Calo Ristorante
5343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640
Calo Ristorante Menu
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Appetizer
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Salads
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Soups
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Pizza
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Seafood
Healthy Meal suggestions for Calo Ristorante
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Appetizer
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Salads
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Soups
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Pizza
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Seafood
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Address :
5343 N Clark St
Chicago, IL, 60640 - Phone (773) 271-7725
- Website https://www.calorestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 11
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Pizza
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
Irrespective of your locality, you will find a variety of different restaurants in your cities offering pizzas of all different types. Pizza is hot favorite among people of all ages in the United States. A large size pizza is enough to feed a family of 3 or 4 at large. Pizza is also the most preferred food whenever a group of friends is hanging out together. Pizza gained popularity in the United States after the American soldiers stationed in Italy returned from World War II.
Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
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Jacob T.
My department used Calo to cater our Christmas party, and it was fantastic -- both lasagnas, the meatballs, everything was great. I can't speak on the dining experience, but the food was great.
(4)Melanie S.
With its extensive menu, great list of wines and cocktails, comfortable interior, and friendly, accommodating service, Calo is a great place for a date, group dinner, or even the solo diner. Calo has been around forever (and by forever, I mean fifty years), long before Andersonville was a hot and happnin' neighborhood. Its staying power in a town where restaurants open and close in just a couple years' time speaks volumes. There's a good reason it's been a mainstay in Chicago. The food is reliably good and the ingredients are always fresh. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. Even if you're not a huge fan of Italian food, you'd be hard-pressed not to find something to whet your whistle; there's truly something for everybody on the menu. You can't go wrong with any of their pizzas (pan, Neopolitan, thin, stuffed!), and the calamari (they serve both fried and grilled versions) is above average as well. There's a plethora of pasta dishes from which to choose, as well as a number of meat and seafood items (including Alaskan king crab legs!). Everything is executed well. As if Calo didn't have enough going for it, they serve until 11 pm, they also offer carry-out and delivery, accept reservations, and there's a free parking lot across the street. Plenty of reasons that Calo deserves its reputation. I'm certainly a fan.
(4)Matt B.
Great place if you are looking to go out to dinner with a big group or there is just 2 of you sitting in the bar area. Not a huge fan of their fish but the pastas are on of the BEST around. I really enjoyed the Farfalle Butera (Bowie pasta with Italian sausage and green peas in a creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce.) Also, they have some great wines and when you order a prosecco you get your own little bottle! I should also mention the staff is very nice.
(5)M M.
Just based upon my few experiences- great servers, great ambiance. Semi formal. Ordered: ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, calamari... Uhm I forget the rest. The garlic mash was the best I've ever tasted in my life. The ribs were skimpy and over drenched with sauce. Calamari's calamari.
(4)Charlz P.
Calo has great food but they have the very best take out/delivery. We have ordered various food choices at various times of the day and the food always arrives hot with excellent quality. The Best!!
(5)Laura P.
I had a pasta dish (RIGATONI CON POLLO E FUNGHI) and it was delicious! We also had the calamari and it was the best I have ever had, I order calamari at every Italian restaurant I eat at so that is saying something! The canoli's are to die for! I will eat here everytime I visit Chicago! So glad my friend Tabitha recommended this place, we all had a great time!
(5)Darren F.
my cousin came to Chicago for a few days and she likes Italian food.. so Italian food is where I'm going to bring her haha.. i asked a few friends for recommendation and one of them recommended Calo Ristorante. there is a parking lot right across from the restaurant which was awesome.. the restaurant is dark and a little crampy.. the service was kind of slow.. took about 30 mins from them to finally take our orders after being seated.. there was complimentary tomato bread and rolls and all i have to say is .. those tomato bread or whatever it is.. is delicious!!!!!!!!! it taste almost like pizza without the toppings we ordered the fried calamari fritti, bbq ribs, meat ravioli , ziti vodka , and ravioli di aragosta fried calamari fritti - it was good.. not too much breading and yet has a nice crisp to it.. bbq ribs - it was average.. but i didn't expect it to wow me since it is a Italian place and not a bbq joint meat ravioli - it was well balanced and tasted great... it had enough meat stuffing in there unlike most places.. ZITI VODKA - Grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes and green peas in a vodka tomato cream basil sauce.. the chicken was nice and tender.. the ingredients tasted fresh and it was just delicious... RAVIOLI DI ARAGOSTA - Saffron pasta stuffed with lobster and ricotta cheese in a brandy cream sauce with sun dried tomatoes, asparagus, portobello mushrooms and grilled shrimp... they used big shrimp and it was really really good! the flavors and ingredients in this dish was perfect.. no doubt about it.. i will be back whenever i want Italian food!
(4)Cara C.
The food was, in a word, delicious. I had the farfalle butera - bow tie pasta and peas in a Gorgonzola cheese sauce. And the portion was huge. The atmosphere, though, was loud. I mean insanely loud. Like, concert level loud. I couldn't hear the person next to me unless they yelled in my ear. So maybe wait til it's cleared out a bit for the evening, if you love your eardrums. A shame - would have been pretty perfect otherwise.
(4)Mona K.
Portions are huge. My "baby" sized pizza could feed my family of 4. Pan pizza was really good; plenty cheese and perfect amount of sauce. Loved the fact that they had free parking! The ambience was great but a little loud, maybe it was the music.
(5)Kevin K.
Reservation slow. They were overwhelmed. Great service. Good Caesar salad with anchovies. Had pizza thing crust. Fettschiniy with Italian sausage. Rigatoni with chicken sausage and asparagus. All Excellent. Thought $$ were reasonable for Chicago. Would go back
(4)Garrett Y.
We came here for dinner Friday night. We recommend getting reservations as soon as you know you are heading to Calo as the place gets quite busy. We were able to get reservations for a table of 5, but only in the bar area. I had the minestrone soup, which is always very good. For dinner, I had spaghetti and meatballs, my go-to Italian meal. The meatballs were not ginormous, but good. However, Calo does provide a lot of food, and I had to pack half of dinner to take home. Overall, a very good place to have dinner on a week night or weekend.
(4)Sophia Z.
The service was amazing! I ordered the Gnocchi which was a bit too cheesy for my liking but my friend ordered the Chicken Parmesan which she said was good.
(4)Charles P.
Who knows where Saqib went??? ...He was a manager there for years and the reason my family kept coming back .. . If you know please post.
(4)Romana Y.
I've been here several times, and have enjoyed the food and ambiance. The pizzas are good: thin crust, but not neopolitan style thin. The pasta dishes are good without being too heavy. It's a great place for dates, friends' gatherings, or families, which you'll find all of the above here. The dimmed lighting, and cozy furnishings exude comfort. All in all, the food/ambiance/patrons collectively make this place worth checking out. It's great enough to become a regular, too!
(4)Natalie K.
Ordered the Ziti al Vodka via GrubHub and OMG it is sooooo yummy! I can only imagine how delicious the rest of the food here is! Love it!
(5)Bradley B.
Maybe if Jon Stewart would try this deep dish, he would finally come around. Just saying.
(4)Zhe M.
Have been to this place 3 times since 2012. Their seafood pasta was a must have thing for me, also came with a huge portion. BBQ pork ribs were delicious but ran a little bit sweeter and sourer than the first time I had. Pizza was just ok. Service was decent and the owner was friendly as well.
(4)Michelle F.
Ever since I ate here for a friend's birthday, I've been having dreams about this place. In particular, the Bucatini al Pesto, which is a pasta dish with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy pesto sauce. Sounds good, right? Actually, everything on Calo's menu sounded good to me. I also tried some of my husband lasagna, which was amazing. Seriously, I don't think you can order a bad menu item from here. For starters, they give each table complimentary focaccia bread, as well as french bread and butter. Super tasty. Our table ordered a couple rounds of bread. As I said, the entrees were definitely the stars of the show. For dessert, there was a birthday cake. I'm not sure if Calo baked it or if it was ordered through an outside bakery, but it was delicious. Overall, it was a really good experience. I do have to mention that seating by the bar is pretty cramped. Since we had a large group of 16 people, a bunch of tables were put together to run parallel to the bar. I was unfortunate enough to be sitting on the bar side, and some dude was totally encroaching on my personal space. Not cool. It was just super-packed. I strongly recommend having a reservation for dinner, especially on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)Anthony R.
The pizza here is so good. Calo's also offers a fine dining experience when you dine in with many higher end dishes on their menu. The only this I will say is that they frequently get your order wrong when you call for pick-up or delivery. This has happened to me three times in the last few months. Each time they allowed me to keep the incorrect pizza and sent over the correct one. But make sure before you pick up or before the driver leaves, that you have the right pizza.
(3)Lauren D.
The lasagna that I have had here reminds me of the pasta fresca that my grandmother used to make when I was a young child. She would take hours to make it the old-fashioned way with a rolling pin (no pasta machine), but in the end it was well worth the wait. Calo definitely knows how to make homemade pasta with lightness and a buttery texture. Its suave entry into my mouth was a deeply satisfying cohesion of pasta and sauce. It delivered a buoyant, palate-caressing richness of taste making for the perfect amalgamation! The calamari is incredibly tender and fresh with a crispy and light exterior. This is the only restaurant where I order calamari. Why? It's excellent. It's fresh. It's consistent. It's delectable. Simply the best. Period. If you are not in the mood for pasta, I highly recommend their pizza, which has a wonderful thin and crispy crust. The quality of cheese and toppings are worthy of five stars. Also, the gnocchi is heaven in a bowl... velvet-like cushions in every bite... a revelation in my tongue followed by a creaminess and a persistent taste that lingers around for a while. The gnocchi is light and delicate. The best wine to pair with gnocchi is a central Italian one, such as, Trebbiano or Grecchetto with enough fruity, flowery and spicy aromas and is pleasant on the palate. We have an aunt who lives walking distance to this restaurant and have been more than 10 times over the years. We have always received excellent to very good service here. Depending upon your server it can be 4 to 5 stars. Plating receives 4-stars, while the cuisine receives 5-stars. The price-point is 4-stars. They have a fairly fantastic wine list (worthy of 5-stars). IF you are unsure about what kind of wine to order, please ask your Server. He/she will make recommendations for pairing wine with your meal. This is a great restaurant for a date or for catching up with friends. It is dark, romantic and cozy. Parking: Park across the street for free. The parking lot is worked and watched by Calo employees so if you are not going to Calo's for lunch or dinner. TIP: If you are seeking an authentic Italian restaurant that is not filled with "tourists" and interested in exploring one of Chicago's fun and interesting neighborhoods, then check it out. This restaurant is filled with Chicago locals, mostly from the area, but also from other parts of the city. The "Swedish Bakery" is across the street, and has been a staple, for over 50 years, in the "Andersonville" neighborhood. There are turn-of-the-century Victorian homes with large, beautiful porches and original stained-glass windows on tree-lined streets. Explore the neighborhood by walking off your dinner (or lunch). It is a safe and fun area of Chicago!
(5)Jason R.
I couldn't believe how terribly mediocre everything was. It's a popular place that;s been around, so I was expecting much better. There were 5 of us, and no-one really loved their dish. My ziti pasta tasted like Kraft macaroni and cheese. Not exactly cheap either. Will not be back.
(2)Betty T.
I had some of the best pizza ever last night and it was from Calo. We ordered the thin crust, extra well done with green olives, sausage, onion, and garlic. I have had food from here on numerous occasions, dining in and delivery at home. I find the quality is always consistently good, the food hot when it arrives (when delivered), and the prices reasonable.
(5)Mark S.
Calo's is a good convenient option for people living in the neighborhood. I live in the area and I'd like to give Calo 3.5 stars if that was an option. I would probably come back again sometime, but there are many better Italian restaurants in the city. I don't think I would take out of town guests here. Parking - We arrived before 7pm and their somewhat large parking lot across the street was already filled. I'm sure the parking is a big draw due to the densely populated area and the number of seniors living in the neighborhood high rises along the lake. We found a close spot on the street that was free after 6pm so we were fine. Ambiance - The atmosphere was very nice, mood lighting with candles on the tables was relaxing. Our table was spacious for our party of three, and we were able to linger comfortably after our meal. Drinks - I'm more of a beer drinker so I can't comment on the wine and spirits. Calo's had only one beer on draft that was acceptable to me, but $5 for a pint of Three Floyd's Alpha King is a good deal. I think they had around 8 beers on draft. Food - A nice bread basket was presented immediately and included crusty French bread and a soft focaccia bread. I ordered the linguini carbonara which came with a decent house salad. Soup was also a option. It was very good and the portion was huge and I took more than half home. My dinner mates had the baby back ribs and the lasagna which were both average tasting. The ribs were a little over cooked and the lasagna was too heavy on the sauce. Service - We were seated right away, even though the restaurant was getting pretty full before 7pm on a Tuesday night. Our server was polite and professional.
(3)Sheri S.
The pizza is fine. Had chicken parm special, not very good. I have read good things about ribs, so ordered rib tips. DISGUSTING!!! It was literally a tub of knuckle bones and fat. if i was in the restaurant, i would have sent it back. But, it was delivery and calling would have been useless.
(2)Scot G.
My favorite pizza delivery in Andersonville so far. Great thin crust with fresh toppings. Always quick, fresh, and friendly. I tried the ribs once and was they were just ok. Could have been because I had them delivered. I'll try them again in the restaurant. Also, had a party and ordered their party size pizzas. Great price for huge, delicious, pizzas. I think we fed around 20 adults on three of their party pizzas and it was like $60.
(4)Emann B.
Food is four stars (had the Chicken Francese, tasty, spinach perfectly cooked, balanced seasoning, generous portion). But the service is so frenetic with bussers and servers running around constantly, with no one actually seeming to attend to the diners. I understand that this is a very popular restaurant, but diners shouldn't feel like they're the bother, or less a priority than other tables.
(3)Alicia K.
Living in Andersonville, I always overlook Calo because it's so crowded. I recently ate here with family and was reminded of why it is always jam packed. The space is huge, though it's helpful to get reservations if you're a larger party. The service is excellent and the food is stellar. It does get kind of dark in there, so reading the menu isn't the easiest. But it's such a great family-oriented joint with a plethora of food options, everyone will leave happy. On my recent visit, I had the spinach fettucine alfredo with grilled shrimp. It was SO TASTY. I don't like making alfredo at home because then I know too much about the ingredients used to make the sauce (heavy cream, cheese, and all that other fatty deliciousness.) I feel much less guilty consuming something that is deliciously artery-clogging that I did not make.. a fun psychological game I like to play. I've been craving it ever since. My husband ordered the risotto, which I had a bite of, and it was creamy and al dente - just perfect. We also recently ordered pizza to go and it was perfect. Definitely better than what I've had at Antica Pizzeria, up the block, and a lot better (and cheaper) than Apart Pizza Company. I haven't been here for the ribs yet, but I've heard from multiple sources that it's all the rage.
(5)Cristina P.
I discovered this place on grub hub less than a week ago and have already ordered twice. Love it. They have awesome daily specials which are about 8 or 9 bucks. They have a great tomato sauce which tastes good on everything. And great meatballs. I took a chance on the baked clams and even those were good. Calo you just found yourself a new regular.
(4)Kristy S.
Food is very good and prices are fair. Staff are okay but I prefer to order to-go.
(3)Torque C.
Called Calo tonight. Attempted to order a Calo Deluxe pan pizza with tomato sauce on the top. They told me NO. What?? She said only stuffed pizzas get sauce on the top. I told her, I know, however, please put the tomato sauce on the top. She said they can't do that. Spoke to the mgr. He was absolutely hateful! We are still stunned at his comments. His name was Michael. So very wrong!
(1)Janet V.
Calo's is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. The food is always delicious and fresh. The prices are not too bad. And the portion sizes are huge. You also get a lot of your money, several menu items come with soup or salad and side items. Free parking is also a plus! There does seem to be a lot of families and a lot of kids every time we go there. It can be romantic, but with all the kids and babies, it can kill the mood. I know that's not something the restaurant can help, but keep that in mind when deciding on where to eat. Bottom Line: As long as you don't mind a lot of families with kids, then this place is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone!
(4)AV G.
Had lunch here with a friend about 2pm. We were the only ones in the place. Both had fantastic pasta--homade focacia--very good italian-american chow.. Want to get over here for a a pizza
(4)Matt H.
I have been frequenting Calo for over a decade now and it is seriously one of the most reliable Italian restaurants in Chicago. I have always liked the look of the restaurant and appreciated the cleanliness. It has its own parking lot which is a plus as well. My partner Chris and I prefer sitting in the booths. Bar side is usually louder than the main dining room side. The attentiveness and overall speed of service are well above average. The complementary focaccia bread is tremendous and one can never have enough of it. Everyone should take advantage of the specials. They are an excellent value. Each entree comes with soup or salad. My partner Chris and I usually order a salad with creamy garlic and ranch respectively. Veggies are always fresh and the dressings are delicious. Calo knows its pasta and sauces. From linguini to ravioli, everything is always cooked perfectly, the sauces addictive and the portions large. I usually take leftovers home for the next day. Fettucine Alfredo with chicken, congealed. So good. The BBQ ribs on the specials menu are a pleasant surprise! Sauce has a sweetness to it that is simply wonderful! Unfortunately, many people have found out about this place (they are in the know!) and it is usually mobbed on the weekends. During the cold months, waiting in the cramped entryway for a table amongst tons of hungry people can be quite irritating. I agree with other yelpers, the hostesses can be fairly abrupt and unfriendly which contrasts greatly with the liveliness of the place. Very odd. Sadly, the women have been there for quite some time and I don't think they are getting fired anytime soon. However, it's always worth it despite all this. What us innocent patrons put up with for fabulous food! :) Until we meet again, Calo darling. xoxo
(4)Betty C.
We finally had pizza at Calo! We ordered a thin crust with Italian sausage and mushrooms. It was delicious and our only complaint would be that it was not crispy on the bottom and had a soft crust even near the edge - even though it was a very thin crust. It was our mistake for not having ordered it well done and extra crispy. That is how we usually order it a D'agostino's and it always comes out crisp and hot. The octopus appetizer was delicious albeit just ever so slightly chewy. Our companions had chicken saltimboca and were very pleased with it and their side dish of penne with meat sauce. The calamari fritti as an appetizer was an enormous portion with very tasty and crispy breading.
(4)Hillary Y.
I would first off like to start by saying I've gotten food from here several times many years ago and it was good. However I've been and gotten food several times recently and have been severely disappointed. Let's talk about tonight... I ordered a small special Calo thin crust pizza, a side of broccoli, and a LEMON Italian ice... I received a extremely soggy pizza that could barely be picked up because it was so soggy. I called they offered to send me another. I also requested a side if parm. When the order came it was even more horrific then the last. At this point it's 10:30pm and I'm ready to eat my hand off. I call the restaurant back And while they did offer to refund my pizza, the management wasn't pleasant. And in fact hinted that it was my fault for ordering that particular pizza (one of the suggested pizzas).... I latter realized that the brought me the wrong Italian ice and no side if parm. Extremely disappointed tonight. On a plus side the delivery driver was super nice and understanding:)
(2)Christina F.
Came here with a girl friend for dinner last night. We had made a reservation but honestly didn't need one at 6:30 on a Thursday. The bread they served was a mix of brushetta type and regular french bread. The prices here are pretty good considering the portions and there are some really interesting combinations. The entree came with soup or salad, the ministrone was really good (small) but we didn't get to finish it because they brought out our food. I got lobster ravioli with shrimp and a creamy sundried tomato sauce. It was good but has A LOT of sauce. My friend got the farfale butera (buttery pasta with sausage and peas). We both brought about half our meals home and left full. Overall it was really good, not great, and the lighting was so dark we had to take our phones out to read the menus. I'd like to come back for lunch, maybe in daylight it'll be easier to see. :)
(4)Casey S.
Always happy with this place! Today I made an error on the toppings on my pizza though the grubhub phone app. When I got to Calo's for my pick up and was read back my order, I was like "oh no".! The nice man who helped told me not to worry and he'd have the pizza delivered to my house with the toppings I really wanted. Plus he wasn't going to charge me for the delivery and gave me the "mis-ordered" pizza for free. (The free pizza will not go to waste. I'm planning on bring it to work tomorrow to feed my coworkers. On a side note the place I work is an animal shelter. And I remember the owner of Calo adopted a cat from us a little over a year ago.) The deliver came super fast and the driver was awesome. Thanks Calo!
(5)David C.
Love, love, love Calo... but lose a star for being seated at the noisiest, worst table by the kitchen/bus station when the restaurant was half empty on a Monday night.
(3)S C.
What a great neighborhood restaurant. Delicious food and fair prices. I had the full rack of rib special on Wednesday night. With a salad and side, $13.95. The Chicken Parm, is one of the best I ever had. Crunchy, cheesy and huge portion. Friendly staff and nice dining atmosphere. A staple for me.
(4)D W.
Have been a loyal customer for many years now, but I'm sorry to say the service level has changed. The new manager is horrible. Food comes out cold now, and seems they are rushing you out. That warm feeling of being welcome is gone.
(2)JM U.
The ambiance here is really nice. Not to crazy but cozy. We ordered fried calamari--soo good and awesome serving size. Then also had the risotto con gamberi---it's ok. Four giant grilled shrimps in a bed on rice with asparagus and creamy sauce. Nothing super spectacular but it's good. You must get the tiramisu if you still have room for dessert. It's worth it. Lastly, I ordered the crossings Sauvignon blanc and it's delish.
(4)Emiko D.
My mom and I love coming to Calo on mom-daughter dates! We usually like to try something new, but we love the fettucini del mare, the fettucini alfredo and the grilled octopus. I would recommend making a reservation if you don't want to wait, but overall, I'd say it's worth waiting if you want good Italian food!
(4)Timi C.
Calo is AMAZING and my gold standard for Italian food. We had been regulars for about two years, frequenting the delicious fried calamari appetizer, mussels appetizer, pizza, pasta alla barese, ravioli, I could go on and on. And how can I forget the tomato bread at the beginning? I would come back just for that! We made a reservation for 15 people for our graduation dinner (Go 'Cats!) in June 2013. Everybody LOVED their food and had no complaints. The only glitch was that the person taking my reservation wrote it down for the wrong weekend, which I fortunately caught when I called three hours ahead to adjust the number of people to 20. Even so, they handled the situation perfectly, which is why they deserve 5+ stars. The servers and host were great-spirited despite the chaos due to the booming business. I forgot the host's name (middle eastern man?) but I went over to thank him as we were leaving and even thought he was overwhelmed with everything, he took the time to thank me and to invite me back. That's what you call great service. Thanks, Calo, for helping me show my family how delicious Italian food is in Chicago!
(5)Melany O.
Each time I've been to Calo the servers have been great. Full of recommendations and willing to accommodate my picky eater boyfriend! Another nod to the waitstaff, one of my biggest pet peeves is an empty drink, and these guys are ninjas. It took me probably 4 glass refills to finally catch the guy in the act. Very attentive. If you're a artichoke and spinach dip person, you need to check out Calo for that alone. It's amazing! It's not fully combined into a homogeneous mush, each bite's a little different and equally awesome. I want to eat this Every. Day. For the rest of my life. Seriously. My favorite dish is by far the Rotolo di Pesce, it's just got a great flavor and texture (and it heats up well which is good, because it's gigantic and I've never even finished half in the restaurant!) Another favorite is the Gnocci Asiago. Veeery yummy, the sauce is amazing. I'm not usually a Gnocci fan, but a few bites of a friends dish and I think i'll have to try it again! If I remember correctly, they've got a flourless chocolate cake. Another huge favorite of mine, and it was delicious! Their tiramisu isn't half bad either! (the tiramisu expert boyfriend raves about it though, so i'll take his word for it). So overall, I would highly reccomend the place to anyone who's looking for a really good meal. Great for girl dates as well! Because of the huge portions, it's easily enough for two people who aren't starving.
(5)Jill W.
I love the Margherita Neopolitan pizza, artichoke & spinach formaggio and stuffed shells the most -- would recommend those to anyone breathing. I haven't been disappointed with anything I've ordered here and service has been good in house or with delivery.
(4)Nate C.
I have never dined in, but I get thin crust delivered regularly and it is always great.
(4)Kerem ö.
Great Italian food! A lot of option in the menu. Especially pastas they have is really good.
(5)E M B.
Great food and a beautiful restaurant. Huge menu and free parking. Delicious complimentary foccaica bread. Why only 2 stars? They are incredibly difficult to work with on private events - they have a gorgeous exposed brick space with private bathrooms - but they have an inhospitable manager. Event manager has trouble thinking outside the basic special event menus and doesn't use any paperwork for the events so everything is a battle and a matter of he said she said. It's a total headache and despite Calo being one of my favorite spots I don't think I would have another event there unless they had a more hospitable event manager.
(2)Nick S.
I have frequented Calo many, many, many times. Appetizers are great, pasta is fantastic and their THIN crust pizza is delicious. On the other hand, tonight's interpretation of their DEEP Dish Pizza cannot be described with my previous adjectives. It was the extreme opposite. We ordered the pizza and it was delivered just fine. When I took a bite, my Calo Special Deep Dish Pizza slice had about the same flavor as the box it came in. The sausage and veggies were plentiful but very bland in flavor. It also had very minimal sauce on top of the pizza. Of my entire pizza, I ate 1 slice and did something I never have done before, I threw the rest away. I don't think I'll ever be giving Calo's Deep Dish Pizza another chance.
(1)David R.
Best pan pizza on the north side? Yes, it's possible. Definitely top three. My girlfriend/fiancee/wife (don't worry--it's the same woman) and I have been searching for almost two years for the best pizza in our vicinity, and this location, so close to home, may have been the right answer all along. We have finally found a pizza upon which we can both agree. And not only is the pan an A, but the stuffed is an A- and the neapolitan a B. Plus, they serve a mean grilled calamari--four big pieces marinated and cooked to perfection, served atop some steamed spinach. Their mediterranean salad is basic but good; however, recently we got their caesar salad for delivery and it was a major downer--anemic lettuce that didn't resemble romaine, plus a sparse few grape tomatoes and oily croutons. Okay, so don't get a caesar salad--just get a pizza. Any of them.
(4)john C.
Have always loved Calo. Solid food appreciate the regulars and treat them well. Have things changed. Saquid the manager who made you feel welcome and took care to make everyone feel welcome is gone. Get HIM BACK!!!!
(4)Ann B.
Calo's pasta was served at our work Holiday party and it was delicious!! I have also had Calo deliver food when I am working late and they are always quick and courteous. The shrimp de jonghe is amazing and the lasagna is the best I've ever had!
(5)Beth R.
Oh my dog, their pizza is so damn good. I've tried two varieties (pan and stuffed) on three occasions and it's been great each time. Plus, our experiment in delivery last night was successful - it came well under the quoted time, and it was hot when we opened the box. The stuffed is covered in sauce, which is great because that's how I like it and also because the sauce is very good. It's not too chunky, which I feel is a weakness sometimes with other deep dish/stuffed places. I am a lover of tomatoes in sauce form, but really do not go for tomatoes in tomato form. Also, the crust is so buttery. It really comes through in every pizza-bite, not just the crust-bites. The pan is a great example of its type as well. I sometimes feel like pan is a real carbo indulgence, which it is, but then again, sometimes it's totally worth it. For Calo's, I will take the hit and add another lap or set of reps to work it off. Who am I kidding, I don't do sets. I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other, Calo.
(4)Julie K.
We just moved into Andersonville and were looking for a good pizza place the first day. We found a menu stuck in the front door of our building. Just our luck we found the perfect place. Our sausage pizza was just what we needed. Good thin crust and really tasty sausage. The cheese was plentiful and spread evenly. Overall a great chicago thin crust. The delivery was quick. I want to try eating in at their restaurant seeing as we don't live very far.
(5)Cynthia N.
I've been there a couple times and the food has never failed me. I recalled my pops used to always buy pizza from here when I was a little girl. That was a mere memory though... I don't remember how it tastes but I do remember the huge crowds when we always ordered for carry out. Now every time I come here I go for the pasta or the amazing ribs. Yes, the ribs are amazing! Finger lickin' good. I can never finish the huge portions :( The service is attentive but the food is definitely the star of the show.
(4)Sargis N.
Best spot in CHICAGO! And I'm telling the truth wow this place is amazing I've been here so many times and each time I get something different and it's good! Like wow!!!! The burgers, ribs, pasta really anything is good! The service is outstanding they talk and laugh and it's just great! With a lot of TV too!
(5)Christopher J.
Overall the ambiance of the restaurant was great but the service was lacking...me and my partner met two other friends for a Saturday evening dinner. To begin, the waiter didn't even tell us his name and after receiving our food, the busser's were trying to take our food away before we were even finished just to hurry and turn the table for a larger party. We felt really rushed. As for the food, it was a little bland and lack proper seasoning. I can't say that I will be in a hurry to come back to this restaurant. Overall, it was just okay!
(2)Mike C.
Good deep dish pizza, complimentary bread and great service at a very fair price. It's gives a fancier vibe than most of the other Chicago pizza restaurants, but you still don't feel out of place if you wear jeans and a T-shirt.
(5)Scott K.
Had to give a five-star review for my first try using the online ordering on Calo's website. I much prefer ordering online than trying to communicate order and payment details to someone in a noisy milieu over the phone. The system worked well, and the Calo delivery driver showed up 30 minutes before the expected time, with our food all delivered very hot and fresh. It was a stay-in dinner for my birthday, as the weather was nasty cold and wet. What a great choice, and everyone loved the food. Great to be able to put it all on the credit card, including the tip. I've got the iOS app now and plan to use it again soon. Well done, all around!
(5)Frank S.
Always have a great time when I'm there. The service is consistent and the food is always delicious. This last time we enjoyed the Zuppa Di Pesce for two. One of the best seafood dishes I have ever tasted. They also have great martini's.
(4)Mark D.
Another fantastic dinner at Calo. To start, we ordered two Belvedere martini's and the fried calamari. The calamari here is so good I could have easily enjoyed the entire platter by myself. The martini's were perfect. I ordered the gnocchi gorgonzola. The gnocchi was stuffed with gorgonzola and smothered in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce. Gnocchi is one of my favorite pasta dishes and this was exceptional. My friend ordered the eggplant parmigiana. The eggplant was rolled and stuffed with ricotta and parmigiana cheese, it was a huge entree. The service was, again, excellent.
(4)Rick C.
So this place was one of the restaurants that my wife and I used to frequent early in our relationship. We recently went back after a few years and found that it's still dope as hell. It brought back a ton of memories. Especially the memory of gaining a ton of weight and waddling out to the car while testing the strength of my belt. Honestly, the linguini carbonara here is my kryptonite. I'm helpless in it's presence. It is probably within my top five of favorites of unhealthy yet ridiculously delicious meals. It's on my Mount Rushmore of pastas. I have introduced this dish to multiple friends and family and they have all agreed that it's super rich and fantastic. My wife's pasta and my dad's shrimp were also perfectly prepared and the service was top notch but I was too busy destroying my linguini and remembering why we don't come as often. I cannot be trusted here. They've remodeled like crazy from when we first started going there, but the food remains awesome.
(5)Amy B.
Dear lord I love Calo. Not only is the atmosphere beautiful, but the service is great and it's never too loud to have a conversation. And the food. Oh my the food. The pizza is out of this world, the pasta and homemade sauces are to die for, and their shrimp dishes are killer. Their homemade bolognese is one of the best I've ever had. I love Italian food, and this place really takes the cake for me. Whenever I go in groups, everyone is thrilled with their dishes and we gush about how great they are through the whole meal. Leftovers are ineveitable. They have a private parking lot to boot. I highly recommend Calo.
(5)Lyzette A.
Our family tried Calo Ristorante for the first time on Friday night, and I'm glad we did! We ordered for delivery for a late-night dinner. I got the gorgonzola gnocchi, and it is/was delicious, even as a delivery meal (I'm having the leftovers for my work lunch, and still tasty!). The hubby and the boys got a half-bacon, half-sausage pizza that got multiple thumbs-up. One minor thing that spurred me on to write this review was the side salad that came with my pasta. Usually for delivery orders, side salads are an after-thought-the lettuce is often too big for the container, all the ingredients are just stuffed in, the veg not so impressive. Not Calo's! The lettuce and other vegetables were nicely chopped with obvious care to fit in a delivery container. Yes, this is a small point but when a restaurant's staff pays attention to small details like that, I'm confident that the rest of the menu is prepared with the same care and pride with what they serve. Will definitely order again!
(4)Claudia D.
Good seafood selections. Great drinks at a reasonable price point, made the old fashioned way---simple with good honest pours. I love the grilled calamari (which comes with spinach). I highly recommend reservations. The service is good. The restrooms are clean. There's a small parking lot across the street, otherwise it's street parking. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Rachel T.
This place is a GEM! You must try the Ziti Vodka--Ziti pasta mixed in with grilled chicken (cooked to perfection) tossed with sun-dried tomatoes and green peas drizzled with a vodka tomato basil sauce. The quantity is definitely good for two (or for you to take home for the next day). I'd also recommend the Gnocchi Gorgonzola, marinated in a tomato basil cream sauce. Very rich. Very flavorful. While you're deciding on your dish, enjoy complimentary focaccia bread fresh out of the oven prepared with sun-dried tomatoes and italian seasonings. Wine: go for the Riesling Kabinett. It's Crisp and peachy and pairs nicely with the choices above. Beautiful restaurant. Check it out!
(5)Marcus J.
GOOD IF YOU DONT HAVE KIDS! We went here after reading all of the positive yelp reviews. We had a very good time but I suspect I am a victim of over anticipation from reading all of the the rave reviews about this restaurant. Pros were the food was pretty good. I ordered the stuffed pizza which was pretty good. my wife ordered the fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp which was good. The food was very good however I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed as I expected this place to knock me out. The cons were they don't have a childrens menu or serve any child size dishes at all and don't seem to cater to people who do at all. They were a little pricey as well. I would visit this place if your single or dating and looking for a decent place to eat, however I would look elsewhere if you're looking for somewhere to take a family.
(4)kristi p.
outstanding thin crust. the calo special is deelishioso! i also love the spaghetti and italian sausage. very reasonable and a large delivery area. always prompt with deliveries.
(5)Jim S.
As a ovolacto-vegetarian this is one of my favorite joints. Love the specialty and standard pizzas. Avoid the delivery pasta especially on the weekends. Too busy to get al dente
(4)Julia J.
Wow. Great atmosphere, casual yet nice! The prices were reasonable. The service was BEYOND good. Now for the part you have been waiting for: How was the food? Woa. Out -of- this-world fresh and delicious! I highly recommend the appetizer of calamari and octopus. My husband could not stop salivating and talking about how great their pizza bread was. (Not cool when you are low-carbin' it.) Coming back is not a question. Will they get sick of seeing us? Now that is the REAL question. ****Update**** I started having calamari withdrawls, so we made reservations for Valentine's day. They actually had a table ready for us on time! Whooo whooo! And, the fresh rose from Phillips was a nice unexpected touch. We are SO going to set up camp and move into the Calo.
(5)Sam M.
Ordered Calo for delivery tonight. It was very good. Babysitting my niece at my brothers in lake view I was looking for some good quick delivery. I was not interested in the usual Asian/sushi spots that deliver to the neighborhood. The delivery charge was low and the delivery time was relatively quick. My girlfriend had the cheese ravioli; she said it was very good. I had the BBQ chicken and we split a small pizza...yes...we were hungry. The pizza is always good. You wouldn't expect the BBQ chicken to be good at an Italian restaurant but it was, just like their ribs. If I lived in the neighborhood this would be my go to delivery spot.
(4)Marco D.
This is THE place for the best Italian food short of going to Rome or Milan! I have had the extreme pleasure of eating here probably over 50 times and they never disappoint! Some words that quickly come to mind when I think of Calo's is FRESH, QUALITY, and of course DELICIOUS !
(5)Marianne C.
Love Love Love Calo - and not just because they are close by. My friends in other parts of the city finally went with me and now drive up here (the parking lot helps). Breadbasket - pizza bread - is a meal on its own. The regular Italian bread they send with the take out is better than the regular Italian bread they also put in there. Frilled Octopus over the spinach - awesome. Any pasta superior... Doing the low carb thing these days so branching into the chicken dishes. Tried the cappuccino panna cotta - pricey at $7.95 - but DELISH last night had the Chicken Piccante - in a lemon caper mushroom sauce - it was very good - 3 nice breasts of chicken. You never leave hungry with the portions - and they arent just a pile of junky food - the bummer was choice of sides. potato or pasta. No substitutions allowed... but $5.95 for a side of spinach? C'mon guys. It really shouldnt be that hard to get some fresh veggies. You want to charge me - Ok - but anything more than $3.00 when I am already spending $18-20 ... that borders on ridiculous. I heard it happen at another table when we were there - and the couple were about to leave. Some of the waitresses are very apologetic - but some are numb to it so their explanation is a bit harsh. Very "take it or leave it" C'mon Calo - it's an easy thing to fix - have some veggies as sides that are affordable - they won't go to waste - you have them for toppings on the pizzas!
(4)Chris M.
Great local spot in Andersonville and have eaten there on SEVERAL occasions. Can get a bit busy so plan on waiting on a Friday or Saturday to be seated, but the staff and food is great. ++ The one reason I am taking off one star is because I have tried to get delivery a few times and it is not their strongest part of their business. One guy was over 2 hours to get our food delivered, which by that time the pizza and appetizers were completely cold - and had a second encounter where was given the wrong food. Just a nice heads up to management to work on that. But otherwise great great spot.
(4)Michael H.
This joint has great thin crust pizza!! Inside, it's huge and very well run.. standard menu complete with daily specials. Well executed salads with Homemade Dressing and they serve this great Foccaia Bread on side/ not to be missed! I had the ribs and they were perfect, service was good and I'm placing an order right now for more of that ZA!!! gtfjd
(4)Jules H.
Wow oh wow... I went to my car ready to go a grocery shopping and found ice as thick as mud on it. Fcuk this I thought... dinner was calling, and suddenly I remembered a certain place whose menu I only saw, but never ordered from. I typed calorestaurant.com and I was off and running...half slab of ribs, deep fried mushrooms, a side of garlic mashed potatoes. Every flavor of every bite hit every note. And I asked for a bunch of little specific things (extra wet wipes, extra ranch dressing, extra bread) which were all cheerfully brought by a polite delivery guy in record time. And yes, their ribs are spectacular. Moist, basted, tangy sweet sauce charred to perfection all over. I may eventually need a line of credit here...for the bar on a Friday and the delivery on a Saturday. Heavenly place, food made by saints I think!
(5)Keith T.
I've eaten here roughly 4,000 times. Since moving to A'ville in '98, it's been a dine-in and order-for-delivery staple. It is fantastically solid Americanized Italian food. The Fettuccine Alfredo, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, Meat Tortellini and Chicken Parm are all quite good (though the last two are perhaps a bit too cheesy). The pricing is super reasonable and the portions are great. Dining in affords you the treat of the focaccia bread. They also do great pizza. I personally wouldn't venture towards their ribs and steaks, simply because there are places in Chicago that do those things much better. This place is your monthly, down-home, comfort Italian food night.
(4)J K.
The food is great. But I have a problem when there are two girls behind the bar, they stand at one end of the bar talking to a guy and their back is to the rest of the bar. I want a drink so I have to wave and yell to get their attention. Does Calos give their help a 10 minute instructional on the basics of tending bar? It doesn't seem like it. Next time I go there I won't give a tip assuming the guys the girls give all their attention to will overtip them.
(2)Bojan K.
Truly amazing food and staff! Go and see why they have been open in business for over 50+yrs for your self!
(5)Joanne W.
I have to give this place 3 stars b/c the delivery time was RIDICULOUS. An hour and half is WAY too long to wait for delivery. This resulted in a warm pizza and warmish-soggy breaded mushrooms. Booooo! I think if this pizza had been delievered hot, it would have been pretty damn good and given me hope that I had found the thin crust pizza delivery I've been looking for...or at least made it into a top three list. The mushrooms also showed promise as they clearly were not frozen, but rather fresh hand battered 'shrooms. **deep sigh** The mushrooms are served with a side of marinara and bread. I requested a side of garlic dressing b/c I prefer to dip my 'shrooms into something creamy. Skip the garlic dressing, folks. It was the consistency of mayo and tasted like coleslaw dressing. It was really horrible. I tore off a piece of bread and dunked it in the sauce for a sampling. The sauce is boss, yo. I MIGHT consider giving this place another try. It has the potential to deliver the sort of pizza I've been looking for. That said, I found it better than the other joints I've tried so far. I'm not sure if that is good or bad at this point, so take that for what it's worth.
(3)Jill B.
I love this place. Been there quite a few times and it's always been great. I also order pizza from them on GH and they're super quick and the pizza is delish!
(5)Jonathan D.
Girlfriend and I went there on a whim on March 22. We're new to the area. The service was nothing spectacular. The waitress was mostly absent. However, the bus staff were excellent. I had rigatoni with chicken and mushroom. She had plain ravioli. I had a salad with house (raspberry vinaigrette that day) dressing and she had clam chowder, as our sides. The chowder was excellent. The salad was bland. I didn't feel so great after eating here. The bread bowl was fantastic. It was some sort of pizza bread with tomato sauce.
(2)Mike F.
Calo Ristorante was my latest grubhub experiment gone awry, as I was looking for delivery from somewhere that had something else besides pizza. I ordered soup, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Broccoli, and baked potato....and boy was it bad. Like take two bites and want to throw in the garbage bad. The shrimp didn't even taste like shrimp, just breaded fried balls, and the brocolli was tough and tasteless. Even the impossible to screw up baked potato seemed, off. I hardly ever write negative reviews but when I do it was because something was scathingly bad. In this case, I honestly feel like I would have been better off microwaving a meal rather than ordering from here. I didn't try their pizza, so maybe that's their specialty and what tastes good. Something has to be keeping them in business. I don't know. All I know is that if something on your menu is crap, you should take it off, so people don't make the mistake of ordering it.
(1)Christie B.
I think this is definitely a case of "I ordered the wrong things" but still, bad food is bad food. I wanted a cheeseburger delivered and this was one of the only places open on Grubhub that had burgers. Their burgers are obviously frozen, a step above Burger King burgers that came with extra soggy, lukewarm fries. Speaking of soggy, I also ordered pizzabread (because I had to reach the delivery min $ amount) and it was a soggy mess. All in all, nothing was finished. I would stick to the pizza if I ever ordered from here again but I probably won't be.
(2)John M.
The food is quite excellent here and we had an attentive waiter. I felt the food was very nice but the execution was not completely spot on. It almost felt as though the food was a bit out-dated and had been served the same way for years. However, considering all that they did produce a fine time for me and my friend when we came to eat
(4)Phil X.
BOOKMARK THIS PLACE....to try...over....and.....over. Calo's is one of my favorite restaurants. It's one of the reasons I come to Andersonville. Intimate dinners, dinner with friends, dinner with family...I love coming to Calo's for dinner. Sure, I could come here for lunch...but my memorable meals at Calo's usually result in blissful food comas. Dimly lit and very spacious...the place is divided up into two main areas: The bar area, which also has high tables and booths...and the dining room which has plenty of dining tables and more booths. There's also a private dining area for large reserved parties. They have a great drink selection here. I like to wash down my food with Boddington's pub ale or Birra Moretti's La Rossa (I dare you to find another restaurant that has both these beers). They have an ample wine selection of course and a great selection of martinis. I've had their Snickers Martini & their Creme Brulee Martini and I'm not ashamed. Both were good. -It always begins with the free warm focaccia bread they bring out...which almost tastes like a pizza. This bread is so good I don't even know why they put that other bread in the same basket. If you find that your bread basket is out of the fabulous focaccia, fear not...they will gladly restock your focaccia upon request. Oh, and those aren't scoops of ice cream that come with it...that's butter. While the focaccia bread is buttery enough, I'm a big fan of overkill. -I highly recommend starting with the Cozze alla Crema: black mussels sautéed with scallions in a creamy chardonnay wine sauce. These mussels aren't your average mussels...they are on steroids. (I uploaded a photo for you non-believers) If you find yourself using the spoon to devour that sauce, don't be embarrassed. It's not uncommon. It's so good that I've had this "appetizer" as a meal. I've planned meals at Calo's specifically because I was craving these mussels. Pizza & pasta? Pffft. Mussels. All. Day. -Pasta? Order the Ziti al Vodka: ziti pasta tossed with grilled chicken, green peas and sun dried tomatoes in a vodka tomato cream basil sauce. You seriously can't go wrong with this dish. The sauce is bomb-diggity, the chicken is grilled perfectly, and the portion is rediculously awesome. Other meal alternatives include their ribs! The ribs here are fall-off-the-bone. Get the ribs with a side of garlic-mashed and it's game over! Better yet, get the side of garlic-mashed no matter what you order. ***If you left room for dessert, finish your meal off with their homemade Tiramisu. WARNING: It is probably the best tiramisu you'll ever have. You may want to order your own. Relationships have ended over the last bite. When you arrive there is a free private parking lot across the street next to the bakery if you don't want to park on the street. Come here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Kathleen E.
I have been going to Calo's for a very long time and it's always a good choice. I always enjoy the food and atmosphere at the bar and the dining area. The owner, managers and staff are always really nice and professional. They also provide parking across the street which is a real bonus. It's gotten so busy over the years so on weekends make a reservation. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Chris M.
Terrible service from the beginning! We checked in for our reservation and the hostess gave us a pager device, it vibrated after about 10 minutes so our party of 6 headed inside, the hostess took the pager and without any explanation told us we would have to wait a few more minutes. Now this restaurant is extremely busy so it was quite a process for my father who is 81 y.o. to maneuver in and back out. After another 10 minutes our table was finally ready. We followed the host to a small table located in a terribly awkward spot. We were seated in between two tables that blocked the path to the bathroom and kitchen. Every time someone walked by My sister-in-law was knocked into, the waiter dropped a piece of pizza bread from the basket as he placed it on the table behind us and we were so close to that table that the tomatoes from that bread actually fell on my mom's chair! We expressed our dissatisfaction with our table to a waitress who said that she would see if we could change tables. A couple minutes later the host, the same man who seated us, came by and we explained our displeasure with the table to him. The man was rude and never even apologized all he had to say was that he was trying to help us, as if he was doing us a favor by trying to find us another table. We decided at that point that enough is enough, we were done and left the restaurant. The people at this restaurant do not care about your experience, they only care about turning these tables. We found a wonderful restaurant, Anteprimo, down the street that seated us right away. We enjoyed our time at Anteprimo. I will never try Calo again because this experience was so awful.
(1)nicole c.
Great Italian food! Everything on the menu is amazing, service is always great! One of my favorite places to eat on Clark. Restaurant is very cozy and great atmosphere. Portions are great too! Highly recommended!
(5)Bridget K.
Thanks again to Check Please! for telling me about another gem! The food is great and big portions as well. Which means you basically get 2 meals for the price of 1! Who doesn't love that?! I got the stuffed Gnocchi which was so good I couldn't put my fork down. My brother got the lasagna which was really good as well. My dad was in love with his pasta with meat sauce and peas. My mom went for a vegetarian option where she got pasta with asparagus, red pepper and zucchini, Our sever was good and I love the atmosphere of the restaurant. I will be back soon.
(5)Simone T.
The menu is extensive, but I've never been disappointed by any selection. The fried calamari or mussels are great starters. This particular time my entree was a saffron ravioli stuffed with lobster. The accompanying sauce? Brandy base with shrimps, sundried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, and asparagus. Their pizzas are great, other pastas are wonderful. Calo also has a great bar - some of the best Cosmos I've ever had! Parking lot across the street - free with validation!!
(5)Alexis O.
My friend wanted to celebrate her birthday here since she saw the place on Check Please!. We both definitely enjoyed the ambiance, service and food. The place is very elegant, so it's perfect for a date night, or dinner with the family (of all adults). Not so much kids. Let me rephrase that, don't bring your kids because adults like to have nice, quiet evenings with other adults. Moving on to food, we had the: Grilled Calamari Appetizer - good, not chewy. Baby sausage pizza - we had to try their pizza, which was good. Linguini Fruitti Di Mare in white sauce - delicious! Loved the garlic. Grilled Pork Chops - my friend enjoyed them. I enjoyed my glass of Pinot Noir, and my friend enjoyed her after dinner drink of a specialty coffee with a variety of liqueurs (Kalua, Frangelico, Baileys). Hearing it was my friend's birthday, they brought out a complimentary piece of Tiramisu. It was a very generous size, and it was so moist and delicious! A must for any Tiramisu lover. The owner was also very friendly, and was walking around greeting tables. He then offered us another complimentary desert of Panna Cotta. Another delicious solid custard type of desert served with fresh berries. So good! We really enjoyed our evening out, and I'm glad my friend had such a great birthday dinner. I will be back.
(4)Buster B.
We have been going to Calo for about 15 years and have witnessed all the changes. As much as we miss the band, we love the new bar design. We have never been disappointed with Calo. The food is amazing and very affordable. There are so many great dishes so it's hard to focus on just one. All the pasta sauces are unique and undeniable. Besides the amazing entrees, this is also a great place to go for drinks and a snack at the bar. Although it's no longer on the menu, they still serve the antipasto. Wow, it's so much fun with a couple glasses of wine. And I can't stop thinking about the seafood salad. The service has always been great. The only weak point I can find is sitting at the bar mid afternoon. Service is friendly, but a bit slow. But, it's not that big a deal considering how much we love this place. We look forward to eating there for the next 15 years!
(5)Diablo L.
Just at Calo's on a friday night, short wait to get a table, ordered the ribs, really tender, just enough sauce plus sauce on the side, just as good as how I remembered them from years ago,can't wait to go back for more....
(4)Monica W.
Calo, I think you are my new BFF. Your martinis are cheap and strong. When you informed me the dirty martinis have blue cheese olives and close to 7 shots of booze, I knew we were the perfect match. Then I had the garlic shrimp risotto and decided you are BFF material. Cheers!
(5)K S.
Best seafood pasta in town!!!!!
(4)Aaron B.
To say that the service was horrible the last 3 times we have been to Calo would be an understatement. The wait staff is incredibly unattentive. Our waitress (Daisy) greeted us after about 5 minutes and took our drink orders. I was optimistic that we wouldnt have a repeat of our last experience where we waited so long for the waitress to come by with refills, that I finally went and retrieved them myself from the bar. That was several months prior and we had hoped the service had improved. Unfortunately that was not the case. Once she had taken our entree order, we didnt see or hear from her until we asked (one of the other wait staff mind you) for our bill. Only then did she ask how everything was. If your looking for good Italian AND a responsive wait staff, I would skip Calo and take a gamble on any other place in the area.
(1)Mara N.
My first time here and it was a great experience. The waitress was very attentive and even italian nice touch. The ambiance was delightful, low lights, modern decor. I can't wait until the summer they open the front windows to create a side walk view. I loved the calamari, very tender.
(4)David G.
When I first moved to the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square neighborhood, I was trying to find a good pizza. A friend who used to live in Andersonville recommended Calo, saying they had the best thin crust, so I went on her recommendation and she was right. The thin crust is excellent. It's tasty and it's not overwhelming with the sauce or the cheese. The best thing is that even the next day it's still unbelievably good cold. I've been ordering from Calo every so often. When they appeared on GrubHub a while back, I was ecstatic, being the slave to modern convenience that I am. Since then they have disappeared from the site. I will still keep ordering the hard way, though, and I will keep trying to drag my friends there when they visit. It's that good.
(4)Chip D.
Everyone seems to love Calo Ristorante beyond what is seemly. I'm not sure why. I think, no, I'm almost positive, that it's because they have the half-price rib deal on one night of the week. The ribs here are one of the last reasons that I would go to Calo. They are mediocre at best, often fatty, dry, and underspiced. The real reason to go to Calo's is for the simple pastas, which are surprisingly inexpensive and served in Brobdingnagian proportions. I especially like the spaghetti and meatballs here. It tends to hit the spot everytime, even though the sauce seems a wee bit sweeter than it should be. Fettuccini is also fantastic, as is the penne with sweet Italian sausage. Oh, and the braid salad is divine--chunks of salami, arugula, and mozzarella cheese layered atop French bread and sprinkled with vinegarette. Calo's also has a wonderful, darkly romantic ambience, the kind of place where you could canoodle with your sweetheart over a couple of bottles of wine for hours on end. Service in my experience has always been solicitous. Worth a trip, but far from the best Italian restaurant in Chicago.
(3)Michelle M.
Updating my review based on the past two times I've ordered for delivery they have delivered the wrong orders. I understand things happen but would rather not like for it to happen back to back.
(3)Darius B.
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME !!! Very Intimate And Very friendly Staff.. Can't wait to go back. Food is Delicious and there is always a Special..
(4)Natalie M.
The Focaccia Bread is the best thing about Calo............the other yelpers did not lie. The wait on a Friday night (Valentine's week) was about 20min, but it was quite crowded in the waiting area. A waiter suggested we make a reservation for weekends to avoid the wait. Other things I loved about Calo was the date ambiance without pretentious prices, attentive busboys who kept my water glass full, and the descriptive dessert menu (although I was too full to order any). Not so good things about Calo, the fact that carry-out prices are less than dine-in, my pizza crust was oddly "chewy/tough"- very weird. Again, the focaccia bread was damn good. If you are in Andersonville check the place out; some focaccia, a salad, and a bottle of wine would make a great date night meal.
(4)Timothy H.
The bartender once quoted Emerson to me. How many bartenders in Chicago do you know that will actually engage you in a philosophical conversation, let alone quote a literary great. I would describe the food as Italian-American fusion, with an emphasis on classic Italian dishes. You really cannot go wrong with whatever you order. Yet no matter how much I enjoy my dining experiences at Calo, I never feel the urge to GO TO CALO RIGHT NOW. So they get 4 stars, not 5.
(4)Matt K.
Ordered Prosciutto and Arugula pizza and minestrone on GrubHub - fantastic pizza. Get the aged mozzarella Delivery came super fast.
(5)Mark J.
Good dependable Italian food. When you are in the mood for a relaxed and warm atmosphere and dont want or need the pretense of $20 pasta dishes with one shrimp and scallop thrown on top then this is the place to go on the northside. Prices are reasonable for what you get and the portions are generous. Free parking to boot.
(3)Jon C.
I really love this place. I travel here from the south side often and it keeps getting better. This last time we all had the ribs...AWESOME and on special ($13.95).
(5)Jaz B.
This place was good really good! I had the RAVIOLI DI ARAGOSTA - Tri colored pasta squares filled with lobster and ricotta in a creamy garlic sauce w/ sundried tomatoes, asparagus and mushrooms! Totally licked my fingers! It is a nice size portion for two very filling. I don't recommend ordering their crab, it is not their specialty. Their gnocchi gargonzola is delicious-very rich flavor and a pretty big portion. Tiramisu is good but nothing outstanding, maybe if they put a little more rum I would totally become a fan. This is a nice place for a date, dimmed lights, nice Italian music in the background, sometimes and piano player is around, and of course exceptional customer service. Parking, not so bad-street parking but if you do go too late say after 9pm, you will not find parking my dear. I am a fan of this place just disappointed in the tiramisu...other than that it was delicious. Love the atmosphere, very romantic. There is a bar so this is not only for couples, caters to both. Will be going there again.
(4)Mary H.
Nothing but the best to say about Calo. When I was suffering from the swine flu and hardly had the energy to eat, their delivery Supreme pizza and pastas COMPLETELY hit the spot. Dinner with Aunt, Uncle, and fiance? Amazing atmosphere and great food again. Party of 25 on a Saturday night? Calo can make it happen--they had me pick a smaller menu so the food would all come out at the same time, printed it out for us, and made sure we had an amazing experience EVEN THOUGH there were 2 other parties over 15 coming in the same night. I am so lucky to live in Andersonville surrounded by such amazing businesses!
(5)Brett G.
Wavering between 4 and 5 stars, I'll round up. We got there about 7 PM, dressed in jeans (feeling a little underdressed) without reservations, and they took us to a table in the bar area right away. About an hour later, there was a line and the place was packed with people waiting to sit anywhere. So good timing on our part. The bread basket (with foccacia/tomato bread and lots of warm french bread) was definitely a highlight - after scarfing it down we got a second one no problem. Our waitress was quick and attentive - our service was top notch. The martinis / drinks, while not cheap, were definitely larger than most other martinis, so you got enough for your money. The salads were a little dressing-heavy, but the soups (lentil & minestrone) were tasty little cups of goodness. For entrees, I got Rigatoni Alla Barese, or pasta with chicken, sausage, red peppers, and asparagus in a spicy tomato sauce, two others got Gnocchi Gorgonzola, and finally another got Fettuccini Con Carciofi. Everything was filling and delicious, and the portions were so large every one of us had doggie bags. I would have loved to try the pizza, but the prices were so reasonable, the ambiance was great, and the service was so good I will definitely return and hope for another outstanding experience.
(5)Clare M.
Calo is a terrific spot. The menu is extensive and the portions are generous. I had the tilapia with lemon and white wine sauce which was a special, it was fantastic. I don't know if I liked the tilapia more or the bed of sauteed spinach it arrived on. It was a great dish. My fiance ordered the pappardelle con funghi - grileld shrimp with thick fettucine noodles and mushrooms in a creamy chardonnay and garlic sauce. I didn't get to sample his plate (it was gone too quickly!) but, it smelled amazing. If you love garlic, I highly recommend this dish.
(4)Sawsan S.
i have been coming to this place for the last 8 year i have never had a bad experience.food is good every time, it dose matter what day of the week it's. i give them 5 stars because i can say that i have tried almost every thing on there menu! almost !!!
(5)Michele M.
Lovely interior, cozy and great for dinners or watching afternoon games on tv at the bar. Place is huge and good for dates, family dinners or larger parties. LOVE their gorgonzolla gnocchi, only place I've ever been able to get it, my mouth is watering as I type this! They have a grilled seafood appetizer that is DEELISH. Also a prosciutto wrapped mozzerella appetizer served on top of a small tomato salad drizzled in balsamic....YUMMMM. Thin crust pizza is also good. Go if you want delicious Italian food and a warm cozy atmosphere. Plus free parking in the lot across the street!
(5)Stephanie Y.
yuuuuuuum. i've been here twice. both of which were for a late dinner. both of which were delicious! it's been some time, so i can't exactly tell you what dishes i got.. one was large noodles filled with cheese and spinach and a cheesy creamy sweet-ish sauce on top of it that may have given me a foodgasm.. another was some sort of pasta dish with marinara sauce, huge chunks of italian sausage, chicken, red peppers, and asparagus. which was two full meals for me. i've also had the joy of trying the hawaiin pizza - delightful! the barbeque sauce wasn't over powering, and there was just enough canadian bacon and pineapple to balance each other out. the crust was deliciously crispy. and the spinach artichoke dip - amaaaazing. the wait staff here is not extremely attentive, however if you ask questions they'll give you honest answers.
(5)Jeff A.
I am always happy with Calo! My cousin and her husband are in town and we just ate there tonight... Her and I split two dishes the specialty rolled egg plant with cheesy goodness and a great menagerie of pasta fresh mozzarella and grape tomatoes they were both great dishes! My cousins husband was blown away by his Chicken Madeira dish, I tried it, it was juicy and flavorful, it was great! We accompanied all of this with a great bottle of new zealand pinot noir priced at just 32 bucks... The best part of the journey for sure is the amazing focaccia bread they serve up front... It is so warm and buttery and flavorful! I always ask for more even though I know I don't need the extra calories!
(4)Bree L.
try dipping their incredible cheese pizza in their ridiculously awesome marinara. crave-worthy!
(5)Gayle G.
I've never eaten in the restaurant, only delivery. First off, delivery has always been prompt, which is a nice little bonus. The thin crust pizza is good (that's all I've had from there). The crust is just crispy enough and the toppings aren't so much to make it soggy. The sauce isn't too sweet either. The pasta and other items aren't so great. I haven't been pleased with anything from fries to pasta or dessert. Calo will continue to be a go to pizza place for us.
(3)Bella D.
Always : ) love coming here!! Calamari, Caprese Salad, glass of wine and yummm good cheer. By the way, great pizza and pasta and the ribs ain't half bad!! YUM!!! Great service, atmosphere and prices!
(5)Jennifer Q.
I'm a really big fan of this place. I had been a very long time ago, and hadn't remembered how much I liked it until I went back last week. Not only is the food excellent, but it is such a beautiful, glamorous place. Kinda reminds me of the Frank Sinatra days. It has a very timeless, classic vibe without being "old fashioned" or outdated. I wasn't feeling overly hungry so I ordered just the bruschetta and the minestrone soup. It filled me up and left me happy. We all also enjoyed the fresh baked bread. I think we even asked for another basket! My whole family liked their food and was impressed with the restaurant!
(5)imran k.
The thing about Andersonville, as much as I hate to express it- is that one after another- every restaurant and little shop has something interesting to offer. A friend of mine and I spent the evening wandering around the Clark strip trying to figure out where to get dinner. We originally wanted to go to Great Lakes Pizza but the HOUR AND A HALF WAIT encouraged us to go elsewhere. My friend suggested Calo and because I didn't have any other suggestion, we strolled in, ordered a large pizza to go and wandered around some more. A half hour later, we walked back in- and the hostess forgot entirely who I was (how do you not discriminate an Indian amidst a sea of white faces?) and tried to seat us. I reminded her we were there to pick up our pizza and she looked around nervously and left to fetch our grub. For $20, my friend and I ate & had a glorious time. This is what living in Chicago is all about.
(4)Michelle J.
This is my "go to" place when I want a little something to eat and drink in a cheerful atmosphere. The bartenders are attentive without being oppressive and although I have been there dozens of times, I have never had a bad experience. This may not be the place for food snobs...it is "traditional"...but my 83 year old father loves the place.
(4)Kyle S.
This is hands down our favorite neighborhood Italian spot. The food is good the pizza is great. Not a place to go to if you are trying to loose weight but a must try if you want good italian comfort food. A few year ago the gutted the restaurant and now its a great spot to hang out with friends as well.
(4)Patrick R.
I've been here a couple of times; first as a visitor to Chicago, and now as a resident. I think the ambiance is very nice. Nothing special, but perfect lightening for either a date or a night out with friends. Each time we've visited, the host and staff have been nice and accommodating. I love the bread that they first bring out to the table! Now, on to the food! I like to order the Artichoke dip to start. It's great for sharing! Then, for the latest visit at least, I order the Ziti Vodka. I'm a sucker for anything with chicken and sundried tomatoes and this dish didn't disappoint. They have an extensive menu with pizzas as well. The only thing that surprised me were the flatscreen TVs in the bar area. Surprisingly, I've found that many nice restaurants do that in Chicago. Also, if you aren't form Chicago, this area is a nice walking area with many bars and restaurants.
(4)sveta b.
I been going to Calo for 9 years and i love the place and food best Italian you ever get ......
(5)Lynn K.
Great service, Maria was our server. Food was fantastic, We had Lobster and shrimp raviolis and Gorganzola Gnochi. Reasonably priced and nice atmostphere.
(5)Tom S.
4 1/2 stars I've been holding back a little bit on my review of Calo because it has a very deep, soft spot in my heart. Calo was on of my first nights out when I moved to Chicago. My new neighbor, looking back, was trying to woo me and taking me to Calo was a bold, calculated move, if not completely effective; nonetheless, I was wooed by the restaurant, the staff, the décor and most importantly, the food. Calo was where I learned that I like octopus, marinated and grilled that was perfectly piquant and smoky. The octopus itself was remarkably tender; if I'd closed my eyes I might have sworn I was eating chicken, but there was a taste to it that wasn't anywhere near the ubiquitous taste of chicken. Fried squid is another Calo favorite. These people know how to treat rubber bands so that they are the farthest thing from rubber bands. You'd be wise to take advantage here, you just never know where you might run into octopus or squid and how extremely disappointed you might be. That's not the case at Calo. The Rotolo di Mozzarella is a can't miss: fresh mozzarella rolled with prosciutto, served with plum tomato, basil, the best balsamic and just the right touch of garlic and extra virgin olive oil. If you want to cure what ails you, opt for Fried mozzarella, served with Calo's light but flavorful Marinara. And if you want to throw down old school, you have to try their version of Shrimp De Jonghe. I don't know any other place in Chicago that sells this classic dish. Minestrone is worthy any great-great Italian grandmother; or check out the soup of the day, always with an Italian bend to it. Stand out salads include the Smoked Braid Salad and the Mediterranean salad. The Smoked Braid start with smoked mozzarella as the base and arugula, prosciutto, grape tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette expertly portioned on top; a garlic crostini accompanies. The Mediterranean is leaf-less, nothing gets in the way of this mix of classic Mediterranean vegetables in vinaigrette. Ribs are a specialty, and with good reason: they're crack-tastic. Rotolo di Melanzana, eggplant stuffed and rolled, is a personal favorite as are their outstanding Center Cut Pork Chops, perfectly season and grilled to nirvana. Entrées include your choice of soup, salad, pasta or potato; if I haven't already had salad or pasta, I might choose one here, but otherwise I love how the treat the spud at Calo. Whatever they do, they bring out the best of the potato and I want lessons. The Zuppa di Pesce [fish soup] is an Italian version of Boullibaise and better than many Boullibaise dishes you can find in and around town. Shrimp De Jonghe moves from the appetizer menu to a full on Entrée; this rich shrimp and spinach dish is not only delicious, it is incredibly rich in iron and protein. Be sure to ask about the fresh fish of the day. Scallops on Farfalle is wonderful due in part to the light basil cream sauce, and Lobster Ravioli is an indulgent and luxe dish punctuated by my favorite, sun-dried tomato. If you're a gnocchi fan you have at least 3 to choose from a Calo, it's hard to go wrong. Soft pillows of potato dough, perfectly cooked and expertly sauced, my favorite is the marina where the gnocchi are paired with friends pancetta and Parmesan. The rest of the menu is punctuated with Italian American classic like lasagna and a bevy of risottos. You can't miss, but opt for one of Calo's many specials and save the pastas for the kiddies. I've never had lunch here, I've never ordered pizza for delivery from here, Calo has always been a destination restaurant for a great Italian dinner from people who care about you and the food they serve. And too so should it be for you, at least once.
(4)Foodie S.
Calo has been a family favorite for generations. It is our secret gem in Andersonville! Not many people outside of the neighborhood know about this amazing place. EVERYTHING on the menu is FRESH and cooked to order. I have never had one bad thing from Calo, dine in, carry out, or delivery! They are great for parties, catering, big group dinners, etc, etc, etc!! There is a FREE parking lot located across the street directly next to Swedish Bakery for your convenience soo, what's your excuse?
(5)Amy R.
Do you know in those annoying e-mail/Facebook quizzes where you fill out things like what you'd take to a desert island, who was your first kiss, etc.? When they ask for what I'd choose to be my last meal on earth, I will have a hard time deciding between Calo's gnocci asiago and gnocci con ricotta. The food here is put-you-in-a-bliss-induced-coma good. I also love the atmosphere. The south side of the place is romantic and candle-lit, while the north side is like a classy pizza bar. The service has always been top-notch. They also deliver, and SUPER fast.
(5)Paul A.
I was expecting more based on all the positive reviews this place got. But to my disappointment, our experience was very very average. We had an 8:00 reservation, yet had to wait at the bar until 8:40 to be seated. The 3 ladies bar-tending all had attitude problems, and acted as if they were doing us a favor by taking our drink orders. Our waitress was nice, but not too attentive since they were packed. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. We tried the thin crust pizza, and like I said, solid, but not good enough to make me come back for it. I'd much rather have the thin crust pizza from Piazza Bella in Roscoe Village. The restaurant itself had a nice ambiance to it, and you can park across the street for free. Both pluses. Perhaps I'll give this place one more try and go with a pasta dish....
(3)aaron a.
Dear Calo, I dream of your delicious pan pizza and cheapy cheap martinis! When can I see you again? Yours, Aaron
(4)Keith W.
HUGE PORTIONS!!! You defintiely get what you pay for. The food is good. Pizza's great and the place has a nice decor.
(4)Katie T.
Calamari!!! Calo special!!!
(4)Meagan L.
Great food, HUUUUUUGE servings. Boyfriend and I always split an entree and I still end up with leftovers. Very reasonable prices as well considering you get about 3 meals from each entree. They easily accommodated a group of 10 of us on a Friday night as well and put up with our shenanigans. This is totally a place I come back to again and again.
(5)Bonnie L.
I love this place. Let me preface this by saying that I have not been to Calo's in like twenty years. It is not at all what I remember, which is why I had not been back in so long. I decided to give them a try again, as I had heard that they had a renovation a while back. I am sure glad that I did. My sister and I headed over to Calo's this past Friday night. I was really glad that we did not have to wait for a table since they looked really packed. We were initially seated at a two top by the window. Shortly after being seated we realized that we were a bit chilly sitting over there. The hostess could tell that we were a bit uncomfortable and did not even wait for us to request a table change. She promptly came back over and asked if we wanted a new table. Wow, when the heck does that ever happen?? We actually had to settle on a table in the bar area, but that was fine with me. They actually had some live music that was really nice. The food was phenomenal. I ordered an item that was one of their nightly specials. It was described as little pasta purses filled with four cheeses topped with a burnt butter and peas. That was exactly what the dish looked like, too. Described to the T. It was delicious. My sister decided to stick with something a bit more traditional. She ordered spinach pasta with Alfredo sauce. Holy shit! I was so jealous. It was absolutely delicious and I was so jealous. Mine was just as good but I mean hers was just so damn good. I will definitely be ordering that next time I go. For dessert we each ordered Cannoli. Yummy goodness. I would also like to add that the server was awesome. I am so glad that I checked out Calo's again after such a long time. What a pleasant surprise. I will be back, for sure!
(5)Christopher D.
For old school Chicago-style Italian food, I think this is the best place around. I say "Chicago-style Italian" because it's what I think of as being Italian-inspired American food as opposed to what you might see at a restaurant in Milan or Florence. The food is good. The prices are very reasonable. The bar is fun, and so is the dance floor with the live music. It's an Andersonville landmark.
(4)Bryan W.
Delicious. Everything we had tasted good, and I just had Spaghetti and Meatballs, the staff was accommodating when we had to change our reservation at the last minute. Yummy place, a little on the expensive side, but if your a little north of downtown and hankering for Italian this place is about as good as your gonna get.
(5)Sara S.
Two words. SUPER YUMMY. Linguini fruiti de mare was so succulent :)' The scallops, shrimp and mussels were the biggest I've seen, ever. The portions are huge and the bread baskets offers foccacia topped with a delicious tomato mix. I will definitely be back in a jiffy. Atmosphere was relaxed, yet appropriate; no incriminating white table cloths :)
(5)Emily Y.
I'm told Calo has been around for a VERY long time (an old woman I was chatting with on the Clark bus actually told me this), and I can certainly see why. The weekend dinner crowd is decidedly...older (you could almost mistake yourself for being in the suburbs from the looks of the clientele), but for good, simple Italian food at a reasonable price and a great dirty martini, you can't find a better place in Andersonville (or I'd venture to say the Northside). The atmosphere is fine, nothing too special; and the service can be a little slow, but they had a singer crooning some good tunes (think Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter) that livened things up a bit. The food is heartily portioned, and all entrees come with soup or salad, a perk that seems to be dying out in most good restaurants. I had the ziti alla vodka -- the sauce was fantastic and packed with sun dried tomatoes and chicken and basil. And enough food for three meals. My fiance had the carbonara, which wouldn't be my pick, but it was rich and creamy goodness with crispy bacon. Our friend had the gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce which he seemed to love -- he was the only one to clean his plate! Calo is a fantastic place to take visiting parents, and I imagine it would be great for large groups as well -- I've often seen large parties there. Parking lot across the street makes for extra convenience, though parking in Andersonville never seems to be a huge problem (and I should know, I park there every day). For us, it was a nice meal on a Friday evening before hitting the bar scene. OH and I almost forgot about the amazing pizza bread in the bread basket. Good lord that could be a meal in itself.
(4)Unity O.
Okay, I am very biased when it comes to this place (tis too true)--this is the place my husband & I had our 1st date so of course it holds a special place in my heart. Even if that were not the case--the food is still very good! They are more of your middle of the road Italian--nothing to fancy schmacy--but you will get alot of bang for your buck. They just recently got new menus--so you know what that means--higher prices--overall, still worth the money. The ambiance is warm & friendly--the servers are FANTASTIC--they make sure you are well cared for. This is a family friendly joint, but it can also be very romantic if you want till about 8pm to eat there since most kiddos will be at home getting ready for bed. The food is YUMMY--my favorite is the gnochi--actually had it for the 1st time at Calo's, but pretty much all their pasta dishes are tasty. The portions are very generous--so make sure you have lots of room. My hubby & I also LOVE their stuffed pizza & often get it delivered to our home. I say give this place a try--you most likely will not be disappointed!
(5)Julia R.
delicious italian food. nice atmosphere. i've tried 4-5 different dishes (sampling from friends) aside from my own and everything was really good. i love that they deliver - but wish they would send their delicious bread with deliveries. their tomato foccacia bread is to die for. tastes kinda like pizza but mostly how you expect "amazing" would taste. service was good, atmostphere was pretty nice - kinda romantic i guess in the main dining room, though i was with a group. i've only had pasta here and i'd like to try their pizza and ribs - which i hear are famous.
(4)Jennifer G.
I think I must have lived in Chicago in a former life because ever since first visiting it in 1995, it has always felt like home to me each time I return and I try & return a lot! Anyway - on to Calo's. I was introduced to this restaurant about 3 years ago by a dear friend who lives in the area and that was my first encounter with "little pillows of heaven" called Asiago (or Gorgonzola) gnocchi. There are literally not descriptive enough words to describe the flavor sensations provided by those little morsels. To be honest, I didn't notice much about anything else (ambiance, service staff, other food) even though I've been back several times until my last visit on February 20th, 2010. This visit was exceptional in every way. Had a reservation for 8:30 but arrived a little early and spent that time in the bar area, drinking a wonderful tanq10 & tonic and watching the Olympics while chatting with my dinner partner. I would say the age range of the people there were late 20s to mid 50s and the crowd was a pretty eclectic mix. We were seated maybe 10 minutes after our reservation time but it was extremely crowded that night so I didn't mind. We were seat and our wonderful waiter, Juan, was there almost immediately while the wonderful focaccia bread & fresh french bread was delivered to the table. He was so nice as to show us a plate of one of the specials (my partner is apparently in need of visuals) and took our appetizer order. The steamed mussels in red sauce were DIVINE!!! Hot, tender, tasty, the sauce not overbearing the seafood. We ate every single one and then sopped up the remaining sauce with the bread. YUMMMM!!!! Next came minestrone soup (for my partner) and salad with balsamic vinaigrette for me. Love that the salad comes on a cold plate and the salad was very fresh & crisp and tasty! Partner totally enjoyed the soup. Now on to wonderfulness - my pillows of heaven (asiago this time) and lamb chops for my partner. We shared both and both were just amazing in both presentation, taste, temperature, etc. And last on the list - dessert. Obviously after that big meal, there wasn't room for much else but I need something "clean" - perfect answer: Italian Lemonade (really a lemon ice). Slightly sweet & tart .. perfecto! Juan, our waiter, was absolutely the best - so attentive, we never had to wait for anything. As I said, it was a really busy night but he managed to keep up with our needs as well as what seemed like a 1/4 of the main restaurant. The manager came over & introduced himself about half way through the main course and inquired how things were. It was my partner's first time there so he got a little more attention. Manager (can't remember his name damnit!) was very nice & actually came over one more time right when we were ready to go. I would recommend this place to anyone that is going to be in the Andersonville area. It's prices are reasonable and the ambience and service as well as the food are worth every penny! Enjoy!
(5)Deepika T.
Not being a fan of food thats not in the range of spicy to crazy-spicy, I've always considered pasta dishes too bland for me to enjoy. Being vegetarian also narrows the options to marinara and such. And then I landed up at Calo once I moved into the neighborhood. Since then, this has become my go-to spot for anything Italian and for Saturday nights with friends.. Good wine, good food, huge portions, great service and wonderful ambience (you even get to pick which room you sit in - the lovely dining area or the booth/bar scene with the TVs). This one sure is a keeper :)
(4)Abhist D.
This is where my wife and I go when we want to kick back and relax. Actually, my wife took me here when I got a promotion at work after she had read some reviews on Yelp....and I know my fellow Yelpers will rarely point me in the wrong direction. We actually sat down and had dinner here, but sadly to say, have not had the pizza as of yet, which is a shame because that's exactly what everyone loves. You know what I love, the night that we were there, the manager, Sakhib, went around to each table and asked how the food was and how their service was, but not in that conscious bureaucratic way at some restaurants where you know its mostly for show. Sakhib seemed to be very genuine when he asked that question. And on top of that, once he came to us, the three of us really hit it off. You know what the best thing was, my wife and I came back about two months later, and I don't know how, but Sakhib still remembered us and remembered our names. How crazy is that??? I know...I know...that's their job, but seriously, to remember some random couple you only met once and remember their names and personal information about them is still an amazing feat and it made me feel quite special. The second time was just to drink and enjoy, and we relaxed at the bar with Don and met some of the locals. Basically, Calo's is a place where you can bring a gal for a romantic, or get together with your friends and treat it as the local watering hole.
(5)Amanda P.
Love this restaurant. One of my top fav's in the city. Every time I come here, parking is easy in the lot across the street and great service. All of the food I have tried is excellent.
(5)Natalie V.
Amazing drinks, great atmosphere and great portions of food!!! One of my favorite places on Clark!!!
(4)Matt L.
Overrated. I have been a customer of Calo's for many years and for the most part everything I've had has been fine. Nothing memorable enough to write 8+ paragraphs about but apparently, incredibly mediocre Italian food spawns literacy. That said, Calo has one thing going for them - promptness. Delivery is always super fast. However the last handful of times I've ordered, my food has arrived either over cooked, crushed or (this evening) dropped. Quality shouldn't be sacrificed for speed - right? 3 stars for reliably inconsistent Italian food in A-ville.
(3)Tim G.
If it weren't for the pizza, I wouldn't recommend Calo's at all. It is absolutely NOT authentic. Had the Carbonara with peas and Pancetta was instead pasta bathing in a bad Alfredo sauce with burnt bacon and a couple of peas. Alfredo is NOT authentic Italian, and doesn't belong in Carbonara. Have had other pastas there, and other than the enormous amount of food they serve - it's pretty blah... Salads seemed to have just come out of the freezer, as cucumbers were frozen and we waited for them to warm before diving in. Services was slow, usually not available, only bus service was quick. Have had their pizza in the past, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Haven't had the ribs, but I am told they are good. Decor is nice. Not sure there aren't 5 or 6 other Andersonville restaurants I would rather spend my money at.
(2)Carly O.
I go to Calo's because it's walking distance from my apartment. Given that, it's more like a 4 star restaurant. But if I had to make any kind of commute, I don't think I'd really go. Some of their food is good (ribs, pizza) and some of their food is pretty boring tasting (spaghetti). My favorite thing is actually the foccacia bread served with your meal and their creamy garlic dressing. There's really not room for appetizers or dessert because of this. The new-ish renovation is nice, and the interior is now updated and more modern. Anyway, it's a neighborhood joint that attracts an older crowd who come for the weekly specials. If you're already planning on going, I think you'll enjoy yourself. If you're looking at reviews to figure out where to go for Italian food, this wouldn't make the top of my list.
(3)Mike O.
Very good food, nice dim-lit atmosphere, & fastest check I've every received
(4)Lisa C.
I went there after seeing a show at the Neofuturists. The restaurant is really cute and clean. You are given a lot of food for what you pay (a side order of pasta came with my lamb). It was one of those rainy nights where we came in from the elements and just ate a hearty meal in a very cozy place. While Andersonville has plenty of options in the eating department, this is a good option if you are looking for an Italian meal that's a bang for your buck.
(4)Stephen R.
Solid place. Good Pizza, good pasta. Everything is solid. Not great, but very good and good place for families or an italian fix.
(3)Rudy S.
This place is so much fun. I've seen people on dates, older couples, groups of coworkers, and people with children here. On Saturday , they had a live band playing which was a nice treat. The food is delicious, but I'll tell you what really stands out..The service. The service is excellent and really makes you miss good service when you go to a different restaurant. I usually get pizza when here, but next time I will venture out and try something new. Great food at a great price.
(4)Ralph F.
"Great Restaurant in a great neighborhood." Been here 10 times in the past 4 years. They always pour a good drink, the portions are huge and the price is reasonable. Parking in the city is rough at times, Not at Calo's. You can park across the street and they give you a ticket that you have validated by anyone who works in the restaurant. Live entertainment in the bar. I have dined here with 2 people and have dined here with a party of 12. The staff is well trained. I love this place for when a friend comes into town. I know we will have good experience.
(4)Araceli R.
this is one of the fav italian restaurants for my brother in law.........we know whay.................is delicius im always order the seafood salad & lasagna love it soo exited we going this sunday :)
(4)Sarah Anna H.
My husband and I both love Calo for dine in or out! It is one of our top choices in Andersonville.
(5)Rosemary L.
The older I get the harder it is to have a good time. You get too persnickety, too particular about everything. Too jaded. And then we stopped at Calo's late on a Thursday afternoon. Everything was perfect. No Sinatra but everything else was all right. A big leather booth, dim lighting made us both look good, soft music, an attentive server, yummy appetizers and a delicious dinner. What else can a body ask for?
(5)Ryan M.
I certainly would not call this place snobby or say that there is a formal dress code, but I felt slightly underdressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Jeans and a nice sweater would probably pass though. And that's only if you care about that stuff. People were there in shorts and things like that, but the atmosphere of the place is a little nicer to me. Let's get to the important stuff. The food. Everyone at my table shared a Mozzarella Fritti. It's not enough to share though, we were expecting more (this is for the fried fresh mozzarella), it's only a small block. But delicious. Just order 2 or 3 if you want to share. We all (except my grandfather who wanted ribs) had the Stuffed Pizza. I think this is one of my new favorite places. The pepperoni to sausage ratio was a little off, but not enough to make it an issue. The crust was crisp and delicious and the sauce was a really nice consistency (I don't like the chunky sauce). All in all, it was great. My grandad's ribs were purported to be great. Falling off the bone if I recall. They must've been good because he pulled his bottom fake teeth out right at the table to clean them off with a cloth napkin. You gotta love old people and their lack of caring about the rest of the world.
(4)George K.
When the weather was bad, my girlfriend and I sought shelter (and a place to eat) in the Andersonville area. The setting is very nice, and the dimly set lighting creates a very nice ambiance. The food was not only good, but it was also very hearty (I'm a big boy, and it filled me up very nicely). Overall, the service was great and the price was reasonable.
(4)Kelly S.
We went here for Valentine's Day on a recommendation and it was lovely. We easily found parking, despite it being a trendy neighborhood. And the food...The food was amazing...very flavorful and fresh. The wine was delicious, too, and the waiter was able to recommend a wine to go with my meal. Overall, the bill was very reasonable. For two drinks and two entrees, it only came to 50 dollars. We will definitely be back, and the only problem will be not knowing whether to order the same great meal or something else. Everything looked so good!
(5)Peter M.
My family and I gathered here for my grandmother's birthday celebration and we are all fans now. For the luncheon I ordered the bucatini al pesto, and was far from disappointed. The portions were large and had more than enough was left over for tasty lunch the following day. Their portions were so large I was able to nibble on other people's plates which left a desire to taste everything. Their staff was exceptional and beyond courteous. A true italian treat.
(4)Robert S.
The Calo is an Italian gem in the middle of Swedish town. The Carbonara there is probably the best I've ever had. And I consider myself a Carbonara connoisseur. If that's possible. It's so creamy and bacony, and together with the perfectly cooked noodles a regal bed is made for the fresh green peas. The chicken bow tie pasta is also excellent, and the portions of everything there are easily enough for two, if not three meals. It's enough to remember not to fill up on the wonderful bread on the next visit... but that's mostly because there needs to be room for the Tiramisu! The wait staff is very attentive here- servers, hosts, and busboys are all very friendly and appear often. As far as atmosphere, Calo is dimly lit and very romantic with candles and nice, comfortable decor. On one visit a light jazz pianist was providing some upbeat background music. My ears pricked up once I realized he was playing Pink Floyd's Shine On in it's entirety. Even the guitar solos flowed effortlessly from his fingertips as everyone enjoyed their fantasic meals.
