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Restaurants in Chicago

JIll & Sabrina Dee at La Donna's - Chicago
JIll & Sabrina Dee at La Donna's
by deecat
Dining reviews and photos of Restaurants posted by real travelers and Chicago locals.
• 647 Reviews

See all Chicago Restaurants
Popular Restaurants (174) | Miscellaneous Restaurants Tips (647)
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The Court Cafe: Even artlovers need to eat!
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
  • shrimp56
  • By shrimp56 on May 1, 2004
  • Chicago Page by shrimp56
  • The Court Cafe renewed - Chicago
    The Court Cafe renewed
    by shrimp56
    The Art Insitute of Chicago has renovated their two restaurants. The Garden Cafe [which spills out into the courtyard in the summer] has a new look & menu.
    .
    The Court Cafe [really a CAFE-teria] has been renovated, lightly -- mostly disposing of the dreadfully aggressive black & white photographs with red background. Now it is a soft sea/sage green and much easier on the eyes.
    .
    The food looked a bit "hipper", but pretty much the same.

    I had a really tasty "salmon wrap" for 5.25 USD. Watch out though -- the extras can add up:(

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  • Theme: Other
  • Price: less than US$10    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: less expensive than average
  • Address: Ground floor, Columbus Ave. entrance
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

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    Iggy's: Not our cup 'o Tea
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
  • garridogal
  • Updated By garridogal on August 25, 2005
  • Chicago Page by garridogal

  • "Do I really want anything
    here?"
    by garridogal, 1 more photos
    We took a recommendation from a bartender at our Hotel and went to Iggy's. I can honestly say that while I'm not going to trash the place, none of us cared for it at all. Even at an outdoor table, the music blasting from within was so loud that it was difficult to hear each other talk.

    Basically, I think we were too old for the place! Even though one of us is still in his 20's.... Different strokes - know what I mean?

    Most of the menu consisted of pasta in cream-based sauces which I wasn't in the mood for so I ordered a steak. It arrived with boiled vegetables and a side of pasta in watery tomato sauce which was, of course, all over my steak. I just don't care for steak and tomato sauce but decided to just deal with it. However, it was well done when I had asked for it Medium Rare so I did send it back and asked for no pasta. A new steak was promptly sent out - cooked correctly - however, like the vegetables, it was bland.

    My friends who ordered pasta had a hard time eating it because it was SO hot that it almost seemed as if it had been microwaved. Hmmmm........

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  • Theme: American
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 1840 W. North Avenue
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Carnivale: River North-Hip and trendy Latino
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
  • Dabs
  • Updated By Dabs on October 12, 2006
  • Chicago Page by Dabs
  • Carnivale is not normally a place I would suggest going for dinner, hip, trendy and a little on the pricey side. But I kept seeing the brilliant bold colors of the restaurant beckoning me from the Dan Ryan expressway and then was hit with two positive reviews from both Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Tribune food critic. What's a girl who likes to eat supposed to do?

    A friend and I went on a Thursday night when I thought it would be a little less busy, there were a few open tables but it was pretty crowded, full of beautiful people, the after work crowd in their suits, women in tight clothing with their cleavage overflowing. Oh and me who doesn't fall into any of those categories and a celebrity, Tommy Lee of Motley Crue.

    This is not a place to go if you want to have a quiet conversation, the noise level is pretty high between the other diners and the loud Latin music blaring away. I was actually hoarse when we left 2 1/2 hours later. There's a small section upstairs that overlooks the restaurant, I'm thinking since they seated Tommy Lee up there that these are the coveted seats and you may want to request them when you make a reservation. Reservations are essential on the weekend.

    I could have kicked myself for not remembering my camera, the interior of the restaurant is a feast for the eyes, brilliant and bold colors here too. You can see some photos on the attached website.

    Service was very friendly and prompt, dining options were fully explained. The hostesses were a little too beautiful for me LOL

    We started off with a couple of appetizers, tacos de pescados (fish tacos) and an assortment of 3 ceviches. The fish tacos ($8) were very good, the ceviches were also good but I was surprised at the small portion size for the $15 price tag.

    For our entrees we ordered Pernil, a rum glazed pork shoulder with Puerto Rican rice and beans, and fried plantain and Borrego, a lamb t-bone with roasted potato, chorizo, peas, and mojo de ajo. Both were very good and the portion size was large, although not "Chicago large" (enough for leftovers for 2 nights). Most entrees are over $20.

    Nothing on the dessert menu grabbed either of us so we passed on dessert.

    Some of the reviews on Metromix suggested that you could get more authentic and cheaper food if you head to one of the neighborhoods. I'm sure this is true but Carnivale is not just about the food, it's the atmosphere and the trendy folks are flocking here currently.

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  • Theme: Other
  • Price: US$41 and up    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 702 W. Fulton Market
  • Phone: (312) 850-5005
  • Directions: If you are driving from the south, get off 90/94 at the Lake St. exit. Go straight at the stop sign which will take you right to Carnivale
  • Website: http://www.carnivalechicago.com/index.cfm
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Bagel Restaurant: Comfort Food
  • Tip Rating:
  • ChicagoGuy
  • By ChicagoGuy on December 4, 2002
  • Chicago Page by ChicagoGuy
  • It has tradition American and Jewish style food.

    I love the Devon Ave. (Corn Beef/Pastrami/Swiss) on challe bread with Thousand Island dressing.

