Olive or Twist
6906 Windsor Ave, Berwyn, IL, 60402
Olive or Twist Menu
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Soups
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Salads
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Sandwiches
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Large Plates
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Small Plates
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Desserts
fazoli Diabetes Contents goes here
Healthy Meal suggestions for Olive or Twist
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Soups
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Salads
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Sandwiches
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Large Plates
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Small Plates
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Desserts
fazoli Blood Pressure contents goes here
Visit below restaurant in Berwyn for healthy meals suggestion.
fazoli Cholesterol contents goes here
Visit below restaurant in Berwyn for healthy meals suggestion.
Fazoli's is an Italian-American fast casual restaurant chain headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. It was founded in 1988and is now owned by Sentinel Capital Partners. As of 2015, there are 213 Fazoli's located nationwide. The restaurant chain specializes in Italian cuisine and dishes. Carl Howard is the company's president and CEO.
Fazoli's offers a menu of traditional Italian favorites — highlighted by our famous, mouthwatering, garlic bread sticks — combined with a service experience not typically found in the QSR industry and served in a newly re-imagined restaurant environment. And it's all available to our guests at a great price and value. With over 200 restaurants, explosive growth and a booming sales trajectory, Fazoli's has established itself as a leader in the Quick-Service Restaurant segment.
Today, Fazoli's menu consists of classic Italian dishes, baked pastas, their signature Submarinos sandwiches, and other foods, such as:
Twice Baked Lasagna
Chicken Parmigiano
Italian Deli Trio
seasonal salads
Turkey Mozzarella Fresco
Meatball da Vinci
The Primo Italiano
Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza
New York Style Cheesecake
Baked Spaghetti
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
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Address :
6906 Windsor Ave
Berwyn, IL, 60402 - Phone (708) 484-1808
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Tue, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Amber S.
One word, two letters: GO! You will not be disappointed. My boyfriend and I went this past weekend. I don't think I would have ever stumbled upon this hidden gem if it weren't for the great folks at Groupon! The atmosphere was intimate, but not necessarily romantic. There was space between tables which is a definite plus so you're not elbow-to-elbow with the table next to you. The decor was nice, but not overdone. The food was delicious (I had the cobb salad -- w/ green apple vinaigrette...YUM! and my boyfriend had the GIGANTIC pork chops. We both loved the food and the portions were generous). The martinis -- out of this world! It's hard to find a place where the bartenders serve martinis the right way. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a bar/restaurant and ordered a Lemondrop Martini, but got vodka and lemonade in a martini glass...or a Dirty Martini that was more olive juice than alcohol....ick! Not here! Not only do they mix them right here, but the options are extraordinary! It'll take me a good 15 trips before I'll be able to sample them all. On this particular visit I had a Dirty Martini (one of my favorite drinks ever!) and an Orange Oasis martini. The Dirty Martini was perfection. The Orange Oasis was a totally new experience and one I will be looking forward to having again. I've always wondered why there is no orange martini option whenever I go to a martini bar. Well, Olive or Twist answered my prayers and delivered it to me chilled! I'll be back...and in greater numbers! Girls night, here we come! :-)
(5)frank v.
I must say that you will not think your in Berwyn while your dining here (Not putting down Berwyn). The steaks are good cuts, especially for the price, Tuna steak is delish, but i really love the lemon fettucini. Save room for the white chocolate bread pudding, you wont regret it. Great service, and you can hang out at the bar before and after your meal.....the whole downtown package.
(5)Stickney R.
Inconsistent. Has great potential. The bar is good. The food is good sometimes. A little pricey for the area so the need to deliver consistently.
(4)Liz W.
What an extensive martini list! I wanted to try all of them, but that wouldn't be a good idea. The bf and I came here for a nice sweetest day dinner. After looking over that crazy martini list I decided to go with the chocolate covered strawberry. It was pretty looking, tasty, and strong! I didn't want to eat a big dinner so I chose to get the chicken flatbread and the bf had the steak sandwich. My flatbread was pretty good, but not out of this world.The bf's steak sandwich though was amazing! The restaurant was decked out in halloween decorations. I thought that was pretty cool. Our dinner and my one drink cost about $30. Not too bad for a nice looking place. I will return for sure to try out one of their full size dinners.
(4)Stefanie W.
Loved the decor, wanted to steal the lamps, could not believe my good fortune when every martini I ordered was a party in my mouth. The naughty kind of party, too. Then, the bartender went on break, or was at the end of his shift, and the party was busted. The next person doing the mixing just didn't have the magic fingers that the tall, slim gentleman behind the bar possesses. Still darn good recipes though. I'll be back once I figure out what my new BBFF's hours are. I highly recommend the Bobbing for Apples.
(4)Erin J.
We went hear for brunch on a Sunday with a toddler. In retrospect, this may not have been the best idea, but I also felt like the waitstaff were not that welcoming to families. The service was also very slow (bad for kids) and they kept forgetting things that we ordered. That said, the waitstaff were all pleasant & polite. My parents and husband had the bloody mary bar which they loved. All of our food was good, not amazing, but really good. The ingredients tasted fresh and well prepared, but fairly typical brunch food. The restaurant/bar atmosphere is more urban and trendy than you'll find in most of Berwyn. I'd definitely go back if we get a sitter or when the kids are older (for brunch that is). It's probably not appropriate for kids at dinnertime since there is a big emphasis on alcoholic drinks.
(4)Elliott S.
Went for the Sunday brunch and was pleasantly surprised at the variety on the menu, which was reasonably priced as well. Ordered the 'bloody mary bar' and was met by an exuberant bar-tender who let me sample the mixes before deciding on which I was going with. Staff was very, VERY friendly and anxious to please. Food was prepared quickly and served on a nice, hot plate. I had the eggs Benedict, my friend the personalized omelet. Entrees also came with an appetizer and we were served warm muffins as we waited. Great value for the money, will definitely be returning for Sunday Brunch"!
(4)G R.
What a cute place along the train tracks in Berwyn, has an upscale feeling while being very welcoming. My review is long overdue, catching up. I was here with some fellow Yelper's and had a great time with all. The drinks were tasty and I loved the martini menu, I only have one complaint, too many to choose from so it took me some time as I went through all the descriptions. Every time I though I settled on one, the next one looked good also. With all the choices, you have to just keep going back to work down the list. So yes, I'll be back!
(5)Ashley P.
Stopped in for dinner with my boyfriend a few months ago and just haven't had time to sit down and write a review. First impression, love the decor, it's warm, inviting, not over or under lit. We were seated immediately and greeted by our waiter a few minutes later. I ordered their steak sandwich and my boyfriend ordered their shrimp pasta dinner special. Our food arrived about 40 minutes later. The food was beautifully presented and decent portions. I tried both of our dishes, they were good but nothing to rave about. I think a second visit is in order to give some of their other menu items and martinis a try.
(3)Bridgette K.
Yesterday, before heading to icky ass Lalos(read the review), my bf and I stopped here for a few delicious martinis. Are cool bartender Chuck was awesome. Also makes killer martinis and drinks in general from what I seen. The bar it self is comforting also,clean and classy. I will be returning soon. The banana split was delicous and sweet.
(5)Margaretsen H.
Delicious drinks. Cute atmosphere. I think the prices are a tad high. They seem like city prices, not Berwyn prices. But I do not mind as long as we can get a little more city atmosphere and life in Berwyn.
(4)Michelle H.