(5)trina b.
Last week, my husband and I were really busy with work and being in a wedding the weekend before, we hadn't had a chance to go grocery shopping. I think our cupboards were more bare than Old Mother Hubbard's. So we had ordered thai the night before and we were looking for another and hopefully new delivery option. And it's slightly more tricky because I'm a vegetarian. So I trusted my fellow yelpers to help me out. I searched around and came across Calo's. They have such a large and pretty diverse menu that I knew I could find something very easily to please the taste buds. And it just so happened, their special of the day was baked lasagna, meat or veggie for 8.50. Now if anyone has ever attempted to make lasagna, you'll know it's sort of a pain in the butt. So any chance I can get to eat lasagna without having to make it, I'll take it. Just call me Garfield. (If you didn't get that reference, than you didn't watch enough quality tv when you were younger! :0) ) According other Yelpers, the delivery was fast and the food always comes to your door pipping hot. And duh, of course the Yelpers were right on both accounts. It was burning hot actually. Like burnt my hand when I pulled it out of the bag hot. But it didn't matter because the taste of the lasagna would have made up for third degree burns. It was SO yummy-tons of flavor, just the right amount of cheese, sauce and spinach together. And the portion was enough to fill up any fat cat. But I knew better, and saved more than half for a meal the next day. And it was just as tasty! My hubby had the Italian beef sandwich w/fries and it was ridiculously massive too. It was quite comical watching him try to eat that thing. It blows any sandwich shop's attempt right out of the water. And it was only 6.95. An excellent deal. The only thing I would say isn't fantastic is their bread. It's so so. Not crusty or soft, sort of chewy and there wasn't any flavor to it. Oh and we also had a salad to split, the Mediterranean, and it was huge and delicious and also was another meal the next day. All in all, great food experience. Next we will have to experience eating in at Calo's. And in case you were wondering, we went to the market and got our selves groceries and even our dog a bone.
(4)Elizabeth E.
One of my favorite places for pizza in the area! Super fast delivery if you're near here. Great ambiance for dinner & great service! I highly recommend trying goat cheese on their pan pizza, also great thin crust pizza! Reasonably priced.
(5)Jacob J.
I read reviews and got feedback from localites before checking them out. The two entrees I'd heard the most about was their ribs and pizza. I like a nice doughy pizza from time to time and went with their pan pizza. Forgot to ask for double dough which was still fine because their pizza was doughy enough with a nice crust. Could've used a bit more sauce for a more tangy feel, but, it was a decent pizza. Nothing to write home about. Looking around the bar I saw that most ordered pasta and an afterthought was that I should have also. The ribs were okay, I think they were boiled and could have been cooked longer. Of course I could've had them sent back, but at the time I was hungry and didn't care much. Their BBQ sauce is tasty but extra was needed. Highlights: The fresh made focaccia pizza bread which comes out standard and my heavily poured cocktail. Our service was top notch and we hardly waited for anything at all. Pleasant dark toned decor in the bar area with comfy cushioned booth seating. They had the room decorated with lights since it twas the season and as the night progressed and the lights dimmed I wished I was with a chick rather than sharing the moment with a dude. A good spot for date night. Places like this are best for pasta and other dishes, pizza is an afterthought. IF you're thinking what I was thinking about their ribs, perhaps you should have it on the night of ribs specials.
(4)Lizzy H.
This is our go-to place for special occassions and we've never been disappointed! The service has always been friendly and accomodating, and the food delicious. I don't know very much about wine, but always think when I'm eating good Italian food I need to pair it with a good wine. My servers always have great suggestions, and promise that if I don't like what they recommend, they'll get me something else. (I've never had to ask for anything else.) One suggestion: you have to ask for oil and cheese if you'd like it with your bread.
(5)Nada R.
HEY YOU VEGAN! You too can get love at Calo. Yes, the very same Calo that people talk about with those glazed eyes that hearken back to their last pork rib & cheese coma! Ok, maybe that's not so appealing to you. Let's just get to bidness. Their Veg Delight pan pizza rocks ass, and the thin crust is pretty good too, but it's not their specialty. The focaccia is really good. Good enough to make you tug on a waitperson's sleeve to ask for another basket please. Good enough to order in and toast yourself in the broiler so that it tastes like it does in the restaurant. The house salad's just ok, but if you're really aching for some iceberg, it'll do the trick. Lastly, I have *never* had a crummy martini here. After you're done, you'll be fully carb-loaded for hours of jukebox madness at Simon's down the street. That is, if I haven't yet already loaded half my paycheck into it.
(4)Terry B.
Well, dine-in might be good, I've tried that.. but I'm pretty disappointed in the latest delivery-to-your-door treat I splurged on. Full slab of ribs.. arrived not-too hot, medium-warm in fact. Kind of on the dry side. Side of spaghetti with meat sauce was hotter, but could have used, oh, 300% more meat sauce. Salad was unimpressive. Bread was good. Delivery person was (as they all seem to be) unapologetic for the not-hot food. I think it should be same temp delivered to your door as delivered to your table; microwave reheating does NOT enhance any dish. When you can get it, though, the cream of mushroom soup is....wunnerful!
(2)Melissa S.
Took my girlfriend out for dinner saturday. She had the octopus that looked freaky on plate, but it tasted good. GREAT vitamin c martinis, my pasta dish totally sucked and the prices were VERY HIGH. she wanted to try this place as we had a reservation at Mia's (yes, she gets what she wants.) and i regret not keeping our date at Mia's. Not sure how they justify the outrageous pricing, but we won't ever come back here again...
(3)David P.
Just had dinner here last night, 07/02/11, and I can't say enough good things about it. The service was spot on. The food was absolutely delicious from the soup and salad to the main course. I was very much impressed and will definitely be back very soon. Give it a try, you will not be sorry you did.
(5)Larisa P.
This is a great place - great food and really good service. Enjoy it often. Last night, the staff went above and beyond when my grandmother and I were there for dinner. Highly recommend Calo. (and free parking across the street!)
(5)Ernie B.
Great Italian food!
(4)James T.
So it was my birthday weekend and settled for Calo. A friend of mine told me about this place and raved they had really good italian food. My party got there around 9ish and had to wait about 15 minutes to get seated. Which was good for me because I found out they served DT( delirium tremens). God I love that stuff! Once seated, I looked over the menu and wanted so badly to try the ROTOLO DI MELANZANA but once I saw veal on the menu i shifted my focus on that dish. I ordered the VITELLO CARCIOFI which was veal medallions sautéed with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, tomatoes and onions in a white wine sauce. Obviously bread is given first which I think was the best part of my entire meal. That Focaccia bread was insanely good. I must of had 6 large pieces of this God given bread. Moving on with my meal, I went with the clam chowder which is what I always pick as a soup because im obsessed with it. Ever since going to Fisherman's Wharf in SF, I have been trying to find a place that could compare. But that's a whole other story. Calo was good but lacked the spice I was looking for. I asked for cayenne but gave me Tabasco instead. Made it a little better but not the taste I was going for. On to my entree, veal was overdone. Not crazy overdone but was probably left in the pan just a little longer than it should be. Artichoke hearts were good, sauce was ok but on the buttery side. At the end they had brought out a birthday tiramisu cake which was damn good. Thanks to the Calo and my friends for that one. Over all my meal was good, but i would definitely give this place another try. 3 stars seems a little low for all the great reviews I had read about this place but that's my two cents. I will come back and re-review this place.
(3)Usama H.
I was looking for a place that doesn't charge a fixed price for dinner tonight and after reading Jennifer's recomendation i decided to give it a shot. Although the place was packed, they had a table ready for us, the waitress knew a lot about the different dishes and luckily for me suggested that I had ordered one plate too many. I got the grilled Octopus and the Vongole and both dishes were cooked right and the portions were plentiful. If I only had the Octopus, I would have given this place 5 stars, but the Vongole was a bit more acidic than what I would have liked and the side salad was average.
(4)Andrious W.
I've been eating from Calo's for as long as I can remember. My grandmother lived right over on Racher and Ashland so we frequently ordered from them. The food was always good although I usually either got pizza or pasta. Occasionaly I would get the chicken or ribs and I was never disapointed. I can't say much about thier interior remodelings as I've ever only been inside three times in my life. The first when I was six and the last two times were on Valentines Day last year and 6 months after that. The Valentines visit was amazing. We had a lovely table by the window and the candles on the table were wonderful. I was also very pleased with the service. If only other places could be as good with thier customer service. It's kind of a long trip for me to get to these days but I still enjoy going.
(5)Matt G.
This place is really nice! The atmosphere is nice, although a little crowded at times. The food was great and there are many many options to choose from. It is a little on the expensive side, but definitely worth the money! I've marked 4 stars but it probably deserves 4.5, it is a great Italian place in a great neighborhood!
(4)Lauren K.
My family and I were in Chicago for the night and the manager at the hotel recommended this restaurant for dinner. And we were not disappointed. We ordered a salad and two pizzas (one thin crust and one stuffed). First came out the free bread that comes when you order and goodness, that pizza bread or whatever you call it was SO good. If that's all I had to eat I would have been more than satisfied. I'm not sure specifically what salad we got, but it was on top a piece of bread(a crostinni I believe). It was good but it was way big-we easily split it between the 4 of us and it was still a lot. Then the pizzas came. The thin crust was very tasty-the flavors of the cheese, sauce and crust all blended and complimented each other very well. The stuffed crust was really good too but I could only have a slice otherwise I think I would have gotten sick of it. We definitely had some leftover pizza afterwards. The meal was definitely filling, but it was some seriously good, tasty Italian food and I could recommend this place in a heartbeat to anyone. Also-we went to the restaurant around 6pm, so in the midst/start of dinner time rush and we all couldn't believe the incredible service at Calo's. Everything was delivered super quick and by the time we realized we needed water refilled, our waitress was there with water. So on top of great food, this restaurant has top-notch service too, which is definitely a plus for me.
(5)G R.
So why review 59, do they need any more. Well, here it is anyway. When I lived in the area I ordered delivery from here for years always good, kept me dialing in weekly. This is the first time that I dined there. This is where I wish Yelp had a several star rating system. One Star- For when we arrived. No one at the podium, could have been seating someone? Well no, and it was before the rush. The bartender spotted us, I figured she would acknowledge us, well no. When I approached the bar, she walked in the other direction. She looked pretty cranky. The hostess at this point spotted us and we were seated. Three stars- Service, We did get water and menus right away, however there was a little confusion on who was waiting on us, shift change. No big deal, our server and the service was very good once things got going. Four Stars- Food. Very good, some of the best fettuccine alfredo, that I've had in a while, a good value too 12.95 with a choice of soup or salad. Four Stars- Atmosphere. Nice comfy decor, a good mix of tables and booths, not spaced tightly together. Beautiful hardware floors and an overall open airy feel. I'll be going back, and perhaps after that they'll get that fourth overall star. Because when you get down to it, it's all about the food.
(3)Chris S.
I ate here a couple of weeks ago and genuinely enjoyed it. It's taken far too long for me to end up here, but last Sunday, after craving Italian, we broke and headed over and dined. I had ricotta gnocchi and it had a unique flavor and just a little bit of zing. I was definitely into it. The wife and I split desert, which was this apple crisp with ice cream dish. Great stuff. We're planning on trying their pizza at some point too.
(4)grant s.
I've been going here since 1991 and it is still one of my favorite restaurants for dine-in or delivery. The food is consistently great whether you go on tues. for lunch or on a busy sat. nite. The King Crab Legs are my benchmark to which I compare ALL other restaurants, in any price range and Calo keeps winning. The seafood something (also on the menu "at market price" ) is also fantastic and easily enough for 3 people. When I order delivery it is always hot, prompt and just as good as the dine-in. Did I say I love this place?
(5)Jim K.
Yuck. Terrible deep dish pizza. Bisquick crust, bland sauce, waaaay too much cheese. This is an example of Yelp grade inflation run amok. Stay away.
(1)Chas V.
I grew up ordering their thin crust pizzas and while I admit it was very tasty, it was also really greasy and quite honestly I can only handle it on occassion now. However, if you've got a tough stomach, I say go for it as it tastes great. Oddly, over the years I've only eaten at the location maybe 7 or 8 times. I recall the service being fine, and seeing some occassional odd loungey entertainers (not sure if they still do that) but I remember overall the experience was enjoyable.
(3)Jennifer S.
I love their thin crust pizza. The sauce is wonderful. Also, you need to try the gnocchi stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese. It's crazy good. Added bonus. Free parking across the street.
(5)Sara H.
Seriously, this is just BIG food. It's got some flavor, but I think people who rate this place highly have gotten stuck in the American "lots of food = good food" mindset. It was nothing special. I can name at least 5 Italian restaurants in the area alone that are better than this one. Plus, the service is really slow. Not impressed.
(2)Joshua N.
Calo has become one of our favorite spots for a late meal. Their kitchen is open until midnight during the week. It is the only place that I know of that actually serves great pizza and pasta late in the evening on the north side. They even have their own parking lot, not that you'll need it if you go after 10 PM.
(4)Patrick C.
Being able to get a table for two on a Friday night within 20 minutes was pretty surprising, but it looks like they have quite a few tables to seat everyone who comes in. I got pizza here, which was pretty good, not great, but the free bread was a nice bonus. Thinking about it more, I am going to take a second and change my rating from three stars to four.
(4)Jen K.
Got the pan pizza with prosciutto and goat cheese. Was a little more doughy than I would expect for a pan pizza. The pizza I would give 4 stars, but what irritated me was the massive difference in the posted prices online (both on their website and grubhub) and what I was charged. Not sure I'd try it again. Still on the hunt for my favorite pizza...
(3)Jean Z.
Calo is good italian food. I've been here over a dozen times and have not been disappointed. Order anything. I promise. It's good. Park in the lot across the street if Clark is full.
(4)Char Y.
Expensive average italian food, with bad gnocchi. So bad I couldn't eat them, and I love gnocchi.
(2)Voltaire M.
How to make four dinners without cooking? Order one large deep-dish pizza with extra pizza sauce. Choose whatever fillings you'd like, they're all good. Then, get full after once slice each. Freeze remaining pieces, two to a ziploc. Nights later, when you don't want to cook, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Insert two frozen pieces on a cookie sheet. Heat for 20 minutes. Be impressed at how crispy the crust remains, how warm and gooey the cheese is, and be grateful you got the extra sauce so that the pizza doesn't dry out. I love this place!
(4)P R.
The pizza is outstanding (spinach, tomatoes, feta & garlic = delicious!) You can order a huge pizza too (16" I think). The rest of the food I've had there is good, but not the best. I love the decor, but the guy singing made me think it was kareoke until I realized he was working. Go for the pizza and warm bread they bring out to your table.
(4)Moe f.
It's one of the only places my mom loves so I always get stuck taking her here. It's pretty good but with Anteprima down the block, why go here? Well it's great if you are in the over 50 crowd who demands soup or salad come with your entree, this place rocks. The pizza bread they give you in the bread plate is great too. Pastas are all pretty good and have had some OK fish dishes. My mom raves about the ribs but I think they are aweful. I gotta say they make a great tiramisu. Better up my review to 3.5 stars.
(3)Jamie W.
Calo is my favorite restaurant in Andersonville. It doesn't matter what you're in the mood for just drinks, appetizers or dinner they have a great menu and everything is delicious. My favorite thing of all is their thin crust sausage pizza it's ultimately the best pizza in town! My friends and I have been going there for years it's a great place to meet up and hangout on a Friday or Saturday night in the bar and have a cocktail and listen to some live music. There's never a long wait and the hostesses are always friendly and the service is always pleasant. If you haven't been there yet you must try it you're gonna love it!
(5)Christine P.
The food is great (and very reasonably priced), but the service is bad. I've waited over a half hour for my order to be taken, and about that long for food. Twice. Also, they keep it super cold and uncomfortable.
(2)Nicole V.
A friend of mine from the neighborhood told me I had to try Calo....so we met there on a Tuesday night for dinner. We were seated outside and given our menus. My friend immediately told me how great the ribs were...explaining that they are only $9.99 Mon-Thurs instead of full price. I was convinced (although there were many other appealing items on the menu) and ordered the ribs which came with a small salad and a side of garlic mashed. Let me tell you these ribs were GREAT! They were meaty and the sauce was so tangy and delicious. Also, the garlic mashed were phenomenal...chunky and flavorful. I was hooked. I've taken two of my friends there now and instructed them to order the ribs. I'm sure there are other wonderful items on the menu, but I just cannot pass up those ribs!
(4)Ronny E.
Went here during Midsommarfest and honestly was a bit nervous as it was packed. To our surprise the food and the service was great! The pasta with mushrooms and shrimp was some of the best Italian I had and our server was great. I look forward to going back soon!
(4)Anne-Michelle F.
So delicious! I went to Calo last fall with a buddy, and completely enjoyed our appetizers with a couple of Martinis in the bar area. (adored the Calamari Diablo) Tonight, I took my visiting father for dinner. Even better! You know it's going to be a good experience when you can't even decide what to get because it all sounds so good. Glad to report that I made a great decision. The lobster ravioli with asparagus and portobello mushrooms. Some of my all time favorites dunked in a cream sauce. Delicious! I highly recommend this place. Super busy, with staff that was helpful, always there, but never intrusive. I can't wait to get back this summer and enjoy one of the few sidewalk tables.
(4)Jenny A.
The pizza here is pretty good. It's not my favorite stuffed/deep dish/Chicago-style or whatever you want to call it in Chicago, but it's up there. The crust-cheese-sauce-toppings ratio is good, and I appreciate the texture and flavor the cornmeal adds to the crust. I also like the amount and flavor of the sauce. It was a little on the pricey side (over $40 after tax and tip for a large pizza with a bunch of toppings). The pizza did feed about 8 people, though . . . so I guess the price wasn't obnoxiously high. We decided to order from here because I have a cousin visiting from Poland who wanted to try some Chicago pizza. Because we needed it delivered, we couldn't get it from my favorite, Pequod's, so I looked for some reasonable alternatives. Calo was very highly rated, so we decided to go with them. And, like I said, the pizza was good. The service left something to be desired, though. I don't think my order was overly complicated. I wanted a pizza that had mushrooms, green pepper, and onion on the whole pie, and pepperoni on half of it. I went over this with the woman taking my order over the phone about five times to double check. It was really important because at least two of the people eating the pizza were vegetarians who didn't want pepperoni or any kind of meat touching their pizza. The woman taking my order was, somewhat understandably, getting a little annoyed that I was triple and quadruple checking this, but, like I said, it was important. Did I mention that this woman wasn't particularly nice to begin with? But, whatever, if the food was going to be good, it wouldn't matter. So, about 45 minutes or so later, we got the pizza. And it was really good. But it had sausage on it. All of it. To be fair, it also had all the other toppings, but the sausage made it inedible to the vegetarians. If you're going to have an attitude about the way I'm ordering, at least get my order right.
(3)Robert M.
Calo is always a good, eclectic crowd, kooky "live" music on weekends and the Friday/Saturday bartenders (Diana and Carla) are totally hot. Where else in this city can you get a full-to-the-rim top-shelf 10 oz. martini for $9?
(5)Loren C.
We just gave a luncheon for fifty people in the private room at Calo---Everything was exactly as we wanted it---The room looked beautiful when we walked in, the service was excellent, and the food was delicious---We highly recommend it.
(5)John D.
Best deep dish and Chicago style pies on the Far North Side. The place has three large rooms, including a fairly large, well stocked bar with multiple TVs. Floor to ceiling windows open up during the summer.
(4)Team B.
Nice atmosphere in a interesting neighborhood. The prices are reasonable and the pasta is fresh.
(4)Bianca S.
I've lived in the Andersonville neighborhood 3 years and recently found this gem. I don't know how I have missed it! I only ordered take out pizza and wings but was suprised at how great it was. Thin crust and & crispy pizza. Delicious! I'll definitely be coming back to try their full italian menu in the future.
(5)John B.
Calo and I have had an on again-off again relationship. When I first moved to Andersonville, oxty-nine years ago (as my mother would say), it was a very Sopranos-y kind of joint. Early 60s supper club, heavy booths, older crowd, fair share of goombahs. Good food, big portions, dirt cheap. Nice. Then, in 2000 (I was surprised to discover it was this long ago), Calo went upscale and split off a portion of the restaurant as Finestra di Calo. Finestra was a big deal for about a year or so. I was never a big fan. It was ambitious, but I suspect they had the same kitchen staff turning out meat lasagna and veal scaloppini, and I'll give you one guess which one didn't turn out so well. Time passes, shit happens (I suspect the chef left), and Finestra get reabsorbed into Calo. But now Calo realizes they can raise their prices on everything if they do a quick remodeling job. "Same great food, new high prices." I lost the love. Okay, this is a simplification, but you get the point. Well I'm happy to report that Calo has found their way again. The new look is still supper club, but both more modern and a bit more traditional. High ceilings, burnished wood, high gloss floor, exposed brick, tall front windows. Three separate dining areas, one with a bar, one (the old Finestra space) which is open on weekends and for private parties. The service is great, with friendly servers, and active and organized bussers. (Bus service can make or break you.) The menu has settled down into a combination of old favorites and some more upscale dishes. They had me at the grilled octopus. If that's too extravagant, there's always the caprese salad or the baked clams. Pastas range from spaghetti and meatballs to farfalle with scallops in a basil cream sauce. They have gnocchi and risotto, and usually a special of one or both. I think their thin crust pizza is the best of their pizza choices, and they do a decent pie. And yes, they still serve the veal. Come early on a weeknight and you're likely to be surrounded by regulars eating the BBQ ribs special. The ribs are nothing special, but they're a steal at 10 bucks Mon-Thurs. The rest of the food ain't that cheap, but it's reasonable. I'm happy to have found my love for Calo. For a while there, it looked like the newcomers might squeeze out the regulars, and for a place like this, that's too bad. Last night, I heard a woman tell the managers that she had been coming to Calo since her mother brought her there as a child. There were two older women sitting at the next table who were on their regular night out. That's the atmosphere at Calo, and it has survived the renovation.
(4)Christina K.
I was torn between giving Calo a fourth star or not, because when I went, my palate was still thick with the after-effects of the flu. Still, I'm glad my guy took me here for a late Easter Sunday lunch, because it was a little reminder of my roots on a holiday. The mozzarella was good, the octopus well-marinated and properly cooked, and my chicken saltimbocca hit the spot, while he very much enjoyed his gorgonzola gnocchi. The quality was solid but unexceptional, portion sizes were on the absurd/large side, prices exceptionally reasonable, and both the hostess and waitress were thoughtful, prompt, and friendly. I'm favorably inclined, and plan on revisiting to try the veal and see about whether there's a fourth star here, perhaps unfairly withheld. June update: I went back, and yes, that fourth star is deserved. I had an outstanding pollo saltimbocca and washed it down with a tasty South African white. It was perfect for a warm day, the service was cheerful, and I can consider this an open question tidily resolved.
(4)Allison H.
Coming from a Sicilian family who can never quite find an Italian restaurant that lives up to Nana's own recipes- Calo's is an A+! My father gives a restaurant's lasagna one chance- he gave that chance to Calo's 3 years ago and we are still going strong! My favorite is the baked tortellini al forno-- so much pasta, you will DEFINITELY have leftovers. My mom gets the filet every time, and she has never been disappointed. Even Nana enjoys the fair- feasting on the linguini with clam sauce, while Papa enjoys the Rigatoni ala Barrese (spicy red sauce with sausage and peppers). Staff is recognizable and will remember you-- always friendly and accommodating. Clean and inviting atmosphere-- great for fancy dinners or a Sunday night pizza in your sweatpants (actually my first experience-- pizza's not too shabby either). This is my family's pick over and over for dinners where "the family" comes together to eat. It can get pricey, but the portions are ridiculously huge and they make for delicious leftovers. I highly recommend it. Actually, I recently moved from the city, but "the family" is returning to Calo's next week for a dinner! It is SO WORTH THE DRIVE!!!
(5)Abby T.
I really liked Calo! Went at about 9 pm on Saturday night and only had to wait about 5 minutes! Very nice interior, good woodwork, roomy booths, and moldings were a nice touch to the perfectly lit environment. I ordered a Caesar salad and it was very good. Got the dressing on the side, and I must say, one of the best caesar dressings i've had....not too parmesan-y. Wasn't very hungry so I had baked clams as my entree. Very good!!!! My only upset was that Calo does not offer Moscato by the glass. I was pretty disappointed, but had an overall nice experience here. Will definitely come again to see what all the hype is about over the pizza!
(5)Jason W.
Ordered their thin crust a while back and thought it was really good, although a bit pricey. I'll for sure try the other stuff on the menu...
(4)Nick H.
Calo is a five star restaurant with four star prices and a three star bar. The food is fantastic. From the ribs to the surf to the turf to the pizza. I have never had any complaints regarding the food and neither have any of the friends I have taken there. Well, that is not entirely true. The lady and I went there for an anniversary a few years back and I got the baby octopus. She spent the enitre meal not being able to look down at the table and was quite put off when I had to dig a suction cup out of my teeth. The service can be a problem as I have on multiple occassions been subjected to a very inattentive waiter. Another problem with Calo is the bar. The drinks, especially the wine list, are over-priced and avoid the place at all costs if there is a band playing. I have never been there when a good band was playing and one of them bordered on terrifingly bad.
(4)matt b.
There isn't a better place in the city to just go and relax in the comfort of the food and atmosphere. My fiance and I love going in on a saturday for a late lunch. Sit at the bar, hang with Don, one of the friendlier bartenders around and eat some comfort food. All the food is good(not great) but always consistent, great for a quiet saturday of football.
(4)Mara S.
I really enjoyed having dinner at Calo last night. The service was great and the food was tasty. I loved the atmosphere - quiet and we didn't have to sit elbow to elbow with our fellow diners. It would be a good spot to take a date - or your parents. It seemed pretty family oriented and the owners (or managers or whomever) were talking to several tables that were obviously regulars. I definitely recommend Calo for a decent meal at a decent price.
(4)Gemini G.
Vegetarians: if you request the rigatoni con asparagi without the bacon, they'll comply, and it's excellent! Vegetarians who are tired, hungry, and grimy from moving day, don't have a car, and it's raining: They Deliver Beer!!
(5)Katie R.
3.5 stars. We ordered delivery, so I have no idea about the actual restaurant. The pan pizza was really tasty, I enjoyed it and I wouldn't complain if I had to eat it again. We also ordered prosciutto wrapped mozzarella balls. If you're a prosciutto or mozzarella snob, I wouldn't recommend this. While tasty, neither were very high quality.
(3)Luis O.
Calo has improved a great deal - they are definitely back after a low period - we returned and I am happy to report that we have great food meals, always very good service and a terrific time there - no complaints!!.
(4)Tim S.
Better Italian than places like Ranalli's, but there is room for improvement. Not really worth the price, but they hold strong due to lack of better options.
(3)Jiyoun B.
I love going to Calos to enjoy their Italian-Americanized, huge portioned pastas. The love started few years back when I used to have them deliver my late-night dinners. My friends and I go visit them every now and then to enjoy Italian done right. I went there to enjoy their risotto for my birthday. My friend and I were there the other day and we could not stop eating our Fettuccini con carciofi even though we were quite full. The reason why they get 4 stars instead of 5 is due to their service. It's a hit or a miss. Love the food though.
(4)George R.
I can't even give this place one star because we left before we even got our food. It turns my stomach to even think about it but let me just say I won't be eating out for a long time. Stay away from this place if you have any common sense. They cut corners worse than anything I've seen. And, never go here at night. I will stop before I get too rude.
(1)Yesenia S.
I love this place for a "nicer" dinner at a reasonable price. Good wine, good calamari, great salads and pastas. I really enjoyed a grilled shrimp pasta dish I recently had.
(4)Christina Z.
Every time I go to Calo I have a wonderful experience. The staff is very friendly and knows their menu. The owner and manager are very gracias and make us all feel like we are family. And the ambiance is nice. The food is out of this world. I highly recommend the grilled seafood platter, with its grilled octopus, shrimp, calamari, and scallops over sauteed spinich. You really can't go wrong with anything you order. It is all delicious. I definitely recommend dinning at Calo.
(5)Jim C.
Went here with a few other Yelpers last night (Saturday) for a later dinner (9:00pm). We had 9 in our party, got a great table by the window & watched the snow & plows. Our server was really nice & on top of all our drink orders. With 9 drinkers all with different drinking schedules, there is always someone needing booze, & she was great. All the appetizers & food were excellent. I tried the ribs for the first time & they were awesome. I'll get 'em again. We sat around shooting the shit for a long time after dinner & there was no rushing us out. I felt bad, as we were the last to leave, but everyone, including the busboys were really nice. It was a fun night & a good holiday get together with friends, Thanks Calo! Jim
(5)Al I.
We've been here twice now. The food is very good and the service is excellent. We sat at the bar both times. I don't really think of this as a place for ribs, like so many of the other reviews say. I had the veal medallions on our last visit and it was really, really good.
(4)Mary S.
Mmmmm, Calo. Mmmmm, Calo. Mmmmm, Calo. If I say that enough, perhaps Penne Basilico will be delivered straight to my door....again. I've only eaten inside the actual restaurant one time. The decor is kind of odd. It looks very suburban mom and pop crossed with Olive Garden crossed with Carabba's. Who cares though. I am not there for the decor. I'm there for the delicious food and delicious it is! Good bread. Average salad. Fantastic entrees with very large portions. There's more than enough food for two meals. I've ordered takeout from Calo several times. Every single time, my food has been correct and piping hot. Seriously, how they keep the food so hot? Does the driver cook it in his car? Does he microwave it while in my stairwell? Whatever the answer is, I don't care. This is one of my standard takeout places. It's just plain good.
(4)Dallas F.
My first visit to Calo was a couple of years ago on a date. It was very nice, the atmosphere was great with dim lights and soft music and the food was rather delicious. Trust me, I don't throw around the word rather all that frequently. That night I enjoyed the seafood stuffed ravioli and I highly recommend it. My more recent visit to Calo was for my birthday dinner. I called ahead and made reservations for a party of ten. The gentleman I spoke with on the phone was very nice and told me that we shared the same birthday and he would bring me a card(he did). When we got there the staff went above and beyond to accommodate my group. All of our dishes were served expeditiously and everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. For my birthday "treat", I was served a flourless chocolate cake with a raspberry sauce. This was heaven in my mouth. Now everytime I order Calo's pizza for delivery I make sure I order a piece of that cake. At 3.99 I simply cant resist.
(5)Just Me E.
I love Calo. It's partly sentimental for me 'cause this is where my partner took me on our first date too many years ago for anyone to care, but it has remained a favorite. The ribs and penne a la romano (with angel hair instead of penne) are two of my default dinner entrees here, but my absolute favorite is the rack of lamb they do on Saturdays. Oh my Allah, it is bone-suckin' good! They also have a good creamy garlic salad dressing, and coupled with the focaccia in the bread basket, it's a perfect starter to your meal. Finish with a tiramisu and a snifter of Frangelico, then sit back and listen to the live music and watch some of the old-timers mix it up on the dance floor with the newcomers. OK, so the "bands" are cheesy, but that's part of the charm. The service here has always been top-notch. (are Sandy and Luis still there?) They aren't overbearing with the "you're my-best-friends" crap, but they just seem to know when to appear at the table. When they did the remodel job (which is fantastic, IMO) I thought they were going to go way upscale. The place looks like it's going to be expensive, but it's really reasonable considering how cute that neighborhood has become. They actually tried, but the experiment failed. It's too long a story to go into here, but if anyone remembers "Finestra", they'll know what I'm talking about. I haven't been to Calo in at least three months, and just writing this is making me crave a visit. I see a rack of lamb in my future! Oh, and they have a small parking lot across the street; a big plus.
(5)Amber N.
We love Calo! We've been there 15 times in the last 3 months. Always a great meal. Amazing homemade pasta, creamy sauces and wonderful atmosphere. We understand WHY its been around for so long--its a Chicago institution!
(5)Brandon B.
Fantastic Italian restaurant. I've been twice, and the appetizers and entrees were delectable. Always a little crowded, but it's for good reason.
(5)Heather H.
We ordered pizzza from here the other night and it was outstanding. It had a VERY thin crust and the sauce was perfect. We will order the zaa from here again! My family dined in the restauarant and they said the other food was good too. Yummy bread, huge pasta portions, and delish terramisu. Can't wait to try it.
(5)Danielle T.
Being Italian, I tend to opt out when going out for food that I can make at home. However, I was with some friends when we stumbled upon Calo's. I had never heard of this restaurant before and was skeptical. After sitting down and taking 1 bite out of the fresh focaccia bread brought to the table - I knew I had to give this place a try. I ordered the ziti with sun-dried tomatoes, peas, grilled chicken in a vodka sauce -- it was absolutely delicious. Everyone else ordered an variety of chicken, gnocchi and pasta with shrimp meals and were equally impressed. I would definitely revisit this restaurant - the service was a bit slow, but I was so caught up in the good food that I barely noticed.
(4)Keith B.
Bow tie pasta with asparagus, zucchini and red pepper in a slightly spicy tomato based sauce was pretty good and tasted fresh. Waiter split the plate for us without even being asked, exceptional service overall.
(3)Anya A.
The worst restaurant experience ever. I'm vegan and they gave meal with pork...twice...they changed my dish again and again...the waitress was horrible, I told her about it several times... She even brought another bottle of wine we have ordered...Later there was a mess with credit cards...this place sucks!! The food is not cooked well, the quality is really bad, looks like they buy it in local Wal-Mart. Even thought we made a reservation, we were waiting for 30 minutes near the door. People who work in Calo care about money, but not about customers...horrible place. I wish I could give no stars at all, very disappointed.
(1)Vince A.
Great food and great service. I recommend this place 100%. If you're looking for fine Italian dinning on the north side and don't want to spend a fortune this is the place to go. I, also brought my six month old and didn't have any issues. This place is worth a 6 star rating!
(5)Scott B.
Great place to eat on weekdays, weekend evenings are occasionally overwhelming. Lots of people content to sit at the bar and wait a half hour or forty five minutes for a table. Ribs are special Sunday thru Tuesday and are definitely worth the price. A great neighborhood presence for many years. Risotto Frutti di mare is fan- f- ing tastic, A suburban friend ate a full meal and ordered another to take home. I like to pick through the menu and have never been disappointed. As a thin crust lover I also really enjoy the pizza. Calo special or special with anchovies kicks some serious butt. Always plan to take some home as the portions are very generous.
(5)Christopher R.
You know what Calo? I'm actually happy for a change that you've continued to tie your otherwise annoying advertisements to the gate in front of my house. Seriously. The wife and I, in our continued search for a "compromise pizza" that doesn't feel like either of us are compromising were pleasantly pleased with the proscuitto, pineapple and parmesean pie that you brought to our place the other night. The thin crust wasn't cardboard but also wasn't doughy. We were happy. We were especially happy with the $23 pricetag for the 18" "XL", after coupon, with delivery. Fed us for three days! Thanks. We'll try you again soon.
(4)G. P.
We've been ordering from here for YEARS, this place is just fantastic. Pizza is delicious and staff is always very courteous. The ingredients always taste fresh and the pizza is always hot when it arrives. The price is very fair, I would reccomend this to anyone!
(5)Cherie E.
Friday night my friends had their rehearsal dinner at Calo and I was impressed! I admit, I don't venture up to Andersonville very often, but Calo didn't disappoint. There is a parking lot across the street, but it filled up fast, so I had to find street parking (which was somewhat difficult). The private dining room was nice - to the side of the main dining area; a great size with it's own bar. We were served family-style entrees and the chicken parmigiana was particularly good (I didn't try the other entrees served). I'd like to go back soon, and order off the menu.
(4)Sarah-jayne M.
This is a great lunch spot. Not crowded but busy enough you don't feel like a loser. The food is good, soups are excellent. Service is always friendly and quick. This is a good fall back place when I can't think what I want to eat. Reliable and pleasant.
(3)Milo M.
The gorganzola gnocchi is what puts this place on the radar for me. Words will not do this dish justice, but here goes: soft, supple, fluffy soft gnocchi, harboring a mild, creamy gorganzola filling and smothered in a light tomato cream sauce that just ignites the senses! (angels singing...). They have a parking lot up the street. However, the pizza is so-so (best pizza in my opinion is Pizano's, Uno's, and Malnati's).
(4)jaki c.
Dear Calo, Thank you for always being consistent and really nice even when you are busy. Thank you for large pours of wine, good food, friendly service, strong drinks and good service. Thank you thank you thank you for affordable food and for providing a great place where I can go with friends, on date night, or bring my family to when they visit. Thank you for fast take-out. Thank you for maintaining an atmosphere where people can talk to each other and not have to shout or read lips and where large parties can be seated and satisfied and thank you for having a space for events like birthday parties and the engagements. Thank you for being a family restaurant that cares about its patrons.
(5)Aidan F.
My first visit here was on a Sunday afternoon, nice and slow. Something about the day, the service and the food made me incredibly happy with my Calo experience. I drink water real fast, and often feel like a pain at restaurants since servers struggle to keep my glass filled. Calo did just fine on this hot day. A guy was around the minute I needed a refill nd cleared our plates as soon as we were finished. the portions were quite large and the pizza I got was loaded with cheese and generous on the toppings, both which I don't mind. On a second visit the pasta I had may not have been straight from Italy, but I was hungry and the size, heat of dish and price was just right. It's definitely a place to get a decent, filing meal that won't break the bank with great service.
(4)C. Benjamin W.
I went to Calo's a few weeks ago with some colleagues from work. For anywhere between twelve and twenty dollars a plate, the food is plentiful and tasty. I can't remember the name of what I ordered, but it was a simple pasta and chicken dish with a creamy basil sauce. There wasn't anything totally remarkable about the food. It was good. One of my friends from work ordered the ribs and was making some noises about it that made me wish I ordered them. Now, for a group of about 16, with people coming and going and ordering as they showed up, the service staff did a great job. There was however a breaking point during the evening when they decided that it was time for us to leave and stopped coming to our table. I'd have to say, they put up with a lot of English teachers who like to talk with volume, but I wasn't happy with how they decided to end our evening. All that aside, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Sure, it's a pain in the ass to get up to Andersonville from where I live, but it's worth the trip.
(3)Beth A.
My boyfriend has been getting take-out pizza from here since he was a little kid, and now we go there for date nights and dinners with friends. Take last Saturday's amazing dinner...we were able to order a white wine that we've wanting to try, the standby grilled calamari which was perfectly cooked with a hint of grilled flavor, and one of their specials - pasta purses filled with cheese with sage brown butter, roasted pears and peas. It was heavenly! I'm already eagerly anticipating my next meal there...
(5)S R.
Calo's is a great north-side Italian restaurant. Food is good and the wait staff is friendly. Only downside is that it can be a bit loud and crowded. I HIGHLY recommend the Pollo Milanese...yummmm!
(4)Natalie R.
Their gnocchi are the best in town and their martinis are fantastic, the staff is always very courteous and the prices are very decent. The only reason that keeps me from giving them 5 stars is that it sometimes it gets too crowded and noisy to talk.
(4)Stephen P.
Calos' is my favorite neighborhood restaurant. Not only are their Italian dishes superb, they have the best ribs in town. It's great that the ribs are a special during the week. You can't beat the price of the rib dinner, which includes your choice of soup or salad and a side of pasta or potato. Top it off with a martini, and I'm in heaven.
(5)Joy L.
This is by far my favorite Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is very romantic, the service is wonder (after being there only a few times, many of the staff will recognize and greet you by name) and the food is just to die for. The pasta is amazing! For something that will change your outlook on life, try the Farfalle con Scallops. It can get a little crowded later in the evenings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead.
(5)Jason L.
Calo is the most romantic restaurant in Andersonville. It has a beautiful bar area and great drinks. It can get crowded on weekends and isn't open late but they have a wide selection of reasonably priced classic Italian dishes and delicious desserts. In summer the front bay windows are open and in winter the booths are very cozy.
(4)Jane K.
Absolutely the best food. Free parking. The little creme colored balls in the bowl are not ice cream, it is delicious delicious butter. The seafood risotto is delicious, ask for it. Ribs are decent.
(5)Michael E.
I've eaten at Calo in the past, and I have always been more than satisfied with the food and service. Tonight was a very different experience. The drinks and appetizers were fine. In fact, I would say they were quite good. I ordered the Seafood linguini in creme sauce for my main course. When it arrived, none of the seafood was prepared correctly, and it all tasted "fishy" in the way you never want to experience seafood. The creme sauce was in no way a creme sauce. It was just a broth with more of the foul tasting fishiness. I had two bites of my entree and decided it that was more than enough. My waitress, who was overall very good, asked me if there was anything wrong with my food. To be fair, she did offer to bring a different item, but I politely declined telling her the entree had left me with no appetite. I was surprised when the check arrived to see I had been charged for an entree I sent back to the kitchen. I was there in a group of four, and our check was over $150. I didn't make a fuss or complain, but at a restaurant of this stature, it should be policy not to charge a patron for a meal that can't be consumed. For the price of the entrees there are several restaurants in the neighborhood that provide better food as well as better service. It would be difficult to convince me to return.
(1)Cindy B.
The food was very good and we enjoyed the live music. The only issue we had was our seating. We waiting over 1/2 hour to be seated with a reservation. They sat us right by the door which was very drafty since it was cold (and smoke coming in right from the bar next door). I asked to be moved and we were promptly moved to a booth towards the back. One thing I should point out....when we moved to our new table, the four water glasses at our old table were left there for the new people sitting. We saw someone re-filling these water glasses rather then replacing them. And two of us drank from them before we left the table. Gross. The food was delicious....would consider going back but will not drink from the water if it is sitting at our table when we arrive!
(3)B D.
Cali is on of my favorite places in Andersonville. Great food, great atmosphere! Always have a great meal!
(5)Marianne G.
I actually love this as a 4 star but I can't let people think that the food is that great because it isn't. The pizza is probably the best thing on the menu. It is the whole package that's great. This is like going to your Italian friend's house to hang out. The staff is friendly and accomodating although sometimes a little slow. If you sit in the bar you might encounter roudy sports fans watching all the tvs. Where else in the city can you go for upscale food, decent alcohol, affordable prices, and watch the game? If you are more in the mood for a romantic dinner, you can sit in the dining room or even outside. The decor is romantic and welcoming. There is something for everyone at Calo's.
(3)Doug S.
I was expecting Calo to be sub-par compared to the many great Italian restaurants in Anersonville/Edgewater, but was surprised to find that it was very nice. The crowd is older, dressed nicely. I expected the menu to be pricey (based on the fancy dress), but was in the $13-$25 range per person (a lot of pasta dishes were around $14). Full stocked bar. Live Jazz Trio playing standards and Sinatra. Fancy decor and low lighting. The pizza bread that they give you before the meal is 5 star. I had the vegetable lasagna, which was stuffed with ricotta and fresh spinach. Yum. I would recommend this place as a good date spot.
(4)Michael C.
Good food at surprisingly affordable prices. The pizza is very good as well and they deliver a good portion of their menu until late at night. Can be very busy on the weekends but their service is still pretty good even then. They also don't try to rush you out the door when you're done which is nice.
(4)John D.
Calo is delicious! I've had several meals from here-some multiple times they were so good-the gnocci for example. This restaurant is located in Andersonville, and the cherry on the sundae is that they have a free parking lot directly across the street so you won't have far to wheel your belly after stopping by this wonderful restaurant. The service is helpful & friendly and the prices are quite reasonable. Bonus is they have a carry out menu-again parking directly across the street. The only reason I don't eat here more is because I'd be ridiculously fat. The food here's awesome! MANGIA!
(5)Chris S.
It felt like I should be paying more, but that wasn't the case. The entrees are large portions of well made Italian standards and homemade pasta. The room has an upscale feel to it, but it was crowded with relaxed looking locals. The service was attentive. The large bar was packed on the Friday night the last time we went in.
(4)Monica G.
I've dined in and ordered take out from this place SEVERAL times. It's def better when you dine it but either way you gotta try this place. I suggest making reservations on a Friday or Saturday night. They have a really nice bar, pretty upscale decor for such cheap prices. Everything is good here. I've never had a bad dish. I love their creamy garlic salad dressing, calamari, and ribs!! Their ribs are fabulous. If I'm going to pasta I always get the seafood pasta with a spicy red sauce. The service here, always great! They also have great weekday specials. Their menu is huge and everything is sooo good that's my only compliant, it's hard to choose what you want.
(5)Mike C.
Calo and Lou Malnti's are the family staple pizzas. Though it's almost southside quality and occasionally get the under-cheesed under-cooked take-out pizza, but for the northside, it rocks.
(4)a w.
Probably the best thin crust pizza in all of Chicago. The service here is great and speedy. I love coming here for lunch or dinner -- their menu is great and has lots of different kinds of pizza.
(4)Maximilian O.
The food and the waitress were good, but the manager is rude, arrogant, and insults his customers. My date politely made a suggestion to the manager that if the restaurant is going to seat customers at the table next to the blaring loudspeakers, that they should warn them that the noise is greater there. The manager's immediate response was, "You know, I am paying $500 per hour for this musician. And besides, you guys didn't even have a reservation." We promptly paid our bill and left. Keep in mind that we did NOT ask that they lower the volume and we did not ask them to move us. A few things are clear from this experience: 1) The restaurant cares more about getting as much music as possible out of their $500/hr. musician (who was terrible by the way - he had no clue what key he was trying to sing in) than they do about making a paying customer's experience a little more pleasant. They will knowingly pack people in ANYWHERE they can just to recoop their losses somehow. 2) People with reservations are more important than people without reservations, even if the people without reservations order $150 worth of food. 3) The restaurant's upper management thought it was a great idea to hire a manager who has it in them to insult their customers and after receiving some polite criticism, go up to the musician and yell in front of the entire restaurant, "Hey buddy, after this song, go take another break!" 4) The management thinks, "Whatever," if anyone so much as makes a polite suggestion. They take for granted that people are always going to come in because their reputation is good. I am a local who lives a block away from Calo's. I have been going to that restaurant for 20 years. I will never go back again until they rethink their customer relations policies.
(1)Jill W.
We got delivery from here, and although it didn't take too long, the pizza was only lukewarm when it arrived. The thin crust pizza was really good, though. We'll try it again, but maybe we'll dine in this time.
(4)lola h.
I love Calo's. Dining in, picking up or delivered...it's great. Recently, I ordered from there a pizza an entree. I called, the driver was very lost despite me ordering from Calo's for delivery for years and came about 90 minutes later. When he came, the food was so cold. Now who wants to spend $50 bucks on cold food. So I sent him on his way with the food and decided that me and my friends were going to have to buck up and eat frozen pizza since we were starving. I called Calo's, explained that the cold food was unacceptable and that I sent the driver back. The order taker apologized and said a warm order was on it's way and on the house for my long wait. Now that is service!!!! Thumbs up Calo's. It's understood that mistakes happen when ordering food for delivery but you are definitely a restrauant that corrects mistakes.
(4)Cassie B.
Decent Italian food in an ever-increasingly expensive area. I have been here a few times and also family, who has lived in andersonville for 25 years, likes this place, so I cannot argue with its authenticity! the owners/bartenders/waiters are Italian which is always fun. the food is pretty good, the atmosphere okay. i will continue to go, but not my favorite place esp. since i am not a local, and there are so many other andersonville places to try!
(3)mary b.
wow! this is not the old neighborhood place we went for friday note pizza when my kids were growing up! I was shocked when I had occasion to go back after about 15 yrs. what a difference a few years makes! food was great italian but very pricey. the bar was a bit chaotic and kept having to flag the bartender to the table for more drink orders. we had a party of 10+ and were jammed in the last table by the kitchen. not good. not really kid friendly but since my kids are grown that's ok with me. don't really want to have a $50 dinner with a screaming kid at the next table. (the screaming kid was at our table, sorry other patrons) they did let us bring our own birthday cake. kept the bill down! would go back but not with a large group. I work with the handicapped and could not imagine taking a person in a wheelchair in this crowded place, no matter what they say about being :accessable"
(3)Angela G.
If you just got paid and are looking for some great Italian food - go to Calos. If you are broke down and don't know when you'll see a dollar again- don't go. The restaurant is dimly lit with candles on every table - very relaxing and yes, romantic. The menu and bar is extensive. Every pasta dish (and there were alot of them!) sounded extremely appealing - it took about 15 minutes for me to make a decision! In any event, I felt the food was over priced. Everything that I wanted to order was around $17.95 and up - and I feel that is just a bit high for some noodles and garlic sauce - maybe a shrimp or two thrown in there. I opted for a non-glamourous dish, which still ended up being around $15 and then you add the price of all that wine..... A good restaurant, good food, nice staff - I suppose I and my wallet just have some feelings of regret - the morning after.
(3)Yujin A.
This noticeable restaurant in the heart of Andersonville will not disappoint you, but I am not sure if I would pick this place over Tuscany, Mia Francesca, or Rose Angelis.Calo's comes pretty darn close though. They have some good deals like ribs (full-slab) for 9.99 on weekdays. So compared to those three restaurants, Calo's is better value. I've had seafood risotto and linguine at two different occasions. Their white sauce(cream-based, but light) is great. However, I found my pasta and rice slightly over-cooked. Very family-friendly as well.
(4)RJ K.
My partner and I have been going here for years - back when it had all the Red Naugahide Booths!! Now it is a beautiful new restaurant, but Two things have not changed - The FOOD is wonderful - especially their stuffed spinnach pizza. Also - the service and portions are excellent. They always treat their customers right, and they do not skimp. We always have leftovers to take home!! This is my favorite restaurant in Andersonville, and it is consistent!!
(5)Joel S.
This place is practically the definition of old school Italian place... good food, but nothing super special. Thin crust pizza is very good, but with several other good options in the area for Italian and pizza... It's hard to give Calo more than 3 stars - it just has a lot of good competition here in Andersonville.
(3)Kate H.
Went to Calo Ristorante for the first time in a long time (since the remodel!) I enjoyed an excellent pomegranate martini and some wonderful gnocci con ricotta. I ate with a large party and everyone enjoyed the food and the ambiance. Laid back service but still efficient. The remodel did this one a load of good.
(4)Duyen D.
Great family friendly restaurant! Plenty of sitting and meals came out quickly. We really enjoyed our ribs and grilled squid special. The portions are generous and our little girl loved the mashed potatoes.
(4)Kristen W.
Very good pizza. We got delivery and it was prompt and surprisingly hot! I'm not a huge fan of thin crust pizza but I would eat this anytime. Not too greasy, nice and crispy with just the right amount of cheese and topping. Great deal too- they give you a $3 coupon to use the next time.
(4)Gil N.
Great food, good service in a nice location. I've always had a good time at Calo's and the food's never disappointed.
(4)Ann K.
Really good minestrone-make sure you order a cup with your dinner. Had not been there in years and I have to say the remodeling is lovely! A good Chicago mainstay (been there for 40+ years) for decent Italian food, nice atmosphere and good service. There is even a designated, free parking lot right across the street! A plus when entertaining out of towners or older parents who don`t quite get "city life" and walking to dinner! Definately worth checking out!
(4)Tempe T.
I'd enjoyed martinis here before but came last night for dinner for the first time. Yum. Yum. Yum. We got here at maybe 7:30 on a Friday night and waited 20 minutes or so. The great thing is they have those pagers so you can go window shop in the neighborhood as you wait. We were seated by the front windows which I enjoyed for the view, but had to keep my coat on all dinner because of the draft. But the food. Good Lord. The man and I both ordered pasta dishes-- his was tortlaci (sp?), sort of like ravioli, a recipe his grandmother used to make. He loved it, though the noodles were larger and thicker than he was used to. Mine was called something that started with a p and was basically wide linguini noodles with three or four different kinds of mushrooms, a creamy wine sauce, and the biggest, plumpest grilled shrimp you've ever seen. Hey guys. All the pasta here is made in-house and you can tell. It's amazing. AND DESSERT!!! We got cannolli and tiramisu. I think they were the best Italian desserts I've had in this city. The texture of the crispy cannolli with the sweet creamy cheese and the pistachios... Derek thought the chocolate sauce upstaged everything else, but, well... I'm never one to criticize the presence of chocolate. The tiramisu. Wow. Not too alcoholic or thick or soft or even too cold or too warm. Just perfect. I can't wait to come back here in the spring and really enjoy one of those front window seats!
(5)Johnnie G.
This is a great place in Andersonville with an awesome variety of food. It's always happening. I go with friends all of the time and the service and food are always on. If you want a great meal in an upbeat atmosphere and want to know what to expect as far as good food quality, then this is it. Great neighborhood and fun, eclectic crowd!
(4)Joseph F.
Our party of four arrived Friday promptly at 8:00 PM for our reservation which was made a week in advance. We however were not sat at our table till 9:00. This ended up being fine as we were able to enjoy a drink at the large crowded bar and watch the rest of the basketball game on one of the many televisions in the bar area. I found it to be quite smoky at the bar...welcome to Chicago. After being seated it took our waiter 15 minutes to bring our first drink. I happened to order a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives - I specifically asked for 3, I was brought 1. This was corrected in about five minutes, and it was well worth it as they were very good. The food was very good, everything seemed fresh and homemade - I truly enjoyed the gorgonzola gnocchi with goat cheese as it was very rich and tasty. I would go back for the food, however the service was less than satisfying.
(3)John F.
Huge portions of very good Italian food with emphasis on pasta. Moderate prices. Orders come with nice focaccia and soup/salad. Some American dishes too. Pleasant, old-fashioned Italian restaurant atmosphere. Excellent choice for dining in Andersonville.
(5)Rebecca B.
Never had a bad experience. They have 3 Floyds on tap and the lobster ravioli is delicious. Sunday through Thursday, they have the Ribs special. You NEED to get this, Full slab of delicious ribs for $9.95 with garlic mashed potatoes as the side. SOOO good. They also give you a little extra spicey sauce on the side, for an extra sauciness deliciousness.
(5)Jaclyn M.
Just went there this past weekend for my first visit. There was no wait on a Friday night and we had a nice seat in the bar area. The band was great--not too loud or overpowering. Everyone in my party of four had something different and we all loved our meals. I highly recommend the gnocci and gorgenzola! The lobster ravoli was also a hit!! Desserts were a bit small portions compared to the large dinner sizes!
(4)kiki m.
this is the best place for lunch in andersonville. i have only had dinner here once or twice, and i really enjoyed it. my friend, who lives in andersonville, and i usually choose calo's for lunch whenever we get together. their lunch specials are usually never disapointing. prices usually range $8-12 for the lunch special and it comes with a good serving of soup or salad as well as a nice-sized pasta side. i always wind up taking half my lunch home, which means 2 days worth of lunch for these prices! we always get great service and there's even free parking across the street for their customers.
(4)Darlene R.
some of the best thin crust in the city.
(4)Stella S.
Ordered pizza for delivery from this place and it was delivered hot and was yummy!
(5)Stephanie M.
A neighborhood fixture, and recently revamped, this place is still great. The thin crust pizza is the best, its what we order for dinner when we don't want to cook. I took a picture of the pizza menu.
(4)Renato P.
Calo's was one of my buddy's favorite restaurants , so we ended up there a few times. I am not the biggest fan of pasta and only marginally interested in most other Italian food , so take that into account. I ordered the chicken parm , which did nothing to garner a reaction , either good or bad , it was ok. I also got the Chicken Vesuvio , this one was a boneless breast (I prefer the bone in skin on kind) , and again it was ok , nothing exciting. The linguine with red clam sauce was pretty good , the baked clams my favorite thing there and the fried calamari ... OK to a little overcooked (i ordered it a few times , and the results were inconsistent. When we ordered the pizza , I neither objected nor was I really excited , are you seeing a pattern. Sorry if I can't say this place sucks , because it doesn't. I also can't rave about this place either , I've had better . If you are in the delivery area , give it a shot , if you are in the area stop by. I would never make a special trip to this place , but if my buddy wants to go here next time he's in town , I really have no problem stopping by.
(3)Sylvia W.
Before your evening enjoying the entertainment at Madrigals, you must stop at Calo's for some dinner and pre-party cocktails. While enjoying your excellent meal you may be entertained by the live "wedding band' or Elvis impersonator. Hope you have your dancing shoes on...cause when "Celebration" breaks out...it is mayhem on the dance floor! Once you go to Calo's you will be back.
(5)Lynnette K.
First, I passed up this restaurant while living in Andersonville, because it didn't look "hip enough" while I was living there. What a HUGE mistake -- I recently was taken there by a friend, and was so plesantly surprised. The food was OUTSTANDING -- portions were great, ingredients tasted fresh, and the menu had a great variety. The wine list was lovely as well.....One of the best meals I've had in a long long time. The 5th star is due to the wonderful server we had, Maria. My friend and I went in on Mother's Day -- they were definitely busy. At the end of our meal, my friend and I each had 1/2 glass of wine left. Maria left us alone, allowing us to finish our wine at our leisure....the check wasn't presented until after we were finished. What a treat -- on a busy day, not to feel as though we were being rushed out...who does that? It was so greatly appreciated. I'll definitely be back to sample more of the amazing food and enjoy the wonderful service.
(5)Susan A.
Calos offers HUGE portions that taste amazing. I suggest the nochi with gorganzola. Amazingly tastey and rich. The atmosphere and cozy and feels like family since they re-did it. Dark and warm and inviting.
(4)franklin r.
the stuffed vegeterian pizza is absolutely delicious!
(5)Joe T.
Calo's has some of the best pizza in the neighborhood. It also has a good selection of Italian cuisine. Make sure you try the bruschetta (toasted bread topped off with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil).
(4)Jennifer L.
Since the remodel, Calo thinks they are much better than they actually are. The quality of the food hasn't changed, but the prices have gone up as as the atittude from the staff. It was a great place when it was just a neighborhood Italian joint where you could get some pizza and beer, but now it's just overpriced and snobby. Last time I attempted to go there, the parking lot attendant yelled at me for parking before I could explain I was actually going to the restaurant, so I turned around and got in my car and left. Not recommended. Let's hope Calo's owners try another "reinvention" soon.
(1)brett m.
wonderful wait staff. tasty food and delightful wine selection. the atmosphere is dark and familial, but a bit drafty in the winter.
(3)Megan S.
We stopped here on a whim and it was such a good option. The gluten free pasta is corn based and good. I honestly don't remember what I had but I think it had sausage in it. They don't have GF bread though.
(4)Lauren-ashley B.
My boyfriend took me on a date, at the last minute he cancelled the reservation and we decided to be spontaneous and try a restaurant that looked good. We found this place & I'm glad we did. Nice spot, decor is nice food is good, lots of food for a reasonable price. Would definitely come back.
(4)Devvora P.
The item I like the best is their focaccia bread that comes in the free bread basket. Ambiance is nice, service is prompt, pizza is probably their better item. Their other dishes tend to be on the heavier side. I once had the octopus and spinach and was pretty bad. The octopus was as hard as rubber and the spinach was tasteless...The focaccia bread is great though!
(3)Brittany F.
The food is really amazing here and the staff is very friendly (except the hostess) there is free parking in the lot across the street and that is a major plus! The food is worth the price, it's a must go to place
(4)Rod E.
The ravioli stuffed with several kinds of mushrooms is very good and a large serving as well.
(5)Daniella B.
I am no judge of authenticity but the food here is absolutely great! My boyfriend and I split the Rigatoni con Pollo e Funghi and we still had a hard time finishing the portions because they were so huge. The mushroom cream sauce had intense mushroom flavor and was overflowing with mushrooms. Our table got the grilled calamari for an appetizer which is the best calamari I've had. The only hiccup our table had was when one of us ordered the crab which was labeled as 'market price'. At the end, 'market price' turned out to be $60! I think our server should have mentioned what the price was when he ordered. You can do that without offending people. I was also unimpressed by the wine selection.
(4)Andy M.
After driving by this place a million times I really wanted to love this place. The first impression was awesome. My Wife and I had a few drinks at the bar and enjoyed mingling with the Andersonville locals. The bartenders were wonderful and they poured a generous drink but as much as I hate to say it, the food was disappointing. After browsing through the menu I decided to go with the house specialty which is the Ribs. Maybe I'm used to a different kind of BBQ rib. Calo's Ribs were very small and kind of bland. There wasn't a heck of a lot of dry rub and the sauce was caked on. Maybe they were overcooked? Calo is a beautiful restaurant and the service was top notch, but the Ribs were a disappointment to say the least. I'm more than willing to give Calo another shot. Maybe this is a case of me ordering the wrong thing. Based on the service and old world vibe, I would gladly go back. I just won't order the Ribs.
(3)Billy O.
It doesn't get any better then this unless you're in Italy. 35 year customer from the old location at Callo theater to the new and improved new location. Spectacular Food Superior service
(5)Jim S.
Still the best place for Italian food in Andersonville! Celebrated my 50th birthday here last year with family although my real party was across the street at hamburger Mary's with friends later that week!
(5)Susan J.
Calo is our go-to for Italian delivery. Specifically, we love their thin-crust pizzas. We've certainly tried other pies, but we always come back to Calo. The cheese is perfectly browned, the sauce is well seasoned and the crust has the right crunch--every time. When I'm not in the mood for pizza, Calo's Rotolo Di Melanzana is delicious with lightly fried eggplant rolled with airy ricotta and topped with mozzarella. It's best in the restaurant, but delivery is still excellent. The decadent Gnoochi Gorgonzola is also extraordinary--and worth every carb and calorie. It's true, the restaurant is often crowded -- because it's so good! Make a reservation or snag a seat in the bar. Calo is one of those neighborhood Italian joints that make Chicago living even sweeter.
(4)Aaron S.
Calo is one of the best restaurants I have experienced in Chicago. They have good specials and featured dishes that have never disappointed me. Cocktails are OK, but is go with wine here. The service had always been so great, and the staff is always willing to help with anything you may need. I crave this place.
(5)Courtney H.
Since my first trip, I have been back a few times. This place is seriously amazing! I brought my mom, my best friend and her mother for dinner a few weeks ago. This is the first time I couldn't find parking across the street in their lot because it was finally nice out and Andersonville was packed! We started with the amazing tomato bread, which we could not get enough of. I had the house salad that came with my food which was delicious as usual. I then had the gnocchi gorgonzola, which was phenomenal. I don't remember what everyone else had, only that they raved about it and already want to go back! I would highly recommend Calos to anyone, just make sure to reserve!
(5)Audriana V.
Pan. Pizza. That's all. Quick delivery, totally moderate price, amazing pizza. I'm new to the neighborhood and I'll never order any other pizza delivery!
(5)Javier S.
The cream of mushroom, and calamari are to die for, as is the octopus with spinach. The ravioli stuffed with lobster, meh. Wait staff is always well mannered and prompt. Five stars even with the constant attitude from the hostess.
(4)Dan G.
Great Italian food in Andersonville. And they deliver too! The pan pizza is really good here, some of the best in the city. Good crust, homemade sauce, and cooked to that perfect golden brown. The Italian cuisine is well done too. The last time I had the Vongole, which is clams in a red sauce served over linguine. Just fantastic fresh clams, a red sauce that can compete with your grandma's, and a perfect al dente on the noodles. Great place for a group or even a date. And the delivery is always fast for you pizza fix!
(4)Sharon C.
First time ordering a pizza for delivery and it got here SO fast, and it's SO delicious! I had kind of a complicated request and the woman who took my order was really kind. I've dined in a Calo's a few times in the past and I've always had a great experience. Had my daughter's birthday dinner there and the salad and pizza was fantastic and the staff there were realy great to us, about 15 11-year olds and 5 moms. LOVE this place!!!!
(5)Tommy K.
I live in Rogers Park, and whenever my partner and I want to eat out, we always end up at Calo in Andersonville. The neighborhood itself is obviously great, because there are so many good places to eat, and it's just a cute area to begin with. With all the choices of restaurants, we end up at Calo everytime. First off, when you go to Calo, MAKE A RESERVATION. No matter what night you go, whether you are in a group, or if it's just a twosome, always make a reservation, because it's always packed. There is a bar area where you can sit and wait at if you decide to wait for a table, but even the bar sometimes is completely full with patrons. You can always order food at the bar as well. EVERYTHING AT CALO is the bomb. Every dish I have had has been simply delicious. My favorite things to order at Calo, are as follows... -Cosmo to start the night right. Damn those Cosmos are good. Not to mention STRONG. -Calamari. It's real calamari. Not the crispy imitation rings you get at other places that claim to be calamari, but their really a pig's sphincter. LOL. I don't know how much of that is true, but I will say the calamari at Calo is tender, and very tasty. The best calamari I have ever had actually. -Pizza bread. The staff automatically serves you this when you order your drinks. So so good. -The ribs. OMG THE RIBS. I believe there is a Tuesday night special on the ribs. I usually order a slack of ribs with the garlic mashed potatoes. The garlic mashed potatoes are really good as well. -My absolute favorite dish is the Bucatini al Pesto. If you love pesto, and you love pasta, this is the ultimate dish for you. Very rich in pesto. SO FREAKING GOOD. The service at Calo is pretty good as well. Even on busy nights during the weekend, I have always had a good experience with the wait staff. Very attentive, and nice. If you have any questions regarding a certain menu item, they are very knowledgeable on what they are serving. Just go to Calo already. Do it for me. :)
(5)son m.
Food is awesome. I had the chicken Parmesan and it's the best I've ever had. Their focaccia bread is also awesome. I will be going back!
(4)Anthony J.
I'd describe it as the non-chain version of Olive Garden. Depending on your opinion of Olive Garden, that might be a good thing or a very bad thing. I mean it in a fairly amicable way. It's just run of the mill Americanized Italian food, but they pull it off pretty well. Think crust pizza is decent, pasta dishes are usually fine, but occasionally bland, and the ribs are pretty good, but I've had better. I like that tomato bread they bring to start. Service is fine, busboys are nice and attentive, always keeping water glasses full. Had reservations for Saturday night, but I guess that didn't count for too much, since we still had to wait awhile to be seated. In this nice neighborhood, you can do better. That said, Calo is just fine, and I don't mind going there, but I wouldn't wait more than a few minutes for a table.
(3)Greg G.
Everything was delish and the service was great. Ended up getting food for 5 people when the party was only 3 people. Perfect size portions and very reasonable prices. Great location and very hip semi fancy space. Definitely my go to Italian place for dates or even a guys night out. Deep dish pizza is stellar and all pastas I've tried are amazing. Go!!!
(5)Lindsey A.
I struggle immediately because I want to give 3.5 stars. But one plate can FEED a FAMILY of FOUR. Good God, if the portions weren't larger than life, the prices wouldn't be so high. $20 for chicken with penne and vodka sauce? Oh, it's that much money because it could feed all of Angelina Jolie's kids in one sitting. It's ridiculous how much food they plate at this place. Cut the portion sizes in half (us Americans really don't need another reason to get fatter) and cut the prices in half. I had broccoli with shrimp and fettuccine in a white wine, lemon, garlic sauce. It was $21. I could have made that exact dish for a dinner party and spent less. Not that cutting prices or sizes would deter or bring in business - it's usually packed with people. Local Andersonvillians mostly, I feel. It'd be one thing if you were getting a bang for your buck - say, $12 for that dish and that much food. But... you're not paying for anything special, just SIZE. BECAUSE SIZE MATTERS. Save your dough and go to Pasta Bowl in Lincoln Park.... you can watch the cooks make the sauces right before your very eyes and you'll go home with leftovers but not break the proverbial bank.
(3)Jessica N.
This place was delicious and had a fantastic ambiance. Service was good as well. I ordered the ziti with vodka whereas my fiancé ordered the surf and turf and both were fantastic. The calamari was also quite good. Easy walk from the CTA as well so definitely can't complain about that. Will come back, definitely recommend!
(5)Susan C.
I went to this restaurant before it came on check please. I must say I love this restaurant for Italian because they got really good food. I have yet to try the pizza because I heard it is really good. They have really good selections of dishes along with appetizers, salad and desserts for you to choose from. Not many italian restaurant I must say is that good compare to this place. So I will go back to this place anytime I have a hankering for some good seafood pasta.
(5)Melissa K.
They bring out a delicious bread bowl filled with focaccia bread. So tasty. The restaurant has a relaxed, but still upper scale feel to it. The three meals our table ordered were the Gnocchi, tilapia with a side of garlic mash and the shrimp pasta dish. All three were delicious and very filling. The portions are big and eating the bread before means lots of yummy carbs. All the deserts sounded wonderful but we were too full to even try one. The have a small parking lot across the street. You can get a validation from the restaurant. Also make sure to have reservations. You don't have to have one, but the restaurant does get full so it's much easier to reserve a spot.
(5)Chetty K.
Wow....floored. AMAZING PLACE AND FOOD!!! This place always is packed but the wait goes really, really quick; which is great because I'm super impatient and antsy when hungry....and I always wait too long to eat between meals so I'm usually a grouchy mess when it's time to finally eat. No problem? Why? The service was phenomenal and they made the wait a pleasant experience...there is a great bar to buy drinks while waiting. Overall I can't give this place enough stars; but a million stars would be stupid and something a kindergartner would do. 5 Italian food fucking stars!!!
(5)S K.
Been coming here for years. It is our go-to place for a cozy setting and consistent and delicious food. Everyone always enjoys their meal here. My only complaint is that the hostesses here are almost always in bad moods and seem confused. Owners should train these ladies on how to greet a guest with a smile and a full sentence or explanation rather than acting as if they are doing you a favor by seating you. Last visit we witnessed the curt and patronizing behavior to at least three groups being seated. We then watched two of them openly complaining to each other about some internal issues. Doesn't really set the tone for a nice dinner out. Can't say enough good things about the food though and our servers are usually very thorough and accommodating!
(2)Jed B.
Just had the mussels but they were nice and big and meaty. Had them in a cream broth. Drinks were well made and adequately strong. I'd go back for dinner.
(4)Joe P.
Calo is uniquely...weird. My family and I--my 'rents visiting from out of town--were seated at a high table. Sharing our benches with strangers, we waited ages for service, only to eat very--VERY--mediocre food. Italian food is very difficult to perfect, but very easy to make mediocre. It was sub-par here. Too much effort to be creative and hip, and not enough focus to the nut-and-bolts of Italian cuisine. It's saving grace, is that the prices (kind of) reflect it.
(2)Lex N.
No do not order delivery from them. They say they tried to deliver and I had my cell phone right next to me. F them. There is far better Italian in this hood. If I could give them a 0 I would. Apparently their delivery people do not own cell phones. F the owner I will never order from them again or eat in their resto. Petes [izza works just fine. And, I can make what they make. Michael. manager is n a hole never going there again.
(1)Miles D.
I can't believe this place gets great reviews. I walked in on Saturday night and 3 hosts/employees standing in front didn't even say hello. Excuse me? Prices are too high, pizza is either pre made or frozen obviously not fresh crust, marinated octopus salad was full of cheapest can olives and celery with 10 blades of oil drenched salad, octopus tasted like it was from a can or preserved somehow like eating a dead tasteless octopus carcass, caprese salad made with cheap tomato and not prepared well, overall disappointed to say the least.
(1)Dave M.
Every. Single. Time. This place is perfect. Exactly what a restaurant should be. From the gniocci gorgonzola to the pan fried chicken parmesan. I find it hard to try new things on the menu because the item I had the time before was so good that I want to order it again. The service is first class. Oh, and it's the best pizza in town. I take my out of town friends to Calo without a second thought. I also like to stop by on a week night and sit at the bar and eat and watch a game. Do yourself a favor. Eat at Calo. (Make reservations on the weekend)
(5)Rachel G.
My husband and I finally got ourselves to Calo last night and I'm so glad! Stepping into Calo is like stepping into your childhood. This place is about as old school (in a good way) as you'll find anywhere around here. This is, by no means, a cutting edge, haute cuisine type place, but it is fun. You WILL be given one of those Applebee's style buzzing things to let you know when your table is ready. Strap yourself in though and enjoy the kitsch of it because this place is pretty darn great! Coming here is definitely an experience you should have! This is a place that you can go casual to, they still serve soup or salad with your entree, the decor is adorable, the service is wonderfully friendly, and the food is solid. Clearly, many people agree with me because it was full of happy patrons. Many had chosen to bring large groups to celebrate birthdays etc. with. We loved the bread, as many do. The pizza bread/focaccia was great and made me want to try their pizza one day. We had prosciutto wrapped melon for an appetizer and loved it! I was leery of ordering melon (cantaloupe) in the winter because I feared it wouldn't be ripe, but it was! It was served over fresh, lovely mixed greens with shaved parmesan and a simple vinaigrette. Yum. The husband had ravioli and I had gorgonzola stuffed gnocchi. Both were good... nothing ground breaking, but good! Remember, this is an old school place! For dessert, we had killer tiramisu. It was rich, dense, and purely delicious. The husband also had espresso which he enjoyed. It was served with lemon peel...this is the way to do it! No one does this anymore. Our waitress was fantastic. She was upbeat, friendly, and attentive with not a snooty bone in her body. Loved her! The rest of the staff seemed very on top of their work. Tables were cleared quickly and beautifully all around us. The service was all very professional. We will definitely be back to Calo and will likely get their pizza to carry out soon. Bring your friends and family...they will all have a great time!
(4)Jessica G.
When we got here, right as they were opening, the doors were still locked. I was a wee bit worried we were going to have to find somewhere else for our group of 8 to go. Luckily the doors opened, as if by magic, and we got settled in for a pretty delightful meal. The bread is more than just bread - we would call it pizza bread - crust with sauce in it? Yes, please. We ordered three pizzas for our group and they were all quite good. Sometimes an all-veg pizza gets boring and lacks flavor but not here. Good sauce ratio, the right amount of toppings, and the correct cheese proportion - all without being salty or greasy. The crust was excellent on the thin - just crispy enough and not floppy at all. If you're coming in for beer, they have a few standard selections but not a ton to choose from. There's a decent wine list and they also have cocktails. Service was ok - it seemed like our server was the only one there and even though it was pretty much empty when we arrived, it filled up fast so service got a little sideways a couple of times. Overall, quite a nice meal and well worth a visit!
(4)Katharine T.
Calo is pretty darn good. It's kind of faux fine-dining but I've got no qualms with that. The restaurant is nice, spacious, good mood lighting. Almost upscale but all guests, and staff, are dressed in street clothes. Some of their hostesses are quite questionably dressed, it's kind of strange but that's OK, just saying. Their pasta is pretty great. I wont call it authentic. I mean it's authentic American-Italian. Giant portions of pasta slathered in sauce with meat and veggies etc. My boyfriend and I have had quite the variety of pasta dishes here and they are all super super tasty. Their rigatoni con pollo e funghi is my favorite. Rigatoni with chicken and tons of mushrooms in super fat cream sauce, so delicious. A bit pricey for sure, could prob shave at least $2 off every dish on the menu. But you always get leftovers (and then when you take it home and warm it up the next day you get to see how all the oil has separated from the sauce, Oh yum!). They do a really good, quite large, Mediterranean salad. Plenty of greens, kalamata olives, very very tasty heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, feta, onion. I love it. I added chicken once, very good. This is my go to meal now because it's really hard not to fall into a severe depression after thinking about how many calories you must have consumed from their pasta dishes (but they are so gooooood). We have not tried any steak, fish, seafood etc. Always pasta or salad. We split a small thin crust pizza once, I barely remember it. Not sure it's noteworthy but would try again. Apparently they have ribs here and apparently they are good. As I am currently on a HUGE BBQ kick I want to try their ribs. I'm sure they aren't as good as ones you can get at a real BBQ joint but maybe I'll be surprised. Lastly, they bring a nice basket of fresh bread to the table. Free bread!!! It's really quite good. French rolls and some sort of foccacia, tomato herb bread. Yes please. All in all a nice neighborhood restaurant, good for family dining, a good option for a more special dinner without totally breaking the bank.
(3)George J.
Ok so I gave this place another chance cause I believe everyone deserves a second chance, boy did they let me down. There's is just nothing good in this place, I love fettuccini Alfredo and theirs was bland, undercooked and flavorless. This time back I let them tell me what their special was and a very good pasta they recommended the ziti in vodka sauce, WOW, FAIL!!! The girl with me was in a dress and they seat us right against the glass doors that open during the summer so she was freezing and when I asked to move they said we would have to wait a while but didn't have a time frame, 2 minutes later they sat 2 guys right next to us away from the glass, really?! Anyway, we ordered the appetizer and that's when I realized NOTHING in this place has flavor except the pizza bread they give you with the bread. This places ambiance is nice and the fact that they have free parking across the street aside from that I will never eat here again! If you're looking for great Italian food with a much sexier ambiance and PHENAMONAL Italian food check out Sapori Trattoria you will never eat Italian anywhere else.
(1)Jerrod C.
Arrived with my family for an afternoon lunch. It was raining and cold out. We were placed at a table near the front door. I asked if we could move since my grandmother was with us and she gets cold very easily. The host told me NO. Keep this in mind, this was lunch and the entire back section of the restaurant was open. One waiter did come over and offered to move us to the next table over which was appreciated. Then we received our salads. My mother found the sticker for the lettuce in her's. We told the busboy and he stated "whatever". My father ordered a side of Italian sausage with his meal. When the meals arrived he had to remind the waiter and the sausage arrived 10 minutes later. Food was good and the reason for the 2nd star but service was lacking. They all seemed snobby and unwelcoming. There are better options when in Andersonville. Update: Since I posted the above message I received a very offensive and threatening message from a Calo's Staff member. I think we all see the level of professionalism here.
(2)Lulu R.
Focaccia bread for free? What? Yes. You had me at Focaccia bread. Recently went here for my buddy's birthday dinner. The house was packed which was a good sign of delicious food. We made reservations and were seated a little late but everything got sorted out fine. Located in the andersonville neighborhood, it was very busy and they do have a private lot available for parking but it was full when we got there and parking was a bit harder to find. What I found unusual was that they didn't have a valet service available. For such a bustling restaurant, I think that should be an option. Luckily I finally found parking a few blocks away. We were seated and had drinks in our hands, pronto! We ordered the calamari (both friend and grilled). Both came out very delicious and not over done. The grilled calamari was my most favorite since it came with a bed of greens under it. They were succulent and seasoned perfectly. As a main entree I got the vodka cream penne with chicken and it was delicious and the portions are huge which I love because I have lunch for the next day. SWEET! My best friend had the rissotto and it was creamy and executed very well. I commend any chef that can cook a risotto because when I tried, it was a near disaster. The pricing is in the moderate range but the quality of the food is well worth it. They have a full bar in a great neighborhood. The service was good even with a packed house. This place looks quite modern and loved my experience here. Hope to try this place again soon because I hear the pizza is serious here.
(4)Paul P.
I've read some of the bad reviews and I think these ppl. Are crazy. this place rocks. they have the best thin pizza (you van even get 20") and the best ribs (they are so tender and great sauce). The only thing I ever had that I thought was just "so so"was the steak. I love the ribs so much I hardly get anything else. and sun thru thru you can get a full slab for $13. my wife usually gets a pasta dish and they are always good too. the cream soups are incredible must mention. Parking across the street has an attendent. you can park here too if your picking up a pizza.
(5)Genie Z.
Many acquaintances I have know about this amazing Italian restaurant I have not tried until last week! A friend and I were contemplating on where to eat for lunch and he highly recommended Calo's! I was definitely in the mood for Italian! I think service is very important when it comes to hungry customers, especially that I have previously worked as a server. Calos greets you right away and seats you. The atmosphere is very comforting and relaxing, wonderful for a night out or to enjoy a date. I haven't yet tried good Italian food because they're either chained or they're plain with no taste to satisfy my Italian cravings! I tried the PASTA ITALIA which is shrimp and broccoli in a white wine, garlic and extra virgin olive oil sauce; served over linguini and I chose split pea (has ham) as my soup/salad. Wow! The food satisfied my cravings, the shrimp were actual size and perfectly cooked and marinated! The pasta wasn't undercooked or over cooked! Now, I haven't had split pea soup in years!!! Boy oh boy did Calo's bring so many tasty memories! Great spot to enjoy, I HIGHLY recommend this great Italian spot!!
(5)Amy M.
Calo is a gem! My sister and I have eaten there many times and they have catered two of our parties! Our most recent party was a breeze because of Rosa! She was very helpful in choosing the perfect menu for our surprise party! Everyone always enjoys the delicious catering and it makes the party a success! So for your next party choose Calo!
(5)Christopher B.
We went in Saturday night and it was excellent, again. Appetizers, we had the bruschetta and fried calamari. Both tasted so fresh and delicious. Entrees, we had 3. A lobster saffron ravioli. A sausage rigatoni. And a shrimp and mushroom ribbon pasta. Everything was really tasty. Blue Moons on tap. And our waiter is truly a professional. The worst thing that happened was that we had to remind him about our son's lemonade, but he more than made up for it with friendly attention. The only thing I can recommend is to save your appetite when you go to Calo's to eat. Everything is so fantastic you will leave pleasantly stuffed if you so desire. Also having been there several times I'd say they are consistent. Atmosphere is fun. There's always a lively crowd and the place is attractive, clean, a little dark in a cool sort of way. Plus parking across the street if you need it!
(5)Maria V.
The food is good not great. It is very consistent though. The portions are generous. The rib special is tasty. However, the prices online are not accurate. The actual prices are higher. I asked to speak to a manager when the price was quite a bit higher and I was told he's busy. I've been a very frequent customer for over 2 yrs and I'm not a happy camper.
(3)Jim K.
Solid Italian restaurant, great salads, shrimp scampi delicious, ravioli great service, Elmer. Some of the best meat sauce ever. Thinest pizza around, the best lunch
(5)Dustin G.
First, let me say that I never go out for Italian food because I love to cook it at home. However, my husband and I decided we wanted to have a gourmet Italian meal with zero effort for our second wedding anniversary. Several friends recommended Calo and we just moved within walking distance so we decided to give it a try. I'm really glad we did. Our evening was excellent! To start we ordered the grilled calamari. The whole tubes--not sliced rings--were grilled perfectly and served atop a bed of sauteed spinach. The was the perfect way to start the meal. I could've ordered another plate of it and been satisfied to eat only calamari that night. Of course, then I would've missed out on the delicious minestrone soup. I only had a cup before my main course but it was so good that i considered ordering some more to go. I should have! For my main course I had the pappardelle with shrimp and mushrooms. My husband had the chicken saltimbocca. Both dishes were delicious and plentiful. We each took home enough to have lunch the next day. The pappardelle was fresh and cooked perfectly. The shrimp were huge and succulent. My husband's chicken was tender and juicy. Also, our waitress was very attentive and informative about the menu. I can't wait to go back to Calo for another meal!
(5)Helene M.
Don't order delivery from Cato. Received a pizza not edible. Called to complain, had pizza to return as proof, but just got a lot of arguments.
(1)Brian P.
Our favorite Italian joint on the north side. We go as a family (3 kids) all the time and the kids love the food. The room is always busy with a lot of energy, service is good. Menu offerings are diverse so whether it's a good piece of fish, meat, or any number of pastas, I've never once been disappointed. Also, the pizzas are outstanding.
(5)Arthur L.
OMG !!!!! I don't know where to begin. Grilled Octopus GREAT !!!!!! Ziti in Vodka, wow, wow, wow. Prices very reasonable. Elle behind the bar, with Carla, are fabulous! !!!!!! Bring friends, bring family hell, grab anyone you can and make it down here!!! You won't be dissapointed !!!!!!!!
(5)Samantha G.
It's a bit pricey, but not excessive, especially for the area. The food is REALLY good and the portions are beyond HUGE. Like, seriously out of control HUGE. Drinks are good and the menu has something for everyone basically. My friend had a pesto pasta that was incredible and I had a chicken caesar salad, which was OK and needed a lot more dressing.
(4)Mike D.
Barely better than Olive Garden.I don't understand all the positive reviews for this place. The food was subar par at best. Anteprima across the street is 10 times better.
(2)Frank P.
We have take out pizza from there nearly every week. It's always thin and crispy. When we dine in the food is always great. Staff and owners are super friendly. Great spot for groups or an intimate or romantic dinner. The place has been revamped about 10 years ago and is hip. Tv's in the bar area and there's a separate dining room.
(5)Justin H.
