Beelow’s North Shore is “a different kind of steakhouse,” observes owner Dan Beelow.
The dark wood furnishings suggest the retro-elegant feel of the classic American 1950s steakhouse, but contemporary fixtures and available light through the glass doors leading out onto the patio dining area brighten the mood. The centerpiece of the bar area is an imported 30-tap craft beer tower imported from Slovenia.
It’s “unpretentious,” said Beelow (who himself is rarely seen not wearing shorts). While the wide-ranging menu has “something for everybody,” including entree salads and fish and chicken, as well as a kid’s menu, Beelow’s is all about the beef, which is aged and cut in-house.
Beelow, who comes from a farming family, describes the beef as “pasture-fed” and all natural without antibiotics or hormones.
“It’s high-quality at a decent price that you don’t see (at other premium steakhouses). What I grew up with is what we serve,” he said. “The sauce for our beef ribs is from a 50-year-old family recipe.”
Pricing: Appetizers range from $9-$17. Popular items include Kelly’s Asian Spicy Shrimp ($12) and Dan’s Ivanhoe Raffle Beef ($11). Signature entrees include The Classic Burger ($14); 14-oz. Ribeye ($29); 14-oz. Prime Rib ($33); Full Slab Smoked Baby Back Ribs ($27); Shrimp Pasta ($25) and cage-free Half Roasted Chicken ($21). Desserts include Key Lime Pie and Flourless Chocolate Cake (both $7).
Hours: Dinner is served Sun.-Thurs. 3-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 3-10 p.m.. Happy Hour is served everyday 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Address: At 1850 2nd St., Highland Park. Contact 847-780-2200 or www.beelowsnorthshore.com.
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Donald Liebenson is a freelance writer.