A very cozy place for some amazing martinis! Located so close to the Berwyn Metra station, I could find myself coming back for more. This being my first time out to a bar after the smoking ban, it was kind of nice to be greeted not by smoke but a faint flowery and woodsy scent. That just added to the cozy atmosphere of the place. It's rather smallish, but very comfortable. Dark wood, and just the right amount of lighting. And a very cozy looking but also small enclosed patio area for the summer months. We were there for about three hours, and even though there were other people at the tables around the bar, it never felt that crowded (except for the one asshole who decided to stand in front of the hallway that led to the restrooms. By the end of the night, I just stopped saying excuse me, and just started elbowing him out of the way. There were many places open to sit.) I also noticed that there was a small selection of board games available for the patrons as well, so I will have to take advantage of that next time around. Now on the the martinis. I can't begin to figure which one was my favorite. I had the chocolate covered strawberry, the banana split, and topped it all off with a thin mint (which tasted exactly like the Girl Scout cookie by the same name!) My husband stuck with one kind all night, but I can't quite remember the name. But it tasted just like a watermelon Jolly Rancher. The bartender was really friendly, and did an outstanding job on each individual martini. (Something tells me it can become a pain in the ass when it comes down to the fancy chocolate drizzled glasses.) I will definitely be back, since there were so many of the other martinis I wanted to try.
(4)Paul A.
Just an amazing dinner at The Restaurant. Lamb chops were just the way I like them and the wife's NY strip was very tasty (though it could have been a bit more tender). Well prepared sides and ample portions that complemented meal well. The waiter was very nice and helpful. They have an excellent bottled beer selection. The meals were a bit pricier than you'd expect to pay in Berwyn, but parking is free so it balances out. I'll reserve the last star until I give it a go again. Looking forward to giving it another try.
(4)Clarissa J.
Thank you Dave S. for putting this martini meeting together! Olive or Twist is a beautiful little place with delicious drinks. And Chuck is a great bartender who is sensitive to people's needs. I ordered a Voodoo Martini (their own bloody mary type of martini) and he asked how spicy I wanted it. I felt ridiculous for saying, "Medium Spicy," like I was at a Thai restaurant, but without a flinch he made it just that way. Great enough heat to make my nose a little runny (sorry, gross), but not so much that I could't enjoy the other flavors. I also had the Thin Mint martini. F*CKING YUM! Minty with a swirl of chocolate in the glass and of course whipped cream. Mmmmm.... That's all I have to say. Not sure why I haven't been here before, seeing as that I live only blocks away. I will be back. No question.
(4)Jessica S.
Excellent martinis. The food specials are also very good; I had the cherry sauce fillet and it was very unique and tasty. I'd give it five stars if the waiter would have remembered to bring our appetizer.
(4)Jill R.
My sister and I first visited Olive or Twist after they were profiled on Chicago's Best. Since its not too far from where I live and we always love to find new places to drink/eat, we decided to check it out. Located in downtown Berwyn, right by the train tracks, this place is a hidden gem. Since then, I have been to Olive or Twist with friends, family, and my husband at least a dozen times! If you want an AMAZING martini and great food, this is the place to go. The martini that is a MUST try is the chocolate martini. I literally have cravings for one, and I'm not a big martini lover. Also, my husband loves the thin mint martini (which tastes just like an Andes Mint). They also have a great beer menu as well although I always go for their martinis. Their Burgers are great but are spicy (as in alot of spices, the bartender said over 30 spices go into the meat of the burger). I like the flavor but my husband didnt like it. I have had their manicotti and their grilled chicken penne pasta, both excellent. For dessert try the white chocolate bread pudding, so delicious!!!! The service is outstanding, the bartenders are knowledgable and friendly as well as quick and entertaining when making the Martinis! This place is a must try!
(5)Molly O.
I had my first experience at "The Restaurant" and it was fantastic. It is such a nice addition to the Depot District of Berwyn. The price is affordable and the food exceeded my expectations. I was very impressed with the service and the ambiance. Well done!
(4)Linda M.
Went here for the 1st time this past weekend. Such a cute place! Carl was our waiter, he was very nice and talkative. The martini's I tried were the Almond Joy and the Thin Mint. They both were pretty tasty. My friends had the more fruity ones, like Watermelon and Peach. They loved theirs as well.
(4)Julie C.
Yes please...may I have another? I love checking out new places and my friend and I were so glad we mosy'd over to Olive or Twist. Big fan of the martini's we are. I had the Oliver's dirty martini...perfection in my opinion. Fresh blue cheese olives...proper mixology and chilled just right. I had to have another. My pal ordered a dreamcicle tini and had another round as well. Intimate setting with a community vibe. No food on premisis, so we headed up the next block to Brando's Beef (see review).
(4)Jerry L.
My wife and I have lived in Berwyn for over 10 years, and we're thrilled to find a restaurant of this quality in Berwyn. We went for an early dinner on a Saturday evening, and there were only a handful of tables with people. My wife ordered a cosmo, and it was very good; they have an OK beer list (but this is a martini bar) and I tried out a good microbrew. We ordered the pork chop with cheese grits and spinach, and the lamb chop with vegetables and shoestring potatoes. Both were outstanding, both chops were juicy and full of flavor. My only issue was with the cheese grits (pretty bland). The wait staff was good. We'll definitely try it again.
(4)samantha b.
Being from Berwyn, I was SUPER excited to get a new classy restaurant in town and wow, I was blow away! I have been to Olive or Twist about 20 times now since my first visit since I always have a great time and a great meal, not to mention the martinis! They have a ton of martinis to choose from, Chunky Monkey being my absolute favorite! All are super delicious and worth every penny. Although they don't have a HUGE menu, you really cannot go wrong with anything on it! The pork chops are VERY JUICY and delicious. My favorite item on the menu are the lamb chops, which you get 3 of! The appetizers are also delectable with the sliders being my favorite (which could also go as a dinner option if you wanted!) On top of the food being AMAZING as well as the drinks, the service cannot be beat! The bartenders are all extremely friendly and actually great to talk to! The waiters are also very friendly and attentive. We never had to try and grab their attention! Overall this is DEFINITELY one of mine and my friends' favorite spots to go. I also know many people from Naperville who take the train just to come to "The Martini Bar." GREAT GREAT PLACE! GO THERE NOW!!! :)
(5)Celeste S.
I came here recently to celebrate my birthday as well as use my hand dandy groupon. The vibe inside was just what I was looking for...trendy yet a nice vibe and not loud at all. A few people met us and we tried a few appettizers and of course, a martini. Upon first review of their martini menu, I was a little disappointed by the selection and ingredients. Touting this place as a martini bar, I was hoping to find a well thought out menu. Most sounded way to sweet or whimsical. As I did not want a stomach ache from all the different candies or other sweet ingredients, I went for a dirty martini and it was ok at best. I switched it to a mango martini for the second and that one was better (thankfully not too sweet). Our female server was very slow and when we didn't see her for awhile, a male server came to say he was taking over. I commend them for switching it up but the wait for the food and 2nd round of drinks was a little upsetting. However, not the end of the world and we enjoyed ourselves nonethless. I would come again to try some of the other dishes but not for the martinis.
(3)Wedge D.
A small comfortable place with great bartenders. I enjoyed my visit. The outdoor garden in the back looks like a great place on a nice night.
(5)Jill A.
Worth a visit. Drinks are good and the atmosphere is cozy. This has become one of my favorite local bars. The cosmopolitan has freshly squeezed juice, which really gives it a nice tart taste. If you go there more than once or twice, the bartenders will remember your choice of drinks. It gets crowded after 9pm on the weekends, so come early!
(5)Tara M.
Delicious. I love this place. I don't get the previous comment about the Triple Sec. The only martini I saw with Triple Sec in it was the Cosmo... Which calls for Triple Sec. You can tell the people here put all their effort into making yummy martinis and giving friendly and welcoming service.
(5)Leonard W.