Since my last review things have slipped at this normally rock solid restaurant, But tonight was the toothpick that got lodged between the front teeth of the ugliest donkey this side of America. We arrived a little later at night but were seated and ordered the Monday rib special. The food is good, just see my previous post. But they cannot get anything right the first time. Almost every time I have ordered for delivery or pickup over the last 2 years something is not right. Tonight there were a few things that were just inexcusable. First when I finally got to eating my side of pasta I found my Marinara sauce was actually meat sauce. I wouldn't be upset except this is the SAME ERROR that happens every time we order delivery or carryout AND when I asked our waitress to switch it for pasta with marinara, she went back to the kitchen and told me, "sorry the kitchen is closed for the night". So I am now stuck with the WRONG order. Didn't eat my pasta. You served it to me wrong, and now your kitchen is closed so you cannot make it right. Second was when our waitress took our order at about 9:45pm and my friend ordered a pitcher of beer and I ordered a bottle of cider she never mentioned that they were closing in well.... we still aren't sure when they close as there are no hours listed on the door, the menu or anywhere for that matter. But after she only drank about a third of her pitcher and asking the waitress when they close and her telling us whenever the last customer leaves they began to make it VERY CLEAR it was time for us to go. Lights turned up really bright, chairs being put on all tables but ours and all the t.v's turned off. Except, we hadn't received our check yet. So my friend paid for a $16 pitcher of beer. Wasn't allowed to finish it. Calo, if you want to be an Italian restaurant know the Italian traditions. Make me feel like I'm at my aunties house. Treat me as if I am a valued customer... not with and attitude of AS IF. Calo, Now is your opportunity to make this right.
(1)Kyle M.
I've been going to Calo's since I was 4 years old, and I always have wonderful memories of the place and I still have a great time every time I return! The staff is always friendly and prompt with bread and drinks and the food has yet to disappoint me. (and I'm fairly sure it never will) I do miss this one thing they used to have that they called the relish dish (it was an appetizer of sorts with peppers, sausage, pepperoni, and cheese) but I still enjoy the food every time I go back!
(5)Honest A.
There may be trendier Italian in Andersonville but for the money, Calo is best. Great flavors, top notch ingredients, and friendly service. Great Pie. Reliable. Well run. Nice dining room. Recommended.
(4)Xochitl I.
This is my go to carry out pizza place. Great appetizers and desserts too.
(5)Yvonne B.
What was impressive about Calo Ristorante was that they were crowded on a Wednesday night. The price was incredible too! After two glasses of wine, one martini, and two entrees, our bill was only about $55 (before tip). Maybe that's why they were bustling! What was not impressive was the service and the food. It's not as if either was bad - just not good. Our server did her job. She took our order, brought our drinks and food, and delivered the bill. She was not coquettish or personable. In fact, she was a bit slow in her initial visit to our table, but was adequate in timeliness after that. M got the Rapini E Salsiccia pizza and I got the Gnocchi Gorgonzola which came with a cup of Split Pea Soup. I loved the soup! M liked my gnocchi whereas I wasn't a fan. Neither of us liked her pizza. I thought the bottom of the crust tasted burnt and she didn't like the broccoli (rapini). I liked the flavor of the broccoli but I couldn't bite through it on the pizza. The texture was chewy and whole pieces would come away from the rest of the slice when I took a bite. M was satisfied with her wine and my peach martini was okay. It was a little too syrupy sweet for me. There are so many other restaurants nearby so we will probably check them out instead of returning to Calo Ristorante. It didn't leave a favorable impression on either of us.
(2)Jessica G.
I had eaten here before but didn't remember until I walked in the door and recognized the place. That should have been my first clue about how I felt about the experience. The decor is very cool and definitely nice for a date night or an evening out with friends, dark and candlelit but not so dark you can't see to have a good conversation. The staff was very nice and we were seated right away. We ordered some drinks. I got a mojito, which may be a strange drink order for an italian restaurant but it's summer and I was in the mood for one. The drink was not great. It was strong so I'll give them that, but being past the point of wanting to drink just to get drunk, I actually prefer flavor to my drink. All I could taste was the vodka. No lime or mint or mixture of the two came through at all. We ordered Calamari for our appetizer and it was delicious. It was served with more of a cocktail sauce than a mariner sauce and I actually loved that. It was a little bit sweet and spicy, not a typical cocktail sauce but something more original. I had cream of spinach soup and it was delicious as well. Not too think and very flavorful without being heavy. For dinner I ordered the Chicken Francese. I knew it would be a lot of chicken, it said it in the description, but holy cow was it a lot of chicken! I was already full from the calamari and the soup and honest could have not even ordered dinner but I Love chicken Francese. This one was not my favorite. My favorite thing about this dish is how light it is, thin chicken breasts in a lemon and white wine sauce but this one seemed heavy and there was too much batter. The egg batter on it was way too thick and a little overcooked. I had about 3 bites and was done. The mashed potatoes were amazing! All in all, I would eat here again, but it would not be my first choice for italian. I also think they should advertise it as family style or the wait staff should explain the giant portion sizes so you know what you are getting into. We would have ordered differently if we had know.
(3)Pauly D.
Every bite of their fettuccine alfredo is like a party in my mouth!!! The pizza bread is amazing! Love this place!!
(5)Joel P.
Luh-git. I was in Chitown for only an afternoon/evening, and crowdsourced recommendations for deep dish pizza, and Calo came out on top. Thank the pizza gods. The food and service here was just superb. Bartenders were nice and personable, helpful and funny. Appetizer of prosciutto and melon was very good, and a nice light but full of taste start to our meal. We got a medium pepperoni stuffed pizza and it was just... really really good. Very flavorful and easy to eat for how big it was. I see other folks on here complaining about prices... I don't know, I thought it was more than reasonable for the food and drinks, and still cheaper than anything we'll get out here Boston ways. Come on over to the east coast and then talk to me about expensive, peeps.
(5)Michelle P.
My wife and I had our Wedding reception Saturday October 25, 2014 in the private party room at Calo and did an appetizer and cocktail reception for 85 people. Calo did an absolutely AMAZING and FANTASTIC job and the reception was just amazing!!! WE cannot begin to thank the Manager Saqib enough for everything. We reserved the party room back in May and he assured us everything would go off without a hitch and he was correct!! The staff was amazing and the food was superb!! We ordered a large sampling of their appetizers, Bruschetta, Mozzarella sticks, Mediterranean Salad, Rotolo Di Melanzana, Fried Calamari, Buffalo Wings, Artichoke and Spinach Dip, Sausage and Peppers, Grilled Seafood Platter, and several Pizzas. Saqib helped us in determining how many platters of each would be needed for the size of our party and made suggestions that they would only bring out as much as necessary and not overcharge or bring out more food than was needed for the reception. The staff did a great job of checking to make sure the food was in adequate supply and quickly brought out more when needed. Our guests raved about the food and absolutely loved the sampling and choices available. We were very impressed with the amount of appetizers available at Calo and we were correct in deciding on this kind of reception instead of a sit down individual plated entree choices as we felt we were able to offer a wider variety of the food that Calo has to offer with the appetizer and cocktail reception choice. We had an open bar for the first two hours of the reception and the bartender did a great job of keeping our wedding coordinator appraised of the bar tab as we had requested. The bartender was great, she was very friendly to everyone. We highly recommend Calo for your wedding reception. Saqib the manager was great to work with and he and the staff definitely know how to plan the right amount of food for different sized parties. The party room is absolutely beautiful with a large full size bar and the floor to ceiling windows looking out onto Clark st open up in nice weather to allow fresh air into the room which is unique to most indoor reception venues. It was a beautiful day for a fall wedding at Calo and we would book another party there in a heartbeat!
(5)Esther K.
I was brought to Calo by a friend whose family has been dining here for 25 years- and I can understand why. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. I'm one of those suckers who will happily ruin my appetite by feasting on the bread pre-entre, and the focaccia was definitely a winner- warm, soft, and buttery. I of course still managed to enjoy the pappardelle con funghi (shitake, porcini and portobello mushrooms with chicken and a hint of white truffle oil). The pasta was just the right texture and the sauce rich and creamy. And I'm not exaggerating folks when I say the leftovers fed me for a full 1.5 meals. I rounded out the evening with a cappuccino and shared tiramisu. Calo is hearty, indulgent Italian done right at a really reasonable price. I can't wait for my next visit.
(4)Jimmy J.
I own a mostly carry out delivery restaurant which is 6 blocks away. And while I'm a speck to an operation like Calo, they're still my competitor. But I have no problem giving them props for running an excellently efficient operation with great food. Calo uses high quality stuff. Trust me I know. We stopped in for a late lunch and really enjoyed our Sausage n Rapini thin pie, Italian Chopped Salad, and Bruschetta. Their Tiramisu is best I've had anywhere. Nice ambiance and good service. Its no mystery this place is a behemoth busy institution. Big Mike and Frank do a great job navigating the ship.
(5)Courtney D.
When I order delivery/grubhub something and tip and pay the delivery fee and give to the letter instructions about how and where my buzzer is located please dont knock on my window expecting me to come outside. It's scary, it's rude, and it's not you doing the job I already paid you to do. All of my resteraunt reviews have been 5 star reviews and it pains me to have to leave a lukewarm one for Calo much like the pizza they reluctantly delivered to me. I live a couple blocks away. I actually expect this joint to be slightly classier than this and i'm disappointed and I'm going to try another establishment in the future.
(3)Courtney W.
I think this place is fantastic, and apparently I'm not the only one. On a recent Sunday night I dined with the bf and his family. A table for 6 was not hard to come by but almost every other table was full. The pizza bread that they bring out as a starter (for free) was excellent, the highlight of my meal. We asked for extras multiple times and they kindly obliged. The fried calamari makes for a good starter dish and the 6 of us were able to share one order. The gnocchi gorgonzola was good as well, just not what I was expecting. I was expecting a more traditional gnocchi but this one came stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, I asked for vodka sauce and they had no problem with the substitution. Not bad, just different. I don't think there was any potato in this dish, although on the menu there claimed to be. The caprese salad was fresh and on par with others I've tried. The salad was huge though, definitely share-worthy. Overall, great experience and traditional Italian fare. The staff was courteous and efficient, the food was hot and fresh. They have a parking lot that is free with validation (although there was no attendant present when we parked so we were a little confused). This is definitely a hidden gem worth the trip.
(4)Cathleen P.
I have been going here for years because the food is fantastic, the staff is friendly, and the restaurant is very clean. I have never had a bad meal here. It's a great atmosphere for friends and families. I love to sit in the booths in the bar area.
(5)Christopher E.
Calo has become my favorite go too place for lunch and dinner. I've been here several times but sometimes I forget to check in. I've tried a few of their dishes and none of them disappointed me. Calo reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurant on Long Island that I frequent when I use to live there. Their dishes are very delicious and their service is excellent. I love a place that remembers my name every time I call to make an order. Plus my wife loves their food and we've been spreading the news to our friends and family as well.
(5)Mark M.
The absolute favorite Italian restaurant for me and my friends! I started going to Calo when I moved to the neighborhood in 2000 and have been a loyal customer ever since. The owner Victor is there most nights to greet guests and several of the staff have been there since my very first visit over fifteen years ago. It's the best neighborhood Italian restaurant on the North side with generous portions, great tasting food and reasonable prices. They make a great Calo Cosmo and their house dressing and meat sauce are amazing. I'll continue to return to Calo as I've never had a bad meal, always leave satisfied and always have a doggie bag to snack on the next day.
(5)Hanna C.
While surfing on yelp, I found Calo Ristorante to have the best reviews. I scrolled down and looked at all the delicious food that previous customers took of and decided to get delivery. WORST.DECISION.OF.MY.LIFE. For a pricey and well-known restaurant, Calo has the WORST food in delivery. I ordered Veal with mushrooms and Ravioli stuffed with lobster because the photos looked bomb, except those were taken inside the restaurant, not in the comfort of your home. The veal seemed to have been drenched in what it looked to be a soup of whatever it was marinated with and the mushrooms were floating on the soup. Yes, it was edible. I give it 3/10 The ravioli which I thought would be more appetizing, turned out to be piece of shit. Seriously they put the cream sauce on the container and just put the ravioli on top of it- meaning that they did not cook the ravioli with the sauce together. The lobster filling tasted like vomit- I couldn't even take another bite of that disgusting fake pasta. All my 3 roommates said it tasted like shit. I give it a -10/+10 Oh yah, I also got fresh Tiramisu cake- all smushed. Delicious but smushed. 7/10 I assume because the restaurant is so packed that they don't give a flying duck about preparing delivery food with the same quality as the food delivered inside. I am paying the same amount as those customers(actually a little more cuz grubhub fees & delivery but anyway)- don't I deserve same quality food as the customers who dine in? WHAT HAPPENED TO EQUALITY HUH?!? Calo Ristorante seems to be good only when dining in. I would rather buy $1 frozen meals at Jewel Osco than spending $20 per crappy ass entree.
(1)Chauncey M.
Nice room, friendly folks at the front, and a big yawn after that. According to two servers, there is no house specialty, which is a shame because - in part - it would make their jobs easier because there are plenty of people like me who always order the specialty on a first visit. The food itself is really, REALLY old-school, but not in that Little Italy kind of way: This is "old-school" Italian for the masses... It's Olive Garden Plus. Thick, heavy sauces, with pasta dishes (2 at my table) that skimp on the protein and lack flavor. The portions are huge... Another red flag. I could only eat around 25% of what showed up at my table. Lastly, enough with the Eastern-Block servers already. They're always impatient and passive-aggressive. My server smiled a lot, and yet somehow managed not to be very good at her job. As a result, I tipped 15% instead of my regular 20-25%. She made no meaningful suggestions, offered no insight on the menu, didn't bother to explain the specials and seemed unfamiliar with how dishes were prepared. I could've easily spent twice as much if she remembered that her job was supposed to get me excited for the menu. It's unfair (not to mention xenophobic) to dismiss anyone who might be from Poland or the Ukraine, but let's do it: STOP HIRING THESE PEOPLE FOR JOBS THAT REQUIRE THEM TO BE FACE-TO-FACE WITH HUMANS. Your grandma will love Calo. If your parents set a low bar for dining, they'll dig it, too. I sure as shit won't be going back.
(3)Lorelei C.
I was born in 1961, and Calo has actually been serving Chicagoland since 1963. And, actually back in the 70's when I first started dating my now Ex-Husband we used to come to Calo alot! Yes, we were young and enthralled with each other and even romantic.. And, we would go to Calo and have a few cold ones with a pizza. Ahh, young love.... And, now, 40 years later Calo has with stood the test of time and is still serving Andersonville and Chicago. What can I say that hasn't already been said about this magical place? The food/menu selections are top notch, even after all these years. The service is always outstanding, from the moment you enter the door, you are welcomed and treated so well by every member of the Calo family. And, if you are at all like me.. and appreciate the ambiance that a restaurant has to offer, well then Calo is pretty damn near perfect. From the beautiful wooden bar, to the low/subdued lighting to the very comfortable booths, you just can't get much better than this! And, yes, in all fairness, the menu prices have gone up throughout the years, and that's to be expected. But, the quality has never decreased, this is definitely an operation fueled by the love for their business, and it still shows after all these years! Some of the greatest thin pizza Chicago has to offer, tremendous pasta dishes, and the Foccacia Bread is a must try! So, if you are looking for a very special place to either have a cocktail at their gorgeous bar or have a pizza and knock back a few cold ones I would suggest making a trip out to Andersonville and visiting Calo. For they are a very special place indeed....
(5)Norm J.
I've been to Calo Ristorante two times and each time I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and the service. The menu has ample amount of options for you to choose from, which can be a little daunting when trying to decide what to get...but at least you have a variety of choices. They do an awesome special where you get a baby back ribs, fries and a salad for $13.95! That's a lot of food for a cheap price and it's good too! I recommend checking this place out.
(4)Brian S.
Pretty solid loval spot for mid range Italian food. Bar is always full and is good for diverse people watching. I like to get a Napolitano pizza and the squid appetizer and a lot of drinks! The service is hit or miss, depending on mood and workload of bartenders. The host staff is always friendly and goes beyond to deal with onslaught of crowds lioking for a table Friday nights at 7pm on a walkin basis. Location location location is the reason this hot spot will remain for eternity.
(3)Jenny Y.
Coming from someone who really loves Italian food, this review of Calo Ristorante may be more critical as it's Americanized Italian. Nice ambiance that brought in plenty of couples on a date on a Saturday evening, and the service was lovely. The food was fine - nothing to rave about, but I can't say that we didn't enjoy it as the three of us were in food coma for the rest of the night. Free lot parking across the street was very helpful. The grilled calamari came with three large pieces of charred calamari on sauteed spinach, which was simple but delicious. This was the highlight of my dinner! Rigatoni with chicken and mushrooms was extremely creamy and rich - tasted good, but no standout flavors. Finally, the Calo Special thin crust pizza was loaded with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. It had a crispy cookie-like crust and a generous amount of cheese. However, I would find ingredients clumped together and get a slice with all green peppers or just sausage. It tasted like typical pizza you could get anywhere else.
(3)Livvy O.
I've been going here for years before they got all fancy. Totally different now - Pizza is always top notch though. I love the thin crust. Recently, though I ordered pasta with meatballs and it was the blandest pasta I've ever had. I'm used to this mom and pop Italian spot by my house so when I'm used to good pasta it's hard to compare. The salad was really fresh and I liked the house dressing. Love the bread selection, especially the pizza bread one. By the time I get my meal, I'm full from salad and bread! Service was great, our waitress was so friendly and nice, especially to the little one. Place is clean and ambiance is intimate.
(4)Pat N.
Traditional (honest to goodness) Italian food. The grilled seafood antipasti was fresh and generously flavored (served over a bed of steamed spinach). I was excited to see three preparations of bucatini (my favorite pasta), which did not disappoint. Attentive servers; our water glasses were constantly refilled. It's great to see a neighborhood restaurant thriving with a variety of clientele, from dating couples to groups of families. We will be back.
(4)Christopher B.
We came upon the place last week, and it was our first restaurant we went to just after moving to Chicago. We started with the fried mozzarella app, which was very good. We moved on to the fettuccini alfredo, and the baked ziti as entrees. Both were of good portion size, and taste was on point! The décor is very cool as well. Our waiter was somewhat attentive, however, when it came time for the check, it took a very long time to get it. He truly seemed preoccupied with other things. The restaurant was not overly busy, we went at 830 that evening. We became restless at the end, and the waiters tip did suffer, because it took so long to get the check. We will be back, hopefully to experience a new wait person.
(3)Allie D.
I haven't dined in yet, but we've ordered delivery a couple of times and it has been very prompt! The pan pizza has been my favorite so far. They always give you a menu with coupons attached when you order delivery, but I'm pretty sure the "deals" are built into the prices because they never even bother asking for the coupons. The menu is huge and all of the pasta dishes sound delicious, so I will definitely have to check those out soon and report back!
(4)Nina B.
My daughter and her friend took me here as an anniversary treat... While they enjoyed their meal... I'm sorry, but I did not enjoy mine at all. I ordered a salad that wasn't at all memorable and very oily, (I should have requested that the dressing be on the side). I took it home, because I just couldn't stomach it and placed the focaccia in the same container as the salad and found it to be ruined. The atmosphere was nice, however the host didn't seem happy about something and walked about huffing - like he was anxious - maybe it was because the cook left the building. I usually try to find something positive, but alas this time ...It was such a disappointment.
(3)Adam W.
Stopped through Calo last night for dinner and was impressed - service was prompt, and the restaurant itself was well laid-out and had great ambiance. The menu was large and everything looked great! I had the rigatoni with chicken & mushrooms, and it was delicious. The bread bowl served upon arrival was quite tasty as well (be sure to grab the tomato / basil piece before the others do). Wine list was long and had a good range of prices available; beer list was also impressive even though I went with grapes (Gumball Head for $5 is refreshing). Will definitely be back again!
(4)John S.
Great service and great food. I live right around the corner and I order take out at least once a week. The food is always great and ready very quickly!
(5)Kathleen C.
We visited for a cocktail before dinner next door. We selected it because it was freezing out and it looked nice and cozy inside Calo. I thought the atmosphere was ok - it's dark with dim lighting and a combination of booths and tables (at least in the room we were in). We sat at the bar and we were quickly greeted. The wine list was pretty good with options that should be large enough to please almost everyone. Prices were decent as well. Overall, it seemed like an ok spit, there just didn't seem to be anything that stood out as being awesome. I will say that it seems like it would be a good spot for a party as the place is huge. I would stop back in if in the area.
(3)C J.
Love this place for dressed-up comfort food. We usually order too much but tonight decided to split an entree and order an extra salad ... That + a bottle of wine = date night perfection. Staff is always friendly & it seems like they have a lot of regular customers. They have free validated parking in the lot across the street. New Years Eve 2013 we came for dinner & even though they weren't open till midnight they let us leave our car in the lot during a snowstorm so we could grab a drink/ring in the new year at a place down the street. Very classy.
(5)Edward H.
I order a lot from them through GRUB HUB. I've never been disappointed with my orders and the delivery team. Cheers
(4)Sergio N.
The staff are friendly . Food is under rated .. I Very much satisfied with the calamari and vongole that I ordered . Space is adequate and very much ideal for family ... I'll definitely go back to this place for more !!
(5)Kevin B.
After searching for some quality Italian food, I was told about Calo from a friend of mine. I happened to mention it to another friend and they planned a birthday dinner here for me. Calo didn't disappoint at all. The food was amazing. Even the bread that was served prior to the meal was delicious. I ordered the Linguini Frutti which was a pasta bowl that had shrimp, clams, calamari, scallops and mussels and it was delicious. And the portion sizes are HUGE. You can practically feed two people from this dish alone. But the seafood was cooked perfectly. I also was surprised with a slice of Tiramisu which was delicious. I just didn't have any room to eat it with the previous dish and bread. It's a real family, intimate type of setting. But they do have a bar on the other side of the restaurant if you are just looking for some drinks and food. Everyone from the hostesses to the wait staff was extremely friendly. Will definitely bring a paper bag with me next time to fill up to take home.
(4)K N.
We have loved this restaurant for years...it is our "go-to" Italian place. But, now we love it even more. We had our rehearsal dinner here in June. Joanna was so lovely to work with! The private room, food, bartender, busboy, etc. were all amazing. Our guests were blown away by the food and service. We served the calamari and the rotolo di mozzarella for appetizers. Some of our guests remarked that it was the best calamari they had ever had. We actually had to serve an extra tray of it at the party. We served the ziti al vodka and various deep dish pizzas for our main course...delicious! Calo let us bring in our own dessert which was great because my husband is German and we were able to bring in dessert from our favorite German bakery. I HIGHLY recommend booking your next special event here at Calo. You and your guests will be very happy you did:)
(5)Edyta R.
I've been going to Calo since I was a kid - let's just say the better part of two decades! The food has consistently been amazing. However, what really sets Calo above so many other places is the phenomenal customer service. A few weeks ago my family was hosting an event which we had catered from a different vendor. When the food they delivered seemed to serve 5 instead of the 50 we ordered for, we panicked. Two of us entered Calo in a daze and asked if they could help - less than 30 minutes later we left with three LARGE trays of pasta dishes and a giant salad. The team that was there all stepped up, not only to prepare the food quickly and to delicious Calo standards, but to tell us exactly what we needed since we couldn't think straight at that point. Calo is truly a family and neighborhood place you can count on for quality and honest service. Going forward we'll be getting all our party food here!
(5)Elizabeth A.
Favorite neighborhood gem! The staff is always friendly & knowledgeable. I've been going here for years. Definitely one of the best italian restaurans in Chicago. Fettuccine Alfredo is perfection. Pollo alla griglia is great as well as the baby octopus! Great for both dine in or pick up. It's so convenient that they have a parking lot across the street. Can't go wrong!
(5)Danielle C.
Calo delivers consistent quality - I think they deserve credit for that!! This place has become a favorite for my visiting relatives. They have something for everyone; my father loves the ribs, my mother loves salads, my niece and nephew love pizza and the rest of us are happy with pasta. Speaking of pasta, the Gnocchi Gorgonzola with basil cream sauce is out of this world! I love it!! OOooh, Cannoli, the cannoli. Be still my heart! And for those who from the 'burbs or out of town- you cannot beat the free parking (in Andersonville, no less)!!
(4)Sara H.
Calo is everything you want in an Italian Resturant...romantic, and delicious! The prosciutto and melon appetizer was literally the best I've had since living in Florence. All of our entries were also delicious. I had the linguini al frutti del mar which was filled with tons and tons of seafood. I couldn't believe how much was actually included. We came in on a week night, and t was extremely pleasant- not too full. They also just so happened to be playing all 90's jams that night- so bonus points to Calo!
(5)Jesse A.
One Of My Favorite Places For Many Years, Where You Can Always Have A Wonderful Meal... Wish They Would Bring The Live Band Back.. Though... Loved The Live Jazz The Wife And I Would Make It Every Saturday For Great Food And Great Music..... Please Bring The Guys Back...
(4)Rod C.
This place just keeps getting better and better! There are not too many places in Chicago that are great in the following areas: Quality and taste of food Value for food Service Rarely have to wait Good atmosphere and generosity by staff and management Parking - free!
(5)Aki E.
I'm very picky comes to pasta. I find a lot of italian places in the states serve pasta too soft. BUT not here at Calo! Perfect al dente!! Even with take out pasta has great texture. We have been here at 10 times in last 6 month. Lol everything we ordered was wonderful. Consistency in quality of the food make us come back here million times!
(5)Esaibid E.
Well, they were open... Only two of our orders were decent, the rest was either too rich or tasted like old seafood.
(2)Joe H.
The only thing that upsets me when I think of this place is that we had waited almost a year after our daughter started dance down the street to walk into the restaurant. The service is great, but the food is even better. The Gorgonzola Gnocchi is my wife's favorite and I could eat their pizza several times a week. Make sure to get a reservation if you plan on dining in, they have great carry out too.
(5)Megan D.
Came upon Calo's when I was on the elevator in my building and the pizza smelled divine. A few weeks later we ordered a deep dish pizza with sausage and onion. I thought the crust was a bit soggy and they were quite liberal with the onions. Second time ordering a to go pizza we went thin crust and it was FANTASTIC! One of the best thin crust pizzas I've ever had. Have not dined in nd hope to one day to try a pasta dish. But right now very pleased and this is our new go to pizza place.
(4)Ryan J.
Why did it take us so long to stumble upon this Andersonville gem that has stood the test of time for over 50+ years (1963), from generation to generation. My 7 year-old daughter and my ex make it a point to have "family" dinner once a week and we thought we'd venture to a different neighborhood to try something new. We found parking right in front (though I believe they have a lot across the street). We took a look inside before we made up our mind. The menu suited our tastes but what truly sealed the deal was, that for a Tuesday night, every table in the dining room was filled with loyalists and eclectics alike. Don't get me wrong, we sat within minutes; the time we did spend waiting for a table afforded us the opportunity to chat with Victor (the founder's son). This guy should run for office! A consummate gentleman who made us feel just as proud of the legacy his family created as he was. My daughter's ears perked up and may have even learned a lesson or two about tradition. Noting it was our first visit, Victor checked on our table after we sat down, and even sent over some prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella to welcome us into his "second home." This guy is a class act and the main reason I chose to come home and sing the restaurant's praises on yelp. Ok. Ok. The food. We each had house salads, the grilled octopus (Polipo Griglia) and the Rigatoni Alla Barese (Italian sausage, chicken, asparagus and roasted red peppers in a zesty tomato, garlic and olive oil sauce). I actually ate less than I wanted to just so I could eat it again for lunch tomorrow. My daughter had buttered noodles (I know, kinda lame) but she finished her plate and scarfed down a miniature chocolate cake within minutes of its placement on our table. By the way, our waiter, Vasile, was attentive, helped guide us through the menu and seemed as much a part of the legacy as Victor and his family. If you haven't been, go. If you are already a fan, we'll see you the next time. Which, I can assure you, will be soon.
(5)Christina M.
Perhaps I just ordered the wrong thing on the menu because I thought my dish was average - my friends really talked this place up and they eat there quite often. The farfalle con verdure was tasty, but average. The salad that accompanied it was also OK. Next time I shall try their pizza (without cheese), which looked good.
(3)Paul H.
this place is only if you have the money to go i dont know what restrant the other people who rated it went to but this one gets a big thumes down from me . very much over priced .
(2)Mike S.
I was hoping to give a higher rating on what used to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I have been coming to Calo's for over 20 years. Many for special occasions, such as birthdays. This past Friday I took a friend for his birthday there and was looking forward to a great experience. When we arrived our reservation was not recorded properly so we had to wait. I will say they were very quick in accommodating us and this was appreciated. I have always had exceptional service here and if I could rate that separately I would give it 5 stars. They are always friendly and know what they are doing. The problem with this visit and the last several has been the taste and quality of the food. I know Calo's is much busier than when I first started going. I am thinking that maybe kitchen has not been able to keep pace with the growth of customers and turnover of tables. After a cocktail we started off with my favorite, the fried calamari. The order came out and it seemed to me that the portion was less and it was warm at best. For the main course, my friend ordered one of my favorites the BBQ full slab of ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and the minestrone soup. His soup was bland and he mentioned it to me after the first bite. I accepted a taste and agreed with him. With this being his first visit I was disappointed as I was looking for him to have a great dining experience. I ordered the salmon special, baked potato, and salad. In a nutshell here is how I would describe the dishes: My salmon was cooked okay, a bit on the underdone side, which is okay because if needed I can always ask to cook a little more. It was a good size portion but not very flavorful. The baked potato was over-cooked and small sized for a restaurant. My salad was okay, not like they used to have, a big salad with lots of veggies in it. My friend enjoyed his ribs although when I tasted one, I thought they were over-cooked and dry. His mashed potatoes came to the table cold. He decided he couldn't eat them but would take him home and heat them up for lunch the next day. So overall I am giving tonight's meal a 3 and that is weighted heavily because of the service at the table and their ability to quickly rectify the lack of the reservation being taken. I know I will go again, I just hope they can bring the quality of the food back to where it was. Calo's is not cheap and with drinks and a bottle of wine the price adds up quickly. I hope the management will keep closer tabs on what comes out of the kitchen as they have a great history and hope that can keep it and build on it.
(3)Cali's W.
Just go. Best service. Amazing food. An oldie but goodie in Andersonville. The pizza is hands down the best in Chicago! The salads are so fresh. And the prices! You can get high end service and quality wine for low prices.
(5)Brad K.
Told me it would be an hour for delivery of a simple order: rib tips, fries, and broccoli instead of slaw (with $2 upcharge, which was fine). Took an extra half hour. No fries. Slaw and broccoli. Apologies ("So sorry, that was my fault when I put the order in)") and offered to send fries (another hour and twenty minutes) or $10 credit. When I told them not acceptable, told me $15 on next delivery order, which will be the last. Ridiculous.
(1)Sandy A.
Still consistently good. Wish they weren't so crowded on weekend nights (hey, can't keep a good place a secret for too long); and they don't stay open late enough, especially on Sunday nights. (Bummer that late-night options in Chicago are only greasy spoons, fast-food, Fireside, and Smith & Wollensky's downstairs dungeon). Yet they always seem to find us a table so long as the kitchen's still open. I have been a low-carb eater for several years now, but they always accommodate me. The menu offers many options that don't depend on pasta, pizza, risotto or starchy breaded or battered fried stuff: two cuts of steak, grilled seafood, zuppa di pesce (bouillabaisse Italiano), shrimp de Jonghe, even Caesar salads sans croutons but with proteins added. Big props for serving real espresso made from freshly ground beans in a professional dual-group machine, instead of from capsules or pods. Ditto the free parking, a vanishing commodity everywhere but especially in Andersonville. My only culinary gripes are that they no longer put a rudimentary antipasto (radishes, olives, cheese cubes, salumi) in the bread basket (the insanely good freebie pizza bread sits there and taunts me); all the chicken dishes use only skinless breasts (not as juicy or flavorful as thighs & legs); the ribs aren't real BBQ (but they make no bones--pun intended--about that, since traditional Chicago-style baby backs are boiled and then baked in sauce) and thus not offered sauceless (would be unpalatable if they were); and they don't offer a fruit cup, cheese plate or berries for dessert for those of us who shun sugar. What I don't understand is how people can consistently post scathing one-star reviews based solely on delivery, when they've never set foot in a restaurant; or that they are scandalized by prices higher than those charged by the corner thin-crust-and-Italian-beef-sandwich joints. Do your homework before you order! (And leave the F-bombs in the gutter where they belong).
(4)Rustygirl M.
Loved it! Had lasagna. Wasn't huge but because they have such a good bread basket I was full by the time the main course came. Soup or salad came w/ the meal. I picked soup- minestrone. Date had pizza. Was very good too. Clean and had nice servers. Prices were great too! Will be back!
(4)Shanna K.
My husband and I have lived a mile away from Calo for two years now and finally stopped by for dinner. We can't wait to go back! Everything was phenomenal and it some of the best seafood we have had (especially for that price!). We had the fried calamari, pappardelle con funghi, and linguini frutti di mare. We recommend them all. It's the first time I've been so impressed with the food that I can't wait to go back and try even more dishes!
(5)William R.
CALO is a staple in Andersonville, and right down the street from my apartment, so I frequent here and order take-out all the time! Food is pretty consistent, and they have great deep-dish pizzas!!
(4)Ellen B.
Had a wonderful meal @ Calo' s. My daughter, sister and I started with their house Pinot Grigio, which was light and fruity. We then shared a prosciutto and melon appetizer that was attractively served drizzled with balsamic vinegar, some greens and grape tomatoes. My entree of grilled Salmon with a light wine and butter sauce was sublime. My sister's rigatoni with a spicy tomato vodka sauce with chicken, sausage and asparagus was amazing (her word)! Daughter had a beautiful smoked bread salad with crostini, vegetables, smoked bread, and a nice selection of greens. What I'm going to say next does not reflect negatively on the restaurant at all. The family next to us was positively feral. There were 14 or so of them, with small children who ran around totally out of control, usually shrieking. The wait staff had to dodge them constantly, trays laden with food and glasses. It was only due to their caution that disaster was averted. Their parents made no attempt whatsoever to control the children. People, if you can't or won' t control your children, please eat at Chucky Cheese, and leave the nice restaurants to the adults.
(4)Eugene C.
Great italian food in Andersonville with nice sized portions and decent, inexpensive wine by the bottle.. Any place that includes a tomato focaccia in their bread basket is aces in my book. Andrea was our server and was very attentive to our needs. She also took the liberty of splitting and plating our main entree which was a nice touch. Oddly enough it had a pretty good 90s music channel which fit the ambiance and mood perfectly. We'll definitely be back to try out more!
(4)Yaeko M.
When we go there, we always order INSALATA DI PESCE Salad (Octopus, calamari, sepia, shrimp and mixed vegetables marinated in a vinaigrette dressing). I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's my favorite. Also thin crispy crust pizza is my favorite. I don't much care about their pasta. they are Okay.
(5)Michael P.
As someone that has recently moved to Chicago, this was one of the best meals and dining experiences I have had here in the city. Had an amazing meal and the service was great. They kept the drinks flowing and cleared dirty dishes quickly. Everyone working here was involved in ensuring that the table was cleared, and that everyone had a drink. It was a great experience and will be coming back again. I will defiantly be bringing out of town guests here.
(5)Nina I.
Cute little place. Some of the servers don't necessarily have people skills but no harm done. The manager is very accommodating and friendly and remembered my friend right away since her family comes here all the time. The calamari here is delicious and very fresh. I wasn't a huge fan of their salads however. They also make pretty good soup. I'm looking forward to trying something new here soon!
(4)Jocelynne G.
I always loved Calo's for fancy Italian dining, but who knew the deep dish pizza was freaking good as well!? The ingredients were really fresh and everything is well priced considering the quality and consistency of their food. I placed my order for delivery and they didn't disappoint. The buffalo calamari is yummy too and comes in huuge portions. Om nom
(5)Alexa E.
Went here a couple weeks ago for a surprise bday party. The host staff was very accommodating for the surprise, which was a big help. Our waiter was seemingly rushing us at first, until a member of our party told him to chill out. After that, the service slightly improved. Now the food; I was impressed with the bread given at the beginning of the meal. We got pizza bread!! It was yummy and free! I've never been to a restaurant that gives you pizza bread in the bread basket. Apparently the ribs at this place are a huge hit, however I don't like ribs so I passed on that. I enjoyed a delicious pasta dish with asparagus and zucchini. It was really really good! They also have a great beer list! Yummm
(4)Joyce C.
This place brings back nostalgic memories of when I first started dating my now husband, over 15 years ago. A lot has changed since then. First off, Andersonville back then is not what it is now. Second, the restaurant is also not what it was back then- it's much prettier now. Back then it was a old school bar that was open late night so we could get our 4th meal in. Now it's a place we would consider bringing our families to. In fact we have, for a few occasions including our bridal shower and most recently my BIL's birthday. Everything was still delicious, from the bread basket with the foccacia, to the calamari, to the linguini carbonara, to the other pasta dishes and eggplant parm. I'm glad we came back here this last time, and look forward to coming back!
(5)Charlotte B.
What a coincidence to read n.s. Review from 6/9/13 about the horrible experience with an extremely inappropriately rude bartender! We just had the same experience during fest last weekend at bar with bartender Diana. Owners , do yourselves a favor, this person needs to really be reviewed. First she short changed us & we know for a fact 100% what we gave her. When we pointed out her error, she refused to conceder she made a mistake. When we insisted she gave us back out $10 & had the nerve to tell us to never come back to the restaurant as we will "never" be served again. Just moved to area & have had calo bookmarked for family dinners out( which we go to caro Mio a lot). & will not ever be a customer here. Friends & family in area as well. Can t believe any mgr/owner would allow someone so angry & nasty to ruin their biz & lose customers for them. Not worth 1 star. Miserable experience
(1)Jim A.
My girlfriend and I are new to Andersonville, and this place was recommended to us by practically every person when we mentioned our new 'hood. We've been there twice (both carry out, so no comment on the service or ambiance), and our first visit was fantastic. I had the lasagna and it was some of the best I've had. they also gave us enough bread to stand as its' own meal. everyone was happy. My second experience was less thrilling. I decided to try their thin-crust pizza since it's labeled on their menu as some of the best in the city. I called and they said it'd be a half our. 15 minutes later I was out the door. I'm only a 5-minute walk away, but I'm the kind of person who likes to get their food fresh out of the oven. When I got there, sure enough the pizza was ready. Another 5 minute walk home and I opened up the pizza to find it... cold. At best it was lukewarm. I had to eat the middle pieces because of how dried-out the crust ones were. I'm not sure what happened, but I wasn't thrilled. If we go again, I'll stick to the entrees. Three and a half stars rounded up to four, I suppose.
(4)Sharee M.
This was my second time at Calo. My second visit was late night after a trying day. I wanted some yummy and filling food around the way. I walked in about 7:30pm and was seated promptly for one...yay! I was scared it would be packed. I stayed with the water, but the bread in the meantime was a varied selection of white bread and a pizza-baked item with butter. House salad was nothing to rave about. My entree was the ROTOLO DI PESCE, colorful pasta with shrimp, cheese and crab meat. It was tasty and very filling with a great presentation. It was served as two big rolls that I could only get to one. After getting my entree packed to go, I asked for the HOMEMADE TIRAMISU, which was ok. I'm really not into tiramisu, tho. I just needed something sweet without being chocolate cake. I was overall happy with this visit and can't wait for dinner today to get back to the second roll of the rotolo. Quickly, The first time to Calo, I went with the hubby after a mentor of mine recommended the place . We loved it! I had the cheese ravioli that time, which was very taste and a big dish. The had wine, which he enjoyed as a random wine-drinker. We had a great time and thought it was a good 'date' restaurant that was OK for the price. Service is always good and prompt. Looking for some good food with a 'date' atmosphere, or just a filling place to eat, try Calo!
(4)Clay R.
I have to update this review and I want to apologize for the previous review! This place is amazing! Maybe when I wrote this review 5 years ago they were just having a bad night. Who knows. All I can say is that now that I live in this area again I order take out for our family at least 2-3 times a month. At once point when our kitchen was out of commission I was ordering from them weekly! The food is HOT HOT and fresh and the delivery is fast! I couldn't be happier with Calo. I highly highly recommend!
(5)Jeff G.
In my mind this is a 3.5 Been here a number of times and their entrees range from 4 start down to a 3 star in quality. Had their pizza for the first time last night. Ordered for delivery. the thin crust was tasty, pretty decent and would probably order it again. But their pan/deep dish was below average. I'd much rather eat Giordano's or Aurelio's or Uno/Due's over Calo's deep dish.
(3)Special N.
Was pleasantly surprised by the drinks and pasta. Since its so big I thought the food would taste very "chain like" but enjoyed linguini and clam sauce. Also reasonably priced!
(4)E. Albert B.
Seriously, I don't know if the waitstaff is paid to post positive reviews on here or what, but this place is a poor man's olive garden. Ravioli all with similar shapes is a dead giveaway for canned garbage. It comes in Prego sauce with some vinegar tossed in to feign authenticity. Don't be fooled by the ribs special either, they are like chewing on a dog toy. The artificial candles on the tables say it all - looks authentic, feels authentic, but it's nothing more than assembly line artificiality posing as quality dining.
(1)Charlie B.
I hate to do this to an institution in my 'hood, and I just might be back several more times, but I just am not feeling Calo any more. I have had take-out, delivery, and dined in a few times each. The service is always great and the place packed. But, I am almost never wowed by the pretty starndard, often bland food. In a city full of Italian restaurants, you have to really knock my socks off to get me back. I think sometimes that Calo offers too many choices. Stick to the few things you do really well. Pastas are always good, but clearly not freshly made like across the street at Anteprima. If you want basic standard Italian, this is for you. If you want a memorable meal at someplace hip and fun and innovative, this isn't.
(2)Tiff S.
Intimate, cozy ambiance. Attentive service. Quality food at a reasonable price. Must get the Frutti Di Mare Alla Griglia (appetizer; $28, feeds 4-6), it is an aromatic and delectable plate of grilled shrimp, scallops, octopus, and calamari served over sautéed spinach. We got three other dishes in addition to the Frutti Di Mare Alla Griglia and loved every one of them. Will definitely return.
(4)Jenny F.
Mon-Thurs, full rack of baby back ribs $12.99 (reg price I think is $17.99). Oh yeah, and just for good measure, toss in complimentary pizza and french bread, butter so good I think the devil churned it himself, a side salad AND a side of potatoes or pasta. These ribs are fall off the bone good. Mind you, these are baby back so it's not crazy amounts of meat, but by the time I was done I still had most of my pasta and 3/4 of my ribs left. And that's AFTER eating 3 pieces of bread and the salad. lol The sauce isn't the best I've ever had, it's kinda smokey with lots of spices, but it's good. I actually really liked my side of pasta with meat sauce. Even though it's a side, you can still tell that they take pride in their spaghetti sauce, it was full of flavor and crushed tomatoes. I would totally order it just as an entree. My friend had some kind of sausage pasta and said it was 'delicious pasta goodness'--so good, in fact, that she did not even want to try my ribs! Deeelicious.
(4)Katey W.
I really wanted to like this place after seeing it on Check, Please! and seeing all of the good reviews. We tried out the stuffed pizza because we were looking for an alternative to giordano's. It was...kinda blah. The crust is just yeasty dough. It's not the buttery, crispy heaven that I save for special occasions at G's. We also got mozzarella sticks, but they were cold and like rubber-seriously. We'll give it a try one more time, but it's not a priority
(2)Callie C.
Big fan of their thin crust pizza and spaghetti and meatballs! My only complaint is that the pizza gets kind of soggy and sticks to the box when you have it delivered. Good weekday specials as well!
(3)Alex B.
Food was average, pizza nothing to write home about. The pizza bread was good, appetizers also average
(3)Kimberly S.
My boyfriend saw this restaurant on check please and said we had to try it. We went last night on Monday at 7 pm and it was a little busy, but not to busy to be seated right as we walked in which makes it a great night to go! We each had a drink which was great and ordered the spinach artichoke dip, which was the best I've had in a long time. We each had a pasta dinner which comes with soup or salad, that to was very good. The minestrone soup was very hearty with all fresh vegetables. The Linguini al frutai di Mara in the white sauce was really good, all the sea food was cooked perfect. I had the Ziti Vodka which was also very good. The portions and prices are well worth the try. The service was great, all the wait staff was friendly and constantly checking to see how everything was, also the manager that evening Victor was very friendly. The food and staff made us definitely want to come back again. We were told weekdays are better to go then the weekend because you will be waiting longer on the weekend due to it being really busy which was no doubt the best choice.
(5)Elizabeth P.
As a kid I used to come here all the time....as an adult I don't really see what all the fuss is about. I think they are over priced for the quality of food you get. They give decent portions, its just not that good. The food is simply ok..... There pizza is pretty darn good though! As far as pasta, ribs and seafood, kinda blaaa. Atmosphere is nice and the restaurant looks beautiful and clean. Service is hit or miss with them. Sometimes a great server and sometimes not.....bonus free parking across the street in crowded ass andersonville ;). Bottom line go for the pizza or better yet, go for delivered pizza.
(3)Sean A.
Excellent food, friendly service, good drinks and an overall wonderful time. This was my first time ever going to Calo and I went last night with my parents who are in town. They had been to this place before and recommended it, I am glad they did. We did not order an appetizers, just main dishes. This was ok because they bread they bring to the table is great. They have regular bread as well as something I can only describe as pizza bread. YUM! Each main dish came with soup or salad and we all chose to have the cream of mushroom soup. This was an EXCELLENT decision. The soup was clearly homemade, with the mushrooms freshly cut and the soup was clearly made with real cream. The flavoring was spot on and amazing. For my main course I had the lobster ravioli with mushroom, asparagus and sun dried tomato cream sauce. The ravioli were clearly house made, none looked exactly alike and the filling in each was fresh well cooked lobster meat. The lobster was perfectly cooked, not in any way chewy and was well flavored. The sauce was excellent and although i was hesitant about all of the ingredients, they all went very well together. My wine was chilled to the right temperature and my parents liked their drinks, they were large and poured well. They also loved their main course. My dad had linguini with clams, which was delicious and had just the right balance of garlic. My mother had gnocchi with red sauce. The gnocchi where not the traditional potato ball, these were lovely light pillow of yum filed with cheese. Delicious! A fantastic meal and even better company. :)
(5)Susan D.
Fantastico! We had a group of around 5 and everyone seemed to have some dietary requirement - not so much as a health concern, but an "I just had Italian," or some such. Two of the people in our party had ordered food from Calo many times. I only just moved near the area, so was anxious to discover different restaurants. We almost wound up at Hamburger Mary's, which I'd already been to and liked, but wasn't thrilled with going to again. Then I read on a sign across the street "Italian AND American food." I pointed this out because I could very well have had some Italian and those who didn't want that could order another dish on the menu, thanks to their brilliance in offering "American" along with Italian. From the moment we stepped in, it was warm, welcoming and very inviting. We sat at a nice round table that was comfortable and made it possible for everyone to be engaged. The menu selections were great -- from classic Italian dishes to specials. I chose the baby back rib special -- and for only $12.95 it was truly awesome. Started with soup or salad; could have pasta or baked potato. The pasta I ordered with meat sauce was extraordinary - full of flavor! The ribs were succulent and tender. The portions were so large I could easily get 2 more meals out of what I ordered. The bread they served was truly outstanding! There was some pizza type bread along with plain bread that was so good we had to get a refill. The dining experience at this restaurant was one of the best I've ever had. The service was outstanding - they truly know what they are doing. They were attentive without being intrusive, the food is prepared deliciously and the ambiance was exemplary. I will definitely be back again soon and can't wait to try all of the items on the menu!
(5)J H.
Since 1994, I've been a customer of Calo's. I don't know of many places that can maintain a consistently high level of quality and service. For pizza, there is only Calo in Andersonville. (I've ordered from some of the other places, but I find myself always comparing them to Calo, so I finally just tossed the competitor's menus from my file.) Both dining in and delivery are always positive experiences. As the first go-to of the neighborhood Italian places, and for the span of time and consistency, I give them top marks. Thank you, Calo, you're doing it right.
(5)Keith A.
It's been way too long since I've had a pizza from here. so to remedy that I stopped by here on a friday afternoon while running errands all over the place. The question remained to me though, were they going to live up to my memories from a few years ago? I needed to find out. I went in the late morning as I was just gonna slowly work down a pie over the next two days. I made sure to stick with the thin crust and went with prosciutto, garlic, and onions. It took about 15 minutes and I was on my way. The pizza was extremely good and held up to my memory. On top of that the people there were extremely nice too. This is some of the best thin crust in the city
(4)Josh V.
Most of my friends seemed to have experienced Calo well before I did. I had to see what the fuss was about. (Well not fuss per se, but I heard generally good things.) Now that I've been there myself a few times, I'm ready to pronounce judgment. And isn't that what most of we Yelpers are here for? I enjoy the atmosphere. It's dark in a good way. Comfortable, relaxing, classy. One caveat, the candles are fake! The service averages out to good. On my most recent visit our server was rather absent later in the meal, but at leas the bus staff was attentive so we didn't feel totally neglected. The menu is extensive. Surely there is something for everyone. And they seem to have some good specials too, so there's always something new to try! I've been pleased with each of my meals there. Not like blissful "OMG BEST FOOD EVAR!!1"! pleased, but it's above average. The prices seem a touch high at first. However, two things to consider: 1) Most entrees come with a soup or salad, for which many places will charge you another $3-4. And 2)The portion sizes are quite generous. If you eat a little of the free bread (and the focaccia is quite good) you could probably make two meals out of most entrees there. Those things considered, I think the prices are reasonable. So if you find yourself in A-ville looking for a hearty, tasty meal, give Calo a try. Tell them Josh sent you. They have no idea who I am, but everyone knows a Josh, right?
(4)Jill O.
I went here for the first time with my dad today. Everything was delicious! The bread basket,our appetizer(grilled calamari), main courses, & our dessert(homemade tiramisu)! The place has an overall good atmosphere,very romantic. Bottom line: overall great restaurant,definitely returning,& would recommend to friends.
(5)Ersolene B.
Tonight I was disappointed in the food. The shrimp was suppose to be jumbo they were small with tons of breading no flavor. The fries was wrap in foil which made them soggy. The portion of their pasta dish was half of the normal serving. Calamari soggy. I've order for years I will not order anymore.
(1)Katarina X.
I liked my Pear Martini. The drag queens in bad, matted wigs shoving people waiting at the bar trying to start fights? Not so much. The fact that Management didn't escort the troublemakers out? Even less to like. Calo Management, This is not 'Jersey Shore' Please escort out those who are trying to start fights! It does not make me want to return.
(2)Greg B.
Calo's pizza is superior and will own you. Respect.
(5)David S.
Calo has some truly wonderful focaccia bread although it is easy to fill up on the aforementioned as the friendly waitstaff will bring as much as you request. Ours was a most enjoyable dining experience and I look forward to trying the deep dish pizza.on my next visit.
(4)Jeremy B.
Calo is solid. My first experience here was at Midsommarfest when some friends and I stumbled in off the streets and purchased beer at the bar. Huge beers for half the price of what they are on the street? Score. Plus, the bar staff was great and handled the large crowd very well. BUT, a few years later after moving up to the 'hood I've finally had the opportunity to dine here as well. Many times, in fact, as Calo has become a regular dining spot in my book. The reason? They are consistent time and time again. Good food, drinks and service. Every. Time. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive, without being pushy or rushing you. The bussers? They won't let your water glass get half empty or an empty plate loiter on your table. The barstaff whips up some mean drinks (martini's and cosmos are recommended). And the food, why most people go to a restaurant, is great as well. Everything from the fresh bread to the salads (recommend the Chopped) to the pizza and pastas. Havent had a bad thing off the menu yet.
(5)Natalie S.
I used to eat at this place when I was in high school but haven't since. It didn't really stick out in my memory. However, my Dude and I were strolling through Andersonville looking for some grub and decided to pop in after walking by. WOW. What a difference a decade (plus) makes! They have clearly gone through a massive renovation since I was in my late teens/early 20's. Dark and intimate yet casual. Loved the atmosphere. Our server for the evening was Hunter. He was very helpful when I was trying to decide between two different pasta dishes. He was super attentive and friendly. We started out with the fried calamari. It was definitely one of the best calamari I have ever had. Loved the cocktail sauce that came with... not a fan of marinara sauce. All the entrees come with a soup or salad and we picked the soup of the day, cream of chicken with rice. It was YUM... not your average soup. We could taste the roasted red pepper and it was just delicious. I went with the bow tie pasta with peas and Italian sausage in a Gorgonzola cream sauce. It was HEAVEN. I just ate it the other day yet am craving it again. The portion was HUGE and I inhaled. Mmmmm. My dude thinks I'm jumping the gun by going ahead and giving this place 5 stars but that pasta dish has just really stuck with me. I dunno if I'll ever be able to order anything else. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Connie C.
It's a shame that the service here is so poor, because the food is quite good. Today my delivery took 40 minutes longer than the hour-plus time I was quoted. Nobody called to let me know the delivery would be late. I asked the delivery driver if my pizza was still warm, and he assured me he had come straight from the restaurant. It was stone cold. He also delivered the wrong soda. Never getting delivery from here again.
(1)Margot F.
The best restaurant in the Andersonville/Edgewater area! The food is amazing and the prices super reasonable. 100000000 stars!
(5)Kris R.
holy. shit. i wasn't expecting much. i figured, eh, another italian place. nbd. boy, was i wrong. the focaccia bread - in the bread basket - was TO DIE. who ever says that the bread in the basket is to die for? ok, maybe at red lobster. i almost stuffed this shit in my purse. i put in my mouth: that bread. a ketel one, water, with limes. bread. fried calamari - not chewy. yummy. more bread. so, you know how i ated all the bread (i have relationship issues with carbs)? i decided to just get a salad for my entree. i got the smoked braid salad. HELLO. who ever says that salad is to die for? description reads: SMOKED BRAID SALAD 9.95 Toasted garlic crostini with arugula, prosciutto di parma and grape tomatoes tossed with Italian vinaigrette and topped with smoked mozzarella cheese doesn't sound like anything spesh. but it was so MFing good, i couldn't stand it. ok, and it's NOT crostini. well, in my head, crostini are small pieces of bread. this was a salad on a whole, laid-out, sexy, garlic bread roll. and everyone knows one of my favorite food stuffs is g-bread. so me, trying to escape more carbs after stuffing my face with that focaccia - i was beyond fooled. oh yeah, the salad itself was awesome, too. i could have taken the roll, closed it, and made it into a salad sandwich. i'm drooling right now. i also had a few bites of my sister's plate - the papardelle mushroom truffle oil cream sauce thing. shitchyeah. um. and. ALL the servers were pretty hot. and probably gay. but great eye, candy, thanks. i guess that was my dessert. i will SO be back.
(5)Cameron H.
Last night we decided to celebrate my partner passing his first test. So, we decided to go to Calo. We made a reservation, got there about 20 min early, and was actually seated on time. After being seated, we were brought water and bread. Then our waitress took our orders. We started off with fried calamari. Delicious. Then I had New England clam chowder and my partner had salad. Then for the main course, I had crepes stuffed with chicken, spinach, and a white sauce. My partner had their grilled octopus. Everything was amazing. Service was great. The evening was perfect. Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Haroun K.
We were walking down Clark looking for a place to sit down and have a good pizza. I let Yelp lead us here. Well, service was excellent! The servers, bussers, and manger were very nice. But the pizza was not so tasty. We had a thin crust, which is one of my favorite styles of pizza. This didn't do it for me, though. And though we picked out flavorful veggies toppings, their taste was somehow masked by the sauce and cheese. A large pizza is huge, especially if you've had some of the breadbasket beforehand. The prices are ok for 1 topping, but each additional topping beyond the first costs something like $4.
(2)Jessica J.
Amazing italian restaurant! I've been coming here for a little over 15 years, best italian food ever, great portions, amazing manager and severs. Service is fast and the decor is beautiful. One problem I have and it's a very minor one the bathroom is way to far in the back.. But other than that this place is amazing to go to get authentic Italian food
(5)Roseann M.
Miss J. and I had dinner at Calo last week, and it was a very good experience. I am ready to go again! We are both, sad to say, trying to control our food intake, so we did not take the bread basket. I know, I know, it is probably really good - that's why I had to remind myself how nice it is to zip up my slacks easily. *sigh* Can't comment on the bread. I had a Chilean red wine that was on special ($7.00) and my friend ordered a glass of the first Chianti on the wine list. We were both very happy with our selections, though we did laugh when the waiter asked, "A glass or a bottle?" of us. Felt like we were living in "Sideways" for a moment. Miss J. had the seafood pasta with a side salad. I ordered the Meditteranean Salad with bowl of minestrone soup. Everything was excellent. We each had the standard house coffee afterward. Again, good coffee. Don't ask me if was some special blend or not - it might even have been Folger's. It was just good. We skipped dessert. Our waiter, Luis, was very professional and efficient. Our water glasses were topped off regularly, and dirty dishes were picked up quickly, but not so quickly that we felt rushed. Everything was paced well. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I understand that the old Calo was remodelled several years ago into the place it is today. Whoever the designer was, they did a terrific job. The lighting is low and intimate, but there is still enough light that you can read the menu without a flashlight. I appreciate that. Again, everything just right. Everything came together to provide a terrific evening. Even with all the fine Italian restaurants in Chicago, Calo stands out among the best I've experienced, and Italian may be my favorite cuisine. Calo actually has its own parking lot across the street, which makes me even more willing to go back to Andersonville for dinner. I had a great time. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Dustin H.
This place is a neighborhood gem! We enjoy dining in and really appreciate delivery during winter months. The Ziti Vodka is to die for but my favorite dish is chicken with lemon and butter.
(4)mary j.
A little disappointed. I really had high expectations because of previous visits. We ordered the eggplant (rolled with cheese) and the mushroom risotto. The eggplant dish was good but swerved lukewarm. The risotto was slightly under cooked and was chunked up and burned in certain parts. My poor boyfriend kept removing clumps of rice from his plate. Clearly, the chef just let the pan cook without stirring. Normally, I wouldn't have a problem, but this dish in particular is $18 (for rice!). I feel like Calo is losing its touch. I've been here before and we've ordered the same items, but this was a disappointment.
(3)Kaitlin M.
A couple of coworkers and I decided to eat lunch here one day and I must say we will be back soon. I must start off by saying that I would love to go back in the evening and enjoy a glass of wine because the atmosphere is so sophisticated and cute! Each of us ordered from a different part of the menu and walked out completely satisfied carrying doggy bags. I had a salad that was full of all kinds of Greek veggies with the perfect amount of dressing. Not too heavy but not too light! An huge plus was the amazing home made bread we received while waiting for out meals to come out. Try their Focaccia... it is perfectly fluffy and flavorful with tomatoes and herbs!!! Enjoy!
(4)Melissa O.
Calo's is wonderful! We come here often because the food is great, parking is available and they can easily accommodate our large family. It can also be romantic if you get tucked away into a corner booth. Recently our family went there to celebrate some birthdays, another patron took exception to our happy baby. He took it upon himself to tell us that children should not be brought into dining establishments period and that our party of 12 should leave. I was quite happy when the management explained to him that Calo's is a family friendly restaurant, everyone is welcome and all patrons deserve respect, regardless of their age. I believe they offered the other patron a different table, but how they dealt with him was not concern. I was impressed that they tried to accommodate everyone. We have been there many, many times and plan to go back many more!
(5)Steve M.
Pretty solid in the delivery arena. After seeing a bajillion mentions of their ribs dinner, I decided to pull the trigger. They weren't exactly piping hot when they arrived, but warm enough. The sauce as good, but a little too sweet in the finish. Tangy/spicy on the front end was there though and it was goooood. Garlic mashed potatoes were OK, and the caesar side salad was fine. All in all, an "A-OK" experience - hence the 3 stars. Nothing I'd go out of my way to order again. Still, Calo is great, and I won't hesitate to think about them when I'm up on the Northside and the itch materializes!
(3)Joseph A.
I started getting delivery from them over 40 years ago and was then out of state for 21 years - was glad to find they are still very good - hard to go wrong with them. I'm 3 miles away and they always get my order right and the food arrives within the time promised. Ate there twice - nice place, but out of my 'hood. BTW - I've never given ANY place 5 stars, but they come close - I highly recommend the baked clams and the meatball sandwich among other items.
(4)Dan L.
I would go 3.5 stars If i had a gun to my head. the inside of this place is great. lots of room, quiet, nice lighting. Was a fan of that. the person i was with had the fettucine alfredo and I had the pork chops. I can say that both were satisfying for sure. Although the alfredo looked like all sauce and no noodles but there were leftovers so what do i know. The wine list is nice with plenty to choose from. the waitress was a little slow and unattentive and it took her awhile to get our drinks, our food order and our bill. nothing REALLY stands out as amazing about this place, but its a good date place as someone else said and everything seemed above average that I put into my mouth.
(4)Sandy R.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked Calo. First off the bread was amazing. They serve both warm foccacio and an Italian bread. I had the grilled calamari on sauteed spinach and the chopped salad. My DCs also had the pasta with vodka sauce. Everything was delicious, service was great and the space is very nice. I only dined there once so it may be too soon to give it 5-stars but I liked it that much.
(5)Anastacia B.
Oh Calo I had such high hopes for you after reading these reviews. And while your food did not disappoint your server sure did. After perusing the beer list- holy high heaven they have Gumballhead- we decided to order us each a pint. The server comes back to the table and tells us they are out! One of my dining friend's asks is there another IPA type of beer you can recommend? Server chops at the air with her hand while snapping- "I told you there is NO BEER! There is no IPA!!! Unfortunately this set the tone for our service for the rest of the night. Every time she came to the table you could feel her resentment of us, we were afraid she was going to snap on us. Is it because we sat for dinner at 9pm? And until she picked up her tip did she smile and relent. Enough about her let's get to the good part!!! I pretty much hate focaccia bread. I reluctantly decided to try a piece because the Italian bread looked boring....sweet jesus am I glad I did. Light as air, crispy on the bottom, tomato goodness on top. You've made me a believer Calo. Everything, literally everything on the menu sounded so good. It was sooo hard to decide, but angry server was rolling her eyes so hard I thought they were never going to stop. I ordered the something Italia- shrimp, broccoli, linguini, garlic, wine and olive oil. Pasta-cooked perfect. Shrimp- huge, lots of them. I tried someones mushroom ravioli- and there suddenly were violins playing and a soft rosy glow. I regret not trying the Tartuffo for dessert but there just wasn't room. Crabby server you will not prevent me from returning!!
(3)Nicki W.
LOVE Calo. This restaurant is the perfect example of one of Chicago's hidden gems. It's an adorable little spot perfect for a date or an intimate night among friends. Best spot to sit is by the window for people watching. Service was very attentive and our waitress was a doll. She was around when we needed her, but let us chat away for hours without being bothersome. The portions are huge here as to be expected, and everything coming past my table looked and smelled amazing. After looking over the huge menu for what seemed like forever, I came to my decision: RIGATONI ALLA BARESE with Italian sausage, chicken, asparagus and roasted red peppers in a zesty tomato, garlic and olive oil sauce. Two kinds of meat and my favorite vegetable asparagus. This meal was made for me. Of course it was mouth watering and of course I gave my best effort but I still had half the meal left over in the end but that's what doggie bags are for right? For dessert I had this apple tart which I was expecting to be small, but when it came out it was HUGE. So crispy, warm and delectable. I knew it was time to go when we were the last table in the house and I felt like I had to unbutton my pants in order to move. Great meal. Love it!
(5)H A.
Really good food delivery - fast! Love the pizza and you can order 1/2 this and 1/2 that which is nice. Other dishes are good too for the price. Neighborhood joint.
(4)Mark C.
Consistently good food and service. Great pizza. French martinis are awesome too.
(4)Diana S.
one word, Risotto! Both kinds are delicious. The service is spotty butttttt Saqib the manager more than makes up for it. A friend and I went twice and he was an absolute prince both times, the risotto brought us in, Saqib brought us back. Can't wait to try other items on the menu.
(4)Tim M.
Oh Calo... what happened to you? I had been going here for a very long time and love the food. It even looks like they made it to Check Please! and even more people are discovering it. It's an old school family place and it used to be great. The gnocchi gorgonzola and the farfale butera were my go tos. But I don't go there any more. I won't go there anymore and am giving a two star review because the service has gone to the basement. The last 3 times I went there there was some issue with the staff. The details don't matter as much as the feeling they left my entire group with each time. It was bad. And in one case, very embarrassing that I was raving about a place to some friends who were ultimately treated like second class citizens. If you want to try the food, go the takeout route, but watch out for the hostess when picking up, she might swear at you in Russian.
(2)Trent R.
I have been going to Calo a long time (15 or 20 years) over the years the restaurant seems to be going more upscale." The food is still great and consistent however the service is really declining due to it's popularity, especially long waits to get a table and no parking in the lot (especially on weekends). Calo was always the old standby because they had a parking lot and you could always grab a table. On some recent visits wait times have been over a hour and there is nowhere to sit (or even stand) at the bar. The last three times I have been here the parking lot is full, the attendant tells you to park at a nearby bank, when you go to the bank all of the spots are taken. I don't know if you have tried to park on the streets in Andersonville recently but it is almost impossible on a Friday or Saturday night. The food is consistent, always good, fresh, the portions are gigantic (I always have take home) and it is nice that your salad or soup is still included with the entrees. The coffee is great (I think it is LaVaza from Italy) and a nice martini menu / selection. It looks like the restaurant may have to expand again to keep up with the crowds or they are going to loose some of their "old time" customers.
(3)Luan N.
Followed Mike K's lead on the ribs + salad + pasta for $9.99. Boy, am I glad I followed that lead. It was a sweet deal like insider trading! The ribs were so tender, sweet, perhaps there was touch of honey to the sauce. Really can't go wrong with this special! Go now! Well, between Sun -Th. Oh, deep dish was not too bad as well. One of the better ones I've had in the Chi.
(4)Shradha A.
Back here this week for lunch, I was a little surprised by how different the ambiance was and yet so perfect for daytime/lunch! This time I ordered the gnocchi and absolutely loved it too! In fact, I'm still enjoying it for lunch for the 3rd day running! I do truly heart their foccacia bread too!
(5)Paul H.
A return for sure!
(4)Marie B.
Excellent Italian! Pros: * Great atmosphere * Best Vodka sauce I've ever had * Great drinks * Bar had TV for hub to catch game * Validate parking tic Cons: * none *
(4)Erika G.
Annnnnnnnd Calo gets their 5th star. You know those restaurants that are just flat out workhorses? They're not high end, or affected and pretentious or trying to be everything to everyone (Yeah, I'm talking about YOU, Andies!). They've just been in the neighborhood forever, and have gone thru ups and downs, good and bad remodeling . . . they try really hard to please their customers. Comfortable surroundings, well prepared food, served by pleasant servers. Calo is one of these restaurants. It seems to have settled into it's comfortable, bistro/supper club groove, stopped remodeling finally, and is serving flat-out great dinners. We've already talked about the bar - it's a manly, dark wood upscale gentleman's club type affair and it just makes you feel swank to hang out there for a coupla cocktails. The food though. I revisited Calo last night, Saturday. First of all, it was PACKED, but the servers were working at top speed and it never became overwhelming. They were obviously rushed, but never compromised checking on us (we were a table of 22 chicks!!), removing empty dishes or pouring wine. The foccacia appetizer we had was yummy - fresh bread w/ sundried tomatoes, it tasted freshly baked. My entree. Just about better than sex. Just about (not quite, don't worry, xoxxo). Chilean Sea Bass. Yes, yes, I know . . . it's endangered, and I shouldn't be eating it, bla bla bla . . . why don't you also tell me that my girls are just as fetchingly displayed in a Playtex potboiler, as a delicious black European lace number? Come on! To wit: here's a boring chicken dish at an inferior restaurant: figleaves.com/us/product… Perfectly nutritious, but wouldn't you rather have this?: figleaves.com/us/product… Right. That's the appeal of the Chilean Sea Bass. It's naughty. It's delicious. It's sexy. It's the Agent Provacateur of fish. It's a guilty pleasure - and who doesn't love those? It's rich, it's satisfying - but it's fish! It's tender yet firm. Very firm. Oh, yes. Yum. I wanted to wallow on that bad boy Bass. Pull a blanket of Sea Bass over myself while I lounged in the delicious garlic mashed potatoes and chomped on the buttery green beans. I know that would have been a bit messy in the dining room, and I'd have probably been kicked out, but a girl can entertain kinky food fantasies while indulging in that SEA BASS, can't she? Everyone around me was pretty amused for the rest of that evening, as I went on and on about the delicious butterness of my entree. The only minor flaw was a slight sweetness to the sauce on the fish. It wasn't overdone, and as I had my way with . . er, consumed that fish and made it my own, I decided it was more gingery than sweet and therefore delicious. My good friend G was with me on this night, and her entree was delicious as well. She had some sort of cheese pasta dish . . . delicate little purses of pasta stuffed with CHEESE and wallowing on a buttery plate with a few peas included to make it have a semblance of healthy eating. But seriously, that Sea Bass had me at "Today's Special". And there was another rare occurance on this night. Usually I am completely averse to having a visible TV in a restaurant or bar. However, when the Olympics are on (read: Apollo Ohno in a skintight suit speed skating? OhYES!) I'm willing to allow a little TV watching. Verily, I'd probably even allow a TV in my bedroom during the Olympics. Wait, scratch that, it's enough that it's visible from my table - as we sat in the bar area this night. Yum, Calo!
(5)Sandi S.
Last evening (Friday) my husband and I excitedly went to Calo after I had seen it featured to rave reviews on the show Check, Please the weekend prior. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. Our waiter, who was obviously from the motherland, was fun, friendly & very attentive. We started w/ the Scampi De Jonge, fried mozzarella & sautéed black mussels in white wine sauce ... The cheese arrived first in a square form that was lightly breaded & fried. Dressed w/ the house marinara, it was definitely a step up from the fried sticks variety at popular chain restaurants. The marinara was more acidic than sweet (I prefer the latter), but tasted fresh and not overly seasoned. The mussels arrived next and blew me away. They were plump & plentiful and the wine sauce was more of a broth which I happily soaked chunks of focaccia in! My husband ate a couple that were a little more pungent than he would've liked, but I ate one as well and didn't find it SO off putting. The scampi - my most antipated selection - arrived last! The diners on Check, Please had sung such praises about it, but I didn't get why. It was just okay. The shrimp was a bit tough and I kept asking myself, 'Where's the garlic???' By far, the mussels saved the appetizer course & I'd go back for those in a minute. Alrighty then ... Entrees! We were already near full from 3 apps, an endless supply of spongy-buttery focaccia, Matilda's & French martinis, but in we dove. We ordered a meat/pasta dish and a veggie dish to share w/each other. Their Ziti Molese boasted a house made Italian sausage which was abundant throughout the ziti in large crumbles. The sauce was sweeter like I like it and it was a large enough portion to have leftovers to share, and I swear it tasted even better re-warmed the next morning! Our second dish was an eggplant rolled & stuffed w/ricotta. The menu didn't say it'd be fried (I assumed it'd be grilled), but it was. It was fried so delicately though, that it didn't feel too heavy, which was our goal after all the food we'd ordered - something light. The cheese stuffing was a tad dry, but flavorful. Picking in it cold just now, it too is delicious next-day. Despite wrapping most of our entrees to go, I still felt I'd bust. That's when the waiter returned w/tiramisu on the house! I had announced at the start of our dinner that we were first timers & visiting thanks to the Check, Please episode. Since I didn't want to be rude (lol), I dug deep & found room for this SO delicious dessert! My husband doesn't drink coffee or appreciate it's essence in desserts, but even he nodded in agreement that this was something special. Light. Airy. Sweet, but not too sweet ... Yum, yum, yum! So here's the recap: 3 apps (2 good, 1 eh), 2 Matilda's, 1 French martini, 2 entrees (good, not AMAZING - which included soup or salad) & 1 comp'ed tiramisu ... $90 before tip & good enough to warrant a repeat visit.
(3)Susan S.
Love this place and I order from them all the time. Speedy delivery, too - they are usually at my place in a half hour! And the ribs are to die for!
(5)Tyler C.
Good food. I had the Pasta Fagioli which was fine, but not too well seasoned. The entree again was good and inventive. A Gorgonzola stuffed Gnocchi, but too me that is more like a Ravioli. It just wasn't my preference to have Gorgonzola in every bite, I would have like to have a little more Gnocchi in my Gnocchi. One excellent thing was my server. I was dining alone and Juan seemed fine to let me go as slow as I wanted. He didn't rush me just to turn the table. On a side note - interesting choice of music to play. for a classic Italian restaurant, I did not expect to be hearing American pop through the meal.
(3)Ronson S.
Great restaurant. Great Italian food and great service. Beautiful restaurant and love the owner great family friend.
(5)Stephanie K.
We stumbled by here last Saturday after a weekend of St. Patty's day activities. Because of the "holiday" most places in Chicago were either too packed, or full of too many drunks to bring my 11 year old brother in law along. The free parking was great, and the staff was excellent. It's a little expensive, but for a nice sit-down restaurant in Chicago, the price was comparable. Plus, the portions are really large, most of the chicken dishes come with 3- 5 oz boneless breast pieces, so a plate could easily be split. The best part was how accommodating they were for my wheat allergy. We were going out for my birthday, so had the waitress not worked with us, it probably would've turned out as bad as my lunch at Flat Top. They let me sub my pasta side for lemon asparagus, and the when the waitress realized that the cook adds flour to the meat sauce (who knew?), she quickly told me not to eat it, and got it redone, wheat-free, very quickly, and the meal was delicious. My husband got Corned Beef and Cabbage, which he loved it (coming from an Irish man "the best I ever had"), and the half slab of ribs entertained the 11 year old quite well. Living in Bridgeport, I've been to some of the cities "best" Italian places, often on the recommendation of my Italian neighbors, but this has to be my favorite. I'll definitely be back. Oh and they gave me a flourless cake for my birthday dessert, on the house!
(5)Jessica L.
I went on a Sunday night (New Years Day) and discovered that this hidden gem in andersonville was amazing! It has great food and a cool environment. One side is more romantic with dim lights and the other side by the full bar is a little more casual but still cute and dimly lit. There are also tvs for the games. We ordered chicken vesuvio which had an amazingly rich sauce. We also shared veal which was tender and delicious. The flourless chocolate cake was sooo rich and indulgent. SHARE IT! Definitely recommend this for a nice or casual dinner.
(5)P A.
I would like them to start offering VEGAN options. It is so easy to offer Vegan foods as an Italian restaurant. I am a Vegan among carnivores, so I am always looking for restaurants that have vegan options. MOST andersonville establishments have at least 3 VEGAN options, its disappointing that Calo does not have any.
(3)Dan K.
Been here a few times for dinner and while I don't really have any complaints, when I compare Calo to other places in the area it always comes up short. Maybe I'm just not that impressed by Italian food as it often seems so simple to make. Have tried the calamari, ribeye, shrimp scampi, octopus, and mussels, along with a few others I've likely forgotten. Everything is reasonably well prepared and the atmosphere is ok. Service is prompt and servers are pretty knowledgeable. But I never look forward to going back - everything is just okay and nothing more. Nothing is particularly excellent or memorable. It's a good place - but doesn't push the right buttons for me.
(3)Shannon W.
I grew up around this place! I used to have my birthday parties here when I was younger too! They remodeled it probably within the past decade and their business boomed!! Luis, the waiter is still there. I highly recommend him! He has been our waiter when go there for at least the past 15 years! When we sit down, he already knows what drink to bring my parents!!! This is a great family restaurant and the food is so delicious and fresh! Their pizza is pretty good too. Pretty much anything you eat here is good! Their pizza bread is one of my favs too. I get so excited when we have family get togethers and I know we are going to Calo's!! Enjoy!!!
(5)Laurie S.
I have been ordering delivery for years. Have never thought its great but it's convenient and delivery includes the entire menu. I never cared for the pizza but we always order one with an entree. The entrees are Decent. The crust typically is soggy but the sauce and toppings are typically ok. Tonight the pizza was terrible. Actually, not edible because it was a soggy mess. Imagine only eating the toppings because the crust was goo. I called to complain. I was offered a $15 credit. I asked for the taxes and delivery fee to be credited as well (I always tip 20% on top). The manger said no. Only $15. Really? You couldn't make it $20? That extra $5 bucks is gonna break Calo? Wouldn't you be more interested in customer satisfaction? Very disappointed. They lost my several hundred dollar a month business (between dine in and delivery) to a cheap manager. Go take a business class. I'm done with their mediocre food.
(2)Natalie O.
Love Calo!!!! Their pizza is very thin, crispy and delicious. The sauce isn't overly sweet. Truly the best Chicago pizza. Also, all though I am sick for the entire day afterwards, they have the best Carbonara. It is rich and creamy and amazingly good. Customer services is fantastic! I order a pizza last week to pick up. I didn't think about the fact that I had a sleeping 2 1/2 year old in my car when I went to pick up our pizza. I called Calo's and asked if they would just bring it outside to me. They said, "of course!" They had me pull up my car in front, took my card, went in and ran it, brought me the pizza and the receipt to sign. They were friendly and happy to do it! I can't wait to move back to the northside so they deliver to me!!
(5)Geoff J.
Great local spot in Andersonville for Italian food. Huge portions at reasonable prices. The Neapolitan pizzas are huge, very big for an appetizer. We also tried the gnocchi and braised beef ravioli. Both were good. For dessert we went with the apple tart with ice cream and it was delicious. We'll be back!
(4)Chet M.
Still one of the best tasting thin crust pizzas around. And if you got a coupon, its an absolute steal of a deal!
(4)Jason A.
When I was getting into the pizza-fetish business, this was the first restaurant I tried after being recommended from a friend. And their pizza is great. Their thin crust tastes pretty good. I had the Funghi pizza (fresh mozzarella and sautéed mushrooms of course). I'd say Calos is one of the best places to grab a pizza in A-ville.
(5)Tom T.
Portions are HUGE. Focaccia they served beforehand was great too. I had the Chicken Marsala & it was a big serving!!
(4)Michael B.
Our Best outing here yet. Fathers Day, went early 5:30. Our waiter was very good and attentive. Pop's and I had the ribs. Flavorful, fall off the bone, they were excellent. The girls had fish. A crispy Caesar's salad with 2 pieces of Salmon resting on top. The wife just loved it. Topped it off with carrot cake, spumoni ice cream, and a very tasty creamy gelato. mmm! mmm! We couldn't have asked for a better dining experience. Oh, did I mention that they have "validated" parking? Yes
(4)Gary B.
I remember eating at Calo pre-rehab. It certainly has a different feel then, than it did "back in the day". The food here is certainly consistent and we probably order take-out once a week. We ate here on Saturday evening and we all enjoyed our meals. The closeness to home makes it very convenient and we have never had any complaints. One thing I feel really defines a place is each consistency. I hate ordering a pizza and wondering what pizza I was going to get. Sauce is always the same as well as the ingredients which is why we go back.
(5)Ben D.
The chicken parmigiana with soup and bread (Sunday special) is absolutely delicious! Thanks for giving me a reason to look forward to Sunday (a day typically dreaded due to the impending doom of Monday)
(5)Amanda B.
A very nice Italian restaurant with great good. For an appetizer, my date and I shared the hummus. Too much olive oil and tomatoes for our taste...the hummus was green! My entree was the Ziti al Vodka. To die for. Took some home and actually ate some the next day (I typically hate leftovers). However, our service wasn't that great. Everything took way too long. From waiting to order our food to waiting for the check, it was too long, especially considering that it wasn't busy at all.
(4)Richie D.
I thought everyone knew of Calo as a great option for a fine Italian option, especially with as many reviews as it has. Yet I brought left-overs to work today and people were grinding their teeth to get a bite of my Fall off the bone, phenomenal BBQ ribs! Check out Calo on Wednesday evenings: $9.95 full slab of ribs versus paying the normal $18.95 price! And that includes not just the ribs but a salad or soup and side (I recommend the creamy garlic mashed potatoes). If you're more in the pasta mood, you can't go wrong with any choice. A friend had the Gnocchi stuffed with cheese. Exactly like Italian-style Gushers but on the savory side. Can't go wrong here!
(5)Christine S.
Went in on a Sunday right when they opened... Sat in the bar and waited for about 10ish minutes just to have a menu brought to us (that's why the -1 star). I'm inpatient! I can't help it... The food was great. Had Calamari, the chopped salad, and zesty gnocchi. All were fabulous! The chopped salad is truly out of this world! I would definitely come here again, hopefully I won't be waiting 10 after I'm seated to get a menu though.
(4)Dan S.
The service here was excellent, except for one lie by omission. I ordered Pollo Francese, which was terrific - succulent chicken, lightly battered, served over spinach with a terrific wine and lemon sauce. And a side of pasta. It had three (yes, 3) chicken breasts. "All the chicken dishes are that way" the server tells me after I exclaim at the size. It probably could have fed all three of us along with salads and some of their yummy bread. Having said that, it was a great dish. The Minestrone was simple, flavorful and hearty - just the way I like it (this one had pasta in it). Others ordered Farfalle Con Verdura (simple, good, huge) and a chicken canneloni (very nice, with a creamy sauce). The salads were also huge. Big, comfortable food - nothing earthshaking, but I would go back. And the service was great the night we were there - giving us suggestions and being attentive.
(4)Donna F.
Went here right after the excellent "Check Please" reviews and it lived up to what they said. However, on the return visit we found it to not be that great. Love the bar and the bar service. Once we got to our table we waited quite a while before seeing our server and the bread basket. I thought it was odd that oil and cheese were not on the table. I was so looking forward to the calamari, as it was really good last time, but that turned into a big disappointment. Shrimp was okay except for being drowned in sauce. Ribs were a good choice and I would recommend them as a safe option. All in all it was just not as good as the last time we were there(8 mos. ago?). I would opt for going there for drinks before dining elsewhere.
(2)Will C.
OMG YUM!. I will definitely say this one of the BEST if not the BEST Italian restaurants I have ever been too. Everything was delicious. I had the "FARFALLE AI FRUTTI DI MARE in the white sauce which is their signature garlic & olive oil sauce. YUMMY! If you love Italian food and seafood, this dish is for you! I think this is the best pasta dish I ever had too lol. For appetizers, we got the POLIPO ALLA GRIGLIA (Grilled & marinated Octopus).....one of the best octopus I have ever had lol. Definitely will be coming back and trying many other dishes. As far as looking around and noticing what other people ordered...everything looked to die for! MUST GO! STOP READING THIS REVIEW AND GO EAT THERE NOW! :-D
(5)Karen S.
It's about time I reviewed Calo. The first time I went here was in '97 or '98. My friends and I stumbled upon it while searching for the Neo-Futurarium. Back in the day, Calo had a live band that featured a female vocalist in a one-piece pantsuit, as well as a Casio synthesizer (maybe more than one). I can't remember what the food was like, but I got really into the band... Before I moved to Andersonville, I ordered thin crust pizza (the Chicago special) from Calo all the time. It's really good. Since I moved to the hood about 5 years ago, I regularly frequent Calo. Since 1997, the restaurant has undergone several upgrades. Most notably (and somewhat sadly), they have reinvented the bar area, and it no longer has space for the Casio keyboard band. For most people, this is probably for the better. Calo has really good food. The asiago gnocchi is extraordinary. One of my friends and I refer to the gnocchi as "pillows' because they are light and airy (unlike traditional gnocchi, which is dough-y and heavy). The asiago version used to be a special but is now a regular menu entree. They also have a gorgonzola version, but I swear by the asiago. So good! Calo also has an extensive spirits selection. They have some really lovely cocktails. I love the raspberry martinis, but I'd stay away from the basil one. It had a strong anise undertone and kind of tasted like detergent. Go to Calo. Make reservations.
(4)Kenny K.
Went here for a friend's 30th birthday. The atmosphere was great. We had two tables for our group and the server we had was very friendly and helpful. To top if off, the food was fantastic. I didn't hear one complaint from the people we were with. Next time I want a nice night out in the city, I would definitely consider going back.
(5)Pavithra M.
