The charm of Tom’s Steak House has little to do with the steak that we serve or our special salad dressing. It is rooted in the people who walk through our doors. Whether they are regulars, first-timers or guests at a party, each leaves with a special story. We encourage you to share those stories here, on a special “Tom’s Stories” page. We will feature some of our favorites on our Facebook page!
A Lifetime of Memories at Tom’s
“Tom’s holds within its’ walls so many of our family’s memories. For over 60 years my family gathered together around your tables to celebrate our most important moments.
Before my parents, Ron and Patt Hoth, got married, they celebrated my grandparents’ birthdays and anniversaries at Tom’s. My love of Tom’s began as a child in the ’60’s, sharing the chop
steak with my little sister, Denise.
For my 10th birthday, I asked to forego a kid’s party, and instead wanted to go to Tom’s for a filet of my own, with just Mom & Dad. They agreed, and on a cold December night we sat at our table with the Christmas decorations sparkling around us. Suddenly, there was a commotion at the next table, and the man seated there stood up then fell over, presumably from a heart attack. Your staff was amazing, never missing a beat while the ambulance was called to take him to the hospital. What an unforgettable birthday memory!
When I got married, my parents hosted a reception in the private dining room with the coral swirled wallpaper forming a backdrop in all of our pictures. We celebrated countless birthdays with you since then, one for Dad in 2006 comes to mind when we somehow all started hanging spoons from our noses after dinner, comfortable to be ourselves at Tom’s. It was hilarious.
When my Dad passed away in 2013 we hosted his luncheon in your dining room with everyone gathering to celebrate his life in his favorite restaurant. He had it in his will that that’s what he wanted! My last picture taken with my Dad was in your lobby the year before. It seems like a lot of my family’s greatest memories come from within the walls of Tom’s!
I don’t think I’ve ordered anything but the filet since 1970 when I turned 10. I couldn’t imagine anything tasting better, except maybe the blend of all three of your dressings mixed together.
Thank you, Tom’s, for the decades of memories!”
Lisa Hoth Dalton
Tom’s Featured Story #6
Ed
“We came in to celebrate my birthday and our daughter’s promotion. It was on Valentines day so we were a little worried it would be too crowded. it was crowded but the service is exceptional, the food is outstanding. We did not have to wait for a thing. A great celebration for the 3 of us!!!”
Tom’s Featured Story #5
Kurt Kimball
“I grew up in Franklin Park from the 1950’s to the mid-1970’s. Tom’s Steak House was THE go to place for special occasions — birthdays and my parent’s wedding anniversary. As much as we loved the steaks, my story is about the salad dressings. My Mother loved them all, so she just had to put some of all three in three sections of her salad. When I was engaged, my parents took my now wife of 34 years and me to Tom’s to celebrate our engagement. My Mother insisted that my fiancé HAD to put all three dressings on her salad. My wife and I still laugh about that. But you know what? Mom was right — ALL of the salad dressings are outstanding, along with the steaks, chops, etc.”
Tom’s Featured Story #4
Valerie Dattilo Snyder
“We use to come to Tom’s in the early 60’s when we dated. Wasn’t even able to drink yet, and now 47 years later we just visited Tom’s last month, still have the numbered sugar holders, and still have the same drawing nightly. The entrance was on the south side of the building back then. Men had to have a jacket
to enter. Butt steak was my choice, because that’s what my future mother in law suggested. And the dressings always fresh and tasty. Use to get the mushrooms too.
Being a board member for Dist 84 Educational Foundation Tom’s never turned me down when I would request a donation for our spring fundraiser. THANK’S FOR THE MEMORIES and thank you for your generosity in supporting the community.”
Tom’s Featured Story #3
Cheryl Firlinger
“My mother had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
We knew that we would be celebrating her last birthday together.
It was a unanimous decision to visit Tom’s Steakhouse.
My sister, Mom, and I had a memorable, magical last birthday party.
Just months later, we chose Tom’s Steakhouse to have her funeral luncheon and to celebrate her life!
Thanks for the memories!”
Tom’s Featured Story #2
Jennifer Mais Kuss
“I personally have never been to Tom’s Steak House, but about 8 years ago our elderly neighbor, Coyle Aaron started telling me about the many wonderful dinners he and his wife Erika shared at Tom’s when he worked in Chicago. He said the food was amazing and the staff was so friendly. He passed away a couple years ago and I plan to make sure my husband and I get to Tom’s for dinner to celebrate and remember our wonderful neighbor.”