My review is 3 years too late..... I just came back to see has this place gotten any better because I wanted a martini. After reading that they took out the food.... I honestly understand why....despite not coming here in three years. I still remember very well two things about this place. One. The drinks were GREAT!!!! Haven't had a dirty martini or chocolate almond martini like that ever, (It's actually the reason how I started to drink almond liquor and experimenting with more and different flavors.) The draw backs to the drinks are they are $10+, expensive but great. I think when you spending $10 for a drink you expect to either be A. Downtown or B at a steakhouse./fancy restaurant. Sadly the 2nd thing I really remember is having to send my pasta dish back not once but twice not because it didn't taste good but it was COLD! (the only conclusion I could come up with was that most of my table ordered meat type dishes and my pasta waited before all the food came out at one time, but how do you bring back the same dish cold a 2nd time? the 3rd time the dish was steaming... lol. I personally hate seeing people nick pick over little things in restaurant so for me to have to do this TWICE! The owners or manger did apologize for the mistake and seemed to really want to correct it which is why it's getting 3 stars and not 1. I guess it works as a local lounge if you don't want to drive downtown but it's hard for me think of this place without the restaurant and what it could have been.
(3)Pamalama B.
omfg... stop at this place!! That's all I can say... I mean great... Perfect Martini's!!!
(5)Karen G.
Stopped early on a saturday night for a quick drink. The drinks were quite colorful and tasty, although I wish martinis weren't 10 bucks or more. The waiter was very nice and quick with a joke. I would come back, checking out the drink specials first in the hopes of a slightly cheaper buzz.
(3)Barry M.
It is a martini bar ... They use Triple Sec in most of their Martini's ... not acceptable for a Martini Bar. Good Booze = Good Drinks.
(3)Michele S.
Just killing time in beautiful Berwyn! To quench my thirst I decided on the lemon martini. It was quite delicious, but since I was unemployed at the time, I couldn't afford more than 1 since they cost around $10. Our waiter was entertaining and very knowledgeable. I would love to come back when I could afford to drink more.
(4)Erika G.
Popped in here briefly, BRIEFLY (like one drink) latenight last week. Super pleasant place, nicely designed and in close proximity to the Berwyn Metra stop. Anything that saves a suburb from homogenity and creates ambiance around a train station or city center is a good thing in my book. This joint is great. The bartender could not be more charming and friendly. I'd come back here any time. Oh, I had cider to drink. Crisp. Tasty. Cold.
(3)Joyce R.
Reaalllllyyyyyy good Martinis! Great service! I'll be back.
(4)Joshua N.
This review is long overdue for an update, as things have transpired. The big change is that "the restaurant" is no more. I feel sorry for the ownership that it didn't work out, but otherwise I'm glad it's gone The food was overpriced and failed to deliver. It had the appearances of of *trying* to be a restaurant, but without any of the artistry. (The restaurant space has been replaced with a pop up branch of Wishbone, which I'll review separately.) Now with that distraction out of the way, Olive or Twist has been able to focus exclusively on its excellent cocktail lounge operation. The bar is always well-staffed, and the bartenders are always friendly. The space is small, but never feels crowded. More than enough room at the bar to sit there if you want to. There's also a few tables, and a nice comfy chair nook in the storefront window. Olive or Twist specializes in "girly" sweet drinks (chocolate martinis, etc.), but they also have decent liquor and mixers for any number of traditional cocktails. The beer selection is also very nice. Only one beer tap (usually a good local seasonal), but lots of great bottle selections. I usually drink beer when I go here and never get bored of it. On New Year's Eve my wife and I ate a late dinner at Wishbone and then moved over to the bar for a few hours of Olive or Twist. We had a great time with a fun local crowd. (I enjoyed a glass of Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15, which I don't think I could have gotten anywhere else in the area.) Olive or Twist is one of the very best bars in the area, and a great place to go for cocktails.
(4)Grace N.
Olive or Twist is NO LONGER A RESTAURANT! I discovered this AFTER I had checked with Olive or Twist's website, which describes it as "The Restaurant" and includes a menu, and AFTER I bought a Restaurant.com certificate (thanks for the alert). Now they're just a martini bar, that will have an incoming Wishbone next to it. I would have preferred the scrumptious meals described, rather than another chain restaurant.
(1)Ashley G.
YUMMO! I had checked this place on Yelp, and I thought it was going to be quite small. However, I was shocked by the space inside. It was an average size restaurant as opposed to the small martini lounge that I had expected. It was dimly lit, which was nice for the time of night that we were there. I was able to enjoy the tomato basil soup and the portabello burger. Both were delicious. They were fresh tasting, and quite enjoyable. This is definitely a hidden gem in Berwyn.
(5)Lattice H.
Although this place no longer has food, it was still AMAZING! I was on part-2 of my celebration of my 21ST birthday, and my friends wanted to check this spot out. Eric the bartender makes the best martinis ever! So many delicious martinis to choose from, along with plenty of beer for the people who want to stay away from the fancy martinis! I enjoyed the watermelon and the orange oasis martinis! A much older crowd, but deffinently a hidden gym right outside the Chicago area! Check this place out. :)
(5)Christina D.
Came here for drinks with my husband several days ago and we were not disappointed. First impression of the bar is its very welcoming with the exposed brick wall. Pleanty of seating. I ordered the Hawaiian martini which was ok. And then I ordered the chocolate covered strawberry which was out of this world. I'll be coming back for that drink. Service was good and price was good as well.
(4)Jill A.
I like this place. I had a good negroni and the decor and service was really pleasant. It was pretty busy on a Saturday night, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I will come back for sure!
(4)Jessica E.
Delicious Tapas and great drinks. Very friendly and helpful staff too. Just wish they had someone playing the piano on a Friday night.
(4)Tenea H.
Martini bars are always great finds in my book when they have the perfect following ingredients: 2 parts great Martinis 1 part stellar customer service 1 part killer discounts Olive or Twist is all of the above. I learned about this hidden gem on restaurant.com and decided to try this as an alternative to traveling all the way downtown for drinks. My friend and I split a small order of the Jamaican BBQ wings which were delish but you only get 3 so we should have ordered more. However the kitchen was closing and we mainly came for the martinis anyway. Each martini that we tried (2 each) was so flavorful, POTENT and tasted much like their given names. The price was very inexpensive for these cocktails, which made us decide this will be our new go to spot when we have a craving. Do try Olive or Twist, even if you don't live in the area, it's DEFINITELY worth the trip!
(4)Tina P.
I've been here 1 time for an after work happy hour with friends. Atmosphere: The area is a dimly lit, well decorated space. This is a perfect upscale place hidden in Berwyn perfect for happy hour and dinner! Food: My food was excellent! I ordered the spinach artichoke dip and the Reuben. The martini list is extensive and yummy as well! However, some of my friends were unhappy with their steak salad they ordered b/c the greens seemed old. The steak, itself, was tasty. Price: Reasonable for the atmosphere. Overall: I don't know why I don't come here more often. This is a perfect place for happy hour if you're wanting a martini. I'd recommend this place to anyone who happens to be in the area.
(4)K S.
It was a nice atmosphere last summer but they didnt have a few things on the menu because they ran out. Who runs out of steak? It was pricey as well especially for the location. The drinks were just okay and the food was just okay hence why it took me so long to review because it wasnt memorable. But apparently it is just a bar now.
(3)Gaby M.
I have been here 20 times, at least, just this year alone. The food is fresh and delicious with a great seasonal variety. The beers are top notch and more places should offer the quality of beers. The drinks and martini menu are fabulous, with very very very well made drinks! The place is clean, relaxed, cozy, and classy. The staff is ALWAYS friendly, helpful, and very down to earth.
(5)C. M.
I love this place. You can tell it was decorated with someone with great taste, the bartender on Thursday night is super hot, and the servers are always so nice. The food is always changing and updated and incredible. The beer list is incredibly extensive and you would have trouble NOT finding something you like. Every wine is great, the music is amazing. I can't say enough about this place. love it.
(5)Tiara Lynn A.