Let me start by saying that I am not a big fan of Italian food. I enjoy it once in a while, but will usually opt for spicier food. That said, I really enjoyed my meal at Calo. To start, the bread was fresh and amazing. The ribs, which we ordered as appetizers, were cooked to perfection. I ordered the Lobster ravioli with asparagus and sundried tomatoes, a yummy garlic sauce and some grilled shrimp to top it off. It was delicious. We also ordered the Calo special thin crust pizza, which tasted even better the next day. For dessert, we had the flourless chocolate cake....a must do. Pros - free parking, delicious food, good selection of wine, great ambience and not necessarily in that order. Cons - they ran out of the wine we initially asked for, somewhat on the pricier side (although well worth it). I totally ate too much....but I would not change a thing. You have to try this place. I will definitely go back.
(4)Ro L.
Fantastic old school yet updated Italian restaurant with wonderful, deep comfy booths, delicious food, very nice servers and cocktails - wow - the best straight up Manhatten in the universe. Love you, Calo's, and wish I could afford to eat dinner there every night. To heck with delivery - this place has to be appreciated in person.
(5)Sheila X.
Calo's is by far one of my favorite restaurants. I have been there numerous times within the last two years. They have free parking across the street! Once inside, the ambiance is romantic (flickering candles and low lighting), but it also has an element of fun to it (with occasional live bands and upbeat music). The bread brought to your table is warm focaccia bread, It is the BEST bread I've ever been given at an Italian restaurant. Warm, buttery, flavorful. For my main entree, "Ziti al Vodka" is VERY good. I ordered it the first time we went, and I have never ordered anything else. Last but not least, is dessert (one of my favorite things)! They have some DAMN GOOD tiramisu. The BEST I've have ever had. (Needless to say, we also get that every time) As a last note, the only negative thing I would have to mention is the service there. The service is not terrible, and has seem to gotten much better recently. In the past, we have occasionally noticed the waiters are either new, or just do not speak English well enough to understand what we want! This hasn't been the case as of recently, and I did not deduct any stars for it (obviously) but I thought I would mention it!
(5)Jack P.
Wow, it's been such a long time that I forgot I had written one for Calo. But now I've been there, and not just had their takeout. Four of us went to Calo on a Saturday night around 6:00PM. There was a very short wait and not even enough time to get a drink at the bar. We all ordered different items and shared. I stuck with the traditional Lasagna which was great. The menu is full of enticing combinations of pasta and chicken and seafood and veggies, and sauces. I could not make up my mind. I love the clubby atmosphere. One of our group was unhappy with the service, since the waiter, who was right off the boat from Naples, never returned to the table to refresh drink orders. I think that would have been our only complaint about what was a fun and stimulating traditional Italian spot.
(4)RJ W.
A great neighborhood Italian restaurant. Always busy, always good food, never an attitude!
(4)Jessica M.
This is my fiance and mine's favorite restaurant in Andersonville. We simply love ordering out and dining in here. Our date night here always have to include their lemon garlic chicken or a simple burger for my fiance. But for a simple night ordering out, we grab their thin crust pizza. It's the best thin crust we have found in the city so far. Nice and crispy, not too much crust. You have to try it.
(5)Barbara I.
I have only had delivery from Calos. And, I have delivery about once a week - usually Tuesdays. The ribs are great - tender, not too spicy, not too sweet. I also have tried several chicken dishes, all good. With each dinner order, you get soup or salad (I always get the salad), pasta or potato (I have sampled all , again, good). I always save the pasta for another meal. And, of course, bread, Which leads me to my only complaint about Calo's delivery. The butter is usually melted by the time it arrives. (They put the butter in the bag with the hot food, not the salad bag.) Oh, by the way, the Tuesday night special is Ribs!!
(4)Wyndi S.
Old world feel to it.
(4)David H.
The bartenders are nice, after that, it is all downhill. We had been regulars here for years, often having dinner at the bar on Sunday nights. I would conservatively estimate that we had spent $2000 here over the past few years. This May, I booked a reservation for a private party of about 25. A few weeks before the event date I called and asked to cancel. Then, about a week before, the manager called me, I told him I had canceled. He had not gotten the message. I did not get the name of the person I spoke to. In late June we went in late on a Friday, about 9 p.m. for pizza, appetizers, and drinks and had a table by the bar. We had 8 people with us. The server was incredibly rude and hostile. The place was almost empty. We had to beg for drinks, water, etc. I had the suspicion that the manager, Saqib, had instructed the server to do this. They tacked on a %20 tip - we normally tip 25 to 30%, but in this case we would not have tipped more than 10%. When we left, the bartenders, who have always been nice, said goodbye, the manager sat at the bar and refused to look at us.
(1)Jon S.
Going to Calo is like going home for a good meal. When we lived in Edgewater, we went to Calo every few weeks for dinner. After moving downtown 4 years ago, we find ourselves still heading north to Andersonville and Calo for dinner every few weeks. It is our default Italian place to eat. From the bread basket to the thin crust pizza to the pasta entrees, it is always good. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. It is usually pretty easy to get reservations, often at the last minute.
(4)Varsha L.
Yum, the asiago gnocci was amazballs! The sauce was delicous! the bread is very good too! delicious! I will def have to go back, my friend introduced me, its their favorite italian restaurant! I thought our service was very good too!
(5)Matthew Z.
Went there late on a Wednesday evening and had a great time. My girlfrend had a seafood ravioli dish - perfect portion size with delicious, generous sized shrimp on the side. I had the chicken vesuvio - large portion, juicy and flavorful (comes with mushrooms which I've never seen before). The service was great (attentive, filled out water often, etc) and the food was really good too. The place looks great. It is a tad pricey for pasta, but the portions are big. Wish we had saved room for dessert.
(4)Kevin B.
I got the Gnocchi Asiago, and it was phenomenal. Would recommend it to anyone. The beer was cold, not pricey at all ($4 for a Stella), and the server was polite, knowledgeable, and speedy. My friend got the thin crust pizza, which he claimed to be the best in the city, and while I may not go as far as giving it that much credit, it was pretty damn good, no question. His wife got something that I guess wasn't cooked all the way, but they took it back and brought her a new dish in a matter of minutes with no issues from what I could see. Parking wasn't bad, but we got lucky in finding a street spot, but otherwise I could see that being a pain.
(4)Boon K.
I know, every one tells me when they think andersonville, they think of Calo. They have great favor and a selection of pasta and pizza but I wasn't impress. I went with 2 friends and well got a pizza for an app and a different pasta each. We all agreed on the same thing, good favor but a little salty for our taste and too greasy. I think oil for favor is great something it is just to much especially if it has not been deep fried. The pizza was good but not rememberable
(2)Michael C.
Love the resturant, love the food. Staff, after so many years, are like family. However, one complaint. Who ever is answering the phone for deliveries otn Mar. 15h, needs to go back to school for customer service. Where is the smile in the voice? Where is the "thanks for your order?" What is the rush and panicky voice all about. I"m ordering $30 worth of delivery and you can afford me the same courtesy as if I were sitting in the dining room. This was a HUGE disappointment and will make me think twice about a carryout order in the future. Still love the place and will come in for better customer care.
(4)Nina G.
ATTENTION: If you want to impress your date then take her here gentlemen. It's a nice date place. It can get a bit loud, but you can always sit by the bar which its quieter. The ambience is romantic and classy without it being pretentious. Anyhoo, the food is delicious and reasonably priced, being that the portions are big. The stuffed gnocchi asiago is to die for! Oh and the drinks are well made! Yum.
(5)Victor R.
In response to Dan from Lagrange, yes you where told to park in the bank in an assigned parking spot, between the yellow lines, you and another patron decided to park in the drive up lanes , so you where towed and thats Calos fault?For your mistake and ignorance you decide to review a respectable restaurant and give them 1 star? No class! By the way where do you work so I can review your job? Overlook many reviews, but this one is just way wrong!
(5)Jim L.
Loved the ribs. Friendly and fast too.
(4)Marcella K.
The ribs are awesome and the weekly special for the ribs is a great deal. Comes with potato and salad or soup. I always take some food home. I also like the party room. I have eaten in the bar area not noisy and I have eaten is the restaurant. I have ventured to another dish there. It is the eggplant wrapped with cheese and a marinara sauce. If not the ribs for when I am super hungry than it's the eggplant dish. The service is excellent and I say this because I do not know too many of the staff and I have never had to ask for anything twice or feel as if I have waited to long. I do miss the old bar but otherwise the food is the same. Delicious.
(3)Allan M.
I can't believe I've never once written a review for Calo, as someone who grew up in this neighborhood who's aware of how many decades this place has been around, and even pre-dates my birth. Better late than never to finally do one, and where do I begin? With the exception of the thin crust pizza(as pizza that's extra greasy isn't my normal style, but tolerate it once in a great while), the majority of food I've had here over the years has been great. In contrast to the thin crust pizza, I am a fan of their stuffed pizza. Their pasta, seafood, chicken etc. dishes are very filling, and I like how the portions are generous. I'm also a very big fan of the BBQ ribs, and the sauce that comes with it is so good, that it makes me wanna track down the chef to get the recipe for it! Unfortunately, their BBQ rib special is no longer $10(likely because of rising food prices), but they still have it at $13 from time to time. While I prefer how the place used to look before its early 2000s renovation, I'm happy at least it still has some of the feel I remember it having pre-renovation. Was initially indecisive on 4 or 5 stars, but will go with 5, due to the fact I have so many memories of eating here growing up, and can't think of a serious reason not to give it 5. And you can't really go wrong with a place serving Italian food that isn't too expensive(despite increased food prices), and with generous portions.
(5)Sarah D.
My husband and I have had our date night here a few times now. Every time we've eaten here, the food has been fantastic. Their marina sauce and alfredo sauces are very flavorful. Being a bread lover myself, I am always estastic when a restaurant has delicious bread. So, I of course am delighted with the variety of bread here. The service is also great. We have had the same waitress each time we've been here -Eleonora. There is also a free parking lot for the restaurant right across the street. Definitely would recommend!
(5)Richard O.
I have an unhealthy affection for pizza. Of all the deep dish or stuffed pizza I've had in Chicago theirs is definitely my favorite. I think my two favorite spots for a nice dinner in Andersonville are this place and Hop Leaf, and this is one of my favorite places in the city to take out of town guests. The neighborhood is charming, the food is good, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the whole package is accessible for cosmopolitanally challenged. I'm a fan of their bread. I can't remember their salads. I enjoy their garlic bread and love their stuffed pizza. The best thing I've had though was some special called sacchetti or something. It was almost like cheese ravioli, except shaped like little purses, and it had peas and a buttery sauce on it. I thought it was phenomenal. I love living in North Center but it just doesn't have the same charm as Andersonville. And so far, it seems like dining in North Center means Thai, bar food, Victory's Banner, or Turquoise.
(5)Herminia I.
Calo's is our go-to Italian restaurant in the 'hood. Everything here is good, starting with the pizza bread they give you right when you sit down. I've never had a pasta dish that left me wanting more, their thin crust pizza is pretty spot-on and you really can't beat that Sun-Thurs full slab of ribs deal (choice or soup or salad, pasta or potato AND the slab!!). Go here on a date or with a big group, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Chicagoa N.
The lady and I visited Calo last night. Good food, good service. Waitress was most gracious, hostess greeted us warmly. We split an entree-portion Meditteranean salad and pasta, rigatoni with chicken chunks, asparagus, maybe a bit of Italian sausage, but it hit the spot on a chilly evening. Breads offered were especially good, fresh, light. Prices were reasonable. We both thought we should've tried the pizza, maybe next time. Calo has its flaws, I had fried calamari there quite a while ago that was greasy and forgettable, and I got a carryout chicken parmesan sandwich that was nothing special, but none of their offerings were ever unsatisfactory, and free parking in their own lot across the street is a nice convenience. Calo is a welcoming cafe with plenty of seating. Recommended.
(4)Jocelyn H.
Was with a party of 12. We got good service. The food is a different story. I got the linguini carbonara based on other yelp reviews. Portion was overwhelming, flavor was underwhelming. Boyfriend got the pollo vesuvio, again the portion was overwhelming and flavor lacking. You're not paying for quality at this place, you're paying for quantity. If that's your thing then go here. Personally I'd rather eat high quality ingredients and eat flavors that are memorable than eat a disgusting amount of bland, one note food.
(2)Brittany Q.
I've been to Calo's twice for lunch. I've been nothing but pleased with my meals. First of all the service is great. the waiter has been polite, advised of all specials, took our orders promptly and brought us our dishes quickly. I split my entree with my co-worker and we didn't have to do the work ourselves, the cooks made sure they were in separate dishes before they were brought to the table. The taste and temperature were excellent. I had no issues with too much sauce or not enough on either occasion that I've dined here. The prices are very fair, especially for a Chicago Restaurant. For three people, we split on lunch, had a salad and a cup of soup with nonalcoholic beverages for $35.00 a price I don't think can be beat. The best part is, this Andersonville establishment has it's own free parking lot so you don't have to use the pay box street parking!
(4)Ingrid H.
Food is okay, not spectacular. Normally, I'd throw out three stars, but I've ordered from this place three times, now, and they've delivered the wrong items on two of those three occasions. Unacceptable.
(2)John L.
It is sad.....how much a great restaurant has slipped. Or else, the competition in Andersonville has gotten better.
(1)Daniel M.
I have been several times and had delivery as well. This place is legit. We had the fried and grilled calamari which were what you'd expect from an Italian restaurant in Chicago. Their thin crust pizza is pretty good and the lobster ravioli was very tasty. Will definitely go back.
(4)Joe G.
I've had some excellent experiences eating at Calo, and I would definitely return for more. Their food is excellent, and so is their service. Prices are relatively low when compared to similar restaurants. The only drawback--their Chicago-style pizza is sub-par. Not that it's bad, that is. It just does not meet expectations. Thin crust, great! Chicago-style, well, it's so bland that you just don't like it. Overall, I'd definitely recommend Calo. Just make sure you steer clear of the Chicago-style pizza.
(4)Anne E.
I was a very big fan of Calo. I was there with three friends on Saturday night at 7:30. We didn't have a reservation and the manager that night was great at getting us seated very promptly in the bar. Our waitress was attentive and checked in on us often, which was nice given that it was so busy in the restaurant that night. The food was great. The menu was extensive and it was hard to narrow it down to just one thing you wanted to try. After eating the tomato bread that was brought to the table, which is amazing, I had the Canneloni that was on special and it was GREAT. My friends had the salmon, lasagna and Chicken dish and were all equally impressed. We stumbled across this restaurant and I had never been before, but I will definitely be back! The food, staff and ambiance is great!!
(5)Tricia T.
Delicious food! Was pleasantly surprised that this restaurant lived up to my expectation of good Italian food. Like others- the foccacia was great and my pasta dish was out of this world! Nice, quaint ambiance too. Would definitely go back!
(4)Kathleen S.
I went here one evening for a private party, so I'm not entirely sure how representative my experience was, but I had a lovely time. The group I was with had the whole back room, which was great, very neat exposed-brick looking. The bartender was nice. We had a family-style dinner, and everything was good - we had something parmigana (eggplant?) that was tasty, and the sauces were generally good. I wasn't as big a fan of whatever chicken we had (something less tomato-saucy and more olive-oil based, though I never heard exactly what it was). The bread, though, was AMAZING. They had a foccacia that was just absolutely delicious - lots of herbs, cheese, and other tasty seasonings I couldn't even identify. I could have just eaten the bread and drank my wine and been happy... All in all, good if pretty standard Italian. I'd definitely go back so I could order off the menu and know a bit more about the dishes I order.
(4)Maria S.
This place rocks as far as the limoncello martini, limoncello tartufo, chocolate tartufo, pork chop specials, ziti pasta, oh! their shrimp asparagus risotto and salmon. Very popular with the families and my tot is always greeted warmly. Love the place! Sometimes the service can be lacking but we ended up getting something comped by our waitress. Overall, for a place close to home and pretty good pasta and pizza, we go there.
(4)Bonnie L.
Delicious food! Great location and easy parking! Terrific atmosphere!
(5)Andrea R.
On the day I lunched at Calo Ristorante I had a bunch of other meetings lined up and of course they all involved food. What else is new? So I figured I'd have a very light lunch before moving on to my next meal, but this was pretty much impossible at Calo. They certainly give you lots of food for your $$$ here at Calo! After making my way thru the bread basket (so much for that light lunch) I ordered the grilled calamari from the lunch specials menu. This meal, which I believe was supposed to be an appetizer also came with a soup and a side of pasta. All that for just about $12. Hello...good deal! And the meals of my 3 dining companions also came with soup or salad and a side of pasta. Where has Calo been all my life during very hungry times? Not the best grilled calamari I've had, but pretty good. I also enjoyed my minestrone soup and the pasta was a nice treat being the carboholic that I am. The food didn't wow me so I probably wouldn't go back unless in the area, but definitely a place to keep in mind when looking for a good deal.
(4)Minna A.
I had no idea what the inside looked like, with such dark tinted windows and dark awning, Calo just seeming to disappear into the colorful Clark St. atmosphere. I guess the exterior speaks for it's food, as the dishes here were bland and forgettable. We came here on a Monday night. Our server did not want to be there, which left US feeling like.. well, like we didn't want to be there. I asked our waitress what was good on the menu, or if there was anything in particular that crowds/regulars really enjoyed. Her response? "Well, like here, look at the specials list. All this stuff is good. Yea, our entire menu.. the food is good." "uhh.. ok thanks?" So I ordered a baked pasta dish (rotolo di pesce?) and.... it looked gross. It looked like a rolled up linguine that had a slice of white processed cheese melted on top. It looked like something my 10 year old cousin could whip up for me. The dish was warm, but not flavorful at all, and the presentation was just so.. off-putting. The only thing good about this place was the attentive service from the bus boy who was more contentious to our needs than our waitress.
(1)Nichole W.
I have been here several times. The food is always good and of good value. The reason will not return is due to continued poor service. Our last experience was probably the worst. It took over 10 minutes for our server to come to the table. When he did, he simply said, are you ready? We never received refills on our beverages, he didn't check on our food and took over 15 minutes to come back with our change.
(3)Bryan B.
Terrible, disappointing experience at Calo Ristorante tonight. All of my party's food came out...but not mine. And they knew they messed up. And I know that happens, and they can't control everything. But, here's what went down next: Apology blaming someone else. Still no food. Food finally coming out when my friends were done eating. Me saying, "just box it up, I'll take it to go". Manager coming over, saying my food was "comped" and giving me a gift card (for $20). My actual food, which I'd asked to be boxed up, never came out. They offered to buy us 'a' dessert for the table. Really? No thanks. Oh, and they also brought a glass of wine that was to be part of someone's meal, AFTER they had finished their meal. EPIC. FAIL. This is one of my favorite places, and I've recommended it to many. But I will probably never go back. Sad to see a formerly great place fizzle out like this so unceremoniously...
(1)Bill B.
Calo serves pretty traditional italian dishes with a few more ambitious nightly specials. The thin (well done crust) pizza is the best of their pizza line-up. The bread (great focaccia among other things) before dinner beats any other restaurant (from downtown to suburbs), and is dropped on the table immediately by a profoundly well trained bus-staff (other restaurants should take their bus-staff on a field trip here to watch and learn). I honestly try to stick to the specials, otherwise favor the pastas, the cream sauces, funghis, scallops, or the carbonara, though lately discovered the skirt steak is real nice. So, it's about value; fresh bread on the table, and most dinners come with soup or salad, potato/starch, veggies, AND a side of pasta (spaghetti or mostaccioli, meat or mariner sauce). Dress the dinner salad with the house vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese on top!
(4)Peter A.
I've been a fan of calos since I moved to Chicago in 2005. The food is good, no doubt, yet overpriced. I will never order from this establishment again however... The worst customer service I've ever experienced. I've put up with the apathetic hostesses, who are typically rude, short and un accommodating. Tonight was the last straw, called at 10:30 for delivery and was told the restaurant was closed. Looking back at the menu I saw the place is supposed to be open until 1130. I called back a bit confused to attempt to address the situation and the "manager" I spoke with went as far to question what I do for a living... I'm a server at a resatraunt in the gold coast. These clowns wouldn't know hospitality if it hit them in the face. I was hung up on, which has happenend before, but I've always held my tongue. No more. Chefs, your product is great, but I suggest nuking your entire FOH staff as they are uneducated, entitled, and simply treat your restaurant as a paycheck and not a career. What a disappointment. Good job calos, you're my first yelp review....
(1)Chris V.
Wow. In a city with a million restaurants, this is the best one I've been to by far. In terms of great restaurants, this place was a triple threat: the food was impeccably done, the service was spot on, and it has amazing ambiance. It's your classic favorite italian restaurant. This, folks, is the reason you go out to eat: the experience. And does this place ever have experience! The ambiance is wonderful, the food is great, and the service is top notch. I just wish it was closer to downtown so I wouldn't have to drive as far to enjoy the place.
(5)Kat A.
I LOVE this place. My daughter graduated late May, 2013 and the ceremony went overtime causing some of us to be an hour late for dinner. Some of the people canceled at the very last minute and a table went unused. The owner accommodated our family extremely well. and...... when I explained where one of the automobiles was questionably parked and inquired where we could park instead, he took the keys from my hand and went running (yes, running) outside and stopped a TOW truck from taking the car at the last moment. He came back in and informed us he put the car in an appropriate spot. Because of his kindness, we had a wonderful celebration! The food!! Very very excellent and cooked with love. We had a wide variety of dishes and everyone loved their entree. MMMM Did I mention the appetizer bread they bring to the table? The sauce infused in the bread is delicious. I loved the environment, the food, the service was fantastic!!! THIS IS the definition of FAMILY restaurant. They treated us like family!!
(5)Angie M.
I hate to give Calo a 3 star review, I really do. I've been a loyal customer for a few years now after a friend turned me on to Calo, but I had a bad experience on Sat. night. Every visit I've had to Calo other than last night has been wonderful. I've generally gone with a small group of friends and enjoyed the price-conscious, yet delicous, menu. The ambiance is great... very Sopranos-esque with lots of dark wood, candles, etc. HOWEVER..... I went to a b-day party at Calo on Sat. night and I was not a happy camper. Our server was less than attentive. We had to wait almost an hour after we were seated to order or meals and our drink refills were not tended to very well. I ordered the lasgne bolognese, which was excellent at the time, but not so excellent in the hours after the meal. I think I may have caught a bit of food poisioning. I know I'll give Calo another chance. I love Calo and before Saturday, I never had a bad experience.
(3)Erin N.
5 people- 1 bottle of wine, 4 entrees (1 split), 2 caesar salads, total bill after tax before tip of $104. Not what one would consider cheap, but decent for the food. Portions are large, servers are friendly, and the atmosphere is lively yet also slightly romantic. Some friends of mine swear by the gorgonzola gnocchi, which I admit, is quite tasty, but very rich- order at your own risk. I ordered the pollo cannelloni, a special, which was pretty damn amazing. Also had at the table- ziti con vodka and the chicken parm. Everyone was happy! Mama always says don't fill up on bread, but some of the focaccia in the basket is the best bread I've ever had. So maybe you want to, and then just get your entree in a take home box :)
(4)Sandra G.
After walking aimlessly up and down Andersonville not sure about where to go or what to eat, we settled on Calo's for lunch. Looking forward to the table bread we're been served at dinner before which usually arrives exquisitely baked with flavors, we were a little disappointed to be served slices of regular white Italian bread. As an opener I ordered traditional bruschetta followed by a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese for an entrée. Le bf went with the incredibly priced lunch special they were offering for $13 of a full rack of baby back ribs, baked potato, and soup. The bruschetta was delicious served on perfectly toasted pieces of Italian bread and the Mediterranean salad with feta cheese was so fresh, they must have hand picked all the ingredients from their garden out back! As for the baby back ribs, potato, and soup, the bf was too busy licking the bbq sauce from his fingers to take the time out to give his opinion, but by the looks of his well-cleaned plate, I'd say he was a happy camper.
(4)Brian H.
Calos is a staple in Andersonville. The food and cocktails are always reliable as is the service. It is a really friendly, family owned business. I generally eat here about 2 times per week. Everyone talks about the free focacia-and it is delicious. Just be sure not to eat too much of it because the portion sizes are pretty big. You can generally count on bringing some home for lunch the next day. Prices are very affordable for what you get.
(5)Paula B.
We've been to eat in the restaurant but usually get delivery and it always is delivered hot and in a timely manner. The food is really good and the pizza is the best! I also love their gnocchi.... yummm. I'd give it a try if you're in the area and looking for pizza. It's worth it.
(4)Patty O.
I love Calo. They say consistency is boring, but not the case at Calo. First of all, the seafood platter on bed of spinach is what dreams are made of...their martinis can enduce euphoria and their thin crust pizza is some of the very best. The service is always terrific and the mood is relaxing - yet very efficient. Always a wonderful place to meet friends after work, a romantic dinner or just because it's delicious. Thank you for being there.. Calo.
(5)Vanessa B.
One thing you need to know about Calo: PIZZA BREAD! damn is that shit good. Mouthwatering good. Hell, I go there sometimes just cause I'm craving it. The lights are always dim, so if you're on a bad date, the pros are you won't really have to look at the other person and second, the food make up for it, big time. You walk in, the front of the house staff is beyond bitchy some eastern European girls fakely greet you and if you are without a reservation(usually my case) you'd have to wait for what seems like forever to get your hands on that damn pizza bread. Go to the bar, their bartenders are real nice, not overly friendly for tips sake, they're just real. Have s nice glass or two of some wine and get your mouth ready for what's about to happen to it... I always order the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, and it comes with a soup or salad, do the house salad, its awesome. The fettuccine is rich and creamy but not too overbearing, and they give you enough chicken with is hard to come by now a days. Evey time I walk, stumble out of this place I have a crazy grin on my face, the food won't disappoint.
(5)Don B.
Great food POOR and AWFUL Management Going down the tubes they don't care about correcting any issues. look at reviews from long time customers, they will agree on how poor the management has gotten since the old man turned it over to his family. They completely got my order wrong and wanted to charge me for their mistake. I had them come back and take the order back and ordered from Pete's Pizza on Western, never had an error from them.
(1)Julie B.
Well, recently moving to Andersonville, this is my new favorite and a staple in my dining recommendations! First, you can sit in either the bar area or the dining room (preference one is casual and one is a bit nicer). I prefer the dining room truth be told and the service is better! For starters, try their amazing seafood salad - seriously so delish!!!! Shrimp, octopus, squid and lots of veggies in an oil/vin dressing. Next, I had their chicken canneloni - Oh, my this literally melted in my mouth and I wanted more...Dessert was a bit underwhelming as they gave me a FROZEN TIRAMISU - devastating! Yet, I still love you Calo!
(4)Arlene A.
After a completely indulgent evening, there was a need for some recovery food. I was requiring a multitude of flavors and temperatures to ease myself into a long work week. So, I ordered a shrimp cocktail, BLT wrap and the fried chicken/rib combo (I did mention this was recover food right?) So the cocktail sauce that came with the shrimp? Uh, yeah, it was good. Lots of horseradish, and I didn't feel the need to add any additional Tabasco. The BLT wrap was HUGE! I happily ate half of a half and was super happy. This flour tortilla was supple and I liked how there was a smokiness to every bite because of the little bit of char. An aromatic delight for sure. And then I took a nap. Dinner time! Reheated the chicken and ribs for me and my Honey. You get a choice of two sides with this, I got the cole slaw and pasta with olive oil (not offered on the menu, but I asked). The cole slaw was pretty good, I have to admit (!?!) I'm a bit of a slaw snob, being that my Mom makes the best and all. Creamy, flavorful and not too vinegary, very nice. Fried chicken was good enough, salty and re crisped nicely in the oven. My Honey loved the ribs, he let me have one and I must agree, they're pretty tasty. Calo will always have a place in m heart for saving this girl from dayafterdom:-)
(4)Katy S.
Very good food. It is not the best in the world but it is okay. The restaurant is very nicely kept, clean and the staff is very friendly. They have a nice variety of meats, pasta and fish choices. I will be back again.
(4)Mike K.
*** Frequently Asked Question #19 *** Q: Hi! I'm very hungry but I don't want to spend more than $10 on a meal. Can you help me? A: I sure can. Head to Calo immediately. Sunday through Thursday, they offer a full rack of ribs, choice of salad or soup and pasta for $9.99. I'll type this again slowly in case you missed it: - Full rack of ribs (FULL RACK!) - Soup/Salad - Pasta $9.99 The ribs are excellent. You'd assume the restaurant would try to cheat you b/c of the outrageous deal but they don't. The meat easily falls off the bone and is very, very tasty. I had the chicken rice soup and that too was very good. I was shocked when the waitress asked me what pasta I wanted w/ my meal. I wanted to get this $9.99 deal in writing b/c the amount of food proposed compared to the dollar amount made no sense whatsoever. Order their fried calamari as well. It, too, is excellent. You just saved a ton of money on the rib deal so you can afford it. There's free parking across the street. Go now.
(4)Ellen P.
Have lived in Andersonville for close to 8 years now, and have long enjoyed Calo - both at home and dining at the restaurant. And I'm lucky enough to know the "before and after" Calo: before being the traditional red/white table cloth with red vinyl/velvet decor; the after being a stunningly beautiful modernization and expansion. Calo also holds the distinction of successfully upscaling its menu a bit without losing its family/neighborhood atmosphere. My stepfather's family (The Calamaris - yes, really) loves to dine here when they visit from out of town. The fare ranges from traditional to nouvelle-ish Italian, and the pizza can't be beat - love the thin crust. The wine list is very nice and very affordable. Great for large parties - I love seeing it always packed on weekends.
(5)Dave O.
This is our "go-to" neighborhood restaurant and, judging by how busy they are on any night of the week, we aren't alone in this. This is set-your-watch reliable, good Italian food. The wife loves the gnocchi and compares every other restaurant's gnocchi to Calo's. The grilled calamari is always delicious. Their ribs are a complete surprise, better than at most rib joints. I usually stick to one of the pasta specials and have rarely been disappointed. Even the plain old house salad is pretty good. Some servers are friendlier than others (we've gotten to know them), but mostly the service is unobtrusive, in that food & waiters seem to pop-up right when they should. I think this is really hard to pull off in such a busy place. In my experience very few restaurants do this consistently. I want to give them five stars but honestly Calo's food is merely good, not mind-blowing or the "best" Italian in the city. It's not even the best Italian in the neighborhood (the place across the street gets that honor). But it is always a reliable, pleasant and enjoyable (if busy) place to go out for dinner, either with a date or with a crowd.
(4)Rick F.
Food: Above Average Italian Price: Fair Atmosphere: Very enticing, you just want to jump right in and see what's going on in here! Bathrooms: Clean Service: Inconsistent Great place for groups and special events. The bar is always hopping, live music is great! I can go here 2 times week it's so comfortable. Arguably the best pizza in town. Mozzarella appetizer is great, pasta dishes are good! I just love everything about this place. I must give a least one area of improvement! Linguini with white clam sauce could be prepared a little more authentic, as well as the Carbonara.
(5)Yanyao N.
I love Calo. Why? - Their kitchen is open until midnight during the week. - It is pretty close to Evanston. A short drive at least... and at 11pm, I don't even need their free lot with all the empty space on the street. - Medium thin crust pizza with mushrooms and garlic cut into squares. I am always stealing all the edge pieces and working out my arms with the shakers. I love this pizza. - Stuffed gnocchi to go with that pizza? Sure! - Lots to choose from on the menu. Last night I didn't feel like my usual pizza/pasta combo and had the minestrone (so good!) and the insalata de pesce has plenty of delicious marinated seafood. Their specials menu is always fun to look at. - Friendly servers and even friendlier bussers. - Nice wide booths. - Did I mention that they're open late? As in, my other options include White Castle/Burger King/McDonalds.... and I'm eating gorgonzola stuffed gnocchi and drinking grapefruit juice with some soda bubbles at Calo?! Dangerous for my wallet but amazing nonetheless.
(5)Mary N.
The food was OK. I went with my family to celebrate my birthday. My husband spoke with the owner to have cake sent over after dinner, and the owner offered to send the polish waitress over for a lap dance. The waitress was standing there and laughed. Calo are you a traditional italian restaurant or a strip club? The owner is extremely low class at best. Won't be back. I gave 2 stars only because the food was OK.
(2)Mark K.
We began to go to Calo about 5 years ago when we moved into the area. The food is great and you can always count on consistency in the food quality. The salad, while a bit plain, is probably one of the freshest in the city. It is crisp every time! Now, other than the food, there is another reason I recommend going to Calo. They are perhaps one of the most family friendly restaurants on the Northside. Every time we go, the wait staff comes and visits with our daughter (now 2 1/2). The management there, especially Sakib, are top notch. They make you feel like a million bucks every time you come in for dinner. If you want a place to take your kids for a NICE dinner and not feel like a burden, then this is the place!
(5)Anna J.
Yum, Yum and Yum. My BF and I were up in Andersonville and wanted to try out a few new spots. We headed here based on all the yelp reviews. The wait was about 45 mins so we just went across the street to grab a beer. When we came back out table was ready. We came to try the thin crust pizza so I can't speak for everything on the menu. I will say the tomato bread that they give you is really amazing along with the other stuff in the bread baskets. (If you read my reviews you know I love bread!) We also ordered the Italian Chopped Salad. They split it up for and it was huge and yummy. It also only costs 7 or 8 dollars. Awesome! Here comes the pizza. We were pretty full on the yummy bread and the huge salad so we didn't devour it like we normally would. I will say it's pretty darn good. The toppings can get mad expensive so just stick with a few. The only downer of the restaurant....our waitress was not good. I realize it's a Friday night and you are busy but she barely spoke a few words to us. She also took our bill and credit cards so fast that I hardly had time to tell her how to split the bill. I was annoyed by that. Other than that...it was a good experience.
(4)Frank R.
Had Rib special today. They were very tasty and flavorful I must say. And a reasonable portion of salad and potato. I'd come back but didn't like waiter charged us extra on bill for extra salad dressing. Never have seen that in my life. So i took the extra money I was going to leave for his tip to pay for dressing surcharge. I'd come back but hope I get different server.
(4)Nikki C.
This is only about the thin crust pizza i devoured one time when they delivered to my place of work. Oh, Ooooh...OOOH slrrrrrrrrp...OH! yes...mmmmmmm Crunch, (((CHEW/CHEW/CHEW)))) ...yeah its tasty good. and I'd do it again and again.
(4)Laura A.
I forgot about you Calo! Its been so long since I lived in your hood! But now that I am back, I shall give you the majority of my pizza eating business....but you HAVE TO DELIVER HOT PIZZA! You gave me cold pizza, hot fries and hot sticks the other day. Tsk tsk...I can be loyal but only to those who are worthy! Don't let it happen again!
(4)Michelle M.
okay, calo, you are good, but you are not THAT good. look, the food is tasty. if the service didn't SUCK beyond belief, i would give it 3.5 stars. however... i've now been to calo four times. (my fiancé loves it; we usually go for his birthday.) i've made reservations four times. and each of those four times, i've had to wait and wait and wait to actually be seated. ughh. this weekend was birthday weekend. since my fiancé's last birthday, we have moved from chicago to naperville, but we had other plans in the city so calo was a convenient (so we thought) choice. we were going to a show after dinner (at 10 pm) and i foolishly assumed that 1 hour and 45 minutes from our reservation time would be enough to be seated, order, eat and go. i was so wrong. at 8:30, they finally seated us. at 8:45, they took our order. at 8:55, they informed us that the shrimp we had ordered took 10 minutes extra to cook (i wish they had mentioned this when we ordered). the only person who offered me a drink refill throughout the entire meal was the manager, and this was at about 9:25, when we got our food and asked if we could have the check right now so we could leave as soon as we finished eating. we scarfed our food down in 20 minutes (the food was tasty but not very memorable, especially given the limited time we had to savor it; i had gnochhi with gorgonzola; fiancé had chicken saltimbocca- the portions are HUGE, by the way!) and were out the door. it kind of sucked that we had to spend a nice birthday dinner panicking about whether or not we were going to make it to our show on time. (we did, with a couple of minutes to spare.) the service was polite but very inattentive; it took forever to get anything. my advice, if you plan to eat here, is to allot plenty of time because it gets very very very busy. oh, and avoid sitting by the band area... stress, long wait time and lousy service aside, the "live music" was the absolute worst part of the meal! think greasy 45-year-old-man playing cheesy keyboard versions of pop songs (like "i wanna be a billionaire," seriously) with a young female singer as his accompaniment. it was HORRENDOUS!
(2)Carol K.
As luck would have it- I have had the chance to eat at Calo a couple of times in the past couple of weeks. Granted- Andersonville is way off my beaten path- but if I am in the area, Calo calls to me when I want some good, comforting Italian food. The first time I had ever heard of Calo was when I was with a bunch of Yelpers at Simon's Bar drinking their ever popular Glogg. I hadn't eaten (never a good idea when you are "Glogging") and one of the menu's provided for me by the bartender was for Calo. I called and ordered a pizza and mozzarella sticks to share. After being told it would take an hour- the food actually showed up in about 30 minutes- hot, cheesy, thin crust pizza, just the way I like it. Maybe a little pricier than I was expecting but what the heck? I love when people bring the food to you! Given that the delivered food was so good- when a friend who lives in the area asked where did I want to go and eat- I thought . . hmm . .let's go to Calo and see what else they can do! Well- the experience was great. From being seated in the front window to watch the snow fall- to the amazing lasagna Bolognese and the gnocchi with Gorgonzola- I was hooked. Service kept some great martinis flowing effortlessly and I left with a smile on my face (and a song in my heart given how many martinis I had, I'm sure!) Give it a try. You may find your next little favorite Italian place right here in Andersonville!
(4)Christine F.
Most of the time we just get delivery from here...fast and easy. However last Saturday we decided to venture and eat in Calo. We had great service and a very friendly staff! I got a glass of white wine and we ordered a medium thin crust pizza with onions and half sausage. Mmm. It's even better than delivery, if that's even possible. Thin, crispy cracker crust, TONS of cheese, sauce and toppings. It's perfectly proportioned in terms of ingredients. It's a little pricey to eat in, especially with the wine, but it's hard to beat a fresh Calo thin crust right out of the oven. WTB more pizza NAO
(4)Rachelle G.
I really would have given this restaurant a solid four but one server ruined it for me. More on that later. Free parking + tasty food + Andersonville + great specials = Happy Rachelle Had the $9.95 full slab rib special. Tasty and bonus it comes with your choice of soup/salad and a side of either pasta or potatoes. Definitely a great deal. Most of the staff was super friendly and assisted as soon as you requested something. There was one server though who accused my large party of changing seats when he brought our entrees over because he didn't notate who ordered what correctly. In the midst of passing a plate that had some au jus on it, he managed to spill half the au jus on me. He barely mumbled an apology and acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. I'll definitely be back and am hoping to update this review to four stars.
(3)Matt G.
So I have been in Calo about 6 times and most of the time I'm stunned by how much I get, how good it was and what a great value it was. Howvever this last weekend, we went and I was a tad underwhelmed. While the portions were substantial, the food didn't seem to have that same "snap" that it did in the past. Additoinally, the service was a bit awkward. Let me explain. A party of 4 adults and two toddlers begins ordering and then as we get to the third adult, the waiter says "hold on, let me get your wine before you order." Huh???? Anyway, this was typical for the night and a little off-putting. Nonetheless, I can recommend the pasta dishes and can say that the portions are large and filling and they are generally good. However, the olive oil based sauces are not so exciting. I prefer the cream based even though they are quite heavy. I will go back and hope next time service doesn't overshadow a good meal.
(3)Amanda C.
Yet more delicious pizza! Pizza that will show up at my house! We're trying to branch out from just getting Apart pizza all the time, so we called these guys. We ordered a plain cheese pan pizza. It was a little expensive, but that pizza was enormous. It fed three of us for two days. Plus, delivery was really quick (like 35 minutes, and we live a couple miles from Calo) and the delivery guy was friendly. There is a delivery fee, which is a pain, but they make some solid pizza. When I'm looking for something a little more substantial than Apart, I will totally call them.
(4)Karen C.
Every time I come here, I am so glad I did. The food is always SO delicious and the service is spectacular. I did make the error of not making reservations one time, but even with an hour wait, it was worth it. There's nothing more to even say... just go here. Now.
(5)Kate S.
Not going to lie, I was very surprised at how much i like this place. I walked by many times putting it off as just another large italian restaurant (like a neighborhood magianos or something). Eventually I got stuck going due to some very picky/non-experimental eaters in my group, and i had a GREAT time! good drink menu, full but not over the top food menu, and a fun atmosphere. The bartenders were entertaining and poured some good drinks - always a plus - and the patrons seem like regulars up at the bar. I tend to get the same thing when i go there - buffallo calamari (YUM and a huge serving!) and one of their thin crust signature pizzas. they make a good pizza. This place is definitely worth a stop if you're in the mood for reasonably priced good italian food in a fun, chill environment.
(4)Colleen B.
Calo's serves you the most delicious, soft, warm, delectable foccacia--as a free appetizer. 'Nough said. But there's more. I always tell myself I'm going to try something new, and even though my favorite dish is a bit pricey for me, I never fail to order the Linguine Al Frutai Di Mare. It's not a dinner plate--it's more like a trough--of the most delicious combination of pasta and seafood that you could ever imagine. I love seeing my server bring me a heaping bowl of clams and mussels, perfectly sauteed shrimp, calamari, and HUGE scallops. They serve so much food that I usually make three meals out of the leftovers. Particularly if I accidentally eat the entire basket of foccacia.
(5)Ashley B.
BEST STUFFED PIZZA IN THE CITY!!!! Calo is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in town, and coming from a native Chicagoan, that says a lot. I lived in Uptown for several years and regularly ordered delivery from Calo. They were always prompt and the delivery guys were super nice! The stuffed pizza is AMAZING. The crust is perfect and the cheese is delicious and plentiful. I've had pizza from dozens of places in Chicago, and no where else even begins to compare. My favorite part of Calos is the cost. The prices are dirt cheap compared to the quality and quantity of food you get. Definitely a place you have to try out!
(5)Mike K.
This place by far is my favorite restaurant in the city. I dine in and have delivery at least once a week. 1st. The foccocia bread at the table Is awesome.2. The smoked braid salad I get every time. Ribs fall off the bone great taste. I love to cook and these are good. And 9$ a full slab with sides. Best deal in town. Pizza is great. Every dish I have tried there I have loved. Wine selection great. Always new specials daily. I can go on and on. Service and ambiance always perfect. If visiting the city this place is a must. If you live here you too will become regulars of this hotspot. 5 of 5 stars
(5)iddells E.
My friends and I have been here a few times, back when Marilou and her band used to perform and the dance floor would be open to anyone. That was before Calo's was remodeled. I wonder if Calo's still has the same sort of entertainment?? I've been here once since the remodeling, it's much more elegant. Nowadays, I just order pizza to go. Their pizza's great! Calo's is our favorite pizza place!
(5)Kate S.
I haven't been to the restaurant yet (only had it delivered), but we've been very happy with the food. One of the tell tale signs of a good Italian restaurant is their alfredo sauce. So many places have this thick, gloppy, flavorless sauce masquerading as alfredo. Calo, on the other hand, served us a lovely, buttery, cheesy sauce that was exactly what you want from alfredo. (FYI, alfredo sauce is so rich that I can only eat a bite or two of it, but tasting my brother-in-law's tempted me to order my own next time.) We've also been very happy with their linguini in clam sauce, the buccatini con pomodoro (really tasted fresh and light and delicious, though I'm sure it added about 3 inches to my waistline), and the pasta alla Milano. My only negatives would be I think they're a bit pricey (maybe more worth it when dining in if the atmosphere is really nice), and the majority of the pastas had meat in them (though they may be available without meat). I really look forward to going here in person and having more to say.
(4)Carol J.
There was a time when I absolutely loved this place. I enjoyed the pizza, the old school atmosphere and the prices were a steal. Fast forward to recent past where you now have mediocre service, a surly (okay, downright rude) owner scowling at you because the bottle of wine you ordered was vinegar, the bartenders could care less about you if you aren't a day-to-day regular (yes, I will get you a drink when I finish looking at pictures of his crashed up car). Pizza is okay, ribs are a great deal when they are on special and not reheated from the day before. Service is spotty at best and oh yeah don't forget to look at your check. A group of 4 girls ordered two apps, two bottles of bad wine and four entrees and we all tasted some of each others entrees (like a bite) and they tried to charge a splitting fee. Really? Wish the parents were still running the show here, they used to make people feel super welcome and like a guest not an inconvenience.
(2)M L.
Been going to Calo for many years (30+)- it was always good and reliable and has only gotten better with age. here are my highlights: Cheap ribs during the week (12.95) - full dinner starts with the focaccia bread then soup or salad- excellent minestrone - fresh salad (get the garlic and house on the side) Choice of side - you can't finish the whole meal The asiago cheese gnocchi is awesome -my favorite -very rich - could share as an appetizer. Great value too.
(4)Michael S.
of bar only: Great service and excellent prices even for top shelf cocktails.
(4)Viktor C.
There are some things that Calo does very well, for example most of their Italian foods and Pizza, but they certainly left me wanting when I ordered their Ribs. Last time I ordered them was a few years back, moved away..yada yada...came back...looking forward to a delicious slab of ribs...yum...yum...ordered and received the driest and tiniest slab I've ever seen (more lake a slabette!) at a full slab price! Needless to say, bummer. Sometimes you just can't go back.
(3)Brandon W.
My family has been coming to Calo's for years. It used to be just for the pizza, but after more and more visits, we expanded our horizons and went on to things such as the ribs. The atmosphere here is always friendly and the service is great! I dont think I have ever tasted anything from here that I didnt like. If you are in the area and want a decent slice of pizza or some really good ribs, stop in - it is worth it. There usually isnt a wait. I would go three and a half starts, but that isnt do-able.
(3)Jim B.
This evening was the first time I ordered out from Calo Ristorante; usually I dine in. Have always loved their food and tonight was no exception!
(4)Nick M.
I, like I'm sure most of you, grew up eating a whole lot of pizza. It didn't matter from whom of what kind it was just give me some pizza! But as you grow up, your body goes though many changes (I know what you're thinking Matthew!). One being your taste buds, you develop a certain standard for your pizza. Certain brands, sauces, crust or no crust, will just not suffice. I'm all about the sauce, bad sauce, bad pizza. Thank god for Calo's! The sauce is excellent for those dam picky taste buds of mine. I've never been to the actual location but I can tell you that they deliver and they deliver fast. Price isn't too bad and the pizzas are always fresh and hot. Maybe one of these days I'll order something else to try there but I doubt it.
(4)Michael E.
Calo is an up-scale italian restuarant in Andersonville that does one thing I find just great....serves food until 2am during the week. I sometimes have cravings for late night dinners...and though a pizza and a few beers isn't the best of dinners it definitely hits the spot. The bar is the best please for such dining in the late night hours. The bar tender meets your needs and you can eat while either talking with friends, watching one of 3 TVs (one is a HUGE projection tv in the back) or reading. Regardless, in the summer time, front of the establishment opens all the windows making the summer even better. I had only the pizza and thin crust too boot, but it was done just right and a small is big enough for two people to share. At $12 one could walk out of there for under $20 for two people which is always a plus in my book. The decore has a lounge feel to it with dark wood, candles and simple decorations. Music was a bit ol' school, but I liked it.
(4)Rich L.
This is an excellent Italian restaurant with the best ribs I've had since Bones (long closed) in Lincolnwood. . They have a great bar, friendly staff. You can't go wrong!
(4)Susan L.
Dinner is just as great! You know, this is SOLID Italian food. Not soul-shattering, but consistent, delicious, large portions of excellent traditional Italian-American food. Have you taken your parents here yet? They'll love it!
(5)Lisbeth D.
Finally, a pizza place my husband and I can agree on! The deep dish has a super buttery crust and a ton of cheese (for him) and the thin crust veggie is cracker thin, crispy, and completely loaded with veggies (for me.) Our delicious pizzas were delivered promptly and the driver was so nice. We'd sworn off ordering pizza since we could never agree on a place until Calo. We've now ordered from here two weekends in a row...and will probably make it three!
(4)Tom D.
Perfect pizza. Friendly Staff. Great job.
(5)Keun L.
I ordered the sea food plate... let me just say, it wasn't just a plate. It was a big gigantour platter of seafood and another plate of angel hair pasta. It was delicious and lasted for about 3 days, from bringing back the left overs we couldn't eat. I kind of wish the waitress could've told me how many that platter could feed. I was expecting enough food for one. It was enough food for 5, maybe 6. Will go again, to try their other plates (for a single stomach, that is).
(4)Alanna O.
This place is kinda like Cheers for me. I have only been here maybe 6 times...but ever since the first time I walked in the door they remember you! They may not always get your name right, but they recognize that you have been in before and always strike up a nice conversation!! The food is excellent and the menu has quite a wide range of things that good, old school Italian restaurants should have...lots of pastas, funky and traditional, seafood options galore, pizzas, plus the normal meat options. I can't say enough good things. I had the Pasta with Pesto sauce and chicken and shrimp...and OMG was it good!!!!!!! the portion sizes for pasta are huge, so you can easily get like 2-3 meals out of one entree, and it makes for some great leftovers. The atmosphere is super cute....slightly romantic. Makes for a great date place, a place to take your family or a good of group of friends. There is also a bar area with seating and they have TV's with sports on so that side of the restaurant is pretty chill, the other (dining) side is very relaxed with low-lighting, softly lit with candles everywhere and booths and tables for seating. There is also a room next door that can be rented for private parties and I think it has it's own bar area as well. Go here for a great, reasonably priced dinner!! You won't regret it!
(5)Larry L.
A nice dining room that wasn't too stuffy. The room wasn't too crowded and it was dimly lit - but still had a laid back atmosphere. We had the mussels in cream sauce as an appetizer. I've never seen mussels this big. The portions of pasta were a good size. I'm usually skeptical about ordering pasta at restaurants because the portions are sometimes pretty small. But this was about the right size..not too big and not too small. Plus they had a decent beer selection.
(4)NANCY H.
To die for food. You don't know what to expect from this place looking at the outside. Inside it is very cozy, inviting and vibrant with laughter. I had the asiago tortellini. It was so rich and delicious, the kind of food you dream about. My husband had the lemon chicken, and it was yummy, also. My friend had the chicken parmigiana, and said it was very good. Wonderful food. Would definitely go back!!
(4)David K.
I'd give this place 4 stars for their pizza delivered/take out and 3 stars for the dine-in experience. I've gotten pizza delivered from here on multiple occasions and eaten in once. I've only ever gotten their thin crust pizza and have gotten it for take out on multiple occasions because I like it so much. I am not sure what sort of cheese they use, but it is greasy as hell and totally awesome. Their garlic thin crust pizza is simply fantastic (If you are into large pieces of garlic). Probably my favorite delivered or take out pizza. It's rather unfortunate that I haven't found anything like that closer to where I live. I've also eaten there once and I wasn't a huge fan of that experience. It wasn't that there was anything bad that happened, but it was just rather plain and ordinary. The food (some pasta dish) wasn't anything extraordinary (very similar to what you would find at say Maggianos). Service was also average, nothing special. Everything was just so very average. There are plenty of places I'd rather go to first (or even try) before I go back and dine-in. I will continue to get their pizza either delivered or take out, but will be skipping the dine-in.
(3)Randazzle H.
My five stars are for the pizza alone! I can't really say much about their entrees since I usually get the pizza which I've probably ordered 200 of during my 12 years living in the neighborhood! Dining in? The space is great with great wait staff and a fun bartender who makes a great martini, dirty with olives stuffed w/ blue cheese! Delivery or carry out? Quick and delivered HOT! Whatever pizza you order, it will be even better if you ask them to cook it extra crispy for you and uncut (if delivered). We LOVE Calo!
(5)Erin M.
So tasty. This is my favorite Italian place, and we always bring out-of-towners there. It's great for dinner with friends but nice enough that we went there for Valentine's Day. No matter what you order, it's going to be amazing, but if you want something truly world-changing, get the Gorgonzola stuffed (or asiago stuffed) gnocchi. It's in this creamy tomato sauce with a dollop of goat cheese in the center. It's so rich that it's hard to finish, but it reheats well. Mmmm...
(4)Adam S.
I'm 5 for 5 at Calo. Whoever grills their meat (in my case, chicken and shrimp) is a genius--it's always perfect. My GF and I are suckers for their pasta, and though most of the entrees are pricey for us, they're that good. We grab glasses of the affordable Chianti Rustico to go with it. Calo food also passes the Microwave Test: We always have plenty of leftovers from Calo, and despite the flavor-destroying proclivities of a microwave, it still tastes excellent reheated. I'm no gore-may, but to me that's another sign of some damn good food.
(5)Stevie K.
Love this place, but is it terrible that I miss the old decor, back when they had no windows? It was like a nonstop wedding reception from 1984 on the weekends. I'm glad they at least keep the cheesy bands in the bar. Eating in is nice, but their delivery is great too -- think, pan, deep dish, it's all pretty good. An Andersonville staple, and rightfully so.
(4)Leang E.
This is a very popular Tuesday spot for the $9.95 rib special, but they have specials every night of the week. It's a pretty large spot, so they can accomodate big groups. The service here is really right on the mark and treat everyone as if they were VIP. I love foccacia bread, and I hadn't been to a place that offered that so I can appreciate it being on the table. I would advise you to not fill up on this though to make room for your meal. I had the lobster ravioli which was a little too rich and creamy for me, but was still pretty good. The rib meat come off the bones pretty easily and are pretty tasty. The prices are very reasonable, and I can see how someone would want to be a regular. They seem to have a very decent bar if you just wanted to hang out here for drinks as well.
(4)Steve T.
I've never been disappointed with Calo!! The food is great, they have a huge menu, the service is quick, and you can usually be seated pretty quickly even if you don't have a reservation. Now, don't read that as you shouldn't try to make one... I definitely would if it's a weekend night... it can get pretty packed. The caprese salad is super fresh, and even though it's not directly on the menu, you can order Veal Parmesan, which is one of my favorites. It's great for groups, and they have a pretty good wine selection.
(4)Bethany L.
I've lived in Andersonville for over a year now and have heard so many people heaping praise on Calo that I decided it was finally time to check it out. Went on a Saturday night and made the mistake of not making a reservation, so we waited an hour. The bar was packed, so I just got a drink and we hovered wherever we could find room. It was a little claustrophobic, but I guess that's to be expected. To start, the bread was freaking fantastic. I'm not one to rave about a bread basket, but this was probably one of the best bread baskets I have ever encountered. Warm, fluffy focaccia bread, deliciously seasoned white crusty bread, and a huge mountain of salty whipped butter. Yum. That was worth the wait alone. We got the mussels as an appetizer, which were to die for. I've just started eating mussels, but they were amazing by even general food standards, and my boyfriend (the mussel expert) loved them. Huge amounts of meat with tons of garlic and wine cream sauce. I got some sort of chicken piccata-like item that was on special. Chicken piccata is probably one of my favorite Italian dishes, and this was a good one. The chicken was thicker than most piccata dishes have it, but it was soft and juicy and my knife ran through it like butter. Boyfriend had the gnocchi with asiago and goat cheese, which he said was great. One other reason I liked this place: the service was impeccable. The hostesses were friendly despite the overwhelming crowds, our server was always there for anything we needed and made sure to check in with us any time he passed by, and water was refilled quickly. This was really great to see in a crowded restaurant in Chicago on a Saturday night, where poor service is so common anymore. It was a little pricey, but for the portion sizes and quality of the food, I think it's just about worth it. I'm so glad I finally tried this place.
(5)jillian d.
I have enjoyed Calo's cuisine both by takeout and dine-in. The menu is extensive and the diners represent the diverse neighborhood - families, couples, older and younger groups combined. The flavors are true Italian - garlic, garlic, garlic! .... in my mussels, pasta, bread... just the way I like it. Portions are generous and price I very reasonable. Daily specials for takeout are very good - salad and sizable entree for $8-9. Baked lasagna is a personal fave - with use of italian sausage in the meat sauce....mmmmm:) It will take me a long time to make my way through the menu, but I am up for the challenge. I recommend this for anyone who is hungry and wants some tasty, affordable Italian fare.... in a great neighborhood!
(4)Grant G.
One of those places that embodies the traditional Chicago Italian restaurant scene. Great atmosphere, pretty decent service, fair prices, and consistently great Italian food. Not much more to be said.
(5)Louise M.
LOVED THIS PIZZA! My partner and I ordered Calos Pizza the other night on a whim, and were VERY happy with our pie! We had the "Stuffed Pizza" with green peppers, garlic, and onion... a combination that had a light and yummy flavor. We had a large, and were unable to finish with just the two of us... and had a battle over the leftovers the following day. GROOD (great + good) PIZZA! TRY!
(5)Michael R.
All I can say is WOW I LOVE THIS PLACE! Been going there since I was kid and it is still great it hasn't change abit except for a upgrade in there decor recipes old school. A++++ for Calo great jobs guys.
(5)William B.
When we told them we wanted to have our wedding there, they were very helpful and put up with our constant questions. Our guests are still talking about the great food.
(5)Jonathan C.
Ribs Ribs Ribs. I know the Italians aren't known for their BBQ ribs, but these guys do it right. Sloppy, falls of the bone, and $9.99 a slab Sunday-Thursday The rest is pretty damn good too.
(4)Maggie G.
This was not the world's best Italian, but it hit the spot. The atmosphere could relax a little more. Servings were huge! I had some fish and vegetables which was well done but wasn't innovative or write-yo-mama good. The owner took time off to explain the restaurant's evolution!
(4)Ellen J.
Great service and wonderful food. They have an extensive menu. We started with delicious grilled octopus. We had 2 pasta dishes and possibly the best thin crust pizza in the city. The large portions gave us plenty to take home. This was our first time there and we will go back again. DELICIOUS!!!!!
(5)B B.
Great food! Fast delivery! Portions are large enough to share or to satisfy large appetites. Get the calamari and meat lasagna!
(5)Jackie S.
Was a fan of this place for years prior to the revamp.. I have to say, for the food- I've never found another Italian place better than Calo. Fantastic pastas and the pan pizza is on par with Malnati's. In fact, after Malnati's, Calo is my favorite in town. I'm gonna have to give Calo a 3 star rating at this point though.. they used to greet you like you were family. I really don't visit as often nowadays just because they really don't seem interested AT ALL when you walk in. Very impersonal, I've felt more like I was being pushed through. Sorry guys.. maybe you need to address this issue.
(3)Dianna D.
I've only been here once but thought the food was superb. I had a gnocchi dish that was to die for.
(4)Sarah L.
I ordered a pizza from Calo the other night. I had no idea that they deliver all the way out in my neighborhood! I will be ordering from Calo from now on when I want GOOD pizza! It arrived less than an hour and it was hot. Now I can enjoy one of my favorite Italian restaurants to-go :)
(5)Bill S.
This place serves their full menu until close! 2am on the Weekends! The PERFECT place to go get GOOD pizza or dessert after seeing Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. We always hit this place afterwards. Late nights offer cheesy lounge singers and middle age and older people drinking and dancing, but the service was always good and the food/drinks far better than anything else open at that time of night.
(4)Brett M.
I have never had a bad dish or a bad time at Calo. Everything on the menu is spectacular, from the seafood risotto to the chicken parmigiana to the house specialties to the BBQ ribs. They serve up a hefty helping of food, with all entrees coming alongside salad or soup, and all grilled entrees coming with potatoes or pasta. The meat sauce could probably foster world piece. Victor, the owner, is very knowledgeable on wine, and his wine list is impressive. We're having our rehearsal dinner here. Nora is the best waitress in Chicago!
(5)Rebekah H.
Went to dinner last night at Calo was surprised at how great it was! This is the type of restaurant I would expect to find in the suburbs... and that's not a bad thing! Everyone was very friendly and accommodating and it was a busy night there. Our food came out fast and was delicious! Everything we had was so good, especially the tiramisu. Can't wait to go back!!!
(4)Tish B.
I love love love Calo pizza. It has always been my favorite ever since I was growing up.
(4)Inspector G.
I'm re-writing my review on Calo. Originally, I had panned them for canvassing the neighborhood with unwanted paper menus (which just ended up blowing around as trash). One year later, they've stopped the wasteful paper campaign and so we decided to try them out for dinner. Great place. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. We had a 10 minute wait for a table that ended up taking only 5 minutes. While the bartender was a bit flustered, the service was generally outstanding. The food is typical Italian with overwhelming quantities, so bring a doggy bag. They were easily able to accommodate an off-the-menu request and everything was presented at a relaxing pace. Summary ratings (out of 5 stars): Overall (4) **** Food (3) *** Service (4) **** Atmosphere (4) ****
(4)DJ A.
I have ordered the Pizza from here many times and it is excellent. Finally decided to enter the restaraunt from which i order and I was not disappointed. Each one of our meals was awesome from the Risotto to the Seafood Pasta. This is some of the best risotto in the City. It is on a par with Spiagga but at a much more affordable cost. This is definitely one of my favorite spots and I will be coming here much more often.
(5)Heather F.
I hate to admit it but I really really love the food at this place. Why do I hate to admit it? Because I typically turn my nose up at packed-out Italian places. It seems that places like this often get lazy in the kitchen. But not here. The atmosphere is great ... the wait - not so much. But the food is worth the wait. The wine selection seems pretty good to me but I'm no wine connoisseur. The pre-dinner bread is tasty and warm. And about every pasta on the menu is calorie-laden goodness. I haven't had anything here that wasn't delicious. The only negative is the long wait time and there is usually very little room in the bar so you end up having to wait outside or in cramped quarters in the bar with people constantly pushing past you. Highly recommend reservations here.
(4)Jennifer M.
This joint is old school and I dig it. Don't come here looking for some fancy shmancy presentations or a fashion show. They don't skimp on portions and are reasonably priced so it's a great family or large group spot. Kick butt pizza delivery, yummy crab legs and great calamari diablo. No surprises here, food is always consistent.
(5)Laurie H.
I like this place. It's a little pricey but you can order anything from pizza to a sweet New York steak until 12:00 am. Cozy, warm atmosphere and free parking across the street. Works for me. I'm rating this a 4* only because I can't spend less than $50 bucks for one. But the yummy leftovers are good for lunch or dinner next day so that helps:)
(4)Torrie B.
Alright, I've never actually dined at the restaurant (thus the 4 stars instead of five) but I constantly order out from Calo's and the delivery service is fantastic even on a busy Friday night. My favorite is the thin crust pizza, it's perfect. Lots of combos to try and always good. The ribs at Calo's are also great. It's worth checking out, if you like good pizza and fast delivery.
(4)Casia J.
I too have had an on again-off again relationship with Calo's. Mainly, because I think it's unpredictable and uneven, from food to service. You might go and have a crabby, old school, know-it-all kinda waiter who is just a wet blanket about everything throughout the evening. Or, you might have a younger, nervous guy who forgets stuff and is frazzled over small things, but lovable just the same. I've never had really good service here, sadly. The pasta could be delicious and satisfying. Or, it could be flavorless/too soft and not authentic. Desserts are ok. Some good, some a tad bland, nothing not good. The bar is usually just ok. Mixed drinks seem to be watery, or crazy strong. So why do I still give it 4 stars? When it's good, it's good. And even the uneven service is ok with me. I'd rather have that than a trendy place with pushy servers and patrons I don't need to be around. I like the atmosphere most of the time, I like that it's been there forever and after 10+ years of coming and going, I will keep giving it another try I 'spose.
(3)Jenni Q.
The ribs are absolutely awesome and a great deal at only 9.95 for a full rack, soup or salad, AND a pasta or potato (sun-thurs). This is my favorite dish here and usually what I get most of the time. Pizza is thin crust and delicious (not to mention HUGE). Beware though if you don't like really cheesy pizzas. I'm not a fan of the pasta here - they have a great selection but every dish I've ordered has undelivered. I think they tend to overcook the pasta so it comes out kind of hard and the sauces arent very flavorful. But the best thing about Calo's is the free focaccia bread! YUM. Good place to come with friends, excellent ambience and a pretty decent meal at a good price (if you dont get the pasta).
(4)Rachel B.
OMG, you don't even want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEWARE!!!!!
(1)Natalie R.
Really good stuff, huge menu. I've never had anything less than super-tasty here. Wine list is pretty good as well--a very wide range of grapes and prices. Great for groups as well! Bottle of Ruffino Chianti $28
(5)Rachel V.
This is a great choice for Italian dining on the north side of the city. Selection includes a variety of fresh pastas, buttery thick crust pizzas and other dishes. The best part of the service is the hot entrees come out piping hot- fresh off the stove/out of the oven and the salad is crisp cold. The prices are reasonable and worth the the generous portions. Its a great place to go to any night of the week with a big appetite. Oh and there's a free parking lot for the restaurant, just across the street, if you cant find street parking.
(4)David E.
I've eaten here several times and they have consistently put out good food. The ribs, calamari, and rigatoni alle baressa (spicy sausage with pasta and chicken) are my favorites. The thin crust pizza is also very good. I like the fact that the pizza sauce is on the spicy side. I definitely recommend ordering pizza from this place if you are entertaining a big group of people watching a Saturday afternoon college football game. I recommend calling for reservations. It gets crazy packed on the weekends.
(4)Krisi I.
love this place. food is a little pricey but it is so good, my girlfriend and i come here to get pasta and the Alfredo with the shrimp is delicious. The atmosphere is really laid back, the people are fun, and staff is friendly. We always have fun with the great food and beer. :)
(3)Mike S.
A few co-workers had invited me and a friend out to Calo dinner. I had never been there or even heard of this place. I am a chef wanna be and specialize in Italian. I'm a believer of you can judge a restaurant (Italian) by their calamari and veal parmigiana. I couldn't find the veal on the menu!!! I asked our server and was told they do have it. WHEW! I ordered the calamari both ways. Oh my god it was fantastic! I would say the best I have ever had. Tender and flavorful to say the least. With very high expectations, I was waiting for the veal to arrive. When I cut into it and took my first bite, I was in Italian heaven. It too was the best I have ever had! I told the server it was amazing, the best. She smiled and said "I knew you would love it" The only downside of the whole experience is that I'm 43 and never been here before! I wish I had known about Calo many years ago. The owner/chef came to our table and asked how everything was. I was very impressed by the whole thing. The staff was 2nd to none. The place was jammed and you would never know it because they were on top of it like Ive never seen before. As far as pricing for what you get, HUGE portions for little $. I would have paid more with a smile. I gave it to the server, she was great. I truly wish there were more than 5 stars to give. in short, AMAZING! I will be a regular from this point forward.
(5)Christos K.
So let me start by saying I have always had great service here and I work as a server in Andersonville as well so I know how good service is and how bad service is and my server (a guy named Ray) was so rude to me and my friend when we came in for lunch. First my friend asked how much the bloody Mary was and he said "oh I couldn't tell you" and then she asked if he could find out and he said "sorry I can't". Wtf right? Then he brought me out the wrong martini - I had two sips before I realized this and when I flagged him over to tell him he said "well I can't switch it you've already dranken half of it" and walked away. What?!?! I had two sips - literally! So we had to get the hostess and tell her what happened so he takes my cocktail and then brings me the SAME martini that I didn't want but remade to me! He was incompetent and so rude! No idea how he has a job there still but if I was managing that place if get rid of a server who treated customers like he did.
(1)Lori S.
Definitely make a reservation, definitely try the gorganzola stuffed gnocchi in the tomato basil cream sauce. The staff is great and the meals and wine are all really reasonable. One of our favorite neighborhood spots - but I would travel to get here even if I didn't live close. I would recommend this for a date or for a group.
(5)Derek K.
Went there based on the recommendation of a couple we met in the street while looking for a place to eat. They suggested Calo's - a perfect recommendation. Great neighborhood restaurant. The food was fresh and down right delicious. The service was quick and professional. I recommend the house vinaigrette to go with your salad.
(4)Pauline M.
I grew up in what is now known as "Andersonville." Calo was the place I went to on Friday nights or whenever all the people from my parish got together for a "fancy" dinner. I would dance on the disco dance floor, get all the cherries from the bar I wanted, and sugared up on kitty cocktails till my parents fought over the bill with their friends and I passed out in one of the plush leather booths. It was dark enough to make anyone think it was nap time. Those were the good old days. So now they are all "fancy pants" and no live entertainment. Soooo I kind of refuse to go in there. HOWEVER.... Last night I ordered from their take out menu, which happens to be almost the exact same as before the renovation. I was really in the mood for BBQ, and after a not so good 1/2 slab from Fireside on Ravenswood, I needed to go elsewhere. I ordered the fried chicken/bbq ribs combo with minestrone and a baked potato. I also ordered Tiramisu. The bbq ribs were so much better than I remember- the meat was tender and fell off the bone. The sauce was tangy, and the temperature was perfect. Definitely not the most amazing ribs ever, but really hit the spot. The fried chicken was so tasty... the only problem I have is that the 2 pieces I got was a breast and a leg, and I *hate* legs, but no big deal, I was only eating half of the meal anyway, since it was rather.... ummm... large. The fried chicken isn't crispy, it's more tasty batter skin- it's got a lot of spices. The bake potato was great, fluffy and full. I got all the condiments I asked for, and the packaging was done nicely. I ordered it at 9 and they said "in an hour") and it arrived at 9:50. The delivery guy was very nice. It was a bit expensive, (came out to $30 with tip) but I saved half of the food. My one complaint with the food was Tiramisu, it was frozen. The edges were fine but the middle was not thawed, so I only had a few bites and it's in the fridge for later. It was also not the best Tiramisu I've had (that honor goes to Leona's). So all in all, very pleased with my take out meal from Calo. Hope this helps someone. I do, however, greatly miss the dim room, the disco floor, and the really awesomely bad live music.
(4)Nastassia J.
Good middle of the road italian. Anyone can find something to eat there. Had a great experience and portions are really large. Calamari was really tasty too.
(4)Matthew G.
Calo's has very solid Italian dishes. The food is not trendy or pretentious, just good, filling, classic Italian fare. As expected, they have really great pizza (and feature giardinera as a topping which is a HUGE plus in my opinion). That said, I must admit that I miss the OLD Calo's -- the one with the 60's neighborhood pseudo-supper-clubby atmosphere. It had great character! On the weekends there was always a band and cute neighborhood couples would trip the light fantastic on the dance floor. Now Calo's has been remodeled (actually it was a couple of years ago) and the remodel is nice. The problem is that it's just a little too generic-yuppie. Last time I was there, there was a "light jazz" combo (which is OK), but no one was dancing. The "old school" atmosphere is definitely missed (at least by this nostalgic ol' queen!). In short, for home-style classic Italian dishes, Calo's know exactly what they're doing (and have been doing it for a long time).
(4)jim h.
I've been going here or ordering from here for delivery for 20+ years. Great Neighborhood Italian cuisine, steaks, chops, pastas! right in the heart of Andersonville, recent upgrade of decor, parking lot across the street, late hours, nice bar and good service. Two people should split a 16" thin crust, bacon, garlic and double pineapple to-die-for pizza. 18" to 20" will feed three or four hungries. This is an unusual but delicious pizza that only can be really appreciated when you're burnt out on cheese and Italian sausage after eating 3 pizzas a week. You won't go wrong here but its a neighborhood place, not some snooty downtown joint.
(5)Denise O.
I took my family here on a Friday night and everyone enjoyed their meals immensely. My father even said that it was the best linguini carbonara he has had. You will even have half of your meal home for lunch/dinner the next day! We will definitely be back.
(5)Matt O.
Had another fantastic meal at Calo's this past week-end. I love the neighborhood atmosphere and although I usually go for the pasta, this time my wife and I shared delicious deep dish pizza preceded by an excellent smoked braid salad (Italian smoked mozzarella cheese topped with arugula prosciutto and grape tomatoes with Italian vinaigrette dressing and dressing and garlic crostini)
(5)Eric B.
The thin crust pizza is to die for. Period. The sauce is perfect and the meats are so flavorful, this is the real chicago pizza. I discovered this place because there was a drawer full of menus left in my new apartment(20 menus gets you a free pizza). And thank God I tried it, because I haven't ordered from another pizza place since. Eating in is also really great; good atmosphere, decent wine list, and excellent pasta dishes.
(5)Ralla K.
I use to rave about Calo's until re entry. Something is going really wrong. Three bad meals in a row. Tasteless, burned and mushy are words that express my last 3 visits. I shall never return and tell my friends the same. When I complained, it was shrugged off! Oh, well, I guess the economy finally taught Calo's how to compromise on quality and good taste. Dolores Kane
(1)RICH E.
greatest restaurant in andersonville ....love this place ....wonderful service ....fantastic food !!!!!
(5)Risa B.
I really love this place. I have been here with family, friends, and on dates! It's perfect for almost every event! It is open late and they still serve fantastic food late! Their martini's are fabu and they have a nice wine list. Their pizza is awesome in the restaurant and from delivery. Their pasta is also really tasty! I would suggest this place! Go!
(4)Evan L.
My sister wanted ribs for her birthday and we had a group of 9. I havent been to Calo in 30 years but checked it out on Yelp. It was great. Comfortable, great friendly service, good prices. Ribs are fall off the bone, Special on Sunday. A couple of people in our party had seafood in pasta, it was great shrimp, octopus, mussels in shell. I had a great time and I'll be back.
(5)mack k.
Calo does not reinvent the wheel, but they are very consistent. The service is always great, they have taken a special order from me more than once, and the wine list is reasonable. Delicious sauces, fresh pastas, and decent salads.
(4)Jaz P.
Great service and go mostly for ambience; well-sized portions of standard fare. Been there 3 times and ordered a so-so linguini with clam sauce each time. On the salty side, but let the waitress know, and she rectified the problem. Thin crust Calo pizza is the way to go.
(3)Dan M.
So here's the thing: we order, they bring our entree, the portions are ridiculously huge, we think there's no way we can finish them, we'll have to take at least half home, but the food is so unbelievably delicious THAT WE COULDN"T STOP EATING!!!!!! Oh, my God!! Just Incredable!! Really a fantastic meal!
(5)sofia g.
This place is top notch. Also the food is immaculate as well as the service and atmosphere. Your classic Italian restaurant. The owner of the restaurant is wonderful and really tends to his customers his name is victor. They have a nice bar with a really cool bartender.......i love the kiddy cocktails. ITS a sit down cozy place with a feel of modern Italy. The desserts are to die for!!!! A must go you will be hooked!!!!
(5)Jack L.
Without a doubt the best thin crust pizza in town. The ribs are excellent too.
(4)Goody G.
Everything was great the night I went here - the food, the ambience but especially the music. the heavy set guy can blow!!! it's a little pricey but i did not feel that it was overpriced and they had a lot of selections for the non meateater.
(4)Matt G.
The food is good but the service is awful. I went there with two guests from out of town, so a party of 4 total, including entrees and wine. Our waitress never once checked on us, she never refilled our wine, after the bill came and was paid them came by twice to hustle us out of there, and as we were standing up the cleaning crew swooped in and before we could give them space PUSHED me to one side to clear glasses and napkins. Horrible horrible service. I'd steer clear
(1)Dan C.
I grew up on Calo Pizza so I am biased. But what I didn't know until I became an adult was just how good the Gnocci Gorgonzola is. Holy cow, this stuff is great. Over thirty years we have had a lot of experience with Calo, and the vast majority has been very good. I still miss the old decor, and I wish they still gave out the relish plates for free, but life goes on. This place is a very solid choice.
(5)Nycole H.
I heard about Calo from a good friend of the owner so we chose to go here for a late night business/dinner meeting! It has a very nice ambiance, just a very classy look so I was excited to check it out as soon as I got there. We didn't know what to get so my friend told the owner to just pick some stuff out for us. We shared two appetizers of Rotolo di mozzarella, and fried calamari. We then slip an entree of Rotolo di Melanzana which is Eggplant rolled and stuffed with ricotta cheese, garlic and pargmigiana cheese. It's ten covered in mozzarella cheese and placed in a yummy marinara sauce. I've never had eggplant so I was excited to broaden my tastebuds and I'm SO glad I did. It was one of the best meals I've had!! The owner then insisted we have some tiramisu...who can say no to that haha!! Every aspect of the meal was amazing!! This is the best business meeting I've ever had both food and productivity wise haha! I'll definitely be giving Calo a lot of business!!
(5)Joe C.
Good Food. The service is okay but overall its a nice restaurant.
(4)Rachel I.
When it comes to pizza delivery, this is my go-to place. It's programmed in my cell phone. Pizza arrives hot and fast and as I ordered it. So, why only three stars? They aren't always consistent with the level of deliciousness with the pizza. And should you decide to dine in, the service seems very rushed...even when it's slow. Beverage refills must be begged for and they are way too quick to take your plate away and hand you the check without even asking if you'd like anything else.
(3)Amy J.
I love Calo's. At first I made the mistake of thinking it was just one of those mediocre, old-school Italian places. Wrong! While it had some old-school Italian charm (the older Italian waiters, live music in the bar certain nights) it has a lovely, simple decor and the food is fantastic. This is the perfect place to go on a date, take out of towners, and just hang out with your friends or family. I've heard the pizza is delicious, but I'm so addicted to the ribs (go Monday, rib special!) and the penne al vodka, that I can't stop ordering them each time I'm here. I swear I will venture outside my comfort zone and order something else NEXT time! Anyhoo, the price is good...not too expensive and you will have leftovers. Love it. It's my consistently good go-to place!
(4)Mike G.
You never can go wrong with Calos. I do a lot of business lunches there. it is quiet and the service is great.
(4)Kristen P.
Great Place! The manager was extremely helpful in picking his "top" picks from the menu. The entire staff from the hostess, to the bar to the waitresses were so friendly and helpful and the food was yummy!!
(4)Richard S.
If you love Italian food, then you'll have to try this place!
(4)Andy S.
This is probably the best restaurant in the city to go to with a group of about four people. The food is always extremely good with large portions and I was surprised to see that they don't rip people off on the beer prices (Ayinger Brau-Weiss for $4). Definitely go here on Monday nights for the $12.95 full slab of ribs special...falls off the bone and comes with a side of spaghetti and a soup or salad. This is an old school place that still knows how to take care of people, feels like an expensive restaurant but doesn't act like one.
(5)Justin S.
The ribs were really good. 13 dollars for a full rack of ribs, salad and a side pasta. Yeah you can't beat that for dinner. So tender and good, one of the best places in Andersonville...so far. The service was great plus they give you more than enough butter than you need for the bread.... talk about the way to my heart. My only complaint was I didn't care for the BBQ sauce on the side. I prefer something more smokey and this sauce was sweeter. Not really my favorite. So I left that alone and the ribs were still really good. At that price you can't beat it.
(4)April M.
Great place for good food with a romance like setting while being affordable. This is definitely a great dinner spot in Andersonville everyone should put on their favorite list!
(4)Amy L.
Yum. Their lasagna was delicious. I actually haven't found good restaurant lasagna but the one at Calo is gooood! I also tried their calamari fritti which was a disaster. It was too tough and chewy and not good at all. I liked their cocktail sauce that they paired it up with though, unique idea instead of the usual marinara. Their Calo Special thin crust pizza was yummy. I loved the nice chunks of italian sausage on there and the veggie balanced well. It wasn't too much or too little of each ingredient. The cheese is a little thicker than I'm used to though but I loved the crust. It wasn't soggy or too bready. It was just right. The place itself was really clean, I wonder when it was built. It all looks quite new too. The service was nice but I had to wait about 20 mins longer than they said they'd take to get my carry-out order which was a bummer. Oh yes and there's a free parking lot across (diagonally) the street from the restaurant.
(3)Daryl N.
What I like about Calo are the crab legs. They actually cut them across the top for you, so they are easy to eat, you do not need crackers, plus it is a generous portion. I have never seen anything like it. Their pizza is very good and their ribs are excellent. One item that I find very unique is the buffalo calamari. It is so good. Service can be iffy, the male waiters seem more experienced, but they do try to compensate if there is ever a problem. This is an old-fashioned supper club, with moderate prices and pleasant atmosphere. The bar area can get really loud sometimes, but overall a great experience. They have a lot right across the street which makes it very nice. Good place for large parties as well. Although I tend to get the same things over and over, they do have a great variety. They also deliver to Rogers Park. Very nice, and they are open til midnight.
(5)Xavier M.
Came here with a friend for his bday. Was new to the restaurant, and thought I was at another Maggiano's or Edwardo's. WAS I MISTAKEN!!! Calo's has delcicious food, the customer service is friendly without being pushy, and the managers are pleasant and make sure to make contact with the customers as they walk around the dining room. The host staff listens to your needs, and the bartenders are AMAZING! Victor, the host/manager is super friendly, and introduced himself to me on the first visit. I had a work party catered two weeks ago for 65 people, and then I had another event for 125! Calo was able to prepare a menu that was catering to both diverse groups, and the food arrieved warm and tasted as good as it would at the restaurant. There are NO complaints here, and I am a new fan of Calo. I will always make sure to recommend or look them up the next time I have a private or work gathering.
(4)Andrea W.
You just can't go wrong with eating at Calo - - menu selection, food quality and consistency, atmosphere, service, prices are all spot on. Great specials, including wine, each night and big menu that ranges from chicken and veal dishes, to pizza to fantastic selection of different pastas. Bread basket is great way to start with yummy focaccia and every entree comes with really nice salad (served on a cold plate, which I really like) or soup. I always read through the entire menu but often get the same great dish - - ziti ala vodka with chicken. And, I always have pasta to take home. Weekend nights often feature live music and the bar area always has games on TV, so you can eat a nice dinner and catch the game. Dining room is great too - - young crowd drinking martinis and older couples dressed for dinner, too. On week nights, you can walk in but DEFINITLEY make reservations for weekends.
(5)C T.
Have been ordering out from here for decades and, while we have our favorites, just can't think of anything on their menu that's not good. Definitely our go-to neighborhood delivery joint. Especially love their mussels in white sauce and shrimp de jonghe appetizers, thin crust pizza, meat lasagna, fried chicken and ribs, as well as their House dressing on the salads. Their mushroom soup is to die for, too!
(5)Doreen M.
Calo is cozy and inviting. Excellent service, great food, nice portions for the price. I always end up with left overs. I favor the minestrone soup and Chicken Parmesan. Steaks and ribs are always a hit.
(4)Jennie S.
I like the atmosphere in this place. It looks more upscale but the people in it aren't uppety. We come here on Weekdays to eat and watch a game. The pastas are good. I prefer their gnocchi. However, they are also known for having phenomenal Ribs. Calo's has a great $9.95 Full Slab Rib special Monday-Thursday.
(4)Ultramike W.
Great place to take the family and friends. They have something for everyone and the baby back ribs are fantastic for the price.
(4)Amber W.
I really like this place. I go there on the weekend for dinner sometimes and order delivery at least once a month. They have good tasty italian food and the delivery is always on time. More than a few times they have messed up my order due to it being very similar to something else on their menu but they always take care of it right away. My mom loves their ribs and I'm a fan of the rigatoni con aspargi (which is only on the take out menu but you can still order it at the restaurant).
(4)Brandon H.
Very possibly the best thin-crust pizza in the entire city. Their other offerings are great as well, but the pizza is out of this world. The interior is nice, but feels a bit crowded, especially on the busy nights. The service has always been top-notch, and take-out orders are handled promptly and efficiently.
(5)Jess M.
Normally, I love Calo. Living in the area, I have eaten here dozens of times. However, this time we decided we to call for a pick up. The woman on the phone was rude and uninviting. When you dine in, you are offered complimentary soup or salad with your meal. Yet tonight when I asked for salad with my pastas, I had to order it separately. As a restaurant General Manager, I am scratching my head trying to figure out why I have to pay an additional charge for my complimentary salad because I had placed my order to go. The woman's attitude about the salad and my order in general made me question my dine in business as well. I'm not sure if and when I will be back.
(2)Mark Tuna T.
After stubling onto this place by accident, I found out it is soo good, and for the past two years I have started a birthday tradition for myself, eating here with my best friends! The dishes are a little on the pricey side but DEFINITELY worth it! The service has always been excellent, perfectly timed and very patient with me and my drunk ass crazy friends..... we make the tip make up for it though :) They have an EXCELLENT drink list and some wonderful seafood dishes, I dont even like seafood! The Live music adds the perfect touch to any dinning experience. If Calo doesn't go changing to much, it will always be my favorite restaurant in the city of Chicago!
(5)Keely B.
I have never not enjoyed a meal here. A friend of mine and I wandered up there from our very comfortable Lakeview residence (it seemed so far away then, but it's just around the corner now)! I hadn't been in for a while, and when we moved to the neighborhood, it was like running into an old friend. They've got great food, great atmosphere. I've found a wine on their list that I adore (it's called Woop Woop, it's a Shiraz, go order it). Just go! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Dan S.
