If you want a three-hour dinner where you feel like a VIP even if you’re just a guy from Downers Grove, this is the spot.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit:
- Check the Schedule: If there’s a major Chicago sports game on, the bar area will be packed and loud. If you want a romantic date, ask for a booth deep in the dining room.
- Kids Eat Free: Usually, they have a "Kids Eat Free" deal on Saturdays and Sundays. It makes the "steakhouse" bill a lot easier to swallow if you're bringing the whole family.
- The Bread Basket: Don't sleep on the bread. It's fresh, and the butter is actually soft.
- Parking: Use the Westin valet if you're feeling fancy, but there is plenty of free mall parking if you don't mind a 30-second walk.
If you’re planning a night out, the best move is to book a table about two weeks in advance, especially for a Saturday. Start with the calamari (it’s served with a horseradish cocktail sauce that will clear your sinuses), move to the 14oz New York Strip, and finish with the chocolate Oreo pie. You'll need a nap afterward, but you won't regret it.