Oh dear. I actually checked the address to make sure we were all talking about the same place, but there they are, the picture of the very fancy but terribly overcooked potato-wrapped prawns. For our Valentine's dinner (celebrated on the 15th), we ordered a selection of appetizers and a couple drinks. Our server, bless her heart, was very sweet but not very good at her job. First she gave our martinis to another table (who just accepted them?? It was weird), then she forgot to bring our second round entirely and claimed she didn't hear us right, even though she acknowledged us at the time. (?) My martini was extremely harsh, like it was made with cheap vodka. It wasn't delicious. But let's talk about food. When people order a bunch of appetizers, you stagger them. You don't bring 5 plates of appetizers out at once so everything can get nice and cold. The jerk bbq wings? Best thing we had all night, but the rest... The portabella mushroom was this anemic, over-roasted thing that was too rubbery to cut with a fork, and entirely unseasoned aside form the sauce around it. The prawns had no flavor at all. And the sliders... oh dear. Aside from being stone cold by the time we got to them, the tiniest, saddest slice of tenderloin was sandwiched between the sweetest onion compote ever and this terrifying green paste that was so bitter we tossed that bun away. It tasted like fresh oregano purée. The flavors didn't match but the paste was just disgusting. We were ready to go by that point. We have friends who love this place too, so maybe we just had a bad night? I don't know, but we found it comically bad.
(2)Sandra G.
I have went to this place with my friend who I haven't seen for ages. We both agreed on going here and we couldn't have picked better. This place is perfect for dates, long talks, and catching up on the latest gossip while sipping on a martini. This is exactly what we did, we set out on the terrace ( the inside looks amazing as well but since it was a warm evening we decided to be outside) we ordered martinis and sandwiches and had the best times of our lives. We were there for around 4 hours and it felt like time fly by within minutes. The servers were very nice and the food great (not so much of it on the plate), but we didn't mind. I will absolutely return here again.
(4)Katy S.
My friend and I stumbled upon this place on restaurant.com and we were so pleasantly surprised. It was really great food, great service, great drinks... overall really great experience. We will be back again for sure. If you are looking for a recommendation the grilled chicken with pasta penne was delicious. We also tried the mixed baby green salad which had the best candied pecans and salad dressing. Also, the chocolate martini was to die for! For dessert, go for the white chocolate bread pudding.
(5)Marina M.
This place is relatively new and I just saw that it is now only a martini bar and no longer a restaurant. This is great, beause the service was terrible! They were out of a few things on the menu, the wait staff was very slow and forgetful. Also, the owner (I think) kept walking around the tables and kept helping the wait staff. A micro manager at his best, which was very distracting. I may go again now that it is only a bar and write a new review.
(1)Yvonne B.
I went on a Wednesday evening to meet up with a friend. Parking was easy and free (I love that about Berwyn). There was cute outdoor seating (maybe four tables) and the large front windows allowed us to watch the sunset. Inside, there were exposed brick walls, nice decorations, and the smell of basement that provoked my allergies. Unfortunately, drinking my cocktail did not numb my allergy sensation as it does at the Drawing Room. Anyway, the food was really flavorful and beautifully presented. We ordered jerk chicken wings and a special salad that was not on the menu. We each got Old Fashioned cocktails, the pride of the bartender. My friend loved her cocktail and I thought it was just okay (too sweet, citrusy, and watered down for my taste). I am interested in returning to try some martinis and some other menu items. The other menu items did not have interesting descriptions; however, the success of our food makes me think that it's actually surprisingly good.
(3)John S.
Generally speaking, I love local places. And when someone invests a lot of cash into their community and tries really hard to make a go of it, I sincerely want them to be a success - especially when I live in that community. Olive or Twist is a martini bar that has been featured on WGN's "Chicago's Best" for their desserts. Getting anyone to stop in Berwyn for anything is a challenge. Having moved back here after 20 years, I'm not sure why. I think there's a perception by people in the far west suburbs of alleged gang activity where there is none. Given the bad economy maybe it's the fact that everyone wants a good deal - which may be the problem with Olive or Twist. The atmosphere is very nice. A little gem placed along the train tracks that has an inviting decor and a historic location. So since I've been coming here for about a year, what's the first thing that's missing? Hmmm. They have a piano in the front and there's NO LIVE MUSIC! Martinis and jazz are like Chicago hot dogs and green relish - you should never have one without the other. Secondly, having been raised in food service and understanding that a "measured pour" doesn't work in a martini bar, $10 for a martini has become the norm. That being said, it's still not a good deal when all you get for your money is liquid in a glass. Any restaurant should get about 8-10 decent size drinks out of a bottle - especially when they're making sweet, specialty martinis. So that equates to $100 per bottle less cost and overhead, so at least 60% profit. So I ask myself, why am I paying so much money to sit in a nice bar without entertainment? For a martini bar, they don't really have a great variety of vodkas and gins from all over the world. To be accurate, the bar is very limited in its choices. That being said, I choose to drink Stolichnaya - up. For me, that means no vermouth. Since my drink comes out of a cocktail shaker, I presume the vodka will be slightly diluted and have a taste I recognize. When they pour the vodka into a WARM glass it RUINS the whole experience! If you have a martini bar why in God's name can't you teach your bartenders to either (1) put the glasses in the fridge (or better still, the freezer) or at the very least pour ice water into the glass before you start shaking the vodka! You then pour out the water and have a semi-appropriately chilled glass that's ready to receive the libation. So what then is Olive or Twist? It's best defined as a "girls night out" place where novice female drinkers can rave about the super-pretty, multi-colored, multi-flavored, excellent tasting, super-sweet drinks that flow from this bar. Not for me. After watching the re-run of Chicago's Best for the third time, I was finally convinced that I should try the food at Olive or Twist. Unfortunately we opted to visit during Berwyn's Oktoberfest - which was a mistake. Busy everywhere, except in the restaurant. The owner sat us and we waited for 10 minutes before he had to go and get a waiter. Even when he did, the bus boy did 90% of the work, delivering our water, food and so on. We ordered drinks from the bar and had to wait 15 more minutes "because the bar was busy". The food presentations were acceptable - very good in fact. However, to say that the portions are small is an understatement. It's like a joke from an 80's movie where they place a tablespoon amount of food in front of the patron. I'm guessing there was half a ladle of soup in the bowl. No joke. No more than four spoonfuls. I hate to think this way but I just couldn't get away from the idea that each bite of soup was $1.25! Did I enjoy each bite $1.25's worth? Nope - not even close. Flavorless and boring. The salad was basic lettuce and completely unremarkable as well. We followed with the Potato Wrapped Prawns. Here again the presentation was very nice - and again, our THREE prawns for $10 were without merit ($3.33 a bite!). It was as if they left the prawns out in the breeze in an effort to deplete all the flavor and texture before serving. It's amazing how something that looks that good can be so... terrible. At this point we decided to split a strip steak. It was tough. Seriously - you're in Chicagoland. You have access to the best corn-fed, world-class beef in the world, and you served this piece of garbage? Oh and by the way, garlic is a spice which is to be used in SMALL doses. If you're going to INFUSE garlic into your mashed potatoes, your should serve them with a warning label. By this time having not seen our waiter for some 30 minutes, we opted NOT to try their signature desserts featured on TV. I finally got my $100 bill, paid and left, vowing never to eat here again. So why do I keep coming back? Is it for the food? No way. Is it for the good deals? No, there aren't any. Is it for the bartending skills? Not in my case. So why? The answer is because my wife likes the drinks here.
(2)Michael S.
Honestly, this place is better than ok and I do like it for the suburbs, but I'll have to give this place a 3 right now... Came here on a Friday night with 3 other people. Parking was easy to come by (suburbs) and there was no wait. Inside is really nice and we did find the leg lamp (think Christmas Story) amusing. Now I don't think i'm that old yet, but I found our server to be slightly annoying. Awesome doesn't really describe a dish especially when a lot of the food he talked about was "awesome". As a descriptor, awesome just doesn't cut it. Also, when I requested a dirty martini with beefeater's he automatically said with a weird smile "how dirty do you want it?". Kind of childish if you ask me. Also, i'm a guy. Felt kind of creepy. Food... Well I liked the food. The wedge salad wasn't anything special, but it wasn't bad. I had the pork chops which were good. Had a distinct ham taste which I liked. Loved the grits underneath it. Also had a few bites of the lemon fettucini from my gf and I did like that one as well. Drinks... I am not a big drinker anymore and can do fine without drinks, but what's the point of doing so at a place that specializes in martini's? There isn't... Well, my gf's brother likes to drink and he had a few martinis. I also had my dirty martini. So the brother is a drinker and the first thing he mentioned was that the martini glasses seemed small. I actually thought the same. The prices were like Chicago prices as well. Not cool if you're in Berwyn. Regardless, my martini was made fine, but I don't think any of them were that special. Overall, I liked the place. Maybe get some bigger martini glasses (or lower the price) and make sure your servers are trained properly (friendly is good, but a bit of professionalism is also key) and this place would be a lot nicer.