The service here was excellent, except for one lie by omission. I ordered Pollo Francese, which was terrific - succulent chicken, lightly battered, served over spinach with a terrific wine and lemon sauce. And a side of pasta. It had three (yes, 3) chicken breasts. "All the chicken dishes are that way" the server tells me after I exclaim at the size. It probably could have fed all three of us along with salads and some of their yummy bread. Having said that, it was a great dish. The Minestrone was simple, flavorful and hearty - just the way I like it (this one had pasta in it). Others ordered Farfalle Con Verdura (simple, good, huge) and a chicken canneloni (very nice, with a creamy sauce). The salads were also huge. Big, comfortable food - nothing earthshaking, but I would go back. And the service was great the night we were there - giving us suggestions and being attentive.
(4)Donna F.
Went here right after the excellent "Check Please" reviews and it lived up to what they said. However, on the return visit we found it to not be that great. Love the bar and the bar service. Once we got to our table we waited quite a while before seeing our server and the bread basket. I thought it was odd that oil and cheese were not on the table. I was so looking forward to the calamari, as it was really good last time, but that turned into a big disappointment. Shrimp was okay except for being drowned in sauce. Ribs were a good choice and I would recommend them as a safe option. All in all it was just not as good as the last time we were there(8 mos. ago?). I would opt for going there for drinks before dining elsewhere.
(2)Will C.
OMG YUM!. I will definitely say this one of the BEST if not the BEST Italian restaurants I have ever been too. Everything was delicious. I had the "FARFALLE AI FRUTTI DI MARE in the white sauce which is their signature garlic & olive oil sauce. YUMMY! If you love Italian food and seafood, this dish is for you! I think this is the best pasta dish I ever had too lol. For appetizers, we got the POLIPO ALLA GRIGLIA (Grilled & marinated Octopus).....one of the best octopus I have ever had lol. Definitely will be coming back and trying many other dishes. As far as looking around and noticing what other people ordered...everything looked to die for! MUST GO! STOP READING THIS REVIEW AND GO EAT THERE NOW! :-D
(5)Barbara I.
I have only had delivery from Calos. And, I have delivery about once a week - usually Tuesdays. The ribs are great - tender, not too spicy, not too sweet. I also have tried several chicken dishes, all good. With each dinner order, you get soup or salad (I always get the salad), pasta or potato (I have sampled all , again, good). I always save the pasta for another meal. And, of course, bread, Which leads me to my only complaint about Calo's delivery. The butter is usually melted by the time it arrives. (They put the butter in the bag with the hot food, not the salad bag.) Oh, by the way, the Tuesday night special is Ribs!!
(4)Wyndi S.
Old world feel to it.
(4)Karen S.
It's about time I reviewed Calo. The first time I went here was in '97 or '98. My friends and I stumbled upon it while searching for the Neo-Futurarium. Back in the day, Calo had a live band that featured a female vocalist in a one-piece pantsuit, as well as a Casio synthesizer (maybe more than one). I can't remember what the food was like, but I got really into the band... Before I moved to Andersonville, I ordered thin crust pizza (the Chicago special) from Calo all the time. It's really good. Since I moved to the hood about 5 years ago, I regularly frequent Calo. Since 1997, the restaurant has undergone several upgrades. Most notably (and somewhat sadly), they have reinvented the bar area, and it no longer has space for the Casio keyboard band. For most people, this is probably for the better. Calo has really good food. The asiago gnocchi is extraordinary. One of my friends and I refer to the gnocchi as "pillows' because they are light and airy (unlike traditional gnocchi, which is dough-y and heavy). The asiago version used to be a special but is now a regular menu entree. They also have a gorgonzola version, but I swear by the asiago. So good! Calo also has an extensive spirits selection. They have some really lovely cocktails. I love the raspberry martinis, but I'd stay away from the basil one. It had a strong anise undertone and kind of tasted like detergent. Go to Calo. Make reservations.
(4)Kenny K.
Went here for a friend's 30th birthday. The atmosphere was great. We had two tables for our group and the server we had was very friendly and helpful. To top if off, the food was fantastic. I didn't hear one complaint from the people we were with. Next time I want a nice night out in the city, I would definitely consider going back.
(5)Pavithra M.
Let me start by saying that I am not a big fan of Italian food. I enjoy it once in a while, but will usually opt for spicier food. That said, I really enjoyed my meal at Calo. To start, the bread was fresh and amazing. The ribs, which we ordered as appetizers, were cooked to perfection. I ordered the Lobster ravioli with asparagus and sundried tomatoes, a yummy garlic sauce and some grilled shrimp to top it off. It was delicious. We also ordered the Calo special thin crust pizza, which tasted even better the next day. For dessert, we had the flourless chocolate cake....a must do. Pros - free parking, delicious food, good selection of wine, great ambience and not necessarily in that order. Cons - they ran out of the wine we initially asked for, somewhat on the pricier side (although well worth it). I totally ate too much....but I would not change a thing. You have to try this place. I will definitely go back.
(4)Ro L.
Fantastic old school yet updated Italian restaurant with wonderful, deep comfy booths, delicious food, very nice servers and cocktails - wow - the best straight up Manhatten in the universe. Love you, Calo's, and wish I could afford to eat dinner there every night. To heck with delivery - this place has to be appreciated in person.
(5)Sheila X.
Calo's is by far one of my favorite restaurants. I have been there numerous times within the last two years. They have free parking across the street! Once inside, the ambiance is romantic (flickering candles and low lighting), but it also has an element of fun to it (with occasional live bands and upbeat music). The bread brought to your table is warm focaccia bread, It is the BEST bread I've ever been given at an Italian restaurant. Warm, buttery, flavorful. For my main entree, "Ziti al Vodka" is VERY good. I ordered it the first time we went, and I have never ordered anything else. Last but not least, is dessert (one of my favorite things)! They have some DAMN GOOD tiramisu. The BEST I've have ever had. (Needless to say, we also get that every time) As a last note, the only negative thing I would have to mention is the service there. The service is not terrible, and has seem to gotten much better recently. In the past, we have occasionally noticed the waiters are either new, or just do not speak English well enough to understand what we want! This hasn't been the case as of recently, and I did not deduct any stars for it (obviously) but I thought I would mention it!
(5)Jack P.
Wow, it's been such a long time that I forgot I had written one for Calo. But now I've been there, and not just had their takeout. Four of us went to Calo on a Saturday night around 6:00PM. There was a very short wait and not even enough time to get a drink at the bar. We all ordered different items and shared. I stuck with the traditional Lasagna which was great. The menu is full of enticing combinations of pasta and chicken and seafood and veggies, and sauces. I could not make up my mind. I love the clubby atmosphere. One of our group was unhappy with the service, since the waiter, who was right off the boat from Naples, never returned to the table to refresh drink orders. I think that would have been our only complaint about what was a fun and stimulating traditional Italian spot.
(4)RJ W.
A great neighborhood Italian restaurant. Always busy, always good food, never an attitude!
(4)Jessica M.
This is my fiance and mine's favorite restaurant in Andersonville. We simply love ordering out and dining in here. Our date night here always have to include their lemon garlic chicken or a simple burger for my fiance. But for a simple night ordering out, we grab their thin crust pizza. It's the best thin crust we have found in the city so far. Nice and crispy, not too much crust. You have to try it.
(5)Boon K.
I know, every one tells me when they think andersonville, they think of Calo. They have great favor and a selection of pasta and pizza but I wasn't impress. I went with 2 friends and well got a pizza for an app and a different pasta each. We all agreed on the same thing, good favor but a little salty for our taste and too greasy. I think oil for favor is great something it is just to much especially if it has not been deep fried. The pizza was good but not rememberable
(2)David H.
The bartenders are nice, after that, it is all downhill. We had been regulars here for years, often having dinner at the bar on Sunday nights. I would conservatively estimate that we had spent $2000 here over the past few years. This May, I booked a reservation for a private party of about 25. A few weeks before the event date I called and asked to cancel. Then, about a week before, the manager called me, I told him I had canceled. He had not gotten the message. I did not get the name of the person I spoke to. In late June we went in late on a Friday, about 9 p.m. for pizza, appetizers, and drinks and had a table by the bar. We had 8 people with us. The server was incredibly rude and hostile. The place was almost empty. We had to beg for drinks, water, etc. I had the suspicion that the manager, Saqib, had instructed the server to do this. They tacked on a %20 tip - we normally tip 25 to 30%, but in this case we would not have tipped more than 10%. When we left, the bartenders, who have always been nice, said goodbye, the manager sat at the bar and refused to look at us.
(1)Jon S.
Going to Calo is like going home for a good meal. When we lived in Edgewater, we went to Calo every few weeks for dinner. After moving downtown 4 years ago, we find ourselves still heading north to Andersonville and Calo for dinner every few weeks. It is our default Italian place to eat. From the bread basket to the thin crust pizza to the pasta entrees, it is always good. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable. It is usually pretty easy to get reservations, often at the last minute.
(4)Varsha L.
Yum, the asiago gnocci was amazballs! The sauce was delicous! the bread is very good too! delicious! I will def have to go back, my friend introduced me, its their favorite italian restaurant! I thought our service was very good too!
(5)Matthew Z.
Went there late on a Wednesday evening and had a great time. My girlfrend had a seafood ravioli dish - perfect portion size with delicious, generous sized shrimp on the side. I had the chicken vesuvio - large portion, juicy and flavorful (comes with mushrooms which I've never seen before). The service was great (attentive, filled out water often, etc) and the food was really good too. The place looks great. It is a tad pricey for pasta, but the portions are big. Wish we had saved room for dessert.
(4)Kevin B.
I got the Gnocchi Asiago, and it was phenomenal. Would recommend it to anyone. The beer was cold, not pricey at all ($4 for a Stella), and the server was polite, knowledgeable, and speedy. My friend got the thin crust pizza, which he claimed to be the best in the city, and while I may not go as far as giving it that much credit, it was pretty damn good, no question. His wife got something that I guess wasn't cooked all the way, but they took it back and brought her a new dish in a matter of minutes with no issues from what I could see. Parking wasn't bad, but we got lucky in finding a street spot, but otherwise I could see that being a pain.
(4)Michael C.
Love the resturant, love the food. Staff, after so many years, are like family. However, one complaint. Who ever is answering the phone for deliveries otn Mar. 15h, needs to go back to school for customer service. Where is the smile in the voice? Where is the "thanks for your order?" What is the rush and panicky voice all about. I"m ordering $30 worth of delivery and you can afford me the same courtesy as if I were sitting in the dining room. This was a HUGE disappointment and will make me think twice about a carryout order in the future. Still love the place and will come in for better customer care.
(4)Nina G.
ATTENTION: If you want to impress your date then take her here gentlemen. It's a nice date place. It can get a bit loud, but you can always sit by the bar which its quieter. The ambience is romantic and classy without it being pretentious. Anyhoo, the food is delicious and reasonably priced, being that the portions are big. The stuffed gnocchi asiago is to die for! Oh and the drinks are well made! Yum.
(5)Victor R.
In response to Dan from Lagrange, yes you where told to park in the bank in an assigned parking spot, between the yellow lines, you and another patron decided to park in the drive up lanes , so you where towed and thats Calos fault?For your mistake and ignorance you decide to review a respectable restaurant and give them 1 star? No class! By the way where do you work so I can review your job? Overlook many reviews, but this one is just way wrong!
(5)Jim L.
Loved the ribs. Friendly and fast too.
(4)Allan M.
I can't believe I've never once written a review for Calo, as someone who grew up in this neighborhood who's aware of how many decades this place has been around, and even pre-dates my birth. Better late than never to finally do one, and where do I begin? With the exception of the thin crust pizza(as pizza that's extra greasy isn't my normal style, but tolerate it once in a great while), the majority of food I've had here over the years has been great. In contrast to the thin crust pizza, I am a fan of their stuffed pizza. Their pasta, seafood, chicken etc. dishes are very filling, and I like how the portions are generous. I'm also a very big fan of the BBQ ribs, and the sauce that comes with it is so good, that it makes me wanna track down the chef to get the recipe for it! Unfortunately, their BBQ rib special is no longer $10(likely because of rising food prices), but they still have it at $13 from time to time. While I prefer how the place used to look before its early 2000s renovation, I'm happy at least it still has some of the feel I remember it having pre-renovation. Was initially indecisive on 4 or 5 stars, but will go with 5, due to the fact I have so many memories of eating here growing up, and can't think of a serious reason not to give it 5. And you can't really go wrong with a place serving Italian food that isn't too expensive(despite increased food prices), and with generous portions.
(5)Sarah D.
My husband and I have had our date night here a few times now. Every time we've eaten here, the food has been fantastic. Their marina sauce and alfredo sauces are very flavorful. Being a bread lover myself, I am always estastic when a restaurant has delicious bread. So, I of course am delighted with the variety of bread here. The service is also great. We have had the same waitress each time we've been here -Eleonora. There is also a free parking lot for the restaurant right across the street. Definitely would recommend!
(5)Richard O.
I have an unhealthy affection for pizza. Of all the deep dish or stuffed pizza I've had in Chicago theirs is definitely my favorite. I think my two favorite spots for a nice dinner in Andersonville are this place and Hop Leaf, and this is one of my favorite places in the city to take out of town guests. The neighborhood is charming, the food is good, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the whole package is accessible for cosmopolitanally challenged. I'm a fan of their bread. I can't remember their salads. I enjoy their garlic bread and love their stuffed pizza. The best thing I've had though was some special called sacchetti or something. It was almost like cheese ravioli, except shaped like little purses, and it had peas and a buttery sauce on it. I thought it was phenomenal. I love living in North Center but it just doesn't have the same charm as Andersonville. And so far, it seems like dining in North Center means Thai, bar food, Victory's Banner, or Turquoise.
(5)Herminia I.
Calo's is our go-to Italian restaurant in the 'hood. Everything here is good, starting with the pizza bread they give you right when you sit down. I've never had a pasta dish that left me wanting more, their thin crust pizza is pretty spot-on and you really can't beat that Sun-Thurs full slab of ribs deal (choice or soup or salad, pasta or potato AND the slab!!). Go here on a date or with a big group, you won't be disappointed.
(4)Chicagoa N.
The lady and I visited Calo last night. Good food, good service. Waitress was most gracious, hostess greeted us warmly. We split an entree-portion Meditteranean salad and pasta, rigatoni with chicken chunks, asparagus, maybe a bit of Italian sausage, but it hit the spot on a chilly evening. Breads offered were especially good, fresh, light. Prices were reasonable. We both thought we should've tried the pizza, maybe next time. Calo has its flaws, I had fried calamari there quite a while ago that was greasy and forgettable, and I got a carryout chicken parmesan sandwich that was nothing special, but none of their offerings were ever unsatisfactory, and free parking in their own lot across the street is a nice convenience. Calo is a welcoming cafe with plenty of seating. Recommended.
(4)Jocelyn H.
Was with a party of 12. We got good service. The food is a different story. I got the linguini carbonara based on other yelp reviews. Portion was overwhelming, flavor was underwhelming. Boyfriend got the pollo vesuvio, again the portion was overwhelming and flavor lacking. You're not paying for quality at this place, you're paying for quantity. If that's your thing then go here. Personally I'd rather eat high quality ingredients and eat flavors that are memorable than eat a disgusting amount of bland, one note food.
(2)Brittany Q.
I've been to Calo's twice for lunch. I've been nothing but pleased with my meals. First of all the service is great. the waiter has been polite, advised of all specials, took our orders promptly and brought us our dishes quickly. I split my entree with my co-worker and we didn't have to do the work ourselves, the cooks made sure they were in separate dishes before they were brought to the table. The taste and temperature were excellent. I had no issues with too much sauce or not enough on either occasion that I've dined here. The prices are very fair, especially for a Chicago Restaurant. For three people, we split on lunch, had a salad and a cup of soup with nonalcoholic beverages for $35.00 a price I don't think can be beat. The best part is, this Andersonville establishment has it's own free parking lot so you don't have to use the pay box street parking!
(4)Ingrid H.
Food is okay, not spectacular. Normally, I'd throw out three stars, but I've ordered from this place three times, now, and they've delivered the wrong items on two of those three occasions. Unacceptable.
(2)John L.
It is sad.....how much a great restaurant has slipped. Or else, the competition in Andersonville has gotten better.
(1)Daniel M.
I have been several times and had delivery as well. This place is legit. We had the fried and grilled calamari which were what you'd expect from an Italian restaurant in Chicago. Their thin crust pizza is pretty good and the lobster ravioli was very tasty. Will definitely go back.
(4)Marcella K.
The ribs are awesome and the weekly special for the ribs is a great deal. Comes with potato and salad or soup. I always take some food home. I also like the party room. I have eaten in the bar area not noisy and I have eaten is the restaurant. I have ventured to another dish there. It is the eggplant wrapped with cheese and a marinara sauce. If not the ribs for when I am super hungry than it's the eggplant dish. The service is excellent and I say this because I do not know too many of the staff and I have never had to ask for anything twice or feel as if I have waited to long. I do miss the old bar but otherwise the food is the same. Delicious.
(3)Joe G.
I've had some excellent experiences eating at Calo, and I would definitely return for more. Their food is excellent, and so is their service. Prices are relatively low when compared to similar restaurants. The only drawback--their Chicago-style pizza is sub-par. Not that it's bad, that is. It just does not meet expectations. Thin crust, great! Chicago-style, well, it's so bland that you just don't like it. Overall, I'd definitely recommend Calo. Just make sure you steer clear of the Chicago-style pizza.
(4)Anne E.
I was a very big fan of Calo. I was there with three friends on Saturday night at 7:30. We didn't have a reservation and the manager that night was great at getting us seated very promptly in the bar. Our waitress was attentive and checked in on us often, which was nice given that it was so busy in the restaurant that night. The food was great. The menu was extensive and it was hard to narrow it down to just one thing you wanted to try. After eating the tomato bread that was brought to the table, which is amazing, I had the Canneloni that was on special and it was GREAT. My friends had the salmon, lasagna and Chicken dish and were all equally impressed. We stumbled across this restaurant and I had never been before, but I will definitely be back! The food, staff and ambiance is great!!
(5)Tricia T.
Delicious food! Was pleasantly surprised that this restaurant lived up to my expectation of good Italian food. Like others- the foccacia was great and my pasta dish was out of this world! Nice, quaint ambiance too. Would definitely go back!
(4)Kathleen S.
I went here one evening for a private party, so I'm not entirely sure how representative my experience was, but I had a lovely time. The group I was with had the whole back room, which was great, very neat exposed-brick looking. The bartender was nice. We had a family-style dinner, and everything was good - we had something parmigana (eggplant?) that was tasty, and the sauces were generally good. I wasn't as big a fan of whatever chicken we had (something less tomato-saucy and more olive-oil based, though I never heard exactly what it was). The bread, though, was AMAZING. They had a foccacia that was just absolutely delicious - lots of herbs, cheese, and other tasty seasonings I couldn't even identify. I could have just eaten the bread and drank my wine and been happy... All in all, good if pretty standard Italian. I'd definitely go back so I could order off the menu and know a bit more about the dishes I order.
(4)Maria S.
This place rocks as far as the limoncello martini, limoncello tartufo, chocolate tartufo, pork chop specials, ziti pasta, oh! their shrimp asparagus risotto and salmon. Very popular with the families and my tot is always greeted warmly. Love the place! Sometimes the service can be lacking but we ended up getting something comped by our waitress. Overall, for a place close to home and pretty good pasta and pizza, we go there.
(4)Bonnie L.
Delicious food! Great location and easy parking! Terrific atmosphere!
(5)Paula B.
We've been to eat in the restaurant but usually get delivery and it always is delivered hot and in a timely manner. The food is really good and the pizza is the best! I also love their gnocchi.... yummm. I'd give it a try if you're in the area and looking for pizza. It's worth it.
(4)Andrea R.
On the day I lunched at Calo Ristorante I had a bunch of other meetings lined up and of course they all involved food. What else is new? So I figured I'd have a very light lunch before moving on to my next meal, but this was pretty much impossible at Calo. They certainly give you lots of food for your $$$ here at Calo! After making my way thru the bread basket (so much for that light lunch) I ordered the grilled calamari from the lunch specials menu. This meal, which I believe was supposed to be an appetizer also came with a soup and a side of pasta. All that for just about $12. Hello...good deal! And the meals of my 3 dining companions also came with soup or salad and a side of pasta. Where has Calo been all my life during very hungry times? Not the best grilled calamari I've had, but pretty good. I also enjoyed my minestrone soup and the pasta was a nice treat being the carboholic that I am. The food didn't wow me so I probably wouldn't go back unless in the area, but definitely a place to keep in mind when looking for a good deal.
(4)Minna A.
I had no idea what the inside looked like, with such dark tinted windows and dark awning, Calo just seeming to disappear into the colorful Clark St. atmosphere. I guess the exterior speaks for it's food, as the dishes here were bland and forgettable. We came here on a Monday night. Our server did not want to be there, which left US feeling like.. well, like we didn't want to be there. I asked our waitress what was good on the menu, or if there was anything in particular that crowds/regulars really enjoyed. Her response? "Well, like here, look at the specials list. All this stuff is good. Yea, our entire menu.. the food is good." "uhh.. ok thanks?" So I ordered a baked pasta dish (rotolo di pesce?) and.... it looked gross. It looked like a rolled up linguine that had a slice of white processed cheese melted on top. It looked like something my 10 year old cousin could whip up for me. The dish was warm, but not flavorful at all, and the presentation was just so.. off-putting. The only thing good about this place was the attentive service from the bus boy who was more contentious to our needs than our waitress.
(1)Nichole W.
I have been here several times. The food is always good and of good value. The reason will not return is due to continued poor service. Our last experience was probably the worst. It took over 10 minutes for our server to come to the table. When he did, he simply said, are you ready? We never received refills on our beverages, he didn't check on our food and took over 15 minutes to come back with our change.
(3)Bryan B.
Terrible, disappointing experience at Calo Ristorante tonight. All of my party's food came out...but not mine. And they knew they messed up. And I know that happens, and they can't control everything. But, here's what went down next: Apology blaming someone else. Still no food. Food finally coming out when my friends were done eating. Me saying, "just box it up, I'll take it to go". Manager coming over, saying my food was "comped" and giving me a gift card (for $20). My actual food, which I'd asked to be boxed up, never came out. They offered to buy us 'a' dessert for the table. Really? No thanks. Oh, and they also brought a glass of wine that was to be part of someone's meal, AFTER they had finished their meal. EPIC. FAIL. This is one of my favorite places, and I've recommended it to many. But I will probably never go back. Sad to see a formerly great place fizzle out like this so unceremoniously...
(1)Bill B.
Calo serves pretty traditional italian dishes with a few more ambitious nightly specials. The thin (well done crust) pizza is the best of their pizza line-up. The bread (great focaccia among other things) before dinner beats any other restaurant (from downtown to suburbs), and is dropped on the table immediately by a profoundly well trained bus-staff (other restaurants should take their bus-staff on a field trip here to watch and learn). I honestly try to stick to the specials, otherwise favor the pastas, the cream sauces, funghis, scallops, or the carbonara, though lately discovered the skirt steak is real nice. So, it's about value; fresh bread on the table, and most dinners come with soup or salad, potato/starch, veggies, AND a side of pasta (spaghetti or mostaccioli, meat or mariner sauce). Dress the dinner salad with the house vinaigrette and crumbled blue cheese on top!
(4)Peter A.
I've been a fan of calos since I moved to Chicago in 2005. The food is good, no doubt, yet overpriced. I will never order from this establishment again however... The worst customer service I've ever experienced. I've put up with the apathetic hostesses, who are typically rude, short and un accommodating. Tonight was the last straw, called at 10:30 for delivery and was told the restaurant was closed. Looking back at the menu I saw the place is supposed to be open until 1130. I called back a bit confused to attempt to address the situation and the "manager" I spoke with went as far to question what I do for a living... I'm a server at a resatraunt in the gold coast. These clowns wouldn't know hospitality if it hit them in the face. I was hung up on, which has happenend before, but I've always held my tongue. No more. Chefs, your product is great, but I suggest nuking your entire FOH staff as they are uneducated, entitled, and simply treat your restaurant as a paycheck and not a career. What a disappointment. Good job calos, you're my first yelp review....
(1)Chris V.
Wow. In a city with a million restaurants, this is the best one I've been to by far. In terms of great restaurants, this place was a triple threat: the food was impeccably done, the service was spot on, and it has amazing ambiance. It's your classic favorite italian restaurant. This, folks, is the reason you go out to eat: the experience. And does this place ever have experience! The ambiance is wonderful, the food is great, and the service is top notch. I just wish it was closer to downtown so I wouldn't have to drive as far to enjoy the place.
(5)Kat A.
I LOVE this place. My daughter graduated late May, 2013 and the ceremony went overtime causing some of us to be an hour late for dinner. Some of the people canceled at the very last minute and a table went unused. The owner accommodated our family extremely well. and...... when I explained where one of the automobiles was questionably parked and inquired where we could park instead, he took the keys from my hand and went running (yes, running) outside and stopped a TOW truck from taking the car at the last moment. He came back in and informed us he put the car in an appropriate spot. Because of his kindness, we had a wonderful celebration! The food!! Very very excellent and cooked with love. We had a wide variety of dishes and everyone loved their entree. MMMM Did I mention the appetizer bread they bring to the table? The sauce infused in the bread is delicious. I loved the environment, the food, the service was fantastic!!! THIS IS the definition of FAMILY restaurant. They treated us like family!!
(5)Angie M.
I hate to give Calo a 3 star review, I really do. I've been a loyal customer for a few years now after a friend turned me on to Calo, but I had a bad experience on Sat. night. Every visit I've had to Calo other than last night has been wonderful. I've generally gone with a small group of friends and enjoyed the price-conscious, yet delicous, menu. The ambiance is great... very Sopranos-esque with lots of dark wood, candles, etc. HOWEVER..... I went to a b-day party at Calo on Sat. night and I was not a happy camper. Our server was less than attentive. We had to wait almost an hour after we were seated to order or meals and our drink refills were not tended to very well. I ordered the lasgne bolognese, which was excellent at the time, but not so excellent in the hours after the meal. I think I may have caught a bit of food poisioning. I know I'll give Calo another chance. I love Calo and before Saturday, I never had a bad experience.
(3)Erin N.
5 people- 1 bottle of wine, 4 entrees (1 split), 2 caesar salads, total bill after tax before tip of $104. Not what one would consider cheap, but decent for the food. Portions are large, servers are friendly, and the atmosphere is lively yet also slightly romantic. Some friends of mine swear by the gorgonzola gnocchi, which I admit, is quite tasty, but very rich- order at your own risk. I ordered the pollo cannelloni, a special, which was pretty damn amazing. Also had at the table- ziti con vodka and the chicken parm. Everyone was happy! Mama always says don't fill up on bread, but some of the focaccia in the basket is the best bread I've ever had. So maybe you want to, and then just get your entree in a take home box :)
(4)Sandra G.
After walking aimlessly up and down Andersonville not sure about where to go or what to eat, we settled on Calo's for lunch. Looking forward to the table bread we're been served at dinner before which usually arrives exquisitely baked with flavors, we were a little disappointed to be served slices of regular white Italian bread. As an opener I ordered traditional bruschetta followed by a Mediterranean salad with feta cheese for an entrée. Le bf went with the incredibly priced lunch special they were offering for $13 of a full rack of baby back ribs, baked potato, and soup. The bruschetta was delicious served on perfectly toasted pieces of Italian bread and the Mediterranean salad with feta cheese was so fresh, they must have hand picked all the ingredients from their garden out back! As for the baby back ribs, potato, and soup, the bf was too busy licking the bbq sauce from his fingers to take the time out to give his opinion, but by the looks of his well-cleaned plate, I'd say he was a happy camper.
(4)Brian H.
Calos is a staple in Andersonville. The food and cocktails are always reliable as is the service. It is a really friendly, family owned business. I generally eat here about 2 times per week. Everyone talks about the free focacia-and it is delicious. Just be sure not to eat too much of it because the portion sizes are pretty big. You can generally count on bringing some home for lunch the next day. Prices are very affordable for what you get.
(5)Patty O.
I love Calo. They say consistency is boring, but not the case at Calo. First of all, the seafood platter on bed of spinach is what dreams are made of...their martinis can enduce euphoria and their thin crust pizza is some of the very best. The service is always terrific and the mood is relaxing - yet very efficient. Always a wonderful place to meet friends after work, a romantic dinner or just because it's delicious. Thank you for being there.. Calo.
(5)Vanessa B.
One thing you need to know about Calo: PIZZA BREAD! damn is that shit good. Mouthwatering good. Hell, I go there sometimes just cause I'm craving it. The lights are always dim, so if you're on a bad date, the pros are you won't really have to look at the other person and second, the food make up for it, big time. You walk in, the front of the house staff is beyond bitchy some eastern European girls fakely greet you and if you are without a reservation(usually my case) you'd have to wait for what seems like forever to get your hands on that damn pizza bread. Go to the bar, their bartenders are real nice, not overly friendly for tips sake, they're just real. Have s nice glass or two of some wine and get your mouth ready for what's about to happen to it... I always order the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken, and it comes with a soup or salad, do the house salad, its awesome. The fettuccine is rich and creamy but not too overbearing, and they give you enough chicken with is hard to come by now a days. Evey time I walk, stumble out of this place I have a crazy grin on my face, the food won't disappoint.
(5)Don B.
Great food POOR and AWFUL Management Going down the tubes they don't care about correcting any issues. look at reviews from long time customers, they will agree on how poor the management has gotten since the old man turned it over to his family. They completely got my order wrong and wanted to charge me for their mistake. I had them come back and take the order back and ordered from Pete's Pizza on Western, never had an error from them.
(1)Julie B.
Well, recently moving to Andersonville, this is my new favorite and a staple in my dining recommendations! First, you can sit in either the bar area or the dining room (preference one is casual and one is a bit nicer). I prefer the dining room truth be told and the service is better! For starters, try their amazing seafood salad - seriously so delish!!!! Shrimp, octopus, squid and lots of veggies in an oil/vin dressing. Next, I had their chicken canneloni - Oh, my this literally melted in my mouth and I wanted more...Dessert was a bit underwhelming as they gave me a FROZEN TIRAMISU - devastating! Yet, I still love you Calo!
(4)Frank R.
Had Rib special today. They were very tasty and flavorful I must say. And a reasonable portion of salad and potato. I'd come back but didn't like waiter charged us extra on bill for extra salad dressing. Never have seen that in my life. So i took the extra money I was going to leave for his tip to pay for dressing surcharge. I'd come back but hope I get different server.
(4)Nikki C.
This is only about the thin crust pizza i devoured one time when they delivered to my place of work. Oh, Ooooh...OOOH slrrrrrrrrp...OH! yes...mmmmmmm Crunch, (((CHEW/CHEW/CHEW)))) ...yeah its tasty good. and I'd do it again and again.
(4)Arlene A.
After a completely indulgent evening, there was a need for some recovery food. I was requiring a multitude of flavors and temperatures to ease myself into a long work week. So, I ordered a shrimp cocktail, BLT wrap and the fried chicken/rib combo (I did mention this was recover food right?) So the cocktail sauce that came with the shrimp? Uh, yeah, it was good. Lots of horseradish, and I didn't feel the need to add any additional Tabasco. The BLT wrap was HUGE! I happily ate half of a half and was super happy. This flour tortilla was supple and I liked how there was a smokiness to every bite because of the little bit of char. An aromatic delight for sure. And then I took a nap. Dinner time! Reheated the chicken and ribs for me and my Honey. You get a choice of two sides with this, I got the cole slaw and pasta with olive oil (not offered on the menu, but I asked). The cole slaw was pretty good, I have to admit (!?!) I'm a bit of a slaw snob, being that my Mom makes the best and all. Creamy, flavorful and not too vinegary, very nice. Fried chicken was good enough, salty and re crisped nicely in the oven. My Honey loved the ribs, he let me have one and I must agree, they're pretty tasty. Calo will always have a place in m heart for saving this girl from dayafterdom:-)
(4)Katy S.
Very good food. It is not the best in the world but it is okay. The restaurant is very nicely kept, clean and the staff is very friendly. They have a nice variety of meats, pasta and fish choices. I will be back again.
(4)Mike K.
*** Frequently Asked Question #19 *** Q: Hi! I'm very hungry but I don't want to spend more than $10 on a meal. Can you help me? A: I sure can. Head to Calo immediately. Sunday through Thursday, they offer a full rack of ribs, choice of salad or soup and pasta for $9.99. I'll type this again slowly in case you missed it: - Full rack of ribs (FULL RACK!) - Soup/Salad - Pasta $9.99 The ribs are excellent. You'd assume the restaurant would try to cheat you b/c of the outrageous deal but they don't. The meat easily falls off the bone and is very, very tasty. I had the chicken rice soup and that too was very good. I was shocked when the waitress asked me what pasta I wanted w/ my meal. I wanted to get this $9.99 deal in writing b/c the amount of food proposed compared to the dollar amount made no sense whatsoever. Order their fried calamari as well. It, too, is excellent. You just saved a ton of money on the rib deal so you can afford it. There's free parking across the street. Go now.
(4)Ellen P.
Have lived in Andersonville for close to 8 years now, and have long enjoyed Calo - both at home and dining at the restaurant. And I'm lucky enough to know the "before and after" Calo: before being the traditional red/white table cloth with red vinyl/velvet decor; the after being a stunningly beautiful modernization and expansion. Calo also holds the distinction of successfully upscaling its menu a bit without losing its family/neighborhood atmosphere. My stepfather's family (The Calamaris - yes, really) loves to dine here when they visit from out of town. The fare ranges from traditional to nouvelle-ish Italian, and the pizza can't be beat - love the thin crust. The wine list is very nice and very affordable. Great for large parties - I love seeing it always packed on weekends.
(5)Dave O.
This is our "go-to" neighborhood restaurant and, judging by how busy they are on any night of the week, we aren't alone in this. This is set-your-watch reliable, good Italian food. The wife loves the gnocchi and compares every other restaurant's gnocchi to Calo's. The grilled calamari is always delicious. Their ribs are a complete surprise, better than at most rib joints. I usually stick to one of the pasta specials and have rarely been disappointed. Even the plain old house salad is pretty good. Some servers are friendlier than others (we've gotten to know them), but mostly the service is unobtrusive, in that food & waiters seem to pop-up right when they should. I think this is really hard to pull off in such a busy place. In my experience very few restaurants do this consistently. I want to give them five stars but honestly Calo's food is merely good, not mind-blowing or the "best" Italian in the city. It's not even the best Italian in the neighborhood (the place across the street gets that honor). But it is always a reliable, pleasant and enjoyable (if busy) place to go out for dinner, either with a date or with a crowd.
(4)Rick F.
Food: Above Average Italian Price: Fair Atmosphere: Very enticing, you just want to jump right in and see what's going on in here! Bathrooms: Clean Service: Inconsistent Great place for groups and special events. The bar is always hopping, live music is great! I can go here 2 times week it's so comfortable. Arguably the best pizza in town. Mozzarella appetizer is great, pasta dishes are good! I just love everything about this place. I must give a least one area of improvement! Linguini with white clam sauce could be prepared a little more authentic, as well as the Carbonara.
(5)Yanyao N.
I love Calo. Why? - Their kitchen is open until midnight during the week. - It is pretty close to Evanston. A short drive at least... and at 11pm, I don't even need their free lot with all the empty space on the street. - Medium thin crust pizza with mushrooms and garlic cut into squares. I am always stealing all the edge pieces and working out my arms with the shakers. I love this pizza. - Stuffed gnocchi to go with that pizza? Sure! - Lots to choose from on the menu. Last night I didn't feel like my usual pizza/pasta combo and had the minestrone (so good!) and the insalata de pesce has plenty of delicious marinated seafood. Their specials menu is always fun to look at. - Friendly servers and even friendlier bussers. - Nice wide booths. - Did I mention that they're open late? As in, my other options include White Castle/Burger King/McDonalds.... and I'm eating gorgonzola stuffed gnocchi and drinking grapefruit juice with some soda bubbles at Calo?! Dangerous for my wallet but amazing nonetheless.
(5)Mary N.
The food was OK. I went with my family to celebrate my birthday. My husband spoke with the owner to have cake sent over after dinner, and the owner offered to send the polish waitress over for a lap dance. The waitress was standing there and laughed. Calo are you a traditional italian restaurant or a strip club? The owner is extremely low class at best. Won't be back. I gave 2 stars only because the food was OK.
(2)Mark K.
We began to go to Calo about 5 years ago when we moved into the area. The food is great and you can always count on consistency in the food quality. The salad, while a bit plain, is probably one of the freshest in the city. It is crisp every time! Now, other than the food, there is another reason I recommend going to Calo. They are perhaps one of the most family friendly restaurants on the Northside. Every time we go, the wait staff comes and visits with our daughter (now 2 1/2). The management there, especially Sakib, are top notch. They make you feel like a million bucks every time you come in for dinner. If you want a place to take your kids for a NICE dinner and not feel like a burden, then this is the place!
(5)Anna J.
Yum, Yum and Yum. My BF and I were up in Andersonville and wanted to try out a few new spots. We headed here based on all the yelp reviews. The wait was about 45 mins so we just went across the street to grab a beer. When we came back out table was ready. We came to try the thin crust pizza so I can't speak for everything on the menu. I will say the tomato bread that they give you is really amazing along with the other stuff in the bread baskets. (If you read my reviews you know I love bread!) We also ordered the Italian Chopped Salad. They split it up for and it was huge and yummy. It also only costs 7 or 8 dollars. Awesome! Here comes the pizza. We were pretty full on the yummy bread and the huge salad so we didn't devour it like we normally would. I will say it's pretty darn good. The toppings can get mad expensive so just stick with a few. The only downer of the restaurant....our waitress was not good. I realize it's a Friday night and you are busy but she barely spoke a few words to us. She also took our bill and credit cards so fast that I hardly had time to tell her how to split the bill. I was annoyed by that. Other than that...it was a good experience.
(4)Laura A.
I forgot about you Calo! Its been so long since I lived in your hood! But now that I am back, I shall give you the majority of my pizza eating business....but you HAVE TO DELIVER HOT PIZZA! You gave me cold pizza, hot fries and hot sticks the other day. Tsk tsk...I can be loyal but only to those who are worthy! Don't let it happen again!
(4)Christine F.
Most of the time we just get delivery from here...fast and easy. However last Saturday we decided to venture and eat in Calo. We had great service and a very friendly staff! I got a glass of white wine and we ordered a medium thin crust pizza with onions and half sausage. Mmm. It's even better than delivery, if that's even possible. Thin, crispy cracker crust, TONS of cheese, sauce and toppings. It's perfectly proportioned in terms of ingredients. It's a little pricey to eat in, especially with the wine, but it's hard to beat a fresh Calo thin crust right out of the oven. WTB more pizza NAO
(4)Michelle M.
okay, calo, you are good, but you are not THAT good. look, the food is tasty. if the service didn't SUCK beyond belief, i would give it 3.5 stars. however... i've now been to calo four times. (my fiancé loves it; we usually go for his birthday.) i've made reservations four times. and each of those four times, i've had to wait and wait and wait to actually be seated. ughh. this weekend was birthday weekend. since my fiancé's last birthday, we have moved from chicago to naperville, but we had other plans in the city so calo was a convenient (so we thought) choice. we were going to a show after dinner (at 10 pm) and i foolishly assumed that 1 hour and 45 minutes from our reservation time would be enough to be seated, order, eat and go. i was so wrong. at 8:30, they finally seated us. at 8:45, they took our order. at 8:55, they informed us that the shrimp we had ordered took 10 minutes extra to cook (i wish they had mentioned this when we ordered). the only person who offered me a drink refill throughout the entire meal was the manager, and this was at about 9:25, when we got our food and asked if we could have the check right now so we could leave as soon as we finished eating. we scarfed our food down in 20 minutes (the food was tasty but not very memorable, especially given the limited time we had to savor it; i had gnochhi with gorgonzola; fiancé had chicken saltimbocca- the portions are HUGE, by the way!) and were out the door. it kind of sucked that we had to spend a nice birthday dinner panicking about whether or not we were going to make it to our show on time. (we did, with a couple of minutes to spare.) the service was polite but very inattentive; it took forever to get anything. my advice, if you plan to eat here, is to allot plenty of time because it gets very very very busy. oh, and avoid sitting by the band area... stress, long wait time and lousy service aside, the "live music" was the absolute worst part of the meal! think greasy 45-year-old-man playing cheesy keyboard versions of pop songs (like "i wanna be a billionaire," seriously) with a young female singer as his accompaniment. it was HORRENDOUS!
(2)Carol K.
As luck would have it- I have had the chance to eat at Calo a couple of times in the past couple of weeks. Granted- Andersonville is way off my beaten path- but if I am in the area, Calo calls to me when I want some good, comforting Italian food. The first time I had ever heard of Calo was when I was with a bunch of Yelpers at Simon's Bar drinking their ever popular Glogg. I hadn't eaten (never a good idea when you are "Glogging") and one of the menu's provided for me by the bartender was for Calo. I called and ordered a pizza and mozzarella sticks to share. After being told it would take an hour- the food actually showed up in about 30 minutes- hot, cheesy, thin crust pizza, just the way I like it. Maybe a little pricier than I was expecting but what the heck? I love when people bring the food to you! Given that the delivered food was so good- when a friend who lives in the area asked where did I want to go and eat- I thought . . hmm . .let's go to Calo and see what else they can do! Well- the experience was great. From being seated in the front window to watch the snow fall- to the amazing lasagna Bolognese and the gnocchi with Gorgonzola- I was hooked. Service kept some great martinis flowing effortlessly and I left with a smile on my face (and a song in my heart given how many martinis I had, I'm sure!) Give it a try. You may find your next little favorite Italian place right here in Andersonville!
(4)Rachelle G.
I really would have given this restaurant a solid four but one server ruined it for me. More on that later. Free parking + tasty food + Andersonville + great specials = Happy Rachelle Had the $9.95 full slab rib special. Tasty and bonus it comes with your choice of soup/salad and a side of either pasta or potatoes. Definitely a great deal. Most of the staff was super friendly and assisted as soon as you requested something. There was one server though who accused my large party of changing seats when he brought our entrees over because he didn't notate who ordered what correctly. In the midst of passing a plate that had some au jus on it, he managed to spill half the au jus on me. He barely mumbled an apology and acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. I'll definitely be back and am hoping to update this review to four stars.
(3)Matt G.
So I have been in Calo about 6 times and most of the time I'm stunned by how much I get, how good it was and what a great value it was. Howvever this last weekend, we went and I was a tad underwhelmed. While the portions were substantial, the food didn't seem to have that same "snap" that it did in the past. Additoinally, the service was a bit awkward. Let me explain. A party of 4 adults and two toddlers begins ordering and then as we get to the third adult, the waiter says "hold on, let me get your wine before you order." Huh???? Anyway, this was typical for the night and a little off-putting. Nonetheless, I can recommend the pasta dishes and can say that the portions are large and filling and they are generally good. However, the olive oil based sauces are not so exciting. I prefer the cream based even though they are quite heavy. I will go back and hope next time service doesn't overshadow a good meal.
(3)Amanda C.
Yet more delicious pizza! Pizza that will show up at my house! We're trying to branch out from just getting Apart pizza all the time, so we called these guys. We ordered a plain cheese pan pizza. It was a little expensive, but that pizza was enormous. It fed three of us for two days. Plus, delivery was really quick (like 35 minutes, and we live a couple miles from Calo) and the delivery guy was friendly. There is a delivery fee, which is a pain, but they make some solid pizza. When I'm looking for something a little more substantial than Apart, I will totally call them.
(4)Karen C.
Every time I come here, I am so glad I did. The food is always SO delicious and the service is spectacular. I did make the error of not making reservations one time, but even with an hour wait, it was worth it. There's nothing more to even say... just go here. Now.
(5)Brandon W.
My family has been coming to Calo's for years. It used to be just for the pizza, but after more and more visits, we expanded our horizons and went on to things such as the ribs. The atmosphere here is always friendly and the service is great! I dont think I have ever tasted anything from here that I didnt like. If you are in the area and want a decent slice of pizza or some really good ribs, stop in - it is worth it. There usually isnt a wait. I would go three and a half starts, but that isnt do-able.
(3)Jim B.
This evening was the first time I ordered out from Calo Ristorante; usually I dine in. Have always loved their food and tonight was no exception!
(4)Kate S.
Not going to lie, I was very surprised at how much i like this place. I walked by many times putting it off as just another large italian restaurant (like a neighborhood magianos or something). Eventually I got stuck going due to some very picky/non-experimental eaters in my group, and i had a GREAT time! good drink menu, full but not over the top food menu, and a fun atmosphere. The bartenders were entertaining and poured some good drinks - always a plus - and the patrons seem like regulars up at the bar. I tend to get the same thing when i go there - buffallo calamari (YUM and a huge serving!) and one of their thin crust signature pizzas. they make a good pizza. This place is definitely worth a stop if you're in the mood for reasonably priced good italian food in a fun, chill environment.
(4)Colleen B.
Calo's serves you the most delicious, soft, warm, delectable foccacia--as a free appetizer. 'Nough said. But there's more. I always tell myself I'm going to try something new, and even though my favorite dish is a bit pricey for me, I never fail to order the Linguine Al Frutai Di Mare. It's not a dinner plate--it's more like a trough--of the most delicious combination of pasta and seafood that you could ever imagine. I love seeing my server bring me a heaping bowl of clams and mussels, perfectly sauteed shrimp, calamari, and HUGE scallops. They serve so much food that I usually make three meals out of the leftovers. Particularly if I accidentally eat the entire basket of foccacia.
(5)Ashley B.
BEST STUFFED PIZZA IN THE CITY!!!! Calo is definitely one of my favorite restaurants in town, and coming from a native Chicagoan, that says a lot. I lived in Uptown for several years and regularly ordered delivery from Calo. They were always prompt and the delivery guys were super nice! The stuffed pizza is AMAZING. The crust is perfect and the cheese is delicious and plentiful. I've had pizza from dozens of places in Chicago, and no where else even begins to compare. My favorite part of Calos is the cost. The prices are dirt cheap compared to the quality and quantity of food you get. Definitely a place you have to try out!
(5)Mike K.
This place by far is my favorite restaurant in the city. I dine in and have delivery at least once a week. 1st. The foccocia bread at the table Is awesome.2. The smoked braid salad I get every time. Ribs fall off the bone great taste. I love to cook and these are good. And 9$ a full slab with sides. Best deal in town. Pizza is great. Every dish I have tried there I have loved. Wine selection great. Always new specials daily. I can go on and on. Service and ambiance always perfect. If visiting the city this place is a must. If you live here you too will become regulars of this hotspot. 5 of 5 stars
(5)iddells E.
My friends and I have been here a few times, back when Marilou and her band used to perform and the dance floor would be open to anyone. That was before Calo's was remodeled. I wonder if Calo's still has the same sort of entertainment?? I've been here once since the remodeling, it's much more elegant. Nowadays, I just order pizza to go. Their pizza's great! Calo's is our favorite pizza place!
(5)Kate S.
I haven't been to the restaurant yet (only had it delivered), but we've been very happy with the food. One of the tell tale signs of a good Italian restaurant is their alfredo sauce. So many places have this thick, gloppy, flavorless sauce masquerading as alfredo. Calo, on the other hand, served us a lovely, buttery, cheesy sauce that was exactly what you want from alfredo. (FYI, alfredo sauce is so rich that I can only eat a bite or two of it, but tasting my brother-in-law's tempted me to order my own next time.) We've also been very happy with their linguini in clam sauce, the buccatini con pomodoro (really tasted fresh and light and delicious, though I'm sure it added about 3 inches to my waistline), and the pasta alla Milano. My only negatives would be I think they're a bit pricey (maybe more worth it when dining in if the atmosphere is really nice), and the majority of the pastas had meat in them (though they may be available without meat). I really look forward to going here in person and having more to say.
(4)Carol J.
There was a time when I absolutely loved this place. I enjoyed the pizza, the old school atmosphere and the prices were a steal. Fast forward to recent past where you now have mediocre service, a surly (okay, downright rude) owner scowling at you because the bottle of wine you ordered was vinegar, the bartenders could care less about you if you aren't a day-to-day regular (yes, I will get you a drink when I finish looking at pictures of his crashed up car). Pizza is okay, ribs are a great deal when they are on special and not reheated from the day before. Service is spotty at best and oh yeah don't forget to look at your check. A group of 4 girls ordered two apps, two bottles of bad wine and four entrees and we all tasted some of each others entrees (like a bite) and they tried to charge a splitting fee. Really? Wish the parents were still running the show here, they used to make people feel super welcome and like a guest not an inconvenience.
(2)M L.
Been going to Calo for many years (30+)- it was always good and reliable and has only gotten better with age. here are my highlights: Cheap ribs during the week (12.95) - full dinner starts with the focaccia bread then soup or salad- excellent minestrone - fresh salad (get the garlic and house on the side) Choice of side - you can't finish the whole meal The asiago cheese gnocchi is awesome -my favorite -very rich - could share as an appetizer. Great value too.
(4)Michael S.
of bar only: Great service and excellent prices even for top shelf cocktails.
(4)Viktor C.
There are some things that Calo does very well, for example most of their Italian foods and Pizza, but they certainly left me wanting when I ordered their Ribs. Last time I ordered them was a few years back, moved away..yada yada...came back...looking forward to a delicious slab of ribs...yum...yum...ordered and received the driest and tiniest slab I've ever seen (more lake a slabette!) at a full slab price! Needless to say, bummer. Sometimes you just can't go back.
(3)Nick M.
I, like I'm sure most of you, grew up eating a whole lot of pizza. It didn't matter from whom of what kind it was just give me some pizza! But as you grow up, your body goes though many changes (I know what you're thinking Matthew!). One being your taste buds, you develop a certain standard for your pizza. Certain brands, sauces, crust or no crust, will just not suffice. I'm all about the sauce, bad sauce, bad pizza. Thank god for Calo's! The sauce is excellent for those dam picky taste buds of mine. I've never been to the actual location but I can tell you that they deliver and they deliver fast. Price isn't too bad and the pizzas are always fresh and hot. Maybe one of these days I'll order something else to try there but I doubt it.
(4)Michael E.
Calo is an up-scale italian restuarant in Andersonville that does one thing I find just great....serves food until 2am during the week. I sometimes have cravings for late night dinners...and though a pizza and a few beers isn't the best of dinners it definitely hits the spot. The bar is the best please for such dining in the late night hours. The bar tender meets your needs and you can eat while either talking with friends, watching one of 3 TVs (one is a HUGE projection tv in the back) or reading. Regardless, in the summer time, front of the establishment opens all the windows making the summer even better. I had only the pizza and thin crust too boot, but it was done just right and a small is big enough for two people to share. At $12 one could walk out of there for under $20 for two people which is always a plus in my book. The decore has a lounge feel to it with dark wood, candles and simple decorations. Music was a bit ol' school, but I liked it.
(4)Rich L.
This is an excellent Italian restaurant with the best ribs I've had since Bones (long closed) in Lincolnwood. . They have a great bar, friendly staff. You can't go wrong!
(4)Susan L.
Dinner is just as great! You know, this is SOLID Italian food. Not soul-shattering, but consistent, delicious, large portions of excellent traditional Italian-American food. Have you taken your parents here yet? They'll love it!
(5)Lisbeth D.
Finally, a pizza place my husband and I can agree on! The deep dish has a super buttery crust and a ton of cheese (for him) and the thin crust veggie is cracker thin, crispy, and completely loaded with veggies (for me.) Our delicious pizzas were delivered promptly and the driver was so nice. We'd sworn off ordering pizza since we could never agree on a place until Calo. We've now ordered from here two weekends in a row...and will probably make it three!
(4)Tom D.
Perfect pizza. Friendly Staff. Great job.
(5)Keun L.
I ordered the sea food plate... let me just say, it wasn't just a plate. It was a big gigantour platter of seafood and another plate of angel hair pasta. It was delicious and lasted for about 3 days, from bringing back the left overs we couldn't eat. I kind of wish the waitress could've told me how many that platter could feed. I was expecting enough food for one. It was enough food for 5, maybe 6. Will go again, to try their other plates (for a single stomach, that is).
(4)Alanna O.
This place is kinda like Cheers for me. I have only been here maybe 6 times...but ever since the first time I walked in the door they remember you! They may not always get your name right, but they recognize that you have been in before and always strike up a nice conversation!! The food is excellent and the menu has quite a wide range of things that good, old school Italian restaurants should have...lots of pastas, funky and traditional, seafood options galore, pizzas, plus the normal meat options. I can't say enough good things. I had the Pasta with Pesto sauce and chicken and shrimp...and OMG was it good!!!!!!! the portion sizes for pasta are huge, so you can easily get like 2-3 meals out of one entree, and it makes for some great leftovers. The atmosphere is super cute....slightly romantic. Makes for a great date place, a place to take your family or a good of group of friends. There is also a bar area with seating and they have TV's with sports on so that side of the restaurant is pretty chill, the other (dining) side is very relaxed with low-lighting, softly lit with candles everywhere and booths and tables for seating. There is also a room next door that can be rented for private parties and I think it has it's own bar area as well. Go here for a great, reasonably priced dinner!! You won't regret it!
(5)David K.
I'd give this place 4 stars for their pizza delivered/take out and 3 stars for the dine-in experience. I've gotten pizza delivered from here on multiple occasions and eaten in once. I've only ever gotten their thin crust pizza and have gotten it for take out on multiple occasions because I like it so much. I am not sure what sort of cheese they use, but it is greasy as hell and totally awesome. Their garlic thin crust pizza is simply fantastic (If you are into large pieces of garlic). Probably my favorite delivered or take out pizza. It's rather unfortunate that I haven't found anything like that closer to where I live. I've also eaten there once and I wasn't a huge fan of that experience. It wasn't that there was anything bad that happened, but it was just rather plain and ordinary. The food (some pasta dish) wasn't anything extraordinary (very similar to what you would find at say Maggianos). Service was also average, nothing special. Everything was just so very average. There are plenty of places I'd rather go to first (or even try) before I go back and dine-in. I will continue to get their pizza either delivered or take out, but will be skipping the dine-in.
(3)Randazzle H.
My five stars are for the pizza alone! I can't really say much about their entrees since I usually get the pizza which I've probably ordered 200 of during my 12 years living in the neighborhood! Dining in? The space is great with great wait staff and a fun bartender who makes a great martini, dirty with olives stuffed w/ blue cheese! Delivery or carry out? Quick and delivered HOT! Whatever pizza you order, it will be even better if you ask them to cook it extra crispy for you and uncut (if delivered). We LOVE Calo!
(5)Erin M.
So tasty. This is my favorite Italian place, and we always bring out-of-towners there. It's great for dinner with friends but nice enough that we went there for Valentine's Day. No matter what you order, it's going to be amazing, but if you want something truly world-changing, get the Gorgonzola stuffed (or asiago stuffed) gnocchi. It's in this creamy tomato sauce with a dollop of goat cheese in the center. It's so rich that it's hard to finish, but it reheats well. Mmmm...
(4)Adam S.
I'm 5 for 5 at Calo. Whoever grills their meat (in my case, chicken and shrimp) is a genius--it's always perfect. My GF and I are suckers for their pasta, and though most of the entrees are pricey for us, they're that good. We grab glasses of the affordable Chianti Rustico to go with it. Calo food also passes the Microwave Test: We always have plenty of leftovers from Calo, and despite the flavor-destroying proclivities of a microwave, it still tastes excellent reheated. I'm no gore-may, but to me that's another sign of some damn good food.
(5)Stevie K.
Love this place, but is it terrible that I miss the old decor, back when they had no windows? It was like a nonstop wedding reception from 1984 on the weekends. I'm glad they at least keep the cheesy bands in the bar. Eating in is nice, but their delivery is great too -- think, pan, deep dish, it's all pretty good. An Andersonville staple, and rightfully so.
(4)Leang E.
This is a very popular Tuesday spot for the $9.95 rib special, but they have specials every night of the week. It's a pretty large spot, so they can accomodate big groups. The service here is really right on the mark and treat everyone as if they were VIP. I love foccacia bread, and I hadn't been to a place that offered that so I can appreciate it being on the table. I would advise you to not fill up on this though to make room for your meal. I had the lobster ravioli which was a little too rich and creamy for me, but was still pretty good. The rib meat come off the bones pretty easily and are pretty tasty. The prices are very reasonable, and I can see how someone would want to be a regular. They seem to have a very decent bar if you just wanted to hang out here for drinks as well.
(4)Steve T.
I've never been disappointed with Calo!! The food is great, they have a huge menu, the service is quick, and you can usually be seated pretty quickly even if you don't have a reservation. Now, don't read that as you shouldn't try to make one... I definitely would if it's a weekend night... it can get pretty packed. The caprese salad is super fresh, and even though it's not directly on the menu, you can order Veal Parmesan, which is one of my favorites. It's great for groups, and they have a pretty good wine selection.
(4)Michael R.
All I can say is WOW I LOVE THIS PLACE! Been going there since I was kid and it is still great it hasn't change abit except for a upgrade in there decor recipes old school. A++++ for Calo great jobs guys.
(5)William B.
When we told them we wanted to have our wedding there, they were very helpful and put up with our constant questions. Our guests are still talking about the great food.
(5)Jonathan C.
Ribs Ribs Ribs. I know the Italians aren't known for their BBQ ribs, but these guys do it right. Sloppy, falls of the bone, and $9.99 a slab Sunday-Thursday The rest is pretty damn good too.
(4)Bethany L.
I've lived in Andersonville for over a year now and have heard so many people heaping praise on Calo that I decided it was finally time to check it out. Went on a Saturday night and made the mistake of not making a reservation, so we waited an hour. The bar was packed, so I just got a drink and we hovered wherever we could find room. It was a little claustrophobic, but I guess that's to be expected. To start, the bread was freaking fantastic. I'm not one to rave about a bread basket, but this was probably one of the best bread baskets I have ever encountered. Warm, fluffy focaccia bread, deliciously seasoned white crusty bread, and a huge mountain of salty whipped butter. Yum. That was worth the wait alone. We got the mussels as an appetizer, which were to die for. I've just started eating mussels, but they were amazing by even general food standards, and my boyfriend (the mussel expert) loved them. Huge amounts of meat with tons of garlic and wine cream sauce. I got some sort of chicken piccata-like item that was on special. Chicken piccata is probably one of my favorite Italian dishes, and this was a good one. The chicken was thicker than most piccata dishes have it, but it was soft and juicy and my knife ran through it like butter. Boyfriend had the gnocchi with asiago and goat cheese, which he said was great. One other reason I liked this place: the service was impeccable. The hostesses were friendly despite the overwhelming crowds, our server was always there for anything we needed and made sure to check in with us any time he passed by, and water was refilled quickly. This was really great to see in a crowded restaurant in Chicago on a Saturday night, where poor service is so common anymore. It was a little pricey, but for the portion sizes and quality of the food, I think it's just about worth it. I'm so glad I finally tried this place.
(5)jillian d.
I have enjoyed Calo's cuisine both by takeout and dine-in. The menu is extensive and the diners represent the diverse neighborhood - families, couples, older and younger groups combined. The flavors are true Italian - garlic, garlic, garlic! .... in my mussels, pasta, bread... just the way I like it. Portions are generous and price I very reasonable. Daily specials for takeout are very good - salad and sizable entree for $8-9. Baked lasagna is a personal fave - with use of italian sausage in the meat sauce....mmmmm:) It will take me a long time to make my way through the menu, but I am up for the challenge. I recommend this for anyone who is hungry and wants some tasty, affordable Italian fare.... in a great neighborhood!
(4)Grant G.
One of those places that embodies the traditional Chicago Italian restaurant scene. Great atmosphere, pretty decent service, fair prices, and consistently great Italian food. Not much more to be said.
(5)Louise M.
LOVED THIS PIZZA! My partner and I ordered Calos Pizza the other night on a whim, and were VERY happy with our pie! We had the "Stuffed Pizza" with green peppers, garlic, and onion... a combination that had a light and yummy flavor. We had a large, and were unable to finish with just the two of us... and had a battle over the leftovers the following day. GROOD (great + good) PIZZA! TRY!
(5)Maggie G.
This was not the world's best Italian, but it hit the spot. The atmosphere could relax a little more. Servings were huge! I had some fish and vegetables which was well done but wasn't innovative or write-yo-mama good. The owner took time off to explain the restaurant's evolution!
(4)Ellen J.
Great service and wonderful food. They have an extensive menu. We started with delicious grilled octopus. We had 2 pasta dishes and possibly the best thin crust pizza in the city. The large portions gave us plenty to take home. This was our first time there and we will go back again. DELICIOUS!!!!!
(5)B B.
Great food! Fast delivery! Portions are large enough to share or to satisfy large appetites. Get the calamari and meat lasagna!
(5)Larry L.
A nice dining room that wasn't too stuffy. The room wasn't too crowded and it was dimly lit - but still had a laid back atmosphere. We had the mussels in cream sauce as an appetizer. I've never seen mussels this big. The portions of pasta were a good size. I'm usually skeptical about ordering pasta at restaurants because the portions are sometimes pretty small. But this was about the right size..not too big and not too small. Plus they had a decent beer selection.
(4)NANCY H.
To die for food. You don't know what to expect from this place looking at the outside. Inside it is very cozy, inviting and vibrant with laughter. I had the asiago tortellini. It was so rich and delicious, the kind of food you dream about. My husband had the lemon chicken, and it was yummy, also. My friend had the chicken parmigiana, and said it was very good. Wonderful food. Would definitely go back!!
(4)Jackie S.
Was a fan of this place for years prior to the revamp.. I have to say, for the food- I've never found another Italian place better than Calo. Fantastic pastas and the pan pizza is on par with Malnati's. In fact, after Malnati's, Calo is my favorite in town. I'm gonna have to give Calo a 3 star rating at this point though.. they used to greet you like you were family. I really don't visit as often nowadays just because they really don't seem interested AT ALL when you walk in. Very impersonal, I've felt more like I was being pushed through. Sorry guys.. maybe you need to address this issue.
(3)Dianna D.
I've only been here once but thought the food was superb. I had a gnocchi dish that was to die for.
(4)Sarah L.
I ordered a pizza from Calo the other night. I had no idea that they deliver all the way out in my neighborhood! I will be ordering from Calo from now on when I want GOOD pizza! It arrived less than an hour and it was hot. Now I can enjoy one of my favorite Italian restaurants to-go :)
(5)Bill S.
This place serves their full menu until close! 2am on the Weekends! The PERFECT place to go get GOOD pizza or dessert after seeing Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind. We always hit this place afterwards. Late nights offer cheesy lounge singers and middle age and older people drinking and dancing, but the service was always good and the food/drinks far better than anything else open at that time of night.
(4)Brett M.
I have never had a bad dish or a bad time at Calo. Everything on the menu is spectacular, from the seafood risotto to the chicken parmigiana to the house specialties to the BBQ ribs. They serve up a hefty helping of food, with all entrees coming alongside salad or soup, and all grilled entrees coming with potatoes or pasta. The meat sauce could probably foster world piece. Victor, the owner, is very knowledgeable on wine, and his wine list is impressive. We're having our rehearsal dinner here. Nora is the best waitress in Chicago!
(5)Rebekah H.
Went to dinner last night at Calo was surprised at how great it was! This is the type of restaurant I would expect to find in the suburbs... and that's not a bad thing! Everyone was very friendly and accommodating and it was a busy night there. Our food came out fast and was delicious! Everything we had was so good, especially the tiramisu. Can't wait to go back!!!
(4)Tish B.
I love love love Calo pizza. It has always been my favorite ever since I was growing up.
(4)Inspector G.
I'm re-writing my review on Calo. Originally, I had panned them for canvassing the neighborhood with unwanted paper menus (which just ended up blowing around as trash). One year later, they've stopped the wasteful paper campaign and so we decided to try them out for dinner. Great place. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. We had a 10 minute wait for a table that ended up taking only 5 minutes. While the bartender was a bit flustered, the service was generally outstanding. The food is typical Italian with overwhelming quantities, so bring a doggy bag. They were easily able to accommodate an off-the-menu request and everything was presented at a relaxing pace. Summary ratings (out of 5 stars): Overall (4) **** Food (3) *** Service (4) **** Atmosphere (4) ****
(4)DJ A.
I have ordered the Pizza from here many times and it is excellent. Finally decided to enter the restaraunt from which i order and I was not disappointed. Each one of our meals was awesome from the Risotto to the Seafood Pasta. This is some of the best risotto in the City. It is on a par with Spiagga but at a much more affordable cost. This is definitely one of my favorite spots and I will be coming here much more often.
(5)Heather F.
I hate to admit it but I really really love the food at this place. Why do I hate to admit it? Because I typically turn my nose up at packed-out Italian places. It seems that places like this often get lazy in the kitchen. But not here. The atmosphere is great ... the wait - not so much. But the food is worth the wait. The wine selection seems pretty good to me but I'm no wine connoisseur. The pre-dinner bread is tasty and warm. And about every pasta on the menu is calorie-laden goodness. I haven't had anything here that wasn't delicious. The only negative is the long wait time and there is usually very little room in the bar so you end up having to wait outside or in cramped quarters in the bar with people constantly pushing past you. Highly recommend reservations here.
(4)Jennifer M.
This joint is old school and I dig it. Don't come here looking for some fancy shmancy presentations or a fashion show. They don't skimp on portions and are reasonably priced so it's a great family or large group spot. Kick butt pizza delivery, yummy crab legs and great calamari diablo. No surprises here, food is always consistent.
(5)Laurie H.
I like this place. It's a little pricey but you can order anything from pizza to a sweet New York steak until 12:00 am. Cozy, warm atmosphere and free parking across the street. Works for me. I'm rating this a 4* only because I can't spend less than $50 bucks for one. But the yummy leftovers are good for lunch or dinner next day so that helps:)
(4)Torrie B.
Alright, I've never actually dined at the restaurant (thus the 4 stars instead of five) but I constantly order out from Calo's and the delivery service is fantastic even on a busy Friday night. My favorite is the thin crust pizza, it's perfect. Lots of combos to try and always good. The ribs at Calo's are also great. It's worth checking out, if you like good pizza and fast delivery.
(4)Casia J.
I too have had an on again-off again relationship with Calo's. Mainly, because I think it's unpredictable and uneven, from food to service. You might go and have a crabby, old school, know-it-all kinda waiter who is just a wet blanket about everything throughout the evening. Or, you might have a younger, nervous guy who forgets stuff and is frazzled over small things, but lovable just the same. I've never had really good service here, sadly. The pasta could be delicious and satisfying. Or, it could be flavorless/too soft and not authentic. Desserts are ok. Some good, some a tad bland, nothing not good. The bar is usually just ok. Mixed drinks seem to be watery, or crazy strong. So why do I still give it 4 stars? When it's good, it's good. And even the uneven service is ok with me. I'd rather have that than a trendy place with pushy servers and patrons I don't need to be around. I like the atmosphere most of the time, I like that it's been there forever and after 10+ years of coming and going, I will keep giving it another try I 'spose.
(3)Jenni Q.
The ribs are absolutely awesome and a great deal at only 9.95 for a full rack, soup or salad, AND a pasta or potato (sun-thurs). This is my favorite dish here and usually what I get most of the time. Pizza is thin crust and delicious (not to mention HUGE). Beware though if you don't like really cheesy pizzas. I'm not a fan of the pasta here - they have a great selection but every dish I've ordered has undelivered. I think they tend to overcook the pasta so it comes out kind of hard and the sauces arent very flavorful. But the best thing about Calo's is the free focaccia bread! YUM. Good place to come with friends, excellent ambience and a pretty decent meal at a good price (if you dont get the pasta).
(4)Rachel B.
OMG, you don't even want to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BEWARE!!!!!
(1)Natalie R.
Really good stuff, huge menu. I've never had anything less than super-tasty here. Wine list is pretty good as well--a very wide range of grapes and prices. Great for groups as well! Bottle of Ruffino Chianti $28
(5)Rachel V.
This is a great choice for Italian dining on the north side of the city. Selection includes a variety of fresh pastas, buttery thick crust pizzas and other dishes. The best part of the service is the hot entrees come out piping hot- fresh off the stove/out of the oven and the salad is crisp cold. The prices are reasonable and worth the the generous portions. Its a great place to go to any night of the week with a big appetite. Oh and there's a free parking lot for the restaurant, just across the street, if you cant find street parking.
(4)David E.
I've eaten here several times and they have consistently put out good food. The ribs, calamari, and rigatoni alle baressa (spicy sausage with pasta and chicken) are my favorites. The thin crust pizza is also very good. I like the fact that the pizza sauce is on the spicy side. I definitely recommend ordering pizza from this place if you are entertaining a big group of people watching a Saturday afternoon college football game. I recommend calling for reservations. It gets crazy packed on the weekends.
(4)Krisi I.
love this place. food is a little pricey but it is so good, my girlfriend and i come here to get pasta and the Alfredo with the shrimp is delicious. The atmosphere is really laid back, the people are fun, and staff is friendly. We always have fun with the great food and beer. :)
(3)Nastassia J.
Good middle of the road italian. Anyone can find something to eat there. Had a great experience and portions are really large. Calamari was really tasty too.
(4)Mike S.
A few co-workers had invited me and a friend out to Calo dinner. I had never been there or even heard of this place. I am a chef wanna be and specialize in Italian. I'm a believer of you can judge a restaurant (Italian) by their calamari and veal parmigiana. I couldn't find the veal on the menu!!! I asked our server and was told they do have it. WHEW! I ordered the calamari both ways. Oh my god it was fantastic! I would say the best I have ever had. Tender and flavorful to say the least. With very high expectations, I was waiting for the veal to arrive. When I cut into it and took my first bite, I was in Italian heaven. It too was the best I have ever had! I told the server it was amazing, the best. She smiled and said "I knew you would love it" The only downside of the whole experience is that I'm 43 and never been here before! I wish I had known about Calo many years ago. The owner/chef came to our table and asked how everything was. I was very impressed by the whole thing. The staff was 2nd to none. The place was jammed and you would never know it because they were on top of it like Ive never seen before. As far as pricing for what you get, HUGE portions for little $. I would have paid more with a smile. I gave it to the server, she was great. I truly wish there were more than 5 stars to give. in short, AMAZING! I will be a regular from this point forward.
(5)Pauline M.
I grew up in what is now known as "Andersonville." Calo was the place I went to on Friday nights or whenever all the people from my parish got together for a "fancy" dinner. I would dance on the disco dance floor, get all the cherries from the bar I wanted, and sugared up on kitty cocktails till my parents fought over the bill with their friends and I passed out in one of the plush leather booths. It was dark enough to make anyone think it was nap time. Those were the good old days. So now they are all "fancy pants" and no live entertainment. Soooo I kind of refuse to go in there. HOWEVER.... Last night I ordered from their take out menu, which happens to be almost the exact same as before the renovation. I was really in the mood for BBQ, and after a not so good 1/2 slab from Fireside on Ravenswood, I needed to go elsewhere. I ordered the fried chicken/bbq ribs combo with minestrone and a baked potato. I also ordered Tiramisu. The bbq ribs were so much better than I remember- the meat was tender and fell off the bone. The sauce was tangy, and the temperature was perfect. Definitely not the most amazing ribs ever, but really hit the spot. The fried chicken was so tasty... the only problem I have is that the 2 pieces I got was a breast and a leg, and I *hate* legs, but no big deal, I was only eating half of the meal anyway, since it was rather.... ummm... large. The fried chicken isn't crispy, it's more tasty batter skin- it's got a lot of spices. The bake potato was great, fluffy and full. I got all the condiments I asked for, and the packaging was done nicely. I ordered it at 9 and they said "in an hour") and it arrived at 9:50. The delivery guy was very nice. It was a bit expensive, (came out to $30 with tip) but I saved half of the food. My one complaint with the food was Tiramisu, it was frozen. The edges were fine but the middle was not thawed, so I only had a few bites and it's in the fridge for later. It was also not the best Tiramisu I've had (that honor goes to Leona's). So all in all, very pleased with my take out meal from Calo. Hope this helps someone. I do, however, greatly miss the dim room, the disco floor, and the really awesomely bad live music.
(4)Matthew G.
Calo's has very solid Italian dishes. The food is not trendy or pretentious, just good, filling, classic Italian fare. As expected, they have really great pizza (and feature giardinera as a topping which is a HUGE plus in my opinion). That said, I must admit that I miss the OLD Calo's -- the one with the 60's neighborhood pseudo-supper-clubby atmosphere. It had great character! On the weekends there was always a band and cute neighborhood couples would trip the light fantastic on the dance floor. Now Calo's has been remodeled (actually it was a couple of years ago) and the remodel is nice. The problem is that it's just a little too generic-yuppie. Last time I was there, there was a "light jazz" combo (which is OK), but no one was dancing. The "old school" atmosphere is definitely missed (at least by this nostalgic ol' queen!). In short, for home-style classic Italian dishes, Calo's know exactly what they're doing (and have been doing it for a long time).
(4)Christos K.
So let me start by saying I have always had great service here and I work as a server in Andersonville as well so I know how good service is and how bad service is and my server (a guy named Ray) was so rude to me and my friend when we came in for lunch. First my friend asked how much the bloody Mary was and he said "oh I couldn't tell you" and then she asked if he could find out and he said "sorry I can't". Wtf right? Then he brought me out the wrong martini - I had two sips before I realized this and when I flagged him over to tell him he said "well I can't switch it you've already dranken half of it" and walked away. What?!?! I had two sips - literally! So we had to get the hostess and tell her what happened so he takes my cocktail and then brings me the SAME martini that I didn't want but remade to me! He was incompetent and so rude! No idea how he has a job there still but if I was managing that place if get rid of a server who treated customers like he did.
(1)Lori S.
Definitely make a reservation, definitely try the gorganzola stuffed gnocchi in the tomato basil cream sauce. The staff is great and the meals and wine are all really reasonable. One of our favorite neighborhood spots - but I would travel to get here even if I didn't live close. I would recommend this for a date or for a group.
(5)Derek K.
Went there based on the recommendation of a couple we met in the street while looking for a place to eat. They suggested Calo's - a perfect recommendation. Great neighborhood restaurant. The food was fresh and down right delicious. The service was quick and professional. I recommend the house vinaigrette to go with your salad.
(4)jim h.
I've been going here or ordering from here for delivery for 20+ years. Great Neighborhood Italian cuisine, steaks, chops, pastas! right in the heart of Andersonville, recent upgrade of decor, parking lot across the street, late hours, nice bar and good service. Two people should split a 16" thin crust, bacon, garlic and double pineapple to-die-for pizza. 18" to 20" will feed three or four hungries. This is an unusual but delicious pizza that only can be really appreciated when you're burnt out on cheese and Italian sausage after eating 3 pizzas a week. You won't go wrong here but its a neighborhood place, not some snooty downtown joint.
(5)Denise O.
I took my family here on a Friday night and everyone enjoyed their meals immensely. My father even said that it was the best linguini carbonara he has had. You will even have half of your meal home for lunch/dinner the next day! We will definitely be back.
(5)Matt O.
Had another fantastic meal at Calo's this past week-end. I love the neighborhood atmosphere and although I usually go for the pasta, this time my wife and I shared delicious deep dish pizza preceded by an excellent smoked braid salad (Italian smoked mozzarella cheese topped with arugula prosciutto and grape tomatoes with Italian vinaigrette dressing and dressing and garlic crostini)
(5)Eric B.
The thin crust pizza is to die for. Period. The sauce is perfect and the meats are so flavorful, this is the real chicago pizza. I discovered this place because there was a drawer full of menus left in my new apartment(20 menus gets you a free pizza). And thank God I tried it, because I haven't ordered from another pizza place since. Eating in is also really great; good atmosphere, decent wine list, and excellent pasta dishes.
(5)Ralla K.
I use to rave about Calo's until re entry. Something is going really wrong. Three bad meals in a row. Tasteless, burned and mushy are words that express my last 3 visits. I shall never return and tell my friends the same. When I complained, it was shrugged off! Oh, well, I guess the economy finally taught Calo's how to compromise on quality and good taste. Dolores Kane
(1)RICH E.
greatest restaurant in andersonville ....love this place ....wonderful service ....fantastic food !!!!!
(5)Risa B.
I really love this place. I have been here with family, friends, and on dates! It's perfect for almost every event! It is open late and they still serve fantastic food late! Their martini's are fabu and they have a nice wine list. Their pizza is awesome in the restaurant and from delivery. Their pasta is also really tasty! I would suggest this place! Go!
(4)Evan L.
My sister wanted ribs for her birthday and we had a group of 9. I havent been to Calo in 30 years but checked it out on Yelp. It was great. Comfortable, great friendly service, good prices. Ribs are fall off the bone, Special on Sunday. A couple of people in our party had seafood in pasta, it was great shrimp, octopus, mussels in shell. I had a great time and I'll be back.
(5)mack k.
Calo does not reinvent the wheel, but they are very consistent. The service is always great, they have taken a special order from me more than once, and the wine list is reasonable. Delicious sauces, fresh pastas, and decent salads.
(4)Jaz P.
Great service and go mostly for ambience; well-sized portions of standard fare. Been there 3 times and ordered a so-so linguini with clam sauce each time. On the salty side, but let the waitress know, and she rectified the problem. Thin crust Calo pizza is the way to go.
(3)Dan M.
So here's the thing: we order, they bring our entree, the portions are ridiculously huge, we think there's no way we can finish them, we'll have to take at least half home, but the food is so unbelievably delicious THAT WE COULDN"T STOP EATING!!!!!! Oh, my God!! Just Incredable!! Really a fantastic meal!
(5)sofia g.
This place is top notch. Also the food is immaculate as well as the service and atmosphere. Your classic Italian restaurant. The owner of the restaurant is wonderful and really tends to his customers his name is victor. They have a nice bar with a really cool bartender.......i love the kiddy cocktails. ITS a sit down cozy place with a feel of modern Italy. The desserts are to die for!!!! A must go you will be hooked!!!!
(5)Jack L.
Without a doubt the best thin crust pizza in town. The ribs are excellent too.
(4)Goody G.
Everything was great the night I went here - the food, the ambience but especially the music. the heavy set guy can blow!!! it's a little pricey but i did not feel that it was overpriced and they had a lot of selections for the non meateater.
(4)Matt G.
The food is good but the service is awful. I went there with two guests from out of town, so a party of 4 total, including entrees and wine. Our waitress never once checked on us, she never refilled our wine, after the bill came and was paid them came by twice to hustle us out of there, and as we were standing up the cleaning crew swooped in and before we could give them space PUSHED me to one side to clear glasses and napkins. Horrible horrible service. I'd steer clear
(1)Dan C.
I grew up on Calo Pizza so I am biased. But what I didn't know until I became an adult was just how good the Gnocci Gorgonzola is. Holy cow, this stuff is great. Over thirty years we have had a lot of experience with Calo, and the vast majority has been very good. I still miss the old decor, and I wish they still gave out the relish plates for free, but life goes on. This place is a very solid choice.
(5)Nycole H.
I heard about Calo from a good friend of the owner so we chose to go here for a late night business/dinner meeting! It has a very nice ambiance, just a very classy look so I was excited to check it out as soon as I got there. We didn't know what to get so my friend told the owner to just pick some stuff out for us. We shared two appetizers of Rotolo di mozzarella, and fried calamari. We then slip an entree of Rotolo di Melanzana which is Eggplant rolled and stuffed with ricotta cheese, garlic and pargmigiana cheese. It's ten covered in mozzarella cheese and placed in a yummy marinara sauce. I've never had eggplant so I was excited to broaden my tastebuds and I'm SO glad I did. It was one of the best meals I've had!! The owner then insisted we have some tiramisu...who can say no to that haha!! Every aspect of the meal was amazing!! This is the best business meeting I've ever had both food and productivity wise haha! I'll definitely be giving Calo a lot of business!!
(5)Joe C.
Good Food. The service is okay but overall its a nice restaurant.
(4)Rachel I.
When it comes to pizza delivery, this is my go-to place. It's programmed in my cell phone. Pizza arrives hot and fast and as I ordered it. So, why only three stars? They aren't always consistent with the level of deliciousness with the pizza. And should you decide to dine in, the service seems very rushed...even when it's slow. Beverage refills must be begged for and they are way too quick to take your plate away and hand you the check without even asking if you'd like anything else.
(3)Amy J.
I love Calo's. At first I made the mistake of thinking it was just one of those mediocre, old-school Italian places. Wrong! While it had some old-school Italian charm (the older Italian waiters, live music in the bar certain nights) it has a lovely, simple decor and the food is fantastic. This is the perfect place to go on a date, take out of towners, and just hang out with your friends or family. I've heard the pizza is delicious, but I'm so addicted to the ribs (go Monday, rib special!) and the penne al vodka, that I can't stop ordering them each time I'm here. I swear I will venture outside my comfort zone and order something else NEXT time! Anyhoo, the price is good...not too expensive and you will have leftovers. Love it. It's my consistently good go-to place!
(4)Mike G.
You never can go wrong with Calos. I do a lot of business lunches there. it is quiet and the service is great.
(4)Christopher E.
Calo has become my favorite go too place for lunch and dinner. I've been here several times but sometimes I forget to check in. I've tried a few of their dishes and none of them disappointed me. Calo reminds me of my favorite Italian restaurant on Long Island that I frequent when I use to live there. Their dishes are very delicious and their service is excellent. I love a place that remembers my name every time I call to make an order. Plus my wife loves their food and we've been spreading the news to our friends and family as well.
(5)Mark M.
The absolute favorite Italian restaurant for me and my friends! I started going to Calo when I moved to the neighborhood in 2000 and have been a loyal customer ever since. The owner Victor is there most nights to greet guests and several of the staff have been there since my very first visit over fifteen years ago. It's the best neighborhood Italian restaurant on the North side with generous portions, great tasting food and reasonable prices. They make a great Calo Cosmo and their house dressing and meat sauce are amazing. I'll continue to return to Calo as I've never had a bad meal, always leave satisfied and always have a doggie bag to snack on the next day.
(5)Hanna C.
While surfing on yelp, I found Calo Ristorante to have the best reviews. I scrolled down and looked at all the delicious food that previous customers took of and decided to get delivery. WORST.DECISION.OF.MY.LIFE. For a pricey and well-known restaurant, Calo has the WORST food in delivery. I ordered Veal with mushrooms and Ravioli stuffed with lobster because the photos looked bomb, except those were taken inside the restaurant, not in the comfort of your home. The veal seemed to have been drenched in what it looked to be a soup of whatever it was marinated with and the mushrooms were floating on the soup. Yes, it was edible. I give it 3/10 The ravioli which I thought would be more appetizing, turned out to be piece of shit. Seriously they put the cream sauce on the container and just put the ravioli on top of it- meaning that they did not cook the ravioli with the sauce together. The lobster filling tasted like vomit- I couldn't even take another bite of that disgusting fake pasta. All my 3 roommates said it tasted like shit. I give it a -10/+10 Oh yah, I also got fresh Tiramisu cake- all smushed. Delicious but smushed. 7/10 I assume because the restaurant is so packed that they don't give a flying duck about preparing delivery food with the same quality as the food delivered inside. I am paying the same amount as those customers(actually a little more cuz grubhub fees & delivery but anyway)- don't I deserve same quality food as the customers who dine in? WHAT HAPPENED TO EQUALITY HUH?!? Calo Ristorante seems to be good only when dining in. I would rather buy $1 frozen meals at Jewel Osco than spending $20 per crappy ass entree.
(1)Chauncey M.
Nice room, friendly folks at the front, and a big yawn after that. According to two servers, there is no house specialty, which is a shame because - in part - it would make their jobs easier because there are plenty of people like me who always order the specialty on a first visit. The food itself is really, REALLY old-school, but not in that Little Italy kind of way: This is "old-school" Italian for the masses... It's Olive Garden Plus. Thick, heavy sauces, with pasta dishes (2 at my table) that skimp on the protein and lack flavor. The portions are huge... Another red flag. I could only eat around 25% of what showed up at my table. Lastly, enough with the Eastern-Block servers already. They're always impatient and passive-aggressive. My server smiled a lot, and yet somehow managed not to be very good at her job. As a result, I tipped 15% instead of my regular 20-25%. She made no meaningful suggestions, offered no insight on the menu, didn't bother to explain the specials and seemed unfamiliar with how dishes were prepared. I could've easily spent twice as much if she remembered that her job was supposed to get me excited for the menu. It's unfair (not to mention xenophobic) to dismiss anyone who might be from Poland or the Ukraine, but let's do it: STOP HIRING THESE PEOPLE FOR JOBS THAT REQUIRE THEM TO BE FACE-TO-FACE WITH HUMANS. Your grandma will love Calo. If your parents set a low bar for dining, they'll dig it, too. I sure as shit won't be going back.
