Address: 2162 S Archer
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Cuisine: Japanese / Steakhouse
Price Range: $$$$
Website: https://www.chubbycattle.com/project/chubby-cattle-chicago/
Hours:
Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
Our take: Chinatown’s temple of excess: Chubby Cattle is where Wagyu meets wonderland in an AYCE fever dream. Bring your appetite and your best bottle – this is where serious carnivores come to worship at the altar of marbled beef. No pretense, just endless waves of premium meat in a setting that feels like Tokyo’s most entertaining fever dream.
Wine Pairing: For this temple of Wagyu, bring something that can stand up to rich, marbled beef. A bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley or a complex Bordeaux will shine here. For a Japanese twist, try a Koshu wine from Yamanashi prefecture – its subtle minerality contrasts beautifully with fatty cuts. If you're going non-red, a rich Chardonnay or a crisp Champagne can cut through the richness of the meat. Easy-to-find options include Jordan Cabernet or Stag's Leap Artemis.
Beer Pairing: Japanese premium lagers like Sapporo Premium Black or Asahi Super Dry provide a classic pairing that cleanses the palate between rich bites. For craft beer lovers, try a rich porter or stout that can complement the meat's char while standing up to its richness. Dovetail's Helles Lager offers a local option that bridges German brewing tradition with Japanese drinking sensibilities.
Spirits Pairing: Japanese whisky is the power move here – bring a bottle of Nikka From The Barrel or Hibiki Japanese Harmony to complement the premium beef. For a different approach, a quality gin like Ki No Bi or Roku can make refreshing cocktails that cut through the richness. Skip the heavy bourbon – you want something that can refresh and reset your palate through multiple rounds of meat.