(3)Josh B.
Went to Olive and Twist on a Saturday night with the family. Food was delist. First the bread is outstanding and was served warm. We also had mussels swimming in garlic butter and spinach artichoke dip that was served warm with three types if bread. Entrees were outstanding too filet mignon, Mac n cheese, pork chop...great hearty salads in between too. Service was a bit scattered but then we found out they took some apps of . $300 for 9-was reasonable. If the service got smoothed out it probably earn a fifth star. All in all highly recommend it
(4)Aimee M.
Berrrr-Win! You know what I'm talking about, the funny sound-bite Rich Koz used to play on his Son of Svengoolie show on Channel 32. Don't know what I'm talking about? You must have missed that part of the golden age of Chicago TV that was Channel 32. But never the mind. Get thee to Berwyn, downtown Berwyn, and have some of the yummy martinis at Olive or Twist! They have an inventive list of martinis. Whether you're in a classic dirty mood, a chocolate mood or a fruity mood, they have your cravings covered! I tried the following drinks: Almond Joy--hint of coconut creaminess with a chocolate finish. Dreamsicle--nice orange flavor with a hint of vanilla. And Chunky Monkey--banana and chocolate with a bit of whipped cream. All so yummy! Beer lovers are not left out, there's a great list of craft beer that changes from time to time. Just as I had a hard time trying to make a decision about martinis to try, the hubs had a hard time trying to decide which brews to try. There's also a wine list but I was focusing on the martinis that night. Olive or Twist is a gorgeous space. Great mix of people, enjoying the drinks and having a fun time. There are tables for smaller parties and a nice sized bar with comfy seating. There's an outdoor patio area in the back where folks can also sit and enjoy their drinks. Very friendly bartender and staff. And meeting some friendly Yelp folks that night was a bonus too! Wonderful place--I'll be back to try other martinis on that list!
(4)Brenda Lee J.
This review was from September 2012. Had the ribs, jerk style, and they were simply delicious. The cheese grits were also yummy. The pork chop was just OK, but tasted better as leftovers. the prawns we ordered were rather yawny. The wine? . Meh.... For dessert we opted for the brownie with Oreo cookie inside. Pretty good but to get the full rating they should consider serving it warmed. Overall, the 25.00 off coupon we had was necessary to feel good about the meal. Go back, try more, but only if you can bring any kind of coupon you have---otherwise move on.
(3)Brian F.
Hey, I like this place! The chef knows what he is doing and the food that we tried was very good. It's so nice to have a place of this caliber so close to home. My Shrimp Cannelloni ala diabla was very good with a nice tomato sauce (not too hot) and perfectly cooked shrimp. My wife enjoyed her martini and our other dinner-mate had the tasty Turkey dinner. The turkey was a little dry but the cranberry sauce was excellent.
(4)Amy Marie C.
Monkey shoulder in the house for the scotch lover! The martini list is extensive and has a flavor for everyone. Quiet, relaxed, great atmosphere.
(5)Chris P.
I have to give this place super duper kudos. As we walked home Friday night from OoT I told my wife, it is like hanging out at a friend's really nice house, drinking and having good conversation with friends. We knew no one walking in and felt like we had a new group of friends when we left. Good people, good drinks and a great time. We will be back often!
(5)Amanda G.
Many moons ago, I used to swing by this joint for a couple post-work cocktails. Had some munchies now and again and always enjoyed my time there. Flash forward several months...holy macaroni!! I do not remember adoring it this much!! The wine choices are plentiful and priced well enough for your wallet. The martinis?!? My, oh my! The dirty martini had a hint of salty goodness, but not that extra bit of somethin', somethin' hitting the back of your throat. And the chocolate covered strawberry martini?? Have I died and gone to heaven?!? Priced at $9...these are a steal and give many martinis in Chi-town a run for their money! My friend and I decided to woop it up a bit on "hump day" (Wednesday), in order to break-up the work week. The bar is always fun to sit in; but we decided to be daring, and hang out in the dining area. It is dimly lit and very relaxing. And the ladies' bathroom?!? There is a "make you feel pretty mirror"! After a long day of teaching, I felt fresh and renewed every time I gazed into the mirror. What a perk! We were welcomed with warm bread and butter drizzled with olive oil: genius! Why have I never thought of drizzling butter with olive oil? We started with the mixed baby green salad. It was plentiful and the poppy dressing had a hint of citrus. Moving onto the main course, he ordered the shrimp manicotti with diablo sauce and I ordered the tuna with garlic mashed potatoes (They were out of the rice.) and asparagus. Quadruple delish!! His manicotti was fresh and the diablo sauce was a surprising creeper with heat. And the shrimp?? Almost as large as my head! My tuna steak was cooked perfectly (medium rare) and was HUGE! As for the potatoes?!? Whipped, garlicky, buttery, pillow of heaven. Could not leave any extra on my plate! The asparagus were cooked al dente and complimented the rest of my dish. Victor, our server, was extremely attentive and helpful and made me giggle a few times.. Since I reside in A-ville, I was not looking forward to the drive home. But, it only took me 30-35 minutes when I left at 7:30pm. What a pleasant surprise! Will I be back?!? Yes, please!
(5)Jenni E.
I had been dying to go to this cute, little martini bar after reading all of the reviews on my favorite drink...the martini. I love a place that has unique drinks because as much as I try, I can't do beer - so I really look for places that can come up with unique things that I love to drink. The martinis that I had were GREAT and they were strong, which is always a concern when you start to get the flavored ones - but you will get your moneys worth at this place. I wish that I could remember which martinis I had - but after the third, those memories went out the window. I believe one was the Snickers Martini and another one had an Almond flavor to it and it was amazing. This is a cute little place, but it is very little. The tables inside are high-tops and are pretty small. I did see someone say that there is a patio area, but I didn't see that - so maybe that has some more room. The night that I went there, it was a Saturday night around 9 PM and the place was empty, which I was surprised about. It looked like there were a couple of regulars at the bar, but other than that it was empty. The waitress/bartender was very attentive and helpful, but it would have been more comfortable if there were more people there. There is a piano - so I am wondering if they have live music some nights - that would be cool. I don't love the area that it is in - there really isn't anything else by it, so it is kinda hard to find, but if you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy a martini with a friend or two - this is a great place.
(3)Scott M.
after first learning of my disappointment that I pulled the wrong menu off the website (there is a million 'olive or twist' restaurants apparently) our party settled for 2 tuna dishes and 2 lasagna dishes. After about 20 minutes the waiter came out and advised that they didn't have the rice that was to come with the dish. About 30 minutes after that all four dishes arrived. It was obvious that the Lasgna(s) had been sitting under the heat lamp or re-heated while waiting on the Tuna. We sent the cold Lasagna's back to be re-microwaved. They did take 14.00 off....but that being said the bill (with no alcohol) was $108 (for two discounted cold Lasagna's and two tuna dishes). THIS IS NOT A $$ .. More like $$$ Also for a $$$ restaurant the service was sub-par. I think they were breaking in a new waitress. When I inquired about an item I'd seen on the menu on web that wasn't on menu the answer was "oh, they change things all the time". I would have expected a professional wait staff you would expect would inquire, then come back and tell me I'm a dumb ass for looking at the wrong website.
