Maple and Ash opened in the Gold Coast in 2015 and has become one of Chicago's most celebrated steakhouse experiences. The bar at the front is worth drinking at independently — the cocktail programme runs to 30+ drinks and the wine list is one of the deepest in the city.
The cocktails are classical with steakhouse-appropriate technique. The Negroni programme is excellent. The Old Fashioned is built with reserve bourbon. The Wagyu burger from the bar menu is famous.
The crowd is mid-thirties to fifties Chicago professionals, special-occasion couples, and travelers staying in the Gold Coast. Pair with the wider Chicago cocktail scene for a citywide evening.