Tom’s Featured Story #1
Richard Hoffman
Tom’s Featured Story #1
Richard Hoffman
“As part of the Jewel Foods management team we had many great meals with clients there. Our offices used to be literally next door. One time one of our team made a joke to our waitress about how we come here so often shouldn’t we get a discount. The waitress fired back “I shop at Jewel Foods stores every week and nobody offers me a discount”. We were all rolling with laughter at that one. I am no longer with the company who has since moved their offices to another town. Still I go back to Tom’s when I want a really good steak in a friendly atmosphere with Denise Hoffman.”
Theresa Naples Papa
Posted at 12:41h, 27 FebruaryTom’s was my father (Joe Naples) favorite restaurant. We would always tease him about making a hole in the fabric napkin so he could fit it over a button and keep his shirt clean. He spent so many evenings there sometimes his napkin would already have the hole in it when he sat down. LOL… Someone even made him special napkins with buttonholes sewn into the corner, I have those napkins still today. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner at Tom’s and also our daughter’s christening celebration. Love it!
Curt
Posted at 10:02h, 11 AprilWas Joe Naples, Theresa’s father, the owner of Tom Naples, the produce stand that was located East from Tom’s Steak House on North Ave. (just West of Kiddieland) back in the 1950’s and 1960’s?
Cindy Wood
Posted at 17:09h, 02 MarchMy best memory of Tom’s Steak House was back in 2007 when my my was dying of a brain tumor. I was a student at Triton at the time and made the deans list. There was a ceremony for the students and my mom felt good enough to attend. After the ceremony we went to Tom’s Steak House for a celebration dinner. For me it was a double celebration dinner one for my moms full life and for me making the deans list. In the middle of dinner mom says well at least I am getting my lobster before I die. That was my mom blunt and to the point. So thank you Tom’s Steak House for making that dinner memorable for me. I now smile when I think about it.
Wendy
Posted at 07:08h, 03 MarchMy father-in-law always wanted to take the family to Tom’s, but something always got in the way. Sadly, on June 11, 2012, “Papa” passed away. One year after his death, we got the whole family together at Tom’s. I made a year in review video and told him that we were looking for signs he was with us. As everyone walked out of the restaurant, reminiscing, I stopped and gasped for air – the first car parked just outside the overhang was an SUV/Truck – license plate “Papa 1”. He was certainly with us that night!
Theresa
Posted at 11:52h, 03 MarchToms has the best steaks and food in the area. They also have the best waitresses! The great service they provide along with great food makes for a terrific dining experience.
Brenda
Posted at 20:59h, 26 MarchMy first Date with my husband now was 23 1/2 yrs ago,We walked in and was greeted by Alex then went to a table which we met out waitress Bessie,We had a wonderful Filet dinner,bottle a wine and great dinner,then went for a after dinner drink with Tom the bartender at the time,we had such a GREAT early afternoon dinner,we would go every weekend after for years,till we started having Grandkids,I have brought my family there my mom A few yrs before she passed,My daughter there with the Grandkid at the time lol (3 now) and I recommend to friends,everyone to go there.I love Tom’s and the best wait staff in town,Terrific dining experience.Salute to Tom’s 🙂
Lori Branda
Posted at 16:03h, 20 AprilFor my 16th birthday, my friends saved up enough money to take me to Tom’s Steak House to celebrate with a surprise party! We were very young & all dressed up. I can tell you it was a very BIG deal! Loved it, I really felt special & will never forget it!
Curt Kimball
Posted at 18:12h, 10 MayI grew up in Franklin Park from the 1950’s to the mid-19’70s. Tom’s Steak House was THE go to place for special occasions — birthdays and my parent’s wedding anniversary. As much as we loved the steaks, my story is about the salad dressings. My Mother loved them all, so she just had to put some of all three in three sections of her salad. When I was engaged, my parents took my now wife of 34 years and me to Tom’s to celebrate our engagement. My Mother insisted that my fiancé HAD to put all three dressings on her salad. My wife and I still laugh about that. But you know what? Mom was right — ALL of the salad dressings are outstanding, along with the steaks, chops, etc.
Janice joergens
Posted at 08:03h, 08 JulyMy mom, Barb Dembinski married Vic Dembinski at Tom’s in March of 1994. That day was a special day for the two of them and our family and there is no other place they would have wanted to celebrate their day, it had to be Tom’s. Sadly Vic has since passed away, but we always have our many fond memories with him at his favorite place.