(1)R E.
This place was awesome. We have been wanting to go here for awhile, and many people were saying how good it was. It was nice for a place to live up to the hype we had been hearing. Last night we had girls night and met there for dinner and drinks. The martinis were great, we had a couple different flavors, and all were very good. I said it was one of the best dirty martinis I have had. We ordered the Spinach and Artichoke Dip....AMAZING!!!! Dinner was great, we had steak,and two pasta dishes, everything was cooked perfectly and tasted great. We were served by Victor, he was friendly, educated about the drinks and the menu and very attentive. All in all we had a great time and will definitely come back with more friends and another girls night
(5)Amy H.
Olive or Twist stands head and shoulders above any other bar in Berwyn. It is a cute little family owned and run martini bar and if you're lucky enough to know the family, you are treated as family. I suspect that everyone knows the family, because the day that I was there a lot of people where just hanging around, laughing, making jokes, watching baseball and having a great time. The drinks are fantastic!! Vanessa kept letting me sample some martinis and they were all good, but I must admit that the white sangria was my favorite. Also, they have Summer Sandy. How can you not love a bar that stocks Summer Shandy?!?! And, if you are having a martini, the jalapeno stuffed olives are a must! I can't wait to go back! :)
(5)Thao T.
Went there for the first time over the weekend for happy hour. Drinks were very good and it's a nice place for drinks and food in Berwyn.
(4)Julee M.
I adore this place...so much that I'm considering moving to Berwyn to be closer to it. Ok that isn't the real reason but it is an incentive. Anyway, it's totally worth the drive out to the burbs. Karl, the Friday bartender, rocks my socks. Every martini he makes is perfect. Definitely on the top of my martini list and I know my martinis! Cute atmosphere, awesome drinks, and parking! Score!
(4)Tony N.
Reading the other reviews, it seems like people come to this spot for both drinks and food. We didn't order anything but ginger ale, so let me make clear that this is a review for food. I'll go back there and get loaded some other night, but getting hammered drunk on a Tuesday night is a little too "Leaving Las Vegas" for me. With that said we ordered the Jerk Chicken Wings, I had the Club Sandwich, and my lady had the very sexy Reuben Sandwich. The chicken wings weren't ginormous, but they were grilled and seasoned very well, and so I think it's an acceptable trade-off. It also came with a lovely little mango salsa, which is kind of the dressing of the decade, but when someone executes it as well as they did hear, I won't complain. The Club Sandwich was the best I've ever had. Now that's a statement from your average Joe, but the club sandwich is kinda sorta my thing, and I scour the world looking for a good version of it. So obviously I look like a real jag finding such a primo one about a mile and a half from my house. The turkey was hand-carved and hand selected with pieces of some succulent-ass white meat (and this is key) dark meat pieces neatly interlocked. This sandwich was built such that it didn't fall apart as you were eating it. The Reuben came on some excellent dark rye bread. The corned beef was just a little salty, but otherwise the balance and texture of this sandwich is why we hath been graced with this sandwich in the first place, and it doesn't disappoint. Service was great, kinda hard to botch up at that particular time, (hour before closing) place, or day. A word on sides: Coleslaw was very horseradishy, but pretty good considering most restaurants produce cole slaw that tastes like it was fermented in someone's taint. The fries were salty, hot, and not quite steak fries, but on the thicker side. The pickle was a good dill slice, if you're into that sort of thing. The near West Suburbs have a few outstanding spots to dine, and while this place's menu doesn't re-invent the wheel, you can taste that this food was made by people who know what it's supposed to taste like.
(4)LuCretia T.
I first visited Olive or Twist for my birthday 2 years ago just for dinner and drinks and had a great time. Dinner and the service was great. This is definitely a hidden gem in Berwyn. The Martinis are delicious and well priced. I have never had a bad martini and I am pretty sure I have tried every one of them! My Fave is somewhere between the Chocolate covered strawberry & the Killer Koolaid Martini. Great place for catching up with friends when you don't want to head downtown. We often frequent this place when we don't want to get too dressed up, but still want to go out and now with the new comedy club next door definitely would make for a chill night out.
(4)Cindy J.
Happened to be in Berwyn a few nights ago and stopped in with a Resaurant.com coupon. was so glad we did. Amazing pork chop, great cocktails, perfect service. A very friendly place with good food.
(5)Chris L.
Big selection of unique, and really good martinis and surprisingly good food. It's divided in 2 sections, half of which is just a bar/lounge area, and the other half is the restaurant portion. Started off in the restaurant portion, then moved to the lounge after we ate. Was really impressed with the food, really reasonably priced and very good. Would definitely recommend trying tthis place out.
(4)MarZ ..
I discovered this place yelping in Berwyn, Thank you Yelpers. I found a Gem in Berwyn. I am a Berwinite and love the fact the Berwyn has such a trendy place in its own back yard. I've visited a few times and even have introduced a few friends to this place who in turn introduced this place to their friends...Sorry Berwyn the secret is out. I love the vas array of martini offerings. You cannot go wrong with what you order here. All the reviews about how nice and friendly the staff is and all the other good stuff you read are right on target. As far as pricing....at $8 you cannot go wrong as a matter of fact your ahead of yourself here. I've paid much more for so called martinis... it's shameful out there. Great place to stop by for a drink with friends...or a date ; )
(5)Kara H.
Finally!! I've been waiting for a restaurant just like this to open since moving to the neighborhood last year. now I don't have to run to the city or oakbrook every time I want a great meal. I've been to The Restaurant a few times and have nothing but good things to say. The Pork Chop, ribs, burger, and potato wrapped prawns have been stand outs for me so far. The seared tuna is next on my list to try. I was excited to hear they were going to be serving sunday brunch soon. Servers and bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere is fantastic - very warm. A fantastic addition to the depot!
(5)Lauren H.
Came here on a Tuesday night to try the restaurant and was surprised it was empty, hope everyone catches on soon! The drink menu is so extensive (being adjacent to the bar, not a surprise) that I couldn't decide, but my friend's Manhattan was good and strong. The bread brought to us was delicious and warm. My friends and I started with some appetizers: potato wrapped prawns (I am a vegetarian but I tasted, it was good, and I really liked the sauce and the veggies that accompanied it) and the bread and spread (olive spread, potato spread, and a really delicious hummus, all served with some crispy flatbread and some pita). For my dinner I got the shrimp manicotti minus the shrimp, I was pleased they accomodated my request. I tasted the sweet potatoes that accompanied my friend's turkey and they were fabulous, I really wanted to steal them and eat them all. But the highlight of the meal for me was the dessert--the bread pudding and the accompanying caramel drizzle were to die for. I would have licked the plate clean if no one had been watching, and I was craving it for days after (I still am). Just like the bar, it has a friendly neighborhood vibe that I love. Very easy to get to from the city--2 stops from Union Station on the Metra, took about 16 minutes and the restaurant is a block from the Berwyn stop. Parking is also easy.
(4)Laura K.
Olive or Twist is great! Really good martinis, friendly service and good food. Had a Restaurant.com deal and they didn't give us the stink-eye when we whipped it out like a place further down the street did with our Groupon. We went during the Deck the Depot event and a group was giving away roasted cinnamon nuts outside, so we skipped dessert. We will definitely be back.
(4)Kate P.
Lordy, Lordy, Lordy I can't help it I like to party! That was the theme of my 30th birthday party here on March 5, 2011. What a fun night it was...I'm still trying to put the pieces together. I love the expanded establishment! There's now a restaurant and on Saturday night it was bustling pretty well. I ate ahead of time but those who ordered food said it was pretty yummy. I will have to come back and give the restaurant a try sometime soon. However, MY main mission was martinis and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one I had. They ranged from dessert-fruity, to classic and enjoyable. The ones I remembered were the banana split, cosmo, Mrs. Robinson, and then a dirty martini with jalapeno blue cheese olives. Wonderfully made and remarkably delicious. You seriously can't go wrong with any of the martinis on the menu. So, if you're looking for a great spot to hang out with friends in that's relatively quiet, where you don't have to shout to be heard, I would highly recommend stopping in for a drink or three and staying for the food. Really, you ought to give it a try...you know you want to!