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  • Theme: Deli
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 3107 N Broadway
  • Directions: Lakeview
  • Website: http://www.bagelrestaurant.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Emperor's Choice: Chinatown Chinese Food
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
  • Florida999
  • Updated By Florida999 on October 5, 2006
  • Chicago Page by Florida999
  • We went to Chinatown for lunch. It was hard to decide which restaurant to go to, since there are many, but we just picked one that looked nice enough. The food was great, the service was great and the menu was extensive.

    I thought handing out almond cookies after the meal plus the usual fortune cookies was a nice touch.

    We had 4 dishes from the lunch menu and shared. They were all very good, and entirely too much food to eat.

  • Theme: Chinese/Dim Sum
  • Price: less than US$10    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: 2238 Wentworth Ave , Chicago
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

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    Four Farthings: Don't Bother! I surely won't!
  • Tip Rating:
  • Etoile2B
  • By Etoile2B on November 15, 2002
  • Chicago Page by Etoile2B
  • I have never even been to Four Farthings yet, but after the experience I have just had I don't believe I ever will. I called them to make reservations to one of their wine tastings and was told that they were close to full, but not quite. The host took my name and number and told me that he would call me right back. Two days later I still had not heard from them so I decided to follow-up. The host informed me that I would have to talk to the owner and, again, took my name and number and told me that he would call me right back. Again, another two days passed with no word. So I called again. This time I got the owner directly only to discover that it was completely booked (no surprise) and that not only was my reservation not on the books, I wasn't even on the waiting list. He, of course apologized, and said, "This kind of thing never happens" but I beg to differ. I worked in the industry for a long time and in different capacities and I find this situation unacceptable. If a restaurant is striving for good, friendly service I think it is imperative to have an attentive staff who takes care of the customers. I am not angry that I was unable to get a reservation - that happens. What bothers me is the lack of consideration shown to me as a patron. Simply for this, I will not be visiting this establishment anytime soon. I expect good service all around, and unfortunately, Four Farthings has not proven this is something they can provide.

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  • Theme: Pub/Brewery
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    MAttsons: Cheap Steakhouse!!
  • Tip Rating:
  • mayasmin
  • By mayasmin on November 22, 2002
  • Chicago Page by mayasmin
  • CHeap, delicious, juicy steak with sideorder, open salad /(soup)bar and icecream...and the most expensive piece is the porterhouse, which is just $16 + tax. You could even get a strip steak worth $8 + tax...and they cooked it the way i want it to be...

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  • Theme: Steakhouse
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: less expensive than average
  • Directions: Go straight Cicero Ave. Right after Ford City Mall. Near Midway airport
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Rancho Luna: Cuban Food
  • Tip Rating:
  • mayasmin
  • By mayasmin on November 22, 2002
  • Chicago Page by mayasmin
  • Probably the best Cuban food I've tasted ever. My friends, family, acquaintances, etc. had been back to this restaurant so many times just to taste their chuletas de puerco (pork chops). O.k. i might be exxagerating about the general description because I had never ordered anything from this restaurant but their chuletas. People I went with says the other selections were excellent as well....but their chuletas....i can't wait to go home to Chicag just to taste it!

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  • Theme: Eclectic/International
  • Price: US$11-20    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Address: Peterson and Kimball Aves.
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    RoseAngelis: Tourists never find this place!
  • Tip Rating:
  • Satisfaction:
  • Gina54
  • By Gina54 on October 9, 2003
  • Chicago Page by Gina54
  • RoseAngelis - Chicago
    RoseAngelis
    by Gina54
    This is very much a neighborhood restaurant. Located very near where I live, I have been eating here for about 8 years now. It is my favorite place, very romantic and the food is always wonderful. The prices are just right! The portions are large, but they make great left-overs. The service has always been quite good, some years better than others but by far better than many places I frequent.

    Tortellone con salsa di noce - gorgonzola filled tortellone tossed with grapes in a walnut pesto cream sauce

    Italian Bread pudding with warm caramel sauce

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  • Theme: Italian
  • Price: US$31-40    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: less expensive than average
  • Address: 1314 W. Wrightwood
  • Phone: 773 296 0081
  • Directions: Lincoln Park
  • Website: www.roseangelis.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    MAGNUM'S STEAKHOUSE: Tuna & Swordfish are some of the Best!
  • Tip Rating:
  • ChicagoGuy
  • Updated By ChicagoGuy on October 9, 2002
  • Chicago Page by ChicagoGuy
  • Magnum’s is a moderate upscale restaurant. The ambience is romantic. It is located in the same building at the nightclub White Star Lounge.

    It may seem strange to go to a steakhouse and eat fish, but I do not regret it. The swordfish was top notch. It was prepared with the skill of an artist. Yet, the tuna is what made me fall in love with the restaurant. It was crispy on the outside and a medium pink on the inside with a delicate mustered dressing on top. It melted in your mouth. I recommend Magnum’s to travelers who want to taste some of the best that Chicago has to offer.

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  • Theme: Seafood
  • Price: US$31-40    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Address: 2 2 5 W. O n t a r i o, C h i c a g o, IL
  • Phone: ( 3 1 2 ) 3 3 7 - 8 0 8 0
  • Directions: Downtown
  • Website: http://www.magnumsprimesteakhouse.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
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