Review by Mackenzie Sinta.
Perfection doesn’t happen by chance, but is built through practice. As one of the most revered athletes of all time, Michael Jordan has long been a student of process. That same obsession with excellence extends beyond the court and into the refined culinary experience at Michael Jordan’s Steak House.
For most, MJ’s level of success feels untouchable, but during college basketball’s most electric time of year, dining like the GOAT might be the closest we get. Inside the Intercontinental Hotel, on Chicago’s very own strip of greatness, is an experience you don’t want to miss.
In true overachieving daughter fashion, I took my dad out for a night of great food and even better conversation—because being the golden child isn’t a title, it’s a lifestyle.
Dark, polished, and timeless, the space is framed with memorabilia and thoughtful nods to Jordan’s legacy. It’s classic, elevated, and exactly where you want to be for a refined NCAA March Madness viewing experience. We opted for the bar area, strategically surrounded by TVs, because during single-elimination chaos, you need eyes on everything.
The service operated like a well-conditioned team. Both management and our servers created an atmosphere of heartfelt hospitality. There was a clear pride in both the food and the people behind it, making the experience feel collaborative and personal.
We kicked off our evening with a triple crown selection of cocktails. The Jumpman, Banana Old Fashioned, and a classic Manhattan. The Jumpman, a sweet concoction of Grey Goose pear vodka, Mathilde pêche liqueur, and Giffard pamplemousse, delivered an elevated take on a candied peach ring, complete with an egg-white finish stamped with MJ’s signature silhouette.
The Banana Old Fashioned was crafted with Woodford Reserve, Yzaguirre sweet vermouth, and Miletti amaro. It delivered a smooth, nutty profile with a hint of banana sweetness. Swapping the traditional orange twist for cinnamon, shaved chocolate, and an MJ-stamped ice cube made every sip feel a little more legendary.
The Manhattan was curated with Maker’s Mark, Carpano Antica, and Angostura bitters, which was bold, herbal, and fit for someone who likes to indulge in a stiff drink.
The appetizer course was a trifecta assortment of garlic bread, Nueske’s Double Smoked Bacon, and crab cakes. When the garlic bread arrived, so did a tableside pour of creamy Roth Käse blue cheese fondue, which brought a tangy complement to the savory crunch.
Ordering bacon as a standalone dish isn’t usually my move, but when you’re dining in greatness, you trust the process. And it delivered. Thick-cut, maple-glazed, and caramelized to perfection. Salty, sweet, and undeniably indulgent. Pro tip: combine the bacon with the garlic bread. It’s a bite so jammin’, you might even think it’s from outer space. Finally, our two crab cakes were packed with tender crab and a Meyer lemon aioli that brought a smooth and citrusy finish to the rich meat.
For mains, we paired a bold cabernet with a surf-and-turf duo: the Wagyu Big Mike Burger and Miso Salmon.
A playful nod to the fast-food icon, the Big Mike was a slam dunk. The wagyu patty was rich and flavorful, layered with caramelized onions and a standout special sauce perfect for dipping the Parmesan truffle fries. Even the pickle deserved a mention: crisp, briny, and exactly what a burger like this calls for.
The Miso Salmon offered a lighter contrast, flaky with a subtle heat from the umami glaze. While the portion leaned modest, it sat atop a bed of tender rice that soaked up every bit of that bold, savory sauce.
While there’s nothing sweeter than the victory of your team taking home the win, the 23 Layered Chocolate Cake was a welcome trophy. Arriving in all its glory, the massive slice of cake (its layers matching Jordan's number 23) was decorated with golden flakes, whipped cream, and slivers of dark chocolate ganache. The cake was moist and airy, balanced by a light whipped cream between each layer. Pro Tip: The perfect bite is the intersection near the top of the cake, where the dark chocolate crust meets the spongy cake and whipped decadence.
While not all of us can play like the GOAT, we can absolutely eat like one. If you’re looking to elevate your NCAA March Madness plans, this is your spot.
March Madness runs from March 19 through April 6. Reservations at Michael Jordan’s Steak House are highly recommended. The restaurant is located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue.
Mackenzie Sinta is a media executive with a background in theater directing and arts education, chasing the city’s best shows and culinary experiences.
This coverage was made possible by a promotional invitation. Our opinions and editorial choices remain entirely our own.
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