Michael Tau
Posted at 19:29h, 08 OctoberI have been coming to Tom’s since the early 1980’s I have been to all the top rated Chicago steak houses. Tom’s Steak House is so consistent from the greeting at the door, the salad dressings, the sour cream & chives baked potato dressing to the presentation of the meal on the rolling hot server. The quality of the steaks and chops are always top notch at the reasonable price. Dinner for two can easily stay under $100 eating very well. I will always recommend Tom’s as one of my favorite steak houses.
Angelo Fraticola
Posted at 17:49h, 30 OctoberBeen going to Tom’s most of my adult life. So many memories. Dads retirement party and the Tristate meetings etc. Georgia knew us by name. In fact, most of the help knew us. Best Steaks around. We never had a bad meal here and the salad dressings are awesome.
Dawn M. England
Posted at 23:14h, 11 DecemberMy husband and I have been to your establishment, many times, Oh! How we loved it! Now, we shall bring our next generation, Jesse, Beth, Melody and Cadence for our first Christmas Dinner together…With joy and love of grand food!!! XO 🙂
Judy Bican
Posted at 11:52h, 23 DecemberMy friend and I have been going to Tom’s Steak House for the past 35 yrs. We love the friendly wait staff and over the years have become friends with their long time server (Bessie). There is no one better – she always remember’s our birthdays with a special birthday cake. Now where can you go for that kind of friendly service? We love the salad dressings, steak and always have to order a brandy ice for dessert.
Thanks Tom’s for all the wonderful memories we have shared over all these years.
Jon Sohn
Posted at 10:00h, 30 DecemberWe had dinner at Tom’s last night celebrating our 42nd consecutive Christmas dinner with our best friends. I have not been to Tom’s since the late 70’s when I used to entertain customers there. My friend used to take his mother to dinner at Tom’s in the early 60’s.
We regret not dining there sooner. The food was fantastic and the service by Dawn was the best.
We will return much sooner next time.
Thanks for the great experience.
Jon
Webmaster
Posted at 11:07h, 30 DecemberThanks, Jon. We appreciate you coming by last night. Hopefully Gus and the crew took care of you well! We haven’t left and don’t plan on leaving any time soon, so stop by again. Happy New Year to you and yours!
Ed
Posted at 11:52h, 16 FebruaryWe came in to celebrate my birthday and our daughter’s promotion. It was on Valentines day so we were a little worried it would be too crowded. it was crowded but the service is exceptional, the food is outstanding. We did not have to wait for a thing. A great celebration for the 3 of us!!!
Webmaster
Posted at 14:29h, 17 FebruaryThank you for sharing your story with us Ed! So glad to hear you had a good meal with us on Valentine’s Day. Happy Birthday and tell your daughter congratulations on the promotion! 🙂
Monica Barnes
Posted at 06:48h, 07 MarchI had just returned from three weeks in India where, for religious reasons, people generally don’t eat the cow. Beef is my favorite meat and I was longing for a good steak. Savvy friends brought me to Tom’s for the first time. I had a queen filet. Wonderful! The soup and potatoes were good, too. Consider me a fan.
bobby sison
Posted at 11:47h, 21 AprilWE HAVE BEEN GOING TO TOM’S STEAKHOUSE FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS, SINCE MOVING TO THE WESTERN SUBURBS. SPECIAL OCCASIONS LIKE BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, AND OTHERS ARE ALWAYS CELEBRATED THERE. TODAY, EASTER SUNDAY 2019, ME, MY WIFE, MY SON AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, AND BOTH HER PARENTS ARE GOING THERE FOR LUNCH FOR MY SON BJ AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW BEVERLY’S 31ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. I’M GOING TO HAVE MY FAVORITE STEAK ENTREE, EXTRA CUT PRIME RIB AU JUS, AS USUAL AND AS ALWAYS. THANK YOU, TOM’S FOR YOUR EXCELLENT STEAKS.
The great food and great service
Posted at 17:30h, 14 MayToms will be the first restaurant I go to once this lockdown is over with! Tom’s is just the best restaurant for steak and I’ve been to them all. Been going there since 1974.
Miss The great food and great service
Roxanne Klejna
Posted at 15:53h, 12 FebruaryI am 67. I get the exact same fillet, salad & dressing, potato & topping that I have been getting since I was 21. The consistency is unbelievable. Outback is fine for a quick dinner but when I want a good steak, there is only 1 place I go. Thank you Toms for always being there.