Maple & Ash

The story

Maple & Ash Chicago – Contemporary American Fine Dining on W. Maple St.

A New Benchmark for the American Steakhouse

Maple & Ash on West Maple Street sets out to do something specific: redefine what a steakhouse can be. The restaurant's own framing puts it plainly — this is about "redefining today's steakhouse experience, one moment at a time." That clarity of purpose has translated into real recognition. Wine Spectator named the wine list one of the most outstanding in the world, awarding it the Best of Award of Excellence — a distinction that signals serious depth and curation, not merely a long list.

The Chef Behind the Menu

The menu is crafted by Chef Danny Grant, who holds two Michelin stars. Grant's pedigree brings a fine-dining sensibility to the contemporary American format, elevating the steakhouse well beyond its traditional conventions. The restaurant's gallery hints at what that looks like in practice — fire-roasted seafood, tableside flambe service, oysters — though the specific menu is best explored on the day.

The Experience

Maple & Ash is built for occasions. Private dining, events, cocktails, outdoor seating, and a full bar round out a room designed to hold a celebration without feeling stiff. The contemporary American cooking sits at the center, but the wine program is genuinely part of the draw — the kind of list that rewards guests who want to explore as much as those who simply want a reliable recommendation.

The Chicago location on W. Maple Street is the original, and it remains the flagship of what has since grown into a multi-city group. That expansion — to Boston, Miami, and Scottsdale — speaks to the model's appeal, but the Gold Coast address is where the idea took shape.