(5)Victoria h.
I swear, I keep coming back on the "off" nights. I don't know what it is. Whenever we get the food "to go," it's fine. No complaints. This was our second dine-in experience and, again, it was a little wonky. Our server asked us "who wants to get drunk with me." I ordered my favorite, Turkey Club. The sandwich, as always, was really really good. I got sweet potato mash on the side and, I hate to say it, it was bad. You can barely taste the sweet potatoes, it was all cloves (at least that's what I think it was. Definitely some sort of a spice). So much, in fact, that the sweet potato mash wasn't even orange, it was brown. My sister-in-law ordered a petit filet medium rare, it was medium at best. Other than these little hiccups, the food was good, the portions were huge, and the service was fairly fast. Don't let my experiences affect your decision to try Olive or Twist. I'm a minority and I'm definitely coming back.
(4)Cristina T.
This was my second time coming here and significantly worse than my first. I bought the Groupon thinking I could come for a nice date night here with the bf. To start, there was no host at the stand seating people so we just chose a seat. It took about 10 minutes for anyone there to even acknowledge us and about 45 minutes for bread to show up on the table. The entrees took about half an hour and were mediocre. The bf enjoyed his club sandwich and it was an extremely big portion(worth the 9 dollars). My cobb salad was a decent size, but in no way worth 14 dollars. After we were done with our meals, it took 25 minutes(I timed it!) to get our table cleared. This is one of my pet peeves. I do not think I will be back here anytime soon-very disappointing experience to say the least.
(2)Suzanne D.
What a great spot! We stopped in for a nice dinner and martinis after a rough work week. I loved the ambiance with the exposed brick and dark lighting. Very casual and relaxing. The complimentary bread was really a really fresh rustic loaf. I had to use restraint not to just fill up on that. We started with the spinach/artichoke dip with pita. Delish! My husband had the petite filet and it was cooked perfectly and so tender. He usually doesn't like mashed potatoes, but he devoured these. So good! I had the grilled chicken pasta. Creamy gouda sauce with chopped tomatoes and nice crispy bacon. The chocolate orange and dirty martinis were both excellent. We will definitely be back..
(5)Kate M.
This is a review of the bar, not the restaurant. This place has a separate bar and restaurant. I've only eaten in the restaurant a couple of times, but it is over-priced and the food nothing special. However, I frequent the bar for the martinis. They are excellent and are half price on Wednesdays. It is a great place to sit with a friend and have a good conversation. They don't blast music so you can actually hear the other person. The bar service is excellent. The decor is perfect. It is classic and subtle and isn't distracting. When I come with my husband he is always impressed by their beer selection. They have quite a few good lesser-known beers. My only complaint is the food you can order from the bar. It is OK, but over priced and sometimes takes a while for it to come. Also, there isn't much selection. However, the hummus plate is pretty good.
(4)Essie J.
Soooo....my honey found this place and knowing I LOVE martinis took me on a date. First impression..awesome...place looks very inviting, clean, lots of parking. I was really excited to try someplace new so I was a little disappointed with my second impression; the hostess. Maybe it had been a long night, not sure but she seemed flustered. Thought we were with the other party waiting and tried to seat us all together, would've been great if they had been treating but I doubt it. Clearly two good location, comfortable tables were available but after waiting (not sure why we kept waiting, seriously considered leaving) she opted to seat us at the very last table in the back. Seriously, the table was tiny, not a bistro table but close in size. We asked for a better table and were given one but it appeared to be done grudgingly. I hate knocking people but I cannot avoid it on this one. I was a little put off when another couple came in and they were seated at a good table immediately, not offered the donkey table. Hmmmmm, whatever. The rest of the night went great. Food was awesome, try the beef sate its very good. We ordered the Manicotti with Diablo Shrimp and the Jerk Ribs with Saffron Fries. For dessert we had warm apple strudel. So this place is a martini bar and they do not disappoint! I love appletinis with olives and they gave me nice big juicy ones not shriveled up olives that've been sitting for three days. The martinis were also very crisp and cold and nicely mixed, couldn't taste the vodka or the apple syrup too strongly, I was in heaven! Will definitely return for the drinks and the atmosphere....almost forgot!! They have a "leg lamp" like from Christmas Story! Good music, very mellow, nice crowd, bartenders were great especially Vanessa.
(4)Thomas B.
A very nice decor but a bit loud even with a small crowd. Food was as good as expected but overpriced by 20-25%. The martini was good but nothing special and wildly over priced at $13.
(3)Lorie B.
The first time we went into Olive or Twist, it was wintertime. We had quite a few martinis and really enjoyed ourselves. The bartender (his name escapes me) was cordial and patient ( it took me awhile to choose something from their large drink menu). We have returned quite a few times, and most recently, realized the bartender can make a damn good margarita, which is great for the summer months. We haven't checked it out yet but they have a cute back patio which we will visit soon.
(5)Shain C.
Ok, full disclosure here. The wife and I are huge fans of Olive or Twist the martini bar and have become friendly with the owners and staff over the past few years. So I'm a bit of a homer when I say this, but the food is fantastic. The chef hails from the American Depot Diner on Roosevelt and has brought his simple yet delicious food to OoTtR. The prices are reasonable for the quality of food that you get, and the portions are very generous without being a feed bag. Between us and our friends we have sampled a good portion of the menu. Appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soups, entrées, and deserts... we have not been disappointed yet. The beef satay, jerk wings, flat bread, sliders, potato wrapped prawns, seafood cocktail (think ceviche with shrimp and scallops), and the ribs are our favorite appetizers. (That's pretty much all of them.) The Reuben sammich is phenomenal, and the Monte Cristo is quite popular as well. The club, grilled cheese, and BLT are all wonderful. A friend is addicted to the Cobb salad. The shrimp bisque is good, but check out the daily special. The bone-in ribeye melts in your mouth and the smoked pork chop tastes like bacon. The seared tuna is cooked perfectly and the turkey dinner with both white and dark meat is just like Thanksgiving. Not to mention the petite steak, the lasagna, the shrimp manicotti with diablo sauce, the jerk ribs... you get the point. The deserts... the white chocolate bread pudding and chocolate parfait are favorites, and the carrot cake, banana split, and chocolate lava cake get the job done as well. (Check out the FB fan site for some pics facebook.com/pages/Olive… ) Like I said, I'm a homer, but we love this place... It's a friendly, laid back atmosphere and truly the gem of Berwyn.
(5)Edward B.
Giving them five stars instead of say, 4.5, because of their location and for bringing something unique to the Berwyn Depot District. Had dinner last night with a friend. Great martinis (had the Dirty and the James Bond) and very good service. Shared three appetizers, the tomato flatbread (sounded more like a take on bruschetta, but was more a very thin-crust pizza thing), the Potato-Wrapped Prawns (awesome) and the Tenderloin Sliders (also awesome). It was my first visit and I'll definitely be back.
(5)Steve W.
It's my goal to enjoy ALL items on the menu. Delicious food at reasonable prices. Plus, the martinis are THE BEST around. Believe me, if you know your martinis, you'll be hard pressed to find better than those here. I'm looking forward to seeing how the Sunday brunch looks....and the specials that have begun appearing. Generous serving of bread, friendly wait staff, and cozy lighting. I am sorry it took SO LONG for the Depot District to get another restaurant, but now that it's here, I won't complain.