(3)Lorelei C.
I was born in 1961, and Calo has actually been serving Chicagoland since 1963. And, actually back in the 70's when I first started dating my now Ex-Husband we used to come to Calo alot! Yes, we were young and enthralled with each other and even romantic.. And, we would go to Calo and have a few cold ones with a pizza. Ahh, young love.... And, now, 40 years later Calo has with stood the test of time and is still serving Andersonville and Chicago. What can I say that hasn't already been said about this magical place? The food/menu selections are top notch, even after all these years. The service is always outstanding, from the moment you enter the door, you are welcomed and treated so well by every member of the Calo family. And, if you are at all like me.. and appreciate the ambiance that a restaurant has to offer, well then Calo is pretty damn near perfect. From the beautiful wooden bar, to the low/subdued lighting to the very comfortable booths, you just can't get much better than this! And, yes, in all fairness, the menu prices have gone up throughout the years, and that's to be expected. But, the quality has never decreased, this is definitely an operation fueled by the love for their business, and it still shows after all these years! Some of the greatest thin pizza Chicago has to offer, tremendous pasta dishes, and the Foccacia Bread is a must try! So, if you are looking for a very special place to either have a cocktail at their gorgeous bar or have a pizza and knock back a few cold ones I would suggest making a trip out to Andersonville and visiting Calo. For they are a very special place indeed....
(5)Norm J.
I've been to Calo Ristorante two times and each time I thoroughly enjoyed my meal and the service. The menu has ample amount of options for you to choose from, which can be a little daunting when trying to decide what to get...but at least you have a variety of choices. They do an awesome special where you get a baby back ribs, fries and a salad for $13.95! That's a lot of food for a cheap price and it's good too! I recommend checking this place out.
(4)Brian S.
Pretty solid loval spot for mid range Italian food. Bar is always full and is good for diverse people watching. I like to get a Napolitano pizza and the squid appetizer and a lot of drinks! The service is hit or miss, depending on mood and workload of bartenders. The host staff is always friendly and goes beyond to deal with onslaught of crowds lioking for a table Friday nights at 7pm on a walkin basis. Location location location is the reason this hot spot will remain for eternity.
(3)Jenny Y.
Coming from someone who really loves Italian food, this review of Calo Ristorante may be more critical as it's Americanized Italian. Nice ambiance that brought in plenty of couples on a date on a Saturday evening, and the service was lovely. The food was fine - nothing to rave about, but I can't say that we didn't enjoy it as the three of us were in food coma for the rest of the night. Free lot parking across the street was very helpful. The grilled calamari came with three large pieces of charred calamari on sauteed spinach, which was simple but delicious. This was the highlight of my dinner! Rigatoni with chicken and mushrooms was extremely creamy and rich - tasted good, but no standout flavors. Finally, the Calo Special thin crust pizza was loaded with sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. It had a crispy cookie-like crust and a generous amount of cheese. However, I would find ingredients clumped together and get a slice with all green peppers or just sausage. It tasted like typical pizza you could get anywhere else.
(3)Livvy O.
I've been going here for years before they got all fancy. Totally different now - Pizza is always top notch though. I love the thin crust. Recently, though I ordered pasta with meatballs and it was the blandest pasta I've ever had. I'm used to this mom and pop Italian spot by my house so when I'm used to good pasta it's hard to compare. The salad was really fresh and I liked the house dressing. Love the bread selection, especially the pizza bread one. By the time I get my meal, I'm full from salad and bread! Service was great, our waitress was so friendly and nice, especially to the little one. Place is clean and ambiance is intimate.
(4)Pat N.
Traditional (honest to goodness) Italian food. The grilled seafood antipasti was fresh and generously flavored (served over a bed of steamed spinach). I was excited to see three preparations of bucatini (my favorite pasta), which did not disappoint. Attentive servers; our water glasses were constantly refilled. It's great to see a neighborhood restaurant thriving with a variety of clientele, from dating couples to groups of families. We will be back.
(4)Christopher B.
We came upon the place last week, and it was our first restaurant we went to just after moving to Chicago. We started with the fried mozzarella app, which was very good. We moved on to the fettuccini alfredo, and the baked ziti as entrees. Both were of good portion size, and taste was on point! The décor is very cool as well. Our waiter was somewhat attentive, however, when it came time for the check, it took a very long time to get it. He truly seemed preoccupied with other things. The restaurant was not overly busy, we went at 830 that evening. We became restless at the end, and the waiters tip did suffer, because it took so long to get the check. We will be back, hopefully to experience a new wait person.
(3)Allie D.
I haven't dined in yet, but we've ordered delivery a couple of times and it has been very prompt! The pan pizza has been my favorite so far. They always give you a menu with coupons attached when you order delivery, but I'm pretty sure the "deals" are built into the prices because they never even bother asking for the coupons. The menu is huge and all of the pasta dishes sound delicious, so I will definitely have to check those out soon and report back!
(4)Nina B.
My daughter and her friend took me here as an anniversary treat... While they enjoyed their meal... I'm sorry, but I did not enjoy mine at all. I ordered a salad that wasn't at all memorable and very oily, (I should have requested that the dressing be on the side). I took it home, because I just couldn't stomach it and placed the focaccia in the same container as the salad and found it to be ruined. The atmosphere was nice, however the host didn't seem happy about something and walked about huffing - like he was anxious - maybe it was because the cook left the building. I usually try to find something positive, but alas this time ...It was such a disappointment.
(3)Adam W.
Stopped through Calo last night for dinner and was impressed - service was prompt, and the restaurant itself was well laid-out and had great ambiance. The menu was large and everything looked great! I had the rigatoni with chicken & mushrooms, and it was delicious. The bread bowl served upon arrival was quite tasty as well (be sure to grab the tomato / basil piece before the others do). Wine list was long and had a good range of prices available; beer list was also impressive even though I went with grapes (Gumball Head for $5 is refreshing). Will definitely be back again!
(4)John S.
Great service and great food. I live right around the corner and I order take out at least once a week. The food is always great and ready very quickly!
(5)Kathleen C.
We visited for a cocktail before dinner next door. We selected it because it was freezing out and it looked nice and cozy inside Calo. I thought the atmosphere was ok - it's dark with dim lighting and a combination of booths and tables (at least in the room we were in). We sat at the bar and we were quickly greeted. The wine list was pretty good with options that should be large enough to please almost everyone. Prices were decent as well. Overall, it seemed like an ok spit, there just didn't seem to be anything that stood out as being awesome. I will say that it seems like it would be a good spot for a party as the place is huge. I would stop back in if in the area.
(3)C J.
Love this place for dressed-up comfort food. We usually order too much but tonight decided to split an entree and order an extra salad ... That + a bottle of wine = date night perfection. Staff is always friendly & it seems like they have a lot of regular customers. They have free validated parking in the lot across the street. New Years Eve 2013 we came for dinner & even though they weren't open till midnight they let us leave our car in the lot during a snowstorm so we could grab a drink/ring in the new year at a place down the street. Very classy.
(5)Edward H.
I order a lot from them through GRUB HUB. I've never been disappointed with my orders and the delivery team. Cheers
(4)Sergio N.
The staff are friendly . Food is under rated .. I Very much satisfied with the calamari and vongole that I ordered . Space is adequate and very much ideal for family ... I'll definitely go back to this place for more !!
(5)Kevin B.
After searching for some quality Italian food, I was told about Calo from a friend of mine. I happened to mention it to another friend and they planned a birthday dinner here for me. Calo didn't disappoint at all. The food was amazing. Even the bread that was served prior to the meal was delicious. I ordered the Linguini Frutti which was a pasta bowl that had shrimp, clams, calamari, scallops and mussels and it was delicious. And the portion sizes are HUGE. You can practically feed two people from this dish alone. But the seafood was cooked perfectly. I also was surprised with a slice of Tiramisu which was delicious. I just didn't have any room to eat it with the previous dish and bread. It's a real family, intimate type of setting. But they do have a bar on the other side of the restaurant if you are just looking for some drinks and food. Everyone from the hostesses to the wait staff was extremely friendly. Will definitely bring a paper bag with me next time to fill up to take home.
(4)K N.
We have loved this restaurant for years...it is our "go-to" Italian place. But, now we love it even more. We had our rehearsal dinner here in June. Joanna was so lovely to work with! The private room, food, bartender, busboy, etc. were all amazing. Our guests were blown away by the food and service. We served the calamari and the rotolo di mozzarella for appetizers. Some of our guests remarked that it was the best calamari they had ever had. We actually had to serve an extra tray of it at the party. We served the ziti al vodka and various deep dish pizzas for our main course...delicious! Calo let us bring in our own dessert which was great because my husband is German and we were able to bring in dessert from our favorite German bakery. I HIGHLY recommend booking your next special event here at Calo. You and your guests will be very happy you did:)
(5)Edyta R.
I've been going to Calo since I was a kid - let's just say the better part of two decades! The food has consistently been amazing. However, what really sets Calo above so many other places is the phenomenal customer service. A few weeks ago my family was hosting an event which we had catered from a different vendor. When the food they delivered seemed to serve 5 instead of the 50 we ordered for, we panicked. Two of us entered Calo in a daze and asked if they could help - less than 30 minutes later we left with three LARGE trays of pasta dishes and a giant salad. The team that was there all stepped up, not only to prepare the food quickly and to delicious Calo standards, but to tell us exactly what we needed since we couldn't think straight at that point. Calo is truly a family and neighborhood place you can count on for quality and honest service. Going forward we'll be getting all our party food here!
(5)Elizabeth A.
Favorite neighborhood gem! The staff is always friendly & knowledgeable. I've been going here for years. Definitely one of the best italian restaurans in Chicago. Fettuccine Alfredo is perfection. Pollo alla griglia is great as well as the baby octopus! Great for both dine in or pick up. It's so convenient that they have a parking lot across the street. Can't go wrong!
(5)Danielle C.
Calo delivers consistent quality - I think they deserve credit for that!! This place has become a favorite for my visiting relatives. They have something for everyone; my father loves the ribs, my mother loves salads, my niece and nephew love pizza and the rest of us are happy with pasta. Speaking of pasta, the Gnocchi Gorgonzola with basil cream sauce is out of this world! I love it!! OOooh, Cannoli, the cannoli. Be still my heart! And for those who from the 'burbs or out of town- you cannot beat the free parking (in Andersonville, no less)!!
(4)Sara H.
Calo is everything you want in an Italian Resturant...romantic, and delicious! The prosciutto and melon appetizer was literally the best I've had since living in Florence. All of our entries were also delicious. I had the linguini al frutti del mar which was filled with tons and tons of seafood. I couldn't believe how much was actually included. We came in on a week night, and t was extremely pleasant- not too full. They also just so happened to be playing all 90's jams that night- so bonus points to Calo!
(5)Jesse A.
One Of My Favorite Places For Many Years, Where You Can Always Have A Wonderful Meal... Wish They Would Bring The Live Band Back.. Though... Loved The Live Jazz The Wife And I Would Make It Every Saturday For Great Food And Great Music..... Please Bring The Guys Back...
(4)Rod C.
This place just keeps getting better and better! There are not too many places in Chicago that are great in the following areas: Quality and taste of food Value for food Service Rarely have to wait Good atmosphere and generosity by staff and management Parking - free!
(5)Aki E.
I'm very picky comes to pasta. I find a lot of italian places in the states serve pasta too soft. BUT not here at Calo! Perfect al dente!! Even with take out pasta has great texture. We have been here at 10 times in last 6 month. Lol everything we ordered was wonderful. Consistency in quality of the food make us come back here million times!
(5)Esaibid E.
Well, they were open... Only two of our orders were decent, the rest was either too rich or tasted like old seafood.
(2)Joe H.
The only thing that upsets me when I think of this place is that we had waited almost a year after our daughter started dance down the street to walk into the restaurant. The service is great, but the food is even better. The Gorgonzola Gnocchi is my wife's favorite and I could eat their pizza several times a week. Make sure to get a reservation if you plan on dining in, they have great carry out too.
(5)Megan D.
Came upon Calo's when I was on the elevator in my building and the pizza smelled divine. A few weeks later we ordered a deep dish pizza with sausage and onion. I thought the crust was a bit soggy and they were quite liberal with the onions. Second time ordering a to go pizza we went thin crust and it was FANTASTIC! One of the best thin crust pizzas I've ever had. Have not dined in nd hope to one day to try a pasta dish. But right now very pleased and this is our new go to pizza place.
(4)Ryan J.
Why did it take us so long to stumble upon this Andersonville gem that has stood the test of time for over 50+ years (1963), from generation to generation. My 7 year-old daughter and my ex make it a point to have "family" dinner once a week and we thought we'd venture to a different neighborhood to try something new. We found parking right in front (though I believe they have a lot across the street). We took a look inside before we made up our mind. The menu suited our tastes but what truly sealed the deal was, that for a Tuesday night, every table in the dining room was filled with loyalists and eclectics alike. Don't get me wrong, we sat within minutes; the time we did spend waiting for a table afforded us the opportunity to chat with Victor (the founder's son). This guy should run for office! A consummate gentleman who made us feel just as proud of the legacy his family created as he was. My daughter's ears perked up and may have even learned a lesson or two about tradition. Noting it was our first visit, Victor checked on our table after we sat down, and even sent over some prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella to welcome us into his "second home." This guy is a class act and the main reason I chose to come home and sing the restaurant's praises on yelp. Ok. Ok. The food. We each had house salads, the grilled octopus (Polipo Griglia) and the Rigatoni Alla Barese (Italian sausage, chicken, asparagus and roasted red peppers in a zesty tomato, garlic and olive oil sauce). I actually ate less than I wanted to just so I could eat it again for lunch tomorrow. My daughter had buttered noodles (I know, kinda lame) but she finished her plate and scarfed down a miniature chocolate cake within minutes of its placement on our table. By the way, our waiter, Vasile, was attentive, helped guide us through the menu and seemed as much a part of the legacy as Victor and his family. If you haven't been, go. If you are already a fan, we'll see you the next time. Which, I can assure you, will be soon.
(5)Christina M.
Perhaps I just ordered the wrong thing on the menu because I thought my dish was average - my friends really talked this place up and they eat there quite often. The farfalle con verdure was tasty, but average. The salad that accompanied it was also OK. Next time I shall try their pizza (without cheese), which looked good.
(3)Paul H.
this place is only if you have the money to go i dont know what restrant the other people who rated it went to but this one gets a big thumes down from me . very much over priced .
(2)Mike S.
I was hoping to give a higher rating on what used to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I have been coming to Calo's for over 20 years. Many for special occasions, such as birthdays. This past Friday I took a friend for his birthday there and was looking forward to a great experience. When we arrived our reservation was not recorded properly so we had to wait. I will say they were very quick in accommodating us and this was appreciated. I have always had exceptional service here and if I could rate that separately I would give it 5 stars. They are always friendly and know what they are doing. The problem with this visit and the last several has been the taste and quality of the food. I know Calo's is much busier than when I first started going. I am thinking that maybe kitchen has not been able to keep pace with the growth of customers and turnover of tables. After a cocktail we started off with my favorite, the fried calamari. The order came out and it seemed to me that the portion was less and it was warm at best. For the main course, my friend ordered one of my favorites the BBQ full slab of ribs with garlic mashed potatoes and the minestrone soup. His soup was bland and he mentioned it to me after the first bite. I accepted a taste and agreed with him. With this being his first visit I was disappointed as I was looking for him to have a great dining experience. I ordered the salmon special, baked potato, and salad. In a nutshell here is how I would describe the dishes: My salmon was cooked okay, a bit on the underdone side, which is okay because if needed I can always ask to cook a little more. It was a good size portion but not very flavorful. The baked potato was over-cooked and small sized for a restaurant. My salad was okay, not like they used to have, a big salad with lots of veggies in it. My friend enjoyed his ribs although when I tasted one, I thought they were over-cooked and dry. His mashed potatoes came to the table cold. He decided he couldn't eat them but would take him home and heat them up for lunch the next day. So overall I am giving tonight's meal a 3 and that is weighted heavily because of the service at the table and their ability to quickly rectify the lack of the reservation being taken. I know I will go again, I just hope they can bring the quality of the food back to where it was. Calo's is not cheap and with drinks and a bottle of wine the price adds up quickly. I hope the management will keep closer tabs on what comes out of the kitchen as they have a great history and hope that can keep it and build on it.
(3)Cali's W.
Just go. Best service. Amazing food. An oldie but goodie in Andersonville. The pizza is hands down the best in Chicago! The salads are so fresh. And the prices! You can get high end service and quality wine for low prices.
(5)Brad K.
Told me it would be an hour for delivery of a simple order: rib tips, fries, and broccoli instead of slaw (with $2 upcharge, which was fine). Took an extra half hour. No fries. Slaw and broccoli. Apologies ("So sorry, that was my fault when I put the order in)") and offered to send fries (another hour and twenty minutes) or $10 credit. When I told them not acceptable, told me $15 on next delivery order, which will be the last. Ridiculous.
(1)Sandy A.
Still consistently good. Wish they weren't so crowded on weekend nights (hey, can't keep a good place a secret for too long); and they don't stay open late enough, especially on Sunday nights. (Bummer that late-night options in Chicago are only greasy spoons, fast-food, Fireside, and Smith & Wollensky's downstairs dungeon). Yet they always seem to find us a table so long as the kitchen's still open. I have been a low-carb eater for several years now, but they always accommodate me. The menu offers many options that don't depend on pasta, pizza, risotto or starchy breaded or battered fried stuff: two cuts of steak, grilled seafood, zuppa di pesce (bouillabaisse Italiano), shrimp de Jonghe, even Caesar salads sans croutons but with proteins added. Big props for serving real espresso made from freshly ground beans in a professional dual-group machine, instead of from capsules or pods. Ditto the free parking, a vanishing commodity everywhere but especially in Andersonville. My only culinary gripes are that they no longer put a rudimentary antipasto (radishes, olives, cheese cubes, salumi) in the bread basket (the insanely good freebie pizza bread sits there and taunts me); all the chicken dishes use only skinless breasts (not as juicy or flavorful as thighs & legs); the ribs aren't real BBQ (but they make no bones--pun intended--about that, since traditional Chicago-style baby backs are boiled and then baked in sauce) and thus not offered sauceless (would be unpalatable if they were); and they don't offer a fruit cup, cheese plate or berries for dessert for those of us who shun sugar. What I don't understand is how people can consistently post scathing one-star reviews based solely on delivery, when they've never set foot in a restaurant; or that they are scandalized by prices higher than those charged by the corner thin-crust-and-Italian-beef-sandwich joints. Do your homework before you order! (And leave the F-bombs in the gutter where they belong).
(4)Rustygirl M.
Loved it! Had lasagna. Wasn't huge but because they have such a good bread basket I was full by the time the main course came. Soup or salad came w/ the meal. I picked soup- minestrone. Date had pizza. Was very good too. Clean and had nice servers. Prices were great too! Will be back!
(4)Shanna K.
My husband and I have lived a mile away from Calo for two years now and finally stopped by for dinner. We can't wait to go back! Everything was phenomenal and it some of the best seafood we have had (especially for that price!). We had the fried calamari, pappardelle con funghi, and linguini frutti di mare. We recommend them all. It's the first time I've been so impressed with the food that I can't wait to go back and try even more dishes!
(5)William R.
CALO is a staple in Andersonville, and right down the street from my apartment, so I frequent here and order take-out all the time! Food is pretty consistent, and they have great deep-dish pizzas!!
(4)Ellen B.
Had a wonderful meal @ Calo' s. My daughter, sister and I started with their house Pinot Grigio, which was light and fruity. We then shared a prosciutto and melon appetizer that was attractively served drizzled with balsamic vinegar, some greens and grape tomatoes. My entree of grilled Salmon with a light wine and butter sauce was sublime. My sister's rigatoni with a spicy tomato vodka sauce with chicken, sausage and asparagus was amazing (her word)! Daughter had a beautiful smoked bread salad with crostini, vegetables, smoked bread, and a nice selection of greens. What I'm going to say next does not reflect negatively on the restaurant at all. The family next to us was positively feral. There were 14 or so of them, with small children who ran around totally out of control, usually shrieking. The wait staff had to dodge them constantly, trays laden with food and glasses. It was only due to their caution that disaster was averted. Their parents made no attempt whatsoever to control the children. People, if you can't or won' t control your children, please eat at Chucky Cheese, and leave the nice restaurants to the adults.
(4)Eugene C.
Great italian food in Andersonville with nice sized portions and decent, inexpensive wine by the bottle.. Any place that includes a tomato focaccia in their bread basket is aces in my book. Andrea was our server and was very attentive to our needs. She also took the liberty of splitting and plating our main entree which was a nice touch. Oddly enough it had a pretty good 90s music channel which fit the ambiance and mood perfectly. We'll definitely be back to try out more!
(4)Yaeko M.
When we go there, we always order INSALATA DI PESCE Salad (Octopus, calamari, sepia, shrimp and mixed vegetables marinated in a vinaigrette dressing). I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's my favorite. Also thin crispy crust pizza is my favorite. I don't much care about their pasta. they are Okay.
(5)Michael P.
As someone that has recently moved to Chicago, this was one of the best meals and dining experiences I have had here in the city. Had an amazing meal and the service was great. They kept the drinks flowing and cleared dirty dishes quickly. Everyone working here was involved in ensuring that the table was cleared, and that everyone had a drink. It was a great experience and will be coming back again. I will defiantly be bringing out of town guests here.
(5)Nina I.
Cute little place. Some of the servers don't necessarily have people skills but no harm done. The manager is very accommodating and friendly and remembered my friend right away since her family comes here all the time. The calamari here is delicious and very fresh. I wasn't a huge fan of their salads however. They also make pretty good soup. I'm looking forward to trying something new here soon!
(4)Jocelynne G.
I always loved Calo's for fancy Italian dining, but who knew the deep dish pizza was freaking good as well!? The ingredients were really fresh and everything is well priced considering the quality and consistency of their food. I placed my order for delivery and they didn't disappoint. The buffalo calamari is yummy too and comes in huuge portions. Om nom
(5)Alexa E.
Went here a couple weeks ago for a surprise bday party. The host staff was very accommodating for the surprise, which was a big help. Our waiter was seemingly rushing us at first, until a member of our party told him to chill out. After that, the service slightly improved. Now the food; I was impressed with the bread given at the beginning of the meal. We got pizza bread!! It was yummy and free! I've never been to a restaurant that gives you pizza bread in the bread basket. Apparently the ribs at this place are a huge hit, however I don't like ribs so I passed on that. I enjoyed a delicious pasta dish with asparagus and zucchini. It was really really good! They also have a great beer list! Yummm
(4)Joyce C.
This place brings back nostalgic memories of when I first started dating my now husband, over 15 years ago. A lot has changed since then. First off, Andersonville back then is not what it is now. Second, the restaurant is also not what it was back then- it's much prettier now. Back then it was a old school bar that was open late night so we could get our 4th meal in. Now it's a place we would consider bringing our families to. In fact we have, for a few occasions including our bridal shower and most recently my BIL's birthday. Everything was still delicious, from the bread basket with the foccacia, to the calamari, to the linguini carbonara, to the other pasta dishes and eggplant parm. I'm glad we came back here this last time, and look forward to coming back!
(5)Charlotte B.
What a coincidence to read n.s. Review from 6/9/13 about the horrible experience with an extremely inappropriately rude bartender! We just had the same experience during fest last weekend at bar with bartender Diana. Owners , do yourselves a favor, this person needs to really be reviewed. First she short changed us & we know for a fact 100% what we gave her. When we pointed out her error, she refused to conceder she made a mistake. When we insisted she gave us back out $10 & had the nerve to tell us to never come back to the restaurant as we will "never" be served again. Just moved to area & have had calo bookmarked for family dinners out( which we go to caro Mio a lot). & will not ever be a customer here. Friends & family in area as well. Can t believe any mgr/owner would allow someone so angry & nasty to ruin their biz & lose customers for them. Not worth 1 star. Miserable experience
(1)Jim A.
My girlfriend and I are new to Andersonville, and this place was recommended to us by practically every person when we mentioned our new 'hood. We've been there twice (both carry out, so no comment on the service or ambiance), and our first visit was fantastic. I had the lasagna and it was some of the best I've had. they also gave us enough bread to stand as its' own meal. everyone was happy. My second experience was less thrilling. I decided to try their thin-crust pizza since it's labeled on their menu as some of the best in the city. I called and they said it'd be a half our. 15 minutes later I was out the door. I'm only a 5-minute walk away, but I'm the kind of person who likes to get their food fresh out of the oven. When I got there, sure enough the pizza was ready. Another 5 minute walk home and I opened up the pizza to find it... cold. At best it was lukewarm. I had to eat the middle pieces because of how dried-out the crust ones were. I'm not sure what happened, but I wasn't thrilled. If we go again, I'll stick to the entrees. Three and a half stars rounded up to four, I suppose.
(4)Sharee M.
This was my second time at Calo. My second visit was late night after a trying day. I wanted some yummy and filling food around the way. I walked in about 7:30pm and was seated promptly for one...yay! I was scared it would be packed. I stayed with the water, but the bread in the meantime was a varied selection of white bread and a pizza-baked item with butter. House salad was nothing to rave about. My entree was the ROTOLO DI PESCE, colorful pasta with shrimp, cheese and crab meat. It was tasty and very filling with a great presentation. It was served as two big rolls that I could only get to one. After getting my entree packed to go, I asked for the HOMEMADE TIRAMISU, which was ok. I'm really not into tiramisu, tho. I just needed something sweet without being chocolate cake. I was overall happy with this visit and can't wait for dinner today to get back to the second roll of the rotolo. Quickly, The first time to Calo, I went with the hubby after a mentor of mine recommended the place . We loved it! I had the cheese ravioli that time, which was very taste and a big dish. The had wine, which he enjoyed as a random wine-drinker. We had a great time and thought it was a good 'date' restaurant that was OK for the price. Service is always good and prompt. Looking for some good food with a 'date' atmosphere, or just a filling place to eat, try Calo!
(4)Clay R.
I have to update this review and I want to apologize for the previous review! This place is amazing! Maybe when I wrote this review 5 years ago they were just having a bad night. Who knows. All I can say is that now that I live in this area again I order take out for our family at least 2-3 times a month. At once point when our kitchen was out of commission I was ordering from them weekly! The food is HOT HOT and fresh and the delivery is fast! I couldn't be happier with Calo. I highly highly recommend!
(5)Jeff G.
In my mind this is a 3.5 Been here a number of times and their entrees range from 4 start down to a 3 star in quality. Had their pizza for the first time last night. Ordered for delivery. the thin crust was tasty, pretty decent and would probably order it again. But their pan/deep dish was below average. I'd much rather eat Giordano's or Aurelio's or Uno/Due's over Calo's deep dish.
(3)Special N.
Was pleasantly surprised by the drinks and pasta. Since its so big I thought the food would taste very "chain like" but enjoyed linguini and clam sauce. Also reasonably priced!
(4)E. Albert B.
Seriously, I don't know if the waitstaff is paid to post positive reviews on here or what, but this place is a poor man's olive garden. Ravioli all with similar shapes is a dead giveaway for canned garbage. It comes in Prego sauce with some vinegar tossed in to feign authenticity. Don't be fooled by the ribs special either, they are like chewing on a dog toy. The artificial candles on the tables say it all - looks authentic, feels authentic, but it's nothing more than assembly line artificiality posing as quality dining.
(1)Charlie B.
I hate to do this to an institution in my 'hood, and I just might be back several more times, but I just am not feeling Calo any more. I have had take-out, delivery, and dined in a few times each. The service is always great and the place packed. But, I am almost never wowed by the pretty starndard, often bland food. In a city full of Italian restaurants, you have to really knock my socks off to get me back. I think sometimes that Calo offers too many choices. Stick to the few things you do really well. Pastas are always good, but clearly not freshly made like across the street at Anteprima. If you want basic standard Italian, this is for you. If you want a memorable meal at someplace hip and fun and innovative, this isn't.
(2)Tiff S.
Intimate, cozy ambiance. Attentive service. Quality food at a reasonable price. Must get the Frutti Di Mare Alla Griglia (appetizer; $28, feeds 4-6), it is an aromatic and delectable plate of grilled shrimp, scallops, octopus, and calamari served over sautéed spinach. We got three other dishes in addition to the Frutti Di Mare Alla Griglia and loved every one of them. Will definitely return.
(4)Jenny F.
Mon-Thurs, full rack of baby back ribs $12.99 (reg price I think is $17.99). Oh yeah, and just for good measure, toss in complimentary pizza and french bread, butter so good I think the devil churned it himself, a side salad AND a side of potatoes or pasta. These ribs are fall off the bone good. Mind you, these are baby back so it's not crazy amounts of meat, but by the time I was done I still had most of my pasta and 3/4 of my ribs left. And that's AFTER eating 3 pieces of bread and the salad. lol The sauce isn't the best I've ever had, it's kinda smokey with lots of spices, but it's good. I actually really liked my side of pasta with meat sauce. Even though it's a side, you can still tell that they take pride in their spaghetti sauce, it was full of flavor and crushed tomatoes. I would totally order it just as an entree. My friend had some kind of sausage pasta and said it was 'delicious pasta goodness'--so good, in fact, that she did not even want to try my ribs! Deeelicious.
(4)Katey W.
I really wanted to like this place after seeing it on Check, Please! and seeing all of the good reviews. We tried out the stuffed pizza because we were looking for an alternative to giordano's. It was...kinda blah. The crust is just yeasty dough. It's not the buttery, crispy heaven that I save for special occasions at G's. We also got mozzarella sticks, but they were cold and like rubber-seriously. We'll give it a try one more time, but it's not a priority
(2)Callie C.
Big fan of their thin crust pizza and spaghetti and meatballs! My only complaint is that the pizza gets kind of soggy and sticks to the box when you have it delivered. Good weekday specials as well!
(3)Alex B.
Food was average, pizza nothing to write home about. The pizza bread was good, appetizers also average
(3)Kimberly S.
My boyfriend saw this restaurant on check please and said we had to try it. We went last night on Monday at 7 pm and it was a little busy, but not to busy to be seated right as we walked in which makes it a great night to go! We each had a drink which was great and ordered the spinach artichoke dip, which was the best I've had in a long time. We each had a pasta dinner which comes with soup or salad, that to was very good. The minestrone soup was very hearty with all fresh vegetables. The Linguini al frutai di Mara in the white sauce was really good, all the sea food was cooked perfect. I had the Ziti Vodka which was also very good. The portions and prices are well worth the try. The service was great, all the wait staff was friendly and constantly checking to see how everything was, also the manager that evening Victor was very friendly. The food and staff made us definitely want to come back again. We were told weekdays are better to go then the weekend because you will be waiting longer on the weekend due to it being really busy which was no doubt the best choice.
(5)Elizabeth P.
As a kid I used to come here all the time....as an adult I don't really see what all the fuss is about. I think they are over priced for the quality of food you get. They give decent portions, its just not that good. The food is simply ok..... There pizza is pretty darn good though! As far as pasta, ribs and seafood, kinda blaaa. Atmosphere is nice and the restaurant looks beautiful and clean. Service is hit or miss with them. Sometimes a great server and sometimes not.....bonus free parking across the street in crowded ass andersonville ;). Bottom line go for the pizza or better yet, go for delivered pizza.
(3)Sean A.
Excellent food, friendly service, good drinks and an overall wonderful time. This was my first time ever going to Calo and I went last night with my parents who are in town. They had been to this place before and recommended it, I am glad they did. We did not order an appetizers, just main dishes. This was ok because they bread they bring to the table is great. They have regular bread as well as something I can only describe as pizza bread. YUM! Each main dish came with soup or salad and we all chose to have the cream of mushroom soup. This was an EXCELLENT decision. The soup was clearly homemade, with the mushrooms freshly cut and the soup was clearly made with real cream. The flavoring was spot on and amazing. For my main course I had the lobster ravioli with mushroom, asparagus and sun dried tomato cream sauce. The ravioli were clearly house made, none looked exactly alike and the filling in each was fresh well cooked lobster meat. The lobster was perfectly cooked, not in any way chewy and was well flavored. The sauce was excellent and although i was hesitant about all of the ingredients, they all went very well together. My wine was chilled to the right temperature and my parents liked their drinks, they were large and poured well. They also loved their main course. My dad had linguini with clams, which was delicious and had just the right balance of garlic. My mother had gnocchi with red sauce. The gnocchi where not the traditional potato ball, these were lovely light pillow of yum filed with cheese. Delicious! A fantastic meal and even better company. :)
(5)Susan D.
Fantastico! We had a group of around 5 and everyone seemed to have some dietary requirement - not so much as a health concern, but an "I just had Italian," or some such. Two of the people in our party had ordered food from Calo many times. I only just moved near the area, so was anxious to discover different restaurants. We almost wound up at Hamburger Mary's, which I'd already been to and liked, but wasn't thrilled with going to again. Then I read on a sign across the street "Italian AND American food." I pointed this out because I could very well have had some Italian and those who didn't want that could order another dish on the menu, thanks to their brilliance in offering "American" along with Italian. From the moment we stepped in, it was warm, welcoming and very inviting. We sat at a nice round table that was comfortable and made it possible for everyone to be engaged. The menu selections were great -- from classic Italian dishes to specials. I chose the baby back rib special -- and for only $12.95 it was truly awesome. Started with soup or salad; could have pasta or baked potato. The pasta I ordered with meat sauce was extraordinary - full of flavor! The ribs were succulent and tender. The portions were so large I could easily get 2 more meals out of what I ordered. The bread they served was truly outstanding! There was some pizza type bread along with plain bread that was so good we had to get a refill. The dining experience at this restaurant was one of the best I've ever had. The service was outstanding - they truly know what they are doing. They were attentive without being intrusive, the food is prepared deliciously and the ambiance was exemplary. I will definitely be back again soon and can't wait to try all of the items on the menu!
(5)J H.
Since 1994, I've been a customer of Calo's. I don't know of many places that can maintain a consistently high level of quality and service. For pizza, there is only Calo in Andersonville. (I've ordered from some of the other places, but I find myself always comparing them to Calo, so I finally just tossed the competitor's menus from my file.) Both dining in and delivery are always positive experiences. As the first go-to of the neighborhood Italian places, and for the span of time and consistency, I give them top marks. Thank you, Calo, you're doing it right.
(5)Tyler C.
Good food. I had the Pasta Fagioli which was fine, but not too well seasoned. The entree again was good and inventive. A Gorgonzola stuffed Gnocchi, but too me that is more like a Ravioli. It just wasn't my preference to have Gorgonzola in every bite, I would have like to have a little more Gnocchi in my Gnocchi. One excellent thing was my server. I was dining alone and Juan seemed fine to let me go as slow as I wanted. He didn't rush me just to turn the table. On a side note - interesting choice of music to play. for a classic Italian restaurant, I did not expect to be hearing American pop through the meal.
(3)Ronson S.
Great restaurant. Great Italian food and great service. Beautiful restaurant and love the owner great family friend.
(5)Josh V.
Most of my friends seemed to have experienced Calo well before I did. I had to see what the fuss was about. (Well not fuss per se, but I heard generally good things.) Now that I've been there myself a few times, I'm ready to pronounce judgment. And isn't that what most of we Yelpers are here for? I enjoy the atmosphere. It's dark in a good way. Comfortable, relaxing, classy. One caveat, the candles are fake! The service averages out to good. On my most recent visit our server was rather absent later in the meal, but at leas the bus staff was attentive so we didn't feel totally neglected. The menu is extensive. Surely there is something for everyone. And they seem to have some good specials too, so there's always something new to try! I've been pleased with each of my meals there. Not like blissful "OMG BEST FOOD EVAR!!1"! pleased, but it's above average. The prices seem a touch high at first. However, two things to consider: 1) Most entrees come with a soup or salad, for which many places will charge you another $3-4. And 2)The portion sizes are quite generous. If you eat a little of the free bread (and the focaccia is quite good) you could probably make two meals out of most entrees there. Those things considered, I think the prices are reasonable. So if you find yourself in A-ville looking for a hearty, tasty meal, give Calo a try. Tell them Josh sent you. They have no idea who I am, but everyone knows a Josh, right?
(4)Jill O.
I went here for the first time with my dad today. Everything was delicious! The bread basket,our appetizer(grilled calamari), main courses, & our dessert(homemade tiramisu)! The place has an overall good atmosphere,very romantic. Bottom line: overall great restaurant,definitely returning,& would recommend to friends.
(5)Ersolene B.
Tonight I was disappointed in the food. The shrimp was suppose to be jumbo they were small with tons of breading no flavor. The fries was wrap in foil which made them soggy. The portion of their pasta dish was half of the normal serving. Calamari soggy. I've order for years I will not order anymore.
(1)Katarina X.
I liked my Pear Martini. The drag queens in bad, matted wigs shoving people waiting at the bar trying to start fights? Not so much. The fact that Management didn't escort the troublemakers out? Even less to like. Calo Management, This is not 'Jersey Shore' Please escort out those who are trying to start fights! It does not make me want to return.
(2)Sandy R.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked Calo. First off the bread was amazing. They serve both warm foccacio and an Italian bread. I had the grilled calamari on sauteed spinach and the chopped salad. My DCs also had the pasta with vodka sauce. Everything was delicious, service was great and the space is very nice. I only dined there once so it may be too soon to give it 5-stars but I liked it that much.
(5)Jeremy B.
Calo is solid. My first experience here was at Midsommarfest when some friends and I stumbled in off the streets and purchased beer at the bar. Huge beers for half the price of what they are on the street? Score. Plus, the bar staff was great and handled the large crowd very well. BUT, a few years later after moving up to the 'hood I've finally had the opportunity to dine here as well. Many times, in fact, as Calo has become a regular dining spot in my book. The reason? They are consistent time and time again. Good food, drinks and service. Every. Time. The waitstaff is friendly and attentive, without being pushy or rushing you. The bussers? They won't let your water glass get half empty or an empty plate loiter on your table. The barstaff whips up some mean drinks (martini's and cosmos are recommended). And the food, why most people go to a restaurant, is great as well. Everything from the fresh bread to the salads (recommend the Chopped) to the pizza and pastas. Havent had a bad thing off the menu yet.
(5)Natalie S.
I used to eat at this place when I was in high school but haven't since. It didn't really stick out in my memory. However, my Dude and I were strolling through Andersonville looking for some grub and decided to pop in after walking by. WOW. What a difference a decade (plus) makes! They have clearly gone through a massive renovation since I was in my late teens/early 20's. Dark and intimate yet casual. Loved the atmosphere. Our server for the evening was Hunter. He was very helpful when I was trying to decide between two different pasta dishes. He was super attentive and friendly. We started out with the fried calamari. It was definitely one of the best calamari I have ever had. Loved the cocktail sauce that came with... not a fan of marinara sauce. All the entrees come with a soup or salad and we picked the soup of the day, cream of chicken with rice. It was YUM... not your average soup. We could taste the roasted red pepper and it was just delicious. I went with the bow tie pasta with peas and Italian sausage in a Gorgonzola cream sauce. It was HEAVEN. I just ate it the other day yet am craving it again. The portion was HUGE and I inhaled. Mmmmm. My dude thinks I'm jumping the gun by going ahead and giving this place 5 stars but that pasta dish has just really stuck with me. I dunno if I'll ever be able to order anything else. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Greg B.
Calo's pizza is superior and will own you. Respect.
(5)David S.
Calo has some truly wonderful focaccia bread although it is easy to fill up on the aforementioned as the friendly waitstaff will bring as much as you request. Ours was a most enjoyable dining experience and I look forward to trying the deep dish pizza.on my next visit.
(4)Keith A.
It's been way too long since I've had a pizza from here. so to remedy that I stopped by here on a friday afternoon while running errands all over the place. The question remained to me though, were they going to live up to my memories from a few years ago? I needed to find out. I went in the late morning as I was just gonna slowly work down a pie over the next two days. I made sure to stick with the thin crust and went with prosciutto, garlic, and onions. It took about 15 minutes and I was on my way. The pizza was extremely good and held up to my memory. On top of that the people there were extremely nice too. This is some of the best thin crust in the city
(4)Kris R.
holy. shit. i wasn't expecting much. i figured, eh, another italian place. nbd. boy, was i wrong. the focaccia bread - in the bread basket - was TO DIE. who ever says that the bread in the basket is to die for? ok, maybe at red lobster. i almost stuffed this shit in my purse. i put in my mouth: that bread. a ketel one, water, with limes. bread. fried calamari - not chewy. yummy. more bread. so, you know how i ated all the bread (i have relationship issues with carbs)? i decided to just get a salad for my entree. i got the smoked braid salad. HELLO. who ever says that salad is to die for? description reads: SMOKED BRAID SALAD 9.95 Toasted garlic crostini with arugula, prosciutto di parma and grape tomatoes tossed with Italian vinaigrette and topped with smoked mozzarella cheese doesn't sound like anything spesh. but it was so MFing good, i couldn't stand it. ok, and it's NOT crostini. well, in my head, crostini are small pieces of bread. this was a salad on a whole, laid-out, sexy, garlic bread roll. and everyone knows one of my favorite food stuffs is g-bread. so me, trying to escape more carbs after stuffing my face with that focaccia - i was beyond fooled. oh yeah, the salad itself was awesome, too. i could have taken the roll, closed it, and made it into a salad sandwich. i'm drooling right now. i also had a few bites of my sister's plate - the papardelle mushroom truffle oil cream sauce thing. shitchyeah. um. and. ALL the servers were pretty hot. and probably gay. but great eye, candy, thanks. i guess that was my dessert. i will SO be back.
(5)Cameron H.
Last night we decided to celebrate my partner passing his first test. So, we decided to go to Calo. We made a reservation, got there about 20 min early, and was actually seated on time. After being seated, we were brought water and bread. Then our waitress took our orders. We started off with fried calamari. Delicious. Then I had New England clam chowder and my partner had salad. Then for the main course, I had crepes stuffed with chicken, spinach, and a white sauce. My partner had their grilled octopus. Everything was amazing. Service was great. The evening was perfect. Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Haroun K.
We were walking down Clark looking for a place to sit down and have a good pizza. I let Yelp lead us here. Well, service was excellent! The servers, bussers, and manger were very nice. But the pizza was not so tasty. We had a thin crust, which is one of my favorite styles of pizza. This didn't do it for me, though. And though we picked out flavorful veggies toppings, their taste was somehow masked by the sauce and cheese. A large pizza is huge, especially if you've had some of the breadbasket beforehand. The prices are ok for 1 topping, but each additional topping beyond the first costs something like $4.
(2)Jessica J.
Amazing italian restaurant! I've been coming here for a little over 15 years, best italian food ever, great portions, amazing manager and severs. Service is fast and the decor is beautiful. One problem I have and it's a very minor one the bathroom is way to far in the back.. But other than that this place is amazing to go to get authentic Italian food
(5)Roseann M.
Miss J. and I had dinner at Calo last week, and it was a very good experience. I am ready to go again! We are both, sad to say, trying to control our food intake, so we did not take the bread basket. I know, I know, it is probably really good - that's why I had to remind myself how nice it is to zip up my slacks easily. *sigh* Can't comment on the bread. I had a Chilean red wine that was on special ($7.00) and my friend ordered a glass of the first Chianti on the wine list. We were both very happy with our selections, though we did laugh when the waiter asked, "A glass or a bottle?" of us. Felt like we were living in "Sideways" for a moment. Miss J. had the seafood pasta with a side salad. I ordered the Meditteranean Salad with bowl of minestrone soup. Everything was excellent. We each had the standard house coffee afterward. Again, good coffee. Don't ask me if was some special blend or not - it might even have been Folger's. It was just good. We skipped dessert. Our waiter, Luis, was very professional and efficient. Our water glasses were topped off regularly, and dirty dishes were picked up quickly, but not so quickly that we felt rushed. Everything was paced well. The restaurant itself is beautiful. I understand that the old Calo was remodelled several years ago into the place it is today. Whoever the designer was, they did a terrific job. The lighting is low and intimate, but there is still enough light that you can read the menu without a flashlight. I appreciate that. Again, everything just right. Everything came together to provide a terrific evening. Even with all the fine Italian restaurants in Chicago, Calo stands out among the best I've experienced, and Italian may be my favorite cuisine. Calo actually has its own parking lot across the street, which makes me even more willing to go back to Andersonville for dinner. I had a great time. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Dustin H.
This place is a neighborhood gem! We enjoy dining in and really appreciate delivery during winter months. The Ziti Vodka is to die for but my favorite dish is chicken with lemon and butter.
(4)mary j.
A little disappointed. I really had high expectations because of previous visits. We ordered the eggplant (rolled with cheese) and the mushroom risotto. The eggplant dish was good but swerved lukewarm. The risotto was slightly under cooked and was chunked up and burned in certain parts. My poor boyfriend kept removing clumps of rice from his plate. Clearly, the chef just let the pan cook without stirring. Normally, I wouldn't have a problem, but this dish in particular is $18 (for rice!). I feel like Calo is losing its touch. I've been here before and we've ordered the same items, but this was a disappointment.
(3)Kaitlin M.
A couple of coworkers and I decided to eat lunch here one day and I must say we will be back soon. I must start off by saying that I would love to go back in the evening and enjoy a glass of wine because the atmosphere is so sophisticated and cute! Each of us ordered from a different part of the menu and walked out completely satisfied carrying doggy bags. I had a salad that was full of all kinds of Greek veggies with the perfect amount of dressing. Not too heavy but not too light! An huge plus was the amazing home made bread we received while waiting for out meals to come out. Try their Focaccia... it is perfectly fluffy and flavorful with tomatoes and herbs!!! Enjoy!
(4)Melissa O.
Calo's is wonderful! We come here often because the food is great, parking is available and they can easily accommodate our large family. It can also be romantic if you get tucked away into a corner booth. Recently our family went there to celebrate some birthdays, another patron took exception to our happy baby. He took it upon himself to tell us that children should not be brought into dining establishments period and that our party of 12 should leave. I was quite happy when the management explained to him that Calo's is a family friendly restaurant, everyone is welcome and all patrons deserve respect, regardless of their age. I believe they offered the other patron a different table, but how they dealt with him was not concern. I was impressed that they tried to accommodate everyone. We have been there many, many times and plan to go back many more!
(5)Steve M.
Pretty solid in the delivery arena. After seeing a bajillion mentions of their ribs dinner, I decided to pull the trigger. They weren't exactly piping hot when they arrived, but warm enough. The sauce as good, but a little too sweet in the finish. Tangy/spicy on the front end was there though and it was goooood. Garlic mashed potatoes were OK, and the caesar side salad was fine. All in all, an "A-OK" experience - hence the 3 stars. Nothing I'd go out of my way to order again. Still, Calo is great, and I won't hesitate to think about them when I'm up on the Northside and the itch materializes!
(3)Joseph A.
I started getting delivery from them over 40 years ago and was then out of state for 21 years - was glad to find they are still very good - hard to go wrong with them. I'm 3 miles away and they always get my order right and the food arrives within the time promised. Ate there twice - nice place, but out of my 'hood. BTW - I've never given ANY place 5 stars, but they come close - I highly recommend the baked clams and the meatball sandwich among other items.
(4)Dan L.
I would go 3.5 stars If i had a gun to my head. the inside of this place is great. lots of room, quiet, nice lighting. Was a fan of that. the person i was with had the fettucine alfredo and I had the pork chops. I can say that both were satisfying for sure. Although the alfredo looked like all sauce and no noodles but there were leftovers so what do i know. The wine list is nice with plenty to choose from. the waitress was a little slow and unattentive and it took her awhile to get our drinks, our food order and our bill. nothing REALLY stands out as amazing about this place, but its a good date place as someone else said and everything seemed above average that I put into my mouth.
(4)Connie C.
It's a shame that the service here is so poor, because the food is quite good. Today my delivery took 40 minutes longer than the hour-plus time I was quoted. Nobody called to let me know the delivery would be late. I asked the delivery driver if my pizza was still warm, and he assured me he had come straight from the restaurant. It was stone cold. He also delivered the wrong soda. Never getting delivery from here again.
(1)Margot F.
The best restaurant in the Andersonville/Edgewater area! The food is amazing and the prices super reasonable. 100000000 stars!
(5)Anastacia B.
Oh Calo I had such high hopes for you after reading these reviews. And while your food did not disappoint your server sure did. After perusing the beer list- holy high heaven they have Gumballhead- we decided to order us each a pint. The server comes back to the table and tells us they are out! One of my dining friend's asks is there another IPA type of beer you can recommend? Server chops at the air with her hand while snapping- "I told you there is NO BEER! There is no IPA!!! Unfortunately this set the tone for our service for the rest of the night. Every time she came to the table you could feel her resentment of us, we were afraid she was going to snap on us. Is it because we sat for dinner at 9pm? And until she picked up her tip did she smile and relent. Enough about her let's get to the good part!!! I pretty much hate focaccia bread. I reluctantly decided to try a piece because the Italian bread looked boring....sweet jesus am I glad I did. Light as air, crispy on the bottom, tomato goodness on top. You've made me a believer Calo. Everything, literally everything on the menu sounded so good. It was sooo hard to decide, but angry server was rolling her eyes so hard I thought they were never going to stop. I ordered the something Italia- shrimp, broccoli, linguini, garlic, wine and olive oil. Pasta-cooked perfect. Shrimp- huge, lots of them. I tried someones mushroom ravioli- and there suddenly were violins playing and a soft rosy glow. I regret not trying the Tartuffo for dessert but there just wasn't room. Crabby server you will not prevent me from returning!!
(3)Nicki W.
LOVE Calo. This restaurant is the perfect example of one of Chicago's hidden gems. It's an adorable little spot perfect for a date or an intimate night among friends. Best spot to sit is by the window for people watching. Service was very attentive and our waitress was a doll. She was around when we needed her, but let us chat away for hours without being bothersome. The portions are huge here as to be expected, and everything coming past my table looked and smelled amazing. After looking over the huge menu for what seemed like forever, I came to my decision: RIGATONI ALLA BARESE with Italian sausage, chicken, asparagus and roasted red peppers in a zesty tomato, garlic and olive oil sauce. Two kinds of meat and my favorite vegetable asparagus. This meal was made for me. Of course it was mouth watering and of course I gave my best effort but I still had half the meal left over in the end but that's what doggie bags are for right? For dessert I had this apple tart which I was expecting to be small, but when it came out it was HUGE. So crispy, warm and delectable. I knew it was time to go when we were the last table in the house and I felt like I had to unbutton my pants in order to move. Great meal. Love it!
(5)H A.
Really good food delivery - fast! Love the pizza and you can order 1/2 this and 1/2 that which is nice. Other dishes are good too for the price. Neighborhood joint.
(4)Mark C.
Consistently good food and service. Great pizza. French martinis are awesome too.
(4)Diana S.
one word, Risotto! Both kinds are delicious. The service is spotty butttttt Saqib the manager more than makes up for it. A friend and I went twice and he was an absolute prince both times, the risotto brought us in, Saqib brought us back. Can't wait to try other items on the menu.
(4)Tim M.
Oh Calo... what happened to you? I had been going here for a very long time and love the food. It even looks like they made it to Check Please! and even more people are discovering it. It's an old school family place and it used to be great. The gnocchi gorgonzola and the farfale butera were my go tos. But I don't go there any more. I won't go there anymore and am giving a two star review because the service has gone to the basement. The last 3 times I went there there was some issue with the staff. The details don't matter as much as the feeling they left my entire group with each time. It was bad. And in one case, very embarrassing that I was raving about a place to some friends who were ultimately treated like second class citizens. If you want to try the food, go the takeout route, but watch out for the hostess when picking up, she might swear at you in Russian.
(2)Trent R.
I have been going to Calo a long time (15 or 20 years) over the years the restaurant seems to be going more upscale." The food is still great and consistent however the service is really declining due to it's popularity, especially long waits to get a table and no parking in the lot (especially on weekends). Calo was always the old standby because they had a parking lot and you could always grab a table. On some recent visits wait times have been over a hour and there is nowhere to sit (or even stand) at the bar. The last three times I have been here the parking lot is full, the attendant tells you to park at a nearby bank, when you go to the bank all of the spots are taken. I don't know if you have tried to park on the streets in Andersonville recently but it is almost impossible on a Friday or Saturday night. The food is consistent, always good, fresh, the portions are gigantic (I always have take home) and it is nice that your salad or soup is still included with the entrees. The coffee is great (I think it is LaVaza from Italy) and a nice martini menu / selection. It looks like the restaurant may have to expand again to keep up with the crowds or they are going to loose some of their "old time" customers.
(3)Luan N.
Followed Mike K's lead on the ribs + salad + pasta for $9.99. Boy, am I glad I followed that lead. It was a sweet deal like insider trading! The ribs were so tender, sweet, perhaps there was touch of honey to the sauce. Really can't go wrong with this special! Go now! Well, between Sun -Th. Oh, deep dish was not too bad as well. One of the better ones I've had in the Chi.
(4)Shradha A.
Back here this week for lunch, I was a little surprised by how different the ambiance was and yet so perfect for daytime/lunch! This time I ordered the gnocchi and absolutely loved it too! In fact, I'm still enjoying it for lunch for the 3rd day running! I do truly heart their foccacia bread too!
(5)Paul H.
A return for sure!
(4)Marie B.
Excellent Italian! Pros: * Great atmosphere * Best Vodka sauce I've ever had * Great drinks * Bar had TV for hub to catch game * Validate parking tic Cons: * none *
(4)Erika G.
Annnnnnnnd Calo gets their 5th star. You know those restaurants that are just flat out workhorses? They're not high end, or affected and pretentious or trying to be everything to everyone (Yeah, I'm talking about YOU, Andies!). They've just been in the neighborhood forever, and have gone thru ups and downs, good and bad remodeling . . . they try really hard to please their customers. Comfortable surroundings, well prepared food, served by pleasant servers. Calo is one of these restaurants. It seems to have settled into it's comfortable, bistro/supper club groove, stopped remodeling finally, and is serving flat-out great dinners. We've already talked about the bar - it's a manly, dark wood upscale gentleman's club type affair and it just makes you feel swank to hang out there for a coupla cocktails. The food though. I revisited Calo last night, Saturday. First of all, it was PACKED, but the servers were working at top speed and it never became overwhelming. They were obviously rushed, but never compromised checking on us (we were a table of 22 chicks!!), removing empty dishes or pouring wine. The foccacia appetizer we had was yummy - fresh bread w/ sundried tomatoes, it tasted freshly baked. My entree. Just about better than sex. Just about (not quite, don't worry, xoxxo). Chilean Sea Bass. Yes, yes, I know . . . it's endangered, and I shouldn't be eating it, bla bla bla . . . why don't you also tell me that my girls are just as fetchingly displayed in a Playtex potboiler, as a delicious black European lace number? Come on! To wit: here's a boring chicken dish at an inferior restaurant: figleaves.com/us/product… Perfectly nutritious, but wouldn't you rather have this?: figleaves.com/us/product… Right. That's the appeal of the Chilean Sea Bass. It's naughty. It's delicious. It's sexy. It's the Agent Provacateur of fish. It's a guilty pleasure - and who doesn't love those? It's rich, it's satisfying - but it's fish! It's tender yet firm. Very firm. Oh, yes. Yum. I wanted to wallow on that bad boy Bass. Pull a blanket of Sea Bass over myself while I lounged in the delicious garlic mashed potatoes and chomped on the buttery green beans. I know that would have been a bit messy in the dining room, and I'd have probably been kicked out, but a girl can entertain kinky food fantasies while indulging in that SEA BASS, can't she? Everyone around me was pretty amused for the rest of that evening, as I went on and on about the delicious butterness of my entree. The only minor flaw was a slight sweetness to the sauce on the fish. It wasn't overdone, and as I had my way with . . er, consumed that fish and made it my own, I decided it was more gingery than sweet and therefore delicious. My good friend G was with me on this night, and her entree was delicious as well. She had some sort of cheese pasta dish . . . delicate little purses of pasta stuffed with CHEESE and wallowing on a buttery plate with a few peas included to make it have a semblance of healthy eating. But seriously, that Sea Bass had me at "Today's Special". And there was another rare occurance on this night. Usually I am completely averse to having a visible TV in a restaurant or bar. However, when the Olympics are on (read: Apollo Ohno in a skintight suit speed skating? OhYES!) I'm willing to allow a little TV watching. Verily, I'd probably even allow a TV in my bedroom during the Olympics. Wait, scratch that, it's enough that it's visible from my table - as we sat in the bar area this night. Yum, Calo!
(5)Sandi S.
Last evening (Friday) my husband and I excitedly went to Calo after I had seen it featured to rave reviews on the show Check, Please the weekend prior. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. Our waiter, who was obviously from the motherland, was fun, friendly & very attentive. We started w/ the Scampi De Jonge, fried mozzarella & sautéed black mussels in white wine sauce ... The cheese arrived first in a square form that was lightly breaded & fried. Dressed w/ the house marinara, it was definitely a step up from the fried sticks variety at popular chain restaurants. The marinara was more acidic than sweet (I prefer the latter), but tasted fresh and not overly seasoned. The mussels arrived next and blew me away. They were plump & plentiful and the wine sauce was more of a broth which I happily soaked chunks of focaccia in! My husband ate a couple that were a little more pungent than he would've liked, but I ate one as well and didn't find it SO off putting. The scampi - my most antipated selection - arrived last! The diners on Check, Please had sung such praises about it, but I didn't get why. It was just okay. The shrimp was a bit tough and I kept asking myself, 'Where's the garlic???' By far, the mussels saved the appetizer course & I'd go back for those in a minute. Alrighty then ... Entrees! We were already near full from 3 apps, an endless supply of spongy-buttery focaccia, Matilda's & French martinis, but in we dove. We ordered a meat/pasta dish and a veggie dish to share w/each other. Their Ziti Molese boasted a house made Italian sausage which was abundant throughout the ziti in large crumbles. The sauce was sweeter like I like it and it was a large enough portion to have leftovers to share, and I swear it tasted even better re-warmed the next morning! Our second dish was an eggplant rolled & stuffed w/ricotta. The menu didn't say it'd be fried (I assumed it'd be grilled), but it was. It was fried so delicately though, that it didn't feel too heavy, which was our goal after all the food we'd ordered - something light. The cheese stuffing was a tad dry, but flavorful. Picking in it cold just now, it too is delicious next-day. Despite wrapping most of our entrees to go, I still felt I'd bust. That's when the waiter returned w/tiramisu on the house! I had announced at the start of our dinner that we were first timers & visiting thanks to the Check, Please episode. Since I didn't want to be rude (lol), I dug deep & found room for this SO delicious dessert! My husband doesn't drink coffee or appreciate it's essence in desserts, but even he nodded in agreement that this was something special. Light. Airy. Sweet, but not too sweet ... Yum, yum, yum! So here's the recap: 3 apps (2 good, 1 eh), 2 Matilda's, 1 French martini, 2 entrees (good, not AMAZING - which included soup or salad) & 1 comp'ed tiramisu ... $90 before tip & good enough to warrant a repeat visit.
(3)Susan S.
Love this place and I order from them all the time. Speedy delivery, too - they are usually at my place in a half hour! And the ribs are to die for!
(5)Stephanie K.
We stumbled by here last Saturday after a weekend of St. Patty's day activities. Because of the "holiday" most places in Chicago were either too packed, or full of too many drunks to bring my 11 year old brother in law along. The free parking was great, and the staff was excellent. It's a little expensive, but for a nice sit-down restaurant in Chicago, the price was comparable. Plus, the portions are really large, most of the chicken dishes come with 3- 5 oz boneless breast pieces, so a plate could easily be split. The best part was how accommodating they were for my wheat allergy. We were going out for my birthday, so had the waitress not worked with us, it probably would've turned out as bad as my lunch at Flat Top. They let me sub my pasta side for lemon asparagus, and the when the waitress realized that the cook adds flour to the meat sauce (who knew?), she quickly told me not to eat it, and got it redone, wheat-free, very quickly, and the meal was delicious. My husband got Corned Beef and Cabbage, which he loved it (coming from an Irish man "the best I ever had"), and the half slab of ribs entertained the 11 year old quite well. Living in Bridgeport, I've been to some of the cities "best" Italian places, often on the recommendation of my Italian neighbors, but this has to be my favorite. I'll definitely be back. Oh and they gave me a flourless cake for my birthday dessert, on the house!
(5)Jessica L.
I went on a Sunday night (New Years Day) and discovered that this hidden gem in andersonville was amazing! It has great food and a cool environment. One side is more romantic with dim lights and the other side by the full bar is a little more casual but still cute and dimly lit. There are also tvs for the games. We ordered chicken vesuvio which had an amazingly rich sauce. We also shared veal which was tender and delicious. The flourless chocolate cake was sooo rich and indulgent. SHARE IT! Definitely recommend this for a nice or casual dinner.
(5)P A.
I would like them to start offering VEGAN options. It is so easy to offer Vegan foods as an Italian restaurant. I am a Vegan among carnivores, so I am always looking for restaurants that have vegan options. MOST andersonville establishments have at least 3 VEGAN options, its disappointing that Calo does not have any.
(3)Dan K.
Been here a few times for dinner and while I don't really have any complaints, when I compare Calo to other places in the area it always comes up short. Maybe I'm just not that impressed by Italian food as it often seems so simple to make. Have tried the calamari, ribeye, shrimp scampi, octopus, and mussels, along with a few others I've likely forgotten. Everything is reasonably well prepared and the atmosphere is ok. Service is prompt and servers are pretty knowledgeable. But I never look forward to going back - everything is just okay and nothing more. Nothing is particularly excellent or memorable. It's a good place - but doesn't push the right buttons for me.
(3)Shannon W.
I grew up around this place! I used to have my birthday parties here when I was younger too! They remodeled it probably within the past decade and their business boomed!! Luis, the waiter is still there. I highly recommend him! He has been our waiter when go there for at least the past 15 years! When we sit down, he already knows what drink to bring my parents!!! This is a great family restaurant and the food is so delicious and fresh! Their pizza is pretty good too. Pretty much anything you eat here is good! Their pizza bread is one of my favs too. I get so excited when we have family get togethers and I know we are going to Calo's!! Enjoy!!!
(5)Laurie S.
I have been ordering delivery for years. Have never thought its great but it's convenient and delivery includes the entire menu. I never cared for the pizza but we always order one with an entree. The entrees are Decent. The crust typically is soggy but the sauce and toppings are typically ok. Tonight the pizza was terrible. Actually, not edible because it was a soggy mess. Imagine only eating the toppings because the crust was goo. I called to complain. I was offered a $15 credit. I asked for the taxes and delivery fee to be credited as well (I always tip 20% on top). The manger said no. Only $15. Really? You couldn't make it $20? That extra $5 bucks is gonna break Calo? Wouldn't you be more interested in customer satisfaction? Very disappointed. They lost my several hundred dollar a month business (between dine in and delivery) to a cheap manager. Go take a business class. I'm done with their mediocre food.
(2)Natalie O.
Love Calo!!!! Their pizza is very thin, crispy and delicious. The sauce isn't overly sweet. Truly the best Chicago pizza. Also, all though I am sick for the entire day afterwards, they have the best Carbonara. It is rich and creamy and amazingly good. Customer services is fantastic! I order a pizza last week to pick up. I didn't think about the fact that I had a sleeping 2 1/2 year old in my car when I went to pick up our pizza. I called Calo's and asked if they would just bring it outside to me. They said, "of course!" They had me pull up my car in front, took my card, went in and ran it, brought me the pizza and the receipt to sign. They were friendly and happy to do it! I can't wait to move back to the northside so they deliver to me!!
(5)Geoff J.
Great local spot in Andersonville for Italian food. Huge portions at reasonable prices. The Neapolitan pizzas are huge, very big for an appetizer. We also tried the gnocchi and braised beef ravioli. Both were good. For dessert we went with the apple tart with ice cream and it was delicious. We'll be back!
(4)Chet M.
Still one of the best tasting thin crust pizzas around. And if you got a coupon, its an absolute steal of a deal!
(4)Jason A.
When I was getting into the pizza-fetish business, this was the first restaurant I tried after being recommended from a friend. And their pizza is great. Their thin crust tastes pretty good. I had the Funghi pizza (fresh mozzarella and sautéed mushrooms of course). I'd say Calos is one of the best places to grab a pizza in A-ville.
(5)Tom T.
Portions are HUGE. Focaccia they served beforehand was great too. I had the Chicken Marsala & it was a big serving!!
(4)Michael B.
Our Best outing here yet. Fathers Day, went early 5:30. Our waiter was very good and attentive. Pop's and I had the ribs. Flavorful, fall off the bone, they were excellent. The girls had fish. A crispy Caesar's salad with 2 pieces of Salmon resting on top. The wife just loved it. Topped it off with carrot cake, spumoni ice cream, and a very tasty creamy gelato. mmm! mmm! We couldn't have asked for a better dining experience. Oh, did I mention that they have "validated" parking? Yes
(4)Gary B.
I remember eating at Calo pre-rehab. It certainly has a different feel then, than it did "back in the day". The food here is certainly consistent and we probably order take-out once a week. We ate here on Saturday evening and we all enjoyed our meals. The closeness to home makes it very convenient and we have never had any complaints. One thing I feel really defines a place is each consistency. I hate ordering a pizza and wondering what pizza I was going to get. Sauce is always the same as well as the ingredients which is why we go back.
(5)Ben D.
The chicken parmigiana with soup and bread (Sunday special) is absolutely delicious! Thanks for giving me a reason to look forward to Sunday (a day typically dreaded due to the impending doom of Monday)
(5)Amanda B.
A very nice Italian restaurant with great good. For an appetizer, my date and I shared the hummus. Too much olive oil and tomatoes for our taste...the hummus was green! My entree was the Ziti al Vodka. To die for. Took some home and actually ate some the next day (I typically hate leftovers). However, our service wasn't that great. Everything took way too long. From waiting to order our food to waiting for the check, it was too long, especially considering that it wasn't busy at all.
(4)Richie D.
I thought everyone knew of Calo as a great option for a fine Italian option, especially with as many reviews as it has. Yet I brought left-overs to work today and people were grinding their teeth to get a bite of my Fall off the bone, phenomenal BBQ ribs! Check out Calo on Wednesday evenings: $9.95 full slab of ribs versus paying the normal $18.95 price! And that includes not just the ribs but a salad or soup and side (I recommend the creamy garlic mashed potatoes). If you're more in the pasta mood, you can't go wrong with any choice. A friend had the Gnocchi stuffed with cheese. Exactly like Italian-style Gushers but on the savory side. Can't go wrong here!
(5)Christine S.
Went in on a Sunday right when they opened... Sat in the bar and waited for about 10ish minutes just to have a menu brought to us (that's why the -1 star). I'm inpatient! I can't help it... The food was great. Had Calamari, the chopped salad, and zesty gnocchi. All were fabulous! The chopped salad is truly out of this world! I would definitely come here again, hopefully I won't be waiting 10 after I'm seated to get a menu though.
(4)Kristen P.
Great Place! The manager was extremely helpful in picking his "top" picks from the menu. The entire staff from the hostess, to the bar to the waitresses were so friendly and helpful and the food was yummy!!
(4)Richard S.
If you love Italian food, then you'll have to try this place!
(4)Andy S.
This is probably the best restaurant in the city to go to with a group of about four people. The food is always extremely good with large portions and I was surprised to see that they don't rip people off on the beer prices (Ayinger Brau-Weiss for $4). Definitely go here on Monday nights for the $12.95 full slab of ribs special...falls off the bone and comes with a side of spaghetti and a soup or salad. This is an old school place that still knows how to take care of people, feels like an expensive restaurant but doesn't act like one.
(5)Justin S.
The ribs were really good. 13 dollars for a full rack of ribs, salad and a side pasta. Yeah you can't beat that for dinner. So tender and good, one of the best places in Andersonville...so far. The service was great plus they give you more than enough butter than you need for the bread.... talk about the way to my heart. My only complaint was I didn't care for the BBQ sauce on the side. I prefer something more smokey and this sauce was sweeter. Not really my favorite. So I left that alone and the ribs were still really good. At that price you can't beat it.
(4)April M.
Great place for good food with a romance like setting while being affordable. This is definitely a great dinner spot in Andersonville everyone should put on their favorite list!
(4)Amy L.
Yum. Their lasagna was delicious. I actually haven't found good restaurant lasagna but the one at Calo is gooood! I also tried their calamari fritti which was a disaster. It was too tough and chewy and not good at all. I liked their cocktail sauce that they paired it up with though, unique idea instead of the usual marinara. Their Calo Special thin crust pizza was yummy. I loved the nice chunks of italian sausage on there and the veggie balanced well. It wasn't too much or too little of each ingredient. The cheese is a little thicker than I'm used to though but I loved the crust. It wasn't soggy or too bready. It was just right. The place itself was really clean, I wonder when it was built. It all looks quite new too. The service was nice but I had to wait about 20 mins longer than they said they'd take to get my carry-out order which was a bummer. Oh yes and there's a free parking lot across (diagonally) the street from the restaurant.
(3)Daryl N.
What I like about Calo are the crab legs. They actually cut them across the top for you, so they are easy to eat, you do not need crackers, plus it is a generous portion. I have never seen anything like it. Their pizza is very good and their ribs are excellent. One item that I find very unique is the buffalo calamari. It is so good. Service can be iffy, the male waiters seem more experienced, but they do try to compensate if there is ever a problem. This is an old-fashioned supper club, with moderate prices and pleasant atmosphere. The bar area can get really loud sometimes, but overall a great experience. They have a lot right across the street which makes it very nice. Good place for large parties as well. Although I tend to get the same things over and over, they do have a great variety. They also deliver to Rogers Park. Very nice, and they are open til midnight.
(5)Xavier M.
Came here with a friend for his bday. Was new to the restaurant, and thought I was at another Maggiano's or Edwardo's. WAS I MISTAKEN!!! Calo's has delcicious food, the customer service is friendly without being pushy, and the managers are pleasant and make sure to make contact with the customers as they walk around the dining room. The host staff listens to your needs, and the bartenders are AMAZING! Victor, the host/manager is super friendly, and introduced himself to me on the first visit. I had a work party catered two weeks ago for 65 people, and then I had another event for 125! Calo was able to prepare a menu that was catering to both diverse groups, and the food arrieved warm and tasted as good as it would at the restaurant. There are NO complaints here, and I am a new fan of Calo. I will always make sure to recommend or look them up the next time I have a private or work gathering.
(4)Jess M.
Normally, I love Calo. Living in the area, I have eaten here dozens of times. However, this time we decided we to call for a pick up. The woman on the phone was rude and uninviting. When you dine in, you are offered complimentary soup or salad with your meal. Yet tonight when I asked for salad with my pastas, I had to order it separately. As a restaurant General Manager, I am scratching my head trying to figure out why I have to pay an additional charge for my complimentary salad because I had placed my order to go. The woman's attitude about the salad and my order in general made me question my dine in business as well. I'm not sure if and when I will be back.
(2)Andrea W.
You just can't go wrong with eating at Calo - - menu selection, food quality and consistency, atmosphere, service, prices are all spot on. Great specials, including wine, each night and big menu that ranges from chicken and veal dishes, to pizza to fantastic selection of different pastas. Bread basket is great way to start with yummy focaccia and every entree comes with really nice salad (served on a cold plate, which I really like) or soup. I always read through the entire menu but often get the same great dish - - ziti ala vodka with chicken. And, I always have pasta to take home. Weekend nights often feature live music and the bar area always has games on TV, so you can eat a nice dinner and catch the game. Dining room is great too - - young crowd drinking martinis and older couples dressed for dinner, too. On week nights, you can walk in but DEFINITLEY make reservations for weekends.
(5)C T.
Have been ordering out from here for decades and, while we have our favorites, just can't think of anything on their menu that's not good. Definitely our go-to neighborhood delivery joint. Especially love their mussels in white sauce and shrimp de jonghe appetizers, thin crust pizza, meat lasagna, fried chicken and ribs, as well as their House dressing on the salads. Their mushroom soup is to die for, too!
(5)Doreen M.
Calo is cozy and inviting. Excellent service, great food, nice portions for the price. I always end up with left overs. I favor the minestrone soup and Chicken Parmesan. Steaks and ribs are always a hit.
(4)Jennie S.
I like the atmosphere in this place. It looks more upscale but the people in it aren't uppety. We come here on Weekdays to eat and watch a game. The pastas are good. I prefer their gnocchi. However, they are also known for having phenomenal Ribs. Calo's has a great $9.95 Full Slab Rib special Monday-Thursday.
(4)Ultramike W.
Great place to take the family and friends. They have something for everyone and the baby back ribs are fantastic for the price.
(4)Amber W.
I really like this place. I go there on the weekend for dinner sometimes and order delivery at least once a month. They have good tasty italian food and the delivery is always on time. More than a few times they have messed up my order due to it being very similar to something else on their menu but they always take care of it right away. My mom loves their ribs and I'm a fan of the rigatoni con aspargi (which is only on the take out menu but you can still order it at the restaurant).
(4)Brandon H.
Very possibly the best thin-crust pizza in the entire city. Their other offerings are great as well, but the pizza is out of this world. The interior is nice, but feels a bit crowded, especially on the busy nights. The service has always been top-notch, and take-out orders are handled promptly and efficiently.
(5)Mark Tuna T.
After stubling onto this place by accident, I found out it is soo good, and for the past two years I have started a birthday tradition for myself, eating here with my best friends! The dishes are a little on the pricey side but DEFINITELY worth it! The service has always been excellent, perfectly timed and very patient with me and my drunk ass crazy friends..... we make the tip make up for it though :) They have an EXCELLENT drink list and some wonderful seafood dishes, I dont even like seafood! The Live music adds the perfect touch to any dinning experience. If Calo doesn't go changing to much, it will always be my favorite restaurant in the city of Chicago!
(5)Keely B.
I have never not enjoyed a meal here. A friend of mine and I wandered up there from our very comfortable Lakeview residence (it seemed so far away then, but it's just around the corner now)! I hadn't been in for a while, and when we moved to the neighborhood, it was like running into an old friend. They've got great food, great atmosphere. I've found a wine on their list that I adore (it's called Woop Woop, it's a Shiraz, go order it). Just go! You won't be disappointed.
(5)Cindy B.
The food was very good and we enjoyed the live music. The only issue we had was our seating. We waiting over 1/2 hour to be seated with a reservation. They sat us right by the door which was very drafty since it was cold (and smoke coming in right from the bar next door). I asked to be moved and we were promptly moved to a booth towards the back. One thing I should point out....when we moved to our new table, the four water glasses at our old table were left there for the new people sitting. We saw someone re-filling these water glasses rather then replacing them. And two of us drank from them before we left the table. Gross. The food was delicious....would consider going back but will not drink from the water if it is sitting at our table when we arrive!
(3)B D.
Cali is on of my favorite places in Andersonville. Great food, great atmosphere! Always have a great meal!
(5)Marianne G.
I actually love this as a 4 star but I can't let people think that the food is that great because it isn't. The pizza is probably the best thing on the menu. It is the whole package that's great. This is like going to your Italian friend's house to hang out. The staff is friendly and accomodating although sometimes a little slow. If you sit in the bar you might encounter roudy sports fans watching all the tvs. Where else in the city can you go for upscale food, decent alcohol, affordable prices, and watch the game? If you are more in the mood for a romantic dinner, you can sit in the dining room or even outside. The decor is romantic and welcoming. There is something for everyone at Calo's.
(3)Doug S.
I was expecting Calo to be sub-par compared to the many great Italian restaurants in Anersonville/Edgewater, but was surprised to find that it was very nice. The crowd is older, dressed nicely. I expected the menu to be pricey (based on the fancy dress), but was in the $13-$25 range per person (a lot of pasta dishes were around $14). Full stocked bar. Live Jazz Trio playing standards and Sinatra. Fancy decor and low lighting. The pizza bread that they give you before the meal is 5 star. I had the vegetable lasagna, which was stuffed with ricotta and fresh spinach. Yum. I would recommend this place as a good date spot.
(4)Michael C.
Good food at surprisingly affordable prices. The pizza is very good as well and they deliver a good portion of their menu until late at night. Can be very busy on the weekends but their service is still pretty good even then. They also don't try to rush you out the door when you're done which is nice.
(4)John D.
Calo is delicious! I've had several meals from here-some multiple times they were so good-the gnocci for example. This restaurant is located in Andersonville, and the cherry on the sundae is that they have a free parking lot directly across the street so you won't have far to wheel your belly after stopping by this wonderful restaurant. The service is helpful & friendly and the prices are quite reasonable. Bonus is they have a carry out menu-again parking directly across the street. The only reason I don't eat here more is because I'd be ridiculously fat. The food here's awesome! MANGIA!
(5)Chris S.
It felt like I should be paying more, but that wasn't the case. The entrees are large portions of well made Italian standards and homemade pasta. The room has an upscale feel to it, but it was crowded with relaxed looking locals. The service was attentive. The large bar was packed on the Friday night the last time we went in.
(4)Monica G.
I've dined in and ordered take out from this place SEVERAL times. It's def better when you dine it but either way you gotta try this place. I suggest making reservations on a Friday or Saturday night. They have a really nice bar, pretty upscale decor for such cheap prices. Everything is good here. I've never had a bad dish. I love their creamy garlic salad dressing, calamari, and ribs!! Their ribs are fabulous. If I'm going to pasta I always get the seafood pasta with a spicy red sauce. The service here, always great! They also have great weekday specials. Their menu is huge and everything is sooo good that's my only compliant, it's hard to choose what you want.
(5)Mike C.
Calo and Lou Malnti's are the family staple pizzas. Though it's almost southside quality and occasionally get the under-cheesed under-cooked take-out pizza, but for the northside, it rocks.
(4)a w.
Probably the best thin crust pizza in all of Chicago. The service here is great and speedy. I love coming here for lunch or dinner -- their menu is great and has lots of different kinds of pizza.
(4)Maximilian O.
The food and the waitress were good, but the manager is rude, arrogant, and insults his customers. My date politely made a suggestion to the manager that if the restaurant is going to seat customers at the table next to the blaring loudspeakers, that they should warn them that the noise is greater there. The manager's immediate response was, "You know, I am paying $500 per hour for this musician. And besides, you guys didn't even have a reservation." We promptly paid our bill and left. Keep in mind that we did NOT ask that they lower the volume and we did not ask them to move us. A few things are clear from this experience: 1) The restaurant cares more about getting as much music as possible out of their $500/hr. musician (who was terrible by the way - he had no clue what key he was trying to sing in) than they do about making a paying customer's experience a little more pleasant. They will knowingly pack people in ANYWHERE they can just to recoop their losses somehow. 2) People with reservations are more important than people without reservations, even if the people without reservations order $150 worth of food. 3) The restaurant's upper management thought it was a great idea to hire a manager who has it in them to insult their customers and after receiving some polite criticism, go up to the musician and yell in front of the entire restaurant, "Hey buddy, after this song, go take another break!" 4) The management thinks, "Whatever," if anyone so much as makes a polite suggestion. They take for granted that people are always going to come in because their reputation is good. I am a local who lives a block away from Calo's. I have been going to that restaurant for 20 years. I will never go back again until they rethink their customer relations policies.
(1)Jill W.
We got delivery from here, and although it didn't take too long, the pizza was only lukewarm when it arrived. The thin crust pizza was really good, though. We'll try it again, but maybe we'll dine in this time.
(4)lola h.
I love Calo's. Dining in, picking up or delivered...it's great. Recently, I ordered from there a pizza an entree. I called, the driver was very lost despite me ordering from Calo's for delivery for years and came about 90 minutes later. When he came, the food was so cold. Now who wants to spend $50 bucks on cold food. So I sent him on his way with the food and decided that me and my friends were going to have to buck up and eat frozen pizza since we were starving. I called Calo's, explained that the cold food was unacceptable and that I sent the driver back. The order taker apologized and said a warm order was on it's way and on the house for my long wait. Now that is service!!!! Thumbs up Calo's. It's understood that mistakes happen when ordering food for delivery but you are definitely a restrauant that corrects mistakes.
(4)Cassie B.
Decent Italian food in an ever-increasingly expensive area. I have been here a few times and also family, who has lived in andersonville for 25 years, likes this place, so I cannot argue with its authenticity! the owners/bartenders/waiters are Italian which is always fun. the food is pretty good, the atmosphere okay. i will continue to go, but not my favorite place esp. since i am not a local, and there are so many other andersonville places to try!
(3)mary b.
wow! this is not the old neighborhood place we went for friday note pizza when my kids were growing up! I was shocked when I had occasion to go back after about 15 yrs. what a difference a few years makes! food was great italian but very pricey. the bar was a bit chaotic and kept having to flag the bartender to the table for more drink orders. we had a party of 10+ and were jammed in the last table by the kitchen. not good. not really kid friendly but since my kids are grown that's ok with me. don't really want to have a $50 dinner with a screaming kid at the next table. (the screaming kid was at our table, sorry other patrons) they did let us bring our own birthday cake. kept the bill down! would go back but not with a large group. I work with the handicapped and could not imagine taking a person in a wheelchair in this crowded place, no matter what they say about being :accessable"
(3)Angela G.
If you just got paid and are looking for some great Italian food - go to Calos. If you are broke down and don't know when you'll see a dollar again- don't go. The restaurant is dimly lit with candles on every table - very relaxing and yes, romantic. The menu and bar is extensive. Every pasta dish (and there were alot of them!) sounded extremely appealing - it took about 15 minutes for me to make a decision! In any event, I felt the food was over priced. Everything that I wanted to order was around $17.95 and up - and I feel that is just a bit high for some noodles and garlic sauce - maybe a shrimp or two thrown in there. I opted for a non-glamourous dish, which still ended up being around $15 and then you add the price of all that wine..... A good restaurant, good food, nice staff - I suppose I and my wallet just have some feelings of regret - the morning after.
(3)Yujin A.
This noticeable restaurant in the heart of Andersonville will not disappoint you, but I am not sure if I would pick this place over Tuscany, Mia Francesca, or Rose Angelis.Calo's comes pretty darn close though. They have some good deals like ribs (full-slab) for 9.99 on weekdays. So compared to those three restaurants, Calo's is better value. I've had seafood risotto and linguine at two different occasions. Their white sauce(cream-based, but light) is great. However, I found my pasta and rice slightly over-cooked. Very family-friendly as well.
(4)RJ K.
My partner and I have been going here for years - back when it had all the Red Naugahide Booths!! Now it is a beautiful new restaurant, but Two things have not changed - The FOOD is wonderful - especially their stuffed spinnach pizza. Also - the service and portions are excellent. They always treat their customers right, and they do not skimp. We always have leftovers to take home!! This is my favorite restaurant in Andersonville, and it is consistent!!
(5)Joel S.
This place is practically the definition of old school Italian place... good food, but nothing super special. Thin crust pizza is very good, but with several other good options in the area for Italian and pizza... It's hard to give Calo more than 3 stars - it just has a lot of good competition here in Andersonville.
(3)Kate H.
Went to Calo Ristorante for the first time in a long time (since the remodel!) I enjoyed an excellent pomegranate martini and some wonderful gnocci con ricotta. I ate with a large party and everyone enjoyed the food and the ambiance. Laid back service but still efficient. The remodel did this one a load of good.
(4)Duyen D.
Great family friendly restaurant! Plenty of sitting and meals came out quickly. We really enjoyed our ribs and grilled squid special. The portions are generous and our little girl loved the mashed potatoes.
(4)Kristen W.
Very good pizza. We got delivery and it was prompt and surprisingly hot! I'm not a huge fan of thin crust pizza but I would eat this anytime. Not too greasy, nice and crispy with just the right amount of cheese and topping. Great deal too- they give you a $3 coupon to use the next time.
(4)Gil N.
Great food, good service in a nice location. I've always had a good time at Calo's and the food's never disappointed.
(4)Tempe T.
