Schwarz's Supper Club

If you like to be crowded into a corral, like the ""beef"" you are going to be served, this is the place for you. You will experience a long wait in the bar, so the business can extract enough profit from liquor sales. Then you will be herded into the dining room, where the staff pretends to be efficient..they are just trying to get you in and out as quickly as possible. The steaks are so laden with tenderizers you can actually peel layers of the meat away. Low quality food, assembly line service, cafeteria atmosphere..what a concept. I can't believe the place is so incredibly popular. I won't go back.. Cons: Awful atmosphere more

Plan to come early or have several drinks at the bar while waiting for your steak dinner at this very popular restaurant. It is an experience and well worth the drive to St. Ann. The waitress will take your order while you enjoy your cocktail(s) at the bar, and when your name is called, you will go to the table where your salad awaits you. It is a typical supper club with the relish tray and choice of three salad dressings. While the menu specializes in steak, there are other good entrees like the broasted chicken. Come hungry and order the bone-in rib eye. Good luck finishing it, but you'll enjoy the leftovers as much as you do the dinner. I don't think I have ever heard a negative comment about the steak. The wine list is extremely limited; you're better off with the traditional old fashions. The prices reflect great value, and the staff is very efficient. Pros: Affordable steaks, great value Cons: No reservations and can have long waits in the smokey lounge more

I have eaten at the 'great steakhouses' in New York, Denver, Arizona and Chicago and have yet to find a place that does them better than ""St. Anna's"" (That's what everyone in the local area calls Schwarz's because it's pretty much the only business in the little hamlet named for the local church. This place would be outstanding without also being one of the bargains of the country as well. Worth the drive from Chicago, which I have done. No reservations, but they take your order from the bar area where you can get appetizers while you wait among a very friendly crowd. Pros: Superb steaks, Large portions, Inexpensive more