El Che Steakhouse & Bar Menu: Argentine Wood-Fire Dining in Chicago

El Che Steakhouse & Bar serves Argentine-inspired wood-fire cuisine in Chicago's West Loop. The menu centers on open-fire and wood-ember cooking — Argentine steak cuts like bife de chorizo, entraña (skirt steak), tira de asado (short rib), whole-roasted meats and fish, house-made chorizos, and empanadas. The restaurant is led by Chef John Manion and pairs its menu with an extensive South American wine program, with a particular focus on Argentine Malbec.

El Che Steakhouse & Bar is located at 845 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, in the West Loop neighborhood — one of Chicago's most active dining corridors. The area is accessible via the Green and Pink CTA lines (Morgan stop) and is within walking distance of Randolph Street restaurant row.

El Che Steakhouse & Bar is led by Chef John Manion, a Chicago chef known for his deep interest in live-fire cooking and Latin American culinary traditions. Manion developed his passion for Argentine asado traditions and open-fire technique over years of travel and research, and that philosophy drives the entire menu at El Che.

Argentine asado is the South American tradition of cooking meats slowly over wood or charcoal fire — the word means both the cooking method and the social occasion around it. At El Che, the kitchen uses a live wood-fire parrilla (grill) and wood-burning oven to cook everything from steaks to whole animals. Meats are cooked low and slow over hardwood embers rather than high-heat gas flames, which produces a distinct smoky char and deeper flavor than conventional steakhouse cooking.

El Che Steakhouse & Bar is an upscale steakhouse with $$$ pricing. Because the restaurant does not publicly post prices and the menu changes seasonally, Menupedia does not list specific prices for individual items. For current pricing, visit elchesteakhouse.com or call the restaurant directly. Expect pricing consistent with other high-end Chicago steakhouses.

Yes. El Che is a full-service restaurant that accepts reservations. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Check elchesteakhouse.com for current availability or use a third-party reservation platform. Walk-in bar seating is often available.

While El Che is a steakhouse, the menu includes several vegetarian-friendly options: provoleta (grilled provolone), cheese and onion empanadas, fire-roasted vegetables, ember-roasted sweet potato, grilled broccolini, and seasonal salads. Chimichurri and salsa criolla sauces are vegan. The kitchen can accommodate dietary preferences — notify the restaurant when booking or speak with your server.

El Che maintains one of Chicago's more focused South American wine programs. The list leans heavily on Argentine Malbec from Mendoza and Patagonia, complemented by Torrontes (Argentina's aromatic white), Bonarda, and selections from Chile and Uruguay. By-the-glass and bottle programs rotate seasonally. The wine team can suggest pairings for specific cuts — Argentine Malbec is the classic pairing for bife de chorizo and tira de asado.

El Che stands apart from traditional American chophouse steakhouses (like Mastro's or Morton's) in several ways: the cooking method is open wood fire rather than broiler or gas grill; the menu references Argentine asado tradition rather than USDA wet-aged cuts in butter; the atmosphere is lively and informal rather than formal; and the wine program focuses on South America rather than Napa or Bordeaux. The result is a more rustic, fire-driven dining experience with Argentine cultural influence rather than the classic steakhouse formula.