I'd enjoyed martinis here before but came last night for dinner for the first time. Yum. Yum. Yum. We got here at maybe 7:30 on a Friday night and waited 20 minutes or so. The great thing is they have those pagers so you can go window shop in the neighborhood as you wait. We were seated by the front windows which I enjoyed for the view, but had to keep my coat on all dinner because of the draft. But the food. Good Lord. The man and I both ordered pasta dishes-- his was tortlaci (sp?), sort of like ravioli, a recipe his grandmother used to make. He loved it, though the noodles were larger and thicker than he was used to. Mine was called something that started with a p and was basically wide linguini noodles with three or four different kinds of mushrooms, a creamy wine sauce, and the biggest, plumpest grilled shrimp you've ever seen. Hey guys. All the pasta here is made in-house and you can tell. It's amazing. AND DESSERT!!! We got cannolli and tiramisu. I think they were the best Italian desserts I've had in this city. The texture of the crispy cannolli with the sweet creamy cheese and the pistachios... Derek thought the chocolate sauce upstaged everything else, but, well... I'm never one to criticize the presence of chocolate. The tiramisu. Wow. Not too alcoholic or thick or soft or even too cold or too warm. Just perfect. I can't wait to come back here in the spring and really enjoy one of those front window seats!
(5)Johnnie G.
This is a great place in Andersonville with an awesome variety of food. It's always happening. I go with friends all of the time and the service and food are always on. If you want a great meal in an upbeat atmosphere and want to know what to expect as far as good food quality, then this is it. Great neighborhood and fun, eclectic crowd!
(4)Joseph F.
Our party of four arrived Friday promptly at 8:00 PM for our reservation which was made a week in advance. We however were not sat at our table till 9:00. This ended up being fine as we were able to enjoy a drink at the large crowded bar and watch the rest of the basketball game on one of the many televisions in the bar area. I found it to be quite smoky at the bar...welcome to Chicago. After being seated it took our waiter 15 minutes to bring our first drink. I happened to order a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives - I specifically asked for 3, I was brought 1. This was corrected in about five minutes, and it was well worth it as they were very good. The food was very good, everything seemed fresh and homemade - I truly enjoyed the gorgonzola gnocchi with goat cheese as it was very rich and tasty. I would go back for the food, however the service was less than satisfying.
(3)John F.
Huge portions of very good Italian food with emphasis on pasta. Moderate prices. Orders come with nice focaccia and soup/salad. Some American dishes too. Pleasant, old-fashioned Italian restaurant atmosphere. Excellent choice for dining in Andersonville.
(5)Rebecca B.
Never had a bad experience. They have 3 Floyds on tap and the lobster ravioli is delicious. Sunday through Thursday, they have the Ribs special. You NEED to get this, Full slab of delicious ribs for $9.95 with garlic mashed potatoes as the side. SOOO good. They also give you a little extra spicey sauce on the side, for an extra sauciness deliciousness.
(5)Ann K.
Really good minestrone-make sure you order a cup with your dinner. Had not been there in years and I have to say the remodeling is lovely! A good Chicago mainstay (been there for 40+ years) for decent Italian food, nice atmosphere and good service. There is even a designated, free parking lot right across the street! A plus when entertaining out of towners or older parents who don`t quite get "city life" and walking to dinner! Definately worth checking out!
(4)Jaclyn M.
Just went there this past weekend for my first visit. There was no wait on a Friday night and we had a nice seat in the bar area. The band was great--not too loud or overpowering. Everyone in my party of four had something different and we all loved our meals. I highly recommend the gnocci and gorgenzola! The lobster ravoli was also a hit!! Desserts were a bit small portions compared to the large dinner sizes!
(4)kiki m.
this is the best place for lunch in andersonville. i have only had dinner here once or twice, and i really enjoyed it. my friend, who lives in andersonville, and i usually choose calo's for lunch whenever we get together. their lunch specials are usually never disapointing. prices usually range $8-12 for the lunch special and it comes with a good serving of soup or salad as well as a nice-sized pasta side. i always wind up taking half my lunch home, which means 2 days worth of lunch for these prices! we always get great service and there's even free parking across the street for their customers.
(4)Darlene R.
some of the best thin crust in the city.
(4)Stella S.
Ordered pizza for delivery from this place and it was delivered hot and was yummy!
(5)Stephanie M.
A neighborhood fixture, and recently revamped, this place is still great. The thin crust pizza is the best, its what we order for dinner when we don't want to cook. I took a picture of the pizza menu.
(4)Renato P.
Calo's was one of my buddy's favorite restaurants , so we ended up there a few times. I am not the biggest fan of pasta and only marginally interested in most other Italian food , so take that into account. I ordered the chicken parm , which did nothing to garner a reaction , either good or bad , it was ok. I also got the Chicken Vesuvio , this one was a boneless breast (I prefer the bone in skin on kind) , and again it was ok , nothing exciting. The linguine with red clam sauce was pretty good , the baked clams my favorite thing there and the fried calamari ... OK to a little overcooked (i ordered it a few times , and the results were inconsistent. When we ordered the pizza , I neither objected nor was I really excited , are you seeing a pattern. Sorry if I can't say this place sucks , because it doesn't. I also can't rave about this place either , I've had better . If you are in the delivery area , give it a shot , if you are in the area stop by. I would never make a special trip to this place , but if my buddy wants to go here next time he's in town , I really have no problem stopping by.
(3)Sylvia W.
Before your evening enjoying the entertainment at Madrigals, you must stop at Calo's for some dinner and pre-party cocktails. While enjoying your excellent meal you may be entertained by the live "wedding band' or Elvis impersonator. Hope you have your dancing shoes on...cause when "Celebration" breaks out...it is mayhem on the dance floor! Once you go to Calo's you will be back.
(5)Lynnette K.
First, I passed up this restaurant while living in Andersonville, because it didn't look "hip enough" while I was living there. What a HUGE mistake -- I recently was taken there by a friend, and was so plesantly surprised. The food was OUTSTANDING -- portions were great, ingredients tasted fresh, and the menu had a great variety. The wine list was lovely as well.....One of the best meals I've had in a long long time. The 5th star is due to the wonderful server we had, Maria. My friend and I went in on Mother's Day -- they were definitely busy. At the end of our meal, my friend and I each had 1/2 glass of wine left. Maria left us alone, allowing us to finish our wine at our leisure....the check wasn't presented until after we were finished. What a treat -- on a busy day, not to feel as though we were being rushed out...who does that? It was so greatly appreciated. I'll definitely be back to sample more of the amazing food and enjoy the wonderful service.
(5)Susan A.
Calos offers HUGE portions that taste amazing. I suggest the nochi with gorganzola. Amazingly tastey and rich. The atmosphere and cozy and feels like family since they re-did it. Dark and warm and inviting.
(4)franklin r.
the stuffed vegeterian pizza is absolutely delicious!
(5)Joe T.
Calo's has some of the best pizza in the neighborhood. It also has a good selection of Italian cuisine. Make sure you try the bruschetta (toasted bread topped off with tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil).
(4)Jennifer L.
Since the remodel, Calo thinks they are much better than they actually are. The quality of the food hasn't changed, but the prices have gone up as as the atittude from the staff. It was a great place when it was just a neighborhood Italian joint where you could get some pizza and beer, but now it's just overpriced and snobby. Last time I attempted to go there, the parking lot attendant yelled at me for parking before I could explain I was actually going to the restaurant, so I turned around and got in my car and left. Not recommended. Let's hope Calo's owners try another "reinvention" soon.
(1)brett m.
wonderful wait staff. tasty food and delightful wine selection. the atmosphere is dark and familial, but a bit drafty in the winter.
(3)Megan S.
We stopped here on a whim and it was such a good option. The gluten free pasta is corn based and good. I honestly don't remember what I had but I think it had sausage in it. They don't have GF bread though.
(4)Lauren-ashley B.
My boyfriend took me on a date, at the last minute he cancelled the reservation and we decided to be spontaneous and try a restaurant that looked good. We found this place & I'm glad we did. Nice spot, decor is nice food is good, lots of food for a reasonable price. Would definitely come back.
(4)Devvora P.
The item I like the best is their focaccia bread that comes in the free bread basket. Ambiance is nice, service is prompt, pizza is probably their better item. Their other dishes tend to be on the heavier side. I once had the octopus and spinach and was pretty bad. The octopus was as hard as rubber and the spinach was tasteless...The focaccia bread is great though!
(3)Brittany F.
The food is really amazing here and the staff is very friendly (except the hostess) there is free parking in the lot across the street and that is a major plus! The food is worth the price, it's a must go to place
(4)Rod E.
The ravioli stuffed with several kinds of mushrooms is very good and a large serving as well.
(5)Daniella B.
I am no judge of authenticity but the food here is absolutely great! My boyfriend and I split the Rigatoni con Pollo e Funghi and we still had a hard time finishing the portions because they were so huge. The mushroom cream sauce had intense mushroom flavor and was overflowing with mushrooms. Our table got the grilled calamari for an appetizer which is the best calamari I've had. The only hiccup our table had was when one of us ordered the crab which was labeled as 'market price'. At the end, 'market price' turned out to be $60! I think our server should have mentioned what the price was when he ordered. You can do that without offending people. I was also unimpressed by the wine selection.
(4)Andy M.
After driving by this place a million times I really wanted to love this place. The first impression was awesome. My Wife and I had a few drinks at the bar and enjoyed mingling with the Andersonville locals. The bartenders were wonderful and they poured a generous drink but as much as I hate to say it, the food was disappointing. After browsing through the menu I decided to go with the house specialty which is the Ribs. Maybe I'm used to a different kind of BBQ rib. Calo's Ribs were very small and kind of bland. There wasn't a heck of a lot of dry rub and the sauce was caked on. Maybe they were overcooked? Calo is a beautiful restaurant and the service was top notch, but the Ribs were a disappointment to say the least. I'm more than willing to give Calo another shot. Maybe this is a case of me ordering the wrong thing. Based on the service and old world vibe, I would gladly go back. I just won't order the Ribs.
(3)Billy O.
It doesn't get any better then this unless you're in Italy. 35 year customer from the old location at Callo theater to the new and improved new location. Spectacular Food Superior service
(5)Jim S.
Still the best place for Italian food in Andersonville! Celebrated my 50th birthday here last year with family although my real party was across the street at hamburger Mary's with friends later that week!
(5)Susan J.
Calo is our go-to for Italian delivery. Specifically, we love their thin-crust pizzas. We've certainly tried other pies, but we always come back to Calo. The cheese is perfectly browned, the sauce is well seasoned and the crust has the right crunch--every time. When I'm not in the mood for pizza, Calo's Rotolo Di Melanzana is delicious with lightly fried eggplant rolled with airy ricotta and topped with mozzarella. It's best in the restaurant, but delivery is still excellent. The decadent Gnoochi Gorgonzola is also extraordinary--and worth every carb and calorie. It's true, the restaurant is often crowded -- because it's so good! Make a reservation or snag a seat in the bar. Calo is one of those neighborhood Italian joints that make Chicago living even sweeter.
(4)Aaron S.
Calo is one of the best restaurants I have experienced in Chicago. They have good specials and featured dishes that have never disappointed me. Cocktails are OK, but is go with wine here. The service had always been so great, and the staff is always willing to help with anything you may need. I crave this place.
(5)Courtney H.
Since my first trip, I have been back a few times. This place is seriously amazing! I brought my mom, my best friend and her mother for dinner a few weeks ago. This is the first time I couldn't find parking across the street in their lot because it was finally nice out and Andersonville was packed! We started with the amazing tomato bread, which we could not get enough of. I had the house salad that came with my food which was delicious as usual. I then had the gnocchi gorgonzola, which was phenomenal. I don't remember what everyone else had, only that they raved about it and already want to go back! I would highly recommend Calos to anyone, just make sure to reserve!
(5)Audriana V.
Pan. Pizza. That's all. Quick delivery, totally moderate price, amazing pizza. I'm new to the neighborhood and I'll never order any other pizza delivery!
(5)Tommy K.
I live in Rogers Park, and whenever my partner and I want to eat out, we always end up at Calo in Andersonville. The neighborhood itself is obviously great, because there are so many good places to eat, and it's just a cute area to begin with. With all the choices of restaurants, we end up at Calo everytime. First off, when you go to Calo, MAKE A RESERVATION. No matter what night you go, whether you are in a group, or if it's just a twosome, always make a reservation, because it's always packed. There is a bar area where you can sit and wait at if you decide to wait for a table, but even the bar sometimes is completely full with patrons. You can always order food at the bar as well. EVERYTHING AT CALO is the bomb. Every dish I have had has been simply delicious. My favorite things to order at Calo, are as follows... -Cosmo to start the night right. Damn those Cosmos are good. Not to mention STRONG. -Calamari. It's real calamari. Not the crispy imitation rings you get at other places that claim to be calamari, but their really a pig's sphincter. LOL. I don't know how much of that is true, but I will say the calamari at Calo is tender, and very tasty. The best calamari I have ever had actually. -Pizza bread. The staff automatically serves you this when you order your drinks. So so good. -The ribs. OMG THE RIBS. I believe there is a Tuesday night special on the ribs. I usually order a slack of ribs with the garlic mashed potatoes. The garlic mashed potatoes are really good as well. -My absolute favorite dish is the Bucatini al Pesto. If you love pesto, and you love pasta, this is the ultimate dish for you. Very rich in pesto. SO FREAKING GOOD. The service at Calo is pretty good as well. Even on busy nights during the weekend, I have always had a good experience with the wait staff. Very attentive, and nice. If you have any questions regarding a certain menu item, they are very knowledgeable on what they are serving. Just go to Calo already. Do it for me. :)
(5)son m.
Food is awesome. I had the chicken Parmesan and it's the best I've ever had. Their focaccia bread is also awesome. I will be going back!
(4)Anthony J.
I'd describe it as the non-chain version of Olive Garden. Depending on your opinion of Olive Garden, that might be a good thing or a very bad thing. I mean it in a fairly amicable way. It's just run of the mill Americanized Italian food, but they pull it off pretty well. Think crust pizza is decent, pasta dishes are usually fine, but occasionally bland, and the ribs are pretty good, but I've had better. I like that tomato bread they bring to start. Service is fine, busboys are nice and attentive, always keeping water glasses full. Had reservations for Saturday night, but I guess that didn't count for too much, since we still had to wait awhile to be seated. In this nice neighborhood, you can do better. That said, Calo is just fine, and I don't mind going there, but I wouldn't wait more than a few minutes for a table.
(3)Greg G.
Everything was delish and the service was great. Ended up getting food for 5 people when the party was only 3 people. Perfect size portions and very reasonable prices. Great location and very hip semi fancy space. Definitely my go to Italian place for dates or even a guys night out. Deep dish pizza is stellar and all pastas I've tried are amazing. Go!!!
(5)Javier S.
The cream of mushroom, and calamari are to die for, as is the octopus with spinach. The ravioli stuffed with lobster, meh. Wait staff is always well mannered and prompt. Five stars even with the constant attitude from the hostess.
(4)Lindsey A.
I struggle immediately because I want to give 3.5 stars. But one plate can FEED a FAMILY of FOUR. Good God, if the portions weren't larger than life, the prices wouldn't be so high. $20 for chicken with penne and vodka sauce? Oh, it's that much money because it could feed all of Angelina Jolie's kids in one sitting. It's ridiculous how much food they plate at this place. Cut the portion sizes in half (us Americans really don't need another reason to get fatter) and cut the prices in half. I had broccoli with shrimp and fettuccine in a white wine, lemon, garlic sauce. It was $21. I could have made that exact dish for a dinner party and spent less. Not that cutting prices or sizes would deter or bring in business - it's usually packed with people. Local Andersonvillians mostly, I feel. It'd be one thing if you were getting a bang for your buck - say, $12 for that dish and that much food. But... you're not paying for anything special, just SIZE. BECAUSE SIZE MATTERS. Save your dough and go to Pasta Bowl in Lincoln Park.... you can watch the cooks make the sauces right before your very eyes and you'll go home with leftovers but not break the proverbial bank.
(3)Jessica N.
This place was delicious and had a fantastic ambiance. Service was good as well. I ordered the ziti with vodka whereas my fiancé ordered the surf and turf and both were fantastic. The calamari was also quite good. Easy walk from the CTA as well so definitely can't complain about that. Will come back, definitely recommend!
(5)Susan C.
I went to this restaurant before it came on check please. I must say I love this restaurant for Italian because they got really good food. I have yet to try the pizza because I heard it is really good. They have really good selections of dishes along with appetizers, salad and desserts for you to choose from. Not many italian restaurant I must say is that good compare to this place. So I will go back to this place anytime I have a hankering for some good seafood pasta.
(5)Melissa K.
They bring out a delicious bread bowl filled with focaccia bread. So tasty. The restaurant has a relaxed, but still upper scale feel to it. The three meals our table ordered were the Gnocchi, tilapia with a side of garlic mash and the shrimp pasta dish. All three were delicious and very filling. The portions are big and eating the bread before means lots of yummy carbs. All the deserts sounded wonderful but we were too full to even try one. The have a small parking lot across the street. You can get a validation from the restaurant. Also make sure to have reservations. You don't have to have one, but the restaurant does get full so it's much easier to reserve a spot.
(5)Chetty K.
Wow....floored. AMAZING PLACE AND FOOD!!! This place always is packed but the wait goes really, really quick; which is great because I'm super impatient and antsy when hungry....and I always wait too long to eat between meals so I'm usually a grouchy mess when it's time to finally eat. No problem? Why? The service was phenomenal and they made the wait a pleasant experience...there is a great bar to buy drinks while waiting. Overall I can't give this place enough stars; but a million stars would be stupid and something a kindergartner would do. 5 Italian food fucking stars!!!
(5)S K.
Been coming here for years. It is our go-to place for a cozy setting and consistent and delicious food. Everyone always enjoys their meal here. My only complaint is that the hostesses here are almost always in bad moods and seem confused. Owners should train these ladies on how to greet a guest with a smile and a full sentence or explanation rather than acting as if they are doing you a favor by seating you. Last visit we witnessed the curt and patronizing behavior to at least three groups being seated. We then watched two of them openly complaining to each other about some internal issues. Doesn't really set the tone for a nice dinner out. Can't say enough good things about the food though and our servers are usually very thorough and accommodating!
(2)Jed B.
Just had the mussels but they were nice and big and meaty. Had them in a cream broth. Drinks were well made and adequately strong. I'd go back for dinner.
(4)Joe P.
Calo is uniquely...weird. My family and I--my 'rents visiting from out of town--were seated at a high table. Sharing our benches with strangers, we waited ages for service, only to eat very--VERY--mediocre food. Italian food is very difficult to perfect, but very easy to make mediocre. It was sub-par here. Too much effort to be creative and hip, and not enough focus to the nut-and-bolts of Italian cuisine. It's saving grace, is that the prices (kind of) reflect it.
(2)Lex N.
No do not order delivery from them. They say they tried to deliver and I had my cell phone right next to me. F them. There is far better Italian in this hood. If I could give them a 0 I would. Apparently their delivery people do not own cell phones. F the owner I will never order from them again or eat in their resto. Petes [izza works just fine. And, I can make what they make. Michael. manager is n a hole never going there again.
(1)Sharon C.
First time ordering a pizza for delivery and it got here SO fast, and it's SO delicious! I had kind of a complicated request and the woman who took my order was really kind. I've dined in a Calo's a few times in the past and I've always had a great experience. Had my daughter's birthday dinner there and the salad and pizza was fantastic and the staff there were realy great to us, about 15 11-year olds and 5 moms. LOVE this place!!!!
(5)Mike D.
Barely better than Olive Garden.I don't understand all the positive reviews for this place. The food was subar par at best. Anteprima across the street is 10 times better.
(2)Rachel G.
My husband and I finally got ourselves to Calo last night and I'm so glad! Stepping into Calo is like stepping into your childhood. This place is about as old school (in a good way) as you'll find anywhere around here. This is, by no means, a cutting edge, haute cuisine type place, but it is fun. You WILL be given one of those Applebee's style buzzing things to let you know when your table is ready. Strap yourself in though and enjoy the kitsch of it because this place is pretty darn great! Coming here is definitely an experience you should have! This is a place that you can go casual to, they still serve soup or salad with your entree, the decor is adorable, the service is wonderfully friendly, and the food is solid. Clearly, many people agree with me because it was full of happy patrons. Many had chosen to bring large groups to celebrate birthdays etc. with. We loved the bread, as many do. The pizza bread/focaccia was great and made me want to try their pizza one day. We had prosciutto wrapped melon for an appetizer and loved it! I was leery of ordering melon (cantaloupe) in the winter because I feared it wouldn't be ripe, but it was! It was served over fresh, lovely mixed greens with shaved parmesan and a simple vinaigrette. Yum. The husband had ravioli and I had gorgonzola stuffed gnocchi. Both were good... nothing ground breaking, but good! Remember, this is an old school place! For dessert, we had killer tiramisu. It was rich, dense, and purely delicious. The husband also had espresso which he enjoyed. It was served with lemon peel...this is the way to do it! No one does this anymore. Our waitress was fantastic. She was upbeat, friendly, and attentive with not a snooty bone in her body. Loved her! The rest of the staff seemed very on top of their work. Tables were cleared quickly and beautifully all around us. The service was all very professional. We will definitely be back to Calo and will likely get their pizza to carry out soon. Bring your friends and family...they will all have a great time!
(4)Jessica G.
When we got here, right as they were opening, the doors were still locked. I was a wee bit worried we were going to have to find somewhere else for our group of 8 to go. Luckily the doors opened, as if by magic, and we got settled in for a pretty delightful meal. The bread is more than just bread - we would call it pizza bread - crust with sauce in it? Yes, please. We ordered three pizzas for our group and they were all quite good. Sometimes an all-veg pizza gets boring and lacks flavor but not here. Good sauce ratio, the right amount of toppings, and the correct cheese proportion - all without being salty or greasy. The crust was excellent on the thin - just crispy enough and not floppy at all. If you're coming in for beer, they have a few standard selections but not a ton to choose from. There's a decent wine list and they also have cocktails. Service was ok - it seemed like our server was the only one there and even though it was pretty much empty when we arrived, it filled up fast so service got a little sideways a couple of times. Overall, quite a nice meal and well worth a visit!
(4)Katharine T.
Calo is pretty darn good. It's kind of faux fine-dining but I've got no qualms with that. The restaurant is nice, spacious, good mood lighting. Almost upscale but all guests, and staff, are dressed in street clothes. Some of their hostesses are quite questionably dressed, it's kind of strange but that's OK, just saying. Their pasta is pretty great. I wont call it authentic. I mean it's authentic American-Italian. Giant portions of pasta slathered in sauce with meat and veggies etc. My boyfriend and I have had quite the variety of pasta dishes here and they are all super super tasty. Their rigatoni con pollo e funghi is my favorite. Rigatoni with chicken and tons of mushrooms in super fat cream sauce, so delicious. A bit pricey for sure, could prob shave at least $2 off every dish on the menu. But you always get leftovers (and then when you take it home and warm it up the next day you get to see how all the oil has separated from the sauce, Oh yum!). They do a really good, quite large, Mediterranean salad. Plenty of greens, kalamata olives, very very tasty heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, feta, onion. I love it. I added chicken once, very good. This is my go to meal now because it's really hard not to fall into a severe depression after thinking about how many calories you must have consumed from their pasta dishes (but they are so gooooood). We have not tried any steak, fish, seafood etc. Always pasta or salad. We split a small thin crust pizza once, I barely remember it. Not sure it's noteworthy but would try again. Apparently they have ribs here and apparently they are good. As I am currently on a HUGE BBQ kick I want to try their ribs. I'm sure they aren't as good as ones you can get at a real BBQ joint but maybe I'll be surprised. Lastly, they bring a nice basket of fresh bread to the table. Free bread!!! It's really quite good. French rolls and some sort of foccacia, tomato herb bread. Yes please. All in all a nice neighborhood restaurant, good for family dining, a good option for a more special dinner without totally breaking the bank.
(3)George J.
Ok so I gave this place another chance cause I believe everyone deserves a second chance, boy did they let me down. There's is just nothing good in this place, I love fettuccini Alfredo and theirs was bland, undercooked and flavorless. This time back I let them tell me what their special was and a very good pasta they recommended the ziti in vodka sauce, WOW, FAIL!!! The girl with me was in a dress and they seat us right against the glass doors that open during the summer so she was freezing and when I asked to move they said we would have to wait a while but didn't have a time frame, 2 minutes later they sat 2 guys right next to us away from the glass, really?! Anyway, we ordered the appetizer and that's when I realized NOTHING in this place has flavor except the pizza bread they give you with the bread. This places ambiance is nice and the fact that they have free parking across the street aside from that I will never eat here again! If you're looking for great Italian food with a much sexier ambiance and PHENAMONAL Italian food check out Sapori Trattoria you will never eat Italian anywhere else.
(1)Jerrod C.
Arrived with my family for an afternoon lunch. It was raining and cold out. We were placed at a table near the front door. I asked if we could move since my grandmother was with us and she gets cold very easily. The host told me NO. Keep this in mind, this was lunch and the entire back section of the restaurant was open. One waiter did come over and offered to move us to the next table over which was appreciated. Then we received our salads. My mother found the sticker for the lettuce in her's. We told the busboy and he stated "whatever". My father ordered a side of Italian sausage with his meal. When the meals arrived he had to remind the waiter and the sausage arrived 10 minutes later. Food was good and the reason for the 2nd star but service was lacking. They all seemed snobby and unwelcoming. There are better options when in Andersonville. Update: Since I posted the above message I received a very offensive and threatening message from a Calo's Staff member. I think we all see the level of professionalism here.
(2)Lulu R.
Focaccia bread for free? What? Yes. You had me at Focaccia bread. Recently went here for my buddy's birthday dinner. The house was packed which was a good sign of delicious food. We made reservations and were seated a little late but everything got sorted out fine. Located in the andersonville neighborhood, it was very busy and they do have a private lot available for parking but it was full when we got there and parking was a bit harder to find. What I found unusual was that they didn't have a valet service available. For such a bustling restaurant, I think that should be an option. Luckily I finally found parking a few blocks away. We were seated and had drinks in our hands, pronto! We ordered the calamari (both friend and grilled). Both came out very delicious and not over done. The grilled calamari was my most favorite since it came with a bed of greens under it. They were succulent and seasoned perfectly. As a main entree I got the vodka cream penne with chicken and it was delicious and the portions are huge which I love because I have lunch for the next day. SWEET! My best friend had the rissotto and it was creamy and executed very well. I commend any chef that can cook a risotto because when I tried, it was a near disaster. The pricing is in the moderate range but the quality of the food is well worth it. They have a full bar in a great neighborhood. The service was good even with a packed house. This place looks quite modern and loved my experience here. Hope to try this place again soon because I hear the pizza is serious here.
(4)Paul P.
I've read some of the bad reviews and I think these ppl. Are crazy. this place rocks. they have the best thin pizza (you van even get 20") and the best ribs (they are so tender and great sauce). The only thing I ever had that I thought was just "so so"was the steak. I love the ribs so much I hardly get anything else. and sun thru thru you can get a full slab for $13. my wife usually gets a pasta dish and they are always good too. the cream soups are incredible must mention. Parking across the street has an attendent. you can park here too if your picking up a pizza.
(5)Genie Z.
Many acquaintances I have know about this amazing Italian restaurant I have not tried until last week! A friend and I were contemplating on where to eat for lunch and he highly recommended Calo's! I was definitely in the mood for Italian! I think service is very important when it comes to hungry customers, especially that I have previously worked as a server. Calos greets you right away and seats you. The atmosphere is very comforting and relaxing, wonderful for a night out or to enjoy a date. I haven't yet tried good Italian food because they're either chained or they're plain with no taste to satisfy my Italian cravings! I tried the PASTA ITALIA which is shrimp and broccoli in a white wine, garlic and extra virgin olive oil sauce; served over linguini and I chose split pea (has ham) as my soup/salad. Wow! The food satisfied my cravings, the shrimp were actual size and perfectly cooked and marinated! The pasta wasn't undercooked or over cooked! Now, I haven't had split pea soup in years!!! Boy oh boy did Calo's bring so many tasty memories! Great spot to enjoy, I HIGHLY recommend this great Italian spot!!
(5)Amy M.
Calo is a gem! My sister and I have eaten there many times and they have catered two of our parties! Our most recent party was a breeze because of Rosa! She was very helpful in choosing the perfect menu for our surprise party! Everyone always enjoys the delicious catering and it makes the party a success! So for your next party choose Calo!
(5)Christopher B.
We went in Saturday night and it was excellent, again. Appetizers, we had the bruschetta and fried calamari. Both tasted so fresh and delicious. Entrees, we had 3. A lobster saffron ravioli. A sausage rigatoni. And a shrimp and mushroom ribbon pasta. Everything was really tasty. Blue Moons on tap. And our waiter is truly a professional. The worst thing that happened was that we had to remind him about our son's lemonade, but he more than made up for it with friendly attention. The only thing I can recommend is to save your appetite when you go to Calo's to eat. Everything is so fantastic you will leave pleasantly stuffed if you so desire. Also having been there several times I'd say they are consistent. Atmosphere is fun. There's always a lively crowd and the place is attractive, clean, a little dark in a cool sort of way. Plus parking across the street if you need it!
(5)Maria V.
The food is good not great. It is very consistent though. The portions are generous. The rib special is tasty. However, the prices online are not accurate. The actual prices are higher. I asked to speak to a manager when the price was quite a bit higher and I was told he's busy. I've been a very frequent customer for over 2 yrs and I'm not a happy camper.
(3)Jim K.
Solid Italian restaurant, great salads, shrimp scampi delicious, ravioli great service, Elmer. Some of the best meat sauce ever. Thinest pizza around, the best lunch
(5)Dustin G.
First, let me say that I never go out for Italian food because I love to cook it at home. However, my husband and I decided we wanted to have a gourmet Italian meal with zero effort for our second wedding anniversary. Several friends recommended Calo and we just moved within walking distance so we decided to give it a try. I'm really glad we did. Our evening was excellent! To start we ordered the grilled calamari. The whole tubes--not sliced rings--were grilled perfectly and served atop a bed of sauteed spinach. The was the perfect way to start the meal. I could've ordered another plate of it and been satisfied to eat only calamari that night. Of course, then I would've missed out on the delicious minestrone soup. I only had a cup before my main course but it was so good that i considered ordering some more to go. I should have! For my main course I had the pappardelle with shrimp and mushrooms. My husband had the chicken saltimbocca. Both dishes were delicious and plentiful. We each took home enough to have lunch the next day. The pappardelle was fresh and cooked perfectly. The shrimp were huge and succulent. My husband's chicken was tender and juicy. Also, our waitress was very attentive and informative about the menu. I can't wait to go back to Calo for another meal!
(5)Helene M.
Don't order delivery from Cato. Received a pizza not edible. Called to complain, had pizza to return as proof, but just got a lot of arguments.
(1)Brian P.
Our favorite Italian joint on the north side. We go as a family (3 kids) all the time and the kids love the food. The room is always busy with a lot of energy, service is good. Menu offerings are diverse so whether it's a good piece of fish, meat, or any number of pastas, I've never once been disappointed. Also, the pizzas are outstanding.
(5)Arthur L.
OMG !!!!! I don't know where to begin. Grilled Octopus GREAT !!!!!! Ziti in Vodka, wow, wow, wow. Prices very reasonable. Elle behind the bar, with Carla, are fabulous! !!!!!! Bring friends, bring family hell, grab anyone you can and make it down here!!! You won't be dissapointed !!!!!!!!
(5)Samantha G.
It's a bit pricey, but not excessive, especially for the area. The food is REALLY good and the portions are beyond HUGE. Like, seriously out of control HUGE. Drinks are good and the menu has something for everyone basically. My friend had a pesto pasta that was incredible and I had a chicken caesar salad, which was OK and needed a lot more dressing.
(4)Dan G.
Great Italian food in Andersonville. And they deliver too! The pan pizza is really good here, some of the best in the city. Good crust, homemade sauce, and cooked to that perfect golden brown. The Italian cuisine is well done too. The last time I had the Vongole, which is clams in a red sauce served over linguine. Just fantastic fresh clams, a red sauce that can compete with your grandma's, and a perfect al dente on the noodles. Great place for a group or even a date. And the delivery is always fast for you pizza fix!
(4)Justin H.
Since my last review things have slipped at this normally rock solid restaurant, But tonight was the toothpick that got lodged between the front teeth of the ugliest donkey this side of America. We arrived a little later at night but were seated and ordered the Monday rib special. The food is good, just see my previous post. But they cannot get anything right the first time. Almost every time I have ordered for delivery or pickup over the last 2 years something is not right. Tonight there were a few things that were just inexcusable. First when I finally got to eating my side of pasta I found my Marinara sauce was actually meat sauce. I wouldn't be upset except this is the SAME ERROR that happens every time we order delivery or carryout AND when I asked our waitress to switch it for pasta with marinara, she went back to the kitchen and told me, "sorry the kitchen is closed for the night". So I am now stuck with the WRONG order. Didn't eat my pasta. You served it to me wrong, and now your kitchen is closed so you cannot make it right. Second was when our waitress took our order at about 9:45pm and my friend ordered a pitcher of beer and I ordered a bottle of cider she never mentioned that they were closing in well.... we still aren't sure when they close as there are no hours listed on the door, the menu or anywhere for that matter. But after she only drank about a third of her pitcher and asking the waitress when they close and her telling us whenever the last customer leaves they began to make it VERY CLEAR it was time for us to go. Lights turned up really bright, chairs being put on all tables but ours and all the t.v's turned off. Except, we hadn't received our check yet. So my friend paid for a $16 pitcher of beer. Wasn't allowed to finish it. Calo, if you want to be an Italian restaurant know the Italian traditions. Make me feel like I'm at my aunties house. Treat me as if I am a valued customer... not with and attitude of AS IF. Calo, Now is your opportunity to make this right.
(1)Kyle M.
I've been going to Calo's since I was 4 years old, and I always have wonderful memories of the place and I still have a great time every time I return! The staff is always friendly and prompt with bread and drinks and the food has yet to disappoint me. (and I'm fairly sure it never will) I do miss this one thing they used to have that they called the relish dish (it was an appetizer of sorts with peppers, sausage, pepperoni, and cheese) but I still enjoy the food every time I go back!
(5)Honest A.
There may be trendier Italian in Andersonville but for the money, Calo is best. Great flavors, top notch ingredients, and friendly service. Great Pie. Reliable. Well run. Nice dining room. Recommended.
(4)Xochitl I.
This is my go to carry out pizza place. Great appetizers and desserts too.
(5)Yvonne B.
What was impressive about Calo Ristorante was that they were crowded on a Wednesday night. The price was incredible too! After two glasses of wine, one martini, and two entrees, our bill was only about $55 (before tip). Maybe that's why they were bustling! What was not impressive was the service and the food. It's not as if either was bad - just not good. Our server did her job. She took our order, brought our drinks and food, and delivered the bill. She was not coquettish or personable. In fact, she was a bit slow in her initial visit to our table, but was adequate in timeliness after that. M got the Rapini E Salsiccia pizza and I got the Gnocchi Gorgonzola which came with a cup of Split Pea Soup. I loved the soup! M liked my gnocchi whereas I wasn't a fan. Neither of us liked her pizza. I thought the bottom of the crust tasted burnt and she didn't like the broccoli (rapini). I liked the flavor of the broccoli but I couldn't bite through it on the pizza. The texture was chewy and whole pieces would come away from the rest of the slice when I took a bite. M was satisfied with her wine and my peach martini was okay. It was a little too syrupy sweet for me. There are so many other restaurants nearby so we will probably check them out instead of returning to Calo Ristorante. It didn't leave a favorable impression on either of us.
(2)Jessica G.
I had eaten here before but didn't remember until I walked in the door and recognized the place. That should have been my first clue about how I felt about the experience. The decor is very cool and definitely nice for a date night or an evening out with friends, dark and candlelit but not so dark you can't see to have a good conversation. The staff was very nice and we were seated right away. We ordered some drinks. I got a mojito, which may be a strange drink order for an italian restaurant but it's summer and I was in the mood for one. The drink was not great. It was strong so I'll give them that, but being past the point of wanting to drink just to get drunk, I actually prefer flavor to my drink. All I could taste was the vodka. No lime or mint or mixture of the two came through at all. We ordered Calamari for our appetizer and it was delicious. It was served with more of a cocktail sauce than a mariner sauce and I actually loved that. It was a little bit sweet and spicy, not a typical cocktail sauce but something more original. I had cream of spinach soup and it was delicious as well. Not too think and very flavorful without being heavy. For dinner I ordered the Chicken Francese. I knew it would be a lot of chicken, it said it in the description, but holy cow was it a lot of chicken! I was already full from the calamari and the soup and honest could have not even ordered dinner but I Love chicken Francese. This one was not my favorite. My favorite thing about this dish is how light it is, thin chicken breasts in a lemon and white wine sauce but this one seemed heavy and there was too much batter. The egg batter on it was way too thick and a little overcooked. I had about 3 bites and was done. The mashed potatoes were amazing! All in all, I would eat here again, but it would not be my first choice for italian. I also think they should advertise it as family style or the wait staff should explain the giant portion sizes so you know what you are getting into. We would have ordered differently if we had know.
(3)Pauly D.
Every bite of their fettuccine alfredo is like a party in my mouth!!! The pizza bread is amazing! Love this place!!
(5)Joel P.
Luh-git. I was in Chitown for only an afternoon/evening, and crowdsourced recommendations for deep dish pizza, and Calo came out on top. Thank the pizza gods. The food and service here was just superb. Bartenders were nice and personable, helpful and funny. Appetizer of prosciutto and melon was very good, and a nice light but full of taste start to our meal. We got a medium pepperoni stuffed pizza and it was just... really really good. Very flavorful and easy to eat for how big it was. I see other folks on here complaining about prices... I don't know, I thought it was more than reasonable for the food and drinks, and still cheaper than anything we'll get out here Boston ways. Come on over to the east coast and then talk to me about expensive, peeps.
(5)Michelle P.
My wife and I had our Wedding reception Saturday October 25, 2014 in the private party room at Calo and did an appetizer and cocktail reception for 85 people. Calo did an absolutely AMAZING and FANTASTIC job and the reception was just amazing!!! WE cannot begin to thank the Manager Saqib enough for everything. We reserved the party room back in May and he assured us everything would go off without a hitch and he was correct!! The staff was amazing and the food was superb!! We ordered a large sampling of their appetizers, Bruschetta, Mozzarella sticks, Mediterranean Salad, Rotolo Di Melanzana, Fried Calamari, Buffalo Wings, Artichoke and Spinach Dip, Sausage and Peppers, Grilled Seafood Platter, and several Pizzas. Saqib helped us in determining how many platters of each would be needed for the size of our party and made suggestions that they would only bring out as much as necessary and not overcharge or bring out more food than was needed for the reception. The staff did a great job of checking to make sure the food was in adequate supply and quickly brought out more when needed. Our guests raved about the food and absolutely loved the sampling and choices available. We were very impressed with the amount of appetizers available at Calo and we were correct in deciding on this kind of reception instead of a sit down individual plated entree choices as we felt we were able to offer a wider variety of the food that Calo has to offer with the appetizer and cocktail reception choice. We had an open bar for the first two hours of the reception and the bartender did a great job of keeping our wedding coordinator appraised of the bar tab as we had requested. The bartender was great, she was very friendly to everyone. We highly recommend Calo for your wedding reception. Saqib the manager was great to work with and he and the staff definitely know how to plan the right amount of food for different sized parties. The party room is absolutely beautiful with a large full size bar and the floor to ceiling windows looking out onto Clark st open up in nice weather to allow fresh air into the room which is unique to most indoor reception venues. It was a beautiful day for a fall wedding at Calo and we would book another party there in a heartbeat!
(5)Esther K.
I was brought to Calo by a friend whose family has been dining here for 25 years- and I can understand why. Great food, great service, great atmosphere. I'm one of those suckers who will happily ruin my appetite by feasting on the bread pre-entre, and the focaccia was definitely a winner- warm, soft, and buttery. I of course still managed to enjoy the pappardelle con funghi (shitake, porcini and portobello mushrooms with chicken and a hint of white truffle oil). The pasta was just the right texture and the sauce rich and creamy. And I'm not exaggerating folks when I say the leftovers fed me for a full 1.5 meals. I rounded out the evening with a cappuccino and shared tiramisu. Calo is hearty, indulgent Italian done right at a really reasonable price. I can't wait for my next visit.
(4)Jimmy J.
I own a mostly carry out delivery restaurant which is 6 blocks away. And while I'm a speck to an operation like Calo, they're still my competitor. But I have no problem giving them props for running an excellently efficient operation with great food. Calo uses high quality stuff. Trust me I know. We stopped in for a late lunch and really enjoyed our Sausage n Rapini thin pie, Italian Chopped Salad, and Bruschetta. Their Tiramisu is best I've had anywhere. Nice ambiance and good service. Its no mystery this place is a behemoth busy institution. Big Mike and Frank do a great job navigating the ship.
(5)Courtney D.
When I order delivery/grubhub something and tip and pay the delivery fee and give to the letter instructions about how and where my buzzer is located please dont knock on my window expecting me to come outside. It's scary, it's rude, and it's not you doing the job I already paid you to do. All of my resteraunt reviews have been 5 star reviews and it pains me to have to leave a lukewarm one for Calo much like the pizza they reluctantly delivered to me. I live a couple blocks away. I actually expect this joint to be slightly classier than this and i'm disappointed and I'm going to try another establishment in the future.
(3)Courtney W.
I think this place is fantastic, and apparently I'm not the only one. On a recent Sunday night I dined with the bf and his family. A table for 6 was not hard to come by but almost every other table was full. The pizza bread that they bring out as a starter (for free) was excellent, the highlight of my meal. We asked for extras multiple times and they kindly obliged. The fried calamari makes for a good starter dish and the 6 of us were able to share one order. The gnocchi gorgonzola was good as well, just not what I was expecting. I was expecting a more traditional gnocchi but this one came stuffed with gorgonzola cheese, I asked for vodka sauce and they had no problem with the substitution. Not bad, just different. I don't think there was any potato in this dish, although on the menu there claimed to be. The caprese salad was fresh and on par with others I've tried. The salad was huge though, definitely share-worthy. Overall, great experience and traditional Italian fare. The staff was courteous and efficient, the food was hot and fresh. They have a parking lot that is free with validation (although there was no attendant present when we parked so we were a little confused). This is definitely a hidden gem worth the trip.
(4)Frank P.
We have take out pizza from there nearly every week. It's always thin and crispy. When we dine in the food is always great. Staff and owners are super friendly. Great spot for groups or an intimate or romantic dinner. The place has been revamped about 10 years ago and is hip. Tv's in the bar area and there's a separate dining room.
(5)Miles D.
I can't believe this place gets great reviews. I walked in on Saturday night and 3 hosts/employees standing in front didn't even say hello. Excuse me? Prices are too high, pizza is either pre made or frozen obviously not fresh crust, marinated octopus salad was full of cheapest can olives and celery with 10 blades of oil drenched salad, octopus tasted like it was from a can or preserved somehow like eating a dead tasteless octopus carcass, caprese salad made with cheap tomato and not prepared well, overall disappointed to say the least.
(1)Dave M.
Every. Single. Time. This place is perfect. Exactly what a restaurant should be. From the gniocci gorgonzola to the pan fried chicken parmesan. I find it hard to try new things on the menu because the item I had the time before was so good that I want to order it again. The service is first class. Oh, and it's the best pizza in town. I take my out of town friends to Calo without a second thought. I also like to stop by on a week night and sit at the bar and eat and watch a game. Do yourself a favor. Eat at Calo. (Make reservations on the weekend)
(5)Cathleen P.
I have been going here for years because the food is fantastic, the staff is friendly, and the restaurant is very clean. I have never had a bad meal here. It's a great atmosphere for friends and families. I love to sit in the booths in the bar area.
(5)Jacob T.
My department used Calo to cater our Christmas party, and it was fantastic -- both lasagnas, the meatballs, everything was great. I can't speak on the dining experience, but the food was great.
(4)Melanie S.
With its extensive menu, great list of wines and cocktails, comfortable interior, and friendly, accommodating service, Calo is a great place for a date, group dinner, or even the solo diner. Calo has been around forever (and by forever, I mean fifty years), long before Andersonville was a hot and happnin' neighborhood. Its staying power in a town where restaurants open and close in just a couple years' time speaks volumes. There's a good reason it's been a mainstay in Chicago. The food is reliably good and the ingredients are always fresh. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. Even if you're not a huge fan of Italian food, you'd be hard-pressed not to find something to whet your whistle; there's truly something for everybody on the menu. You can't go wrong with any of their pizzas (pan, Neopolitan, thin, stuffed!), and the calamari (they serve both fried and grilled versions) is above average as well. There's a plethora of pasta dishes from which to choose, as well as a number of meat and seafood items (including Alaskan king crab legs!). Everything is executed well. As if Calo didn't have enough going for it, they serve until 11 pm, they also offer carry-out and delivery, accept reservations, and there's a free parking lot across the street. Plenty of reasons that Calo deserves its reputation. I'm certainly a fan.
(4)Matt B.
Great place if you are looking to go out to dinner with a big group or there is just 2 of you sitting in the bar area. Not a huge fan of their fish but the pastas are on of the BEST around. I really enjoyed the Farfalle Butera (Bowie pasta with Italian sausage and green peas in a creamy gorgonzola cheese sauce.) Also, they have some great wines and when you order a prosecco you get your own little bottle! I should also mention the staff is very nice.
(5)M M.
Just based upon my few experiences- great servers, great ambiance. Semi formal. Ordered: ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, calamari... Uhm I forget the rest. The garlic mash was the best I've ever tasted in my life. The ribs were skimpy and over drenched with sauce. Calamari's calamari.
(4)Charlz P.
Calo has great food but they have the very best take out/delivery. We have ordered various food choices at various times of the day and the food always arrives hot with excellent quality. The Best!!
(5)Laura P.
I had a pasta dish (RIGATONI CON POLLO E FUNGHI) and it was delicious! We also had the calamari and it was the best I have ever had, I order calamari at every Italian restaurant I eat at so that is saying something! The canoli's are to die for! I will eat here everytime I visit Chicago! So glad my friend Tabitha recommended this place, we all had a great time!
(5)Darren F.
my cousin came to Chicago for a few days and she likes Italian food.. so Italian food is where I'm going to bring her haha.. i asked a few friends for recommendation and one of them recommended Calo Ristorante. there is a parking lot right across from the restaurant which was awesome.. the restaurant is dark and a little crampy.. the service was kind of slow.. took about 30 mins from them to finally take our orders after being seated.. there was complimentary tomato bread and rolls and all i have to say is .. those tomato bread or whatever it is.. is delicious!!!!!!!!! it taste almost like pizza without the toppings we ordered the fried calamari fritti, bbq ribs, meat ravioli , ziti vodka , and ravioli di aragosta fried calamari fritti - it was good.. not too much breading and yet has a nice crisp to it.. bbq ribs - it was average.. but i didn't expect it to wow me since it is a Italian place and not a bbq joint meat ravioli - it was well balanced and tasted great... it had enough meat stuffing in there unlike most places.. ZITI VODKA - Grilled chicken, sun dried tomatoes and green peas in a vodka tomato cream basil sauce.. the chicken was nice and tender.. the ingredients tasted fresh and it was just delicious... RAVIOLI DI ARAGOSTA - Saffron pasta stuffed with lobster and ricotta cheese in a brandy cream sauce with sun dried tomatoes, asparagus, portobello mushrooms and grilled shrimp... they used big shrimp and it was really really good! the flavors and ingredients in this dish was perfect.. no doubt about it.. i will be back whenever i want Italian food!
(4)Cara C.
The food was, in a word, delicious. I had the farfalle butera - bow tie pasta and peas in a Gorgonzola cheese sauce. And the portion was huge. The atmosphere, though, was loud. I mean insanely loud. Like, concert level loud. I couldn't hear the person next to me unless they yelled in my ear. So maybe wait til it's cleared out a bit for the evening, if you love your eardrums. A shame - would have been pretty perfect otherwise.
(4)Mona K.
Portions are huge. My "baby" sized pizza could feed my family of 4. Pan pizza was really good; plenty cheese and perfect amount of sauce. Loved the fact that they had free parking! The ambience was great but a little loud, maybe it was the music.
(5)Kevin K.
Reservation slow. They were overwhelmed. Great service. Good Caesar salad with anchovies. Had pizza thing crust. Fettschiniy with Italian sausage. Rigatoni with chicken sausage and asparagus. All Excellent. Thought $$ were reasonable for Chicago. Would go back
(4)Garrett Y.
We came here for dinner Friday night. We recommend getting reservations as soon as you know you are heading to Calo as the place gets quite busy. We were able to get reservations for a table of 5, but only in the bar area. I had the minestrone soup, which is always very good. For dinner, I had spaghetti and meatballs, my go-to Italian meal. The meatballs were not ginormous, but good. However, Calo does provide a lot of food, and I had to pack half of dinner to take home. Overall, a very good place to have dinner on a week night or weekend.
(4)Sophia Z.
The service was amazing! I ordered the Gnocchi which was a bit too cheesy for my liking but my friend ordered the Chicken Parmesan which she said was good.
(4)Charles P.
Who knows where Saqib went??? ...He was a manager there for years and the reason my family kept coming back .. . If you know please post.
(4)Romana Y.
I've been here several times, and have enjoyed the food and ambiance. The pizzas are good: thin crust, but not neopolitan style thin. The pasta dishes are good without being too heavy. It's a great place for dates, friends' gatherings, or families, which you'll find all of the above here. The dimmed lighting, and cozy furnishings exude comfort. All in all, the food/ambiance/patrons collectively make this place worth checking out. It's great enough to become a regular, too!
(4)Natalie K.
Ordered the Ziti al Vodka via GrubHub and OMG it is sooooo yummy! I can only imagine how delicious the rest of the food here is! Love it!
(5)Bradley B.
Maybe if Jon Stewart would try this deep dish, he would finally come around. Just saying.
(4)Zhe M.
Have been to this place 3 times since 2012. Their seafood pasta was a must have thing for me, also came with a huge portion. BBQ pork ribs were delicious but ran a little bit sweeter and sourer than the first time I had. Pizza was just ok. Service was decent and the owner was friendly as well.
(4)Michelle F.
Ever since I ate here for a friend's birthday, I've been having dreams about this place. In particular, the Bucatini al Pesto, which is a pasta dish with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes with a creamy pesto sauce. Sounds good, right? Actually, everything on Calo's menu sounded good to me. I also tried some of my husband lasagna, which was amazing. Seriously, I don't think you can order a bad menu item from here. For starters, they give each table complimentary focaccia bread, as well as french bread and butter. Super tasty. Our table ordered a couple rounds of bread. As I said, the entrees were definitely the stars of the show. For dessert, there was a birthday cake. I'm not sure if Calo baked it or if it was ordered through an outside bakery, but it was delicious. Overall, it was a really good experience. I do have to mention that seating by the bar is pretty cramped. Since we had a large group of 16 people, a bunch of tables were put together to run parallel to the bar. I was unfortunate enough to be sitting on the bar side, and some dude was totally encroaching on my personal space. Not cool. It was just super-packed. I strongly recommend having a reservation for dinner, especially on a Friday or Saturday night.
(4)Mark S.
Calo's is a good convenient option for people living in the neighborhood. I live in the area and I'd like to give Calo 3.5 stars if that was an option. I would probably come back again sometime, but there are many better Italian restaurants in the city. I don't think I would take out of town guests here. Parking - We arrived before 7pm and their somewhat large parking lot across the street was already filled. I'm sure the parking is a big draw due to the densely populated area and the number of seniors living in the neighborhood high rises along the lake. We found a close spot on the street that was free after 6pm so we were fine. Ambiance - The atmosphere was very nice, mood lighting with candles on the tables was relaxing. Our table was spacious for our party of three, and we were able to linger comfortably after our meal. Drinks - I'm more of a beer drinker so I can't comment on the wine and spirits. Calo's had only one beer on draft that was acceptable to me, but $5 for a pint of Three Floyd's Alpha King is a good deal. I think they had around 8 beers on draft. Food - A nice bread basket was presented immediately and included crusty French bread and a soft focaccia bread. I ordered the linguini carbonara which came with a decent house salad. Soup was also a option. It was very good and the portion was huge and I took more than half home. My dinner mates had the baby back ribs and the lasagna which were both average tasting. The ribs were a little over cooked and the lasagna was too heavy on the sauce. Service - We were seated right away, even though the restaurant was getting pretty full before 7pm on a Tuesday night. Our server was polite and professional.
(3)Sheri S.
The pizza is fine. Had chicken parm special, not very good. I have read good things about ribs, so ordered rib tips. DISGUSTING!!! It was literally a tub of knuckle bones and fat. if i was in the restaurant, i would have sent it back. But, it was delivery and calling would have been useless.
(2)Lauren D.
The lasagna that I have had here reminds me of the pasta fresca that my grandmother used to make when I was a young child. She would take hours to make it the old-fashioned way with a rolling pin (no pasta machine), but in the end it was well worth the wait. Calo definitely knows how to make homemade pasta with lightness and a buttery texture. Its suave entry into my mouth was a deeply satisfying cohesion of pasta and sauce. It delivered a buoyant, palate-caressing richness of taste making for the perfect amalgamation! The calamari is incredibly tender and fresh with a crispy and light exterior. This is the only restaurant where I order calamari. Why? It's excellent. It's fresh. It's consistent. It's delectable. Simply the best. Period. If you are not in the mood for pasta, I highly recommend their pizza, which has a wonderful thin and crispy crust. The quality of cheese and toppings are worthy of five stars. Also, the gnocchi is heaven in a bowl... velvet-like cushions in every bite... a revelation in my tongue followed by a creaminess and a persistent taste that lingers around for a while. The gnocchi is light and delicate. The best wine to pair with gnocchi is a central Italian one, such as, Trebbiano or Grecchetto with enough fruity, flowery and spicy aromas and is pleasant on the palate. We have an aunt who lives walking distance to this restaurant and have been more than 10 times over the years. We have always received excellent to very good service here. Depending upon your server it can be 4 to 5 stars. Plating receives 4-stars, while the cuisine receives 5-stars. The price-point is 4-stars. They have a fairly fantastic wine list (worthy of 5-stars). IF you are unsure about what kind of wine to order, please ask your Server. He/she will make recommendations for pairing wine with your meal. This is a great restaurant for a date or for catching up with friends. It is dark, romantic and cozy. Parking: Park across the street for free. The parking lot is worked and watched by Calo employees so if you are not going to Calo's for lunch or dinner. TIP: If you are seeking an authentic Italian restaurant that is not filled with "tourists" and interested in exploring one of Chicago's fun and interesting neighborhoods, then check it out. This restaurant is filled with Chicago locals, mostly from the area, but also from other parts of the city. The "Swedish Bakery" is across the street, and has been a staple, for over 50 years, in the "Andersonville" neighborhood. There are turn-of-the-century Victorian homes with large, beautiful porches and original stained-glass windows on tree-lined streets. Explore the neighborhood by walking off your dinner (or lunch). It is a safe and fun area of Chicago!
(5)Jason R.
I couldn't believe how terribly mediocre everything was. It's a popular place that;s been around, so I was expecting much better. There were 5 of us, and no-one really loved their dish. My ziti pasta tasted like Kraft macaroni and cheese. Not exactly cheap either. Will not be back.
(2)Betty T.
I had some of the best pizza ever last night and it was from Calo. We ordered the thin crust, extra well done with green olives, sausage, onion, and garlic. I have had food from here on numerous occasions, dining in and delivery at home. I find the quality is always consistently good, the food hot when it arrives (when delivered), and the prices reasonable.
(5)Scot G.
My favorite pizza delivery in Andersonville so far. Great thin crust with fresh toppings. Always quick, fresh, and friendly. I tried the ribs once and was they were just ok. Could have been because I had them delivered. I'll try them again in the restaurant. Also, had a party and ordered their party size pizzas. Great price for huge, delicious, pizzas. I think we fed around 20 adults on three of their party pizzas and it was like $60.
(4)Alicia K.
Living in Andersonville, I always overlook Calo because it's so crowded. I recently ate here with family and was reminded of why it is always jam packed. The space is huge, though it's helpful to get reservations if you're a larger party. The service is excellent and the food is stellar. It does get kind of dark in there, so reading the menu isn't the easiest. But it's such a great family-oriented joint with a plethora of food options, everyone will leave happy. On my recent visit, I had the spinach fettucine alfredo with grilled shrimp. It was SO TASTY. I don't like making alfredo at home because then I know too much about the ingredients used to make the sauce (heavy cream, cheese, and all that other fatty deliciousness.) I feel much less guilty consuming something that is deliciously artery-clogging that I did not make.. a fun psychological game I like to play. I've been craving it ever since. My husband ordered the risotto, which I had a bite of, and it was creamy and al dente - just perfect. We also recently ordered pizza to go and it was perfect. Definitely better than what I've had at Antica Pizzeria, up the block, and a lot better (and cheaper) than Apart Pizza Company. I haven't been here for the ribs yet, but I've heard from multiple sources that it's all the rage.
(5)Cristina P.
I discovered this place on grub hub less than a week ago and have already ordered twice. Love it. They have awesome daily specials which are about 8 or 9 bucks. They have a great tomato sauce which tastes good on everything. And great meatballs. I took a chance on the baked clams and even those were good. Calo you just found yourself a new regular.
(4)Kristy S.
Food is very good and prices are fair. Staff are okay but I prefer to order to-go.
(3)Torque C.
Called Calo tonight. Attempted to order a Calo Deluxe pan pizza with tomato sauce on the top. They told me NO. What?? She said only stuffed pizzas get sauce on the top. I told her, I know, however, please put the tomato sauce on the top. She said they can't do that. Spoke to the mgr. He was absolutely hateful! We are still stunned at his comments. His name was Michael. So very wrong!
(1)Anthony R.
The pizza here is so good. Calo's also offers a fine dining experience when you dine in with many higher end dishes on their menu. The only this I will say is that they frequently get your order wrong when you call for pick-up or delivery. This has happened to me three times in the last few months. Each time they allowed me to keep the incorrect pizza and sent over the correct one. But make sure before you pick up or before the driver leaves, that you have the right pizza.
(3)Matt H.
I have been frequenting Calo for over a decade now and it is seriously one of the most reliable Italian restaurants in Chicago. I have always liked the look of the restaurant and appreciated the cleanliness. It has its own parking lot which is a plus as well. My partner Chris and I prefer sitting in the booths. Bar side is usually louder than the main dining room side. The attentiveness and overall speed of service are well above average. The complementary focaccia bread is tremendous and one can never have enough of it. Everyone should take advantage of the specials. They are an excellent value. Each entree comes with soup or salad. My partner Chris and I usually order a salad with creamy garlic and ranch respectively. Veggies are always fresh and the dressings are delicious. Calo knows its pasta and sauces. From linguini to ravioli, everything is always cooked perfectly, the sauces addictive and the portions large. I usually take leftovers home for the next day. Fettucine Alfredo with chicken, congealed. So good. The BBQ ribs on the specials menu are a pleasant surprise! Sauce has a sweetness to it that is simply wonderful! Unfortunately, many people have found out about this place (they are in the know!) and it is usually mobbed on the weekends. During the cold months, waiting in the cramped entryway for a table amongst tons of hungry people can be quite irritating. I agree with other yelpers, the hostesses can be fairly abrupt and unfriendly which contrasts greatly with the liveliness of the place. Very odd. Sadly, the women have been there for quite some time and I don't think they are getting fired anytime soon. However, it's always worth it despite all this. What us innocent patrons put up with for fabulous food! :) Until we meet again, Calo darling. xoxo
(4)Betty C.
We finally had pizza at Calo! We ordered a thin crust with Italian sausage and mushrooms. It was delicious and our only complaint would be that it was not crispy on the bottom and had a soft crust even near the edge - even though it was a very thin crust. It was our mistake for not having ordered it well done and extra crispy. That is how we usually order it a D'agostino's and it always comes out crisp and hot. The octopus appetizer was delicious albeit just ever so slightly chewy. Our companions had chicken saltimboca and were very pleased with it and their side dish of penne with meat sauce. The calamari fritti as an appetizer was an enormous portion with very tasty and crispy breading.
(4)Hillary Y.
I would first off like to start by saying I've gotten food from here several times many years ago and it was good. However I've been and gotten food several times recently and have been severely disappointed. Let's talk about tonight... I ordered a small special Calo thin crust pizza, a side of broccoli, and a LEMON Italian ice... I received a extremely soggy pizza that could barely be picked up because it was so soggy. I called they offered to send me another. I also requested a side if parm. When the order came it was even more horrific then the last. At this point it's 10:30pm and I'm ready to eat my hand off. I call the restaurant back And while they did offer to refund my pizza, the management wasn't pleasant. And in fact hinted that it was my fault for ordering that particular pizza (one of the suggested pizzas).... I latter realized that the brought me the wrong Italian ice and no side if parm. Extremely disappointed tonight. On a plus side the delivery driver was super nice and understanding:)
(2)Christina F.
Came here with a girl friend for dinner last night. We had made a reservation but honestly didn't need one at 6:30 on a Thursday. The bread they served was a mix of brushetta type and regular french bread. The prices here are pretty good considering the portions and there are some really interesting combinations. The entree came with soup or salad, the ministrone was really good (small) but we didn't get to finish it because they brought out our food. I got lobster ravioli with shrimp and a creamy sundried tomato sauce. It was good but has A LOT of sauce. My friend got the farfale butera (buttery pasta with sausage and peas). We both brought about half our meals home and left full. Overall it was really good, not great, and the lighting was so dark we had to take our phones out to read the menus. I'd like to come back for lunch, maybe in daylight it'll be easier to see. :)
(4)Casey S.
Always happy with this place! Today I made an error on the toppings on my pizza though the grubhub phone app. When I got to Calo's for my pick up and was read back my order, I was like "oh no".! The nice man who helped told me not to worry and he'd have the pizza delivered to my house with the toppings I really wanted. Plus he wasn't going to charge me for the delivery and gave me the "mis-ordered" pizza for free. (The free pizza will not go to waste. I'm planning on bring it to work tomorrow to feed my coworkers. On a side note the place I work is an animal shelter. And I remember the owner of Calo adopted a cat from us a little over a year ago.) The deliver came super fast and the driver was awesome. Thanks Calo!
(5)David C.
Love, love, love Calo... but lose a star for being seated at the noisiest, worst table by the kitchen/bus station when the restaurant was half empty on a Monday night.
(3)S C.
What a great neighborhood restaurant. Delicious food and fair prices. I had the full rack of rib special on Wednesday night. With a salad and side, $13.95. The Chicken Parm, is one of the best I ever had. Crunchy, cheesy and huge portion. Friendly staff and nice dining atmosphere. A staple for me.
(4)D W.
Have been a loyal customer for many years now, but I'm sorry to say the service level has changed. The new manager is horrible. Food comes out cold now, and seems they are rushing you out. That warm feeling of being welcome is gone.
(2)JM U.
The ambiance here is really nice. Not to crazy but cozy. We ordered fried calamari--soo good and awesome serving size. Then also had the risotto con gamberi---it's ok. Four giant grilled shrimps in a bed on rice with asparagus and creamy sauce. Nothing super spectacular but it's good. You must get the tiramisu if you still have room for dessert. It's worth it. Lastly, I ordered the crossings Sauvignon blanc and it's delish.
(4)Emiko D.
My mom and I love coming to Calo on mom-daughter dates! We usually like to try something new, but we love the fettucini del mare, the fettucini alfredo and the grilled octopus. I would recommend making a reservation if you don't want to wait, but overall, I'd say it's worth waiting if you want good Italian food!
(4)Timi C.
Calo is AMAZING and my gold standard for Italian food. We had been regulars for about two years, frequenting the delicious fried calamari appetizer, mussels appetizer, pizza, pasta alla barese, ravioli, I could go on and on. And how can I forget the tomato bread at the beginning? I would come back just for that! We made a reservation for 15 people for our graduation dinner (Go 'Cats!) in June 2013. Everybody LOVED their food and had no complaints. The only glitch was that the person taking my reservation wrote it down for the wrong weekend, which I fortunately caught when I called three hours ahead to adjust the number of people to 20. Even so, they handled the situation perfectly, which is why they deserve 5+ stars. The servers and host were great-spirited despite the chaos due to the booming business. I forgot the host's name (middle eastern man?) but I went over to thank him as we were leaving and even thought he was overwhelmed with everything, he took the time to thank me and to invite me back. That's what you call great service. Thanks, Calo, for helping me show my family how delicious Italian food is in Chicago!
(5)Melany O.
Each time I've been to Calo the servers have been great. Full of recommendations and willing to accommodate my picky eater boyfriend! Another nod to the waitstaff, one of my biggest pet peeves is an empty drink, and these guys are ninjas. It took me probably 4 glass refills to finally catch the guy in the act. Very attentive. If you're a artichoke and spinach dip person, you need to check out Calo for that alone. It's amazing! It's not fully combined into a homogeneous mush, each bite's a little different and equally awesome. I want to eat this Every. Day. For the rest of my life. Seriously. My favorite dish is by far the Rotolo di Pesce, it's just got a great flavor and texture (and it heats up well which is good, because it's gigantic and I've never even finished half in the restaurant!) Another favorite is the Gnocci Asiago. Veeery yummy, the sauce is amazing. I'm not usually a Gnocci fan, but a few bites of a friends dish and I think i'll have to try it again! If I remember correctly, they've got a flourless chocolate cake. Another huge favorite of mine, and it was delicious! Their tiramisu isn't half bad either! (the tiramisu expert boyfriend raves about it though, so i'll take his word for it). So overall, I would highly reccomend the place to anyone who's looking for a really good meal. Great for girl dates as well! Because of the huge portions, it's easily enough for two people who aren't starving.
(5)Jill W.
I love the Margherita Neopolitan pizza, artichoke & spinach formaggio and stuffed shells the most -- would recommend those to anyone breathing. I haven't been disappointed with anything I've ordered here and service has been good in house or with delivery.
(4)Nate C.
I have never dined in, but I get thin crust delivered regularly and it is always great.
(4)Kerem ö.
Great Italian food! A lot of option in the menu. Especially pastas they have is really good.
(5)Janet V.
Calo's is one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. The food is always delicious and fresh. The prices are not too bad. And the portion sizes are huge. You also get a lot of your money, several menu items come with soup or salad and side items. Free parking is also a plus! There does seem to be a lot of families and a lot of kids every time we go there. It can be romantic, but with all the kids and babies, it can kill the mood. I know that's not something the restaurant can help, but keep that in mind when deciding on where to eat. Bottom Line: As long as you don't mind a lot of families with kids, then this place is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone!
(4)AV G.
Had lunch here with a friend about 2pm. We were the only ones in the place. Both had fantastic pasta--homade focacia--very good italian-american chow.. Want to get over here for a a pizza
(4)Emann B.
Food is four stars (had the Chicken Francese, tasty, spinach perfectly cooked, balanced seasoning, generous portion). But the service is so frenetic with bussers and servers running around constantly, with no one actually seeming to attend to the diners. I understand that this is a very popular restaurant, but diners shouldn't feel like they're the bother, or less a priority than other tables.
(3)E M B.
Great food and a beautiful restaurant. Huge menu and free parking. Delicious complimentary foccaica bread. Why only 2 stars? They are incredibly difficult to work with on private events - they have a gorgeous exposed brick space with private bathrooms - but they have an inhospitable manager. Event manager has trouble thinking outside the basic special event menus and doesn't use any paperwork for the events so everything is a battle and a matter of he said she said. It's a total headache and despite Calo being one of my favorite spots I don't think I would have another event there unless they had a more hospitable event manager.
(2)Nick S.
I have frequented Calo many, many, many times. Appetizers are great, pasta is fantastic and their THIN crust pizza is delicious. On the other hand, tonight's interpretation of their DEEP Dish Pizza cannot be described with my previous adjectives. It was the extreme opposite. We ordered the pizza and it was delivered just fine. When I took a bite, my Calo Special Deep Dish Pizza slice had about the same flavor as the box it came in. The sausage and veggies were plentiful but very bland in flavor. It also had very minimal sauce on top of the pizza. Of my entire pizza, I ate 1 slice and did something I never have done before, I threw the rest away. I don't think I'll ever be giving Calo's Deep Dish Pizza another chance.
(1)David R.
Best pan pizza on the north side? Yes, it's possible. Definitely top three. My girlfriend/fiancee/wife (don't worry--it's the same woman) and I have been searching for almost two years for the best pizza in our vicinity, and this location, so close to home, may have been the right answer all along. We have finally found a pizza upon which we can both agree. And not only is the pan an A, but the stuffed is an A- and the neapolitan a B. Plus, they serve a mean grilled calamari--four big pieces marinated and cooked to perfection, served atop some steamed spinach. Their mediterranean salad is basic but good; however, recently we got their caesar salad for delivery and it was a major downer--anemic lettuce that didn't resemble romaine, plus a sparse few grape tomatoes and oily croutons. Okay, so don't get a caesar salad--just get a pizza. Any of them.
(4)john C.
Have always loved Calo. Solid food appreciate the regulars and treat them well. Have things changed. Saquid the manager who made you feel welcome and took care to make everyone feel welcome is gone. Get HIM BACK!!!!
(4)Beth R.
Oh my dog, their pizza is so damn good. I've tried two varieties (pan and stuffed) on three occasions and it's been great each time. Plus, our experiment in delivery last night was successful - it came well under the quoted time, and it was hot when we opened the box. The stuffed is covered in sauce, which is great because that's how I like it and also because the sauce is very good. It's not too chunky, which I feel is a weakness sometimes with other deep dish/stuffed places. I am a lover of tomatoes in sauce form, but really do not go for tomatoes in tomato form. Also, the crust is so buttery. It really comes through in every pizza-bite, not just the crust-bites. The pan is a great example of its type as well. I sometimes feel like pan is a real carbo indulgence, which it is, but then again, sometimes it's totally worth it. For Calo's, I will take the hit and add another lap or set of reps to work it off. Who am I kidding, I don't do sets. I think we'll be seeing a lot of each other, Calo.
(4)Julie K.
We just moved into Andersonville and were looking for a good pizza place the first day. We found a menu stuck in the front door of our building. Just our luck we found the perfect place. Our sausage pizza was just what we needed. Good thin crust and really tasty sausage. The cheese was plentiful and spread evenly. Overall a great chicago thin crust. The delivery was quick. I want to try eating in at their restaurant seeing as we don't live very far.
(5)Cynthia N.
I've been there a couple times and the food has never failed me. I recalled my pops used to always buy pizza from here when I was a little girl. That was a mere memory though... I don't remember how it tastes but I do remember the huge crowds when we always ordered for carry out. Now every time I come here I go for the pasta or the amazing ribs. Yes, the ribs are amazing! Finger lickin' good. I can never finish the huge portions :( The service is attentive but the food is definitely the star of the show.
(4)Sargis N.
Best spot in CHICAGO! And I'm telling the truth wow this place is amazing I've been here so many times and each time I get something different and it's good! Like wow!!!! The burgers, ribs, pasta really anything is good! The service is outstanding they talk and laugh and it's just great! With a lot of TV too!
(5)Christopher J.
Overall the ambiance of the restaurant was great but the service was lacking...me and my partner met two other friends for a Saturday evening dinner. To begin, the waiter didn't even tell us his name and after receiving our food, the busser's were trying to take our food away before we were even finished just to hurry and turn the table for a larger party. We felt really rushed. As for the food, it was a little bland and lack proper seasoning. I can't say that I will be in a hurry to come back to this restaurant. Overall, it was just okay!
(2)Mike C.
Good deep dish pizza, complimentary bread and great service at a very fair price. It's gives a fancier vibe than most of the other Chicago pizza restaurants, but you still don't feel out of place if you wear jeans and a T-shirt.
(5)Ann B.
Calo's pasta was served at our work Holiday party and it was delicious!! I have also had Calo deliver food when I am working late and they are always quick and courteous. The shrimp de jonghe is amazing and the lasagna is the best I've ever had!
(5)Scott K.
Had to give a five-star review for my first try using the online ordering on Calo's website. I much prefer ordering online than trying to communicate order and payment details to someone in a noisy milieu over the phone. The system worked well, and the Calo delivery driver showed up 30 minutes before the expected time, with our food all delivered very hot and fresh. It was a stay-in dinner for my birthday, as the weather was nasty cold and wet. What a great choice, and everyone loved the food. Great to be able to put it all on the credit card, including the tip. I've got the iOS app now and plan to use it again soon. Well done, all around!
(5)Frank S.
Always have a great time when I'm there. The service is consistent and the food is always delicious. This last time we enjoyed the Zuppa Di Pesce for two. One of the best seafood dishes I have ever tasted. They also have great martini's.
(4)Mark D.
Another fantastic dinner at Calo. To start, we ordered two Belvedere martini's and the fried calamari. The calamari here is so good I could have easily enjoyed the entire platter by myself. The martini's were perfect. I ordered the gnocchi gorgonzola. The gnocchi was stuffed with gorgonzola and smothered in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce. Gnocchi is one of my favorite pasta dishes and this was exceptional. My friend ordered the eggplant parmigiana. The eggplant was rolled and stuffed with ricotta and parmigiana cheese, it was a huge entree. The service was, again, excellent.
(4)Rick C.
So this place was one of the restaurants that my wife and I used to frequent early in our relationship. We recently went back after a few years and found that it's still dope as hell. It brought back a ton of memories. Especially the memory of gaining a ton of weight and waddling out to the car while testing the strength of my belt. Honestly, the linguini carbonara here is my kryptonite. I'm helpless in it's presence. It is probably within my top five of favorites of unhealthy yet ridiculously delicious meals. It's on my Mount Rushmore of pastas. I have introduced this dish to multiple friends and family and they have all agreed that it's super rich and fantastic. My wife's pasta and my dad's shrimp were also perfectly prepared and the service was top notch but I was too busy destroying my linguini and remembering why we don't come as often. I cannot be trusted here. They've remodeled like crazy from when we first started going there, but the food remains awesome.
(5)Lyzette A.
Our family tried Calo Ristorante for the first time on Friday night, and I'm glad we did! We ordered for delivery for a late-night dinner. I got the gorgonzola gnocchi, and it is/was delicious, even as a delivery meal (I'm having the leftovers for my work lunch, and still tasty!). The hubby and the boys got a half-bacon, half-sausage pizza that got multiple thumbs-up. One minor thing that spurred me on to write this review was the side salad that came with my pasta. Usually for delivery orders, side salads are an after-thought-the lettuce is often too big for the container, all the ingredients are just stuffed in, the veg not so impressive. Not Calo's! The lettuce and other vegetables were nicely chopped with obvious care to fit in a delivery container. Yes, this is a small point but when a restaurant's staff pays attention to small details like that, I'm confident that the rest of the menu is prepared with the same care and pride with what they serve. Will definitely order again!
(4)Claudia D.
Good seafood selections. Great drinks at a reasonable price point, made the old fashioned way---simple with good honest pours. I love the grilled calamari (which comes with spinach). I highly recommend reservations. The service is good. The restrooms are clean. There's a small parking lot across the street, otherwise it's street parking. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Rachel T.
This place is a GEM! You must try the Ziti Vodka--Ziti pasta mixed in with grilled chicken (cooked to perfection) tossed with sun-dried tomatoes and green peas drizzled with a vodka tomato basil sauce. The quantity is definitely good for two (or for you to take home for the next day). I'd also recommend the Gnocchi Gorgonzola, marinated in a tomato basil cream sauce. Very rich. Very flavorful. While you're deciding on your dish, enjoy complimentary focaccia bread fresh out of the oven prepared with sun-dried tomatoes and italian seasonings. Wine: go for the Riesling Kabinett. It's Crisp and peachy and pairs nicely with the choices above. Beautiful restaurant. Check it out!
(5)Marcus J.
GOOD IF YOU DONT HAVE KIDS! We went here after reading all of the positive yelp reviews. We had a very good time but I suspect I am a victim of over anticipation from reading all of the the rave reviews about this restaurant. Pros were the food was pretty good. I ordered the stuffed pizza which was pretty good. my wife ordered the fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp which was good. The food was very good however I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed as I expected this place to knock me out. The cons were they don't have a childrens menu or serve any child size dishes at all and don't seem to cater to people who do at all. They were a little pricey as well. I would visit this place if your single or dating and looking for a decent place to eat, however I would look elsewhere if you're looking for somewhere to take a family.
(4)kristi p.
outstanding thin crust. the calo special is deelishioso! i also love the spaghetti and italian sausage. very reasonable and a large delivery area. always prompt with deliveries.
(5)Jim S.
As a ovolacto-vegetarian this is one of my favorite joints. Love the specialty and standard pizzas. Avoid the delivery pasta especially on the weekends. Too busy to get al dente
(4)Amy B.
Dear lord I love Calo. Not only is the atmosphere beautiful, but the service is great and it's never too loud to have a conversation. And the food. Oh my the food. The pizza is out of this world, the pasta and homemade sauces are to die for, and their shrimp dishes are killer. Their homemade bolognese is one of the best I've ever had. I love Italian food, and this place really takes the cake for me. Whenever I go in groups, everyone is thrilled with their dishes and we gush about how great they are through the whole meal. Leftovers are ineveitable. They have a private parking lot to boot. I highly recommend Calo.
(5)Julia J.
Wow. Great atmosphere, casual yet nice! The prices were reasonable. The service was BEYOND good. Now for the part you have been waiting for: How was the food? Woa. Out -of- this-world fresh and delicious! I highly recommend the appetizer of calamari and octopus. My husband could not stop salivating and talking about how great their pizza bread was. (Not cool when you are low-carbin' it.) Coming back is not a question. Will they get sick of seeing us? Now that is the REAL question. ****Update**** I started having calamari withdrawls, so we made reservations for Valentine's day. They actually had a table ready for us on time! Whooo whooo! And, the fresh rose from Phillips was a nice unexpected touch. We are SO going to set up camp and move into the Calo.
(5)Sam M.
Ordered Calo for delivery tonight. It was very good. Babysitting my niece at my brothers in lake view I was looking for some good quick delivery. I was not interested in the usual Asian/sushi spots that deliver to the neighborhood. The delivery charge was low and the delivery time was relatively quick. My girlfriend had the cheese ravioli; she said it was very good. I had the BBQ chicken and we split a small pizza...yes...we were hungry. The pizza is always good. You wouldn't expect the BBQ chicken to be good at an Italian restaurant but it was, just like their ribs. If I lived in the neighborhood this would be my go to delivery spot.
(4)Marco D.
This is THE place for the best Italian food short of going to Rome or Milan! I have had the extreme pleasure of eating here probably over 50 times and they never disappoint! Some words that quickly come to mind when I think of Calo's is FRESH, QUALITY, and of course DELICIOUS !
(5)Marianne C.
Love Love Love Calo - and not just because they are close by. My friends in other parts of the city finally went with me and now drive up here (the parking lot helps). Breadbasket - pizza bread - is a meal on its own. The regular Italian bread they send with the take out is better than the regular Italian bread they also put in there. Frilled Octopus over the spinach - awesome. Any pasta superior... Doing the low carb thing these days so branching into the chicken dishes. Tried the cappuccino panna cotta - pricey at $7.95 - but DELISH last night had the Chicken Piccante - in a lemon caper mushroom sauce - it was very good - 3 nice breasts of chicken. You never leave hungry with the portions - and they arent just a pile of junky food - the bummer was choice of sides. potato or pasta. No substitutions allowed... but $5.95 for a side of spinach? C'mon guys. It really shouldnt be that hard to get some fresh veggies. You want to charge me - Ok - but anything more than $3.00 when I am already spending $18-20 ... that borders on ridiculous. I heard it happen at another table when we were there - and the couple were about to leave. Some of the waitresses are very apologetic - but some are numb to it so their explanation is a bit harsh. Very "take it or leave it" C'mon Calo - it's an easy thing to fix - have some veggies as sides that are affordable - they won't go to waste - you have them for toppings on the pizzas!
(4)Chris M.
Great local spot in Andersonville and have eaten there on SEVERAL occasions. Can get a bit busy so plan on waiting on a Friday or Saturday to be seated, but the staff and food is great. ++ The one reason I am taking off one star is because I have tried to get delivery a few times and it is not their strongest part of their business. One guy was over 2 hours to get our food delivered, which by that time the pizza and appetizers were completely cold - and had a second encounter where was given the wrong food. Just a nice heads up to management to work on that. But otherwise great great spot.
(4)Michael H.
This joint has great thin crust pizza!! Inside, it's huge and very well run.. standard menu complete with daily specials. Well executed salads with Homemade Dressing and they serve this great Foccaia Bread on side/ not to be missed! I had the ribs and they were perfect, service was good and I'm placing an order right now for more of that ZA!!! gtfjd
(4)Jill B.
I love this place. Been there quite a few times and it's always been great. I also order pizza from them on GH and they're super quick and the pizza is delish!
(5)Jules H.
Wow oh wow... I went to my car ready to go a grocery shopping and found ice as thick as mud on it. Fcuk this I thought... dinner was calling, and suddenly I remembered a certain place whose menu I only saw, but never ordered from. I typed calorestaurant.com and I was off and running...half slab of ribs, deep fried mushrooms, a side of garlic mashed potatoes. Every flavor of every bite hit every note. And I asked for a bunch of little specific things (extra wet wipes, extra ranch dressing, extra bread) which were all cheerfully brought by a polite delivery guy in record time. And yes, their ribs are spectacular. Moist, basted, tangy sweet sauce charred to perfection all over. I may eventually need a line of credit here...for the bar on a Friday and the delivery on a Saturday. Heavenly place, food made by saints I think!
(5)Keith T.
I've eaten here roughly 4,000 times. Since moving to A'ville in '98, it's been a dine-in and order-for-delivery staple. It is fantastically solid Americanized Italian food. The Fettuccine Alfredo, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, Meat Tortellini and Chicken Parm are all quite good (though the last two are perhaps a bit too cheesy). The pricing is super reasonable and the portions are great. Dining in affords you the treat of the focaccia bread. They also do great pizza. I personally wouldn't venture towards their ribs and steaks, simply because there are places in Chicago that do those things much better. This place is your monthly, down-home, comfort Italian food night.
(4)J K.
The food is great. But I have a problem when there are two girls behind the bar, they stand at one end of the bar talking to a guy and their back is to the rest of the bar. I want a drink so I have to wave and yell to get their attention. Does Calos give their help a 10 minute instructional on the basics of tending bar? It doesn't seem like it. Next time I go there I won't give a tip assuming the guys the girls give all their attention to will overtip them.
(2)Bojan K.
Truly amazing food and staff! Go and see why they have been open in business for over 50+yrs for your self!
(5)Joanne W.
I have to give this place 3 stars b/c the delivery time was RIDICULOUS. An hour and half is WAY too long to wait for delivery. This resulted in a warm pizza and warmish-soggy breaded mushrooms. Booooo! I think if this pizza had been delievered hot, it would have been pretty damn good and given me hope that I had found the thin crust pizza delivery I've been looking for...or at least made it into a top three list. The mushrooms also showed promise as they clearly were not frozen, but rather fresh hand battered 'shrooms. **deep sigh** The mushrooms are served with a side of marinara and bread. I requested a side of garlic dressing b/c I prefer to dip my 'shrooms into something creamy. Skip the garlic dressing, folks. It was the consistency of mayo and tasted like coleslaw dressing. It was really horrible. I tore off a piece of bread and dunked it in the sauce for a sampling. The sauce is boss, yo. I MIGHT consider giving this place another try. It has the potential to deliver the sort of pizza I've been looking for. That said, I found it better than the other joints I've tried so far. I'm not sure if that is good or bad at this point, so take that for what it's worth.
(3)Jonathan D.
Girlfriend and I went there on a whim on March 22. We're new to the area. The service was nothing spectacular. The waitress was mostly absent. However, the bus staff were excellent. I had rigatoni with chicken and mushroom. She had plain ravioli. I had a salad with house (raspberry vinaigrette that day) dressing and she had clam chowder, as our sides. The chowder was excellent. The salad was bland. I didn't feel so great after eating here. The bread bowl was fantastic. It was some sort of pizza bread with tomato sauce.
(2)Mike F.
Calo Ristorante was my latest grubhub experiment gone awry, as I was looking for delivery from somewhere that had something else besides pizza. I ordered soup, Jumbo Fried Shrimp, Broccoli, and baked potato....and boy was it bad. Like take two bites and want to throw in the garbage bad. The shrimp didn't even taste like shrimp, just breaded fried balls, and the brocolli was tough and tasteless. Even the impossible to screw up baked potato seemed, off. I hardly ever write negative reviews but when I do it was because something was scathingly bad. In this case, I honestly feel like I would have been better off microwaving a meal rather than ordering from here. I didn't try their pizza, so maybe that's their specialty and what tastes good. Something has to be keeping them in business. I don't know. All I know is that if something on your menu is crap, you should take it off, so people don't make the mistake of ordering it.
(1)Christie B.
I think this is definitely a case of "I ordered the wrong things" but still, bad food is bad food. I wanted a cheeseburger delivered and this was one of the only places open on Grubhub that had burgers. Their burgers are obviously frozen, a step above Burger King burgers that came with extra soggy, lukewarm fries. Speaking of soggy, I also ordered pizzabread (because I had to reach the delivery min $ amount) and it was a soggy mess. All in all, nothing was finished. I would stick to the pizza if I ever ordered from here again but I probably won't be.
(2)John M.
The food is quite excellent here and we had an attentive waiter. I felt the food was very nice but the execution was not completely spot on. It almost felt as though the food was a bit out-dated and had been served the same way for years. However, considering all that they did produce a fine time for me and my friend when we came to eat
(4)Darius B.
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME !!! Very Intimate And Very friendly Staff.. Can't wait to go back. Food is Delicious and there is always a Special..
(4)Mary H.
Nothing but the best to say about Calo. When I was suffering from the swine flu and hardly had the energy to eat, their delivery Supreme pizza and pastas COMPLETELY hit the spot. Dinner with Aunt, Uncle, and fiance? Amazing atmosphere and great food again. Party of 25 on a Saturday night? Calo can make it happen--they had me pick a smaller menu so the food would all come out at the same time, printed it out for us, and made sure we had an amazing experience EVEN THOUGH there were 2 other parties over 15 coming in the same night. I am so lucky to live in Andersonville surrounded by such amazing businesses!
(5)Phil X.
BOOKMARK THIS PLACE....to try...over....and.....over. Calo's is one of my favorite restaurants. It's one of the reasons I come to Andersonville. Intimate dinners, dinner with friends, dinner with family...I love coming to Calo's for dinner. Sure, I could come here for lunch...but my memorable meals at Calo's usually result in blissful food comas. Dimly lit and very spacious...the place is divided up into two main areas: The bar area, which also has high tables and booths...and the dining room which has plenty of dining tables and more booths. There's also a private dining area for large reserved parties. They have a great drink selection here. I like to wash down my food with Boddington's pub ale or Birra Moretti's La Rossa (I dare you to find another restaurant that has both these beers). They have an ample wine selection of course and a great selection of martinis. I've had their Snickers Martini & their Creme Brulee Martini and I'm not ashamed. Both were good. -It always begins with the free warm focaccia bread they bring out...which almost tastes like a pizza. This bread is so good I don't even know why they put that other bread in the same basket. If you find that your bread basket is out of the fabulous focaccia, fear not...they will gladly restock your focaccia upon request. Oh, and those aren't scoops of ice cream that come with it...that's butter. While the focaccia bread is buttery enough, I'm a big fan of overkill. -I highly recommend starting with the Cozze alla Crema: black mussels sautéed with scallions in a creamy chardonnay wine sauce. These mussels aren't your average mussels...they are on steroids. (I uploaded a photo for you non-believers) If you find yourself using the spoon to devour that sauce, don't be embarrassed. It's not uncommon. It's so good that I've had this "appetizer" as a meal. I've planned meals at Calo's specifically because I was craving these mussels. Pizza & pasta? Pffft. Mussels. All. Day. -Pasta? Order the Ziti al Vodka: ziti pasta tossed with grilled chicken, green peas and sun dried tomatoes in a vodka tomato cream basil sauce. You seriously can't go wrong with this dish. The sauce is bomb-diggity, the chicken is grilled perfectly, and the portion is rediculously awesome. Other meal alternatives include their ribs! The ribs here are fall-off-the-bone. Get the ribs with a side of garlic-mashed and it's game over! Better yet, get the side of garlic-mashed no matter what you order. ***If you left room for dessert, finish your meal off with their homemade Tiramisu. WARNING: It is probably the best tiramisu you'll ever have. You may want to order your own. Relationships have ended over the last bite. When you arrive there is a free private parking lot across the street next to the bakery if you don't want to park on the street. Come here and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Kathleen E.
I have been going to Calo's for a very long time and it's always a good choice. I always enjoy the food and atmosphere at the bar and the dining area. The owner, managers and staff are always really nice and professional. They also provide parking across the street which is a real bonus. It's gotten so busy over the years so on weekends make a reservation. You can't go wrong here!
(5)Chris M.
Terrible service from the beginning! We checked in for our reservation and the hostess gave us a pager device, it vibrated after about 10 minutes so our party of 6 headed inside, the hostess took the pager and without any explanation told us we would have to wait a few more minutes. Now this restaurant is extremely busy so it was quite a process for my father who is 81 y.o. to maneuver in and back out. After another 10 minutes our table was finally ready. We followed the host to a small table located in a terribly awkward spot. We were seated in between two tables that blocked the path to the bathroom and kitchen. Every time someone walked by My sister-in-law was knocked into, the waiter dropped a piece of pizza bread from the basket as he placed it on the table behind us and we were so close to that table that the tomatoes from that bread actually fell on my mom's chair! We expressed our dissatisfaction with our table to a waitress who said that she would see if we could change tables. A couple minutes later the host, the same man who seated us, came by and we explained our displeasure with the table to him. The man was rude and never even apologized all he had to say was that he was trying to help us, as if he was doing us a favor by trying to find us another table. We decided at that point that enough is enough, we were done and left the restaurant. The people at this restaurant do not care about your experience, they only care about turning these tables. We found a wonderful restaurant, Anteprimo, down the street that seated us right away. We enjoyed our time at Anteprimo. I will never try Calo again because this experience was so awful.
(1)nicole c.
Great Italian food! Everything on the menu is amazing, service is always great! One of my favorite places to eat on Clark. Restaurant is very cozy and great atmosphere. Portions are great too! Highly recommended!
(5)Bridget K.
Thanks again to Check Please! for telling me about another gem! The food is great and big portions as well. Which means you basically get 2 meals for the price of 1! Who doesn't love that?! I got the stuffed Gnocchi which was so good I couldn't put my fork down. My brother got the lasagna which was really good as well. My dad was in love with his pasta with meat sauce and peas. My mom went for a vegetarian option where she got pasta with asparagus, red pepper and zucchini, Our sever was good and I love the atmosphere of the restaurant. I will be back soon.
(5)Simone T.
The menu is extensive, but I've never been disappointed by any selection. The fried calamari or mussels are great starters. This particular time my entree was a saffron ravioli stuffed with lobster. The accompanying sauce? Brandy base with shrimps, sundried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, and asparagus. Their pizzas are great, other pastas are wonderful. Calo also has a great bar - some of the best Cosmos I've ever had! Parking lot across the street - free with validation!!
(5)Alexis O.
My friend wanted to celebrate her birthday here since she saw the place on Check Please!. We both definitely enjoyed the ambiance, service and food. The place is very elegant, so it's perfect for a date night, or dinner with the family (of all adults). Not so much kids. Let me rephrase that, don't bring your kids because adults like to have nice, quiet evenings with other adults. Moving on to food, we had the: Grilled Calamari Appetizer - good, not chewy. Baby sausage pizza - we had to try their pizza, which was good. Linguini Fruitti Di Mare in white sauce - delicious! Loved the garlic. Grilled Pork Chops - my friend enjoyed them. I enjoyed my glass of Pinot Noir, and my friend enjoyed her after dinner drink of a specialty coffee with a variety of liqueurs (Kalua, Frangelico, Baileys). Hearing it was my friend's birthday, they brought out a complimentary piece of Tiramisu. It was a very generous size, and it was so moist and delicious! A must for any Tiramisu lover. The owner was also very friendly, and was walking around greeting tables. He then offered us another complimentary desert of Panna Cotta. Another delicious solid custard type of desert served with fresh berries. So good! We really enjoyed our evening out, and I'm glad my friend had such a great birthday dinner. I will be back.
(4)Buster B.
We have been going to Calo for about 15 years and have witnessed all the changes. As much as we miss the band, we love the new bar design. We have never been disappointed with Calo. The food is amazing and very affordable. There are so many great dishes so it's hard to focus on just one. All the pasta sauces are unique and undeniable. Besides the amazing entrees, this is also a great place to go for drinks and a snack at the bar. Although it's no longer on the menu, they still serve the antipasto. Wow, it's so much fun with a couple glasses of wine. And I can't stop thinking about the seafood salad. The service has always been great. The only weak point I can find is sitting at the bar mid afternoon. Service is friendly, but a bit slow. But, it's not that big a deal considering how much we love this place. We look forward to eating there for the next 15 years!
(5)Diablo L.
Just at Calo's on a friday night, short wait to get a table, ordered the ribs, really tender, just enough sauce plus sauce on the side, just as good as how I remembered them from years ago,can't wait to go back for more....
(4)Monica W.
Calo, I think you are my new BFF. Your martinis are cheap and strong. When you informed me the dirty martinis have blue cheese olives and close to 7 shots of booze, I knew we were the perfect match. Then I had the garlic shrimp risotto and decided you are BFF material. Cheers!
(5)K S.
Best seafood pasta in town!!!!!
(4)Aaron B.
To say that the service was horrible the last 3 times we have been to Calo would be an understatement. The wait staff is incredibly unattentive. Our waitress (Daisy) greeted us after about 5 minutes and took our drink orders. I was optimistic that we wouldnt have a repeat of our last experience where we waited so long for the waitress to come by with refills, that I finally went and retrieved them myself from the bar. That was several months prior and we had hoped the service had improved. Unfortunately that was not the case. Once she had taken our entree order, we didnt see or hear from her until we asked (one of the other wait staff mind you) for our bill. Only then did she ask how everything was. If your looking for good Italian AND a responsive wait staff, I would skip Calo and take a gamble on any other place in the area.
(1)Mara N.
My first time here and it was a great experience. The waitress was very attentive and even italian nice touch. The ambiance was delightful, low lights, modern decor. I can't wait until the summer they open the front windows to create a side walk view. I loved the calamari, very tender.
(4)David G.
When I first moved to the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square neighborhood, I was trying to find a good pizza. A friend who used to live in Andersonville recommended Calo, saying they had the best thin crust, so I went on her recommendation and she was right. The thin crust is excellent. It's tasty and it's not overwhelming with the sauce or the cheese. The best thing is that even the next day it's still unbelievably good cold. I've been ordering from Calo every so often. When they appeared on GrubHub a while back, I was ecstatic, being the slave to modern convenience that I am. Since then they have disappeared from the site. I will still keep ordering the hard way, though, and I will keep trying to drag my friends there when they visit. It's that good.
(4)Chip D.
Everyone seems to love Calo Ristorante beyond what is seemly. I'm not sure why. I think, no, I'm almost positive, that it's because they have the half-price rib deal on one night of the week. The ribs here are one of the last reasons that I would go to Calo. They are mediocre at best, often fatty, dry, and underspiced. The real reason to go to Calo's is for the simple pastas, which are surprisingly inexpensive and served in Brobdingnagian proportions. I especially like the spaghetti and meatballs here. It tends to hit the spot everytime, even though the sauce seems a wee bit sweeter than it should be. Fettuccini is also fantastic, as is the penne with sweet Italian sausage. Oh, and the braid salad is divine--chunks of salami, arugula, and mozzarella cheese layered atop French bread and sprinkled with vinegarette. Calo's also has a wonderful, darkly romantic ambience, the kind of place where you could canoodle with your sweetheart over a couple of bottles of wine for hours on end. Service in my experience has always been solicitous. Worth a trip, but far from the best Italian restaurant in Chicago.
(3)Michelle M.
Updating my review based on the past two times I've ordered for delivery they have delivered the wrong orders. I understand things happen but would rather not like for it to happen back to back.
(3)Natalie M.
The Focaccia Bread is the best thing about Calo............the other yelpers did not lie. The wait on a Friday night (Valentine's week) was about 20min, but it was quite crowded in the waiting area. A waiter suggested we make a reservation for weekends to avoid the wait. Other things I loved about Calo was the date ambiance without pretentious prices, attentive busboys who kept my water glass full, and the descriptive dessert menu (although I was too full to order any). Not so good things about Calo, the fact that carry-out prices are less than dine-in, my pizza crust was oddly "chewy/tough"- very weird. Again, the focaccia bread was damn good. If you are in Andersonville check the place out; some focaccia, a salad, and a bottle of wine would make a great date night meal.
(4)Timothy H.
The bartender once quoted Emerson to me. How many bartenders in Chicago do you know that will actually engage you in a philosophical conversation, let alone quote a literary great. I would describe the food as Italian-American fusion, with an emphasis on classic Italian dishes. You really cannot go wrong with whatever you order. Yet no matter how much I enjoy my dining experiences at Calo, I never feel the urge to GO TO CALO RIGHT NOW. So they get 4 stars, not 5.
(4)Matt K.
Ordered Prosciutto and Arugula pizza and minestrone on GrubHub - fantastic pizza. Get the aged mozzarella Delivery came super fast.
(5)Mark J.
Good dependable Italian food. When you are in the mood for a relaxed and warm atmosphere and dont want or need the pretense of $20 pasta dishes with one shrimp and scallop thrown on top then this is the place to go on the northside. Prices are reasonable for what you get and the portions are generous. Free parking to boot.
(3)Jon C.
I really love this place. I travel here from the south side often and it keeps getting better. This last time we all had the ribs...AWESOME and on special ($13.95).
(5)Jaz B.
This place was good really good! I had the RAVIOLI DI ARAGOSTA - Tri colored pasta squares filled with lobster and ricotta in a creamy garlic sauce w/ sundried tomatoes, asparagus and mushrooms! Totally licked my fingers! It is a nice size portion for two very filling. I don't recommend ordering their crab, it is not their specialty. Their gnocchi gargonzola is delicious-very rich flavor and a pretty big portion. Tiramisu is good but nothing outstanding, maybe if they put a little more rum I would totally become a fan. This is a nice place for a date, dimmed lights, nice Italian music in the background, sometimes and piano player is around, and of course exceptional customer service. Parking, not so bad-street parking but if you do go too late say after 9pm, you will not find parking my dear. I am a fan of this place just disappointed in the tiramisu...other than that it was delicious. Love the atmosphere, very romantic. There is a bar so this is not only for couples, caters to both. Will be going there again.
(4)Brett G.
Wavering between 4 and 5 stars, I'll round up. We got there about 7 PM, dressed in jeans (feeling a little underdressed) without reservations, and they took us to a table in the bar area right away. About an hour later, there was a line and the place was packed with people waiting to sit anywhere. So good timing on our part. The bread basket (with foccacia/tomato bread and lots of warm french bread) was definitely a highlight - after scarfing it down we got a second one no problem. Our waitress was quick and attentive - our service was top notch. The martinis / drinks, while not cheap, were definitely larger than most other martinis, so you got enough for your money. The salads were a little dressing-heavy, but the soups (lentil & minestrone) were tasty little cups of goodness. For entrees, I got Rigatoni Alla Barese, or pasta with chicken, sausage, red peppers, and asparagus in a spicy tomato sauce, two others got Gnocchi Gorgonzola, and finally another got Fettuccini Con Carciofi. Everything was filling and delicious, and the portions were so large every one of us had doggie bags. I would have loved to try the pizza, but the prices were so reasonable, the ambiance was great, and the service was so good I will definitely return and hope for another outstanding experience.
(5)Clare M.
Calo is a terrific spot. The menu is extensive and the portions are generous. I had the tilapia with lemon and white wine sauce which was a special, it was fantastic. I don't know if I liked the tilapia more or the bed of sauteed spinach it arrived on. It was a great dish. My fiance ordered the pappardelle con funghi - grileld shrimp with thick fettucine noodles and mushrooms in a creamy chardonnay and garlic sauce. I didn't get to sample his plate (it was gone too quickly!) but, it smelled amazing. If you love garlic, I highly recommend this dish.
(4)Sawsan S.
i have been coming to this place for the last 8 year i have never had a bad experience.food is good every time, it dose matter what day of the week it's. i give them 5 stars because i can say that i have tried almost every thing on there menu! almost !!!
(5)Stephanie Y.
yuuuuuuum. i've been here twice. both of which were for a late dinner. both of which were delicious! it's been some time, so i can't exactly tell you what dishes i got.. one was large noodles filled with cheese and spinach and a cheesy creamy sweet-ish sauce on top of it that may have given me a foodgasm.. another was some sort of pasta dish with marinara sauce, huge chunks of italian sausage, chicken, red peppers, and asparagus. which was two full meals for me. i've also had the joy of trying the hawaiin pizza - delightful! the barbeque sauce wasn't over powering, and there was just enough canadian bacon and pineapple to balance each other out. the crust was deliciously crispy. and the spinach artichoke dip - amaaaazing. the wait staff here is not extremely attentive, however if you ask questions they'll give you honest answers.
(5)Jeff A.
I am always happy with Calo! My cousin and her husband are in town and we just ate there tonight... Her and I split two dishes the specialty rolled egg plant with cheesy goodness and a great menagerie of pasta fresh mozzarella and grape tomatoes they were both great dishes! My cousins husband was blown away by his Chicken Madeira dish, I tried it, it was juicy and flavorful, it was great! We accompanied all of this with a great bottle of new zealand pinot noir priced at just 32 bucks... The best part of the journey for sure is the amazing focaccia bread they serve up front... It is so warm and buttery and flavorful! I always ask for more even though I know I don't need the extra calories!
(4)Bree L.
try dipping their incredible cheese pizza in their ridiculously awesome marinara. crave-worthy!
(5)Gayle G.
I've never eaten in the restaurant, only delivery. First off, delivery has always been prompt, which is a nice little bonus. The thin crust pizza is good (that's all I've had from there). The crust is just crispy enough and the toppings aren't so much to make it soggy. The sauce isn't too sweet either. The pasta and other items aren't so great. I haven't been pleased with anything from fries to pasta or dessert. Calo will continue to be a go to pizza place for us.
(3)Bella D.
Always : ) love coming here!! Calamari, Caprese Salad, glass of wine and yummm good cheer. By the way, great pizza and pasta and the ribs ain't half bad!! YUM!!! Great service, atmosphere and prices!
(5)Jennifer Q.
I'm a really big fan of this place. I had been a very long time ago, and hadn't remembered how much I liked it until I went back last week. Not only is the food excellent, but it is such a beautiful, glamorous place. Kinda reminds me of the Frank Sinatra days. It has a very timeless, classic vibe without being "old fashioned" or outdated. I wasn't feeling overly hungry so I ordered just the bruschetta and the minestrone soup. It filled me up and left me happy. We all also enjoyed the fresh baked bread. I think we even asked for another basket! My whole family liked their food and was impressed with the restaurant!
(5)imran k.
The thing about Andersonville, as much as I hate to express it- is that one after another- every restaurant and little shop has something interesting to offer. A friend of mine and I spent the evening wandering around the Clark strip trying to figure out where to get dinner. We originally wanted to go to Great Lakes Pizza but the HOUR AND A HALF WAIT encouraged us to go elsewhere. My friend suggested Calo and because I didn't have any other suggestion, we strolled in, ordered a large pizza to go and wandered around some more. A half hour later, we walked back in- and the hostess forgot entirely who I was (how do you not discriminate an Indian amidst a sea of white faces?) and tried to seat us. I reminded her we were there to pick up our pizza and she looked around nervously and left to fetch our grub. For $20, my friend and I ate & had a glorious time. This is what living in Chicago is all about.
(4)Michelle J.
This is my "go to" place when I want a little something to eat and drink in a cheerful atmosphere. The bartenders are attentive without being oppressive and although I have been there dozens of times, I have never had a bad experience. This may not be the place for food snobs...it is "traditional"...but my 83 year old father loves the place.
(4)Kyle S.
This is hands down our favorite neighborhood Italian spot. The food is good the pizza is great. Not a place to go to if you are trying to loose weight but a must try if you want good italian comfort food. A few year ago the gutted the restaurant and now its a great spot to hang out with friends as well.
(4)Patrick R.
I've been here a couple of times; first as a visitor to Chicago, and now as a resident. I think the ambiance is very nice. Nothing special, but perfect lightening for either a date or a night out with friends. Each time we've visited, the host and staff have been nice and accommodating. I love the bread that they first bring out to the table! Now, on to the food! I like to order the Artichoke dip to start. It's great for sharing! Then, for the latest visit at least, I order the Ziti Vodka. I'm a sucker for anything with chicken and sundried tomatoes and this dish didn't disappoint. They have an extensive menu with pizzas as well. The only thing that surprised me were the flatscreen TVs in the bar area. Surprisingly, I've found that many nice restaurants do that in Chicago. Also, if you aren't form Chicago, this area is a nice walking area with many bars and restaurants.
(4)sveta b.
I been going to Calo for 9 years and i love the place and food best Italian you ever get ......
(5)Lynn K.
Great service, Maria was our server. Food was fantastic, We had Lobster and shrimp raviolis and Gorganzola Gnochi. Reasonably priced and nice atmostphere.
(5)Michele M.
Lovely interior, cozy and great for dinners or watching afternoon games on tv at the bar. Place is huge and good for dates, family dinners or larger parties. LOVE their gorgonzolla gnocchi, only place I've ever been able to get it, my mouth is watering as I type this! They have a grilled seafood appetizer that is DEELISH. Also a prosciutto wrapped mozzerella appetizer served on top of a small tomato salad drizzled in balsamic....YUMMMM. Thin crust pizza is also good. Go if you want delicious Italian food and a warm cozy atmosphere. Plus free parking in the lot across the street!
(5)Foodie S.
Calo has been a family favorite for generations. It is our secret gem in Andersonville! Not many people outside of the neighborhood know about this amazing place. EVERYTHING on the menu is FRESH and cooked to order. I have never had one bad thing from Calo, dine in, carry out, or delivery! They are great for parties, catering, big group dinners, etc, etc, etc!! There is a FREE parking lot located across the street directly next to Swedish Bakery for your convenience soo, what's your excuse?
(5)Tom S.
4 1/2 stars I've been holding back a little bit on my review of Calo because it has a very deep, soft spot in my heart. Calo was on of my first nights out when I moved to Chicago. My new neighbor, looking back, was trying to woo me and taking me to Calo was a bold, calculated move, if not completely effective; nonetheless, I was wooed by the restaurant, the staff, the décor and most importantly, the food. Calo was where I learned that I like octopus, marinated and grilled that was perfectly piquant and smoky. The octopus itself was remarkably tender; if I'd closed my eyes I might have sworn I was eating chicken, but there was a taste to it that wasn't anywhere near the ubiquitous taste of chicken. Fried squid is another Calo favorite. These people know how to treat rubber bands so that they are the farthest thing from rubber bands. You'd be wise to take advantage here, you just never know where you might run into octopus or squid and how extremely disappointed you might be. That's not the case at Calo. The Rotolo di Mozzarella is a can't miss: fresh mozzarella rolled with prosciutto, served with plum tomato, basil, the best balsamic and just the right touch of garlic and extra virgin olive oil. If you want to cure what ails you, opt for Fried mozzarella, served with Calo's light but flavorful Marinara. And if you want to throw down old school, you have to try their version of Shrimp De Jonghe. I don't know any other place in Chicago that sells this classic dish. Minestrone is worthy any great-great Italian grandmother; or check out the soup of the day, always with an Italian bend to it. Stand out salads include the Smoked Braid Salad and the Mediterranean salad. The Smoked Braid start with smoked mozzarella as the base and arugula, prosciutto, grape tomatoes, and Italian vinaigrette expertly portioned on top; a garlic crostini accompanies. The Mediterranean is leaf-less, nothing gets in the way of this mix of classic Mediterranean vegetables in vinaigrette. Ribs are a specialty, and with good reason: they're crack-tastic. Rotolo di Melanzana, eggplant stuffed and rolled, is a personal favorite as are their outstanding Center Cut Pork Chops, perfectly season and grilled to nirvana. Entrées include your choice of soup, salad, pasta or potato; if I haven't already had salad or pasta, I might choose one here, but otherwise I love how the treat the spud at Calo. Whatever they do, they bring out the best of the potato and I want lessons. The Zuppa di Pesce [fish soup] is an Italian version of Boullibaise and better than many Boullibaise dishes you can find in and around town. Shrimp De Jonghe moves from the appetizer menu to a full on Entrée; this rich shrimp and spinach dish is not only delicious, it is incredibly rich in iron and protein. Be sure to ask about the fresh fish of the day. Scallops on Farfalle is wonderful due in part to the light basil cream sauce, and Lobster Ravioli is an indulgent and luxe dish punctuated by my favorite, sun-dried tomato. If you're a gnocchi fan you have at least 3 to choose from a Calo, it's hard to go wrong. Soft pillows of potato dough, perfectly cooked and expertly sauced, my favorite is the marina where the gnocchi are paired with friends pancetta and Parmesan. The rest of the menu is punctuated with Italian American classic like lasagna and a bevy of risottos. You can't miss, but opt for one of Calo's many specials and save the pastas for the kiddies. I've never had lunch here, I've never ordered pizza for delivery from here, Calo has always been a destination restaurant for a great Italian dinner from people who care about you and the food they serve. And too so should it be for you, at least once.
(4)Katie T.
Calamari!!! Calo special!!!
(4)Amy R.
Do you know in those annoying e-mail/Facebook quizzes where you fill out things like what you'd take to a desert island, who was your first kiss, etc.? When they ask for what I'd choose to be my last meal on earth, I will have a hard time deciding between Calo's gnocci asiago and gnocci con ricotta. The food here is put-you-in-a-bliss-induced-coma good. I also love the atmosphere. The south side of the place is romantic and candle-lit, while the north side is like a classy pizza bar. The service has always been top-notch. They also deliver, and SUPER fast.
(5)Paul A.
I was expecting more based on all the positive reviews this place got. But to my disappointment, our experience was very very average. We had an 8:00 reservation, yet had to wait at the bar until 8:40 to be seated. The 3 ladies bar-tending all had attitude problems, and acted as if they were doing us a favor by taking our drink orders. Our waitress was nice, but not too attentive since they were packed. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. We tried the thin crust pizza, and like I said, solid, but not good enough to make me come back for it. I'd much rather have the thin crust pizza from Piazza Bella in Roscoe Village. The restaurant itself had a nice ambiance to it, and you can park across the street for free. Both pluses. Perhaps I'll give this place one more try and go with a pasta dish....
(3)Bonnie L.
I love this place. Let me preface this by saying that I have not been to Calo's in like twenty years. It is not at all what I remember, which is why I had not been back in so long. I decided to give them a try again, as I had heard that they had a renovation a while back. I am sure glad that I did. My sister and I headed over to Calo's this past Friday night. I was really glad that we did not have to wait for a table since they looked really packed. We were initially seated at a two top by the window. Shortly after being seated we realized that we were a bit chilly sitting over there. The hostess could tell that we were a bit uncomfortable and did not even wait for us to request a table change. She promptly came back over and asked if we wanted a new table. Wow, when the heck does that ever happen?? We actually had to settle on a table in the bar area, but that was fine with me. They actually had some live music that was really nice. The food was phenomenal. I ordered an item that was one of their nightly specials. It was described as little pasta purses filled with four cheeses topped with a burnt butter and peas. That was exactly what the dish looked like, too. Described to the T. It was delicious. My sister decided to stick with something a bit more traditional. She ordered spinach pasta with Alfredo sauce. Holy shit! I was so jealous. It was absolutely delicious and I was so jealous. Mine was just as good but I mean hers was just so damn good. I will definitely be ordering that next time I go. For dessert we each ordered Cannoli. Yummy goodness. I would also like to add that the server was awesome. I am so glad that I checked out Calo's again after such a long time. What a pleasant surprise. I will be back, for sure!
(5)Christopher D.
For old school Chicago-style Italian food, I think this is the best place around. I say "Chicago-style Italian" because it's what I think of as being Italian-inspired American food as opposed to what you might see at a restaurant in Milan or Florence. The food is good. The prices are very reasonable. The bar is fun, and so is the dance floor with the live music. It's an Andersonville landmark.
(4)Emily Y.
I'm told Calo has been around for a VERY long time (an old woman I was chatting with on the Clark bus actually told me this), and I can certainly see why. The weekend dinner crowd is decidedly...older (you could almost mistake yourself for being in the suburbs from the looks of the clientele), but for good, simple Italian food at a reasonable price and a great dirty martini, you can't find a better place in Andersonville (or I'd venture to say the Northside). The atmosphere is fine, nothing too special; and the service can be a little slow, but they had a singer crooning some good tunes (think Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter) that livened things up a bit. The food is heartily portioned, and all entrees come with soup or salad, a perk that seems to be dying out in most good restaurants. I had the ziti alla vodka -- the sauce was fantastic and packed with sun dried tomatoes and chicken and basil. And enough food for three meals. My fiance had the carbonara, which wouldn't be my pick, but it was rich and creamy goodness with crispy bacon. Our friend had the gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce which he seemed to love -- he was the only one to clean his plate! Calo is a fantastic place to take visiting parents, and I imagine it would be great for large groups as well -- I've often seen large parties there. Parking lot across the street makes for extra convenience, though parking in Andersonville never seems to be a huge problem (and I should know, I park there every day). For us, it was a nice meal on a Friday evening before hitting the bar scene. OH and I almost forgot about the amazing pizza bread in the bread basket. Good lord that could be a meal in itself.
(4)Rosemary L.
The older I get the harder it is to have a good time. You get too persnickety, too particular about everything. Too jaded. And then we stopped at Calo's late on a Thursday afternoon. Everything was perfect. No Sinatra but everything else was all right. A big leather booth, dim lighting made us both look good, soft music, an attentive server, yummy appetizers and a delicious dinner. What else can a body ask for?
(5)David P.
Just had dinner here last night, 07/02/11, and I can't say enough good things about it. The service was spot on. The food was absolutely delicious from the soup and salad to the main course. I was very much impressed and will definitely be back very soon. Give it a try, you will not be sorry you did.
(5)Larisa P.
This is a great place - great food and really good service. Enjoy it often. Last night, the staff went above and beyond when my grandmother and I were there for dinner. Highly recommend Calo. (and free parking across the street!)
(5)Ernie B.
Great Italian food!
(4)Jennifer G.
I think I must have lived in Chicago in a former life because ever since first visiting it in 1995, it has always felt like home to me each time I return and I try & return a lot! Anyway - on to Calo's. I was introduced to this restaurant about 3 years ago by a dear friend who lives in the area and that was my first encounter with "little pillows of heaven" called Asiago (or Gorgonzola) gnocchi. There are literally not descriptive enough words to describe the flavor sensations provided by those little morsels. To be honest, I didn't notice much about anything else (ambiance, service staff, other food) even though I've been back several times until my last visit on February 20th, 2010. This visit was exceptional in every way. Had a reservation for 8:30 but arrived a little early and spent that time in the bar area, drinking a wonderful tanq10 & tonic and watching the Olympics while chatting with my dinner partner. I would say the age range of the people there were late 20s to mid 50s and the crowd was a pretty eclectic mix. We were seated maybe 10 minutes after our reservation time but it was extremely crowded that night so I didn't mind. We were seat and our wonderful waiter, Juan, was there almost immediately while the wonderful focaccia bread & fresh french bread was delivered to the table. He was so nice as to show us a plate of one of the specials (my partner is apparently in need of visuals) and took our appetizer order. The steamed mussels in red sauce were DIVINE!!! Hot, tender, tasty, the sauce not overbearing the seafood. We ate every single one and then sopped up the remaining sauce with the bread. YUMMMM!!!! Next came minestrone soup (for my partner) and salad with balsamic vinaigrette for me. Love that the salad comes on a cold plate and the salad was very fresh & crisp and tasty! Partner totally enjoyed the soup. Now on to wonderfulness - my pillows of heaven (asiago this time) and lamb chops for my partner. We shared both and both were just amazing in both presentation, taste, temperature, etc. And last on the list - dessert. Obviously after that big meal, there wasn't room for much else but I need something "clean" - perfect answer: Italian Lemonade (really a lemon ice). Slightly sweet & tart .. perfecto! Juan, our waiter, was absolutely the best - so attentive, we never had to wait for anything. As I said, it was a really busy night but he managed to keep up with our needs as well as what seemed like a 1/4 of the main restaurant. The manager came over & introduced himself about half way through the main course and inquired how things were. It was my partner's first time there so he got a little more attention. Manager (can't remember his name damnit!) was very nice & actually came over one more time right when we were ready to go. I would recommend this place to anyone that is going to be in the Andersonville area. It's prices are reasonable and the ambience and service as well as the food are worth every penny! Enjoy!
(5)Meagan L.
Great food, HUUUUUUGE servings. Boyfriend and I always split an entree and I still end up with leftovers. Very reasonable prices as well considering you get about 3 meals from each entree. They easily accommodated a group of 10 of us on a Friday night as well and put up with our shenanigans. This is totally a place I come back to again and again.
(5)Unity O.
Okay, I am very biased when it comes to this place (tis too true)--this is the place my husband & I had our 1st date so of course it holds a special place in my heart. Even if that were not the case--the food is still very good! They are more of your middle of the road Italian--nothing to fancy schmacy--but you will get alot of bang for your buck. They just recently got new menus--so you know what that means--higher prices--overall, still worth the money. The ambiance is warm & friendly--the servers are FANTASTIC--they make sure you are well cared for. This is a family friendly joint, but it can also be very romantic if you want till about 8pm to eat there since most kiddos will be at home getting ready for bed. The food is YUMMY--my favorite is the gnochi--actually had it for the 1st time at Calo's, but pretty much all their pasta dishes are tasty. The portions are very generous--so make sure you have lots of room. My hubby & I also LOVE their stuffed pizza & often get it delivered to our home. I say give this place a try--you most likely will not be disappointed!
(5)Julia R.
delicious italian food. nice atmosphere. i've tried 4-5 different dishes (sampling from friends) aside from my own and everything was really good. i love that they deliver - but wish they would send their delicious bread with deliveries. their tomato foccacia bread is to die for. tastes kinda like pizza but mostly how you expect "amazing" would taste. service was good, atmostphere was pretty nice - kinda romantic i guess in the main dining room, though i was with a group. i've only had pasta here and i'd like to try their pizza and ribs - which i hear are famous.
(4)Bryan W.
Delicious. Everything we had tasted good, and I just had Spaghetti and Meatballs, the staff was accommodating when we had to change our reservation at the last minute. Yummy place, a little on the expensive side, but if your a little north of downtown and hankering for Italian this place is about as good as your gonna get.
(5)Sara S.
Two words. SUPER YUMMY. Linguini fruiti de mare was so succulent :)' The scallops, shrimp and mussels were the biggest I've seen, ever. The portions are huge and the bread baskets offers foccacia topped with a delicious tomato mix. I will definitely be back in a jiffy. Atmosphere was relaxed, yet appropriate; no incriminating white table cloths :)
(5)Deepika T.
Not being a fan of food thats not in the range of spicy to crazy-spicy, I've always considered pasta dishes too bland for me to enjoy. Being vegetarian also narrows the options to marinara and such. And then I landed up at Calo once I moved into the neighborhood. Since then, this has become my go-to spot for anything Italian and for Saturday nights with friends.. Good wine, good food, huge portions, great service and wonderful ambience (you even get to pick which room you sit in - the lovely dining area or the booth/bar scene with the TVs). This one sure is a keeper :)
(4)aaron a.
Dear Calo, I dream of your delicious pan pizza and cheapy cheap martinis! When can I see you again? Yours, Aaron
(4)Keith W.
HUGE PORTIONS!!! You defintiely get what you pay for. The food is good. Pizza's great and the place has a nice decor.
(4)Abhist D.
This is where my wife and I go when we want to kick back and relax. Actually, my wife took me here when I got a promotion at work after she had read some reviews on Yelp....and I know my fellow Yelpers will rarely point me in the wrong direction. We actually sat down and had dinner here, but sadly to say, have not had the pizza as of yet, which is a shame because that's exactly what everyone loves. You know what I love, the night that we were there, the manager, Sakhib, went around to each table and asked how the food was and how their service was, but not in that conscious bureaucratic way at some restaurants where you know its mostly for show. Sakhib seemed to be very genuine when he asked that question. And on top of that, once he came to us, the three of us really hit it off. You know what the best thing was, my wife and I came back about two months later, and I don't know how, but Sakhib still remembered us and remembered our names. How crazy is that??? I know...I know...that's their job, but seriously, to remember some random couple you only met once and remember their names and personal information about them is still an amazing feat and it made me feel quite special. The second time was just to drink and enjoy, and we relaxed at the bar with Don and met some of the locals. Basically, Calo's is a place where you can bring a gal for a romantic, or get together with your friends and treat it as the local watering hole.
(5)Amanda P.
Love this restaurant. One of my top fav's in the city. Every time I come here, parking is easy in the lot across the street and great service. All of the food I have tried is excellent.
(5)Natalie V.
Amazing drinks, great atmosphere and great portions of food!!! One of my favorite places on Clark!!!
(4)Matt L.
Overrated. I have been a customer of Calo's for many years and for the most part everything I've had has been fine. Nothing memorable enough to write 8+ paragraphs about but apparently, incredibly mediocre Italian food spawns literacy. That said, Calo has one thing going for them - promptness. Delivery is always super fast. However the last handful of times I've ordered, my food has arrived either over cooked, crushed or (this evening) dropped. Quality shouldn't be sacrificed for speed - right? 3 stars for reliably inconsistent Italian food in A-ville.
(3)Tim G.
If it weren't for the pizza, I wouldn't recommend Calo's at all. It is absolutely NOT authentic. Had the Carbonara with peas and Pancetta was instead pasta bathing in a bad Alfredo sauce with burnt bacon and a couple of peas. Alfredo is NOT authentic Italian, and doesn't belong in Carbonara. Have had other pastas there, and other than the enormous amount of food they serve - it's pretty blah... Salads seemed to have just come out of the freezer, as cucumbers were frozen and we waited for them to warm before diving in. Services was slow, usually not available, only bus service was quick. Have had their pizza in the past, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Haven't had the ribs, but I am told they are good. Decor is nice. Not sure there aren't 5 or 6 other Andersonville restaurants I would rather spend my money at.
(2)Carly O.
I go to Calo's because it's walking distance from my apartment. Given that, it's more like a 4 star restaurant. But if I had to make any kind of commute, I don't think I'd really go. Some of their food is good (ribs, pizza) and some of their food is pretty boring tasting (spaghetti). My favorite thing is actually the foccacia bread served with your meal and their creamy garlic dressing. There's really not room for appetizers or dessert because of this. The new-ish renovation is nice, and the interior is now updated and more modern. Anyway, it's a neighborhood joint that attracts an older crowd who come for the weekly specials. If you're already planning on going, I think you'll enjoy yourself. If you're looking at reviews to figure out where to go for Italian food, this wouldn't make the top of my list.
(3)Mike O.
Very good food, nice dim-lit atmosphere, & fastest check I've every received
(4)Lisa C.
I went there after seeing a show at the Neofuturists. The restaurant is really cute and clean. You are given a lot of food for what you pay (a side order of pasta came with my lamb). It was one of those rainy nights where we came in from the elements and just ate a hearty meal in a very cozy place. While Andersonville has plenty of options in the eating department, this is a good option if you are looking for an Italian meal that's a bang for your buck.
(4)Stephen R.
Solid place. Good Pizza, good pasta. Everything is solid. Not great, but very good and good place for families or an italian fix.
(3)Rudy S.
This place is so much fun. I've seen people on dates, older couples, groups of coworkers, and people with children here. On Saturday , they had a live band playing which was a nice treat. The food is delicious, but I'll tell you what really stands out..The service. The service is excellent and really makes you miss good service when you go to a different restaurant. I usually get pizza when here, but next time I will venture out and try something new. Great food at a great price.
(4)Ralph F.
"Great Restaurant in a great neighborhood." Been here 10 times in the past 4 years. They always pour a good drink, the portions are huge and the price is reasonable. Parking in the city is rough at times, Not at Calo's. You can park across the street and they give you a ticket that you have validated by anyone who works in the restaurant. Live entertainment in the bar. I have dined here with 2 people and have dined here with a party of 12. The staff is well trained. I love this place for when a friend comes into town. I know we will have good experience.
(4)Araceli R.
this is one of the fav italian restaurants for my brother in law.........we know whay.................is delicius im always order the seafood salad & lasagna love it soo exited we going this sunday :)
(4)Sarah Anna H.
My husband and I both love Calo for dine in or out! It is one of our top choices in Andersonville.
(5)Ryan M.
I certainly would not call this place snobby or say that there is a formal dress code, but I felt slightly underdressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Jeans and a nice sweater would probably pass though. And that's only if you care about that stuff. People were there in shorts and things like that, but the atmosphere of the place is a little nicer to me. Let's get to the important stuff. The food. Everyone at my table shared a Mozzarella Fritti. It's not enough to share though, we were expecting more (this is for the fried fresh mozzarella), it's only a small block. But delicious. Just order 2 or 3 if you want to share. We all (except my grandfather who wanted ribs) had the Stuffed Pizza. I think this is one of my new favorite places. The pepperoni to sausage ratio was a little off, but not enough to make it an issue. The crust was crisp and delicious and the sauce was a really nice consistency (I don't like the chunky sauce). All in all, it was great. My grandad's ribs were purported to be great. Falling off the bone if I recall. They must've been good because he pulled his bottom fake teeth out right at the table to clean them off with a cloth napkin. You gotta love old people and their lack of caring about the rest of the world.
(4)George K.
When the weather was bad, my girlfriend and I sought shelter (and a place to eat) in the Andersonville area. The setting is very nice, and the dimly set lighting creates a very nice ambiance. The food was not only good, but it was also very hearty (I'm a big boy, and it filled me up very nicely). Overall, the service was great and the price was reasonable.
(4)Kelly S.
We went here for Valentine's Day on a recommendation and it was lovely. We easily found parking, despite it being a trendy neighborhood. And the food...The food was amazing...very flavorful and fresh. The wine was delicious, too, and the waiter was able to recommend a wine to go with my meal. Overall, the bill was very reasonable. For two drinks and two entrees, it only came to 50 dollars. We will definitely be back, and the only problem will be not knowing whether to order the same great meal or something else. Everything looked so good!
(5)Robert S.
The Calo is an Italian gem in the middle of Swedish town. The Carbonara there is probably the best I've ever had. And I consider myself a Carbonara connoisseur. If that's possible. It's so creamy and bacony, and together with the perfectly cooked noodles a regal bed is made for the fresh green peas. The chicken bow tie pasta is also excellent, and the portions of everything there are easily enough for two, if not three meals. It's enough to remember not to fill up on the wonderful bread on the next visit... but that's mostly because there needs to be room for the Tiramisu! The wait staff is very attentive here- servers, hosts, and busboys are all very friendly and appear often. As far as atmosphere, Calo is dimly lit and very romantic with candles and nice, comfortable decor. On one visit a light jazz pianist was providing some upbeat background music. My ears pricked up once I realized he was playing Pink Floyd's Shine On in it's entirety. Even the guitar solos flowed effortlessly from his fingertips as everyone enjoyed their fantasic meals.
(5)trina b.
Last week, my husband and I were really busy with work and being in a wedding the weekend before, we hadn't had a chance to go grocery shopping. I think our cupboards were more bare than Old Mother Hubbard's. So we had ordered thai the night before and we were looking for another and hopefully new delivery option. And it's slightly more tricky because I'm a vegetarian. So I trusted my fellow yelpers to help me out. I searched around and came across Calo's. They have such a large and pretty diverse menu that I knew I could find something very easily to please the taste buds. And it just so happened, their special of the day was baked lasagna, meat or veggie for 8.50. Now if anyone has ever attempted to make lasagna, you'll know it's sort of a pain in the butt. So any chance I can get to eat lasagna without having to make it, I'll take it. Just call me Garfield. (If you didn't get that reference, than you didn't watch enough quality tv when you were younger! :0) ) According other Yelpers, the delivery was fast and the food always comes to your door pipping hot. And duh, of course the Yelpers were right on both accounts. It was burning hot actually. Like burnt my hand when I pulled it out of the bag hot. But it didn't matter because the taste of the lasagna would have made up for third degree burns. It was SO yummy-tons of flavor, just the right amount of cheese, sauce and spinach together. And the portion was enough to fill up any fat cat. But I knew better, and saved more than half for a meal the next day. And it was just as tasty! My hubby had the Italian beef sandwich w/fries and it was ridiculously massive too. It was quite comical watching him try to eat that thing. It blows any sandwich shop's attempt right out of the water. And it was only 6.95. An excellent deal. The only thing I would say isn't fantastic is their bread. It's so so. Not crusty or soft, sort of chewy and there wasn't any flavor to it. Oh and we also had a salad to split, the Mediterranean, and it was huge and delicious and also was another meal the next day. All in all, great food experience. Next we will have to experience eating in at Calo's. And in case you were wondering, we went to the market and got our selves groceries and even our dog a bone.
(4)Elizabeth E.
One of my favorite places for pizza in the area! Super fast delivery if you're near here. Great ambiance for dinner & great service! I highly recommend trying goat cheese on their pan pizza, also great thin crust pizza! Reasonably priced.
(5)Peter M.
My family and I gathered here for my grandmother's birthday celebration and we are all fans now. For the luncheon I ordered the bucatini al pesto, and was far from disappointed. The portions were large and had more than enough was left over for tasty lunch the following day. Their portions were so large I was able to nibble on other people's plates which left a desire to taste everything. Their staff was exceptional and beyond courteous. A true italian treat.
(4)Melissa S.
Took my girlfriend out for dinner saturday. She had the octopus that looked freaky on plate, but it tasted good. GREAT vitamin c martinis, my pasta dish totally sucked and the prices were VERY HIGH. she wanted to try this place as we had a reservation at Mia's (yes, she gets what she wants.) and i regret not keeping our date at Mia's. Not sure how they justify the outrageous pricing, but we won't ever come back here again...
(3)Jacob J.
I read reviews and got feedback from localites before checking them out. The two entrees I'd heard the most about was their ribs and pizza. I like a nice doughy pizza from time to time and went with their pan pizza. Forgot to ask for double dough which was still fine because their pizza was doughy enough with a nice crust. Could've used a bit more sauce for a more tangy feel, but, it was a decent pizza. Nothing to write home about. Looking around the bar I saw that most ordered pasta and an afterthought was that I should have also. The ribs were okay, I think they were boiled and could have been cooked longer. Of course I could've had them sent back, but at the time I was hungry and didn't care much. Their BBQ sauce is tasty but extra was needed. Highlights: The fresh made focaccia pizza bread which comes out standard and my heavily poured cocktail. Our service was top notch and we hardly waited for anything at all. Pleasant dark toned decor in the bar area with comfy cushioned booth seating. They had the room decorated with lights since it twas the season and as the night progressed and the lights dimmed I wished I was with a chick rather than sharing the moment with a dude. A good spot for date night. Places like this are best for pasta and other dishes, pizza is an afterthought. IF you're thinking what I was thinking about their ribs, perhaps you should have it on the night of ribs specials.
(4)Lizzy H.
This is our go-to place for special occassions and we've never been disappointed! The service has always been friendly and accomodating, and the food delicious. I don't know very much about wine, but always think when I'm eating good Italian food I need to pair it with a good wine. My servers always have great suggestions, and promise that if I don't like what they recommend, they'll get me something else. (I've never had to ask for anything else.) One suggestion: you have to ask for oil and cheese if you'd like it with your bread.
(5)Nada R.
HEY YOU VEGAN! You too can get love at Calo. Yes, the very same Calo that people talk about with those glazed eyes that hearken back to their last pork rib & cheese coma! Ok, maybe that's not so appealing to you. Let's just get to bidness. Their Veg Delight pan pizza rocks ass, and the thin crust is pretty good too, but it's not their specialty. The focaccia is really good. Good enough to make you tug on a waitperson's sleeve to ask for another basket please. Good enough to order in and toast yourself in the broiler so that it tastes like it does in the restaurant. The house salad's just ok, but if you're really aching for some iceberg, it'll do the trick. Lastly, I have *never* had a crummy martini here. After you're done, you'll be fully carb-loaded for hours of jukebox madness at Simon's down the street. That is, if I haven't yet already loaded half my paycheck into it.
(4)Terry B.
Well, dine-in might be good, I've tried that.. but I'm pretty disappointed in the latest delivery-to-your-door treat I splurged on. Full slab of ribs.. arrived not-too hot, medium-warm in fact. Kind of on the dry side. Side of spaghetti with meat sauce was hotter, but could have used, oh, 300% more meat sauce. Salad was unimpressive. Bread was good. Delivery person was (as they all seem to be) unapologetic for the not-hot food. I think it should be same temp delivered to your door as delivered to your table; microwave reheating does NOT enhance any dish. When you can get it, though, the cream of mushroom soup is....wunnerful!
(2)James T.
So it was my birthday weekend and settled for Calo. A friend of mine told me about this place and raved they had really good italian food. My party got there around 9ish and had to wait about 15 minutes to get seated. Which was good for me because I found out they served DT( delirium tremens). God I love that stuff! Once seated, I looked over the menu and wanted so badly to try the ROTOLO DI MELANZANA but once I saw veal on the menu i shifted my focus on that dish. I ordered the VITELLO CARCIOFI which was veal medallions sautéed with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, tomatoes and onions in a white wine sauce. Obviously bread is given first which I think was the best part of my entire meal. That Focaccia bread was insanely good. I must of had 6 large pieces of this God given bread. Moving on with my meal, I went with the clam chowder which is what I always pick as a soup because im obsessed with it. Ever since going to Fisherman's Wharf in SF, I have been trying to find a place that could compare. But that's a whole other story. Calo was good but lacked the spice I was looking for. I asked for cayenne but gave me Tabasco instead. Made it a little better but not the taste I was going for. On to my entree, veal was overdone. Not crazy overdone but was probably left in the pan just a little longer than it should be. Artichoke hearts were good, sauce was ok but on the buttery side. At the end they had brought out a birthday tiramisu cake which was damn good. Thanks to the Calo and my friends for that one. Over all my meal was good, but i would definitely give this place another try. 3 stars seems a little low for all the great reviews I had read about this place but that's my two cents. I will come back and re-review this place.
(3)Usama H.
I was looking for a place that doesn't charge a fixed price for dinner tonight and after reading Jennifer's recomendation i decided to give it a shot. Although the place was packed, they had a table ready for us, the waitress knew a lot about the different dishes and luckily for me suggested that I had ordered one plate too many. I got the grilled Octopus and the Vongole and both dishes were cooked right and the portions were plentiful. If I only had the Octopus, I would have given this place 5 stars, but the Vongole was a bit more acidic than what I would have liked and the side salad was average.
(4)Andrious W.
I've been eating from Calo's for as long as I can remember. My grandmother lived right over on Racher and Ashland so we frequently ordered from them. The food was always good although I usually either got pizza or pasta. Occasionaly I would get the chicken or ribs and I was never disapointed. I can't say much about thier interior remodelings as I've ever only been inside three times in my life. The first when I was six and the last two times were on Valentines Day last year and 6 months after that. The Valentines visit was amazing. We had a lovely table by the window and the candles on the table were wonderful. I was also very pleased with the service. If only other places could be as good with thier customer service. It's kind of a long trip for me to get to these days but I still enjoy going.
(5)Matt G.
This place is really nice! The atmosphere is nice, although a little crowded at times. The food was great and there are many many options to choose from. It is a little on the expensive side, but definitely worth the money! I've marked 4 stars but it probably deserves 4.5, it is a great Italian place in a great neighborhood!
(4)Lauren K.
My family and I were in Chicago for the night and the manager at the hotel recommended this restaurant for dinner. And we were not disappointed. We ordered a salad and two pizzas (one thin crust and one stuffed). First came out the free bread that comes when you order and goodness, that pizza bread or whatever you call it was SO good. If that's all I had to eat I would have been more than satisfied. I'm not sure specifically what salad we got, but it was on top a piece of bread(a crostinni I believe). It was good but it was way big-we easily split it between the 4 of us and it was still a lot. Then the pizzas came. The thin crust was very tasty-the flavors of the cheese, sauce and crust all blended and complimented each other very well. The stuffed crust was really good too but I could only have a slice otherwise I think I would have gotten sick of it. We definitely had some leftover pizza afterwards. The meal was definitely filling, but it was some seriously good, tasty Italian food and I could recommend this place in a heartbeat to anyone. Also-we went to the restaurant around 6pm, so in the midst/start of dinner time rush and we all couldn't believe the incredible service at Calo's. Everything was delivered super quick and by the time we realized we needed water refilled, our waitress was there with water. So on top of great food, this restaurant has top-notch service too, which is definitely a plus for me.
(5)G R.
So why review 59, do they need any more. Well, here it is anyway. When I lived in the area I ordered delivery from here for years always good, kept me dialing in weekly. This is the first time that I dined there. This is where I wish Yelp had a several star rating system. One Star- For when we arrived. No one at the podium, could have been seating someone? Well no, and it was before the rush. The bartender spotted us, I figured she would acknowledge us, well no. When I approached the bar, she walked in the other direction. She looked pretty cranky. The hostess at this point spotted us and we were seated. Three stars- Service, We did get water and menus right away, however there was a little confusion on who was waiting on us, shift change. No big deal, our server and the service was very good once things got going. Four Stars- Food. Very good, some of the best fettuccine alfredo, that I've had in a while, a good value too 12.95 with a choice of soup or salad. Four Stars- Atmosphere. Nice comfy decor, a good mix of tables and booths, not spaced tightly together. Beautiful hardware floors and an overall open airy feel. I'll be going back, and perhaps after that they'll get that fourth overall star. Because when you get down to it, it's all about the food.
(3)Chris S.
I ate here a couple of weeks ago and genuinely enjoyed it. It's taken far too long for me to end up here, but last Sunday, after craving Italian, we broke and headed over and dined. I had ricotta gnocchi and it had a unique flavor and just a little bit of zing. I was definitely into it. The wife and I split desert, which was this apple crisp with ice cream dish. Great stuff. We're planning on trying their pizza at some point too.
(4)grant s.
I've been going here since 1991 and it is still one of my favorite restaurants for dine-in or delivery. The food is consistently great whether you go on tues. for lunch or on a busy sat. nite. The King Crab Legs are my benchmark to which I compare ALL other restaurants, in any price range and Calo keeps winning. The seafood something (also on the menu "at market price" ) is also fantastic and easily enough for 3 people. When I order delivery it is always hot, prompt and just as good as the dine-in. Did I say I love this place?
(5)Jim K.
Yuck. Terrible deep dish pizza. Bisquick crust, bland sauce, waaaay too much cheese. This is an example of Yelp grade inflation run amok. Stay away.
(1)Chas V.
I grew up ordering their thin crust pizzas and while I admit it was very tasty, it was also really greasy and quite honestly I can only handle it on occassion now. However, if you've got a tough stomach, I say go for it as it tastes great. Oddly, over the years I've only eaten at the location maybe 7 or 8 times. I recall the service being fine, and seeing some occassional odd loungey entertainers (not sure if they still do that) but I remember overall the experience was enjoyable.
(3)Jennifer S.
I love their thin crust pizza. The sauce is wonderful. Also, you need to try the gnocchi stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese. It's crazy good. Added bonus. Free parking across the street.
(5)Sara H.
Seriously, this is just BIG food. It's got some flavor, but I think people who rate this place highly have gotten stuck in the American "lots of food = good food" mindset. It was nothing special. I can name at least 5 Italian restaurants in the area alone that are better than this one. Plus, the service is really slow. Not impressed.
(2)Joshua N.
Calo has become one of our favorite spots for a late meal. Their kitchen is open until midnight during the week. It is the only place that I know of that actually serves great pizza and pasta late in the evening on the north side. They even have their own parking lot, not that you'll need it if you go after 10 PM.
(4)Patrick C.
Being able to get a table for two on a Friday night within 20 minutes was pretty surprising, but it looks like they have quite a few tables to seat everyone who comes in. I got pizza here, which was pretty good, not great, but the free bread was a nice bonus. Thinking about it more, I am going to take a second and change my rating from three stars to four.
(4)Jen K.
Got the pan pizza with prosciutto and goat cheese. Was a little more doughy than I would expect for a pan pizza. The pizza I would give 4 stars, but what irritated me was the massive difference in the posted prices online (both on their website and grubhub) and what I was charged. Not sure I'd try it again. Still on the hunt for my favorite pizza...
(3)Jean Z.
Calo is good italian food. I've been here over a dozen times and have not been disappointed. Order anything. I promise. It's good. Park in the lot across the street if Clark is full.
(4)Char Y.
Expensive average italian food, with bad gnocchi. So bad I couldn't eat them, and I love gnocchi.
(2)Voltaire M.
How to make four dinners without cooking? Order one large deep-dish pizza with extra pizza sauce. Choose whatever fillings you'd like, they're all good. Then, get full after once slice each. Freeze remaining pieces, two to a ziploc. Nights later, when you don't want to cook, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Insert two frozen pieces on a cookie sheet. Heat for 20 minutes. Be impressed at how crispy the crust remains, how warm and gooey the cheese is, and be grateful you got the extra sauce so that the pizza doesn't dry out. I love this place!
(4)P R.
The pizza is outstanding (spinach, tomatoes, feta & garlic = delicious!) You can order a huge pizza too (16" I think). The rest of the food I've had there is good, but not the best. I love the decor, but the guy singing made me think it was kareoke until I realized he was working. Go for the pizza and warm bread they bring out to your table.
(4)Moe f.
It's one of the only places my mom loves so I always get stuck taking her here. It's pretty good but with Anteprima down the block, why go here? Well it's great if you are in the over 50 crowd who demands soup or salad come with your entree, this place rocks. The pizza bread they give you in the bread plate is great too. Pastas are all pretty good and have had some OK fish dishes. My mom raves about the ribs but I think they are aweful. I gotta say they make a great tiramisu. Better up my review to 3.5 stars.
(3)Jamie W.
Calo is my favorite restaurant in Andersonville. It doesn't matter what you're in the mood for just drinks, appetizers or dinner they have a great menu and everything is delicious. My favorite thing of all is their thin crust sausage pizza it's ultimately the best pizza in town! My friends and I have been going there for years it's a great place to meet up and hangout on a Friday or Saturday night in the bar and have a cocktail and listen to some live music. There's never a long wait and the hostesses are always friendly and the service is always pleasant. If you haven't been there yet you must try it you're gonna love it!
(5)Christine P.
The food is great (and very reasonably priced), but the service is bad. I've waited over a half hour for my order to be taken, and about that long for food. Twice. Also, they keep it super cold and uncomfortable.
(2)Nicole V.
A friend of mine from the neighborhood told me I had to try Calo....so we met there on a Tuesday night for dinner. We were seated outside and given our menus. My friend immediately told me how great the ribs were...explaining that they are only $9.99 Mon-Thurs instead of full price. I was convinced (although there were many other appealing items on the menu) and ordered the ribs which came with a small salad and a side of garlic mashed. Let me tell you these ribs were GREAT! They were meaty and the sauce was so tangy and delicious. Also, the garlic mashed were phenomenal...chunky and flavorful. I was hooked. I've taken two of my friends there now and instructed them to order the ribs. I'm sure there are other wonderful items on the menu, but I just cannot pass up those ribs!
(4)Jenny A.
The pizza here is pretty good. It's not my favorite stuffed/deep dish/Chicago-style or whatever you want to call it in Chicago, but it's up there. The crust-cheese-sauce-toppings ratio is good, and I appreciate the texture and flavor the cornmeal adds to the crust. I also like the amount and flavor of the sauce. It was a little on the pricey side (over $40 after tax and tip for a large pizza with a bunch of toppings). The pizza did feed about 8 people, though . . . so I guess the price wasn't obnoxiously high. We decided to order from here because I have a cousin visiting from Poland who wanted to try some Chicago pizza. Because we needed it delivered, we couldn't get it from my favorite, Pequod's, so I looked for some reasonable alternatives. Calo was very highly rated, so we decided to go with them. And, like I said, the pizza was good. The service left something to be desired, though. I don't think my order was overly complicated. I wanted a pizza that had mushrooms, green pepper, and onion on the whole pie, and pepperoni on half of it. I went over this with the woman taking my order over the phone about five times to double check. It was really important because at least two of the people eating the pizza were vegetarians who didn't want pepperoni or any kind of meat touching their pizza. The woman taking my order was, somewhat understandably, getting a little annoyed that I was triple and quadruple checking this, but, like I said, it was important. Did I mention that this woman wasn't particularly nice to begin with? But, whatever, if the food was going to be good, it wouldn't matter. So, about 45 minutes or so later, we got the pizza. And it was really good. But it had sausage on it. All of it. To be fair, it also had all the other toppings, but the sausage made it inedible to the vegetarians. If you're going to have an attitude about the way I'm ordering, at least get my order right.
(3)Robert M.
Calo is always a good, eclectic crowd, kooky "live" music on weekends and the Friday/Saturday bartenders (Diana and Carla) are totally hot. Where else in this city can you get a full-to-the-rim top-shelf 10 oz. martini for $9?
(5)John B.
Calo and I have had an on again-off again relationship. When I first moved to Andersonville, oxty-nine years ago (as my mother would say), it was a very Sopranos-y kind of joint. Early 60s supper club, heavy booths, older crowd, fair share of goombahs. Good food, big portions, dirt cheap. Nice. Then, in 2000 (I was surprised to discover it was this long ago), Calo went upscale and split off a portion of the restaurant as Finestra di Calo. Finestra was a big deal for about a year or so. I was never a big fan. It was ambitious, but I suspect they had the same kitchen staff turning out meat lasagna and veal scaloppini, and I'll give you one guess which one didn't turn out so well. Time passes, shit happens (I suspect the chef left), and Finestra get reabsorbed into Calo. But now Calo realizes they can raise their prices on everything if they do a quick remodeling job. "Same great food, new high prices." I lost the love. Okay, this is a simplification, but you get the point. Well I'm happy to report that Calo has found their way again. The new look is still supper club, but both more modern and a bit more traditional. High ceilings, burnished wood, high gloss floor, exposed brick, tall front windows. Three separate dining areas, one with a bar, one (the old Finestra space) which is open on weekends and for private parties. The service is great, with friendly servers, and active and organized bussers. (Bus service can make or break you.) The menu has settled down into a combination of old favorites and some more upscale dishes. They had me at the grilled octopus. If that's too extravagant, there's always the caprese salad or the baked clams. Pastas range from spaghetti and meatballs to farfalle with scallops in a basil cream sauce. They have gnocchi and risotto, and usually a special of one or both. I think their thin crust pizza is the best of their pizza choices, and they do a decent pie. And yes, they still serve the veal. Come early on a weeknight and you're likely to be surrounded by regulars eating the BBQ ribs special. The ribs are nothing special, but they're a steal at 10 bucks Mon-Thurs. The rest of the food ain't that cheap, but it's reasonable. I'm happy to have found my love for Calo. For a while there, it looked like the newcomers might squeeze out the regulars, and for a place like this, that's too bad. Last night, I heard a woman tell the managers that she had been coming to Calo since her mother brought her there as a child. There were two older women sitting at the next table who were on their regular night out. That's the atmosphere at Calo, and it has survived the renovation.
(4)Christina K.
I was torn between giving Calo a fourth star or not, because when I went, my palate was still thick with the after-effects of the flu. Still, I'm glad my guy took me here for a late Easter Sunday lunch, because it was a little reminder of my roots on a holiday. The mozzarella was good, the octopus well-marinated and properly cooked, and my chicken saltimbocca hit the spot, while he very much enjoyed his gorgonzola gnocchi. The quality was solid but unexceptional, portion sizes were on the absurd/large side, prices exceptionally reasonable, and both the hostess and waitress were thoughtful, prompt, and friendly. I'm favorably inclined, and plan on revisiting to try the veal and see about whether there's a fourth star here, perhaps unfairly withheld. June update: I went back, and yes, that fourth star is deserved. I had an outstanding pollo saltimbocca and washed it down with a tasty South African white. It was perfect for a warm day, the service was cheerful, and I can consider this an open question tidily resolved.
(4)Loren C.
We just gave a luncheon for fifty people in the private room at Calo---Everything was exactly as we wanted it---The room looked beautiful when we walked in, the service was excellent, and the food was delicious---We highly recommend it.
(5)John D.
Best deep dish and Chicago style pies on the Far North Side. The place has three large rooms, including a fairly large, well stocked bar with multiple TVs. Floor to ceiling windows open up during the summer.
(4)Team B.
Nice atmosphere in a interesting neighborhood. The prices are reasonable and the pasta is fresh.
(4)Bianca S.
I've lived in the Andersonville neighborhood 3 years and recently found this gem. I don't know how I have missed it! I only ordered take out pizza and wings but was suprised at how great it was. Thin crust and & crispy pizza. Delicious! I'll definitely be coming back to try their full italian menu in the future.
(5)Allison H.
Coming from a Sicilian family who can never quite find an Italian restaurant that lives up to Nana's own recipes- Calo's is an A+! My father gives a restaurant's lasagna one chance- he gave that chance to Calo's 3 years ago and we are still going strong! My favorite is the baked tortellini al forno-- so much pasta, you will DEFINITELY have leftovers. My mom gets the filet every time, and she has never been disappointed. Even Nana enjoys the fair- feasting on the linguini with clam sauce, while Papa enjoys the Rigatoni ala Barrese (spicy red sauce with sausage and peppers). Staff is recognizable and will remember you-- always friendly and accommodating. Clean and inviting atmosphere-- great for fancy dinners or a Sunday night pizza in your sweatpants (actually my first experience-- pizza's not too shabby either). This is my family's pick over and over for dinners where "the family" comes together to eat. It can get pricey, but the portions are ridiculously huge and they make for delicious leftovers. I highly recommend it. Actually, I recently moved from the city, but "the family" is returning to Calo's next week for a dinner! It is SO WORTH THE DRIVE!!!
(5)Abby T.
I really liked Calo! Went at about 9 pm on Saturday night and only had to wait about 5 minutes! Very nice interior, good woodwork, roomy booths, and moldings were a nice touch to the perfectly lit environment. I ordered a Caesar salad and it was very good. Got the dressing on the side, and I must say, one of the best caesar dressings i've had....not too parmesan-y. Wasn't very hungry so I had baked clams as my entree. Very good!!!! My only upset was that Calo does not offer Moscato by the glass. I was pretty disappointed, but had an overall nice experience here. Will definitely come again to see what all the hype is about over the pizza!
(5)Jason W.
Ordered their thin crust a while back and thought it was really good, although a bit pricey. I'll for sure try the other stuff on the menu...
(4)Nick H.
Calo is a five star restaurant with four star prices and a three star bar. The food is fantastic. From the ribs to the surf to the turf to the pizza. I have never had any complaints regarding the food and neither have any of the friends I have taken there. Well, that is not entirely true. The lady and I went there for an anniversary a few years back and I got the baby octopus. She spent the enitre meal not being able to look down at the table and was quite put off when I had to dig a suction cup out of my teeth. The service can be a problem as I have on multiple occassions been subjected to a very inattentive waiter. Another problem with Calo is the bar. The drinks, especially the wine list, are over-priced and avoid the place at all costs if there is a band playing. I have never been there when a good band was playing and one of them bordered on terrifingly bad.
(4)matt b.
There isn't a better place in the city to just go and relax in the comfort of the food and atmosphere. My fiance and I love going in on a saturday for a late lunch. Sit at the bar, hang with Don, one of the friendlier bartenders around and eat some comfort food. All the food is good(not great) but always consistent, great for a quiet saturday of football.
(4)Ronny E.
Went here during Midsommarfest and honestly was a bit nervous as it was packed. To our surprise the food and the service was great! The pasta with mushrooms and shrimp was some of the best Italian I had and our server was great. I look forward to going back soon!
(4)Anne-Michelle F.
So delicious! I went to Calo last fall with a buddy, and completely enjoyed our appetizers with a couple of Martinis in the bar area. (adored the Calamari Diablo) Tonight, I took my visiting father for dinner. Even better! You know it's going to be a good experience when you can't even decide what to get because it all sounds so good. Glad to report that I made a great decision. The lobster ravioli with asparagus and portobello mushrooms. Some of my all time favorites dunked in a cream sauce. Delicious! I highly recommend this place. Super busy, with staff that was helpful, always there, but never intrusive. I can't wait to get back this summer and enjoy one of the few sidewalk tables.
(4)Mara S.
I really enjoyed having dinner at Calo last night. The service was great and the food was tasty. I loved the atmosphere - quiet and we didn't have to sit elbow to elbow with our fellow diners. It would be a good spot to take a date - or your parents. It seemed pretty family oriented and the owners (or managers or whomever) were talking to several tables that were obviously regulars. I definitely recommend Calo for a decent meal at a decent price.
(4)Gemini G.
Vegetarians: if you request the rigatoni con asparagi without the bacon, they'll comply, and it's excellent! Vegetarians who are tired, hungry, and grimy from moving day, don't have a car, and it's raining: They Deliver Beer!!
(5)Katie R.
3.5 stars. We ordered delivery, so I have no idea about the actual restaurant. The pan pizza was really tasty, I enjoyed it and I wouldn't complain if I had to eat it again. We also ordered prosciutto wrapped mozzarella balls. If you're a prosciutto or mozzarella snob, I wouldn't recommend this. While tasty, neither were very high quality.
(3)Luis O.
Calo has improved a great deal - they are definitely back after a low period - we returned and I am happy to report that we have great food meals, always very good service and a terrific time there - no complaints!!.
(4)Tim S.
Better Italian than places like Ranalli's, but there is room for improvement. Not really worth the price, but they hold strong due to lack of better options.
(3)Jiyoun B.
I love going to Calos to enjoy their Italian-Americanized, huge portioned pastas. The love started few years back when I used to have them deliver my late-night dinners. My friends and I go visit them every now and then to enjoy Italian done right. I went there to enjoy their risotto for my birthday. My friend and I were there the other day and we could not stop eating our Fettuccini con carciofi even though we were quite full. The reason why they get 4 stars instead of 5 is due to their service. It's a hit or a miss. Love the food though.
(4)George R.
I can't even give this place one star because we left before we even got our food. It turns my stomach to even think about it but let me just say I won't be eating out for a long time. Stay away from this place if you have any common sense. They cut corners worse than anything I've seen. And, never go here at night. I will stop before I get too rude.
(1)Yesenia S.
I love this place for a "nicer" dinner at a reasonable price. Good wine, good calamari, great salads and pastas. I really enjoyed a grilled shrimp pasta dish I recently had.
(4)Christina Z.
Every time I go to Calo I have a wonderful experience. The staff is very friendly and knows their menu. The owner and manager are very gracias and make us all feel like we are family. And the ambiance is nice. The food is out of this world. I highly recommend the grilled seafood platter, with its grilled octopus, shrimp, calamari, and scallops over sauteed spinich. You really can't go wrong with anything you order. It is all delicious. I definitely recommend dinning at Calo.
(5)Jim C.
Went here with a few other Yelpers last night (Saturday) for a later dinner (9:00pm). We had 9 in our party, got a great table by the window & watched the snow & plows. Our server was really nice & on top of all our drink orders. With 9 drinkers all with different drinking schedules, there is always someone needing booze, & she was great. All the appetizers & food were excellent. I tried the ribs for the first time & they were awesome. I'll get 'em again. We sat around shooting the shit for a long time after dinner & there was no rushing us out. I felt bad, as we were the last to leave, but everyone, including the busboys were really nice. It was a fun night & a good holiday get together with friends, Thanks Calo! Jim
(5)Al I.
We've been here twice now. The food is very good and the service is excellent. We sat at the bar both times. I don't really think of this as a place for ribs, like so many of the other reviews say. I had the veal medallions on our last visit and it was really, really good.
(4)Mary S.
Mmmmm, Calo. Mmmmm, Calo. Mmmmm, Calo. If I say that enough, perhaps Penne Basilico will be delivered straight to my door....again. I've only eaten inside the actual restaurant one time. The decor is kind of odd. It looks very suburban mom and pop crossed with Olive Garden crossed with Carabba's. Who cares though. I am not there for the decor. I'm there for the delicious food and delicious it is! Good bread. Average salad. Fantastic entrees with very large portions. There's more than enough food for two meals. I've ordered takeout from Calo several times. Every single time, my food has been correct and piping hot. Seriously, how they keep the food so hot? Does the driver cook it in his car? Does he microwave it while in my stairwell? Whatever the answer is, I don't care. This is one of my standard takeout places. It's just plain good.
(4)Dallas F.
My first visit to Calo was a couple of years ago on a date. It was very nice, the atmosphere was great with dim lights and soft music and the food was rather delicious. Trust me, I don't throw around the word rather all that frequently. That night I enjoyed the seafood stuffed ravioli and I highly recommend it. My more recent visit to Calo was for my birthday dinner. I called ahead and made reservations for a party of ten. The gentleman I spoke with on the phone was very nice and told me that we shared the same birthday and he would bring me a card(he did). When we got there the staff went above and beyond to accommodate my group. All of our dishes were served expeditiously and everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. For my birthday "treat", I was served a flourless chocolate cake with a raspberry sauce. This was heaven in my mouth. Now everytime I order Calo's pizza for delivery I make sure I order a piece of that cake. At 3.99 I simply cant resist.
(5)Anya A.
The worst restaurant experience ever. I'm vegan and they gave meal with pork...twice...they changed my dish again and again...the waitress was horrible, I told her about it several times... She even brought another bottle of wine we have ordered...Later there was a mess with credit cards...this place sucks!! The food is not cooked well, the quality is really bad, looks like they buy it in local Wal-Mart. Even thought we made a reservation, we were waiting for 30 minutes near the door. People who work in Calo care about money, but not about customers...horrible place. I wish I could give no stars at all, very disappointed.
(1)Vince A.
Great food and great service. I recommend this place 100%. If you're looking for fine Italian dinning on the north side and don't want to spend a fortune this is the place to go. I, also brought my six month old and didn't have any issues. This place is worth a 6 star rating!
(5)Just Me E.
I love Calo. It's partly sentimental for me 'cause this is where my partner took me on our first date too many years ago for anyone to care, but it has remained a favorite. The ribs and penne a la romano (with angel hair instead of penne) are two of my default dinner entrees here, but my absolute favorite is the rack of lamb they do on Saturdays. Oh my Allah, it is bone-suckin' good! They also have a good creamy garlic salad dressing, and coupled with the focaccia in the bread basket, it's a perfect starter to your meal. Finish with a tiramisu and a snifter of Frangelico, then sit back and listen to the live music and watch some of the old-timers mix it up on the dance floor with the newcomers. OK, so the "bands" are cheesy, but that's part of the charm. The service here has always been top-notch. (are Sandy and Luis still there?) They aren't overbearing with the "you're my-best-friends" crap, but they just seem to know when to appear at the table. When they did the remodel job (which is fantastic, IMO) I thought they were going to go way upscale. The place looks like it's going to be expensive, but it's really reasonable considering how cute that neighborhood has become. They actually tried, but the experiment failed. It's too long a story to go into here, but if anyone remembers "Finestra", they'll know what I'm talking about. I haven't been to Calo in at least three months, and just writing this is making me crave a visit. I see a rack of lamb in my future! Oh, and they have a small parking lot across the street; a big plus.
(5)Amber N.
We love Calo! We've been there 15 times in the last 3 months. Always a great meal. Amazing homemade pasta, creamy sauces and wonderful atmosphere. We understand WHY its been around for so long--its a Chicago institution!
(5)Brandon B.
Fantastic Italian restaurant. I've been twice, and the appetizers and entrees were delectable. Always a little crowded, but it's for good reason.
(5)Heather H.
We ordered pizzza from here the other night and it was outstanding. It had a VERY thin crust and the sauce was perfect. We will order the zaa from here again! My family dined in the restauarant and they said the other food was good too. Yummy bread, huge pasta portions, and delish terramisu. Can't wait to try it.
(5)Danielle T.
Being Italian, I tend to opt out when going out for food that I can make at home. However, I was with some friends when we stumbled upon Calo's. I had never heard of this restaurant before and was skeptical. After sitting down and taking 1 bite out of the fresh focaccia bread brought to the table - I knew I had to give this place a try. I ordered the ziti with sun-dried tomatoes, peas, grilled chicken in a vodka sauce -- it was absolutely delicious. Everyone else ordered an variety of chicken, gnocchi and pasta with shrimp meals and were equally impressed. I would definitely revisit this restaurant - the service was a bit slow, but I was so caught up in the good food that I barely noticed.
(4)Keith B.
Bow tie pasta with asparagus, zucchini and red pepper in a slightly spicy tomato based sauce was pretty good and tasted fresh. Waiter split the plate for us without even being asked, exceptional service overall.
(3)Scott B.
Great place to eat on weekdays, weekend evenings are occasionally overwhelming. Lots of people content to sit at the bar and wait a half hour or forty five minutes for a table. Ribs are special Sunday thru Tuesday and are definitely worth the price. A great neighborhood presence for many years. Risotto Frutti di mare is fan- f- ing tastic, A suburban friend ate a full meal and ordered another to take home. I like to pick through the menu and have never been disappointed. As a thin crust lover I also really enjoy the pizza. Calo special or special with anchovies kicks some serious butt. Always plan to take some home as the portions are very generous.
(5)Christopher R.
You know what Calo? I'm actually happy for a change that you've continued to tie your otherwise annoying advertisements to the gate in front of my house. Seriously. The wife and I, in our continued search for a "compromise pizza" that doesn't feel like either of us are compromising were pleasantly pleased with the proscuitto, pineapple and parmesean pie that you brought to our place the other night. The thin crust wasn't cardboard but also wasn't doughy. We were happy. We were especially happy with the $23 pricetag for the 18" "XL", after coupon, with delivery. Fed us for three days! Thanks. We'll try you again soon.
(4)G. P.
We've been ordering from here for YEARS, this place is just fantastic. Pizza is delicious and staff is always very courteous. The ingredients always taste fresh and the pizza is always hot when it arrives. The price is very fair, I would reccomend this to anyone!
(5)Cherie E.
Friday night my friends had their rehearsal dinner at Calo and I was impressed! I admit, I don't venture up to Andersonville very often, but Calo didn't disappoint. There is a parking lot across the street, but it filled up fast, so I had to find street parking (which was somewhat difficult). The private dining room was nice - to the side of the main dining area; a great size with it's own bar. We were served family-style entrees and the chicken parmigiana was particularly good (I didn't try the other entrees served). I'd like to go back soon, and order off the menu.
(4)Sarah-jayne M.
This is a great lunch spot. Not crowded but busy enough you don't feel like a loser. The food is good, soups are excellent. Service is always friendly and quick. This is a good fall back place when I can't think what I want to eat. Reliable and pleasant.
(3)Milo M.
The gorganzola gnocchi is what puts this place on the radar for me. Words will not do this dish justice, but here goes: soft, supple, fluffy soft gnocchi, harboring a mild, creamy gorganzola filling and smothered in a light tomato cream sauce that just ignites the senses! (angels singing...). They have a parking lot up the street. However, the pizza is so-so (best pizza in my opinion is Pizano's, Uno's, and Malnati's).
(4)jaki c.
Dear Calo, Thank you for always being consistent and really nice even when you are busy. Thank you for large pours of wine, good food, friendly service, strong drinks and good service. Thank you thank you thank you for affordable food and for providing a great place where I can go with friends, on date night, or bring my family to when they visit. Thank you for fast take-out. Thank you for maintaining an atmosphere where people can talk to each other and not have to shout or read lips and where large parties can be seated and satisfied and thank you for having a space for events like birthday parties and the engagements. Thank you for being a family restaurant that cares about its patrons.
(5)Aidan F.
My first visit here was on a Sunday afternoon, nice and slow. Something about the day, the service and the food made me incredibly happy with my Calo experience. I drink water real fast, and often feel like a pain at restaurants since servers struggle to keep my glass filled. Calo did just fine on this hot day. A guy was around the minute I needed a refill nd cleared our plates as soon as we were finished. the portions were quite large and the pizza I got was loaded with cheese and generous on the toppings, both which I don't mind. On a second visit the pasta I had may not have been straight from Italy, but I was hungry and the size, heat of dish and price was just right. It's definitely a place to get a decent, filing meal that won't break the bank with great service.
(4)C. Benjamin W.
I went to Calo's a few weeks ago with some colleagues from work. For anywhere between twelve and twenty dollars a plate, the food is plentiful and tasty. I can't remember the name of what I ordered, but it was a simple pasta and chicken dish with a creamy basil sauce. There wasn't anything totally remarkable about the food. It was good. One of my friends from work ordered the ribs and was making some noises about it that made me wish I ordered them. Now, for a group of about 16, with people coming and going and ordering as they showed up, the service staff did a great job. There was however a breaking point during the evening when they decided that it was time for us to leave and stopped coming to our table. I'd have to say, they put up with a lot of English teachers who like to talk with volume, but I wasn't happy with how they decided to end our evening. All that aside, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Sure, it's a pain in the ass to get up to Andersonville from where I live, but it's worth the trip.
(3)Beth A.
My boyfriend has been getting take-out pizza from here since he was a little kid, and now we go there for date nights and dinners with friends. Take last Saturday's amazing dinner...we were able to order a white wine that we've wanting to try, the standby grilled calamari which was perfectly cooked with a hint of grilled flavor, and one of their specials - pasta purses filled with cheese with sage brown butter, roasted pears and peas. It was heavenly! I'm already eagerly anticipating my next meal there...
(5)S R.
Calo's is a great north-side Italian restaurant. Food is good and the wait staff is friendly. Only downside is that it can be a bit loud and crowded. I HIGHLY recommend the Pollo Milanese...yummmm!
(4)Natalie R.
Their gnocchi are the best in town and their martinis are fantastic, the staff is always very courteous and the prices are very decent. The only reason that keeps me from giving them 5 stars is that it sometimes it gets too crowded and noisy to talk.
(4)Stephen P.
Calos' is my favorite neighborhood restaurant. Not only are their Italian dishes superb, they have the best ribs in town. It's great that the ribs are a special during the week. You can't beat the price of the rib dinner, which includes your choice of soup or salad and a side of pasta or potato. Top it off with a martini, and I'm in heaven.
(5)Joy L.
This is by far my favorite Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is very romantic, the service is wonder (after being there only a few times, many of the staff will recognize and greet you by name) and the food is just to die for. The pasta is amazing! For something that will change your outlook on life, try the Farfalle con Scallops. It can get a little crowded later in the evenings, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead.
(5)Jason L.
Calo is the most romantic restaurant in Andersonville. It has a beautiful bar area and great drinks. It can get crowded on weekends and isn't open late but they have a wide selection of reasonably priced classic Italian dishes and delicious desserts. In summer the front bay windows are open and in winter the booths are very cozy.
(4)Jane K.
Absolutely the best food. Free parking. The little creme colored balls in the bowl are not ice cream, it is delicious delicious butter. The seafood risotto is delicious, ask for it. Ribs are decent.
(5)Michael E.
I've eaten at Calo in the past, and I have always been more than satisfied with the food and service. Tonight was a very different experience. The drinks and appetizers were fine. In fact, I would say they were quite good. I ordered the Seafood linguini in creme sauce for my main course. When it arrived, none of the seafood was prepared correctly, and it all tasted "fishy" in the way you never want to experience seafood. The creme sauce was in no way a creme sauce. It was just a broth with more of the foul tasting fishiness. I had two bites of my entree and decided it that was more than enough. My waitress, who was overall very good, asked me if there was anything wrong with my food. To be fair, she did offer to bring a different item, but I politely declined telling her the entree had left me with no appetite. I was surprised when the check arrived to see I had been charged for an entree I sent back to the kitchen. I was there in a group of four, and our check was over $150. I didn't make a fuss or complain, but at a restaurant of this stature, it should be policy not to charge a patron for a meal that can't be consumed. For the price of the entrees there are several restaurants in the neighborhood that provide better food as well as better service. It would be difficult to convince me to return.
(1)