Second City Prime vs Chicago Steak Company

Second City Prime vs Chicago Steak Company comparison

Second City Prime vs Chicago Steak Company — Honest Comparison

By Chris Maloyan, Founder — Second City Prime | Last reviewed: June 3, 2026

Two Chicago-area names, two different approaches to premium beef. An honest comparison by Chris Maloyan, founder of Second City Prime.

Chicago Steak Company markets itself on the Chicago steakhouse legacy — wet-aged USDA Prime and Choice cuts, shipped nationwide with emphasis on gift presentation. Second City Prime is family-owned in Northbrook, IL, focused on upper-third USDA Prime, authentic A5 Wagyu, bellota Iberico, and dry-pack seafood. Here is how the two compare on the factors that matter to serious steak buyers.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Category Second City Prime Chicago Steak Company
Beef Grade USDA Prime only, upper-third marbling USDA Prime and Choice available — grade varies by product
Aging Method Based on cut and sourcing — dry-aged options available Primarily wet-aged
A5 Wagyu Authentic A5, Miyazaki/Kagoshima/Hokkaido, carcass traceable Wagyu available; A5 selection and traceability limited
Seafood Wild-caught, dry-pack, no chemicals Seafood available; standards vary
Iberico Pork Authentic bellota-grade pata negra Not available
Founded 2006, family-owned, Northbrook IL 1999, online retailer
Gift Packaging Custom message cards, no pricing visible Extensive gift packaging and presentation options
Local Delivery Same-day available — Chicago area Nationwide shipping only
Guarantee Second-to-None Guarantee Satisfaction guarantee

Where Second City Prime Wins

  • Grade purity — Prime only, no Choice mixed into the catalog
  • A5 Wagyu traceability — carcass-level documentation from Japan
  • Iberico de Bellota — not available from Chicago Steak Company
  • Dry-pack seafood — no chemical treatment across the board
  • Local Chicago-area delivery — same-day available from Northbrook
  • Family-owned accountability — Chris and Susie Maloyan behind every order

Where Chicago Steak Company Wins

  • Gift presentation — elaborate gift packaging, branded boxes, and presentation options
  • Brand name recognition — 'Chicago Steak Company' resonates as a gift
  • Broader cut selection — wider variety of cuts and preparation styles
  • Corporate gifting infrastructure — volume corporate gift programs

Verdict

Chicago Steak Company is a strong choice for gift-giving where presentation and brand name recognition matter as much as what's inside the box. Second City Prime is the right choice when what is inside the box is the priority — USDA Prime only, authenticated A5 Wagyu, bellota Iberico, and dry-pack seafood without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are both companies based in Chicago?

Chicago Steak Company is an online retailer that markets on the Chicago name. Second City Prime is physically headquartered in Northbrook, IL — in the Chicago suburbs — and offers same-day local delivery to Chicago-area addresses.

Which has better USDA Prime beef?

Both carry USDA Prime, but Second City Prime's catalog is Prime only — no Choice is mixed in. Upper-third Prime grading is the floor, not a premium tier. Chicago Steak Company offers both Prime and Choice, so buyers need to confirm grade at the product level.

Does Chicago Steak Company sell A5 Wagyu?

Chicago Steak Company offers some Wagyu products, but authentic A5 Japanese Wagyu with carcass traceability from specific Japanese prefectures is not a core part of their catalog. Second City Prime sources A5 directly from Japan.

Which is better for local Chicago delivery?

Second City Prime is the better choice for Chicago-area customers needing same-day or next-day local delivery — we are physically located in Northbrook, IL. Chicago Steak Company ships nationwide via overnight courier only.

Related Pages

See the difference for yourself.

USDA Prime, A5 Wagyu, cold-water lobster, and Iberico — family-owned in Northbrook since 2006. Backed by the Second-to-None Guarantee.

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