When you walk past the flagship Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Avenue, you smell rich leather, polished wood, and heavy doses of classic American luxury long before you cross the threshold. RL Restaurant, situated at 115 East Chicago Avenue, isn't a temporary pop-up or a fleeting culinary trend; it's a permanent fixture of Chicago's Gold Coast dining scene that bridges high fashion with traditional American tavern fare. Decoding the menu here means looking past the designer branding to understand a carefully curated selection of clubby comfort foods, pristine seafood, and prime cuts that keep tables booked weeks in advance.
The culinary identity of RL Restaurant relies on timeless execution rather than modernist deconstruction. You won't find foams, tweezers, or liquid nitrogen on the plates. Instead, you'll encounter a menu anchored by thick-cut steaks, premium seafood towers, and elevated versions of everyday comfort staples like pigs in a blanket and chopped salads. Understanding how to navigate this menu requires looking closely at signature plates, pricing structures, and hidden gems that regulars order without hesitation.
Understanding the Structure of the RL Menu
The menu is neatly divided into traditional categories: starters, soups and salads, RL classics (entrees), steaks and burgers, and sides. Each section reflects the broader aesthetic of the Ralph Lauren brand: equestrian prints, brass accents, dark mahogany, and an implicit promise of unpretentious American comfort elevated to luxury pricing.
Starters and Appetizers
Appetizers at RL lean heavily into classic indulgence. Diners frequently gravitate toward items that feel like upscale updates of childhood favorites.
- Pigs in a Blanket: These aren't the frozen cocktail sausages of a 1950s house party. RL wraps mini Wagyu beef hot dogs in golden puff pastry, serving them alongside a sharp, spicy brown mustard. They run around $17 and are a staple order for almost every table sharing starters.
- Crispy Calamari and Rock Shrimp: Tossed lightly and fried, served with Bombay cocktail sauce and a pickled jalapeno tartar sauce that cuts through the richness.
- Classic Shrimp Cocktail and Oysters: Sourced fresh daily, the raw bar offerings include plump shrimp and oysters on the half shell served with traditional mignonette and cocktail sauce.
- Corn Beef Bites: A nod to traditional tavern fare, featuring slow-cooked corned beef with melted Swiss cheese on marbled rye.
Soups and Salads
While many steakhouses treat salads as an afterthought, RL treats them as centerpieces. The chopped vegetable salad is legendary among local diners, packing cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, asparagus, green beans, hearts of palm, radishes, black olives, corn, and Vermont Creamery feta tossed in a sharp Dijon mustard vinaigrette.
For heavier options, the lobster bisque is packed with fresh Maine lobster chunks and finished with a rich cream base. The classic Caesar relies on crisp gem lettuce, country bread croutons, and a heavy hand of shaved pecorino.
The Heavy Hitters: RL Classics and Steaks
When diners look for the core culinary code of the restaurant, they look at the entrees. This is where the kitchen balances high-end steakhouse offerings with bistro favorites.
The RL Burger and Sandwich Selection
You don't expect a $29 burger at a designer flagship unless it delivers, and the RL Burger consistently ranks as one of the most ordered items in the dining room. It features a thick beef patty topped with lettuce, fresh tomato, onions, pickles, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a proprietary Ralph's sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Other sandwich options include the Maine lobster roll, which piles fresh claw and knuckle meat tossed in lemon-herb aioli onto a toasted New England split-top bun for around $39. The crispy chicken sandwich, featuring a golden fried breast with spicy mayo and pickles on brioche, provides a slightly more casual alternative.
Steaks and Seafood Entrees
As a premier Gold Coast dining room, the beef program is uncompromised.
- Prime Filet Mignon (10 oz.): Tender, lean, and served with crisp onion rings and a choice of shallot-herb butter, horseradish cream, or peppercorn sauce, priced around $74.
- Prime New York Strip (13 oz.): A pan-seared cut with deep marbling, hovering around $69 to $71.
- Prime Bone-In Ribeye (22 oz.): The ultimate steakhouse statement piece on the menu, priced near $89 to $91, built for sharing or for serious appetites.
On the seafood side, the Dover Sole is imported fresh from the coast of Holland, pan-seared, and finished tableside with a silky Meyer lemon butter sauce. The grilled Faroe Island salmon and crispy lake perch round out the fish selections, honoring Great Lakes traditions alongside Atlantic imports.
Essential Sides and Accompaniments
No meal at RL is complete without ordering a few sides for the table. Portions are generous, making them ideal for splitting.
- Hand-Cut French Fries: Crispy, golden, and heavily salted, running around $11.
- Creamed Spinach: Baked with a rich layer of melted Italian Fontina cheese that sets it apart from standard creamed spinach recipes.
- Mashed Potatoes: Whipped with a heavy dose of Vermont butter for a silky texture.
- Asparagus with Pecorino: Steamed crisp and finished with grated pecorino cheese and fresh lemon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dining at RL
Navigating a high-profile restaurant like RL for the first time can lead to a few common missteps. Keeping these tips in mind ensures a smooth experience.
- Skipping Reservations: Walking in without a reservation during peak weekend dinner hours or lunch rushes usually results in a lengthy wait at the bar, if space is even available. Book well in advance through OpenTable or the official site.
- Over-Ordering Appetizers: The portions for starters like the crispy calamari and pigs in a blanket are substantial. If you plan on ordering a heavy entree like the bone-in ribeye or the Dover sole, consider sharing an appetizer rather than ordering one per person.
- Ignoring the Seasonal Specials: While the core menu remains remarkably consistent year-round, the kitchen routinely runs seasonal soups and fish of the day preparations that highlight fresh regional produce and catches. Ask your server for daily off-menu inclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code at RL Restaurant Chicago?
Yes. The restaurant maintains an upscale casual to smart casual dress code that matches its luxurious, club-like interior. Athletic wear, beachwear, and excessively distressed clothing are generally discouraged. Many diners opt for business casual or stylish evening attire.
How much should I expect to spend per person?
A typical meal consisting of an appetizer, an entree (such as the RL Burger or a steak), a shared side, and a drink will average between $80 and $150 per person before tax and tip. Opting for high-end items like the Dover sole, bone-in ribeye, or wine pairings will push the bill higher.
Can I order food online or for pickup?
Yes, RL offers online ordering for pickup through select local delivery and takeout platforms depending on daily service capacity, allowing guests to enjoy items like the RL Burger and chopped salad at home.
Is RL Restaurant kid-friendly?
While the atmosphere is sophisticated and geared toward adults, the kitchen does offer a dedicated children's menu featuring simpler items like penne pasta, chicken tenders, and kid-sized burgers or filet mignon for families.