(5)Susan M.
we went back to Olive or Twist (the bar) last night, it's been about 6 months. I like the new restaurant area, I only peeked around, but it looks just as cozy as the bar area. I notice a few things - -they are noticeably busier with diners grabbing a drink either before or after dinner -carl, our favorite and extremely efficient/friendly bartender, is gone -three new bartenders behind the bar, quantity is not better than quality we sat and were waited on quickly since there were maybe 10 customers at the time. we glanced at the menu since they do allow you to order dinner/apps in the bar. we decided on the sliders with blue cheese and the breads and spreads. the sliders arrived before the breads and spreads, which was odd, and they were awful. they have the cheese, maybe a pesto AND SWEET sugary caramelized onions. they were so sweet you couldn't even taste the beef. the spreads were a garlic potato, hummus and an olive tapenade with pita triangles, thin crispy cheesy wafer and something that tasted like pretzel bread. all but the pita was super salty, and the garlic potato was super overwhelming. i wreaked all night of the garlic. we had a friend meet us just after our apps. there were three of us total. the bartender came over to get our drink order then, and a couple more visits to collect glasses and check on us. as it got busier, we saw him less and less, then we didn't see him for about 30 minutes, maybe more. we tried to get his attention several times. he would go to every table (we were the last in the row of tables) but ours! we just wanted another drink... badly. we watched our guy for 5-10 minutes go back and forth attempting to make eye contact and waving him down, it was like we were invisible. the whole time he looked a bit nervous and overwhelmed. again, there are three of them! carl would handle a full bar almost effortlessly. we are not high maintenance people, but were a bit disappointed with last nights service. the drinks were still tasty, so maybe we'll try again. we do really love this place, perhaps it was just an off night for us. we still tipped 20%.
(2)Andy D.
Now this is a Martini Bar!!! Unique creations are served in oversized stemware by super friendly and attentive staff. They also score as a local bar that doesn't seem to attract trendy superficial snots. The cliental is here to have a great beverage in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. We did step out into their patio area that is as equally relaxed. This is a great place to go and engage in quality conversations with friends over a one of a kind liquid beverage.
(5)Rafael C.
I just loved this place! It looks very nice inside and all the barkeeps rock! I enjoyed my one martini but got to taste a few others and they were all very good. You can only drink here but they at least make their drinks really good. Ask them for menus of close by restaurants that deliver if you are hungry. I also like the outdoor area in the back and the piano setup in the front. Their is definitely a nice warm and cozy feeling when at Olive or Twist and I like it!
(5)Carol J.
Stop three on my Berwyn Tour de Force October 2009. I begged and pleaded my partner in crime to "pretty please with sugar on top can we please,please, please pop in to Olive or Twist"....she relented but now I understand why she was reluctant to allow me a visit. We were on a very tight schedule and just reading the martini list could take hours. Seriously, its huge. Line after line of delicious martinis both savory and sweet, spicy and mild, fruity and fantastic. I took a preventative step and went with a glass of wine from the well rounded list on the chalkboard. But I still was able to sample (okay, swipe) some sips of the signature stuff and still drive home. Raspberry Martini? Delicious! Thin Mint? Whole lot more potent than anything those Girl Scouts are hawking. Key Lime? Tart and tangy with a hint of Awesome. So many other offerings it is simply overwhelming to try and limit the options. Martini flights maybe? Super sexy and swank room located immediately across from the Metra station with hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, this place would be right at home on Hubbard Street or the Gold Coast. A scaled down baby grand that anyone ('cept me of course) can play, attentive staff, delivery menus galore and a quaint little beer garden featuring murals of a streetscape make Olive or Twist the perfect year round suburban get away.
(5)Nikki C.
"....she's always a woman to me..." echos of a woman's touch vibrate throughout this space. ...warm, cozy, inviting and definitely seductive. $11 for 7.5 oz top shelf libations of sex in a glass ftw! Beautiful outdoor patio for allowing the cool breezes to fondle your personals. Free wifi and menus from local food joints to fill your tummy of the areas's finest. Piano and pA to allow live local talent to sing to your soul. Steps away from metra transport. Approachable and delicious talent behind the bar to remind you there is no better place for miles around. in other words...this place is money.
(5)Becky S.
I would consider myself something of a martini connoisseur... I have them whenever I can and I'm always trying new martinis at various places. While at home for Easter, I decided to check out Olive or Twist. I definitely like the look of the place. It's something a little different than the usual "at home bars." I also find the name to be pretty clever, and I like that! I started off with a key lime martini- this usually sets the standard for their other martinis and unfortunately, it was terrible. It had no limi flavor whatsoever. The overwhelming flavor was Midori which was no what I was expecting. Not good, didn't even finish it and neither did anyone at my table which is rare. Then I tried to order the peaches and cream but the bartender said not to get it because "it was bad." Now I really appreciate the warning and saving me money, but why is it on the menu if it's that bad? Luckily I went with my friends recommendation and tried the toasted almond. It was excellent! Great toasted flavor, creamy but not too heavy. I would definitely come back for that and to try some of the others but I'm still not convinced of the 5 star rating. Although, I should give it some slack for being in Berwyn.
(3)Evan S.
I was just in Olive or Twist (OoT) yesterday and took some picture of their new restaurant space. It is going to be chop house-esqe and should be opening in a few days!
(5)Megan G.
This particular bar makes me glad I don't live in Berwyn. Not that there is anything wrong with Berywn. In fact, I rather like the town itself. But see, there is one tiny problem... Olive or Twist is conveniently located right along the metra tracks. I am pretty sure that everyday on my commute home I would have to stop in for some delightful martini's and then, well, it could become a nasty, yet ever so delicious habit... I love martini's but mostly the fru fru ones. Olive or Twist can meet all of your martini dreams, and did so for me. The ones that I remember include the Orange Dreamcicle (my personal favorite martini EVER), the Almond Joy and the Thin Mint. Yes, I pretty much drank myself into sugar shock. But it was worth it. The bar itself is cute as can be with warm, dark decor and a very welcoming feel. I was in there on a Friday night and there was a good mix of people hanging out and getting their martini on. Vanessa M bartends on Friday's and that alone is a reason to go. She makes a mean drink! They don't serve food but do allow you to order or bring food in which is key. Just ask the friendly bar staff for suggestions or menu's and you are in business!
(5)T M.
My wife bought a groupon, so we went back to O/T. The bar and dining room are both open, roomy, and nicely decorated Our first time here was a while ago. We had steaks and salads, everthing was good but nothing special. This time we relaxed in the bar for a couple drinks. there is an interesting martini menu, good beer selection, and an ok wine list. Bartender was friendly also. My wife had a shrimp ceasar and the portabella small plate and she was pleased with them. The salad was very generously sized. I had the jerk ribs, they were very good, not quite jerk but slightly spicy. Waiter was very good. Based on this last trip would recommend if your in the area. Prob 3.5 stars really.
(3)Melissa H.
Berwyn isn't my idea of a road trip. But if you live there, or are going to be near there for whatever reason I highly recommend swinging by OOT for a cocktail. I like just about any booze that comes in a glass. Except gin. And I also am having a torrid love affair with Red Bull. So, when I saw that there was actually a Red Bull martini on the OOT menu my heart melted. Vanessa M. makes a filthy martini, but only works on Friday nights - so take that into consideration. Parking is ample, and the Metra practically runs right through the middle of the place - so transportation shouldn't be an issue. I only wish this place was closer...then again - maybe it's a good thing for my liver that it's not.
(4)Dave S.
A few Yelpers gathered here for a few martinis last night and we all had a good time. Chuck the bartender did a very good job of accommodating us and keeping fully loaded with martinis! I would strongly recommend the Bobbing for Apples or the Dreamsicle. I need to go back and try the toasted almond and the chocolate covered strawberry. There was a good mix of people of all ages there and everyone was friendly and approachable. They have a little patio out back that I am sure will be great come the warm weather. So who wants to go back with me?
(4)Rita I.
We tried this out thanks to a Groupon. We never would have guessed a place like this would be down by the Depot area of Berwyn. Food was good. Service was a little slow which was disappointing since there weren't that many people when we first got there. But we would definitely return.
(4)