Justin Leone

Having spent time in so many of Chicago’s most important institutions, Justin has culminated all his experiences into one of the more ambitious beverage programs in Chicago.

Justin joined the wine team at Alinea and served under Chef Grant Achatz for two exhaustive and indispensible years. After sharpening the fine edges of his craft, Justin yearned to manifest that which he had envisioned; the fruition of which, in several ways, is now the beverage program at Benny’s Chop House.

“My passions for wine had been effectively stoked after spending two life-altering harvests under Nicolas Potel at his eponymous domain in Nuits-Saint Geroges. Each lunch and dinner promised unfathomable education, pouring graciously from Nico’s breathtakingly large and diverse cellar”.

The execution at Benny’s is no small endeavor. To create one location which may suit most needs; exemplary, even world-class wine list at accessible prices, providing comforting selections for the everyday attendees and esoteric, cerebral selections for the connoisseur and industry veteran alike.

Justin has created an eclectic and edgy beer program, while cocktails range from classic bon vivant simplicity to more intellectual imbibing. “A broad selection of sipping liquors is a mandate, in his mind, with a vast wine by the glass program, ranging from $7 Garnacha to $135 1990 Chateau d Yquem.”

Add to all of that some of the best cut of prime beef available in the city, and now the traditional steakhouse idea begins its transcendence.