Asador Bastian

- 214 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654

For those in **Illinois** seeking a truly world-class Spanish dining experience that masterfully merges the tradition of a classic chophouse with the vibrant flavors of the Basque Country, look no further than **Asador Bastian**. This highly-regarded restaurant, nestled in a beautifully restored historic townhouse in Chicago’s River North, brings the culinary spirit of San Sebastián's renowned "asadors" (grill houses) right to the heart of the city.

Asador Bastian specializes in elevated Basque-influenced cuisine, with a primary focus on the highest quality boutique beef and meticulously sourced wild seafood. The signature offerings revolve around the ancient art of cooking over open coals, ensuring every piece of meat and fish achieves a smoky, perfectly charred exterior and a tender, rich interior. The menu is a clear testament to pure ingredients and thoughtful preparation, offering an experience that stands out in Chicago’s competitive fine dining landscape.

The culinary journey here is not limited to meat. While the **Txuleton Steaks**—including selections like True Galiciana and Dry-Aged Holstein—are a major highlight, the restaurant's commitment to authentic Spanish flavors extends across the entire menu. Guests can indulge in rich Bastian Specialties like the flavorful **Spider Crab Arroz Cremoso** or the luxurious **Black Truffle Beef Tartare**, along with a curated selection of refined **Pintxos** (Spanish small bites) and an exceptional variety of grilled wild fish, such as the whole **Turbot Al Pil Pil** and **Besugo Orio Style**.

Asador Bastian is proudly both **Asian-owned** and **women-owned**, reflecting a dedication to hospitality and excellence from its core. The atmosphere is consistently described as **Cozy**, **Romantic**, **Trendy**, and definitively **Upscale**, making it a destination of choice for celebratory dinners, business engagements, and intimate date nights. The service is often noted for being knowledgeable and attentive, enhancing the already superb food and drink offerings, including an excellent selection of **Great cocktails** and a focused, Spanish-heavy **Great wine list**.

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Asador Bastian is located in the vibrant and easily accessible River North neighborhood of Chicago, making it a convenient destination for locals and visitors traveling from various parts of **Illinois**. The restaurant resides within the charm of a beautifully renovated 1883 townhouse, providing a unique and intimate setting.

Address: 214 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

The location is designed with guest comfort and accessibility as a priority:

• The building offers full **Wheelchair accessible entrance**, **Wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
• For drivers, there is **Paid street parking** available in the bustling River North area.
• The main dining experience is intimate, taking place within the beautifully appointed historic townhouse.
• The venue features a stylish **Bar onsite**, perfect for starting or ending the evening with a craft cocktail or a glass from the curated wine list.
• Additional amenities include a **Gender-neutral restroom** and standard **Restroom** facilities.

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Asador Bastian is a full-service, fine-dining establishment that focuses primarily on providing an unparalleled dinner experience, complemented by modern convenience options:

• **Dining Service:** The central offering is an elevated **Dinner** experience with complete **Table service** and comfortable **Seating** in a refined setting.
• **Reservations:** Due to its immense popularity and intimate space, the restaurant adheres to a strict booking policy: **Reservations required** and **Dinner reservations recommended**.
• **Menu and Bar:** Guests can enjoy a wide selection of beverages, including **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Hard liquor**, **Cocktails** (hailed as **Great cocktails**), **Wine** (featuring a **Great wine list**), and **Coffee**.
• **Specialties and Dessert:** The menu includes the main categories of **Txuleton Steaks** and **Wild Seafood**, along with a celebrated **Dessert** menu featuring the classic **Burnt Basque Cheesecake** and the **Golden Chocolate Hazelnut Cake**.
• **Off-Site Service:** The restaurant offers **Catering** options for those looking to bring the Basque flavors to a special event.
• **Convenience and Payment:** The venue provides **Delivery** for the local area and accepts all major payment types: **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
• **Group Focus:** The ambiance and dining format, which often involves shared steaks and accompaniments, are especially **Popular for** groups and also attracts a significant number of **Tourists** seeking a premier Chicago experience.

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Asador Bastian stands apart in the competitive Chicago dining scene by focusing on a distinct blend of Spanish tradition and high-end sourcing:

• **Premier Basque Steakhouse:** The restaurant is known for its Basque-inspired approach, centering on the famed **Txuleton Steaks**, which are massive, bone-in cuts (such as True Galiciana and Dry-Aged Holstein) expertly roasted over coals.
• **Masterful Grilling and Seafood:** Beyond beef, the culinary program is equally strong in **Wild Seafood**, with whole fish like **Turbot Al Pil Pil** and **Besugo** also grilled over the open hearth to perfection, a testament to its commitment to the “asador” style.
• **Signature Specialty Dishes:** The menu features unique, highly-rated specialties, including the decadent **Spider Crab Arroz Cremoso**, the rich **Black Truffle Beef Tartare**, and the luxurious **Osetra Caviar Churros**—a true twist on the Spanish appetizer.
• **In-House Accompaniments:** The side dishes are just as celebrated as the main courses, with the **Bone Marrow Potato Purée** being a standout favorite among customers.
• **Intimate & Historic Atmosphere:** Located in a historic, restored 1883 townhouse in River North, the setting is a beautiful blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, creating an ideal backdrop for a **Romantic** and **Upscale** evening.
• **Exceptional Beverage Program:** Known for a sophisticated drink list, including Spanish-focused wines, Sherries, and creative **Cocktails**, perfect for pairing with the rich flavors of the Basque cuisine.
• **Serves Local Specialty:** The menu actively **Serves local specialty** by sourcing unique and boutique cuts of beef not commonly found elsewhere, showcasing a commitment to quality ingredients.

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Given the requirement for reservations at this highly sought-after River North location, it is essential to contact the restaurant directly to secure your desired dining time. The staff are available to assist with inquiries regarding the menu, special cuts, and group reservations.

Address: 214 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 800-8935

It is strongly recommended to utilize the restaurant's online reservation platform or call the number provided well in advance of your desired **Dinner** date.

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**Asador Bastian** represents the pinnacle of specialized Spanish dining in **Illinois**, making it an undeniably worthy choice for patrons with a taste for luxury and authenticity. What sets it apart is the unwavering commitment to the Basque grilling technique, delivering depth of flavor that is genuinely hard to find. While guests acknowledge that the experience comes at a premium price point, those who seek a highly curated culinary journey find the value in the quality of the product and the uniqueness of the offering.

If you are looking for a standard, casual Spanish meal, this may not be the ideal fit. However, if your goal is a high-end, memorable celebration or a sophisticated night out where the star of the show is perfectly cooked, boutique-sourced protein—be it a **Txuleton Steak** or a whole grilled Turbot—Asador Bastian excels. Customers consistently praise the impressive flavor and quality of the beef, with one reviewer noting that the **steak flavor was very impressive and it was cooked really well** and that the overall **variety of options here makes it worth trying** beyond just a typical steakhouse.

The experience of having the different fish and meat options presented table-side, the knowledgeable service that guides your choices, and the chance to indulge in Basque-inspired delicacies like the **Octopus Fideuà** or the phenomenal **Burnt Basque Cheesecake** solidifies Asador Bastian as one of Chicago’s most distinguished and worthwhile Spanish destinations.

Asador Bastian

214 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA