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Name: Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine
Address: 1825 W North Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
Telephone: (773) 292-9700
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.93

Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine

1825 W North Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622

(773) 292-9700
Store is closed

Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine Menu

Gli Antipasti

Gamberi Con Cuori Di Carciofo

Involtini Di Melanzane

Calamari Fritti O Alla Griglia

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro

Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Rucola E Lame Di Parmigiano

Vongole Gratinate

Zuppa Del Giorno
Le Insalate

Insalata Di Pomodoro E Cipolla Con Gorgonzola

Insalata Di Cesare

Insalata Riccia

Insalata Caprese

Insalata Tricolore
Le Paste Ei Risotti

Bucatini Alla Amatriciana

Rigatoni Alla Casalinga

Linguine Alla Pescatora

Linguine Alle Vongole Veraci

Capellini Alla Checca

Tortellini Pasticciati

Tortellini Con Panna Funghi E Piselli

Ravioli Di Zucca Con Prosciutto E Noci

Ravioli Di Carciofo

Gnocchi Alla Romana

Gli Gnocchetti Dello Chef

Lasagna Vegetariana

Lasagna With Meat Sauce

Risottino Ai Frutti Di Mare

Risotto Con Funghi Porcini
Nostri Pesci

Dentice Alle Erbe Aromatiche

Salmone Alle Verdurine

Sogliola Atlantica Alla Palermitana

Gamberi Gratinati
Le Nostre Carni

Tagliata Di Manzo Alla Griglia

Filetto Alla Griglia (10 Oz.)

Costolette D Agnello Alla Scottadito

Saltimbocca Alla Romana

Piccata Di Vitello Al Limone

Bocconcini Di Pollo Agli Asparagi

Pollo Alla Contadina

Pollo Al Marsala
Nostri Dolci

Panna Cotta

Croccantino

Semi-freddo Al Cioccolato (larrys Special) frozen Chocolate Mousse

Tiramisu

Tartufo Al Cioccolato

Cannoli Siciliani

Combination Plate (panna Cotta Croccantino And Semi Freddo)
Nostri Gelati

Nocciola

Bacio

Gianduia

Vaniglia

Spumoni

Sorbetto Di Limone

Sorbetto Alla Pesca

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine

Gli Antipasti

Gamberi Con Cuori Di Carciofo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Involtini Di Melanzane [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari Fritti O Alla Griglia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruschetta Al Pomodoro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Carpaccio Di Manzo Con Rucola E Lame Di Parmigiano [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vongole Gratinate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Zuppa Del Giorno [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Le Insalate

Insalata Di Pomodoro E Cipolla Con Gorgonzola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Di Cesare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Riccia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Insalata Tricolore [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Le Paste Ei Risotti

Bucatini Alla Amatriciana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rigatoni Alla Casalinga [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine Alla Pescatora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguine Alle Vongole Veraci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Capellini Alla Checca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortellini Pasticciati [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tortellini Con Panna Funghi E Piselli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Di Zucca Con Prosciutto E Noci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ravioli Di Carciofo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gnocchi Alla Romana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gli Gnocchetti Dello Chef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna Vegetariana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lasagna With Meat Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Risottino Ai Frutti Di Mare [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Risotto Con Funghi Porcini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nostri Pesci

Dentice Alle Erbe Aromatiche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmone Alle Verdurine [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sogliola Atlantica Alla Palermitana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gamberi Gratinati [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Le Nostre Carni

Tagliata Di Manzo Alla Griglia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filetto Alla Griglia (10 Oz.) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Costolette D Agnello Alla Scottadito [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saltimbocca Alla Romana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Piccata Di Vitello Al Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bocconcini Di Pollo Agli Asparagi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Alla Contadina [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pollo Al Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nostri Dolci

Panna Cotta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croccantino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Semi-freddo Al Cioccolato (larrys Special) frozen Chocolate Mousse [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tartufo Al Cioccolato [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cannoli Siciliani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Combination Plate (panna Cotta Croccantino And Semi Freddo) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nostri Gelati

Nocciola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gianduia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vaniglia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spumoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorbetto Di Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorbetto Alla Pesca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Paul R.

Love this place. I get to eat there 1-2 a year, but cater with them 6-12 times a year. I am always impressed with the no fuss service and excellent flavors. I recall a beef dish from 3 years ago that is still one of the best I have had. period. If you don't find yourself at Lucia's bring them to you for your next catered meal, you will thank me. The dine-experience is always pleasant but the food shines on its own wherever you eat it.
(5)
Lauren M.

I love this place.. Really I do. I love the deli sandwiches, I love the fact Lucia is owned by a precious Italian couple, I love the fact everything about this place reminds me of my Italian grandparents. Lucia's makes me happy. BUT my recent visit left me considerably disappointed. Olive oil is one of the most important ingredients in Italian food. Italians know how important it is to have high quality olive oil. Chefs know how important it is to have high quality olive oil.. And all ingredients for that matter. The olive oil on the table was thin and watery and almost completely without taste. This alone is an Italian cooking sin. The bruschetta was good, but missing that delicious, rich olive oil taste. My linguini with clams.. While the clams were flavorful, I blame the "olive oil" for the lacking flavor and almost greasy texture. I had to add crushed red pepper flakes for flavor. Again, I love Lucia's. Which is the primary reason I'm writing this review. Ingredients matter. If you want delicious food you have to use delicious and quality ingredients.
(3)
M P.

Quaint place that is right off North but a little secluded from the busy street. Food was good. Egg plant appetizer was delicious. Chicken marsala was okay. Actually had too much of a sweet taste. Though staff is nice, service is slow. Did not take advantage of BYOB but that is a nice perk.
(3)
Denise C.

My BF and I have walked past this place before and the owner is usually sitting outside saying hello to the community and we'd been meaning to stop in. Tonight I was craving real Italian food so we decided to go. Boy am I glad we found this amazing gem in Wicker Park. If you're looking for an authentic Italian family owned restaurant, this is your place! The service was outstanding and the food was delicious. Everything from the grilled calamari to the seafood linguini to the tiramisu was truly enjoyable. The portions are generous as you would imagine any real Italian restaurant to be. And the quality was terrific. We will definitely be coming her often as this will be our new local fave.
(5)
Tom D.

Sandwiches are 5 stars, the owner is 1 star. Went in with a female friend, we paid separately. That gave the owner the impression that my friend was alone. He was drinking red wine at a table and couldn't stop sexually harassing my friend. "Where is your boyfriend? Sit next to me while you wait." It was extremely uncomfortable for her, and I could feel it, too. Totally pitiful for that old man. I was really embarrassed for him.
(1)
Vanessa M.

This place is bomb.com ! I don't even meat but I can only imagine that it's fresh. I've never had a fresher sandwich! Highly recommend! Fast delivery too.
(5)
Amanda M.

We celebrated my 40th there last night and it was fabulous! There were 17 of us and the staff was so accommodating, we had the front room. The owner kept checking up on us. The food was awesome and who doesn't love a BYOB especially when the food is delicious! Loved this place!
(5)
RJ W.

Very good food, great service... why only 3 stars? 1.) I dont like looking at stacked chairs while having dinner on a Saturday night. 2. ) I really dont like looking at a garbage can on top of the stacked chairs on a Saturday night. 3.) Actually, fairly expensive for what you get. If they spent 15 minutes and made the place look a little nicer, we would go back. Again, great service, good food, love the Mom & Pop atmosphere, but if dinner is $70 bucks (BYOB-another plus btw) please remember the ambiance too...
(3)
Anna G.

Went back to Lucia's for the first time in many years. It's still a solid option in terms of a BYOB Italian restaurant, but I guess not really near the top of my recommendations. Service was friendly and at a good pace (we weren't rushed nor did it take forever to get our orders). I made a reservation for 4 on a Thursday (just in case!) and it wasn't really necessary as there were only 3-4 other tables throughout our time there. The food was fine, but, again, not necessarily anything to rave home about. Dare I say, I could've made it all myself for much less than the 4 of us spent. The fried calamari appetizer was a good sized portion, definitely enough for 4 people.
(3)
Paige S.

I just got their pasta special for lunch. I've long been a fan of their penne chicken in vodka sauce. It's truly delicious, but I can't have creamy sauces anymore. So I have been cursed to the land of things like spaghetti. Not that spaghetti is bad, it is just that so often I find the sauce is bland and the meatballs just taste like meat, it's usually fine, almost never actually good. Lucia's spaghetti and meatballs, is SO good. It is the spaghetti and meat balls my Sicilian grandmother would have made if she didn't hate garlic. The meatball is meaty and filled with flavors of herbs and parmesan and the sauce is sweet and rich tasting. Thanks Lucia's for reminding me what good italian food tastes like! (and for the reasonable delivery fee. YUM)
(5)
Nessa M.

Best bets: italian beef and any of their desserts! I got the rib eye once and it was a bit charred. Their roast beef deli sandwich was meh nothing special. Service was great though and every sandwich comes with a bag of chips!
(4)
Clare K.

Very accommodating! They have the best ghnocci around!! And its BYOB!!! They take large parties last minute. They have a cute little outdoor patio that is great in the summer. I also love their Involtini di Melanzane (eggplant with stuffed cheese) ...mmm sooo delish!!!!
(5)
Maria L.

Mama mia Lucia's! Not bad, not bad. Recommend to us by a friend, a group of us loaded up our two buck chucks and headed to wickah park for some Italian. Lucia's is kinda old school Italian feel, pretty cozy and dimly lit. Perfect for groups! My frand and I split the mussels app (just ok) and the veal tortellini (pretty tasty but lacked veal flavor). The waiter was very accomodating to us splitting and put our dishes on separate plates. Thank you very much sir. I also tried my friend's Bucatini all'Amatriciana, that was tasty as BALLS, I wish I had gotten that. Also caved and got the lemon creme brulee....MMM. Perfect ending note. If you like wickah park, BYOB, carbs, and FUN, go to Lucia's.
(4)
Mike K.

Amazing food and service. I have been here for dinner and lunch (deli). Both are fantastic. The dining room is byob and the food is delicious. I have had multiple entrees and apps and I have yet to be disappointed. Just recently took my parents here and they fell in love with it. Great byob Italian. You need to come here and try it for yourself.
(5)
Anna K.

Five stars all around. Great place to stop by and pick up a sandwich-- or two (for yourself). Great place for a byob dinner-- you'll leave full with enough for lunch the next day. Great place for a byob group dinner-- I've had them cater for NYE dinner and hosted my birthday there and no one complained. It's family run and it shows with their friendliness, food and atmosphere. FYI- It's closed on Sunday, which is devastating, but they need a day off too.
(5)
Cozy F.

I have gone there for years and have never been disappointed. The food is consistently good. Lucia herself works the kitchen and counter. Enjoy the sandwiches in the informal deli area or wonderful entrees at dinner time in the dinning room. I wish there were more places like this.
(5)
Melissa K.

I have only gone to the deli - sandwiches are very good and reasonably priced, meatball and turkey club are my fav, friend got italian beef and said it was very good - we are pretty picky about italian beef too. minstrone soup is super good, prob my fav thing there, got a slice of carrot cake that was just ok. if you want italian deli food go here!
(5)
Rob B.

We came in with a party of 20, and they were spectacular. Food was excellent, the service was spot on, and they were patient with our group...which was saying a lot. Really great BYOB Italian spot.
(5)
Zach A.

Fantastic hole in the wall for mighty tasty Italian. The calamari is fresh and you can't go wrong with their pasta. Reasonably priced and had BYOB. Enjoy!
(5)
Jake R.

I've now gone here several times, and it only gets better. I still think the Italian Beef is one of the best in the city, especially with hot peppers.
(5)
Natalie P.

Hands down, my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. The first time I came here was a few months back with a friend whose family is friends with the owners, Dominic and Lucy. I've had the pleasure of meeting them on several occasions now, and they are both warm and inviting. They just make you so comfortable and you feel like family! This place is BYOB and I'm not sure if there's a corkage fee...I don't think so. When I asked Dominic why BYOB, he said that he just wanted to have a great neighborhood restaurant where people could have a great dinner out without breaking the bank. If this doesn't speak volumes about the owners, I don't know what does. My favorite dish is the mushroom risotto, followed by the gnocchi. Both are delicious! Hubby gets something different every time and he's always been super happy. Although average $20 per plate may seem a little steep to some, the portions are quite large and I always take leftovers home! Don't even start me on dessert here. I don't even like panna cotta but theirs is amazing. And the tiramisu...I could die. Not only is it some of the best I've ever had, but it's a huge portion, very suitable for sharing and not feeling disappointed that you only got two bites! I love Lucia's and I will continue to be a regular here!
(5)
Kevin M.

The food was good, however the price-to-quality ratio was not my favorite, and the service was just ok. Ambience was mediocre, although i was there on a weeknight. Nice that it's BYOB, but in a nice italian restaurant I expect to have better stemware.
(2)
Jackie S.

I found the food here to be very bland. The bruschetta really lacked flavor. I had the linguini with clams for my entree and it really lacked flavor. Just not near enough olive oil, wine, garlic and red pepper flakes. It actually tasted like a bowl of plain noodles you order for a child. The service was very attentive but again I just found the food really boring.
(2)
CM D.

I've never been to the dining room, because I always eat with a friend when he's on his dinner break from work. And I almost always have the pumpkin ravioli, which is nearly a religious experience. I've also had most of their soups, some of their lasagna (I've never been able to eat a whole piece of lasagna anywhere), and their pasta fagioli. I've never met Lucy, but Dominic is always there - friendly, helpful, and smiling. Plus there's always so many cops eating there that I figure I'm probably safer at Lucia's than I am at almost any other location in Wicker Park. Terrific place! The only downside is that I get hit with random pumpkin ravioli cravings in the middle of the night when they're closed......
(5)
Kris H.

I had tried their deli for lunch a few times and it seemed decent, which led me to try their restaurant one night. The decor is bland, but even worse so was the food. Maybe they ran out of salt, but I ordered the $23 seafood risotto and it had no flavor whatsoever, it was as if the risotto was cooked in water rather than stock and the seafood was overcooked. Ended up filling up on bread. I think the owner is Italian, he needs to get in the kitchen and taste rather than hanging on the sidewalk and greeting....Not for me.
(1)
Amy J.

Worst Italian food EVER!! My boyfriend (NOT PICKY) and I ordered two different dishes. He had the chicken special and I had the seafood risotto. It was a phenomenal experience because the food was blander than Wonder bread!! We were astonished!! I thought, "How could this be? If you add garlic to anything, it CAN'T be bland." Then I closely inspected our dishes and realized there was no garlic or herbs of any kind!! It was AMAZINGLY BLAND!! Like eating paper, but really expensive paper! Two stars are for the nice waiter and the bread was decent. Very unclear what this high rating is for, unless people are eating after they are drunk and they don't notice
(2)
Anne K.

LOVE this place! Great food and it is BYOB! The only negatives are you absolutely have to make reservations because it is a small place, and they usually run behind. Also, you can only use 2 credit cards on the bill no matter how large your group size is so be sure to bring cash! The food is amazing; I have never had anything I did not like, and the staff are wonderful and efficient. Have to try!
(4)
Brenda V.

I will NEVER recommend this establishment! If I could I'd give it zero stars. This place always looked so quiet and cute as I walked past so I decided to make reservations for 6 on my birthday for my girlfriends and I. After seeing a few uncommon requests on the menu; parties of 6 or more require you to purchase $20 or more per person and only 2 credit cards per table; (no one told me this while making reservations for 6) Also if you want to split an entre theres $5 fee. I decided to go up to the manager/owner and ask him why that is and he was extremely rude, unprofessional and became unbelievably defensive stating to me that nobody in 12 years ever complained about it until now. He also said the reason he implemented this rule was so that people "like me" do not come and just sit down and order one appetizer and drink "byob". First of all how ignorant of you to speak to a customer in this manner and to demean them like that. I would have accepted an apology that no one told me this over the phone and paid the 18.95 an entree, instead he got ugly with me so we decided to take our business elsewhere. You do not talk to any person this way, especially on their birthday. I will never step foot in this racist establishment again.
(1)
Ozzie G.

This place is a hidden gem. Just amazing from their home made pasta to their sea food salad to their sandwiches. Good for lunch or a nice family dinner or a first date. Homemade Italian food. Awesome because the owner is always around and in the kitchen making it happen. Top 5 places in chicago for me. If your a resident of the city and in the area you should eat here at least once a week. Lol I do
(5)
Benjamin D.

*This review if for their front lunch/takeout area and not the dining room in the back* Fast, fun and friendly. Try the Yale Sandwich and the Penne Alla Vodka special on Thursdays, you will not be disappointed. Some of the deserts and take out deli meats in the counter look fantastic too. Perfect for a quick lunch.
(4)
Carry B.

I love this place! Everything that everyone had was great. Our waitress made some great recommendations. This place is byob which make it even better. They also don't charge a corking fee so bring as much wine as you like. The only thing I would tell them to adjust is the 2 card minimum. Come on people who carries cash in the city these days?
(5)
Lisa C.

Great meal here on New Year's Eve and love that it's a byob. The server was kinda terrible and they did up their prices just because it was nye but food is worth it.
(4)
Renee U.

Went here with my boyfriend and I for a nice date evening. The food was very good, the BYOB and no corkage fee was great. I would dine here again however, I wouldn't sit outside.... I was constantly getting whiffs of trash but I look forward to dining inside.
(4)
Matthew G.

If I could eat here every day, I would. Ortolano, Yale and every sandwich I've ever gotten here are awesome. I buy lunch for my best customers here every time too. The owners are super friendly and actually work the sandwich line too, so you know when the owners are there you're guaranteed quality. Go here!
(5)
Michael N.

Listen, I can't write funny, "it felt like I was there" reviews for every place I go to....but damnit, I'll try. My buddies and I try to do a BYOB place once a week...oh who are we kidding, it's more like once a month. But there's talk of it every week!! And I don't want to eat sushi or Thai food every time we hang out. Enter Lucia's. If you aren't looking for it, you'll pass it. Shit, I passed it a couple times and I was looking for it! I was seated at a table on the back deck next to a table of six semi-attractive ladies. Being a worry wart about traffic and parking, I had about 30 minutes to kill before my buddies showed up. About 10 levels of Angry Birds and OCD checking of my email and Facebook later, my boys arrived. They were surprised I managed to eat half a shaker of parmesan cheese and 1/4 bottle of olive oil. Stop judging, the bread was really good ok? We cracked open our wine bottles (BYOB, no fee, whats up) and enjoyed a dinner. Notice I didn't describe the dinner, it was ok. I had lasagna with meat sauce. It was bland, but I was kind of drunk due to the heat and the wine, and....oh who cares, I don't have to explain myself to you. As we walked out of the restaurant, my friend told me to "look at the table of girls to our left." They all looked like models. I probably wouldn't come back for the food, but it seems like pretty girls love Italian BYOB places, soooo.........
(4)
Beth K.

Absolutely love this place. I feel like I am eating at a friends house when I am here. Such a quaint restaurant with amazing, fresh food. Did I mention its also a BYOB? (Bonus!) I tend to be a creature of habit and normally order the Ravioli di Zucca con Prosciutto e Noci, but last night I went with the Risotto ai Frutti di Mare. I couldn't have been happier. It was delicious, tons of seafood, lots of flavor. Everyone who tasted it, loved it! Every entree comes with a house salad, and you can't go wrong with any of the appetizers. I obviously cannot say enough about this place. If you are looking for great authentic Italian food look no further. YUM.
(5)
Lucia Z.

First they lost our reservation - minus 1 But then they seated us anyway - plus 1 The food was overall very good - plus 5 But they charge $5 for not each getting an entree - minus 2 Total = 3 stars Let me get on a minor soap box about the $5 fee. OK I get it. They don't want 5 people coming in and splitting one appetizer. But just because we didn't each get an entree and instead decided to split a few entrees and a few appetizers, and even order dessert, seems a little like nickel and diming to charge an extra fee just for not each ordering an entree. But in the end, the food was very good, so I still can't dock it too much.
(3)
Christina F.

So here's the background: I lived for quite sometime is Boston's North End, only the best place out of Italy and Little Italy, NYC to get real authentic Italian food. I wasn't a fan of Italian then, and I am not going to claim to be now. I think I have overstayed my welcome with Italian. With that being said, I also crave Italian at weird phases of my life: when work gets tough, finals week, after a break-up. There's something about all the carbs, cheese, and salted meats that has a special spot on my pallet. So when my parents came to Chicago last summer I wasn't exactly thrilled about going to Lucia's. Nothing in my life during that time made me want Italian. But oh boy am I glad they brought me here on my lunch break! My parents were obviously starving from the plane ride so when they ordered 3 subs and a pasta dish I was pretty mortified! I decided to settle for the Yale made with pesto, mozzarella, tomato, and prosciutto on the most delicious Italian stick bread. Wow, is this sandwich good! I've tried many of these kinds in my days in Boston and I cannot recall one tasting as good as this. The prosciutto was perfectly salty and fresh. The mozzarella was partially melted from the oven, the tomato was juicy, but didn't sog up the sandwich, and the pesto mayo was the perfect compliment for the bread. My mom got Lucia's famous sandwich was basically just an Italian. She loves Italian sandwiches and she still asks me about whether or not I go back to Lucia's (she definitely craves it). The pasta was alright, I'm not a pasta person so it pretty much all tastes the same to me. I've been back quite a few times since then, mostly for the Yale sandwich and their Deep River chips which is the first and only place I've seen them in Chicago. I did try the Olson sandwich a few days ago. It was basically the same as the Yale, but with breaded chicken. It costs a little bit more and definitely fills your tummy. It's loaded with flavor, a bit too much for me personally. The prices are really decent. I usually spend about $7-$8 for the sandwich with a bag of chips. I'm not a huge eater so I'm able to stretch the sandwich out for about 2 meals. The dÃ©cor is your typical Italian deli. It has art work of Italy on the walls and deli tables to sit at. They also offer pasta and potato salads at the counter. They have olives for $4.99 a pound which totally beat Whole Food's $10.99/pound and they are probably fresher. The service at the deli is not the best, but not the worst. Sometimes it's good, sometimes bad. Sometimes I wish it was closer to my house, but if it was, I probably would never eat anything else.
(5)
Shane G.

I've never been to the dining room at Lucia's, but that's because I love the small bistro-like eating area at the front. It's so cozy and I love how it's decorated. It's so welcoming. I love the Robert's Special sandwich. The meatballs are the best I've ever had. The sandwich itself is a great price (I'm talking the 9" one) and comes with a bag of chips. The staff is always super friendly and always seem like they are having fun. I was there earlier tonight and a group of police officers came in and they were all greeted like family by the owner. It was a great sight to see. It's wonderful to see restaurants where the owner(s) interact with their patrons. My friend tonight got a cup of soup (it was her first time at Lucia's) and she said it was one of the best soups she had ever had. I can't even compose a thought out and well-written review for Lucia's because everything is just so perfect. GO. NOW.
(5)
E B.

I was inclined to give the place only 4 stars because of way too much sauce in my pasta, but then I decided for 5 for a number of reasons. First, the food here is fresh and most of the options are as close to authentic as you can get in Chicago. Real Italian food in this city is becoming a thing of the past. However, at Lucia's, in addition to fresh ingredients and dishes that are made similar to the way they would actually be made in Italy, they even have the San Pellegrino sodas and/or San Benedetto iced teas just like in Italy. In the future, it would also be cool if many of the Italian restaurants and/or little stores could start getting Italian Fanta and maybe even get latte di mandorla. BTW- the Fanta in Italy is so much tastier and natural than the Fanta in the USA which is so artificial tasting and almost identical to Orange Crush. Its completely different and I wish I could find it here in the USA. San Pellegrino aranciata is also authentic Italian soft drink and comes close to Italian Fanta, but not quite. Keep in mind, that even at Italian restaurants in the USA run by real Italians, they will almost always automatically prepare the food to cater to American tastes. This usually means they put a ton of sauce on the pasta which is not usual in Italy and definitely not what I am used to at home. I give 5 stars instead of 4 because I realize the chefs at Lucia's are just trying to give the people what they think they want and it was my mistake for failing to tell them to not drench my pasta with sauce. Still, the sauce tasted great. Next time, I will just tell them to go easy on it. Otherwise, Lucia's is a great place for real ethnic Italian food and ambiance NOT American creations like Cesar salad pawned as Italian food. The setting is cozy too and they even sell a lot of nice imported products for cooking at home. In addition to their pasta, they also have very good sandwiches. To everybody out there, I recommend trying the pickled eggplants on whatever sandwich you order if they have them. This is one of my favorite Italian things when I am eating sandwiches. I can't remember if they have them at Lucia's or not, but I am pretty sure they do.
(5)
Nate B.

Delicious entrees, great service and a great deli if you want something to go.
(4)
A.B. J.

The food was mediocre. Not the best Italian food, but not the worst. Their Involtini Di Melanzane was absolutely delicious. However, the service was very rude. We came here for a birthday party (20 or so people). The server had a very bad attitude from the second we walked in the door. At the end of the night, we were counting the cash again to make sure it was correct (a $650 bill) when the waitress came over and told us that she could see we were counting the money but we had to leave and we had already made her stay 20 minutes past closing. (which is 11 by the way) In our opinion, if we are leaving a $100+ tip, the server should have a little more tact.
(1)
Kelly W.

when it came time for planning dinner for my cousins birthday, i looked on yelp to see places that were good for groups and were byob. i came across lucia's and i'm glad i did. i made reservations 2 weeks in advance for 15 people. i called the week of to confirm and there were no problems at all. we all arrived at the restaurant in separate groups and were seated as the party arrived, no problem. the waiter was attentive but not overly attentive. our bottles of wine and beer were opened regularly so the drinks were continually flowing. we started out with the calimari and bruscetta appetizers and they were both delicious. as it was friday and we're catholic, they did have a variety of fish and non-meat entree options that were very delicious. they were very helpful in answering questions and catering to our non-meat menu requests. my boyfriend was impressed with the vegetable lasagna. usually lasagna only comes with meat or without and vegetables are a rare option. they even brought out tirimasu and sang happy birthday! overall, we had a great experience at this restaurant and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. i would recommend this place to anyone planning something similar and may even return again with the boy for a date night dinner.
(4)
Alex P.

Great BYOB Italian place in the heart of Bucktown. To be fair, I live in the building and am friendly with the owners on an almost daily basis. The food is great. The outdoor seating area is nice as well. They have a deli which has great sandwiches as well. All around, it's a great neighborhood feel type place.
(4)
Cherie E.

I was pleasantly surprised by Lucia's! Here's the situation: last night a friend & I were looking for somewhere with outdoor dining to eat dinner. We tossed around the usual: Northside, Silver Cloud, Jane's, etc. Decided on Las Palmas - but there was a wait & we didn't feel like waiting. So we wandered across the street to Lucia's & they had plenty of outdoor seating available. I had no idea what the place was like - the restaurant area in the back is so cute! (unlike the deli area in front, which never inspired me to walk in). The outdoor area is cozy; it feels like you're eating on a neighbor's deck. The entrees were good - we both had pasta dishes. The service was attentive; one waiter seemed to have the whole outdoor area & he was really prompt; I was impressed. A great find! Can't wait to go back & take full advantage of the BYOB.
(4)
Kara H.

5 stars! Lucia's is by far my favorite Italian spot in the city. I've been a regular here since they opened nearly 5 years ago. there is a deli in front on North Ave with awesome sandwiches and the best potato salad EVER. the dining room is in back with an entrance on Honore. the dining room itself has a very simple decor and can be a bit loud. in the summer I like to sit on the back patio. Lucia's is family owned. Lucia makes all the sauces, soups, etc. herself. and her daughter Lia has been my server on a number of occasions. wonderful, friendly service all the time. the food is to die for. My favorites are the tortellini con pana (mouth watering!) and the pumkin ravioli. I've had many wonderful chicken dishes here as well. My husband has been disapointed in the steaks here in the past. I would stick with pasta or chicken dishes. all in all a wonderful dining experience - and BYOB!
(5)
mike l.

it's probably more information than Yelp needs to know, but I didn't have the most wealthy upbringing. Not government cheese poor, but poor enough so that every dollar spent had to be spent WISELY. it's why I subconsciously approach all of my purchases in terms of value. I don't mind paying a lot for something as long as it's worth it. Lucia's is not worth it. We started with the grilled calamari, which was tasty. Next was a caesar salad, which was NOTHING special. A small bread plate loaded with croutons & a few shreds of romaine. Main courses were the seafood linguine & veal scallopini. The veal was tasty, but no where near worth $23. The seafood was also tasty, but seriously light on the seafood. I'm dissappointed, but I also realize I can be pretty hard on places, So, I don't know...
(3)
Scott T.

I used to live down the street from this place and I miss it a lot. Amazing homemade minestrone soup and great meatballs. It was my go to place for a lot of years.
(5)
Stephanie L.

Cute atmosphere, small dining room with awesome patio for the summer time! Love th cute Italian owners, great servers and lovely Italian music blaring. Also have takeout available.
(5)
Lilly C.

so-so. food is fine, nothing to write home about, but good enough. lots of heavy americanized "italian" on both menus (which i general love, because i am a glutton). quality is always consistent, which is a plus. i like going to neighborhood places and lucia's is nice if you want some comfort food. as an FYI (and the reason for the 3 stars instead of four) - their website says they close at 10 pm but i've called at 9:00-9:15 and they don't accept orders...for sandwiches. not pasta, not lamb, not steak, but sandwiches. i guess the prosciutto gets testy if it's not in bed by 8:30. i worked in a similar establishment for years with only 3-4 employees who worked the kitchen, the dining area, answered phones, did prep and dishes, closed out the registers, and cleaned. i sympathize with the amount of work that needs to be done at the end of the day. but i also know first-hand that it absolutely does not take 45-60 minutes to throw salami on a piece of bread. my boss would have been livid if we turned away customers with an hour to go. because of my experience in the service industry, i VERY rarely complain because i understand how it is, but this? nope, nope, nope. simple laziness.
(3)
Melissa D.

Great byob restaurant with friendly service! Prices may seem steep at about 20 for any pasta dishes, but when you factor the amount you'd spend on drinks, it's very reasonable. And it comes with a salad! I got the rigatoni with peas and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce but everything looked great! I will definitely be back!
(5)
Taryn M.

Lucia's is AMAZING! The food is incredible, and the prices are very reasonable for the high quality and generous portions. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, but keep in mind that the tight quarters do get a bit noisy when they get busy later on the weekend nights. The staff and owners are incredibly friendly and attentive. Add in the fact that this Italian gem is BYOB, and it all adds up to a perfect dining experience! I'm moving out of the neighborhood this weekend, but will be returning often just for Lucia's!
(5)
Colleen T.

You get what you pay for dining experience. Although I'm not much of an Italian food person, this was hands down the best i've ever had. The portions are huge and the service is great. not to mention, it's a byob restaurant and i highly recommend taking advantage of that. went to eat around 7, the dining room filled up around 8. EVERYONE had at least one bottle of wine at the table. the table next to us brought in a case of beer. to each his own, i guess :). The manager and staff there are very welcoming and helpful on deciding what to get. I had the seafood linguini and my friend had the tortillini with veal and chicken. both were amazing. i couldn't even finish (which is great cause now i have lunch for tomorrow). save room for dessert too. the creme brule was served with fresh berries and was a perfect end to the meal.
(5)
Megan M.

I got the salmon and it was just OK, however everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals just fine (nothing mind-blowing or spectacular). The entrance to this place was a little strange, as you practically walk through the kitchen which was awkward. The outdoor seating is beautiful and the space as a whole is very cozy and romantic. The wait staff was kind but seemed overwhelmed and didn't pay enough attention to our table - we were out of water practically the entire meal. The fact that it's a BYOB is always a plus. I'd probably go back, just order something else!
(3)
Ha V.

Lucia's doesn't look like much from the outside, but I was starving when I walked past so I decided to just check it out. It's very much Italian - from the menu down to the people who work there. The sandwich combos all look amazing, but I went for the soup instead. I got a steaming hot bowl of tortellini soup, and it provided me so much comfort. The broth is light yet fragrant and herb-y. Although I wish there was more tortellini, I was pleased with the ones I had as they held up and didn't get to soft. Lucia's is a walk away for me, but I am so willing to make this walk.
(4)
Chris D.

A hidden gem in my view. I have never been let down eating here. The food is excellent in my view. Not anything over the top fancy. The prices are not ridiculous. The service is very professional and attentive. It's BYOB so be prepared. There are places nearby to buy wine and beer at so don't worry. I definitely recommend trying this Italian location out.
(4)
Annabel V.

I like this place!!! very nice customer service! their chicken noodle and minestrone soup are always amazing!!! and i like luchia's vegetable sandwich. i recomment this place!!!
(5)
Anj S.

Ordered a Caesar salad gave us plain romaine and some croutons. Forgot cheese, no anchovies. Called to let them know, they were unhelpful and rude. Didn't offer credit or anything else. Last time we will order from here.
(1)
Jessica M.

Such a disappointment. I am not really one to write poor reviews, but the service was the worst I have ever had in Chicago, EVER! We ordered two Chicken dishes, one which was one the menu, and one we simply asked for Chicken Limone (they have veal limone on the menu so asked if it was at all possible to use that sauce). They of course had no problem with the replacement but when it was time for our bill to come they charged us to the full veal dish. Needless to say, there is quite a price difference between chicken and veal, so I asked the waiter to adjust the price. The waiter told me flat out he would not and when I asked for the manager he told me they were not available to speak with me and the price listed was the price. To top it all of, after telling me the news he threw the check down on our table. It is a shame they cannot treat their patrons a bit more respectful, they are fairly close to our house and I would have liked to continue to frequent the establishment.
(1)
Shirley A.

I absolutely love this place! The involtini, meatballs, risotto, pescatora, and casalinga is too amazing!! Quality is still the same after so many years...great local digs!!
(5)
alan c.

Was in Chicago for a convention and getting tired of the crowded and generally overpriced places along the main hotel strip. Yelp once again helped us. Found this neighborhood gem, a quick can ride later we were tucked in the back restaurant at a spacious table, solid quality bread and salad come with all orders. We had the stuffed clams, the calamari (half fried and half grilled - a highlight dish) and rolled eggplant (also excellent). Entrees were ample and well prepared - the veal saltimboco, the seafood pasta and the veal stuffed tortillini all well done. It is BYOB, so nearby Trader Joes to our hotel served as our wine steward and with no corkage fee we more than amply covered the cab bill. On the way out the front area is a deli and the Sammies all sounded great ! We'll be back. Give these nice folks a try. Gentle on the wallet and good food well prepared.
(4)
Anthony P.

The food and the service are a solid "A-OK". The linguine alla pescatora was a good size. What I really love about this place, though, is how casual and low-key the back patio is. It is a great place for a relaxing dinner, and you will have no problem hearing your party's conversation. And it is an Italian place that is BYOB - that is special in and of itself.
(3)
Kate P.

It's an Italian BYOB... how could you go wrong? I was recently at at Lucia's with my whole family from out of town.... Mom, Dad, brothers, sis-in-laws and my niece and nephew. It was a very family friendly atmosphere and the waitress had some fun conversation with the kids at our table. The service for our big group was great and they had good menu choices for everyone. The portion sizes are pretty big, so I ended up splitting a pasta dish with my niece. We ended up with just the right amount of food. The BYOB aspect was wonderful... we got to enjoy our favorite wine without all the extra cost. Overall, it was a great experience! I'll be back to enjoy the outdoor seating when the temperature finally becomes bearable.
(4)
Thuc N.

From the outside, it looks like a typical cafe/deli place. However, there is a very intimate and serene dining room in the back. I don't know about other people but my favorite table would be the first table as you enter the dining room. Some people might not like how the staffs/clienteles would be walking pass but to me and my friends, we love it. We rarely notice the people passing by except our waitress. It gives an extra touch of intimacy and privacy overall. It's isolated from the rest of the dining room. The service is very friendly. It's just a down to earth atmosphere and I truly feel comfortable when I dine at Lucia. I personally liked everything I have ever ordered from Lucia from the menu to the today special. I finish my plates. Everyone that I bring here seem to enjoy their meal too. A nice bottle of wine definitely help make the foods more enjoyable. As much as I likes Lucia, I have avoided Lucia for over 6months+++ I have 5 very close friends that kind of disappear and their last meal w/ me was at Lucia. Scary!!! My best lady friend would always decline a Lucia invites. Too bad Lucia is not a place I would take a guy friends. I could use that curse on few of them. *grin* Will wait for the curse to weaken, then I will re-visit. :)
(5)
Di P.

I would go to Lucia's (the deli side) a few times a week for lunch when I was around the area and was always impressed by the consistently delicious, affordable sandwiches and the fast, friendly service. They even unlocked the door for me and took my order at closing one time, which was both unexpected and appreciated. I am freaking OBSESSED with the meatball sandwich here. The bread is toasted to perfection, the cheese is gooey, and the meatballs are super tender. This is hands down the best meatball sandwich I've ever tried. Love this little BYOB neighborhood deli! They also sell appetizers, pasta supplies, and desserts, which can be fun to browse while waiting for your food.
(5)
Jeff W.

Move over Jerry's, I've found my new sandwich spot in Wicker Park. Holy shit this place is good. Ever since eat here, I can't get enough. Food is great and the prices are very reasonable. My favorites so far: Lucia's Famous Sub - Ham, salami, capocollo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil or mayo. The Yale - Prosciutto, bocconcini, fresh basil, tomatoes and pesto mayo. I've brought friends who have all said the same, why didn't they come here sooner. Additionally, if you're able to catch the owner behind the counter (Lucia?) she is a great woman and god bless her sandwich making abilities.
(5)
Brett K.

Still love this place but really need to add how affordable this place is. Sandwich prices are so reasonable especially when you consider how expensive that neighborhood had become. The food reminds me of my childhood and really makes me happy. I recommend the famous with oil for your first time, next favorites are the Sam and the Yale.
(5)
Ila L.

Great little family run deli and restaurant. The meatball sandwich in the deli area is fantastic. The pastas in the quieter dining area in back are really good. I really appreciate having a solid independently owned deli so close.
(5)
Sara P.

This was not a good dining experience. While it's great that this is an Italian restaurant that does BYOB with no corkage fee, that can't make up for the rest of the dining experience. I'll be brief: The bread was stale. I could knock it against the table. I got elbowed in the head by the owner guy while he was dealing with a table behind me. Service was horribly slow. There was only one server for the entire dining area. She seemed very harried, but even with that, service wasn't good. They made one of the dishes wrong and added sausage when there was supposed to be no meat on the dish. When biting into the aforementioned sausage, I bit down on a big piece of gristle that made me gag. Plus, the rest of the sausage was nasty. Definitely did not recently come from a live animal. In sum, there is nothing special here. It's overpriced, and I'm underwhelmed.
(1)
Mary M.

Fantastic time! Good Value. Considering the BYOB, relaxed cozy atmosphere and seller service which made this a worthwhile place to go. Perfect place for a little late dinner with wine and no cork fees. Which leaves extra cash for the service tip! Ask for Jim Duffy, best waiter they have on staff! Knows his dishes and pairings. Great attention to the table without the hovering helicopter parent feel! :-) Really made our last minute night out worthwhile. Highly Recommend!
(4)
Alan W.

They have the best italian cold cut sandwich (Lucia's Famous Sub) at the best price (under 7 bucks) in Chicago. Consistently better quality, service and price than any other sandwich place I've been in the neighborhood (jerrys-awful). I can't speak to the rest of the menu, but the deli is great.
(5)
Angel S.

I wanted to plan a nice dinner for my sister's birthday and the yelp community recommended this place, so I called to make the reservation. When we got there, I was a little nervous because the front part is only a deli and I didn't realize that the entrance to the restaurant is actually on side of the building. PHEW! They seated our table of 6 promptly with full glasses of water and our BYOB wine. We started with bruschetta and calamari, which were both flavorful and fresh. I went with the seasonal pumpkin ravioli and they did not disappoint! They were filled with spiced deliciousness and firm but not hard. I rarely eat Italian, but Lucia's is a must try!
(4)
Shelly E.

I know Lucia's is said to have service issues, but I have not experienced any. I have been to Lucia's around a 6-8 times and have enjoyed it. Given it is so very close to my house, and is BYOB, my husband and I usually choose Lucia's when we have out of town guests and want to give them not only a feel for our neighborhood, but also a treat. I highly suggest the eggplant appetizer. I am addicted to it and MUST have it every time I dine there (one time I ordered a double order for my dinner). Everyone who has had it with me has been impressed by it. Their butternut squash ravioli, gnocchi, lasagna, Salmon and fish pasta (the one with scallops and shell fish in it...I think) are all excellent. Service may be a bit slow on occasion, but that is due to how busy it is. It is a family owned restaurant, which is nice. Also, make reservations. They appreciate it and I have never had to wait if I have reservations. Don't show up on a Friday or Saturday night with out reservations...you most likely won't get in. The noise level inside is a bit of an issue if you dine on a weekend. We always prefer going during the week. Choose to sit out on the patio if it is not too hot and is open. It is quite nice out there. Anyways, I recommend Lucia's :)
(4)
Jessie S.

So DISAPPOINTING! I had high expectations for this place but it actually turned out to be the WORST dining experience of my life. First - the appetizer we ordered came out with a HAIR swirled around in the sauce. Lovely, right? Second - they failed to mention that the entrÃ©e titled "Tortellini in cream sauce, with fresh mushrooms and peas" actually has VEAL in it. Not a problem for most, but being a vegetarian that would actually have changed my mind about ordering the dish. So, my tortellini shows up and I have my fiancÃ© try the dish too. There's no way this is cheese, he informs me. Then I freaked out!! I went into the kitchen to ask the manager what was in the tortellini. He shakes his head at me and says it's veal tortellini of course! Confirmed - they served veal to a vegetarian. You may doubt me and think, how could she not read the menu? Read the menu, folks ... the entrÃ©e NEVER mentions meat. I wonder what other crap they try to pull off with their customers. UGH! Third - the manager didn't even blink an eye or apologize. The waitress responded with, "Normally when people are vegetarians, they tell me" What, really? In the end, they took my entrÃ©e off the bill and I got sick. And needless to say, I will NEVER return to Lucia's and plan on telling as many people as possible about how this place is absolutely TERRIBLE!
(1)
Eric B.

Wow. Review is only for the deli section. Sam sandwich - focaccia bread was amazing. The Yale sandwich had really good mozzarella. Very good prices.
(5)
Kerry G.

Been here twice with consistent experiences. Both times came with a group and were seated promptly. The ambiance is what sells me. It is cozy, small and inviting. I usually shy away from ordering baked clams due past experiences of what seems like just breading in a clam shell, but we had them last night and I actually tasted a clam! I enjoyed them. The grilled calamari was tender and had the right amount of char taste that I love. I had the mushroom risotto, which was pretty good, earthy and creamy. Maybe pricey given there is no protein, but I still enjoyed it. We love the free BYOB, naturally. Service has been decent. We'll be back.
(3)
WP L.

My search for a great italian sub continues. Lucia's is maybe a 1/2 step up from Jimmy John's in that the bread is italian and not generic sub bread. The sandwhiches were blah lacking in any unique flavor or taste. The filling was very lean and the sandwhich is mostly break rather than meat. They use a very fine shredded lettuce which contradicts their name "Lucia's Gourmet" . I expect more with a name like that.
(3)
Robert M.

The owner and atmosphere was great
(5)
Roger W.

THIS IS ONLY FOR THE DELI. All of the reviews about the service in the actual restaurant have kept me away although maybe in the summer the small patio will win me over. The meatball sub (Robert's Special maybe) and the Italian Beef sandwich with hot peppers are to die for. It's a little confusing that there is no line and often people are just standing around. It's a little weird that you can't just pay when you order so everyone standing around has to walk up to the counter twice. How they make it so wet/moist without being soggy and maintaining crispy bread is just magical.
(4)
Mike S.

byob - no corkage fee the staff is very knowledgeable and attentive, me and wife recently went for Valentine's day, it was a spur of the moment, called tons of places and everyone was booked last minute, we figured lets try Lucia's, we were glad we did, the food was very authentic, and you cant go wrong with byob. will definitely return.
(4)
Mary H.

WOW. Lucia's is the epitome of great Italian dining in Chicago. Let me count the reasons... Quaint restaurant with romantic, candlelit ambiance? CHECK. BYOB? CHECK. Large portions? CHECK. Affordable prices? CHECK. Amazing food someone's Italian grandmother probably made? CHECK CHECK CHECK. I have never left disappointed. Their menu is HUGE with meat, fish and veggie options for everyone in your party. Reservations are a must, as the secret seems to be out about this Wicker Park gem. A great place for a first date, dinner with friends or family.
(5)
Cathy B.

Food was fair and overpriced for what it was. My chicken dish had potential but was dry. Says there open all day but that is their deli, not the restaurant.
(3)
Lauren C.

To be honest, I don't remember a lot about my dining experience at Lucia's. I went with a group of 5 on a Tuesday night - we were one of the only parties in the restaurant. We chose it because it was BYOB (a tradition for our crew) and the menu looked promising. The food was pretty good, but it's considerably pricier than similar Italian restaurants. I'm used to large portions (think Angelina's), and figured these would be similar given the cost. Service was ok - not great , but not terrible either. What bothered me (and why I'm giving the restaurant a 2 star review) is that the restaurant's "policies" are not reflected anywhere. For example, there's a fee for splitting dishes, salads come with pasta dishes (wish we'd known that before ordering salads!), and there's a limit of 2 credit cards per check. I totally understand that restaurants try to limit the amount of credit cards on a check - but put that policy in writing! Put it on the menu, the website - somewhere! By the time we were ready to pay, three of us took out credit cards. Our server argued that she wouldn't accept three, and we pleaded with her to make an exception - the weather outside was awful, and nobody wanted to be the one who had to make an ATM run. After our server "checked with the manager" a couple of times, she finally agreed to take our cards. The experience, plus the cost of the meal, just left a bad taste in my mouth. I don't know if I would come back here - and if I did, it definitely wouldn't be with a group.
(2)
Emann B.

Excellent service and tasty desserts. . But my halibut was bony. A bit of a hazard in a dimly lit restaurant
(2)
Mikie B.

I came here with friends one weeknight this week. Lucia's was the perfect pace for catching up - no huge rush for turnover of the table, decent appetizers and desserts, and accommodating to the three bottles of wine that we sat on the table upon arrival (BYOB). I recommend the bucatini - simple dish, prepared well. I hope to have another lazy dinner on their patio soon.
(4)
Andy L.

I am a picky eater. This review is 90% based on their Italian Beef sandwich alone. It is damn good. BIG portion, includes a bag of chips, and the bread is fantastic. Just the perfect amount of wet without being soggy, a bit of crisp to the bread. Good stuff. I tried to dine in there with a friend, and a bottle of wine, I wanted something from the deli, which was still open, but they wouldnt let me order from it, pasta stuff only, so -1 star for that. Walked out. Fast service, reasonably priced, I order takeout a few times a month!
(4)
Nick F.

Lucia's food and service are always top notch. One of my favorite restaurants!!!
(5)
Tony F.

My girlfriend fell in love with this place the second we walked in there. She was hot, wearing high heels and a cute little outfit ;) and discovered this place was not pretentious. She thought, "damn I could of wore jeans!" LOL just kidding. She fell in love with the food and the atmosphere. Plus I got to bring a bottle of wine. Bonus!!! Anyway we had a great time. Enough said! The Caprese salad, Veal, and Tiramisu were spectacular. Everything was perfect. 4 stars are given instead of 5 because....this is not Italy. However, it is as close as it gets to being a great Italian restaurant in the U.S. Cheers!!
(4)
Jeff L.

I went here last night with my wife and a couple friends. I rarely leave such bad reviews but Lucia's really earned it. A reservation was made for 7pm, upon arriving (on time) we were told that we needed to be finished by 8pm. This is rude and already set a bad tone for the meal, but I do understand that it is Friday and that the restaurant needs to make their money on the weekend so we decided to stay. BAD DECISION. After about 5-10 minutes we were brought our menus by a latin girl who must have been having an identity crisis about being a waitress. She gave off a vibe like she was helping us out by serving us. The entire time we were here there was a group of 8-10 people in the corner. The women had drank so much booze that they were literally screaming at one another in their conversation because they were talking so loud. I ordered the baked stuffed clams for an appetizer. They came out as WHOLE CLAMS that had been covered in bread crums. Are you serious!? To top it off they were soggy and had a fishy taste. I ordered the seafood linguine and my wife ordered their meat lasagna. The seafood linguine cost about $25 I believe. It had about four small OVERCOOKED rubbery shrimp in it. The red sauce would have tasted better if it was bought at Dominicks in a glass jar. The lasagna tasted like it had been made last week it left a lot to be desired. From 7:45 - 8:15 our server disappeared. When she returned she asked us if we wanted out check!? It took her an additional 10 minutes to do that for us, but hey she was doing us a favor right? When she brought the check back she rudely asks "YOU DONE?" to my wife and takes her plate. She drops a fork off of the plate covered in sauce on my wifes WHITE SKIRT. Did she apologize? HELL NO She tried to act like it didn't happen. It was all in all a disgusting experience and if I could rate it no stars I would have. I have instructed my friends who were with me to write a review as well. She earned her right to receive NO TIP. YELP FAIL. IF YOU WANT GOOD ITALIAN GO TO TUFANOS DOWN THE STREET. Hell going to Olive Garden would have been ten times better. BEWARE!!!
(1)
Camaraye C.

I went out to dinner here on a Wednesday night with a friend of mine. It was a nice experience. It wasn't very busy but the atmosphere was pleasant. It's great that it is BYOB - and our server was friendly and attentive. He gave us a few suggestions off the menu and my friend and I decided to split one of entrees he had suggested - it was one of the seafood pasta dishes, pretty tasty. He even had the kitchen split the plates up for us which I thought was nice since we didn't ask for that. We also had a salad for an appetizer and the flan for dessert, both of which were good. All in all, good experience, good food...could get kind of pricy but the BYOB helps save some $$. Would definitely return.
(4)
Katie H.

A few years ago I came here for dinner with friends. I thought the food was great and - since it's BYOB and husband and I shared an appetizer and a pasta - pretty affordable. Flash forward to this past weekend when I found myself in the 'hood with visiting parents and my mom had a sudden craving for risotto. So we grabbed a few bottles from Bin and headed to Lucia's (where mom did not get the risotto). This time we realized the food is actually pretty overpriced for the quality - expect to pay about $20 for a pasta dish, which was just okay (the pumpkin ravioli my mom tried), or $23 or so for an overcooked veal dish (which is what my husband had) served with previously frozen veggies. Service was terrible. Our waitress never smiled and only gave one word answers. She look miserable the whole time and gave us crap information. We almost ordered a ceasar salad to start until she told us entrees come with salads. When husband asked to make his a ceasar she said it would cost the full $7. WTF, then why not tell us that when we tried to order the ceasar? Overall there's nothing special enough in terms of food here to bring me back. Which is a shame because I love a BYOB and the little backyard patio is really cute.
(2)
J G.

The meatball sub was great! The deli is a great place for lunch, highly recommended!
(5)
Jillian S.

Lucia's, you break my heart. I will begin this review with the disclaimer that while my food was excellent last night and my company even better, I still am forced to give you only 1 star. Even though you are the only BYOB Italian restaurant in Chicago I've been to, and I do love your food, I don't foresee a return visit unless I have less than 4 people in my party. This is especially sad because last year around this time, we had my birthday party here, and it was excellent. Not sure why this place has changed so drastically... but it's really sad. First off, our waitress was maybe the worst server I've ever had. It took me at least 15 minutes after sitting down to get a wine glass. The next evil was that apparently Lucia's has a new policy (which I've never heard of before at any restaurant I've been to) that parties of 6 or more people need to spend a minimum of $15 a person. All right, fine - you want to implement a bogus rule on your guests, that's up to you. How about you have your server explain that to your guests BEFORE they place their orders so they can choose to order differently, rather than paying $7 more for their salad? OH and also, how about you put this new rule on your menus, so everyone is clear about what they are getting into? THEN, how about you time it so everyone gets their salads at the same time? Instead, some of got salads and were done with them by the time our friends got theirs. Then we all proceeded to wait over a half hour for our entrees. THEN, how about you don't force your guests to pay 20% tip on their bill for their AWFUL service? Would you even consider sticking with the industry-standard 18%? Ugh, Lucia's. Why did you do this to me? I loved you so...
(1)
Casey F.

We live down the street from here and it took us over a year to try it. I'm so sorry it took us that long to experience the awesomeness. BYOB with no corkage fee, and the food was just amazing. I had spinach gnocchi with blue cheese and mascarpone cream sauce, my husband had delicious homemade noodles with pancetta. I don't have one complaint or anything I would change about this place. Great service, great food. We will be back. Frequently.
(5)
Colleen D.

I had not been here in years but it has not changed. During the day I've gone into the front where they make amazing deli sandwiches. This particular time we went to the restaurant in the back for a private event - the food was very authentic and excellent. It is still a BYOB so that was cool also.
(4)
Ben K.

A great patio, and great food. Lucia's bucatini amatriciana is a killer pasta dish. My companions both had the linguini a la vongole and were similarly impressed. The pastas come with a house salad, that has a delightfully simple but extremely delicious vinaigrette. The only thing that wasnt that fantastic was our grilled calamari, which went well beyond the standard chewiness of calamari into a rubbery direction I was not a fan of. Come here, sit outside, eat pasta, BYOB. Good deal.
(4)
Nicolas H.

Been here many times and I can now say Lucia's has the best sandwiches in the neighborhood, hands down. The meatball sandwich is perfect and only $6 with a can of coke. (although "Sam's sandwich" comes in as a close second)
(4)
Jess V.

A party of 18 people dined here on NYE and I think I speak for all when I say we enjoyed ourselves immensely thanks to the wonderful, kind, and accommodating staff and the delicious food! One dining companion spent the last NYE here as well and told me she has known since that visit what she would be ordering this time: crab ravioli. I ordered it and know what I'm ordering next year: crab ravioli. The portion was large enough to split, which I'm happy to say I did and was contently full. The crab was fresh and was the highlight of this dish, meaning that it was plentiful and not overwhelmed with cheese or fillers, which is rare when working with crab and pasta. I will be back to order this entree again, and to try others. My partner and I also split a caprese salad and grazed on some bread and appetizers. The grilled calamari was very good and there was a lot of "meat" to the dish. This restaurant is a great destination for couples and groups. The portions are very large so you can comfortably split an entree and salad, and it is BYOB, which is also a nice way to keep the cost down.
(4)
Amanda C.

All I have gotten from here was an Italian Beef sandwich and it was SO fucking dry I felt like I had downed a mouthful of sand instead of consuming a tender, juicy beef. The wait to get this dry, unsavory sandwich was odd as hell, too. It was impossible to tell who was waiting and who had paid, so everyone pretty much stood around like idiots until someone who worked there finally decided to try & figure out who wanted to order. My sandwich took FOREVER as well. Waiting babylons for a crappy beef sandwich? Not ideal. Also, I definitely asked for hot peppers, definitely got charged for hot peppers, and definitely DID NOT get hot peppers. Lucia's, Y U NO GIVE ME MY PEPPERS!? Anyway, I was so disenchanted I will never go there again. It seems like some others have had good experiences there, but my first experience was pretty bad... as such, it will likely be my last.
(2)
Colleen C.

Warning! Do not let the cheesy awning fool you. This place is LEGIT. It's beyond legit...it's absolutely, positively darling. Quaint. Authentic. Friendly. Glowing. Oh, and did I mention BYOB? Badabing, be still my wine lovin' heart. A group of 6 girls headed here, wine in tow...we had to make reservations for 930. It's smallish, but so cozy...you'll just want to curl up and eat carbohydrates like your life depended on it. Softly lit, homey feel...the ambience was a stellar surprise. The food? Even better than expected! Bruschetta: crunchy, fresh and ooooo soooooo garlicky. Side Salads: very fresh, well portioned and quick to arrive. Mushroom Risotto: I wanted to make a quilt of it. It was beautiful and filling... I don't think any of us finished half of our meals...rich, rich, rich. Ooooos and ahhhhhhhs permeated the table. So good. The service was impeccable, even for his last table of the evening. Quick with the bottle service, ice buckets and glasses were promptly delivered. Plates cleared quickly, recs given willingly and he was cute to boot. Nicely done ;) We were sad to leave...but all of a sudden it was midnight! The sign of a good meal, you just never want to leave... Def a GREAT date place...or just a fun BYO meal with the gals. Reservations recommended.
(4)
Ashley B.

This place is cute, small, quaint and a nice spot to grab a bite. I went here after visiting Reina Spa next door and got a nice julienne salad and a small cup of tortellini soup. It was all pretty tasty, but next time I definitely want to come back and try out their paninis!
(4)
Julie Z.

I've been here several times and will continue to come back. Excellent authentic Italian food. I always order the seafood risotto and I am always happy I did. I've tried several other dishes that friends order and they have always been good as well. I recommend going in the summer when you can sit outside. They don't rush you and I've met Lucia herself. Wonderful woman who brought my boyfriend and I a free appetizer b/c she felt bad we had waited so long. Make a reservation if you plan on sitting outside.
(4)
Sara R.

Been on a search for the best sub sammie of late and i feel theres no better saturday lunch than one! So.....i suggested it to the bf the other weekend and on our way we were! I love this spot because i think most people dont know about it for lunch since its a well known italian/pasta dinner spot and BYOB We like doing the splitzy thing-then we get to try 2- so got the Yale with proscuitto and fresh mozz (they do say it comes with pesto/ basil but there was hardly any on there. I USED to have a basil plant and put that biz on errrythang so when there was barely any on there i was disappointed to say the least womp) however still an awesome sammie. And then when in Rome or at an ITALIAN sub shop one must get an italian sub. It was great! All the ushe meats n provolone i find so delish. Most of their sammies come in a few diff sizes too which is nice if ur extra hunggie and no subway sizes either. You can get a 6, 9, or 12-er which i always find nice! Maybe get the big one and save half for later is what i like to do Also it is like a noted a BYOB establishment so being the avid beer drinker i am i had 2 leftover racer 5's in my fridge from the night before and tossed em in my purse to bring them along! why not! its sat-day-no-mat-day! ** they also give free boring bag of lays tater chips with a sammy which is a nice plus. HOwever they carry this special chip brand ive never seen before and they have awesome flavors like 'maui onion' 'olive oil and rosemary' and most recently i got the 'cracked pepp and salt' which was actually a lil SPICY and SO good. Must get the special chips-esp to live up to this wonderful sammie!
(5)
Douglas R.

I hate to give away a good "secret", but here goes. Lucia's. Their deli delivers an inexpensive, fresh sandwich, outside of dinner hours. * The Dining room, is a cozy setting with a few tables for two and a few for larger groups of six. Intimate. Somewhere between formal and casual, but comfortable. ** The food continues to deliver. Fresh. Authentic. *** Service is prompt, but not overbearing. **** There is no fee for BYOA. ***** Lucia's earns their stars by doing everything well.
(5)
Karen B.

so byob and very cute, great date night spot or just trying to impress. the food is good, the fried squid is great. Im not a huge fan of italian bc lets be for real, i can make it at home, but ti was good
(4)
Anna E.

This was an excellent place for a party! There were 15 of us and we pretty much had a room to ourselves. If you were the 3 other tables of 2, I'm sure you hated us...sorry, but we were having fun. We took full advantage of the BYOB and brought vodka, wine and champagne and our waiter was helpful (and so nice about our many requests!) in getting us various glasses, ice and mixers. As for dinner, the food was simple, but good. We started with calamari (sooooo good), bruschetta (I think; it came with tomatoes, portabello and goat cheese, yum) and a few other things, but I was already getting fuzzy from the champagne. My friend and I shared the Chicken Contadina and Artichoke Ravioli. Both very tasty. They also served salads for everyone that ordered entrees. And for my birthday, the waiter brought out 2 pieces of tiramisu and it was absolutely perfect. I would definitely go back here and definitely recommend this place for a party. They were so accommodating and actually seated us right on time on a busy Saturday night!
(4)
Drew K.

My Wife and I stopped in this place based on yelp ratings. It was a in a part of Town that seemed to come alive at night, which we like. When we arrived we were surprised to see a Subway type small dining area. An Italian gentleman asked us how many. We said two. He told us that he didn't have a wait staff up front.....We told him we would sit wherever. He checked in the back and waived us to come in. The real restaurant is in the back with a small deck off the back of the restaurant where we sat. It was nice with twinkle lights. My wife and I shared the gnocchi. It was very good! There was more than enough for us to share as the portion sizes were quite large. One of the best parts about this place was the BYOB aspect which we didn't even take advantage of. We had never heard of this concept since nobody in Indiana does it. On our next visit we'll defiantly take advantage! I would defiantly recommend this place and we would try it again.
(4)
Joseph H.

Lucia's is a charming little place. We had a big group of 12 here and took up half of the entire front half of this place. There is an outdoor space is the back that I will return to experience this summer. Best part about this place...BYOB with no corkage fee. I had the gnocchi and it was very good. Nothing fancy, but a solid dish. I did try a taste of the veal and I wish I could have had more. It melted in your mouth. I don't think that everyone liked our waitress (she nearly spilled wine on someone), but she had just enough attitude for me. If I had to guess, I would say that she was authentic italian. Really a staple of a good place when the staff can truly represent the food. Keep in mind that I thought a dude from Iowa was Irish, so my heritage radar is not always the best. Last words...the bruschetta and calamari was good. Not the best, but I was satisfied. Job well done.
(4)
Jenny M.

One of my favorite hidden gems in the city!! Great Italian food, great prices and BYOB! I hate over paying for Italian food. I think it can be done fairly simply, easily and cheaply very well. This place has it right. Their veal tortellini is out of this world. Just incredibly fantastic. I don't live any where near Wicker Park any more, but I will always make a special trip to go back when I am craving some solid Italian food. Amazing stuff.
(5)
Tam H.

Bellisima! This is true italian at it's best! You walk in feeling like your in your Uncle Puzo and Aunt Rosa's house. I went here for a graduation celebration and the service was wonderful. Although its has a quaint feel, groups can definitely be accommodated. As for the food, the food came out fresh and authentic. My dish came out piping hot. You could smell the freshness as the warm aroma wafted through my nose. I had the lasagna. I could tell by the way it smelled it was going to be a good night. My tummy was going to taste some fresh lasagna that wasn't all that cheesy. I was rubbing my belly after I finished. I didn't dare try the tiramisu afterwards because I knew I feel guilty after this wonderful indulgence of Italian food. Finding parking can be a pain but the food is well worth the pain.
(4)
Andrew H.

Over 100 of my fellow yelpers honestly believe this place deserves 4 Stars?!?! No. It doesn't. Save your cash, make your own italian, and eat it at home, where's it also BYOB..... While I love trying new places, this place has made me question whether or not to trust the yelp crew....... Service: Terrible. First of all, one server for the whole place. This would not bother me if she was capable of serving the whole place. She was not. Service was VERY slow and inattentive. Empty plates sat around for a long time. Simple requests went seemingly ignored (ie, can we have an extra plate so we can share this pasta) only to be answered after helping six other tables 20 minutes later. Second, the waitress just was not all that friendly. Third, the water boy elbowed my date in the head, with no apologies...... If so many people complain about service, I just don't get how this place gets 4 stars? Is there a better waitstaff on weekends or something? Food: Again, I just don't get the raves here. Bread was served warm-but it was stale. Salad is just some iceberg lettuce, one other kind of lettuce, and a single wedge of tomato served with oil and vinegar....it's free, so you can't complain too much, but let's just say you'd be mad if you did pay for it. We ordered the gnocchi in cheese sauce and the pumpkin ravioli. The gnocchi were only ok. Buy yourself and potato ricer and try making them yourself just once, it's really easy, and then you'll understand what gnocchi is supposed to taste like....these were "homemade," but I've tasted some prepackaged gnocchi that are very similar in texture. The sauce was good. On the ravioli, the "prosciutto" was not good....like jimmy dean's sausage quality...... Price: $15+ per pasta. Typical for italian restaurants in Chicago. BYOB, no corkage fee. Atmosphere: Quaint, but crowded. Just one too many tables. They leave the door open so if you sit indoors, you experience the mosquitos without the air.... Walk on by yelpers. You'll be happy you did.
(1)
Alison T.

I've been here twice now and both times my entrees were amazing! It's so fun to go with a group, bring some wine, and try everyone's dishes. The menu is huge. Because there are SO many good Italian places in the city, I didn't have high expectations for Lucia's - just another good Italian place. Honestly we went because it was BYOB. But NOW I go here when I want Italian, and BYOB is an added bonus! Both entrees I got were veal - one tortellini and the other veal cutlets. Both SO delicious. And the shrimp/artichoke appetizer is one of the best appetizers I've ever had. The bread is very fresh, the service is good, and it's a very cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend.
(4)
Lene K.

I have a friend who lives nearby and we wandered into this place on their 10th anniversary celebration, looking to have a nice dinner. They were technically closed, but had a ton of guests there and trays upon trays of food. They invited us in and told us to help ourselves. I couldn't believe it! After such a great experience, I couldn't help but go back.. I love Lucia's- its a nice Italian restaurant, with a really cute outdoor patio. The prices are reasonable and the service is excellent. Also- its byob! The meatballs are highly recommended.
(5)
Jenna S.

Definitely the best Italian cuisine I've had in the city. Make reservations - the restaurant in the back of the deli is small and cozy, but tables fill quickly. The restaurant is wonderfully decorated with Italian art and lights. The tables are small and romantic, but if you make reservations they will accommodate a group. This is a great place to take a date. BYOB is always a plus, as well, because you can bring whatever you like to compliment your meal and your mood. The food was absolutely great! My boyfriend ordered the veal dish, which was astonishing. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. I ordered the four-cheese gnocci dish, which was stunning. I have seriously never had better, more savory food at any Italian restaurant. I have visited Italy and this food was as authentic as it gets. The menu also features all kinds of Italian cuisine from Sicilian to Florentine. The service was great and all the staff were very helpful. We asked our server what she thought would compliment our wine selection and I think she advised us correctly. The manager even came out during our meal to stop and ask each of the patrons how they felt about the food and the restaurant. I can only imagine that the deli food is delicious. A lot of the other reviews are good and I will definitely be back in the future to try some of their afternoon food selections.
(5)
Amy S.

Oh Lucia's how you disappoint. I want to eat your food but I don't want to go to that space. Even in all your byo Italian goodness it simply can't make up for the rude, unprofessional service. Nope, can't. The last two times I've been there including just over a week ago there was only one server for the room. And even though there were only a few tables she was hassled, rude and slow. She first sat myself and two friends at an awkward round table pushed strangely up against the wall. It was uncomfortable and not even a little conducive for the three of us to catch up and hang. More like a game of "telephone" where my friend sitting in the middle was the "operator". So we requested to move to a four top that had been opened for a good 10 minutes but not cleaned off yet. Even offered to help clear the sucker. Well, you would think we had asked the waitress to turn our water into wine with the production she seemed to think it was. She also told us that our 3 bottles of wine took up too much space for a four top. Yeah, I know, we didn't get it either. We moved, and cleared every last item off our old table to make for easy clean-up (and no new set-up needed at the four top) and at this point well, we were having a great time together but bad service unfortunately detracts slightly from the overall experience. She continued to be inattentive and just overall rude. So I could talk about the food. Because it is good. In fact the Involtini Di Melanzane is spectacular and the Gnocchi Alla Romana is sigh inducing. And I as much as anyone love byo's. But I won't go back. Because I like good dining experiences and save for my friends and I making the best of it this just wasn't worth it. Boo Lucia's, boo.
(2)
William G.

absolutely love this place! the owners are very nice and the food is amazing!!! try the portabella sandwich with olive oil! perfecto
(5)
Christopher E.

Terrible. This is simply a bad restaurant. The food was bad. The decor was awful and the staff was unwelcoming. There is no shortage of moderately priced Italian places in the city--go to any of those before you go here. We started with the Caprese salad which came out about 96 seconds after I ordered it. They should at least pretend that they are cutting the tomatoes and cheese fresh instead of taking out some pre-cut debacle from the refrigerator. I got the Pasta Amatraciana which promised "Italian ham," which I of course assumed was pancetta because that is the main ingredient of this kind sauce (and was a bit thrown off by their reluctance to name the ham--c'mon, this isn't the 1950s, your diners are sophisticated enough to know what pancetta is). When I got the dish though, I quickly realized that the ham was a low grade prosciutto which does not have the fat content to hold up in a sauce like this. Unsurprisingly, the sauce was bland. My friend got the fillet and ordered it medium. It came medium rare. She politely asked if they could take it back to the broiler to make it medium. The waitress was pissy about it but agreed. It came back looking like a piece of charcoal. Completely inedible. Not only was the food bad, the service was abhorrent. Our waitress let us know that she could go home when our party left and made no effort to disguise that we were not welcomed. Truly an awful restaurant. In the strongest possible way, I encourage you to skip this place.
(1)
Kyle P.

Great sandwich. Very much like Bari's but closer. Would come back for dinner and the pasta in the back room. Love the deli feel...
(4)
Lara T.

#1, you can't ever hate on a good BYOB. We went on a Monday and found the restaurant to be very intimate and quiet. The front of the place is a deli, so don't be fooled... there's white tablecloth dining to be done in the back room. The dining room is small, very romantic and quaint, simply decorated and dark/candlelit. I liked the look of the Rigatoni alla Casalinga dish, but with with an arribiata sauce. It was not on the menu, but the chef was happy to make it for me. The waitress told me that the chef will make variations of items for you if it's not a busy night. Major plus. Oh, and order a side of the meatballs. We were not wowed by the desserts. I'm a cannoli aficionado and was disappointed by the softness of the shell and the overly-sweetened filling. Ah well, not everything is perfect. Will I go back? Definitely. I'm going to suggest it to the BYOB club.
(3)
Wendy L.

Best Italian Beef in the City. I'm no connoisseur, but in my opinion it's one of the best! I love, love love the Italian Deli in the Front of the House. Hidden in the back is a cute little sit-down type of restaurant. I have to say, unfortunately, that the food is mediocre and over priced for the quality. Service is good. It's very homey and BYOB is nice. Lucia and her Husband run the place and they're very sweet, entertaining people. I'll definitely be back for great service and an AWESOME beef sandwich from the deli - 8 years and counting!
(4)
Nick M.

Me: Where in the world are we going? Looking at the awning "This looks like it's got oh oh bum written all over it" Group: Trust us; we heard it's very good. Me: Walk in through the front door to find no tables, a weird half wall, and few other things but nothing that resembles a restaurant. Lady inside: What's the password? Me: Say what!??! Lady inside: Ahahaha just kidding, the door is on the side of the building. OK, so the password conversation didn't happen, but it did feel like you needed one to find your way in. There is a sign in the window that says entrance on the side, but I guess we missed it. Even though I was nervous about eating here, I soon realized Lucia is not just your whole in the wall store front restaurant. Though the awning really doesn't help! Lucky enough for me my group made reservations, which I highly recommend. From the time we entered to the time we left there were people waiting almost out the door. I also recommend that if you suffer from claustrophobia don't eat here. You're elbow to elbow as soon as you walk in the door and the tables are a little better but not by much. I don't know how they do it with one small room for tables in the front, a narrow hallway which you bump into everything and everyone that walks by, and another small dining room with a very small corner bar. What I really enjoyed was the service. From the greeting (which came from the owner) to the waiter; all were very cheerful and eager to take care of your dining needs. I honestly can't imagine working there with things being so tight but they do it with ease and with a smile. Another benefit to Lucia's is that it's BYOB and the servers are very fast to open a bottle for you. As for the food, its classic Italian and its cooked very well. I can't even begin to tell you what my group of 8 had but we all sure were quite for the longest time (which is impressive for this group). As all Italian joints the portion size is enough to keep you full for days which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The flavors were all very fresh and very delicious (I got to sneak a few bites from others). All and all it's a nice place for a group dinner and cozy enough for a romantic date for two.
(4)
Jennifer J.

I don't understand the excitement over this place. I love Italian food and especially in Chicago! Lucia's is just "eh." Nothing special and a little over priced for it's basic Italian fare. We got a couple of appetizers...bruschetta and the manicotti. Boring. I saw that a lot of people complained about the bread being hard and I actually have to say that it wasn't so bad. I think that was one of the better points they had going for them. It's traditional Italian bread and usually it's pretty crusty and hard on the outside. My entrÃ©e was the veal tortellini with the meat sauce for $19. It was definitely not worth it's price. Oh well. Some of my friends had different dishes but none thought they were spectacular, or at least close to any of the reviews I read on yelp. Service was ok. I pretty much felt like I had to beg to get my water glass refilled. The one positive of this place is that it is an Italian restaurant that is byob. Other than that, I didn't really see any other positives for my $37 meal...for one person. Overall, this place wasn't anything to write home about. Sorry to disappoint all of the local fans, I just think there is better Italian in Chicago.
(2)
John W.

This place is great for a quick date night or a large group. BYOB and delicious pasta dishes. My go to is the veal stuffed pasta dish.
(5)
Andrea R.

I've walked by this Italian deli countless times, but who knew there was a charming, cozy restaurant in the back? OK, apparently many of you guys knew (they even have a "People Love Us on Yelp" sticker on their door- yay!) and now I'm in on the secret! My party of 10 was here for a friend's bday dinner and it's never easy dealing with a table of so many girls, especially when it's BYOB and lots of vodka is involved. And as the dinner wore on we got louder and louder...to the point of playing drinking games at the table. But Lucia's staff was so attentive- they brought out our food at just the right time, made sure we had plenty of glasses for drinks, and even tasted our homemade bday cookies! The food didn't blow me over. The bread was warm and tasty, but the bruchetta appetizer was just eh. I split the artichoke filled ravioli and oven baked tilapia with 2 other girls at the table and while I'd order the tilapia again (since it was pretty tasty, not to mention the healthiest thing on the menu) the ravioli was comparable to my frozen meals at home. But the bill came to $22/person (and this included 9 of us paying for the bday girl) and for that I don't expect the food to be overly amazing. Probably not a spot I'd visit for a romantic night out (there are better spots in town for this), but I'd recommend Lucia's for a big group again in a heartbeat!
(4)
Stacey L.

Decided to give Lucia another try. Owner was in Italy - thank god. Not sure I can quell my tongue after last visit. However, great service and food tonight. Got there early as we had plans following. I had a shrimp over purred white beans app - delicious!!! My husband got the lamb shank - he claimed it wad perfect. I wouldn't know. I don't eat meat. Note however - they POUR the Caesar on their salads. I'd recommend requesting they go light. But second time was a charm. Glad we gave Lucia another shot!
(4)
Aaron Z.

First off, I am not a negative person. Nor am I a habitual "Yelper". However, this site was made for situations like this and I am glad it exists. My girlfriend and I, went to Lucia's after reviewing the menu from home. We arrived and were excited to eat there. We both saw 2 menu items that looked great. Upon arrival, we were escorted to the restaurant and didn't see the items featured on the menu. We asked the waiter and he said that it was from the menu in the front deli. "No worries", he said. "I can have them make whatever you want to eat." One if the items was on special for $8.95 and the other for $9.95. Sounds great, right? Not so much... The waiter was obviously ticked off. He was unattentive, slammed salads on the table and the most upsetting part of the evening was when the bill arrived. Both items were $16.95! The total being $33.90, rather than the advertised price of $18.90... I asked the waiter and he said that the management required him to charge the higher price! First off, this is ILLEGAL. Second, I live in the neighborhood and this is bad business, plain and simple. Lastly, if the place were run correctly, the waiter would have notified us of this fact in advance and sat us in the area where we would not have to pay more than twice the amount for the same food. Is it really worth it to pay twice the price for sitting in back and being treated like crap? No way. This was very upsetting. I will not go back, unless this is resolved. Aaron Z.
(1)
Joshua M.

It's tough to review Lucia's because it's really two restaurants in one. While I've never been to the dinner restaurant where you sit down and get waited on, I have been to the deli counter more than a couple times for lunch. The most incredible thing about Lucia's has to be their prices. Chicken Parmigiana sandwiches are only $7, and they're huge. Their bread, meat, sauces, soups, salads, and drinks (non-alcoholic -- It's lunch time!) are superb. The counter staff are always friendly, and it's kind of nice that they don't pressure you to do anything. They don't demand your order like many other deli counters may. You feel comfortable the second you walk in. I once got yelled at for cleaning up after myself. The woman behind the counter said, "Great... I'm bored, now what am I going to do? I was looking forward to cleaning up after you." It's also kind of cool how if you're eating there, they will just take your order and tell you to go sit down, then they'll deliver the food to your table, and you can just come square up the bill on your way out the door. It makes for a friendlier restaurant atmosphere. The specialty sandwiches are great. Everything is served with chips. Their small ($3-$4) salads are the size of a large salad anywhere else. The portions are outrageous, and I like that. All-in-all, I like that I can go there and get something that's artery-clogging fantastic, or I can go there and get something that even my mother would approve of me eating. It's a good lunch place. Worth stopping by if you're in the neighborhood, but I wouldn't travel for it.
(4)
Lauren W.

This is a great place, particularly when you know what to expect. Here's what to expect: -delicious food! (they served a salad when we only ordered entrees). Pasta dishes were amazing. -BYOB! Bring some vino -Fun, Casual atmosphere. Not the most romantic date location, but a fun place. It seems fun in a large group (4+) and the wait staff is extremely friendly! *Make reservations on a weekend, although you can walk-in as well!
(4)
Miss O.

I have to preface that I'm not a huge Italian food fan but the meatball sandwich is pretty darn good. Solid. Reliable. Meatballs.
(3)
Megan H.

Amazing tasting food. Great pairings of herbs and sauces. BYOB!!! I would recommend splitting an entree. My bf and I did an app and 1 entree and we were stuffed. The fettuccine with shrimp, scallops and clams is WONDERFUL!!
(5)
Lisa K.

Too good to be true...and its BYOB! everything was fresh and authentic. great service make reservations- its a small place and is worth the wait!
(5)
Kathryn H.

I had my b-day party here (18 ppl) over all good experience (delicious food, good portions size, nice atmosphere) BUT... I would say this place is NOT good for big groups. They only allow 2 credit cards per table and did not do separate checks. A huge inconvenience! I also think that the price range is misrepresented on yelp, meals were $17-$27. There is a charge for splitting and a $15 minimum spent per person. I will come here again because the food and location are great but never with a group of more than 6 people. PS- gnocchi is amazing!
(3)
P S.

The day of my *$&%th birthday I decided to get everyone together for dinner before freaking out and hopping a plane to London the next day. Lucia's performed admirably. A manageable group of eight fared just fine in the back room with a great server, the menu, the BYO, the dessert... lovely. Forward a few years to my best friend's birthday and a table of 18, this time in the front part of the restaurant, near to the kitchen. Our server was nice but a bit overwhelmed (we think he had the back room too, though did have help in the form of bussers and runners). Some items were forgotten, some came out too soon, some temperature questions were missed and while the menu said the entrees came with choice of potato, pasta or veg, the server didn't offer and no one but my verbally fearless date asked about that. Our salads were the boring, requisite iceberg lettuce and tomato tossed with vinaigrette. The portions don't lack. I ordered the salmon and while it arrived in a bland sauce, the piece was the size of my forearm. My date's veal saltimbocca was really good as well. They brought my bff a lava cake and ice cream with a candle as well as one for the table, she loved that. The BYO keeps the wine flowing and while on a Saturday night they are busy enough to keep the stink eyes coming from envious waiting patrons, there is no pressure from staff to get out. I think Lucia's might be great for parties of eight or less. Parties of two, even better. More than that and you start to see the cracks in the fresco.
(3)
Lindsay L.

Lucia's turned out to be my favorite Italian deli in Chicago. Luckily, it was located conveniently around the corner from my old apartment. This review is only for their deli ... I never dined in the restaurant. Lucia's famous sub is to. die. for. I really don't know where to start in describing how good it is, so just take my (and my hubs) word for it. And at $12.50 for a large, it's a great deal. The Portabello Mushroom Focaccia is also ridiculously good. Lucia's is a great neighborhood place. If you're in Wicker Park shopping one weekend, drop in the deli for lunch. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mandy P.

Unassuming and quaint...I would never have known this place existed had a friend not casually mentioned the "cute little patio at the BYOB place" . After 2 failed attempts to make it to Lucia's when the weather was patio-friendly, we tried a third time on a cold, rainy Tuesday. This place is a total neighborhood gem. To start we had the calamari, which was of a nice quality; not chewy and cheap like some places serve. I had the pumpkin ravioli (or maybe it was butternut squash). It was good; not terribly flavorful but the butter, rosemary, and nuts that accompanied it made it more enjoyable. I got to sample my friend's gnocchi with blue cheese, which I found to be slightly disappointing that the blue cheese was out of the bottle and not crumbled, but delicious nonetheless. To finish we split the Tiramisu (my fave), the Panna Cotta (also good) and the Mouse (yum). There were many items on the menu I would be happy to come back to try. Fortunately I have a wine rack full of appropriate options to accompany me.,
(4)
Jen A.

Lucia's is a wonderful Italian restaurant and a cozy place to bring a group. And by cozy, I mean small...8 friends and I got together for my birthday here and waited almost 20 minutes to be seated even though we had reservations. That was the only reason why I took a star away from this place. The dining room is charming and I noticed many of the tables had a larger party, like 6 to 10 people with each group. We had a few bottles popped (Yay BYOB!) and perused the menu. Prices started at about 20 bucks for most of the pasta entrees. All of the main dishes came with salad to start with, which was really nice. Everyone was really happy with their food. I ordered the seafood pasta which was excellent. We capped off the meal with several gelatos. Overall, great ambiance and atmosphere with delicious food-- just expect a short wait and bring a few wine bottles and you're set for a great dinner.
(4)
Anna V.

We love dining at Lucia's. It is a true family owned and operated with love. They have authentic italian cuisine. My husband and I go there often. The only thing that I can suggest is: Mamma Lucia I would love to try just some more of your amazing dishes. Some menu rotation. if possible. I do try the specials along with our favorites. It is a BYOB, outdoor dining and very at home in Zia Lucia's and Zio's dining room. I live in the suburbs so I have not yet tried the deli, but our friends who live in the city swear by it and also use thei catering service for our Italian family parties. It does not get any better then cooking yourself. I see many groups celebrating bacherlorette birthdays etc. You will not go wrong. Buon appetito!
(5)
John R.

This review is for the deli - I've eaten in the restaurant once or twice, its very good, but I don't know it well enough to review it. Lucia was part of Barcello's, wicker park's best pizza place that is sadly no more. Anyway, she opened this place in 2002 or so and has, hands down, the best subs in Chicago. Just incredible - great bread, quality meats and really nice seasoning. And the price is right. She's better than Santullo's (gone) and Potbelly (flavor?) and charges less than both. Seriously, eat the Lucia and life begins anew.
(5)
Reena G.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! I threw my boyfriend a last-minute going away dinner here and Lucia's staff was awesome. Not only did they book my party of 18 less than a week in advance, but they were BYOB, reasonably priced and SOOOOOOO NICE! The food was awesome too:) Awesome atmosphere for a group, dim lighting, free flowing booze. Highly recommended - can't wait to go back!
(5)
Matthew M.

I have only been to the Deli side of Lucia's, but I go there a lot. They have some of the best Italian sandwiches anywhere. What makes this place five stars is one item. Their Arancini! Maybe I have not been looking hard enough, but this is the only place i have seen these outside of Sicily. These are exactly like the ones in Italy and I am so excited that i can walk and get them whenever I want. If you have never had Arancini. do it.
(5)
John Blue H.

This Italian restaurant is by far one of the best kept secrets in Chicago! Not only is the deli spectacular during the day for healthy salads and savory sandwiches, but the nightly restaurant has AHHHHMAZING delicacies that will make your mouth water. I had the meat ravioli pasta, and the gravy sauce was so delicious, I couldn't help but devour my plate! Portion control? What the hell is that? My partner had a delicious pasta in vodka sauce with tender chicken and was morbidly full after stuffing his piehole! "it's just so good, I can't stop!" he said! I literally had to pull the fork out of his vice grip to get him to stop. The caprese salad appetizer was flavorfully fresh and filling as well! This BYOB spot is a must do, even if you're far from Wicker Park. Lucia, the owner, is the sweetest, most cating woman you will ever meet, and she always makes me feel like family when I'm there! LOVE HER! This family-owned business is a gem amongst all of the new sub-par eateries around. Go, stuff your face!
(5)
Brian T.

got to knock down my original five stars to 4. food is still great but you look at a menu that says delivery, you pick what you want and you get amped for it. then you call and they say they aren't offering delivery at the moment. this happened about four times to me. And they have such a small window for deliveries, 11 to 4, so you would hope they would have some one to deliver during the time.
(4)
Nana H.

My boyfriend and I stopped in last night because we are going down our WBEZ members list. I've been by this place a lot and just never stopped in and we're so glad we finally stopped in. It's a little misleading at first because it looks like a quick sandwich stop, but its really romantic in the back! It was pretty packed and it looked like there were 2 large tables having a little party there. We were lucky to get a table. We ordered the grilled shrimp and artichoke, the veal scallopini, and the seafood linguine. It was alll delicious! and there was so much!! I had left overs for lunch. If I ate Italian food more often, I'd probably stop in a lot more. I will be back!
(4)
Kori E.

We went here on a Saturday night with a rather large party, and we had an 8:30 reservation! No problemo, when I arrived some of us were already seated. Please note, this place is TINY! We were one of 3 large parties in the back dining room with about 2 or 3 smaller two tops surrounding us. The waitress was phenomenal when trying to keep up with our difficult ordering at times, and she even stopped me on the way out and gave me tips for reheating my pasta dish the next day!! The dining room was obviously very loud because of the large parties, but its a very fun atmosphere with parties mingling with other parties! I would love to come back with just my boyfriend during the week for a more quiet experience. But, all in all, the food was really good, the service was really good and I would definitely come back. OH and its BYOB, you cant beat it!
(4)
Diana M.

I was not looking forward to finding parking just east of hipster ground zero in order to try Lucia's for the first time, but as luck would have it I found a spot right out front! Clearly, this was just foreshadowing to what awaited us inside! As Penny notes, we were a table of 18 seated in the front room. It was a little cramped, but not so much so that you'd really notice it. The waiter was good, though he did have to be reminded that 2 or our group hadn't ordered, but when reminded, he was super apologetic! Hell, the guy had the whole front room and our loud group of 18. I'll give him a pass on that. I ordered the ravioli stuffed with artichokes with a light marinara sauce. Oh wow. It was great! The sauce wasn't the chunky veggie laden stuff you get in most jar sauces (ick), it was a true marinara sauce made with tomatoes and water(?). Perfect! Probably the best Italian dish I've had in a long time. My fiance had the Linguini pescatore (mussels, clams, shrimp and calamari with linguini). He's half Italian and really doesn't like to go to Italian restaurants because nothing is ever as good as his Mom's. But ya know what? He LOVED his food. We shared a Tricolore salad before our meals and that was tasty with a nice light vinaigrette. I was unaware that a salad came with our meal...we probably wouldn't have order the Tricolore had we seen that on the menu. (This is the only reason I'm not giving 5 stars, btw.) BYOB is great, though it would have been nice to have our beers put in the fridge. No biggie though. Prices are reasonable for the very large portions. I can't wait to go back and try some other dishes!
(4)
Jen T.

Great Place for a large group to celebrate anything! Our group of 12 fit just fine and not busy on a Monday night! Good ole' rustic Italian setting, BYOB my favorite! plus they let us bring out own cake and no charge to serve it. We had lots of pasta, appetizers and wine wine wine! Entrees are big enough to share or you'll have enough to take home for lunch to next day. I noticed the deli counter on the way out and they do catering as well. I may have to check that out!
(4)
Jen G.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this lovely BYOB spot! This charming italian restaurant really does remind me of walking into a large family dining room. Tables talk to one another, the staff is unpretentious and the place is really characterized by its warm atmosphere and generous portions. From what I could tell there is no charge whatsoever for the BYOB (they give you a corkscrew, chill the bottles, not much else, but I prefer to pace myself anyway in this type of setting.) We ended up there last night for a friend's birthday (um, Piece quoted the 6 of us a "2-hour wait"--are you serious?!?) and it was such a serindipitous change of plans, recalling the last time we were all there--for two other friends' birthdays. Anyway, I love the fact that the waiter accommodated our family-style order (3 main courses, a large salad) and didn't charge us for the dessert we brought. A place like Lucia's could survive and thrive just about anywhere. Fortunately for us, it resides in a lovely nook seemingly miles away from the 6 corners. Also: cops love it. Not really sure what that means but I saw tons of Chicago blue eating in the cafe part of the restaurant.
(4)
Lisa P.

STAY AWAY! Let me begin by stating that we had two previously good experiences here, but after last night's debacle. We will NEVER come back. We made a reservation for 9:15 and arrived at 9:05 pm. The, who I presume to be, owner came up to us and said that we would have to wait about 10 minutes. Okay, that's fine we were early. Then from 9:15 to 9:35 we were ignored expect for a single "2 more minutes" from the owner.." Finally, at 9:40 I went up to him and he said we've got your table...2 minutes..I said it's either 2 minutes or we are leaving. After that we got a VERY rude "We've been backed up 20 minutes all night, so go ahead and leave." Now if you knew you were backed up shouldn't you have said that when we arrived?! Never received an apology or any kind of ramification for being late with our reservation, these people do not know how to run a business/restaurant. Horrible, horrible owner and staff. I will never be returning or recommending this place to anyone. We left and celebrated my brother's birthday at Club Lucky...just down the street and has good food, GREAT service, and no crappy owner.
(1)
Kelly W.

A tasty little gem in Wicker Park. BYOB, no corkage fee... and great food. I was with a very large party but our server handled us well. There were so many delicious sounding option but I went with the ravioli filled with pumpkin squash. Fantastic. As someone who was spoiled with good Italian food in Boston's North End, this place really impressed me. Would definitely come back and would love to stop in for lunch and try the sandwiches!
(4)
Brian M.

Good Italian food traditional menu. Everyone was happy with their meal but no one was blown away. I had the seafood risotto which had a great balance between the risotto and seafood, a problem I've run into in other local Italian restaurants, the risotto was cooked well, but just didn't say 5 stars to me. I would definitely recommend the cannoli for desert which seems homemade. Prices were great and the byob policy is a favorite. Great place for a dinner with friends or a romantic dinner with your better half. I'll come back here and see if I find the dish that really sets Lucias apart the competition.
(4)
Rose N.

If I could select different star ratings for the restaurant, deli, and service I would. So let me lay it out for you... Deli- 5 stars the food is delicious, you must get the Yale sub or Pork special Deli service- 2/3 stars, they are really slow and even if you call ahead a lot of times it is a wait when you get there, that being said it is well worth it Restaurant- 4 stars, excellent food, byob, just not 5 stars for food Restaurant service- 4-5 stars, lucia is very personable as well her husband and when we celebrated my aunt's 50th bday and were waiting for a table outside she brought us out appetizers, wine glasses and a key even though we had been there maybe five minutes
(4)
A F.

Regardless of the other reviews on here about bad service, the food is really good here. I think this place is a little hidden gem in Wicker Park. Durning the day its a deli style dining, you just order your food and sit down in the front of the restaurant. Really casual atmosphere, the food is really good, and the prices are not that bad for the portions your get. I know there is a dining room in the back but that is open later in the evening. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Maura S.

I want to give Lucia's a better rating, but both times I've been here the service was less than desirable. Aside from the poor service, the food was delicious. BYOB always makes me happy.
(3)
Erica S.

Another Lent Friday dinner place on the Lent Tour 2010! In all seriousness, I was looking for an Italian place where we could BYOB-and Lucia's it was. I tried to get the man friend to call during the day or at least let me know if going here was set in stone, but he balked and didn't decide that he wanted Italian until 5pm. When I came home, I called and tried to get a reservation. They had one for 6:30, with the stipulation that we only had an hour and a half. It was fine, it was two people. We showed up and sat at our table. The waitress was very nice, even though she did keep trying to push the special pan seared scallops. Our server opened our bottle right away and we ordered up an appetizer right away-bruschetta. Very fresh and fufilling, it was a wonderful beginning to our meal. For our courses, we both got the gnocchi. It was so we could try both and also, because we were going meatless. He got the gnocchi in the tomato and I got the spinach gnocchi. Both were delicious, with HUGE portions. They were so big that I thought to myself that maybe I shouldn't have ordered that appetizer or eat all of the bread on the table. Whoops. In any case, the gnocchi was filling and the sauce was very thick and cheesy. It was a definite plus. A great date night place or a great place for groups, this was awesome. Also, the BYOB just can't be beat. I will return to engage in the meat side of this place, as there were some entrees that looked as if they would be absolutely splendid.
(4)
Lauren K.

Could this place be any more cute? We were greeted by what seemed to be the owner of the place. He was very nice and made sure we were comfortable. Kept checking on the other people dining, too. BYOB, they open it for you! (wine) The waitress checked on us maybe a few more times than I would have liked, but it was good to know we could receive service quickly if we needed it. We stayed a bit past closing time and they didn't seem to mind. Some vegetarian options, mostly pasta. I had artichoke ravioli. Usually with ravioli dishes you don't get very many, but this plate was nice and full and it tasted great. Try it out if you're in the neighborhood!
(4)
Katy E.

A truly great BYOB find in Chicago. The service was great, our food was delicious, and very reasonably priced. Can't wait to go back! Perfect for a girls night!
(4)
Shakeia T.

Last night, a group of 15 of us ate here for my best friend's birthday. I made the reservations 2 weeks in advance and confirmed the Wednesday before. Upon arrival, our tables were ready. We were seated immediately. We had about 15 bottles of wine & champagne (it was a celebration of life!) and Andrea, our waitress was EXCELLENT! She took great care in bringing everyone's food out almost simultaneously. She made sure bottles of wine were opened before we realized others were empty. She was very attentive and helpful. Handling a large group alone can be overwhelming and she did it with a smile. The food was EXCELLENT. It was a trip to Italy without a passport. Not a single person complained about the food, which rarely ever happens. Another great experience at Lucia's! :-)
(5)
Nancy H.

Such a cute and cozy dinner place! My girl friends and I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant on a Saturday night. We made reservations and called to inform them we were running late, and although the owner (?) was a little annoyed when we arrived 20 minutes late, there was luckily a table available for us. The front of the restaurant (which is behind the deli during the day) maybe seats 30, it is really small, but my friend says there is a larger area in the back. The food was great! We shared the grilled calamari appetizer which actually looked better than it tasted (was a little bland), the mushroom risotto (which had a strong wine flavor to it), and the seafood linguini. I was most satisified with the seafood linguini in light tomato sauce. In general, the presentation of the food outweighed the taste, and the portions are just right. Prices are at par for an Italian restaurant of that quality - $14-17 for pastas, and $15-24 for chicken and fish. Lastly, it is BYOB with no cork fee!
(4)
Mario A.

Sorry, had to add another star, this place is truly amazing and their service is great. This is one of my favorite dinner spots in WP. They make good Italian food at a reasonable price and not to mention it's BYOB. I would highly recommend it to anyone and have taken many out of town guests. Only draw-back is that they are are always busy, which in a way is a good thing, you know it must be good. They do take reservations so I would suggest you call before going; especially on busy nights/weekends. If you have a big group then I would advice calling a few days early. This place makes me feel like I'm at a little restaurant in Italy and for 50 bucks and a nice bottle of wine you will have an amazing dinner for two. It's by far one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
(5)
Chirag P.

Had my wife's birthday party there, of course first and foremost love the fact that it's BYOB, so we brought plenty of wine for our party of 10. We were seated right away, the food was great. Everyone seemed to order a different dish, some of the girls did have to split plates due to the size. But everyone liked what they ordered. And the service was awesome. Definitely a fan and would recommend it to anyone looking to save a few bucks by bringing their own libations.
(4)
Robert W.

Uninspired, but byob saved the day.
(3)
Andrea H.

Money is tight, don't spend yours here. With so many options in this great culinary city, I was appalled at the experience my friends and I had at Lucia a week ago. We were celebrating a special occasion and made a reservation for nine at 7pm. Eight of us arrived on time, were seated promptly and ordered a few appetizers. One person in our party arrived late, just as we had finished our appetizers and ordered our entrees. She was greeted by the manager/owner (?), who advised her we were almost finished (not even close) and refused to show her to our table. She found us on her own, promptly ordered (she had reviewed the menu in advance), and received her entree a few minutes after the rest of us. At around 9pm, another patron approached our table, rather abruptly advising us that she and her party of eight had been waiting a half hour for their 8:30 reservation and that the manager had told her they were waiting for us to leave and she should come talk to us if they wanted to be seated. We had just ordered dessert and had wine left to finish... We later learned after a conversation with that group, that the manager had LIED to them and stated that three of us had shown up over an hour late (what??), that we refused to leave, on and on... The food was good. I've had worse, I've had better... We especially enjoyed the desserts, and I want to say our server was great, very courteous, apologetic of the situation, and as attentive as she could be given the number of large groups she was serving. But the manager/owner double booked our table (1.5 hours for a group of nine to have a full dinner and dessert? Really??), proceeded to lie to the people behind us and dampen special occasions for both parties, then when I approached him on the way out, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Eh, what can ya do..." Here's what I can do. I can spend my money elsewhere and hope others do as well. Sure, there are worse things in life than bad service... but why support it when there are so many alternatives?
(2)
christina F.

Go early if you want great service. This place gets a LOT of large groups due to its BYOB, and so the service can be spotty when there are lots of large groups (which, one must admit, are harder to take care of then the same number of people in smaller groups in relation to timing and serving and such). My husband and I have been here half a dozen times over the past 4+ years and are never disappointed. The only time we've had "spotty" service is when we go after 7:30 when the large groups gather. We were just here last night. We went "early" (6:30) b/c we were going to a 8 pm show in the neighborhood. We had a reservation, though the place was not busy at that time. We ate outside on the patio, which is awesome. It is private, and so don't have to deal with passer-bys crowding your table. It is tomato season, so the bruschetta was amazing (don't expect amazing tomatoes not in tomato season). As usual, my chicken marsala was perfect. Light. Large serving for $20 - two chicken breast halves, mushrooms, perfectly sauteed spinach. (also included a salad). My husband had the lasagna. It was also quite good. Our waters always stated filled, and the food timing was perfect. Overall, you get what you get. It may be a tad pricey in some people's opinion, but they don't have a liquor license, so your meal is not subsidized by expensive drinks. Considering a lot of very casual places will run you $10 for a sandwich, $20 is an excellent price of bread, salad, and perfectly cooked chicken marsala at a great little dinner spot.
(4)
Jeff N.

Really like the small, energetic place. Part restaurant, part deli. Went there on Saturday night. Table of 6. Although they were packed, they did not rush us to order or did not rush the delivery of food. I had the pumpkin squash ravioli with pecans on top. Very tasty! This place is BYOB. They may charge a corkage fee, but did not on this visit. Terramasu was a very tasty end to the evening. We were there from 6:30 to 9:00. The manager did come to our table to ask us to wind things up, as they had a 9:00 reservation for our table. Normally I would find that offensive, but #1, they tell you up front that they keep the table stays at 2 hours and #2, the manager was not a jerk about it. And we were there 2 !/2 hours. So it was fair to ask us to wrap things up. This is the kind of neighborhood gem you want to support and keep open.
(4)
Amanda Z.

OK, now I understand why I couldn't get a party into this place 45 minutes before we wanted to eat...it's teeny! But if you're looking for delightful Italian faves and huge portions that are presented beautifully, come to Lucia's. We were welcomed by a sweet man who informed me that he was going to tell those girls to leave our table (I loved him already!) After a short wait, we were escorted to a table in the back dining area. The restaurant is warm and inviting, it feels very Italian. Dim lighting, but not so dim you can't read the menu. And BYOB? I was almost sold before I even ate here. I recommend the Bruschetta (perfectly so-garlicky-it's-spicy...don't say I didn't warn you!) and the cheesy gnocchi (not its official name). I also recommend sharing. There is a $2.50 share fee, but the portions are gigantic, and unless you want to carry your gnocchi around in your purse all night, it's a worthy fee. The risotto is fantastic, and all around the table, ooohs and ahhs were heard. The staff is fantastic, we had good recommendations, and our water glasses were always full. Furthermore, when we hung around until an hour after they closed (ooops!) they were completely nice about it. Good for a date, good for a group of girls, and good for family dinners, stop by...don't let the awning fool you, there is delightful food awaiting you inside.
(4)
Shelden E.

One of the best Italian restaurants I have been to in the city. Been there a few times but my favorite dish is probably the Pollo Marsala. The black olives thrown in to that really heighten the taste of it! And the bread they provide you with is also a pretty good quality with a crust to it. They're deserts are very good, but with all of them I've had, I feel like they are not quite what you're expecting. Service is very good there too. Though it may get a bit more difficult when it gets very crowded. Best to be prepared for it to be busy on weekends.
(5)
Ellen P.

Came here about a year ago with a group of girlfriends on a Friday. Must make a reservation or you won't be eating there. Delicious food. No corkage fee. I was the only who got a pasta dish (mmm veal filled tortellini in a creamy - but not too creamy! - meat sauce) and it was to die for. My friends all got fish dishes and nothing smelled fishy, all looked great. Only complaint was our waitress, she may have just been overwhelmed but we were forgotten and she kept forgetting to add people's meals to the bill. Also, if you want to split the bill evenly, you can only use two credit cards so everyone else has to get cash. Should really tell you that when you make a reseravtion for 6 people or at least when you sit down and they see its 6 girls! Came back a few months later with the boyfriend on a random weekday night in the heat of summer. It was quiet, just a few other tables had people. Definitely romantic. Waiter came by at just the right times. Food, again, was to die for. Next time for sure want to have a table on the cute little patio all lit up with christmas lights. Can't wait to go back soon!
(5)
Lori G.

I went to Lucia's for my friends birthday. Although the place was really cute, the food was not anything to write home about. There were about 6 of us and we all got different dishes. However, we all had one thing in common -- our food was bland. My chicken marsala sauce was so watered down and my friend's gnocchi did not even have a taste -- she basically had to dump crushed red pepper on it to get any taste. We told the server our food was under seasoned, but she didn't seem to care. Too bad because Lucia's does have potential.
(2)
Katie M.

Loved it! My girlfriends and I met for dinner here on a Tuesday. We made reservations just in case but the place wasn't too packed and we probably wouldn't have waited too long for a table if we hadn't made reservations. We loved that it was BYOB. The service was pretty good, my meal was great (pasta in a cream sauce with sundried tomatoes-yum) but my two friends dishes were just okay. They kept eating off my plate!!! The vegetarian lasagna-eww. It tasted like it had been reheated in the microwave. No bueno. All in all, I loved my dish and that fact that it is BYOB. Yum!
(4)
Eman S.

When you walk up to this place and even right when you walk in, you are not going to expect much from this place. Then the bread and focacia comes out and everything starts getting so much better. We brought a bottle of wine to take advantage of their $0 cork fee and were loving it right after we sat down. Any time we go to a new Italian restaurant we order bruchetta and gauge what the rest of our dinner will be from that order. It was probably the best bruchetta we have ever had. Four pieces of bread oiled and buttered to absolute deliciousness. For dinner, I got the vegetarian lasagna and my wife had the artichoke ravioli. My dinner was so good and SO big. The piece they served was about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. I could have finished the whole thing because it was so good, but I saved about half for leftovers. I am not a fan of artichoke anything, but her ravioli was so good. There were about 20 ravioli on the plate and we left with half of them for leftovers. Outside of the food being great, the dining room was really nice and they had outdoor seating. I think we got lucky and got a table at 6:45pm without a reservation, so I would make a reservation ahead of time if you want to go. The service was great with the waitress always being there and our waters always being filled. The only negative thing I can possibly say is that it is more expensive than you would think it is by looking at it from the outside. Our bruchetta, lasagna and ravioli came out to $45...not bad, but from the looks of the place, you would think it is cheaper.
(5)
rebecca s.

Came here for my birthday dinner with friends. Made a reservation which was set up inside, when we realized they had a patio they were more than willing to move us out there. such great ambiance. great wait staff. amazing food. good portion sizes. the best part is that it is BYOB!
(4)
Alissa B.

Love Lucia's! I've been for a few birthday parties over the years and its always a great time. The servers could not be nicer or more accommodating, even with large parties. LOVE LOVE LOVE that its BYOB. And the food is really good! I love this gem, and wish I went more frequently!
(4)
Justin W.

Solid Italian food at a great price. I love the Thursday night Chicken Vodka Penne special. They tend to give you a lot -- dinner and lunch -- and the price is fair. I haven't tried anything else on the menu, so I can't really help there. Inside it's BYO!
(4)
A T.

very tight sitting and table arrangement but acceptable since it gives that italian charm....had the eggplant rollups for an app. very good and a nice alternative to a fried app. shared 2 pasta dishes that were a little above average. the great thing is it's an unlimited BYOB. Bring your booze bottles and loads of wine because there isn't a cap on it. it's a great location for dinner and then bar-hopping in bucktown.
(3)
Shelly W.

Deli is great! Veggie sandwiches are an absolute delight. Always have received great service!
(5)
Stephanie F.

This was another place I was taken while visiting the city from my old residence in Miami. I remembered everything about it from the great service at the lunch counter to the cute tables in the dine-in area to the tomato focaccia bread. I have been back twice since moving here, and after my last visit I find myself wondering if I can't just buy some of their signature tomato-basil focaccia bread. It would be perfect to take home and toast in the oven for a make it yourself flat bread pizza. My own musings aside, Sam's Sandwich (focaccia, turkey, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo) is a great combination of tastes. You can eat half and have the other wrapped up for lunch the following day. It was better the first time I went here. The second time there was too much cheese that ruined the texture a bit, and I think it was regular mayo which usually doesn't sit well with me. I felt like something was missing. It must make a difference in who's working. The other time I went I had the tuna artichoke sandwich with cheddar, lettuce, and tomato. It comes on a sub roll in either 6 or 9 inches. If you have a big stomach, the 6 inches should more than fill you because it's packed with tuna. If you want lunch for tomorrow, go ahead and get the 9 inches and save half! This sandwich is served cold, but the second time I went here, my date ordered it and they had no problem toasting it for him. I would recommend a toasting as well. I've tasted a friend's sandwich with prosciutto and it was great. I watched other people come in and order the hot roast beef and they looked quite excited as they waited. If you have a sweet tooth, try to brownie on your way out. It doesn't look like it, but it's very rich and I wonder if they used Ghiradelli dark chocolate chunks. It's so rich you can give half to your friend to avoid the guilt of consuming it all (because you could so easily do so!). Prices here are great (less than Panera, which in Miami became the sandwich/salad place on which I began to base all others), and they accept cards. I have not tried the dining room in the back, but am excited to go soon.
(4)
Laura U.

I have been to this restaurant twice and both times the food was outstanding, the service was attentive and the ambiance was charming. Definitely 5 stars!!
(5)
Geoff H.

Neat lil place.....not quite what I expected, but that's OK. After reading several reviews, I decided to pop in for a to-go lunch (I called ahead); my chicken parm sandwich was awesome, except why don't they toast the bread? Hot sandwich on cold (though fresh and doughy) bread was a little weird. Next time I'll just ask that they toast it, should be perfect. Oh, and while I was waiting for the sammich, I checked out the little deli case--they have PANCETTA! I went to quite a few stores last week in search of pancetta and no dice. Good to know next time I make homemade carbonara. I think Lucia's could easily go 5 stars, but I'm gonna wait til I have dinner (though this doesn't strike me as a dinner spot, unless the back dining room is a little fancier than the front). I wanna try the pastas, and maybe the meatball sandwich, too.
(4)
Hugh B.

4.5 stars. This is an authentic yet unpretentious neighborhood Italian restaurant. Authentic because the owner is Italian as are all the wait staff. Unpretentious because it is BYOB -- with no corkage fee -- and the management and staff are very welcoming and accommodating. Everything I've had here has been delicious. Most recently, we started with fried calamari. This was a HUGE plate of greaseless and tender calamari. Pasta entrees never disappoint. This last time I enjoyed veal tortellini with a tomato sauce with a hint of cream. My bf had -- as he always does -- the chicken marsala. I don't know about you, but when you can find a dish that you like so much that you order it repeatedly, that's never a bad thing. Service was gracious. Better when the restaurant was empty (we arrived early) and a little more scattered when it filled up at around 8 pm. But the waiter was adorable and very sincere. I've been to Lucia's several times and always had a consistently good time. You should go too.
(4)
Alex R.

Pros: Cozy, quality food, home-made feel, byob, good for lunch or dinner Cons: tough to get a table on weekend nights, not the cheapest italian in the neighborhood, closed on sundays.
(4)
Justin H.

Ok Fine, When I can get out of the office for an additional 10 minutes, I make the extra walk just for their Chicken Parmesan sandwich. Huge Amazing sandwich. I don't want to try anything else here as this sandwich is so good! Chips and a Drink under $10. Greatest lunch in the Hood!
(5)
Jason L.

The front is a deli so unless I tried it with a friend I never would have known there is a quaint restaurant in the back. The menu has classic favorites and a few more interesting dishes. It's right across the street from Las Palmas so when I can't decide Mexican or Italian I just come to North and Honore and flip a coin. They're both great.
(4)
Michelle G.

Lucia's has delicious, authentic Italian fare. All food is fresh and cooked to order. This BYOB restaurant is a can't miss. The owner is delightful and waitstaff are very friendly. The atmosphere and food keep me coming back regularly. It is definitely worth the drive from the North Shore, and is my favorite Italian restaurant. I love supporting family-owned businesses, especially when they are as worthy as this one!! Mangia!
(5)
laela l.

I'm not an Italian food guru, but I was happy here. Great spot for a date, but I was with friends. Extensive menu with some unique dishes, not the cheapest place to go (try $20 a plate), but hefty portions, great menu items, and above average quality. Bread was fresh, the salad that comes with every meal was aiiiight. BYOB - always a plus. The service was great, and the owner (or manager??) was sweet. Tiramisu: yum. Overall - yum.
(5)
Flo J.

Great BYOB!! I love this place.. the service can be spotty but is usually nice.
(4)
Jeff S.

Lucia's has got a deli in front and a more sit down restaurant in back. I love the deli. There are always cops in there, and cops seem to know the good spots in the city for lunch. I don't really have an extensive review of the food as I have always gotten the turkey club. I want to try other stuff but the turkey club is so good I haven't got around to getting anything else. My peeps have had the meatball sub and the italian beef and they report thumbs up. The prices are comparable to a subway or jimmy johns, which offer far inferior products. The service is really slow, but it is a mom and pop type shop. Also, you pay after you eat, which strikes me as a little unusual. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I did eat at the restaurant once and it was just ok. Food was nothing spectacular, not much ambiance back there, and I probably wouldn't go back for dinner. However, I am there all the time for lunch, I'll be the one ordering the turkey club.
(4)
Zach W.

Another popular lunch spot. I have never had dinner hear, but it seems like it's pretty quaint. They have separate rooms for lunch and dinner; lunch room is very casual and simple; dinning room is casual with a cute little bar tucked in the corner. Go here for good Italian sandwiches and salads. My personal favorite is the combo sandwich - Italian beef and sausage with hot peppers. Another tasty treat is the Yale - prosciutto, tomatos, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and a hint of pesto mayo. Prices are very reasonable, sandwiches are decent size and every sandwich comes with a bag of chips. Downside is if it's busy, the get really slow and inefficient. The backwards paying slows things down and is just weird. At a sandwich shop, who wants to pay after you've already sat down and eaten?
(3)
liz d.

Who doesn't just love a BYOB Italian restaurant? No corkage fee tops it all off. The 2 of us walked in on a Friday night without reservations and were immediately seated. The service was phenominal. From icing our wine immediately, to checking on us constantly (but not to the point of being annoying), I couldn't have asked for better service. Fresh warm bread was brought out, served with oil and parm cheese. The food was pretty good, but I have had better. I will be back fo' sho' . I am also curious about the deli they have in the front of the restaurant and would like to check it out.
(4)
Reis D.

I had a birthday dinner last night at Lucia's for 23 people. The table was beautifully set up and the room we were in was really charming and cozy. The service was fantastic the entire time and very well organized even for such a large group. The food was really delicious and the BYOB makes the check easy to stomach at the end of the night. I highly recommend this place and will be back soon.
(5)
Mark Z.

Food and the no-corkage fee bumped this up to two stars... otherwise, not a good experience. Went on a Saturday night with a late reservation (9:00) thinking that having a reservation would actually mean having a table available. However, large parties in the rear dining room went later than the management must have predicted (shocker, big groups tend to dilly dally) and they made us wait 40 minutes. There were plenty of tables available in the front room, but the manager said he was "trying to close that section down." Nice. Also no A/C for a warm/hot July night. As well, ONE server for the entire back room which still included one of the large parties (18) that she had to work by herself. Not her fault but our service suffered greatly. Food was interesting and well prepared, not your typical pasta dishes. But with the service the way it is (and from other reviews seems to be the norm) I will not be returning.
(2)
Ryan G.

Best Italian in buck town without question....dinner was wonerful
(5)
Jenn C.

I just wanna open my wallet and say, "here take what you want"...the family at Lucia's is so gracious, friendly, and wonderful that just by eating at their restaurant I dont feel like I am doing enough to thank them- perhaps I should send them flowers. On a typical saturday night- it was busy. And thank god! With Papa at the door, Lucia in the kitchen, and their daughter Leah waiting tables, I am happy that this place has regular business...and that they saved a table for my friend and I eventhough we were 10 minutes late for our 8:30 reservation (damn wicker park parking!!.) Eggplant done well is a gift of the heavens and Lucia must have them on speed dial cuz after one bite of the involtini appetizer (breaded eggplant stuffed with herbed goat cheese and topped with a spicy marinara) holy mother of macaroni, its good! The seafood risotto is filled with fresh mussels, calamari, shrimp, and topped with a scallop that must have come from radiation waters its so huge (a 6 bite scallop!! seriously!? yes, seriously.) Whenever I visit Lucia's I feel like I am back to my roots. Good, simple italian food done the way its supposed to be done- of course Lucia wouldnt have it any other way. And if her way is serving chernobyl sized seafood-Ringraziamenti!!
(5)
Fred S.

My three star rating is based on my lunch experiences there. I've never been for dinner. Sandwiches are all pretty good. Can't go wrong with the Combo (italian beef and sausage) or Egglant parm sandwiches. Be sure to get mozzarella and sweet peppers on any of the Italian beef or meatball sandwiches. Stay away from anything served on focaccia (its not very good). Salads are pretty tasty and priced fairly. The Antipasto salad has a ton of salami, cheese, and olives on it. I recommend that over the Caesar, which is a little boring. The owner, Lucia, is pretty funny. She's usually pissed off about something and yelling, but it's incredibly charming and adds to the experience. Supposedly, her cannoli has won some awards.
(3)
Meg O.

If I had my druthers, Lucia would not have served any tomatoes last night, or perhaps wouldn't serve any tomatoes from October to mid-July; but more about that later. Overall, Lucia's is a fine place for a large group, which we were. My co-worker and friend Colin flawlessly pulled off a surprise birthday party for his girlfriend, Erika, and when the two of them and a friend from out of town walked through the door at 7:10, ten of us were already seated, our BYO wines opened and served, shouting "Surprise! Happy birthday!" and clapping furiously. After one late arrival, we morphed into our party of fourteen, and the dining began. For appetizers, we ordered double of the following: bruschetta, fried calamari, and baked clams. The calamari were overall satisfying, and came with a tasty marinara dipping sauce. The baked clams had a garlicky, crunchy breadcrumb coating, yet still tasted fresh and oceanic. However, the bruschetta was unacceptable! The tomatoes were anemic and hard. Passing them down the table, I was embarrassed for the restaurant, for the chefs themselves. I mean, who serves such poor quality food? The menu has lots of tasty options, with pasta dishes averaging around $16.95, and meat and fish entrees averaging around $24. I was debating puttanesca, linguine with clams, veggie lasagna, and various gnocchi, when I saw pumpkin ravioli with prosciutto and walnuts. The dish turned out to be just fine; nothing spectacular. The generous, crispy prosciutto bits sprinkled over the top were delicious, and complimented the gingery/nutmeg based sauce nicely, but the pumpkin filling itself was a little bland. My dining partner immediately across from me was very pleased with his meat lasagna. Each entree comes with a salad, which should have been pleasing. However, the lettuce was slightly limp beneath its dressing, and those HORRIBLE tomatoes made their second appearance of the evening! By this time, if I had ordered a tomato-based dish, like Ruthie H. did, I would have changed it. However, she ended up suffering through those lousy tomatoes a third time, as they were dumped all over her dish. Hello, haven't you ever heard of canned tomatoes? They're delicious, especially in the winter! The service was excellent though; wine opened promptly water glasses were continually filled, the timing of appetizers and entrees was thoughtful, and our waitress gladly took a picture of our table for me. Birthday girl Erika even got a HUGE piece of tiramisu which went around our table twice for bites, and it was actually pretty authentic tasting; not too sweet, just the right amount of coffee-flavoring, and a good dollop of whipped cream. And the bill? I had forgotten how blissfully inexpensive BYOs are. At $30 a piece, including tip and covering the birthday girl, hideous tomatoes were nearly forgotten. Well, almost.
(3)
Greg B.

Super authentic Italian restaurant. Deli upfront is amazingly good. Then they have a BYOB restaurant in the back. The owners are from Calabria, so their food is spot on and completely un-Americanized. We went there right after we got back from our honeymoon in Italy, and it was like we were still over there! Fresh pasta, amazing carpaccio, delectible desserts, and friendly service. Can't wait to go back again and again!
(4)
Natalie R.

I went here a while ago and really enjoyed it. The only thing we were a little bummed by was a recommendation we got for a dish to go with the carpaccio. The carpaccio is basically served on a salad which would have been good to know before also ordering a salad. But--it looks like they've changed the menu to reflect that. Other than that, the food is great, and BYOB is a definite plus. The room in the back is rather small and the acoustics kinda funky, so with the large party next to us (that went a little overboard on the BYOB), it got kinda loud. By 'kinda loud' I mean very loud. But hey, it made for good strained conversation/people watching. That's not the fault of the restaurant though, just something to be aware of. It's a very cute place, with very tasty food, and the people running things are very friendy. As for the front, it's also a great deli when you aren't in the mood for a dinner-dinner. The daily pasta specials are really good too.
(4)
Jackie o P.

Cozy, comforting, quiet and wonderful. The best grilled calamari EVAR, hearty and huge pasta dishes, a few meaty and seafood mains and a DELIGHTFUL tiramisu . BYOB, no corkage. Great staff. It's really that simple!!!!!!!
(5)
Ben S.

Lucia's consists of a deli counter/sandwhich shop up front, and a sit-down restaurant in back. I'm only qualified to review the up front part; I've never tried the sit down restaurant. Part of why I've never tried the sit down restaurant is because the sandwiches are so damn tasty and affordable I can't really resist them. The prices are extreamly reasonable considering the portion sizes. A 9" sub is like $6-10 depending on what you get, and it's a lot of food. It's 1.5 meals worth of grub, but you're inevitably going to eat the whole damn thing anyway, you greedy, greedy fatty, you. The ingredients are very tasty. Try the Yale (prosciutto, buffalo motz, basil, tomatoes, and some sort of mayo). It's salty and chewy and wonderful. Have one and you'll be hooked. You'll find yourself a couple days later all pining for another Yale, remembering chewing through the bread, tearing through the prosciutto and the soft motzarella. Also awesome is the rib-eye sandwich, with it's dinner sized portion of steak grilled to temp per order, sitting atop tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, herby mayo, red onions... This thing is so delicious and so huge, it's downright meanspirited. You're full, but damnit, it just tastes so go you have to keep eating. They have lot's of other sandwiches: Italian, chicken parmagian, turkey, meatball... There's also a daily pasta special, and like I said, a whole trattoria in the back of the house. An irrelavent side note. Lucia's has really caught on with Chicago's Finest. There are seemingly always cops eating there. I feel sorry for anyone unfortunate enough to try to rob the place. The owners are super nice. I visited Lucia's recently, after a long absence (like a year or so) and they remembered me as if I'd never been away. And more importantly, they sold me delicious food. What more do you want? Fuggetaboutit!
(4)
Color B.

I would like to complain becuase Lucia's makes it really difficult for you to either: make a choice from the generous list of tummy-gurggle-4-food inspiring options on their menu (all are good if not superb) or let you leave feeling disgruntled with the service, staff attitude, price or atmopshere. This place is a round five in my book - it's intimate, friendly (prices, staff AND neighbors at the other tables) and even BYOB - not that it matters when the owner starts passing you glasses on the house! What a big hearted, warm wonderful place to spend either on the sunny patio or inside on a damp, grey day. Loved the pumpkin raviolis, so buttery and smoothe! Great espresso's! and Do Not miss the tiramisu for the grand finale! p.s. the prices are very friendly too! pss they have a great deli if you wanna stock up for the snowy days....
(5)
Edward B.

I love this joint. I used to live a few blocks away and would go at least three times a week and pick up the special of the day to go. Recommend the Lasagna (Wednesday special), Penne Arrabiata (Tuesday special) and the Stuffed Shells (Saturday special).
(5)
Justin W.

Great spot, food is very good and the price is extremely fair. Plus the owner always makes you feel like you are family.
(5)
Samantha L.

This is a nice little cozy Italian place with good food (I got the crab ravioli that was the special for Valentine's Day), and it's BYOB, which I love. As long as you get a table, the wait for food won't be too terribly long because the place is so small, that only a few tables can be seated at a time. The food is not really cheap, but the bill overall is reasonable when you BYOB.
(4)
R F.

Ive been to dinner once and it was great...but I really prefer Lucias for lunch. I only get one thing...and I have probably had it 50 times. Best meatball sand in Chicago and it just isn't close. Sorry Bari...yours just isn't this good. Actually...let me be clear...I actually get 2 things..every time i go. The pasta fagiole is amazing as well! Love Lucia's!!!!
(5)
Sam K.

I had a sandwich there, in the deli, and it was perfection. Totally unexpected, since I just dropped in there on a whim. It's really hard to find a great vegetarian sandwich (in some places you tell them you're vegetarian and they just assume you want to eat low fat and low calorie and without dairy? wtf? Give me some fat! And cheese!) but their grilled veggie sandwich was overflowing with veggies and flavor. Every ingredient in perfect balance, and the vegetables has just enough bite to them. The bread was soft on the inside but had a nice crispy crust, and it was an amazing deal; $6.25 for a nine inch. They were really accomodating; they served it to me cold, and I told them I preferred it heated up - they grabbed it and ran in the kitchen, and I was afraid they would throw it in the microwave and bring it out mushy. No worries - it was just warm enough and everything still had its texture. Also, the cannoli was amazing. I love the feel in there - family owned and stylish, but not pretentious or fashionable. I plan to go back and check out the restaurant.
(5)
Melissa T.

I love this place. The food is good, the staff is friendly and helpful, the price is reasonable, the environment is comfortable and unpretentious, and it's BYOB! Make a reservation if you can on the weekends as it seems like they get pretty packed. I've had a few pasta dishes and the seafood risotto which were all reallly yummy. I would say this is probably my favorite BYOB in the city. It's not the type of place that you feel is pushing you out the door the second you finish your meal- I would guess you could sit, mingle, and drink all night if you wanted to. They have also been very accommodating when I have been in with a large groups of people. I still haven't tried the sandwiches although they look delicious! I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a good byob, great Italian food and friendly service!
(5)
Megan W.

I really love this restaurant. I have eaten here three times and havent really strayed away from the veal dishes yet. Ive stolen bites of my sisters dishes of pasta and they were good. This places flavors are unique and good. You feel great after eating here and the food is really authentic. And your family will notice if you steal some of their food. Portions are large but you will love it so much youll eat it all.
(5)
Jennifer B.

We had dinner here Saturday night and the food was great, but the service was really slow. We understood and were patient. Our waitress was great but clearly spread too thin. She had all 8 tables in the front dining area. There is also no convenient place for people to wait for their table to be ready, so it was crowded around the door. The food was good, love a good BYOB. Felt bad for the server. Loved the lasagna and veal.
(3)
Joe V.

Went here this past Sat. for a friends bday, there were about 12 of us and I have to say that I had a very very good time there. The staff was super attentive and very friendly. Our food and appetizers were delicious, not to mention it's a BYOB. The place is rather small but they accommodated us by seating our party in the front section. Very nice place, good vale, great food. Would definitely go back!!!
(4)
Kristin B.

We "dined in" and apparently the deli is far better. Pubic hair atop my bacon-laden pasta. Small bug in our (complimentary) glass of wine. All for $40! Thanks, but no thanks, Lucia. We arrived at 4:30 and the back dining area was dark and empty, with no music, no host, startled cooks, and one reluctant (but attentive) waitress. Hell -- if they say they're open -- BE OPEN. The back door to a pleasant-looking porch was propped and gnats swarmed around us during the meal. Flies I can deal with (and there were flies). Gnats disgust me. I wish I had enjoyed myself. I was prepared to enjoy myself! But the food -- for the price -- simply was not that good. And the world music they finally piped in was disastrous. I don't know what kind of culinary standards these rave reviews are adhering to, but I don't plan on "stumbling on" this "gem" again.
(1)
Margie S.

Hands down my ABSOLUTE most favorite Italian place in the city. It is THE closest thing to living in Italy. The food is fantastic. I just had their oven baked pork chop stuffed with artichokes, with rosemary potatoes - mouth is watering just thinking about it! Desserts are homemade. It is true, authentic, italian cuisine at a really good price. The only thing that sets me back from going there now is that it's discovered!
(5)
Amy D.

After my stupidity of going to the wrong restaurant on the wrong day to meet up with my high school friend, Howard and I went next door to try out Lucia. I had to make up for dragging my boyfriend out after my mistake. It's great that it's BYOB!! I loved that. We had the calamari and pasta dish. Can't really go wrong with calamari, the pasta was yummy. The bread was great and WARM!! Right out of the oven. They gave us both salads to start. It's a good casual meal.
(4)
Andrea C.

mmm mmm chomp...would definitely be how id describe lucia! went last saturday night with the bf because we felt like going out in wicker park and we were not disappointed. definitely heed yelpers warnings that you should make a reservation....this place is teeny! but in a cozy, intimate way. when we got there we were seated right away by the person who seemed to be the owner/manager (a sassy italian man...loved him!). we were seated by an extra large birthday party that was also extra annoying (the only reason this place loses a star). our server was great...she uncorked our bottle right away (byob!) and brought us yummy, crispy bread to start. i ordered a caprese salad + the ravioli stuffed w/crab and the bf ordered the veal stuffed tortelini. we were both definitely wowed and ate off of eachother's plates the entire evening! we never felt rushed though it got quite busy...and i took home about half of my meal...which fell victim to my roommate's impromtu clean out of the fridge (i almost turned green and went hulk on her i was so upset)...but then i realized...hey, now i have a reason to go back! yum!
(4)
Ren H.

It really doesn't look like much from the outside but this place is awesome! The staff is super friendly and their pumpkin ravioli is soo good!
(5)
Sara M.

Just had my boyfriend's birthday dinner there last night...what a great place!!! food is incredible! service even better...we had a group of thirteen, a whole lot of vino, and a lot of loud conversations...it is extremely authentic and the owners are so cute! cant wait to go back! i
(5)
Lisa C.

My bf and I carried out dinner from here. We both tried their meatball sandwiches which were very good. We also ordered fried calamari which I thought was just okay. I will most likely return just to order out a sandwich from their deli or dine in.
(4)
Liz C.

I've been to Lucias with my girlfriends a couple times and it never dissapoints. The restaurant is usually pretty empty, which is surprising based on how good the food is. Both times we each ordered a different pasta and had a little "pass the dish" session going on. We ordered the garlic mozzarella angel hair, veal ragu, seafood risotto and butternut squash ravioli. My favs were the veal ragu and the garlic angel hair. Since it's BYOB, the cost is very reasonable.
(5)
Megan M.

Lucia's is such a cute date spot. It's quiet, small, and service is good. The owner is always walking around too. I have been here a couple times, but I stuck to the same thing: angel hair pasta, fresh mozerella, and tomatoes tossed in olive oil. It's really good!!
(4)
Pete G.

This is the single best date spot in Chicago. It's very good food and BYOB makes it fun for everyone. I try to make it over there a couple times a month.
(5)
kathy w.

I can't believe this place gets positive reviews. Maybe the people who like Lucia's that it is OK to call a plate of warm (iceburg) lettuce and a wedge of a mealy, unripe tomato a "salad". Or, they are are those who believe that the number of stars you give a restaurant on Yelp should be correlated with the amount of pasta on your plate. Or, they like huge gummy gnocchi. Or, they LIKE getting (literally) poked by an older, inattentive, and obnoxious waitress when she wants your attention and then asks "What, you didn't like it?" when you leave food on your plate. I'm not sure. And, I for one, certainly don't like to be told to "let the desserts defrost a bit before you eat them". Dining at Lucia's is like eating at someone's home...the home of someone who has a bunch of mouths to feed on a tight budget.
(2)
Pickle P.

I haven't been able to dine at the restaurant itself yet, but I am a HUGE fan of the deli up front! Delicious sandwiches, always some sort of feature of the day, great pastas, what more can you ask for? Bring a drink in if you can, because the soft drinks they offer are pricier than they should be.
(4)
Trish C.

Amazing Italian deli, and even better sit-down dining at night. However, the service is terrible- but the food is so good you should go there anyway. It's byob, the bread is fresh and the pasta homemade. Their balsamic dressing is great and try the veal stuffed tortellini.
(4)
Ilina K.

Yum, and yum! This my favorite sandwich place in the neighborhood. Very mom-and-pop feel, a nice place to sit and have a quick lunch or to grab your italian fare to go. I recommend Lucia's Famous Sub(italian cured meats), and can't recommend anything else since that's the only thing I eat - but I hear their pasta is delicious. A plus is friendly service, but the place fills up with the 9-5 crowd at lunch during the weekdays, so prepare to wait. Very inexpensive, dishes $4-6.
(5)
Kelly R.

This place is fantastic. Great food, byo, and great service. I'll definitely be back. It's small though so make sure you have a reservation if you go on the weekend.
(5)
Stacey H.

I do not understand the attraction to this place. The food is not authentic nor fresh. The tomatoes on the caprese were not even ripe, and it is tomato season. The tiramisu was awful. Its only redeeming quality is that it is a BYOB - hence the 2 stars.
(2)
manufacturer C.

I love this place. I moved into Bucktown/Wicker park a couple of years ago and this was the first place I went to eat, I have been hooked ever since. I especially love eating from the front deli counter. Their daily specials are what I really enjoy. For a great staple though I go with the Robert special (meatball sub), but also the chicken parm sandwich is really really good and huge. The best part is it is really affordable and the staff is great.
(4)
Shay T.

The restaurant carries good, basic Italian fare (and it's BYOB, which can be nice), and it's generally pretty quiet and relaxed, but the deli counter at Lucia's is phenomenal. Someone already waxed poetic about the Yale so I won't bother -- but oh my, what an amazing sandwich. I also dream of it at night. My only warning: Call ahead with your order or you will definitely wait. Everything is made to order, and often made with tender love and care (read: very slowly).
(4)
Linda L.

love it!! this is a fantastic little dive! go there in the summer time, get seated in the back......and you just sort of feel like you're somewhere else. they serve some great italian dishes! for a quick bite, try their deli in the front! wonderful subs and friendly staff. my personal fav: meatball sub. *drooooool*
(4)
m c.

very good. about as high-quality as you can get for a neighborhood italian joint. i had the seafood pasta and it totally hit the spot. service was excellent and they gave me free (house red) wine. not sure if that's part of the normal deal, but a nice touch by really nice folk. i'm glad this place is in my backyard- will be going often. 3.5 stars on food, but 1/2 notch up for the service.
(4)
jean c.

I went here this evening,. It was recommended by a collegue. I usually check out the yelp guide beforehand. Nothing but good things to say, so here we go. I ordered the carpaccio and my husband the fried calamari. Mine was okay, nothing special or spectacular. My husband's calamari was not cooked enough and you could taste the flour on the breading...uggh. Next we ordred the seafood pasta (clams 3, mussels 3, calamari 7, shrimp 2 and scallops 1 , it was supposed to be in a tomato, garlic and wine sauce but I asked for the sauce without tomato sauce. The pasta was not fresh pasta and was overcooked. I love pasta but when it is overcooked.....yuk. My husband had the tortellini with veal. It was tasteless as was mine. We will not try this place again. Service was okay, nothing spectacular. It couldn't be as there was only one server for the whole restaurant. The restaurant is not considered expensive but for what was served, it defintely was overpriced. We probably could have gotten a better tasting meal at pasta pallazzo on halsted!!!
(1)
VETTA E.

I must say that this place is GREAT! I hosted a birthday dinner party for my mom last Saturday, we planned for 21 guests (14 showed up how rude). I made the reservation 3 weeks before and I worked with Domnick on a customized menu which consisted of a family style appetizer of fried mozzerlla & marinara sauce, individual cesar salad, and a choice of chicken marsala or grilled new york strip steak. My guests loved everything. We had the whole front room with the most amazing server her name was Andrea. I brought 2 casesof wine and 1 case of "Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade" which they were nice enough to chill for me when I dropped them off 3 hours before my party started. I had an excellent cake from Amy Beck delivered ,a tablecloth and favors all of which were set up and ready a half hour before schedule. We were not rushed out, our glasses stayed full and the food was terrific. I was able to take care of the bill discreetly & easily. I can't think of one bad thing to say the bread is tasty & please order coffee after your meal they make a great cup. Lucia's is a great place for a group event when you want good food in a relaxed family environment for a great price.
(4)
Brandon F.

Dare I say, the BEST Italian cuisine in the city...and no, I am not including a question mark, because it is more of a statement. My girlfriend took me to this "fan-tab-u-lous" (yes, I am straight) restaurant about a month back and we have been back twice since then. Everything they do is home-made, from the pasta, to the sauces, and everything else. You know how douchy people say, "oh, well you don't know good pasta until you have gone to Italy" ? Well, "F" them, because this place is amazing. I have gotten the tortellini every time and request that it have prosciutto mixed in; they always include a bountiful serving. The food is cooked to perfection and always has a distinct flavor that cannot be replicated elsewhere. I didn't really enjoy Italian food until eating here, and I now crave the savory dishes. It is also a BYOB, which makes it a bit easier on the wallet if you are looking to imbibe heavily on a weekend evening. The only thing I can say that Lucia's needs improvement on is the service. It has been a bit hit or miss. We were rushed once when it was at least a half hour from closing and once time our waitress decided to "chill out" and neglect our table because she was discussing boyfriend problems with another table. Despite this issue, I still am proud to put my 5-star stamp of approval on this fine establishment. The food is simply too good to deny. I look forward to my next meal at Lucia's.
(5)
KM M.

Great spot! It was Saturday night, getting late and we didn't have dinner plans. There were 6 of us and we wanted BYOB. Found Lucia's on Yelp and called to see if we could get in. They were able to give us a 9:15 reservation, which fit perfectly in our timeframe. We had 2 appetizers, and 5 meals (1 was split between 2 people) and it was only $55 per couple! The waitress was incredibly sweet and very over-worked, but she did a great job keeping up with all the tables. The restaurant has 2 small rooms, and it looked like an outdoor patio/eating area. Lots of groups dining. The food was really good... between the 6 of us, we had 2 pasta dishes, 2 chicken dishes and 1 special pasta and seafood dish. We were all very pleased. There were many more dishes I wanted to try, so I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Christian P.

generous portions, tasty food, small atmosphere, BYOB -- what more do you need. Went here last night for dinner and left deliciously happy. We sat outside on the patio and browsed the pretty large menu. Lots of pasta dishes, some fish, chicken, beef and veal choices as well. We all went with pasta and each dish was very tasty. I had the tortellini which were perfect. My girlfriend had the pumpkin ravioli which were a great balance of sweet and salty. Sometimes sweet pastas can go too far either way, and they taste awful - happily not the case here. on top of it all its byob which for italian means you can bring a great wine to pair with reasonably priced pasta. i'll be back!
(5)
Amanda M.

I was not impressed with Lucia's at all. After being seated at a table, I placed the wine (it is BYOB) down. The server didn't even say "hi," "good evening," anything. Just grabbed the bottle and preceded to open it, and set it back down, with no acknowledgment towards us. I had to look up to him and greet him to get a conversation going. Then he came by with some bread. Instead of politely setting it on the table and saying something courteous such as "Here is some bread for you, can I get you anything else?" The basket of bread was tossed on the table as he walked by. The same thing happened with the check. I got one of the specials of crab ravioli for my meal, which was in a tomato cream sauce. It pretty much had no flavor what so ever which was such a bummer because it sounded scrumptious. My friend got the halibut that had soo many bones with it which were constantly being pulled our of their mouth. Ew. So all in all, while Lucia's had a cute, cozy atmosphere, the service and food didn't cut it for me. Maybe it was an off night because most others seem to have glowing reviews?!
(2)
Julie H.

TIME OUT: my husband reminded me (I don't know how I forgot this important detail) that our server botched the cork on one of our wine bottles when she was opening it. Amateurs!
(1)
Evan C.

This is a mom 'n pop shop to a tee! The owners are an adorable couple and are usually sitting at the front of the restaurant when it's slow and will chat you up. The moment I walked in I was greeted by one of the owners who's the sweetest woman in the world! I ordered a roast beef sandwich and it was absolutely delicious! It was clearly good meat, not over seasoned but with the perfect mix of ingredients, mmm mmm! When I mentioned I had just moved to the area she threw in the potato salad I'd ordered for free. I've been back 3 times in the last couple weeks and everything I've had has been outstanding! I've ordered the club and the roasted pork sandwich and both were even better than the roast beef. And somehow she always gives me something extra with my meal, today it was a small pastry after I mentioned I would have to get one of the pastries the next time I came in! This is my favorite spot to stop for carry-out dinner on my way home from the train after work. I haven't had a sit-down meal yet (though I intend to) but I can't think of anything that would make Lucia's better!
(5)
Brent D.

Things got off to a rocky start for us. We arrived at about 8:30 on Friday night. We walked in, and a lady was about ready to seat us, when a gentleman comes over and tells her that we cannot sit there as there are a bunch of people waiting. Fair enough. He tells us to come back at 9:15 and we'll be seated then. We head back a little early and wait inside in the small lobby area. We are informed that our table is being cleared and we'll be seated shortly. No sooner are we told this than 3-4 twosomes walk in and are immediately seated. We go from immediately being seated to waiting another 10-15 minutes. We're starting to get agitated, but we're committed, so we just laugh it off. Now, we're not even getting eye-contact from the owner when he walks by. Undaunted, we wait another 10 minutes and are finally seated with a small apology. We're seated at a good table in the back room and our wine is uncorked immediately. The service is brisk, attentive, but not overly personable. This is fine as I'm not in the mood for small talk. We check out the menu and, I must say, we were a little taken back by the prices. Most entrees were in the $20 range. Certainly a little more expensive than I was expecting for a mom and pop BYOB Italian joint. Nonetheless, everything sounds good and we order with the help of our server. We end up with a chicken dish and the artichoke ravioli. Both were outstanding as was the bruschetta. The price is already a distant memory. We enjoy the atmosphere, the wine, and when all is said and done, we're out $50 for one of the better Italian meals I have had in the city. We cannot wait to go back on an off-night, or at least with a reservation next time.
(4)
Stephanie B.

This is a solid authentic italian joint in all of the action of Wicker park, right around the corner from the Damen stop. The menu is on the edge of reasonably priced/start of expensive. Food is tasty and fresh, house-made recipes and all that jazz. Pretty decent dishes, interior has unique character. Come here for a very intimate dining experience.
(4)
Kate L.

I thought the food was good. Very reasonably priced, pretty typical Italian food. I got the fried calamari & gnocchi, yum. Plus, you can't beat BYOB.
(4)
Maria R.

Small place but great food. We ordered the daily special which was fettucine and salmon very tasty and ordered the chicken breast with tomatoes and oilves etc, great dish. I recommend making reservations we had 830 reservations and we didnt have to wait one minute.
(4)
Dan P.

Contrary to most of the reviews on here, I thought the service was excellent. Waitress was extremely attentive. Helped out with any questions we had, and in a timely manner. Not to mention, she seated us immediately. Food was excellent, decently priced, with BYOB to boot. No complaints.
(4)
johnny l.

I've been here for dinner, dont remember how it was, because all I can think about is the dozens of times I've gone in for the Yale special. Holy shit, why is this sandwich so good? The right amount of mozarella and proscuitto, you know, who cares about 26 virgins, I'd blow myself up if someone offered me an infinite supply of these in the afterlife
(5)
Carly O.

I am not an authority on Italian food, I just like it. A lot. I've always noticed Lucia, but have never been tempted to try it, mostly because I didn't know anything about it and was distracted by other Italian eateries in the city. My friends, who are moving to the suburbs, chose it for their "farewell" dinner and I was happy to get an opportunity to check it out. BYOB is always a wonderful thing. It really encourages me to have an appetizer and maybe dessert. We had the fried calamari...good stuff. Zero grease and big, non-rubbery pieces of squid. Actually, quite close to perfection! I enjoyed my gnocchi, served in a tomato sauce, topped with fresh parmigiano. My boyfriend's seafood risotto was amazing. We all split the panna cotta and a marscapone dessert, which was plated all together and divided so we could sample both. Service was pleasant and unobtrusive. One piece of advice: if it's cold outside, don't sit by the window!
(4)
Nick M.

Best Subs in Wicker Park
(4)
Janette L.

Lucia's reminds me of the local delis in Italy where they would make your sandwiches to order. I ordered the Sam sandwich - turkey with pepperjack. They really piled on the meat! I actually had to take some off. On a whim I decided to also try the bruchetta pasta salad and the eggplant pasta salad. The bruchetta was ok with fresh mozzerella and basil, but the eggplant was great! Not the traditional chucks of eggplant - rather slivers mixed with their homemade giardinera (note: too salty to eat alone but great on top of salads and sandwiches). Sandwich (big enough for 2 meals) + 2 side salads = $9. A great deal! I am definitely going to come back here for dinner - their pastas sound tasty and BYOB.
(4)
Dan P.

Probably the friendliest place Ive been to. The owner Dominick always takes time to talk to his customers & has suggestions & will even custom something for you, if you tell him what you want. He & heis servers are very accomodating & generous. The food is excellent as well. Although Ive yet to stop in to get a sammich during the day. The sauces are outstanding. I dont get pasta here that often because I really like the fish dishes, the chicken, & both risotto dishes are outstanding. They have a little outdoor area in the back & the dining experience is awesome. I recommend you call ahead to reserve a spot outdoors because its small. BYOB with no corkage fee as well. Cant beat that. Oh & save room for dessert.
(5)
Ashley K.

I had the unfortunate experience of standing in Lucias for over an hour last night, but cant even review the food as we never sat down. We had a reservation at 815 granted I had just called that day, but the man on the phone said no problem they had availability and to come in at that time. We waited until 930 and realized that the party we were waiting for to leave was a party of 15 that had sat at 730, how he thought that was going to work I don't know. We left very disappointed, but had a great meal at Las Palmas next door.
(2)
Adriana L.

I went here on the advice of my fellow yelpers (thanks all) and had a wonderful experience. Lia, the owner's daughter, waited on my friend and I which was one of the reasons our evening was so fantastic. Lucia makes all of the dishes and what a fantastic selection of true Italian you have - wow! BTW, my idea of having a low fat dinner (as if) went right out the window, she makes it the old fashioned way and it was heavenly. We were seated up front in a quaint dining area that's converted from the day time deli space and despite the rather loud party of 20 enjoying their party next to us, Lia did everything possible to have our experience be a memorable one. Lucia's husband brought out a homemade canoli for dessert which we hadn't ordered (it was his treat for having to sit next to the loud party) and I was going to have just a bite...it melted in my mouth and before I knew it I'd eaten half of it. I recommend Lucia's for a special night out to experience a true, family-owned, local Italian gem - it's a BYO so bring a bottle of your favorite vino!
(4)
Justin F.

best part is b y o b
(3)
Amy S.

I'm giving this place 2 stars based solely on the fact that I will go back and give it a second chance while dining in at the restaurant. My friends and I decided to order food out from here one evening. We read all the wonderful reviews online and it seemed like a fantastic choice. It ended up really spoiling our evening because we weren't able to enjoy our food. We each ordered a pasta dish and when we opened the to go container we realized the pasta was swimming in a watery sauce type substance. Swimming pasta? Not so good. Maybe it was like this because it was in a to go container and the sauce separated... However, because of all the other great reviews I've read, I will give this place a second try. Maybe the dining in experience will be better.
(2)
H C.

I'm a little behind in my review but better late then never right? We had my best friend's birthday dinner here back in November and it was perfect! The staff was very accomodating and the food was really good. Our party ended having 5 people less that what the reservation was for but the staff was okay with changing the seating arrangements and clearing the table. We didn't have time to get my friend a cake or anything but we managed to get her a hostess cupcake and our waitress had the cupcake put on a plate with chocolate swirls all around it. All and all it was good night. The wine was flowing, the atomosphere was great, I can't wait to go back there for my birthday next month!
(5)
Bryson P.

DYNAMITE! For my mother's 60th birthday party, my brother and I hosted a party for 30 people. Prior to the event, I sat down with the owners, Dominic & Lucy, on a couple of occasions, to pick through our ideal menu and discuss the set-up. While Lucia's has a number of family style options available, they allowed us to craft our menu to exactly our liking (i.e., add appetizers, etc). By the time we arrived to set up for our party, Lucia's had closed down their deli area (which is where they hold private events), set up the tables, and were ready for us. We'd brought a bunch of our own decorations, and they helped us set those up as well. During the event - the service was top rate (thanks Andrea!), they offered us more of whatever we needed - from appetizers to entrees to potatoes - and ensured we were well taken care of. We went through many bottles of wine and beer (which we had brought, as this is a BYO), and the server was gracious and helpful throughout. I had many guests compliment me on the party. I would not hesitate to send someone to Lucia's - classy all the way around. Thank you Dominic & Lucy & Andrea (and whoever I left off)!
(5)
Laura R.

This review is based on a dinner, not lunch. First thing you need to know about this place is it is EXPENSIVE! I just assumed that it would be pretty cheap considering it is mostly a lunch place and byob but I was mistaken. Even the cheapest vegetarian pasta dishes are $16 with a lot of the entrees in the $20s. The atmosphere is pretty cute, definitely a family-run vibe. The bread was fresh and yummy and no corkage fee for the wine we brought. Unfortunately the food was lacking. I got the artichoke ravioli and while it was fine it was definitely nothing special, not better than the frozen pastas I get at trader joe's, and the texture of the pasta was a bit off. For what I consider to be a pretty pricey dinner I was expecting something more.
(2)
Liz L.

Love Lucia's Deli! My favorite is the Sams sandwich and the small is PLENTY for one and enough for 2 if you aren't that hungry. Just an FYI the small comes on a delicious foaccia but the large on French bread sure it is good but not when you are expecting the foaccia! The chicken noodle soup is great and if you add some hot sauce it is even better especially when you have a cold. I have had dinner a few times in the restaurant and it is nice. You can't beat the BYOB on a budget. I would say my favorite dish is the artichoke filled Ravioli but get extra sauce. You defiantly get your moneys worth in the deli but the dinner is a touch expensive in my opinion. Either way I would have to say try out Lucia's it is good!
(4)
Carly O.

I am not an authority on Italian food, I just like it. A lot. I've always noticed Lucia, but have never been tempted to try it, mostly because I didn't know anything about it and was distracted by other Italian eateries in the city. My friends, who are moving to the suburbs, chose it for their "farewell" dinner and I was happy to get an opportunity to check it out. BYOB is always a wonderful thing. It really encourages me to have an appetizer and maybe dessert. We had the fried calamari...good stuff. Zero grease and big, non-rubbery pieces of squid. Actually, quite close to perfection! I enjoyed my gnocchi, served in a tomato sauce, topped with fresh parmigiano. My boyfriend's seafood risotto was amazing. We all split the panna cotta and a marscapone dessert, which was plated all together and divided so we could sample both. Service was pleasant and unobtrusive. One piece of advice: if it's cold outside, don't sit by the window!
(4)
Nick M.

Best Subs in Wicker Park
(4)
Janette L.

Lucia's reminds me of the local delis in Italy where they would make your sandwiches to order. I ordered the Sam sandwich - turkey with pepperjack. They really piled on the meat! I actually had to take some off. On a whim I decided to also try the bruchetta pasta salad and the eggplant pasta salad. The bruchetta was ok with fresh mozzerella and basil, but the eggplant was great! Not the traditional chucks of eggplant - rather slivers mixed with their homemade giardinera (note: too salty to eat alone but great on top of salads and sandwiches). Sandwich (big enough for 2 meals) + 2 side salads = $9. A great deal! I am definitely going to come back here for dinner - their pastas sound tasty and BYOB.
(4)
Dan P.

Probably the friendliest place Ive been to. The owner Dominick always takes time to talk to his customers & has suggestions & will even custom something for you, if you tell him what you want. He & heis servers are very accomodating & generous. The food is excellent as well. Although Ive yet to stop in to get a sammich during the day. The sauces are outstanding. I dont get pasta here that often because I really like the fish dishes, the chicken, & both risotto dishes are outstanding. They have a little outdoor area in the back & the dining experience is awesome. I recommend you call ahead to reserve a spot outdoors because its small. BYOB with no corkage fee as well. Cant beat that. Oh & save room for dessert.
(5)
Ashley K.

I had the unfortunate experience of standing in Lucias for over an hour last night, but cant even review the food as we never sat down. We had a reservation at 815 granted I had just called that day, but the man on the phone said no problem they had availability and to come in at that time. We waited until 930 and realized that the party we were waiting for to leave was a party of 15 that had sat at 730, how he thought that was going to work I don't know. We left very disappointed, but had a great meal at Las Palmas next door.
(2)
Adriana L.

I went here on the advice of my fellow yelpers (thanks all) and had a wonderful experience. Lia, the owner's daughter, waited on my friend and I which was one of the reasons our evening was so fantastic. Lucia makes all of the dishes and what a fantastic selection of true Italian you have - wow! BTW, my idea of having a low fat dinner (as if) went right out the window, she makes it the old fashioned way and it was heavenly. We were seated up front in a quaint dining area that's converted from the day time deli space and despite the rather loud party of 20 enjoying their party next to us, Lia did everything possible to have our experience be a memorable one. Lucia's husband brought out a homemade canoli for dessert which we hadn't ordered (it was his treat for having to sit next to the loud party) and I was going to have just a bite...it melted in my mouth and before I knew it I'd eaten half of it. I recommend Lucia's for a special night out to experience a true, family-owned, local Italian gem - it's a BYO so bring a bottle of your favorite vino!
(4)
Justin F.

best part is b y o b
(3)
Amy S.

I'm giving this place 2 stars based solely on the fact that I will go back and give it a second chance while dining in at the restaurant. My friends and I decided to order food out from here one evening. We read all the wonderful reviews online and it seemed like a fantastic choice. It ended up really spoiling our evening because we weren't able to enjoy our food. We each ordered a pasta dish and when we opened the to go container we realized the pasta was swimming in a watery sauce type substance. Swimming pasta? Not so good. Maybe it was like this because it was in a to go container and the sauce separated... However, because of all the other great reviews I've read, I will give this place a second try. Maybe the dining in experience will be better.
(2)
H C.

I'm a little behind in my review but better late then never right? We had my best friend's birthday dinner here back in November and it was perfect! The staff was very accomodating and the food was really good. Our party ended having 5 people less that what the reservation was for but the staff was okay with changing the seating arrangements and clearing the table. We didn't have time to get my friend a cake or anything but we managed to get her a hostess cupcake and our waitress had the cupcake put on a plate with chocolate swirls all around it. All and all it was good night. The wine was flowing, the atomosphere was great, I can't wait to go back there for my birthday next month!
(5)
Bryson P.

DYNAMITE! For my mother's 60th birthday party, my brother and I hosted a party for 30 people. Prior to the event, I sat down with the owners, Dominic & Lucy, on a couple of occasions, to pick through our ideal menu and discuss the set-up. While Lucia's has a number of family style options available, they allowed us to craft our menu to exactly our liking (i.e., add appetizers, etc). By the time we arrived to set up for our party, Lucia's had closed down their deli area (which is where they hold private events), set up the tables, and were ready for us. We'd brought a bunch of our own decorations, and they helped us set those up as well. During the event - the service was top rate (thanks Andrea!), they offered us more of whatever we needed - from appetizers to entrees to potatoes - and ensured we were well taken care of. We went through many bottles of wine and beer (which we had brought, as this is a BYO), and the server was gracious and helpful throughout. I had many guests compliment me on the party. I would not hesitate to send someone to Lucia's - classy all the way around. Thank you Dominic & Lucy & Andrea (and whoever I left off)!
(5)
Laura R.

This review is based on a dinner, not lunch. First thing you need to know about this place is it is EXPENSIVE! I just assumed that it would be pretty cheap considering it is mostly a lunch place and byob but I was mistaken. Even the cheapest vegetarian pasta dishes are $16 with a lot of the entrees in the $20s. The atmosphere is pretty cute, definitely a family-run vibe. The bread was fresh and yummy and no corkage fee for the wine we brought. Unfortunately the food was lacking. I got the artichoke ravioli and while it was fine it was definitely nothing special, not better than the frozen pastas I get at trader joe's, and the texture of the pasta was a bit off. For what I consider to be a pretty pricey dinner I was expecting something more.
(2)
Liz L.

Love Lucia's Deli! My favorite is the Sams sandwich and the small is PLENTY for one and enough for 2 if you aren't that hungry. Just an FYI the small comes on a delicious foaccia but the large on French bread sure it is good but not when you are expecting the foaccia! The chicken noodle soup is great and if you add some hot sauce it is even better especially when you have a cold. I have had dinner a few times in the restaurant and it is nice. You can't beat the BYOB on a budget. I would say my favorite dish is the artichoke filled Ravioli but get extra sauce. You defiantly get your moneys worth in the deli but the dinner is a touch expensive in my opinion. Either way I would have to say try out Lucia's it is good!
(4)
Cherie E.

I was pleasantly surprised by Lucia's! Here's the situation: last night a friend & I were looking for somewhere with outdoor dining to eat dinner. We tossed around the usual: Northside, Silver Cloud, Jane's, etc. Decided on Las Palmas - but there was a wait & we didn't feel like waiting. So we wandered across the street to Lucia's & they had plenty of outdoor seating available. I had no idea what the place was like - the restaurant area in the back is so cute! (unlike the deli area in front, which never inspired me to walk in). The outdoor area is cozy; it feels like you're eating on a neighbor's deck. The entrees were good - we both had pasta dishes. The service was attentive; one waiter seemed to have the whole outdoor area & he was really prompt; I was impressed. A great find! Can't wait to go back & take full advantage of the BYOB.
(4)
Kara H.

5 stars! Lucia's is by far my favorite Italian spot in the city. I've been a regular here since they opened nearly 5 years ago. there is a deli in front on North Ave with awesome sandwiches and the best potato salad EVER. the dining room is in back with an entrance on Honore. the dining room itself has a very simple decor and can be a bit loud. in the summer I like to sit on the back patio. Lucia's is family owned. Lucia makes all the sauces, soups, etc. herself. and her daughter Lia has been my server on a number of occasions. wonderful, friendly service all the time. the food is to die for. My favorites are the tortellini con pana (mouth watering!) and the pumkin ravioli. I've had many wonderful chicken dishes here as well. My husband has been disapointed in the steaks here in the past. I would stick with pasta or chicken dishes. all in all a wonderful dining experience - and BYOB!
(5)
mike l.

it's probably more information than Yelp needs to know, but I didn't have the most wealthy upbringing. Not government cheese poor, but poor enough so that every dollar spent had to be spent WISELY. it's why I subconsciously approach all of my purchases in terms of value. I don't mind paying a lot for something as long as it's worth it. Lucia's is not worth it. We started with the grilled calamari, which was tasty. Next was a caesar salad, which was NOTHING special. A small bread plate loaded with croutons & a few shreds of romaine. Main courses were the seafood linguine & veal scallopini. The veal was tasty, but no where near worth $23. The seafood was also tasty, but seriously light on the seafood. I'm dissappointed, but I also realize I can be pretty hard on places, So, I don't know...
(3)
Nate B.

Delicious entrees, great service and a great deli if you want something to go.
(4)
A.B. J.

The food was mediocre. Not the best Italian food, but not the worst. Their Involtini Di Melanzane was absolutely delicious. However, the service was very rude. We came here for a birthday party (20 or so people). The server had a very bad attitude from the second we walked in the door. At the end of the night, we were counting the cash again to make sure it was correct (a $650 bill) when the waitress came over and told us that she could see we were counting the money but we had to leave and we had already made her stay 20 minutes past closing. (which is 11 by the way) In our opinion, if we are leaving a $100+ tip, the server should have a little more tact.
(1)
Kelly W.

when it came time for planning dinner for my cousins birthday, i looked on yelp to see places that were good for groups and were byob. i came across lucia's and i'm glad i did. i made reservations 2 weeks in advance for 15 people. i called the week of to confirm and there were no problems at all. we all arrived at the restaurant in separate groups and were seated as the party arrived, no problem. the waiter was attentive but not overly attentive. our bottles of wine and beer were opened regularly so the drinks were continually flowing. we started out with the calimari and bruscetta appetizers and they were both delicious. as it was friday and we're catholic, they did have a variety of fish and non-meat entree options that were very delicious. they were very helpful in answering questions and catering to our non-meat menu requests. my boyfriend was impressed with the vegetable lasagna. usually lasagna only comes with meat or without and vegetables are a rare option. they even brought out tirimasu and sang happy birthday! overall, we had a great experience at this restaurant and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. i would recommend this place to anyone planning something similar and may even return again with the boy for a date night dinner.
(4)
Alex P.

Great BYOB Italian place in the heart of Bucktown. To be fair, I live in the building and am friendly with the owners on an almost daily basis. The food is great. The outdoor seating area is nice as well. They have a deli which has great sandwiches as well. All around, it's a great neighborhood feel type place.
(4)
Justin H.

Ok Fine, When I can get out of the office for an additional 10 minutes, I make the extra walk just for their Chicken Parmesan sandwich. Huge Amazing sandwich. I don't want to try anything else here as this sandwich is so good! Chips and a Drink under $10. Greatest lunch in the Hood!
(5)
Jason L.

The front is a deli so unless I tried it with a friend I never would have known there is a quaint restaurant in the back. The menu has classic favorites and a few more interesting dishes. It's right across the street from Las Palmas so when I can't decide Mexican or Italian I just come to North and Honore and flip a coin. They're both great.
(4)
Michelle G.

Lucia's has delicious, authentic Italian fare. All food is fresh and cooked to order. This BYOB restaurant is a can't miss. The owner is delightful and waitstaff are very friendly. The atmosphere and food keep me coming back regularly. It is definitely worth the drive from the North Shore, and is my favorite Italian restaurant. I love supporting family-owned businesses, especially when they are as worthy as this one!! Mangia!
(5)
laela l.

I'm not an Italian food guru, but I was happy here. Great spot for a date, but I was with friends. Extensive menu with some unique dishes, not the cheapest place to go (try $20 a plate), but hefty portions, great menu items, and above average quality. Bread was fresh, the salad that comes with every meal was aiiiight. BYOB - always a plus. The service was great, and the owner (or manager??) was sweet. Tiramisu: yum. Overall - yum.
(5)
Jeff S.

Lucia's has got a deli in front and a more sit down restaurant in back. I love the deli. There are always cops in there, and cops seem to know the good spots in the city for lunch. I don't really have an extensive review of the food as I have always gotten the turkey club. I want to try other stuff but the turkey club is so good I haven't got around to getting anything else. My peeps have had the meatball sub and the italian beef and they report thumbs up. The prices are comparable to a subway or jimmy johns, which offer far inferior products. The service is really slow, but it is a mom and pop type shop. Also, you pay after you eat, which strikes me as a little unusual. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I did eat at the restaurant once and it was just ok. Food was nothing spectacular, not much ambiance back there, and I probably wouldn't go back for dinner. However, I am there all the time for lunch, I'll be the one ordering the turkey club.
(4)
Zach W.

Another popular lunch spot. I have never had dinner hear, but it seems like it's pretty quaint. They have separate rooms for lunch and dinner; lunch room is very casual and simple; dinning room is casual with a cute little bar tucked in the corner. Go here for good Italian sandwiches and salads. My personal favorite is the combo sandwich - Italian beef and sausage with hot peppers. Another tasty treat is the Yale - prosciutto, tomatos, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and a hint of pesto mayo. Prices are very reasonable, sandwiches are decent size and every sandwich comes with a bag of chips. Downside is if it's busy, the get really slow and inefficient. The backwards paying slows things down and is just weird. At a sandwich shop, who wants to pay after you've already sat down and eaten?
(3)
liz d.

Who doesn't just love a BYOB Italian restaurant? No corkage fee tops it all off. The 2 of us walked in on a Friday night without reservations and were immediately seated. The service was phenominal. From icing our wine immediately, to checking on us constantly (but not to the point of being annoying), I couldn't have asked for better service. Fresh warm bread was brought out, served with oil and parm cheese. The food was pretty good, but I have had better. I will be back fo' sho' . I am also curious about the deli they have in the front of the restaurant and would like to check it out.
(4)
Reis D.

I had a birthday dinner last night at Lucia's for 23 people. The table was beautifully set up and the room we were in was really charming and cozy. The service was fantastic the entire time and very well organized even for such a large group. The food was really delicious and the BYOB makes the check easy to stomach at the end of the night. I highly recommend this place and will be back soon.
(5)
Mark Z.

Food and the no-corkage fee bumped this up to two stars... otherwise, not a good experience. Went on a Saturday night with a late reservation (9:00) thinking that having a reservation would actually mean having a table available. However, large parties in the rear dining room went later than the management must have predicted (shocker, big groups tend to dilly dally) and they made us wait 40 minutes. There were plenty of tables available in the front room, but the manager said he was "trying to close that section down." Nice. Also no A/C for a warm/hot July night. As well, ONE server for the entire back room which still included one of the large parties (18) that she had to work by herself. Not her fault but our service suffered greatly. Food was interesting and well prepared, not your typical pasta dishes. But with the service the way it is (and from other reviews seems to be the norm) I will not be returning.
(2)
Ryan G.

Best Italian in buck town without question....dinner was wonerful
(5)
Jenn C.

I just wanna open my wallet and say, "here take what you want"...the family at Lucia's is so gracious, friendly, and wonderful that just by eating at their restaurant I dont feel like I am doing enough to thank them- perhaps I should send them flowers. On a typical saturday night- it was busy. And thank god! With Papa at the door, Lucia in the kitchen, and their daughter Leah waiting tables, I am happy that this place has regular business...and that they saved a table for my friend and I eventhough we were 10 minutes late for our 8:30 reservation (damn wicker park parking!!.) Eggplant done well is a gift of the heavens and Lucia must have them on speed dial cuz after one bite of the involtini appetizer (breaded eggplant stuffed with herbed goat cheese and topped with a spicy marinara) holy mother of macaroni, its good! The seafood risotto is filled with fresh mussels, calamari, shrimp, and topped with a scallop that must have come from radiation waters its so huge (a 6 bite scallop!! seriously!? yes, seriously.) Whenever I visit Lucia's I feel like I am back to my roots. Good, simple italian food done the way its supposed to be done- of course Lucia wouldnt have it any other way. And if her way is serving chernobyl sized seafood-Ringraziamenti!!
(5)
Fred S.

My three star rating is based on my lunch experiences there. I've never been for dinner. Sandwiches are all pretty good. Can't go wrong with the Combo (italian beef and sausage) or Egglant parm sandwiches. Be sure to get mozzarella and sweet peppers on any of the Italian beef or meatball sandwiches. Stay away from anything served on focaccia (its not very good). Salads are pretty tasty and priced fairly. The Antipasto salad has a ton of salami, cheese, and olives on it. I recommend that over the Caesar, which is a little boring. The owner, Lucia, is pretty funny. She's usually pissed off about something and yelling, but it's incredibly charming and adds to the experience. Supposedly, her cannoli has won some awards.
(3)
Meg O.

If I had my druthers, Lucia would not have served any tomatoes last night, or perhaps wouldn't serve any tomatoes from October to mid-July; but more about that later. Overall, Lucia's is a fine place for a large group, which we were. My co-worker and friend Colin flawlessly pulled off a surprise birthday party for his girlfriend, Erika, and when the two of them and a friend from out of town walked through the door at 7:10, ten of us were already seated, our BYO wines opened and served, shouting "Surprise! Happy birthday!" and clapping furiously. After one late arrival, we morphed into our party of fourteen, and the dining began. For appetizers, we ordered double of the following: bruschetta, fried calamari, and baked clams. The calamari were overall satisfying, and came with a tasty marinara dipping sauce. The baked clams had a garlicky, crunchy breadcrumb coating, yet still tasted fresh and oceanic. However, the bruschetta was unacceptable! The tomatoes were anemic and hard. Passing them down the table, I was embarrassed for the restaurant, for the chefs themselves. I mean, who serves such poor quality food? The menu has lots of tasty options, with pasta dishes averaging around $16.95, and meat and fish entrees averaging around $24. I was debating puttanesca, linguine with clams, veggie lasagna, and various gnocchi, when I saw pumpkin ravioli with prosciutto and walnuts. The dish turned out to be just fine; nothing spectacular. The generous, crispy prosciutto bits sprinkled over the top were delicious, and complimented the gingery/nutmeg based sauce nicely, but the pumpkin filling itself was a little bland. My dining partner immediately across from me was very pleased with his meat lasagna. Each entree comes with a salad, which should have been pleasing. However, the lettuce was slightly limp beneath its dressing, and those HORRIBLE tomatoes made their second appearance of the evening! By this time, if I had ordered a tomato-based dish, like Ruthie H. did, I would have changed it. However, she ended up suffering through those lousy tomatoes a third time, as they were dumped all over her dish. Hello, haven't you ever heard of canned tomatoes? They're delicious, especially in the winter! The service was excellent though; wine opened promptly water glasses were continually filled, the timing of appetizers and entrees was thoughtful, and our waitress gladly took a picture of our table for me. Birthday girl Erika even got a HUGE piece of tiramisu which went around our table twice for bites, and it was actually pretty authentic tasting; not too sweet, just the right amount of coffee-flavoring, and a good dollop of whipped cream. And the bill? I had forgotten how blissfully inexpensive BYOs are. At $30 a piece, including tip and covering the birthday girl, hideous tomatoes were nearly forgotten. Well, almost.
(3)
Greg B.

Super authentic Italian restaurant. Deli upfront is amazingly good. Then they have a BYOB restaurant in the back. The owners are from Calabria, so their food is spot on and completely un-Americanized. We went there right after we got back from our honeymoon in Italy, and it was like we were still over there! Fresh pasta, amazing carpaccio, delectible desserts, and friendly service. Can't wait to go back again and again!
(4)
Natalie R.

I went here a while ago and really enjoyed it. The only thing we were a little bummed by was a recommendation we got for a dish to go with the carpaccio. The carpaccio is basically served on a salad which would have been good to know before also ordering a salad. But--it looks like they've changed the menu to reflect that. Other than that, the food is great, and BYOB is a definite plus. The room in the back is rather small and the acoustics kinda funky, so with the large party next to us (that went a little overboard on the BYOB), it got kinda loud. By 'kinda loud' I mean very loud. But hey, it made for good strained conversation/people watching. That's not the fault of the restaurant though, just something to be aware of. It's a very cute place, with very tasty food, and the people running things are very friendy. As for the front, it's also a great deli when you aren't in the mood for a dinner-dinner. The daily pasta specials are really good too.
(4)
Jackie o P.

Cozy, comforting, quiet and wonderful. The best grilled calamari EVAR, hearty and huge pasta dishes, a few meaty and seafood mains and a DELIGHTFUL tiramisu . BYOB, no corkage. Great staff. It's really that simple!!!!!!!
(5)
Ben S.

Lucia's consists of a deli counter/sandwhich shop up front, and a sit-down restaurant in back. I'm only qualified to review the up front part; I've never tried the sit down restaurant. Part of why I've never tried the sit down restaurant is because the sandwiches are so damn tasty and affordable I can't really resist them. The prices are extreamly reasonable considering the portion sizes. A 9" sub is like $6-10 depending on what you get, and it's a lot of food. It's 1.5 meals worth of grub, but you're inevitably going to eat the whole damn thing anyway, you greedy, greedy fatty, you. The ingredients are very tasty. Try the Yale (prosciutto, buffalo motz, basil, tomatoes, and some sort of mayo). It's salty and chewy and wonderful. Have one and you'll be hooked. You'll find yourself a couple days later all pining for another Yale, remembering chewing through the bread, tearing through the prosciutto and the soft motzarella. Also awesome is the rib-eye sandwich, with it's dinner sized portion of steak grilled to temp per order, sitting atop tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, herby mayo, red onions... This thing is so delicious and so huge, it's downright meanspirited. You're full, but damnit, it just tastes so go you have to keep eating. They have lot's of other sandwiches: Italian, chicken parmagian, turkey, meatball... There's also a daily pasta special, and like I said, a whole trattoria in the back of the house. An irrelavent side note. Lucia's has really caught on with Chicago's Finest. There are seemingly always cops eating there. I feel sorry for anyone unfortunate enough to try to rob the place. The owners are super nice. I visited Lucia's recently, after a long absence (like a year or so) and they remembered me as if I'd never been away. And more importantly, they sold me delicious food. What more do you want? Fuggetaboutit!
(4)
Color B.

I would like to complain becuase Lucia's makes it really difficult for you to either: make a choice from the generous list of tummy-gurggle-4-food inspiring options on their menu (all are good if not superb) or let you leave feeling disgruntled with the service, staff attitude, price or atmopshere. This place is a round five in my book - it's intimate, friendly (prices, staff AND neighbors at the other tables) and even BYOB - not that it matters when the owner starts passing you glasses on the house! What a big hearted, warm wonderful place to spend either on the sunny patio or inside on a damp, grey day. Loved the pumpkin raviolis, so buttery and smoothe! Great espresso's! and Do Not miss the tiramisu for the grand finale! p.s. the prices are very friendly too! pss they have a great deli if you wanna stock up for the snowy days....
(5)
Edward B.

I love this joint. I used to live a few blocks away and would go at least three times a week and pick up the special of the day to go. Recommend the Lasagna (Wednesday special), Penne Arrabiata (Tuesday special) and the Stuffed Shells (Saturday special).
(5)
Justin W.

Great spot, food is very good and the price is extremely fair. Plus the owner always makes you feel like you are family.
(5)
Samantha L.

This is a nice little cozy Italian place with good food (I got the crab ravioli that was the special for Valentine's Day), and it's BYOB, which I love. As long as you get a table, the wait for food won't be too terribly long because the place is so small, that only a few tables can be seated at a time. The food is not really cheap, but the bill overall is reasonable when you BYOB.
(4)
R F.

Ive been to dinner once and it was great...but I really prefer Lucias for lunch. I only get one thing...and I have probably had it 50 times. Best meatball sand in Chicago and it just isn't close. Sorry Bari...yours just isn't this good. Actually...let me be clear...I actually get 2 things..every time i go. The pasta fagiole is amazing as well! Love Lucia's!!!!
(5)
Sam K.

I had a sandwich there, in the deli, and it was perfection. Totally unexpected, since I just dropped in there on a whim. It's really hard to find a great vegetarian sandwich (in some places you tell them you're vegetarian and they just assume you want to eat low fat and low calorie and without dairy? wtf? Give me some fat! And cheese!) but their grilled veggie sandwich was overflowing with veggies and flavor. Every ingredient in perfect balance, and the vegetables has just enough bite to them. The bread was soft on the inside but had a nice crispy crust, and it was an amazing deal; $6.25 for a nine inch. They were really accomodating; they served it to me cold, and I told them I preferred it heated up - they grabbed it and ran in the kitchen, and I was afraid they would throw it in the microwave and bring it out mushy. No worries - it was just warm enough and everything still had its texture. Also, the cannoli was amazing. I love the feel in there - family owned and stylish, but not pretentious or fashionable. I plan to go back and check out the restaurant.
(5)
Melissa T.

I love this place. The food is good, the staff is friendly and helpful, the price is reasonable, the environment is comfortable and unpretentious, and it's BYOB! Make a reservation if you can on the weekends as it seems like they get pretty packed. I've had a few pasta dishes and the seafood risotto which were all reallly yummy. I would say this is probably my favorite BYOB in the city. It's not the type of place that you feel is pushing you out the door the second you finish your meal- I would guess you could sit, mingle, and drink all night if you wanted to. They have also been very accommodating when I have been in with a large groups of people. I still haven't tried the sandwiches although they look delicious! I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a good byob, great Italian food and friendly service!
(5)
Megan W.

I really love this restaurant. I have eaten here three times and havent really strayed away from the veal dishes yet. Ive stolen bites of my sisters dishes of pasta and they were good. This places flavors are unique and good. You feel great after eating here and the food is really authentic. And your family will notice if you steal some of their food. Portions are large but you will love it so much youll eat it all.
(5)
Jennifer B.

We had dinner here Saturday night and the food was great, but the service was really slow. We understood and were patient. Our waitress was great but clearly spread too thin. She had all 8 tables in the front dining area. There is also no convenient place for people to wait for their table to be ready, so it was crowded around the door. The food was good, love a good BYOB. Felt bad for the server. Loved the lasagna and veal.
(3)
Joe V.

Went here this past Sat. for a friends bday, there were about 12 of us and I have to say that I had a very very good time there. The staff was super attentive and very friendly. Our food and appetizers were delicious, not to mention it's a BYOB. The place is rather small but they accommodated us by seating our party in the front section. Very nice place, good vale, great food. Would definitely go back!!!
(4)
Kristin B.

We "dined in" and apparently the deli is far better. Pubic hair atop my bacon-laden pasta. Small bug in our (complimentary) glass of wine. All for $40! Thanks, but no thanks, Lucia. We arrived at 4:30 and the back dining area was dark and empty, with no music, no host, startled cooks, and one reluctant (but attentive) waitress. Hell -- if they say they're open -- BE OPEN. The back door to a pleasant-looking porch was propped and gnats swarmed around us during the meal. Flies I can deal with (and there were flies). Gnats disgust me. I wish I had enjoyed myself. I was prepared to enjoy myself! But the food -- for the price -- simply was not that good. And the world music they finally piped in was disastrous. I don't know what kind of culinary standards these rave reviews are adhering to, but I don't plan on "stumbling on" this "gem" again.
(1)
Andrea C.

mmm mmm chomp...would definitely be how id describe lucia! went last saturday night with the bf because we felt like going out in wicker park and we were not disappointed. definitely heed yelpers warnings that you should make a reservation....this place is teeny! but in a cozy, intimate way. when we got there we were seated right away by the person who seemed to be the owner/manager (a sassy italian man...loved him!). we were seated by an extra large birthday party that was also extra annoying (the only reason this place loses a star). our server was great...she uncorked our bottle right away (byob!) and brought us yummy, crispy bread to start. i ordered a caprese salad + the ravioli stuffed w/crab and the bf ordered the veal stuffed tortelini. we were both definitely wowed and ate off of eachother's plates the entire evening! we never felt rushed though it got quite busy...and i took home about half of my meal...which fell victim to my roommate's impromtu clean out of the fridge (i almost turned green and went hulk on her i was so upset)...but then i realized...hey, now i have a reason to go back! yum!
(4)
Ren H.

It really doesn't look like much from the outside but this place is awesome! The staff is super friendly and their pumpkin ravioli is soo good!
(5)
Sara M.

Just had my boyfriend's birthday dinner there last night...what a great place!!! food is incredible! service even better...we had a group of thirteen, a whole lot of vino, and a lot of loud conversations...it is extremely authentic and the owners are so cute! cant wait to go back! i
(5)
Lisa C.

My bf and I carried out dinner from here. We both tried their meatball sandwiches which were very good. We also ordered fried calamari which I thought was just okay. I will most likely return just to order out a sandwich from their deli or dine in.
(4)
Liz C.

I've been to Lucias with my girlfriends a couple times and it never dissapoints. The restaurant is usually pretty empty, which is surprising based on how good the food is. Both times we each ordered a different pasta and had a little "pass the dish" session going on. We ordered the garlic mozzarella angel hair, veal ragu, seafood risotto and butternut squash ravioli. My favs were the veal ragu and the garlic angel hair. Since it's BYOB, the cost is very reasonable.
(5)
Shay T.

The restaurant carries good, basic Italian fare (and it's BYOB, which can be nice), and it's generally pretty quiet and relaxed, but the deli counter at Lucia's is phenomenal. Someone already waxed poetic about the Yale so I won't bother -- but oh my, what an amazing sandwich. I also dream of it at night. My only warning: Call ahead with your order or you will definitely wait. Everything is made to order, and often made with tender love and care (read: very slowly).
(4)
Linda L.

love it!! this is a fantastic little dive! go there in the summer time, get seated in the back......and you just sort of feel like you're somewhere else. they serve some great italian dishes! for a quick bite, try their deli in the front! wonderful subs and friendly staff. my personal fav: meatball sub. *drooooool*
(4)
m c.

very good. about as high-quality as you can get for a neighborhood italian joint. i had the seafood pasta and it totally hit the spot. service was excellent and they gave me free (house red) wine. not sure if that's part of the normal deal, but a nice touch by really nice folk. i'm glad this place is in my backyard- will be going often. 3.5 stars on food, but 1/2 notch up for the service.
(4)
Megan M.

Lucia's is such a cute date spot. It's quiet, small, and service is good. The owner is always walking around too. I have been here a couple times, but I stuck to the same thing: angel hair pasta, fresh mozerella, and tomatoes tossed in olive oil. It's really good!!
(4)
Pete G.

This is the single best date spot in Chicago. It's very good food and BYOB makes it fun for everyone. I try to make it over there a couple times a month.
(5)
kathy w.

I can't believe this place gets positive reviews. Maybe the people who like Lucia's that it is OK to call a plate of warm (iceburg) lettuce and a wedge of a mealy, unripe tomato a "salad". Or, they are are those who believe that the number of stars you give a restaurant on Yelp should be correlated with the amount of pasta on your plate. Or, they like huge gummy gnocchi. Or, they LIKE getting (literally) poked by an older, inattentive, and obnoxious waitress when she wants your attention and then asks "What, you didn't like it?" when you leave food on your plate. I'm not sure. And, I for one, certainly don't like to be told to "let the desserts defrost a bit before you eat them". Dining at Lucia's is like eating at someone's home...the home of someone who has a bunch of mouths to feed on a tight budget.
(2)
Pickle P.

I haven't been able to dine at the restaurant itself yet, but I am a HUGE fan of the deli up front! Delicious sandwiches, always some sort of feature of the day, great pastas, what more can you ask for? Bring a drink in if you can, because the soft drinks they offer are pricier than they should be.
(4)
Trish C.

Amazing Italian deli, and even better sit-down dining at night. However, the service is terrible- but the food is so good you should go there anyway. It's byob, the bread is fresh and the pasta homemade. Their balsamic dressing is great and try the veal stuffed tortellini.
(4)
Ilina K.

Yum, and yum! This my favorite sandwich place in the neighborhood. Very mom-and-pop feel, a nice place to sit and have a quick lunch or to grab your italian fare to go. I recommend Lucia's Famous Sub(italian cured meats), and can't recommend anything else since that's the only thing I eat - but I hear their pasta is delicious. A plus is friendly service, but the place fills up with the 9-5 crowd at lunch during the weekdays, so prepare to wait. Very inexpensive, dishes $4-6.
(5)
Kelly R.

This place is fantastic. Great food, byo, and great service. I'll definitely be back. It's small though so make sure you have a reservation if you go on the weekend.
(5)
Stacey H.

I do not understand the attraction to this place. The food is not authentic nor fresh. The tomatoes on the caprese were not even ripe, and it is tomato season. The tiramisu was awful. Its only redeeming quality is that it is a BYOB - hence the 2 stars.
(2)
manufacturer C.

I love this place. I moved into Bucktown/Wicker park a couple of years ago and this was the first place I went to eat, I have been hooked ever since. I especially love eating from the front deli counter. Their daily specials are what I really enjoy. For a great staple though I go with the Robert special (meatball sub), but also the chicken parm sandwich is really really good and huge. The best part is it is really affordable and the staff is great.
(4)
jean c.

I went here this evening,. It was recommended by a collegue. I usually check out the yelp guide beforehand. Nothing but good things to say, so here we go. I ordered the carpaccio and my husband the fried calamari. Mine was okay, nothing special or spectacular. My husband's calamari was not cooked enough and you could taste the flour on the breading...uggh. Next we ordred the seafood pasta (clams 3, mussels 3, calamari 7, shrimp 2 and scallops 1 , it was supposed to be in a tomato, garlic and wine sauce but I asked for the sauce without tomato sauce. The pasta was not fresh pasta and was overcooked. I love pasta but when it is overcooked.....yuk. My husband had the tortellini with veal. It was tasteless as was mine. We will not try this place again. Service was okay, nothing spectacular. It couldn't be as there was only one server for the whole restaurant. The restaurant is not considered expensive but for what was served, it defintely was overpriced. We probably could have gotten a better tasting meal at pasta pallazzo on halsted!!!
(1)
VETTA E.

I must say that this place is GREAT! I hosted a birthday dinner party for my mom last Saturday, we planned for 21 guests (14 showed up how rude). I made the reservation 3 weeks before and I worked with Domnick on a customized menu which consisted of a family style appetizer of fried mozzerlla & marinara sauce, individual cesar salad, and a choice of chicken marsala or grilled new york strip steak. My guests loved everything. We had the whole front room with the most amazing server her name was Andrea. I brought 2 casesof wine and 1 case of "Mike's Hard Pink Lemonade" which they were nice enough to chill for me when I dropped them off 3 hours before my party started. I had an excellent cake from Amy Beck delivered ,a tablecloth and favors all of which were set up and ready a half hour before schedule. We were not rushed out, our glasses stayed full and the food was terrific. I was able to take care of the bill discreetly & easily. I can't think of one bad thing to say the bread is tasty & please order coffee after your meal they make a great cup. Lucia's is a great place for a group event when you want good food in a relaxed family environment for a great price.
(4)
Alissa B.

Love Lucia's! I've been for a few birthday parties over the years and its always a great time. The servers could not be nicer or more accommodating, even with large parties. LOVE LOVE LOVE that its BYOB. And the food is really good! I love this gem, and wish I went more frequently!
(4)
Robert W.

Uninspired, but byob saved the day.
(3)
Ellen P.

Came here about a year ago with a group of girlfriends on a Friday. Must make a reservation or you won't be eating there. Delicious food. No corkage fee. I was the only who got a pasta dish (mmm veal filled tortellini in a creamy - but not too creamy! - meat sauce) and it was to die for. My friends all got fish dishes and nothing smelled fishy, all looked great. Only complaint was our waitress, she may have just been overwhelmed but we were forgotten and she kept forgetting to add people's meals to the bill. Also, if you want to split the bill evenly, you can only use two credit cards so everyone else has to get cash. Should really tell you that when you make a reseravtion for 6 people or at least when you sit down and they see its 6 girls! Came back a few months later with the boyfriend on a random weekday night in the heat of summer. It was quiet, just a few other tables had people. Definitely romantic. Waiter came by at just the right times. Food, again, was to die for. Next time for sure want to have a table on the cute little patio all lit up with christmas lights. Can't wait to go back soon!
(5)
Lori G.

I went to Lucia's for my friends birthday. Although the place was really cute, the food was not anything to write home about. There were about 6 of us and we all got different dishes. However, we all had one thing in common -- our food was bland. My chicken marsala sauce was so watered down and my friend's gnocchi did not even have a taste -- she basically had to dump crushed red pepper on it to get any taste. We told the server our food was under seasoned, but she didn't seem to care. Too bad because Lucia's does have potential.
(2)
Katie M.

Loved it! My girlfriends and I met for dinner here on a Tuesday. We made reservations just in case but the place wasn't too packed and we probably wouldn't have waited too long for a table if we hadn't made reservations. We loved that it was BYOB. The service was pretty good, my meal was great (pasta in a cream sauce with sundried tomatoes-yum) but my two friends dishes were just okay. They kept eating off my plate!!! The vegetarian lasagna-eww. It tasted like it had been reheated in the microwave. No bueno. All in all, I loved my dish and that fact that it is BYOB. Yum!
(4)
Amy D.

After my stupidity of going to the wrong restaurant on the wrong day to meet up with my high school friend, Howard and I went next door to try out Lucia. I had to make up for dragging my boyfriend out after my mistake. It's great that it's BYOB!! I loved that. We had the calamari and pasta dish. Can't really go wrong with calamari, the pasta was yummy. The bread was great and WARM!! Right out of the oven. They gave us both salads to start. It's a good casual meal.
(4)
Eman S.

When you walk up to this place and even right when you walk in, you are not going to expect much from this place. Then the bread and focacia comes out and everything starts getting so much better. We brought a bottle of wine to take advantage of their $0 cork fee and were loving it right after we sat down. Any time we go to a new Italian restaurant we order bruchetta and gauge what the rest of our dinner will be from that order. It was probably the best bruchetta we have ever had. Four pieces of bread oiled and buttered to absolute deliciousness. For dinner, I got the vegetarian lasagna and my wife had the artichoke ravioli. My dinner was so good and SO big. The piece they served was about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. I could have finished the whole thing because it was so good, but I saved about half for leftovers. I am not a fan of artichoke anything, but her ravioli was so good. There were about 20 ravioli on the plate and we left with half of them for leftovers. Outside of the food being great, the dining room was really nice and they had outdoor seating. I think we got lucky and got a table at 6:45pm without a reservation, so I would make a reservation ahead of time if you want to go. The service was great with the waitress always being there and our waters always being filled. The only negative thing I can possibly say is that it is more expensive than you would think it is by looking at it from the outside. Our bruchetta, lasagna and ravioli came out to $45...not bad, but from the looks of the place, you would think it is cheaper.
(5)
rebecca s.

Came here for my birthday dinner with friends. Made a reservation which was set up inside, when we realized they had a patio they were more than willing to move us out there. such great ambiance. great wait staff. amazing food. good portion sizes. the best part is that it is BYOB!
(4)
Stephanie F.

This was another place I was taken while visiting the city from my old residence in Miami. I remembered everything about it from the great service at the lunch counter to the cute tables in the dine-in area to the tomato focaccia bread. I have been back twice since moving here, and after my last visit I find myself wondering if I can't just buy some of their signature tomato-basil focaccia bread. It would be perfect to take home and toast in the oven for a make it yourself flat bread pizza. My own musings aside, Sam's Sandwich (focaccia, turkey, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, pesto mayo) is a great combination of tastes. You can eat half and have the other wrapped up for lunch the following day. It was better the first time I went here. The second time there was too much cheese that ruined the texture a bit, and I think it was regular mayo which usually doesn't sit well with me. I felt like something was missing. It must make a difference in who's working. The other time I went I had the tuna artichoke sandwich with cheddar, lettuce, and tomato. It comes on a sub roll in either 6 or 9 inches. If you have a big stomach, the 6 inches should more than fill you because it's packed with tuna. If you want lunch for tomorrow, go ahead and get the 9 inches and save half! This sandwich is served cold, but the second time I went here, my date ordered it and they had no problem toasting it for him. I would recommend a toasting as well. I've tasted a friend's sandwich with prosciutto and it was great. I watched other people come in and order the hot roast beef and they looked quite excited as they waited. If you have a sweet tooth, try to brownie on your way out. It doesn't look like it, but it's very rich and I wonder if they used Ghiradelli dark chocolate chunks. It's so rich you can give half to your friend to avoid the guilt of consuming it all (because you could so easily do so!). Prices here are great (less than Panera, which in Miami became the sandwich/salad place on which I began to base all others), and they accept cards. I have not tried the dining room in the back, but am excited to go soon.
(4)
Laura U.

I have been to this restaurant twice and both times the food was outstanding, the service was attentive and the ambiance was charming. Definitely 5 stars!!
(5)
Geoff H.

Neat lil place.....not quite what I expected, but that's OK. After reading several reviews, I decided to pop in for a to-go lunch (I called ahead); my chicken parm sandwich was awesome, except why don't they toast the bread? Hot sandwich on cold (though fresh and doughy) bread was a little weird. Next time I'll just ask that they toast it, should be perfect. Oh, and while I was waiting for the sammich, I checked out the little deli case--they have PANCETTA! I went to quite a few stores last week in search of pancetta and no dice. Good to know next time I make homemade carbonara. I think Lucia's could easily go 5 stars, but I'm gonna wait til I have dinner (though this doesn't strike me as a dinner spot, unless the back dining room is a little fancier than the front). I wanna try the pastas, and maybe the meatball sandwich, too.
(4)
Hugh B.

4.5 stars. This is an authentic yet unpretentious neighborhood Italian restaurant. Authentic because the owner is Italian as are all the wait staff. Unpretentious because it is BYOB -- with no corkage fee -- and the management and staff are very welcoming and accommodating. Everything I've had here has been delicious. Most recently, we started with fried calamari. This was a HUGE plate of greaseless and tender calamari. Pasta entrees never disappoint. This last time I enjoyed veal tortellini with a tomato sauce with a hint of cream. My bf had -- as he always does -- the chicken marsala. I don't know about you, but when you can find a dish that you like so much that you order it repeatedly, that's never a bad thing. Service was gracious. Better when the restaurant was empty (we arrived early) and a little more scattered when it filled up at around 8 pm. But the waiter was adorable and very sincere. I've been to Lucia's several times and always had a consistently good time. You should go too.
(4)
Alex R.

Pros: Cozy, quality food, home-made feel, byob, good for lunch or dinner Cons: tough to get a table on weekend nights, not the cheapest italian in the neighborhood, closed on sundays.
(4)
Brandon F.

Dare I say, the BEST Italian cuisine in the city...and no, I am not including a question mark, because it is more of a statement. My girlfriend took me to this "fan-tab-u-lous" (yes, I am straight) restaurant about a month back and we have been back twice since then. Everything they do is home-made, from the pasta, to the sauces, and everything else. You know how douchy people say, "oh, well you don't know good pasta until you have gone to Italy" ? Well, "F" them, because this place is amazing. I have gotten the tortellini every time and request that it have prosciutto mixed in; they always include a bountiful serving. The food is cooked to perfection and always has a distinct flavor that cannot be replicated elsewhere. I didn't really enjoy Italian food until eating here, and I now crave the savory dishes. It is also a BYOB, which makes it a bit easier on the wallet if you are looking to imbibe heavily on a weekend evening. The only thing I can say that Lucia's needs improvement on is the service. It has been a bit hit or miss. We were rushed once when it was at least a half hour from closing and once time our waitress decided to "chill out" and neglect our table because she was discussing boyfriend problems with another table. Despite this issue, I still am proud to put my 5-star stamp of approval on this fine establishment. The food is simply too good to deny. I look forward to my next meal at Lucia's.
(5)
KM M.

Great spot! It was Saturday night, getting late and we didn't have dinner plans. There were 6 of us and we wanted BYOB. Found Lucia's on Yelp and called to see if we could get in. They were able to give us a 9:15 reservation, which fit perfectly in our timeframe. We had 2 appetizers, and 5 meals (1 was split between 2 people) and it was only $55 per couple! The waitress was incredibly sweet and very over-worked, but she did a great job keeping up with all the tables. The restaurant has 2 small rooms, and it looked like an outdoor patio/eating area. Lots of groups dining. The food was really good... between the 6 of us, we had 2 pasta dishes, 2 chicken dishes and 1 special pasta and seafood dish. We were all very pleased. There were many more dishes I wanted to try, so I will definitely be going back.
(4)
Christian P.

generous portions, tasty food, small atmosphere, BYOB -- what more do you need. Went here last night for dinner and left deliciously happy. We sat outside on the patio and browsed the pretty large menu. Lots of pasta dishes, some fish, chicken, beef and veal choices as well. We all went with pasta and each dish was very tasty. I had the tortellini which were perfect. My girlfriend had the pumpkin ravioli which were a great balance of sweet and salty. Sometimes sweet pastas can go too far either way, and they taste awful - happily not the case here. on top of it all its byob which for italian means you can bring a great wine to pair with reasonably priced pasta. i'll be back!
(5)
Amanda M.

I was not impressed with Lucia's at all. After being seated at a table, I placed the wine (it is BYOB) down. The server didn't even say "hi," "good evening," anything. Just grabbed the bottle and preceded to open it, and set it back down, with no acknowledgment towards us. I had to look up to him and greet him to get a conversation going. Then he came by with some bread. Instead of politely setting it on the table and saying something courteous such as "Here is some bread for you, can I get you anything else?" The basket of bread was tossed on the table as he walked by. The same thing happened with the check. I got one of the specials of crab ravioli for my meal, which was in a tomato cream sauce. It pretty much had no flavor what so ever which was such a bummer because it sounded scrumptious. My friend got the halibut that had soo many bones with it which were constantly being pulled our of their mouth. Ew. So all in all, while Lucia's had a cute, cozy atmosphere, the service and food didn't cut it for me. Maybe it was an off night because most others seem to have glowing reviews?!
(2)
Julie H.

TIME OUT: my husband reminded me (I don't know how I forgot this important detail) that our server botched the cork on one of our wine bottles when she was opening it. Amateurs!
(1)
Evan C.

This is a mom 'n pop shop to a tee! The owners are an adorable couple and are usually sitting at the front of the restaurant when it's slow and will chat you up. The moment I walked in I was greeted by one of the owners who's the sweetest woman in the world! I ordered a roast beef sandwich and it was absolutely delicious! It was clearly good meat, not over seasoned but with the perfect mix of ingredients, mmm mmm! When I mentioned I had just moved to the area she threw in the potato salad I'd ordered for free. I've been back 3 times in the last couple weeks and everything I've had has been outstanding! I've ordered the club and the roasted pork sandwich and both were even better than the roast beef. And somehow she always gives me something extra with my meal, today it was a small pastry after I mentioned I would have to get one of the pastries the next time I came in! This is my favorite spot to stop for carry-out dinner on my way home from the train after work. I haven't had a sit-down meal yet (though I intend to) but I can't think of anything that would make Lucia's better!
(5)
Brent D.

Things got off to a rocky start for us. We arrived at about 8:30 on Friday night. We walked in, and a lady was about ready to seat us, when a gentleman comes over and tells her that we cannot sit there as there are a bunch of people waiting. Fair enough. He tells us to come back at 9:15 and we'll be seated then. We head back a little early and wait inside in the small lobby area. We are informed that our table is being cleared and we'll be seated shortly. No sooner are we told this than 3-4 twosomes walk in and are immediately seated. We go from immediately being seated to waiting another 10-15 minutes. We're starting to get agitated, but we're committed, so we just laugh it off. Now, we're not even getting eye-contact from the owner when he walks by. Undaunted, we wait another 10 minutes and are finally seated with a small apology. We're seated at a good table in the back room and our wine is uncorked immediately. The service is brisk, attentive, but not overly personable. This is fine as I'm not in the mood for small talk. We check out the menu and, I must say, we were a little taken back by the prices. Most entrees were in the $20 range. Certainly a little more expensive than I was expecting for a mom and pop BYOB Italian joint. Nonetheless, everything sounds good and we order with the help of our server. We end up with a chicken dish and the artichoke ravioli. Both were outstanding as was the bruschetta. The price is already a distant memory. We enjoy the atmosphere, the wine, and when all is said and done, we're out $50 for one of the better Italian meals I have had in the city. We cannot wait to go back on an off-night, or at least with a reservation next time.
(4)
Stephanie B.

This is a solid authentic italian joint in all of the action of Wicker park, right around the corner from the Damen stop. The menu is on the edge of reasonably priced/start of expensive. Food is tasty and fresh, house-made recipes and all that jazz. Pretty decent dishes, interior has unique character. Come here for a very intimate dining experience.
(4)
Kate L.

I thought the food was good. Very reasonably priced, pretty typical Italian food. I got the fried calamari & gnocchi, yum. Plus, you can't beat BYOB.
(4)
Maria R.

Small place but great food. We ordered the daily special which was fettucine and salmon very tasty and ordered the chicken breast with tomatoes and oilves etc, great dish. I recommend making reservations we had 830 reservations and we didnt have to wait one minute.
(4)
Dan P.

Contrary to most of the reviews on here, I thought the service was excellent. Waitress was extremely attentive. Helped out with any questions we had, and in a timely manner. Not to mention, she seated us immediately. Food was excellent, decently priced, with BYOB to boot. No complaints.
(4)
johnny l.

I've been here for dinner, dont remember how it was, because all I can think about is the dozens of times I've gone in for the Yale special. Holy shit, why is this sandwich so good? The right amount of mozarella and proscuitto, you know, who cares about 26 virgins, I'd blow myself up if someone offered me an infinite supply of these in the afterlife
(5)
Paul R.

Love this place. I get to eat there 1-2 a year, but cater with them 6-12 times a year. I am always impressed with the no fuss service and excellent flavors. I recall a beef dish from 3 years ago that is still one of the best I have had. period. If you don't find yourself at Lucia's bring them to you for your next catered meal, you will thank me. The dine-experience is always pleasant but the food shines on its own wherever you eat it.
(5)
RJ W.

Very good food, great service... why only 3 stars? 1.) I dont like looking at stacked chairs while having dinner on a Saturday night. 2. ) I really dont like looking at a garbage can on top of the stacked chairs on a Saturday night. 3.) Actually, fairly expensive for what you get. If they spent 15 minutes and made the place look a little nicer, we would go back. Again, great service, good food, love the Mom & Pop atmosphere, but if dinner is $70 bucks (BYOB-another plus btw) please remember the ambiance too...
(3)
Lauren M.

I love this place.. Really I do. I love the deli sandwiches, I love the fact Lucia is owned by a precious Italian couple, I love the fact everything about this place reminds me of my Italian grandparents. Lucia's makes me happy. BUT my recent visit left me considerably disappointed. Olive oil is one of the most important ingredients in Italian food. Italians know how important it is to have high quality olive oil. Chefs know how important it is to have high quality olive oil.. And all ingredients for that matter. The olive oil on the table was thin and watery and almost completely without taste. This alone is an Italian cooking sin. The bruschetta was good, but missing that delicious, rich olive oil taste. My linguini with clams.. While the clams were flavorful, I blame the "olive oil" for the lacking flavor and almost greasy texture. I had to add crushed red pepper flakes for flavor. Again, I love Lucia's. Which is the primary reason I'm writing this review. Ingredients matter. If you want delicious food you have to use delicious and quality ingredients.
(3)
M P.

Quaint place that is right off North but a little secluded from the busy street. Food was good. Egg plant appetizer was delicious. Chicken marsala was okay. Actually had too much of a sweet taste. Though staff is nice, service is slow. Did not take advantage of BYOB but that is a nice perk.
(3)
Denise C.

My BF and I have walked past this place before and the owner is usually sitting outside saying hello to the community and we'd been meaning to stop in. Tonight I was craving real Italian food so we decided to go. Boy am I glad we found this amazing gem in Wicker Park. If you're looking for an authentic Italian family owned restaurant, this is your place! The service was outstanding and the food was delicious. Everything from the grilled calamari to the seafood linguini to the tiramisu was truly enjoyable. The portions are generous as you would imagine any real Italian restaurant to be. And the quality was terrific. We will definitely be coming her often as this will be our new local fave.
(5)
Tom D.

Sandwiches are 5 stars, the owner is 1 star. Went in with a female friend, we paid separately. That gave the owner the impression that my friend was alone. He was drinking red wine at a table and couldn't stop sexually harassing my friend. "Where is your boyfriend? Sit next to me while you wait." It was extremely uncomfortable for her, and I could feel it, too. Totally pitiful for that old man. I was really embarrassed for him.
(1)
Vanessa M.

This place is bomb.com ! I don't even meat but I can only imagine that it's fresh. I've never had a fresher sandwich! Highly recommend! Fast delivery too.
(5)
Amanda M.

We celebrated my 40th there last night and it was fabulous! There were 17 of us and the staff was so accommodating, we had the front room. The owner kept checking up on us. The food was awesome and who doesn't love a BYOB especially when the food is delicious! Loved this place!
(5)
Anna G.

Went back to Lucia's for the first time in many years. It's still a solid option in terms of a BYOB Italian restaurant, but I guess not really near the top of my recommendations. Service was friendly and at a good pace (we weren't rushed nor did it take forever to get our orders). I made a reservation for 4 on a Thursday (just in case!) and it wasn't really necessary as there were only 3-4 other tables throughout our time there. The food was fine, but, again, not necessarily anything to rave home about. Dare I say, I could've made it all myself for much less than the 4 of us spent. The fried calamari appetizer was a good sized portion, definitely enough for 4 people.
(3)
Paige S.

I just got their pasta special for lunch. I've long been a fan of their penne chicken in vodka sauce. It's truly delicious, but I can't have creamy sauces anymore. So I have been cursed to the land of things like spaghetti. Not that spaghetti is bad, it is just that so often I find the sauce is bland and the meatballs just taste like meat, it's usually fine, almost never actually good. Lucia's spaghetti and meatballs, is SO good. It is the spaghetti and meat balls my Sicilian grandmother would have made if she didn't hate garlic. The meatball is meaty and filled with flavors of herbs and parmesan and the sauce is sweet and rich tasting. Thanks Lucia's for reminding me what good italian food tastes like! (and for the reasonable delivery fee. YUM)
(5)
Nessa M.

Best bets: italian beef and any of their desserts! I got the rib eye once and it was a bit charred. Their roast beef deli sandwich was meh nothing special. Service was great though and every sandwich comes with a bag of chips!
(4)
Clare K.

Very accommodating! They have the best ghnocci around!! And its BYOB!!! They take large parties last minute. They have a cute little outdoor patio that is great in the summer. I also love their Involtini di Melanzane (eggplant with stuffed cheese) ...mmm sooo delish!!!!
(5)
Maria L.

Mama mia Lucia's! Not bad, not bad. Recommend to us by a friend, a group of us loaded up our two buck chucks and headed to wickah park for some Italian. Lucia's is kinda old school Italian feel, pretty cozy and dimly lit. Perfect for groups! My frand and I split the mussels app (just ok) and the veal tortellini (pretty tasty but lacked veal flavor). The waiter was very accomodating to us splitting and put our dishes on separate plates. Thank you very much sir. I also tried my friend's Bucatini all'Amatriciana, that was tasty as BALLS, I wish I had gotten that. Also caved and got the lemon creme brulee....MMM. Perfect ending note. If you like wickah park, BYOB, carbs, and FUN, go to Lucia's.
(4)
Mike K.

Amazing food and service. I have been here for dinner and lunch (deli). Both are fantastic. The dining room is byob and the food is delicious. I have had multiple entrees and apps and I have yet to be disappointed. Just recently took my parents here and they fell in love with it. Great byob Italian. You need to come here and try it for yourself.
(5)
Anna K.

Five stars all around. Great place to stop by and pick up a sandwich-- or two (for yourself). Great place for a byob dinner-- you'll leave full with enough for lunch the next day. Great place for a byob group dinner-- I've had them cater for NYE dinner and hosted my birthday there and no one complained. It's family run and it shows with their friendliness, food and atmosphere. FYI- It's closed on Sunday, which is devastating, but they need a day off too.
(5)
Cozy F.

I have gone there for years and have never been disappointed. The food is consistently good. Lucia herself works the kitchen and counter. Enjoy the sandwiches in the informal deli area or wonderful entrees at dinner time in the dinning room. I wish there were more places like this.
(5)
Melissa K.

I have only gone to the deli - sandwiches are very good and reasonably priced, meatball and turkey club are my fav, friend got italian beef and said it was very good - we are pretty picky about italian beef too. minstrone soup is super good, prob my fav thing there, got a slice of carrot cake that was just ok. if you want italian deli food go here!
(5)
Rob B.

We came in with a party of 20, and they were spectacular. Food was excellent, the service was spot on, and they were patient with our group...which was saying a lot. Really great BYOB Italian spot.
(5)
Zach A.

Fantastic hole in the wall for mighty tasty Italian. The calamari is fresh and you can't go wrong with their pasta. Reasonably priced and had BYOB. Enjoy!
(5)
Jake R.

I've now gone here several times, and it only gets better. I still think the Italian Beef is one of the best in the city, especially with hot peppers.
(5)
Natalie P.

Hands down, my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. The first time I came here was a few months back with a friend whose family is friends with the owners, Dominic and Lucy. I've had the pleasure of meeting them on several occasions now, and they are both warm and inviting. They just make you so comfortable and you feel like family! This place is BYOB and I'm not sure if there's a corkage fee...I don't think so. When I asked Dominic why BYOB, he said that he just wanted to have a great neighborhood restaurant where people could have a great dinner out without breaking the bank. If this doesn't speak volumes about the owners, I don't know what does. My favorite dish is the mushroom risotto, followed by the gnocchi. Both are delicious! Hubby gets something different every time and he's always been super happy. Although average $20 per plate may seem a little steep to some, the portions are quite large and I always take leftovers home! Don't even start me on dessert here. I don't even like panna cotta but theirs is amazing. And the tiramisu...I could die. Not only is it some of the best I've ever had, but it's a huge portion, very suitable for sharing and not feeling disappointed that you only got two bites! I love Lucia's and I will continue to be a regular here!
(5)
Kevin M.

The food was good, however the price-to-quality ratio was not my favorite, and the service was just ok. Ambience was mediocre, although i was there on a weeknight. Nice that it's BYOB, but in a nice italian restaurant I expect to have better stemware.
(2)
Jackie S.

I found the food here to be very bland. The bruschetta really lacked flavor. I had the linguini with clams for my entree and it really lacked flavor. Just not near enough olive oil, wine, garlic and red pepper flakes. It actually tasted like a bowl of plain noodles you order for a child. The service was very attentive but again I just found the food really boring.
(2)
CM D.

I've never been to the dining room, because I always eat with a friend when he's on his dinner break from work. And I almost always have the pumpkin ravioli, which is nearly a religious experience. I've also had most of their soups, some of their lasagna (I've never been able to eat a whole piece of lasagna anywhere), and their pasta fagioli. I've never met Lucy, but Dominic is always there - friendly, helpful, and smiling. Plus there's always so many cops eating there that I figure I'm probably safer at Lucia's than I am at almost any other location in Wicker Park. Terrific place! The only downside is that I get hit with random pumpkin ravioli cravings in the middle of the night when they're closed......
(5)
Kris H.

I had tried their deli for lunch a few times and it seemed decent, which led me to try their restaurant one night. The decor is bland, but even worse so was the food. Maybe they ran out of salt, but I ordered the $23 seafood risotto and it had no flavor whatsoever, it was as if the risotto was cooked in water rather than stock and the seafood was overcooked. Ended up filling up on bread. I think the owner is Italian, he needs to get in the kitchen and taste rather than hanging on the sidewalk and greeting....Not for me.
(1)
Amy J.

Worst Italian food EVER!! My boyfriend (NOT PICKY) and I ordered two different dishes. He had the chicken special and I had the seafood risotto. It was a phenomenal experience because the food was blander than Wonder bread!! We were astonished!! I thought, "How could this be? If you add garlic to anything, it CAN'T be bland." Then I closely inspected our dishes and realized there was no garlic or herbs of any kind!! It was AMAZINGLY BLAND!! Like eating paper, but really expensive paper! Two stars are for the nice waiter and the bread was decent. Very unclear what this high rating is for, unless people are eating after they are drunk and they don't notice
(2)
Anne K.

LOVE this place! Great food and it is BYOB! The only negatives are you absolutely have to make reservations because it is a small place, and they usually run behind. Also, you can only use 2 credit cards on the bill no matter how large your group size is so be sure to bring cash! The food is amazing; I have never had anything I did not like, and the staff are wonderful and efficient. Have to try!
(4)
Brenda V.

I will NEVER recommend this establishment! If I could I'd give it zero stars. This place always looked so quiet and cute as I walked past so I decided to make reservations for 6 on my birthday for my girlfriends and I. After seeing a few uncommon requests on the menu; parties of 6 or more require you to purchase $20 or more per person and only 2 credit cards per table; (no one told me this while making reservations for 6) Also if you want to split an entre theres $5 fee. I decided to go up to the manager/owner and ask him why that is and he was extremely rude, unprofessional and became unbelievably defensive stating to me that nobody in 12 years ever complained about it until now. He also said the reason he implemented this rule was so that people "like me" do not come and just sit down and order one appetizer and drink "byob". First of all how ignorant of you to speak to a customer in this manner and to demean them like that. I would have accepted an apology that no one told me this over the phone and paid the 18.95 an entree, instead he got ugly with me so we decided to take our business elsewhere. You do not talk to any person this way, especially on their birthday. I will never step foot in this racist establishment again.
(1)
Ozzie G.

This place is a hidden gem. Just amazing from their home made pasta to their sea food salad to their sandwiches. Good for lunch or a nice family dinner or a first date. Homemade Italian food. Awesome because the owner is always around and in the kitchen making it happen. Top 5 places in chicago for me. If your a resident of the city and in the area you should eat here at least once a week. Lol I do
(5)
Benjamin D.

*This review if for their front lunch/takeout area and not the dining room in the back* Fast, fun and friendly. Try the Yale Sandwich and the Penne Alla Vodka special on Thursdays, you will not be disappointed. Some of the deserts and take out deli meats in the counter look fantastic too. Perfect for a quick lunch.
(4)
Carry B.

I love this place! Everything that everyone had was great. Our waitress made some great recommendations. This place is byob which make it even better. They also don't charge a corking fee so bring as much wine as you like. The only thing I would tell them to adjust is the 2 card minimum. Come on people who carries cash in the city these days?
(5)
Lisa C.

Great meal here on New Year's Eve and love that it's a byob. The server was kinda terrible and they did up their prices just because it was nye but food is worth it.
(4)
Renee U.

Went here with my boyfriend and I for a nice date evening. The food was very good, the BYOB and no corkage fee was great. I would dine here again however, I wouldn't sit outside.... I was constantly getting whiffs of trash but I look forward to dining inside.
(4)
Matthew G.

If I could eat here every day, I would. Ortolano, Yale and every sandwich I've ever gotten here are awesome. I buy lunch for my best customers here every time too. The owners are super friendly and actually work the sandwich line too, so you know when the owners are there you're guaranteed quality. Go here!
(5)
Michael N.

Listen, I can't write funny, "it felt like I was there" reviews for every place I go to....but damnit, I'll try. My buddies and I try to do a BYOB place once a week...oh who are we kidding, it's more like once a month. But there's talk of it every week!! And I don't want to eat sushi or Thai food every time we hang out. Enter Lucia's. If you aren't looking for it, you'll pass it. Shit, I passed it a couple times and I was looking for it! I was seated at a table on the back deck next to a table of six semi-attractive ladies. Being a worry wart about traffic and parking, I had about 30 minutes to kill before my buddies showed up. About 10 levels of Angry Birds and OCD checking of my email and Facebook later, my boys arrived. They were surprised I managed to eat half a shaker of parmesan cheese and 1/4 bottle of olive oil. Stop judging, the bread was really good ok? We cracked open our wine bottles (BYOB, no fee, whats up) and enjoyed a dinner. Notice I didn't describe the dinner, it was ok. I had lasagna with meat sauce. It was bland, but I was kind of drunk due to the heat and the wine, and....oh who cares, I don't have to explain myself to you. As we walked out of the restaurant, my friend told me to "look at the table of girls to our left." They all looked like models. I probably wouldn't come back for the food, but it seems like pretty girls love Italian BYOB places, soooo.........
(4)
Beth K.

Absolutely love this place. I feel like I am eating at a friends house when I am here. Such a quaint restaurant with amazing, fresh food. Did I mention its also a BYOB? (Bonus!) I tend to be a creature of habit and normally order the Ravioli di Zucca con Prosciutto e Noci, but last night I went with the Risotto ai Frutti di Mare. I couldn't have been happier. It was delicious, tons of seafood, lots of flavor. Everyone who tasted it, loved it! Every entree comes with a house salad, and you can't go wrong with any of the appetizers. I obviously cannot say enough about this place. If you are looking for great authentic Italian food look no further. YUM.
(5)
Lucia Z.

First they lost our reservation - minus 1 But then they seated us anyway - plus 1 The food was overall very good - plus 5 But they charge $5 for not each getting an entree - minus 2 Total = 3 stars Let me get on a minor soap box about the $5 fee. OK I get it. They don't want 5 people coming in and splitting one appetizer. But just because we didn't each get an entree and instead decided to split a few entrees and a few appetizers, and even order dessert, seems a little like nickel and diming to charge an extra fee just for not each ordering an entree. But in the end, the food was very good, so I still can't dock it too much.
(3)
Christina F.

So here's the background: I lived for quite sometime is Boston's North End, only the best place out of Italy and Little Italy, NYC to get real authentic Italian food. I wasn't a fan of Italian then, and I am not going to claim to be now. I think I have overstayed my welcome with Italian. With that being said, I also crave Italian at weird phases of my life: when work gets tough, finals week, after a break-up. There's something about all the carbs, cheese, and salted meats that has a special spot on my pallet. So when my parents came to Chicago last summer I wasn't exactly thrilled about going to Lucia's. Nothing in my life during that time made me want Italian. But oh boy am I glad they brought me here on my lunch break! My parents were obviously starving from the plane ride so when they ordered 3 subs and a pasta dish I was pretty mortified! I decided to settle for the Yale made with pesto, mozzarella, tomato, and prosciutto on the most delicious Italian stick bread. Wow, is this sandwich good! I've tried many of these kinds in my days in Boston and I cannot recall one tasting as good as this. The prosciutto was perfectly salty and fresh. The mozzarella was partially melted from the oven, the tomato was juicy, but didn't sog up the sandwich, and the pesto mayo was the perfect compliment for the bread. My mom got Lucia's famous sandwich was basically just an Italian. She loves Italian sandwiches and she still asks me about whether or not I go back to Lucia's (she definitely craves it). The pasta was alright, I'm not a pasta person so it pretty much all tastes the same to me. I've been back quite a few times since then, mostly for the Yale sandwich and their Deep River chips which is the first and only place I've seen them in Chicago. I did try the Olson sandwich a few days ago. It was basically the same as the Yale, but with breaded chicken. It costs a little bit more and definitely fills your tummy. It's loaded with flavor, a bit too much for me personally. The prices are really decent. I usually spend about $7-$8 for the sandwich with a bag of chips. I'm not a huge eater so I'm able to stretch the sandwich out for about 2 meals. The dÃ©cor is your typical Italian deli. It has art work of Italy on the walls and deli tables to sit at. They also offer pasta and potato salads at the counter. They have olives for $4.99 a pound which totally beat Whole Food's $10.99/pound and they are probably fresher. The service at the deli is not the best, but not the worst. Sometimes it's good, sometimes bad. Sometimes I wish it was closer to my house, but if it was, I probably would never eat anything else.
(5)
Shane G.

I've never been to the dining room at Lucia's, but that's because I love the small bistro-like eating area at the front. It's so cozy and I love how it's decorated. It's so welcoming. I love the Robert's Special sandwich. The meatballs are the best I've ever had. The sandwich itself is a great price (I'm talking the 9" one) and comes with a bag of chips. The staff is always super friendly and always seem like they are having fun. I was there earlier tonight and a group of police officers came in and they were all greeted like family by the owner. It was a great sight to see. It's wonderful to see restaurants where the owner(s) interact with their patrons. My friend tonight got a cup of soup (it was her first time at Lucia's) and she said it was one of the best soups she had ever had. I can't even compose a thought out and well-written review for Lucia's because everything is just so perfect. GO. NOW.
(5)
E B.

I was inclined to give the place only 4 stars because of way too much sauce in my pasta, but then I decided for 5 for a number of reasons. First, the food here is fresh and most of the options are as close to authentic as you can get in Chicago. Real Italian food in this city is becoming a thing of the past. However, at Lucia's, in addition to fresh ingredients and dishes that are made similar to the way they would actually be made in Italy, they even have the San Pellegrino sodas and/or San Benedetto iced teas just like in Italy. In the future, it would also be cool if many of the Italian restaurants and/or little stores could start getting Italian Fanta and maybe even get latte di mandorla. BTW- the Fanta in Italy is so much tastier and natural than the Fanta in the USA which is so artificial tasting and almost identical to Orange Crush. Its completely different and I wish I could find it here in the USA. San Pellegrino aranciata is also authentic Italian soft drink and comes close to Italian Fanta, but not quite. Keep in mind, that even at Italian restaurants in the USA run by real Italians, they will almost always automatically prepare the food to cater to American tastes. This usually means they put a ton of sauce on the pasta which is not usual in Italy and definitely not what I am used to at home. I give 5 stars instead of 4 because I realize the chefs at Lucia's are just trying to give the people what they think they want and it was my mistake for failing to tell them to not drench my pasta with sauce. Still, the sauce tasted great. Next time, I will just tell them to go easy on it. Otherwise, Lucia's is a great place for real ethnic Italian food and ambiance NOT American creations like Cesar salad pawned as Italian food. The setting is cozy too and they even sell a lot of nice imported products for cooking at home. In addition to their pasta, they also have very good sandwiches. To everybody out there, I recommend trying the pickled eggplants on whatever sandwich you order if they have them. This is one of my favorite Italian things when I am eating sandwiches. I can't remember if they have them at Lucia's or not, but I am pretty sure they do.
(5)
Scott T.

I used to live down the street from this place and I miss it a lot. Amazing homemade minestrone soup and great meatballs. It was my go to place for a lot of years.
(5)
Stephanie L.

Cute atmosphere, small dining room with awesome patio for the summer time! Love th cute Italian owners, great servers and lovely Italian music blaring. Also have takeout available.
(5)
Megan M.

I got the salmon and it was just OK, however everyone else seemed to enjoy their meals just fine (nothing mind-blowing or spectacular). The entrance to this place was a little strange, as you practically walk through the kitchen which was awkward. The outdoor seating is beautiful and the space as a whole is very cozy and romantic. The wait staff was kind but seemed overwhelmed and didn't pay enough attention to our table - we were out of water practically the entire meal. The fact that it's a BYOB is always a plus. I'd probably go back, just order something else!
(3)
Lilly C.

so-so. food is fine, nothing to write home about, but good enough. lots of heavy americanized "italian" on both menus (which i general love, because i am a glutton). quality is always consistent, which is a plus. i like going to neighborhood places and lucia's is nice if you want some comfort food. as an FYI (and the reason for the 3 stars instead of four) - their website says they close at 10 pm but i've called at 9:00-9:15 and they don't accept orders...for sandwiches. not pasta, not lamb, not steak, but sandwiches. i guess the prosciutto gets testy if it's not in bed by 8:30. i worked in a similar establishment for years with only 3-4 employees who worked the kitchen, the dining area, answered phones, did prep and dishes, closed out the registers, and cleaned. i sympathize with the amount of work that needs to be done at the end of the day. but i also know first-hand that it absolutely does not take 45-60 minutes to throw salami on a piece of bread. my boss would have been livid if we turned away customers with an hour to go. because of my experience in the service industry, i VERY rarely complain because i understand how it is, but this? nope, nope, nope. simple laziness.
(3)
Melissa D.

Great byob restaurant with friendly service! Prices may seem steep at about 20 for any pasta dishes, but when you factor the amount you'd spend on drinks, it's very reasonable. And it comes with a salad! I got the rigatoni with peas and sun-dried tomatoes in a cream sauce but everything looked great! I will definitely be back!
(5)
Taryn M.

Lucia's is AMAZING! The food is incredible, and the prices are very reasonable for the high quality and generous portions. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, but keep in mind that the tight quarters do get a bit noisy when they get busy later on the weekend nights. The staff and owners are incredibly friendly and attentive. Add in the fact that this Italian gem is BYOB, and it all adds up to a perfect dining experience! I'm moving out of the neighborhood this weekend, but will be returning often just for Lucia's!
(5)
Colleen T.

You get what you pay for dining experience. Although I'm not much of an Italian food person, this was hands down the best i've ever had. The portions are huge and the service is great. not to mention, it's a byob restaurant and i highly recommend taking advantage of that. went to eat around 7, the dining room filled up around 8. EVERYONE had at least one bottle of wine at the table. the table next to us brought in a case of beer. to each his own, i guess :). The manager and staff there are very welcoming and helpful on deciding what to get. I had the seafood linguini and my friend had the tortillini with veal and chicken. both were amazing. i couldn't even finish (which is great cause now i have lunch for tomorrow). save room for dessert too. the creme brule was served with fresh berries and was a perfect end to the meal.
(5)
Ha V.

Lucia's doesn't look like much from the outside, but I was starving when I walked past so I decided to just check it out. It's very much Italian - from the menu down to the people who work there. The sandwich combos all look amazing, but I went for the soup instead. I got a steaming hot bowl of tortellini soup, and it provided me so much comfort. The broth is light yet fragrant and herb-y. Although I wish there was more tortellini, I was pleased with the ones I had as they held up and didn't get to soft. Lucia's is a walk away for me, but I am so willing to make this walk.
(4)
Chris D.

A hidden gem in my view. I have never been let down eating here. The food is excellent in my view. Not anything over the top fancy. The prices are not ridiculous. The service is very professional and attentive. It's BYOB so be prepared. There are places nearby to buy wine and beer at so don't worry. I definitely recommend trying this Italian location out.
(4)
Annabel V.

I like this place!!! very nice customer service! their chicken noodle and minestrone soup are always amazing!!! and i like luchia's vegetable sandwich. i recomment this place!!!
(5)
Anj S.

Ordered a Caesar salad gave us plain romaine and some croutons. Forgot cheese, no anchovies. Called to let them know, they were unhelpful and rude. Didn't offer credit or anything else. Last time we will order from here.
(1)
Jessica M.

Such a disappointment. I am not really one to write poor reviews, but the service was the worst I have ever had in Chicago, EVER! We ordered two Chicken dishes, one which was one the menu, and one we simply asked for Chicken Limone (they have veal limone on the menu so asked if it was at all possible to use that sauce). They of course had no problem with the replacement but when it was time for our bill to come they charged us to the full veal dish. Needless to say, there is quite a price difference between chicken and veal, so I asked the waiter to adjust the price. The waiter told me flat out he would not and when I asked for the manager he told me they were not available to speak with me and the price listed was the price. To top it all of, after telling me the news he threw the check down on our table. It is a shame they cannot treat their patrons a bit more respectful, they are fairly close to our house and I would have liked to continue to frequent the establishment.
(1)
Shirley A.

I absolutely love this place! The involtini, meatballs, risotto, pescatora, and casalinga is too amazing!! Quality is still the same after so many years...great local digs!!
(5)
alan c.

Was in Chicago for a convention and getting tired of the crowded and generally overpriced places along the main hotel strip. Yelp once again helped us. Found this neighborhood gem, a quick can ride later we were tucked in the back restaurant at a spacious table, solid quality bread and salad come with all orders. We had the stuffed clams, the calamari (half fried and half grilled - a highlight dish) and rolled eggplant (also excellent). Entrees were ample and well prepared - the veal saltimboco, the seafood pasta and the veal stuffed tortillini all well done. It is BYOB, so nearby Trader Joes to our hotel served as our wine steward and with no corkage fee we more than amply covered the cab bill. On the way out the front area is a deli and the Sammies all sounded great ! We'll be back. Give these nice folks a try. Gentle on the wallet and good food well prepared.
(4)
Anthony P.

The food and the service are a solid "A-OK". The linguine alla pescatora was a good size. What I really love about this place, though, is how casual and low-key the back patio is. It is a great place for a relaxing dinner, and you will have no problem hearing your party's conversation. And it is an Italian place that is BYOB - that is special in and of itself.
(3)
Kate P.

It's an Italian BYOB... how could you go wrong? I was recently at at Lucia's with my whole family from out of town.... Mom, Dad, brothers, sis-in-laws and my niece and nephew. It was a very family friendly atmosphere and the waitress had some fun conversation with the kids at our table. The service for our big group was great and they had good menu choices for everyone. The portion sizes are pretty big, so I ended up splitting a pasta dish with my niece. We ended up with just the right amount of food. The BYOB aspect was wonderful... we got to enjoy our favorite wine without all the extra cost. Overall, it was a great experience! I'll be back to enjoy the outdoor seating when the temperature finally becomes bearable.
(4)
Thuc N.

From the outside, it looks like a typical cafe/deli place. However, there is a very intimate and serene dining room in the back. I don't know about other people but my favorite table would be the first table as you enter the dining room. Some people might not like how the staffs/clienteles would be walking pass but to me and my friends, we love it. We rarely notice the people passing by except our waitress. It gives an extra touch of intimacy and privacy overall. It's isolated from the rest of the dining room. The service is very friendly. It's just a down to earth atmosphere and I truly feel comfortable when I dine at Lucia. I personally liked everything I have ever ordered from Lucia from the menu to the today special. I finish my plates. Everyone that I bring here seem to enjoy their meal too. A nice bottle of wine definitely help make the foods more enjoyable. As much as I likes Lucia, I have avoided Lucia for over 6months+++ I have 5 very close friends that kind of disappear and their last meal w/ me was at Lucia. Scary!!! My best lady friend would always decline a Lucia invites. Too bad Lucia is not a place I would take a guy friends. I could use that curse on few of them. *grin* Will wait for the curse to weaken, then I will re-visit. :)
(5)
Di P.

I would go to Lucia's (the deli side) a few times a week for lunch when I was around the area and was always impressed by the consistently delicious, affordable sandwiches and the fast, friendly service. They even unlocked the door for me and took my order at closing one time, which was both unexpected and appreciated. I am freaking OBSESSED with the meatball sandwich here. The bread is toasted to perfection, the cheese is gooey, and the meatballs are super tender. This is hands down the best meatball sandwich I've ever tried. Love this little BYOB neighborhood deli! They also sell appetizers, pasta supplies, and desserts, which can be fun to browse while waiting for your food.
(5)
Jeff W.

Move over Jerry's, I've found my new sandwich spot in Wicker Park. Holy shit this place is good. Ever since eat here, I can't get enough. Food is great and the prices are very reasonable. My favorites so far: Lucia's Famous Sub - Ham, salami, capocollo, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil or mayo. The Yale - Prosciutto, bocconcini, fresh basil, tomatoes and pesto mayo. I've brought friends who have all said the same, why didn't they come here sooner. Additionally, if you're able to catch the owner behind the counter (Lucia?) she is a great woman and god bless her sandwich making abilities.
(5)
Brett K.

Still love this place but really need to add how affordable this place is. Sandwich prices are so reasonable especially when you consider how expensive that neighborhood had become. The food reminds me of my childhood and really makes me happy. I recommend the famous with oil for your first time, next favorites are the Sam and the Yale.
(5)
Ila L.

Great little family run deli and restaurant. The meatball sandwich in the deli area is fantastic. The pastas in the quieter dining area in back are really good. I really appreciate having a solid independently owned deli so close.
(5)
Sara P.

This was not a good dining experience. While it's great that this is an Italian restaurant that does BYOB with no corkage fee, that can't make up for the rest of the dining experience. I'll be brief: The bread was stale. I could knock it against the table. I got elbowed in the head by the owner guy while he was dealing with a table behind me. Service was horribly slow. There was only one server for the entire dining area. She seemed very harried, but even with that, service wasn't good. They made one of the dishes wrong and added sausage when there was supposed to be no meat on the dish. When biting into the aforementioned sausage, I bit down on a big piece of gristle that made me gag. Plus, the rest of the sausage was nasty. Definitely did not recently come from a live animal. In sum, there is nothing special here. It's overpriced, and I'm underwhelmed.
(1)
Mary M.

Fantastic time! Good Value. Considering the BYOB, relaxed cozy atmosphere and seller service which made this a worthwhile place to go. Perfect place for a little late dinner with wine and no cork fees. Which leaves extra cash for the service tip! Ask for Jim Duffy, best waiter they have on staff! Knows his dishes and pairings. Great attention to the table without the hovering helicopter parent feel! :-) Really made our last minute night out worthwhile. Highly Recommend!
(4)
Alan W.

They have the best italian cold cut sandwich (Lucia's Famous Sub) at the best price (under 7 bucks) in Chicago. Consistently better quality, service and price than any other sandwich place I've been in the neighborhood (jerrys-awful). I can't speak to the rest of the menu, but the deli is great.
(5)
Angel S.

I wanted to plan a nice dinner for my sister's birthday and the yelp community recommended this place, so I called to make the reservation. When we got there, I was a little nervous because the front part is only a deli and I didn't realize that the entrance to the restaurant is actually on side of the building. PHEW! They seated our table of 6 promptly with full glasses of water and our BYOB wine. We started with bruschetta and calamari, which were both flavorful and fresh. I went with the seasonal pumpkin ravioli and they did not disappoint! They were filled with spiced deliciousness and firm but not hard. I rarely eat Italian, but Lucia's is a must try!
(4)
Shelly E.

I know Lucia's is said to have service issues, but I have not experienced any. I have been to Lucia's around a 6-8 times and have enjoyed it. Given it is so very close to my house, and is BYOB, my husband and I usually choose Lucia's when we have out of town guests and want to give them not only a feel for our neighborhood, but also a treat. I highly suggest the eggplant appetizer. I am addicted to it and MUST have it every time I dine there (one time I ordered a double order for my dinner). Everyone who has had it with me has been impressed by it. Their butternut squash ravioli, gnocchi, lasagna, Salmon and fish pasta (the one with scallops and shell fish in it...I think) are all excellent. Service may be a bit slow on occasion, but that is due to how busy it is. It is a family owned restaurant, which is nice. Also, make reservations. They appreciate it and I have never had to wait if I have reservations. Don't show up on a Friday or Saturday night with out reservations...you most likely won't get in. The noise level inside is a bit of an issue if you dine on a weekend. We always prefer going during the week. Choose to sit out on the patio if it is not too hot and is open. It is quite nice out there. Anyways, I recommend Lucia's :)
(4)
Jessie S.

So DISAPPOINTING! I had high expectations for this place but it actually turned out to be the WORST dining experience of my life. First - the appetizer we ordered came out with a HAIR swirled around in the sauce. Lovely, right? Second - they failed to mention that the entrÃ©e titled "Tortellini in cream sauce, with fresh mushrooms and peas" actually has VEAL in it. Not a problem for most, but being a vegetarian that would actually have changed my mind about ordering the dish. So, my tortellini shows up and I have my fiancÃ© try the dish too. There's no way this is cheese, he informs me. Then I freaked out!! I went into the kitchen to ask the manager what was in the tortellini. He shakes his head at me and says it's veal tortellini of course! Confirmed - they served veal to a vegetarian. You may doubt me and think, how could she not read the menu? Read the menu, folks ... the entrÃ©e NEVER mentions meat. I wonder what other crap they try to pull off with their customers. UGH! Third - the manager didn't even blink an eye or apologize. The waitress responded with, "Normally when people are vegetarians, they tell me" What, really? In the end, they took my entrÃ©e off the bill and I got sick. And needless to say, I will NEVER return to Lucia's and plan on telling as many people as possible about how this place is absolutely TERRIBLE!
(1)
Eric B.

Wow. Review is only for the deli section. Sam sandwich - focaccia bread was amazing. The Yale sandwich had really good mozzarella. Very good prices.
(5)
Kerry G.

Been here twice with consistent experiences. Both times came with a group and were seated promptly. The ambiance is what sells me. It is cozy, small and inviting. I usually shy away from ordering baked clams due past experiences of what seems like just breading in a clam shell, but we had them last night and I actually tasted a clam! I enjoyed them. The grilled calamari was tender and had the right amount of char taste that I love. I had the mushroom risotto, which was pretty good, earthy and creamy. Maybe pricey given there is no protein, but I still enjoyed it. We love the free BYOB, naturally. Service has been decent. We'll be back.
(3)
WP L.

My search for a great italian sub continues. Lucia's is maybe a 1/2 step up from Jimmy John's in that the bread is italian and not generic sub bread. The sandwhiches were blah lacking in any unique flavor or taste. The filling was very lean and the sandwhich is mostly break rather than meat. They use a very fine shredded lettuce which contradicts their name "Lucia's Gourmet" . I expect more with a name like that.
(3)
Robert M.

The owner and atmosphere was great
(5)
Roger W.

THIS IS ONLY FOR THE DELI. All of the reviews about the service in the actual restaurant have kept me away although maybe in the summer the small patio will win me over. The meatball sub (Robert's Special maybe) and the Italian Beef sandwich with hot peppers are to die for. It's a little confusing that there is no line and often people are just standing around. It's a little weird that you can't just pay when you order so everyone standing around has to walk up to the counter twice. How they make it so wet/moist without being soggy and maintaining crispy bread is just magical.
(4)
Mike S.

byob - no corkage fee the staff is very knowledgeable and attentive, me and wife recently went for Valentine's day, it was a spur of the moment, called tons of places and everyone was booked last minute, we figured lets try Lucia's, we were glad we did, the food was very authentic, and you cant go wrong with byob. will definitely return.
(4)
Mary H.

WOW. Lucia's is the epitome of great Italian dining in Chicago. Let me count the reasons... Quaint restaurant with romantic, candlelit ambiance? CHECK. BYOB? CHECK. Large portions? CHECK. Affordable prices? CHECK. Amazing food someone's Italian grandmother probably made? CHECK CHECK CHECK. I have never left disappointed. Their menu is HUGE with meat, fish and veggie options for everyone in your party. Reservations are a must, as the secret seems to be out about this Wicker Park gem. A great place for a first date, dinner with friends or family.
(5)
Cathy B.

Food was fair and overpriced for what it was. My chicken dish had potential but was dry. Says there open all day but that is their deli, not the restaurant.
(3)
Lauren C.

To be honest, I don't remember a lot about my dining experience at Lucia's. I went with a group of 5 on a Tuesday night - we were one of the only parties in the restaurant. We chose it because it was BYOB (a tradition for our crew) and the menu looked promising. The food was pretty good, but it's considerably pricier than similar Italian restaurants. I'm used to large portions (think Angelina's), and figured these would be similar given the cost. Service was ok - not great , but not terrible either. What bothered me (and why I'm giving the restaurant a 2 star review) is that the restaurant's "policies" are not reflected anywhere. For example, there's a fee for splitting dishes, salads come with pasta dishes (wish we'd known that before ordering salads!), and there's a limit of 2 credit cards per check. I totally understand that restaurants try to limit the amount of credit cards on a check - but put that policy in writing! Put it on the menu, the website - somewhere! By the time we were ready to pay, three of us took out credit cards. Our server argued that she wouldn't accept three, and we pleaded with her to make an exception - the weather outside was awful, and nobody wanted to be the one who had to make an ATM run. After our server "checked with the manager" a couple of times, she finally agreed to take our cards. The experience, plus the cost of the meal, just left a bad taste in my mouth. I don't know if I would come back here - and if I did, it definitely wouldn't be with a group.
(2)
Emann B.

Excellent service and tasty desserts. . But my halibut was bony. A bit of a hazard in a dimly lit restaurant
(2)
Mikie B.

I came here with friends one weeknight this week. Lucia's was the perfect pace for catching up - no huge rush for turnover of the table, decent appetizers and desserts, and accommodating to the three bottles of wine that we sat on the table upon arrival (BYOB). I recommend the bucatini - simple dish, prepared well. I hope to have another lazy dinner on their patio soon.
(4)
Andy L.

I am a picky eater. This review is 90% based on their Italian Beef sandwich alone. It is damn good. BIG portion, includes a bag of chips, and the bread is fantastic. Just the perfect amount of wet without being soggy, a bit of crisp to the bread. Good stuff. I tried to dine in there with a friend, and a bottle of wine, I wanted something from the deli, which was still open, but they wouldnt let me order from it, pasta stuff only, so -1 star for that. Walked out. Fast service, reasonably priced, I order takeout a few times a month!
(4)
Nick F.

Lucia's food and service are always top notch. One of my favorite restaurants!!!
(5)
Tony F.

My girlfriend fell in love with this place the second we walked in there. She was hot, wearing high heels and a cute little outfit ;) and discovered this place was not pretentious. She thought, "damn I could of wore jeans!" LOL just kidding. She fell in love with the food and the atmosphere. Plus I got to bring a bottle of wine. Bonus!!! Anyway we had a great time. Enough said! The Caprese salad, Veal, and Tiramisu were spectacular. Everything was perfect. 4 stars are given instead of 5 because....this is not Italy. However, it is as close as it gets to being a great Italian restaurant in the U.S. Cheers!!
(4)
Colleen D.

I had not been here in years but it has not changed. During the day I've gone into the front where they make amazing deli sandwiches. This particular time we went to the restaurant in the back for a private event - the food was very authentic and excellent. It is still a BYOB so that was cool also.
(4)
Ben K.

A great patio, and great food. Lucia's bucatini amatriciana is a killer pasta dish. My companions both had the linguini a la vongole and were similarly impressed. The pastas come with a house salad, that has a delightfully simple but extremely delicious vinaigrette. The only thing that wasnt that fantastic was our grilled calamari, which went well beyond the standard chewiness of calamari into a rubbery direction I was not a fan of. Come here, sit outside, eat pasta, BYOB. Good deal.
(4)
Nicolas H.

Been here many times and I can now say Lucia's has the best sandwiches in the neighborhood, hands down. The meatball sandwich is perfect and only $6 with a can of coke. (although "Sam's sandwich" comes in as a close second)
(4)
Jeff L.

I went here last night with my wife and a couple friends. I rarely leave such bad reviews but Lucia's really earned it. A reservation was made for 7pm, upon arriving (on time) we were told that we needed to be finished by 8pm. This is rude and already set a bad tone for the meal, but I do understand that it is Friday and that the restaurant needs to make their money on the weekend so we decided to stay. BAD DECISION. After about 5-10 minutes we were brought our menus by a latin girl who must have been having an identity crisis about being a waitress. She gave off a vibe like she was helping us out by serving us. The entire time we were here there was a group of 8-10 people in the corner. The women had drank so much booze that they were literally screaming at one another in their conversation because they were talking so loud. I ordered the baked stuffed clams for an appetizer. They came out as WHOLE CLAMS that had been covered in bread crums. Are you serious!? To top it off they were soggy and had a fishy taste. I ordered the seafood linguine and my wife ordered their meat lasagna. The seafood linguine cost about $25 I believe. It had about four small OVERCOOKED rubbery shrimp in it. The red sauce would have tasted better if it was bought at Dominicks in a glass jar. The lasagna tasted like it had been made last week it left a lot to be desired. From 7:45 - 8:15 our server disappeared. When she returned she asked us if we wanted out check!? It took her an additional 10 minutes to do that for us, but hey she was doing us a favor right? When she brought the check back she rudely asks "YOU DONE?" to my wife and takes her plate. She drops a fork off of the plate covered in sauce on my wifes WHITE SKIRT. Did she apologize? HELL NO She tried to act like it didn't happen. It was all in all a disgusting experience and if I could rate it no stars I would have. I have instructed my friends who were with me to write a review as well. She earned her right to receive NO TIP. YELP FAIL. IF YOU WANT GOOD ITALIAN GO TO TUFANOS DOWN THE STREET. Hell going to Olive Garden would have been ten times better. BEWARE!!!
(1)
Camaraye C.

I went out to dinner here on a Wednesday night with a friend of mine. It was a nice experience. It wasn't very busy but the atmosphere was pleasant. It's great that it is BYOB - and our server was friendly and attentive. He gave us a few suggestions off the menu and my friend and I decided to split one of entrees he had suggested - it was one of the seafood pasta dishes, pretty tasty. He even had the kitchen split the plates up for us which I thought was nice since we didn't ask for that. We also had a salad for an appetizer and the flan for dessert, both of which were good. All in all, good experience, good food...could get kind of pricy but the BYOB helps save some $$. Would definitely return.
(4)
Casey F.

We live down the street from here and it took us over a year to try it. I'm so sorry it took us that long to experience the awesomeness. BYOB with no corkage fee, and the food was just amazing. I had spinach gnocchi with blue cheese and mascarpone cream sauce, my husband had delicious homemade noodles with pancetta. I don't have one complaint or anything I would change about this place. Great service, great food. We will be back. Frequently.
(5)
Katie H.

A few years ago I came here for dinner with friends. I thought the food was great and - since it's BYOB and husband and I shared an appetizer and a pasta - pretty affordable. Flash forward to this past weekend when I found myself in the 'hood with visiting parents and my mom had a sudden craving for risotto. So we grabbed a few bottles from Bin and headed to Lucia's (where mom did not get the risotto). This time we realized the food is actually pretty overpriced for the quality - expect to pay about $20 for a pasta dish, which was just okay (the pumpkin ravioli my mom tried), or $23 or so for an overcooked veal dish (which is what my husband had) served with previously frozen veggies. Service was terrible. Our waitress never smiled and only gave one word answers. She look miserable the whole time and gave us crap information. We almost ordered a ceasar salad to start until she told us entrees come with salads. When husband asked to make his a ceasar she said it would cost the full $7. WTF, then why not tell us that when we tried to order the ceasar? Overall there's nothing special enough in terms of food here to bring me back. Which is a shame because I love a BYOB and the little backyard patio is really cute.
(2)
J G.

The meatball sub was great! The deli is a great place for lunch, highly recommended!
(5)
Jillian S.

Lucia's, you break my heart. I will begin this review with the disclaimer that while my food was excellent last night and my company even better, I still am forced to give you only 1 star. Even though you are the only BYOB Italian restaurant in Chicago I've been to, and I do love your food, I don't foresee a return visit unless I have less than 4 people in my party. This is especially sad because last year around this time, we had my birthday party here, and it was excellent. Not sure why this place has changed so drastically... but it's really sad. First off, our waitress was maybe the worst server I've ever had. It took me at least 15 minutes after sitting down to get a wine glass. The next evil was that apparently Lucia's has a new policy (which I've never heard of before at any restaurant I've been to) that parties of 6 or more people need to spend a minimum of $15 a person. All right, fine - you want to implement a bogus rule on your guests, that's up to you. How about you have your server explain that to your guests BEFORE they place their orders so they can choose to order differently, rather than paying $7 more for their salad? OH and also, how about you put this new rule on your menus, so everyone is clear about what they are getting into? THEN, how about you time it so everyone gets their salads at the same time? Instead, some of got salads and were done with them by the time our friends got theirs. Then we all proceeded to wait over a half hour for our entrees. THEN, how about you don't force your guests to pay 20% tip on their bill for their AWFUL service? Would you even consider sticking with the industry-standard 18%? Ugh, Lucia's. Why did you do this to me? I loved you so...
(1)
Jess V.

A party of 18 people dined here on NYE and I think I speak for all when I say we enjoyed ourselves immensely thanks to the wonderful, kind, and accommodating staff and the delicious food! One dining companion spent the last NYE here as well and told me she has known since that visit what she would be ordering this time: crab ravioli. I ordered it and know what I'm ordering next year: crab ravioli. The portion was large enough to split, which I'm happy to say I did and was contently full. The crab was fresh and was the highlight of this dish, meaning that it was plentiful and not overwhelmed with cheese or fillers, which is rare when working with crab and pasta. I will be back to order this entree again, and to try others. My partner and I also split a caprese salad and grazed on some bread and appetizers. The grilled calamari was very good and there was a lot of "meat" to the dish. This restaurant is a great destination for couples and groups. The portions are very large so you can comfortably split an entree and salad, and it is BYOB, which is also a nice way to keep the cost down.
(4)
Amanda C.

All I have gotten from here was an Italian Beef sandwich and it was SO fucking dry I felt like I had downed a mouthful of sand instead of consuming a tender, juicy beef. The wait to get this dry, unsavory sandwich was odd as hell, too. It was impossible to tell who was waiting and who had paid, so everyone pretty much stood around like idiots until someone who worked there finally decided to try & figure out who wanted to order. My sandwich took FOREVER as well. Waiting babylons for a crappy beef sandwich? Not ideal. Also, I definitely asked for hot peppers, definitely got charged for hot peppers, and definitely DID NOT get hot peppers. Lucia's, Y U NO GIVE ME MY PEPPERS!? Anyway, I was so disenchanted I will never go there again. It seems like some others have had good experiences there, but my first experience was pretty bad... as such, it will likely be my last.
(2)
Colleen C.

Warning! Do not let the cheesy awning fool you. This place is LEGIT. It's beyond legit...it's absolutely, positively darling. Quaint. Authentic. Friendly. Glowing. Oh, and did I mention BYOB? Badabing, be still my wine lovin' heart. A group of 6 girls headed here, wine in tow...we had to make reservations for 930. It's smallish, but so cozy...you'll just want to curl up and eat carbohydrates like your life depended on it. Softly lit, homey feel...the ambience was a stellar surprise. The food? Even better than expected! Bruschetta: crunchy, fresh and ooooo soooooo garlicky. Side Salads: very fresh, well portioned and quick to arrive. Mushroom Risotto: I wanted to make a quilt of it. It was beautiful and filling... I don't think any of us finished half of our meals...rich, rich, rich. Ooooos and ahhhhhhhs permeated the table. So good. The service was impeccable, even for his last table of the evening. Quick with the bottle service, ice buckets and glasses were promptly delivered. Plates cleared quickly, recs given willingly and he was cute to boot. Nicely done ;) We were sad to leave...but all of a sudden it was midnight! The sign of a good meal, you just never want to leave... Def a GREAT date place...or just a fun BYO meal with the gals. Reservations recommended.
(4)
Sara R.

Been on a search for the best sub sammie of late and i feel theres no better saturday lunch than one! So.....i suggested it to the bf the other weekend and on our way we were! I love this spot because i think most people dont know about it for lunch since its a well known italian/pasta dinner spot and BYOB We like doing the splitzy thing-then we get to try 2- so got the Yale with proscuitto and fresh mozz (they do say it comes with pesto/ basil but there was hardly any on there. I USED to have a basil plant and put that biz on errrythang so when there was barely any on there i was disappointed to say the least womp) however still an awesome sammie. And then when in Rome or at an ITALIAN sub shop one must get an italian sub. It was great! All the ushe meats n provolone i find so delish. Most of their sammies come in a few diff sizes too which is nice if ur extra hunggie and no subway sizes either. You can get a 6, 9, or 12-er which i always find nice! Maybe get the big one and save half for later is what i like to do Also it is like a noted a BYOB establishment so being the avid beer drinker i am i had 2 leftover racer 5's in my fridge from the night before and tossed em in my purse to bring them along! why not! its sat-day-no-mat-day! ** they also give free boring bag of lays tater chips with a sammy which is a nice plus. HOwever they carry this special chip brand ive never seen before and they have awesome flavors like 'maui onion' 'olive oil and rosemary' and most recently i got the 'cracked pepp and salt' which was actually a lil SPICY and SO good. Must get the special chips-esp to live up to this wonderful sammie!
(5)
Douglas R.

I hate to give away a good "secret", but here goes. Lucia's. Their deli delivers an inexpensive, fresh sandwich, outside of dinner hours. * The Dining room, is a cozy setting with a few tables for two and a few for larger groups of six. Intimate. Somewhere between formal and casual, but comfortable. ** The food continues to deliver. Fresh. Authentic. *** Service is prompt, but not overbearing. **** There is no fee for BYOA. ***** Lucia's earns their stars by doing everything well.
(5)
Karen B.

so byob and very cute, great date night spot or just trying to impress. the food is good, the fried squid is great. Im not a huge fan of italian bc lets be for real, i can make it at home, but ti was good
(4)
Anna E.

This was an excellent place for a party! There were 15 of us and we pretty much had a room to ourselves. If you were the 3 other tables of 2, I'm sure you hated us...sorry, but we were having fun. We took full advantage of the BYOB and brought vodka, wine and champagne and our waiter was helpful (and so nice about our many requests!) in getting us various glasses, ice and mixers. As for dinner, the food was simple, but good. We started with calamari (sooooo good), bruschetta (I think; it came with tomatoes, portabello and goat cheese, yum) and a few other things, but I was already getting fuzzy from the champagne. My friend and I shared the Chicken Contadina and Artichoke Ravioli. Both very tasty. They also served salads for everyone that ordered entrees. And for my birthday, the waiter brought out 2 pieces of tiramisu and it was absolutely perfect. I would definitely go back here and definitely recommend this place for a party. They were so accommodating and actually seated us right on time on a busy Saturday night!
(4)
Drew K.

My Wife and I stopped in this place based on yelp ratings. It was a in a part of Town that seemed to come alive at night, which we like. When we arrived we were surprised to see a Subway type small dining area. An Italian gentleman asked us how many. We said two. He told us that he didn't have a wait staff up front.....We told him we would sit wherever. He checked in the back and waived us to come in. The real restaurant is in the back with a small deck off the back of the restaurant where we sat. It was nice with twinkle lights. My wife and I shared the gnocchi. It was very good! There was more than enough for us to share as the portion sizes were quite large. One of the best parts about this place was the BYOB aspect which we didn't even take advantage of. We had never heard of this concept since nobody in Indiana does it. On our next visit we'll defiantly take advantage! I would defiantly recommend this place and we would try it again.
(4)
Joseph H.

Lucia's is a charming little place. We had a big group of 12 here and took up half of the entire front half of this place. There is an outdoor space is the back that I will return to experience this summer. Best part about this place...BYOB with no corkage fee. I had the gnocchi and it was very good. Nothing fancy, but a solid dish. I did try a taste of the veal and I wish I could have had more. It melted in your mouth. I don't think that everyone liked our waitress (she nearly spilled wine on someone), but she had just enough attitude for me. If I had to guess, I would say that she was authentic italian. Really a staple of a good place when the staff can truly represent the food. Keep in mind that I thought a dude from Iowa was Irish, so my heritage radar is not always the best. Last words...the bruschetta and calamari was good. Not the best, but I was satisfied. Job well done.
(4)
Jenny M.

One of my favorite hidden gems in the city!! Great Italian food, great prices and BYOB! I hate over paying for Italian food. I think it can be done fairly simply, easily and cheaply very well. This place has it right. Their veal tortellini is out of this world. Just incredibly fantastic. I don't live any where near Wicker Park any more, but I will always make a special trip to go back when I am craving some solid Italian food. Amazing stuff.
(5)
Tam H.

Bellisima! This is true italian at it's best! You walk in feeling like your in your Uncle Puzo and Aunt Rosa's house. I went here for a graduation celebration and the service was wonderful. Although its has a quaint feel, groups can definitely be accommodated. As for the food, the food came out fresh and authentic. My dish came out piping hot. You could smell the freshness as the warm aroma wafted through my nose. I had the lasagna. I could tell by the way it smelled it was going to be a good night. My tummy was going to taste some fresh lasagna that wasn't all that cheesy. I was rubbing my belly after I finished. I didn't dare try the tiramisu afterwards because I knew I feel guilty after this wonderful indulgence of Italian food. Finding parking can be a pain but the food is well worth the pain.
(4)
Ashley B.

This place is cute, small, quaint and a nice spot to grab a bite. I went here after visiting Reina Spa next door and got a nice julienne salad and a small cup of tortellini soup. It was all pretty tasty, but next time I definitely want to come back and try out their paninis!
(4)
Julie Z.

I've been here several times and will continue to come back. Excellent authentic Italian food. I always order the seafood risotto and I am always happy I did. I've tried several other dishes that friends order and they have always been good as well. I recommend going in the summer when you can sit outside. They don't rush you and I've met Lucia herself. Wonderful woman who brought my boyfriend and I a free appetizer b/c she felt bad we had waited so long. Make a reservation if you plan on sitting outside.
(4)
Andrew H.

Over 100 of my fellow yelpers honestly believe this place deserves 4 Stars?!?! No. It doesn't. Save your cash, make your own italian, and eat it at home, where's it also BYOB..... While I love trying new places, this place has made me question whether or not to trust the yelp crew....... Service: Terrible. First of all, one server for the whole place. This would not bother me if she was capable of serving the whole place. She was not. Service was VERY slow and inattentive. Empty plates sat around for a long time. Simple requests went seemingly ignored (ie, can we have an extra plate so we can share this pasta) only to be answered after helping six other tables 20 minutes later. Second, the waitress just was not all that friendly. Third, the water boy elbowed my date in the head, with no apologies...... If so many people complain about service, I just don't get how this place gets 4 stars? Is there a better waitstaff on weekends or something? Food: Again, I just don't get the raves here. Bread was served warm-but it was stale. Salad is just some iceberg lettuce, one other kind of lettuce, and a single wedge of tomato served with oil and vinegar....it's free, so you can't complain too much, but let's just say you'd be mad if you did pay for it. We ordered the gnocchi in cheese sauce and the pumpkin ravioli. The gnocchi were only ok. Buy yourself and potato ricer and try making them yourself just once, it's really easy, and then you'll understand what gnocchi is supposed to taste like....these were "homemade," but I've tasted some prepackaged gnocchi that are very similar in texture. The sauce was good. On the ravioli, the "prosciutto" was not good....like jimmy dean's sausage quality...... Price: $15+ per pasta. Typical for italian restaurants in Chicago. BYOB, no corkage fee. Atmosphere: Quaint, but crowded. Just one too many tables. They leave the door open so if you sit indoors, you experience the mosquitos without the air.... Walk on by yelpers. You'll be happy you did.
(1)
Alison T.

I've been here twice now and both times my entrees were amazing! It's so fun to go with a group, bring some wine, and try everyone's dishes. The menu is huge. Because there are SO many good Italian places in the city, I didn't have high expectations for Lucia's - just another good Italian place. Honestly we went because it was BYOB. But NOW I go here when I want Italian, and BYOB is an added bonus! Both entrees I got were veal - one tortellini and the other veal cutlets. Both SO delicious. And the shrimp/artichoke appetizer is one of the best appetizers I've ever had. The bread is very fresh, the service is good, and it's a very cozy atmosphere. I highly recommend.
(4)
Jenna S.

Definitely the best Italian cuisine I've had in the city. Make reservations - the restaurant in the back of the deli is small and cozy, but tables fill quickly. The restaurant is wonderfully decorated with Italian art and lights. The tables are small and romantic, but if you make reservations they will accommodate a group. This is a great place to take a date. BYOB is always a plus, as well, because you can bring whatever you like to compliment your meal and your mood. The food was absolutely great! My boyfriend ordered the veal dish, which was astonishing. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. I ordered the four-cheese gnocci dish, which was stunning. I have seriously never had better, more savory food at any Italian restaurant. I have visited Italy and this food was as authentic as it gets. The menu also features all kinds of Italian cuisine from Sicilian to Florentine. The service was great and all the staff were very helpful. We asked our server what she thought would compliment our wine selection and I think she advised us correctly. The manager even came out during our meal to stop and ask each of the patrons how they felt about the food and the restaurant. I can only imagine that the deli food is delicious. A lot of the other reviews are good and I will definitely be back in the future to try some of their afternoon food selections.
(5)
Kyle P.

Great sandwich. Very much like Bari's but closer. Would come back for dinner and the pasta in the back room. Love the deli feel...
(4)
Lene K.

I have a friend who lives nearby and we wandered into this place on their 10th anniversary celebration, looking to have a nice dinner. They were technically closed, but had a ton of guests there and trays upon trays of food. They invited us in and told us to help ourselves. I couldn't believe it! After such a great experience, I couldn't help but go back.. I love Lucia's- its a nice Italian restaurant, with a really cute outdoor patio. The prices are reasonable and the service is excellent. Also- its byob! The meatballs are highly recommended.
(5)
Amy S.

Oh Lucia's how you disappoint. I want to eat your food but I don't want to go to that space. Even in all your byo Italian goodness it simply can't make up for the rude, unprofessional service. Nope, can't. The last two times I've been there including just over a week ago there was only one server for the room. And even though there were only a few tables she was hassled, rude and slow. She first sat myself and two friends at an awkward round table pushed strangely up against the wall. It was uncomfortable and not even a little conducive for the three of us to catch up and hang. More like a game of "telephone" where my friend sitting in the middle was the "operator". So we requested to move to a four top that had been opened for a good 10 minutes but not cleaned off yet. Even offered to help clear the sucker. Well, you would think we had asked the waitress to turn our water into wine with the production she seemed to think it was. She also told us that our 3 bottles of wine took up too much space for a four top. Yeah, I know, we didn't get it either. We moved, and cleared every last item off our old table to make for easy clean-up (and no new set-up needed at the four top) and at this point well, we were having a great time together but bad service unfortunately detracts slightly from the overall experience. She continued to be inattentive and just overall rude. So I could talk about the food. Because it is good. In fact the Involtini Di Melanzane is spectacular and the Gnocchi Alla Romana is sigh inducing. And I as much as anyone love byo's. But I won't go back. Because I like good dining experiences and save for my friends and I making the best of it this just wasn't worth it. Boo Lucia's, boo.
(2)
William G.

absolutely love this place! the owners are very nice and the food is amazing!!! try the portabella sandwich with olive oil! perfecto
(5)
Christopher E.

Terrible. This is simply a bad restaurant. The food was bad. The decor was awful and the staff was unwelcoming. There is no shortage of moderately priced Italian places in the city--go to any of those before you go here. We started with the Caprese salad which came out about 96 seconds after I ordered it. They should at least pretend that they are cutting the tomatoes and cheese fresh instead of taking out some pre-cut debacle from the refrigerator. I got the Pasta Amatraciana which promised "Italian ham," which I of course assumed was pancetta because that is the main ingredient of this kind sauce (and was a bit thrown off by their reluctance to name the ham--c'mon, this isn't the 1950s, your diners are sophisticated enough to know what pancetta is). When I got the dish though, I quickly realized that the ham was a low grade prosciutto which does not have the fat content to hold up in a sauce like this. Unsurprisingly, the sauce was bland. My friend got the fillet and ordered it medium. It came medium rare. She politely asked if they could take it back to the broiler to make it medium. The waitress was pissy about it but agreed. It came back looking like a piece of charcoal. Completely inedible. Not only was the food bad, the service was abhorrent. Our waitress let us know that she could go home when our party left and made no effort to disguise that we were not welcomed. Truly an awful restaurant. In the strongest possible way, I encourage you to skip this place.
(1)
Nick M.

Me: Where in the world are we going? Looking at the awning "This looks like it's got oh oh bum written all over it" Group: Trust us; we heard it's very good. Me: Walk in through the front door to find no tables, a weird half wall, and few other things but nothing that resembles a restaurant. Lady inside: What's the password? Me: Say what!??! Lady inside: Ahahaha just kidding, the door is on the side of the building. OK, so the password conversation didn't happen, but it did feel like you needed one to find your way in. There is a sign in the window that says entrance on the side, but I guess we missed it. Even though I was nervous about eating here, I soon realized Lucia is not just your whole in the wall store front restaurant. Though the awning really doesn't help! Lucky enough for me my group made reservations, which I highly recommend. From the time we entered to the time we left there were people waiting almost out the door. I also recommend that if you suffer from claustrophobia don't eat here. You're elbow to elbow as soon as you walk in the door and the tables are a little better but not by much. I don't know how they do it with one small room for tables in the front, a narrow hallway which you bump into everything and everyone that walks by, and another small dining room with a very small corner bar. What I really enjoyed was the service. From the greeting (which came from the owner) to the waiter; all were very cheerful and eager to take care of your dining needs. I honestly can't imagine working there with things being so tight but they do it with ease and with a smile. Another benefit to Lucia's is that it's BYOB and the servers are very fast to open a bottle for you. As for the food, its classic Italian and its cooked very well. I can't even begin to tell you what my group of 8 had but we all sure were quite for the longest time (which is impressive for this group). As all Italian joints the portion size is enough to keep you full for days which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The flavors were all very fresh and very delicious (I got to sneak a few bites from others). All and all it's a nice place for a group dinner and cozy enough for a romantic date for two.
(4)
Jennifer J.

I don't understand the excitement over this place. I love Italian food and especially in Chicago! Lucia's is just "eh." Nothing special and a little over priced for it's basic Italian fare. We got a couple of appetizers...bruschetta and the manicotti. Boring. I saw that a lot of people complained about the bread being hard and I actually have to say that it wasn't so bad. I think that was one of the better points they had going for them. It's traditional Italian bread and usually it's pretty crusty and hard on the outside. My entrÃ©e was the veal tortellini with the meat sauce for $19. It was definitely not worth it's price. Oh well. Some of my friends had different dishes but none thought they were spectacular, or at least close to any of the reviews I read on yelp. Service was ok. I pretty much felt like I had to beg to get my water glass refilled. The one positive of this place is that it is an Italian restaurant that is byob. Other than that, I didn't really see any other positives for my $37 meal...for one person. Overall, this place wasn't anything to write home about. Sorry to disappoint all of the local fans, I just think there is better Italian in Chicago.
(2)
John W.

This place is great for a quick date night or a large group. BYOB and delicious pasta dishes. My go to is the veal stuffed pasta dish.
(5)
Lara T.

#1, you can't ever hate on a good BYOB. We went on a Monday and found the restaurant to be very intimate and quiet. The front of the place is a deli, so don't be fooled... there's white tablecloth dining to be done in the back room. The dining room is small, very romantic and quaint, simply decorated and dark/candlelit. I liked the look of the Rigatoni alla Casalinga dish, but with with an arribiata sauce. It was not on the menu, but the chef was happy to make it for me. The waitress told me that the chef will make variations of items for you if it's not a busy night. Major plus. Oh, and order a side of the meatballs. We were not wowed by the desserts. I'm a cannoli aficionado and was disappointed by the softness of the shell and the overly-sweetened filling. Ah well, not everything is perfect. Will I go back? Definitely. I'm going to suggest it to the BYOB club.
(3)
Andrea R.

I've walked by this Italian deli countless times, but who knew there was a charming, cozy restaurant in the back? OK, apparently many of you guys knew (they even have a "People Love Us on Yelp" sticker on their door- yay!) and now I'm in on the secret! My party of 10 was here for a friend's bday dinner and it's never easy dealing with a table of so many girls, especially when it's BYOB and lots of vodka is involved. And as the dinner wore on we got louder and louder...to the point of playing drinking games at the table. But Lucia's staff was so attentive- they brought out our food at just the right time, made sure we had plenty of glasses for drinks, and even tasted our homemade bday cookies! The food didn't blow me over. The bread was warm and tasty, but the bruchetta appetizer was just eh. I split the artichoke filled ravioli and oven baked tilapia with 2 other girls at the table and while I'd order the tilapia again (since it was pretty tasty, not to mention the healthiest thing on the menu) the ravioli was comparable to my frozen meals at home. But the bill came to $22/person (and this included 9 of us paying for the bday girl) and for that I don't expect the food to be overly amazing. Probably not a spot I'd visit for a romantic night out (there are better spots in town for this), but I'd recommend Lucia's for a big group again in a heartbeat!
(4)
Stacey L.

Decided to give Lucia another try. Owner was in Italy - thank god. Not sure I can quell my tongue after last visit. However, great service and food tonight. Got there early as we had plans following. I had a shrimp over purred white beans app - delicious!!! My husband got the lamb shank - he claimed it wad perfect. I wouldn't know. I don't eat meat. Note however - they POUR the Caesar on their salads. I'd recommend requesting they go light. But second time was a charm. Glad we gave Lucia another shot!
(4)
Miss O.

I have to preface that I'm not a huge Italian food fan but the meatball sandwich is pretty darn good. Solid. Reliable. Meatballs.
(3)
Megan H.

Amazing tasting food. Great pairings of herbs and sauces. BYOB!!! I would recommend splitting an entree. My bf and I did an app and 1 entree and we were stuffed. The fettuccine with shrimp, scallops and clams is WONDERFUL!!
(5)
Aaron Z.

First off, I am not a negative person. Nor am I a habitual "Yelper". However, this site was made for situations like this and I am glad it exists. My girlfriend and I, went to Lucia's after reviewing the menu from home. We arrived and were excited to eat there. We both saw 2 menu items that looked great. Upon arrival, we were escorted to the restaurant and didn't see the items featured on the menu. We asked the waiter and he said that it was from the menu in the front deli. "No worries", he said. "I can have them make whatever you want to eat." One if the items was on special for $8.95 and the other for $9.95. Sounds great, right? Not so much... The waiter was obviously ticked off. He was unattentive, slammed salads on the table and the most upsetting part of the evening was when the bill arrived. Both items were $16.95! The total being $33.90, rather than the advertised price of $18.90... I asked the waiter and he said that the management required him to charge the higher price! First off, this is ILLEGAL. Second, I live in the neighborhood and this is bad business, plain and simple. Lastly, if the place were run correctly, the waiter would have notified us of this fact in advance and sat us in the area where we would not have to pay more than twice the amount for the same food. Is it really worth it to pay twice the price for sitting in back and being treated like crap? No way. This was very upsetting. I will not go back, unless this is resolved. Aaron Z.
(1)
Joshua M.

It's tough to review Lucia's because it's really two restaurants in one. While I've never been to the dinner restaurant where you sit down and get waited on, I have been to the deli counter more than a couple times for lunch. The most incredible thing about Lucia's has to be their prices. Chicken Parmigiana sandwiches are only $7, and they're huge. Their bread, meat, sauces, soups, salads, and drinks (non-alcoholic -- It's lunch time!) are superb. The counter staff are always friendly, and it's kind of nice that they don't pressure you to do anything. They don't demand your order like many other deli counters may. You feel comfortable the second you walk in. I once got yelled at for cleaning up after myself. The woman behind the counter said, "Great... I'm bored, now what am I going to do? I was looking forward to cleaning up after you." It's also kind of cool how if you're eating there, they will just take your order and tell you to go sit down, then they'll deliver the food to your table, and you can just come square up the bill on your way out the door. It makes for a friendlier restaurant atmosphere. The specialty sandwiches are great. Everything is served with chips. Their small ($3-$4) salads are the size of a large salad anywhere else. The portions are outrageous, and I like that. All-in-all, I like that I can go there and get something that's artery-clogging fantastic, or I can go there and get something that even my mother would approve of me eating. It's a good lunch place. Worth stopping by if you're in the neighborhood, but I wouldn't travel for it.
(4)
Lauren W.

This is a great place, particularly when you know what to expect. Here's what to expect: -delicious food! (they served a salad when we only ordered entrees). Pasta dishes were amazing. -BYOB! Bring some vino -Fun, Casual atmosphere. Not the most romantic date location, but a fun place. It seems fun in a large group (4+) and the wait staff is extremely friendly! *Make reservations on a weekend, although you can walk-in as well!
(4)
Lisa K.

Too good to be true...and its BYOB! everything was fresh and authentic. great service make reservations- its a small place and is worth the wait!
(5)
Kathryn H.

I had my b-day party here (18 ppl) over all good experience (delicious food, good portions size, nice atmosphere) BUT... I would say this place is NOT good for big groups. They only allow 2 credit cards per table and did not do separate checks. A huge inconvenience! I also think that the price range is misrepresented on yelp, meals were $17-$27. There is a charge for splitting and a $15 minimum spent per person. I will come here again because the food and location are great but never with a group of more than 6 people. PS- gnocchi is amazing!
(3)
P S.

The day of my *$&%th birthday I decided to get everyone together for dinner before freaking out and hopping a plane to London the next day. Lucia's performed admirably. A manageable group of eight fared just fine in the back room with a great server, the menu, the BYO, the dessert... lovely. Forward a few years to my best friend's birthday and a table of 18, this time in the front part of the restaurant, near to the kitchen. Our server was nice but a bit overwhelmed (we think he had the back room too, though did have help in the form of bussers and runners). Some items were forgotten, some came out too soon, some temperature questions were missed and while the menu said the entrees came with choice of potato, pasta or veg, the server didn't offer and no one but my verbally fearless date asked about that. Our salads were the boring, requisite iceberg lettuce and tomato tossed with vinaigrette. The portions don't lack. I ordered the salmon and while it arrived in a bland sauce, the piece was the size of my forearm. My date's veal saltimbocca was really good as well. They brought my bff a lava cake and ice cream with a candle as well as one for the table, she loved that. The BYO keeps the wine flowing and while on a Saturday night they are busy enough to keep the stink eyes coming from envious waiting patrons, there is no pressure from staff to get out. I think Lucia's might be great for parties of eight or less. Parties of two, even better. More than that and you start to see the cracks in the fresco.
(3)
Lindsay L.

Lucia's turned out to be my favorite Italian deli in Chicago. Luckily, it was located conveniently around the corner from my old apartment. This review is only for their deli ... I never dined in the restaurant. Lucia's famous sub is to. die. for. I really don't know where to start in describing how good it is, so just take my (and my hubs) word for it. And at $12.50 for a large, it's a great deal. The Portabello Mushroom Focaccia is also ridiculously good. Lucia's is a great neighborhood place. If you're in Wicker Park shopping one weekend, drop in the deli for lunch. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mandy P.

Unassuming and quaint...I would never have known this place existed had a friend not casually mentioned the "cute little patio at the BYOB place" . After 2 failed attempts to make it to Lucia's when the weather was patio-friendly, we tried a third time on a cold, rainy Tuesday. This place is a total neighborhood gem. To start we had the calamari, which was of a nice quality; not chewy and cheap like some places serve. I had the pumpkin ravioli (or maybe it was butternut squash). It was good; not terribly flavorful but the butter, rosemary, and nuts that accompanied it made it more enjoyable. I got to sample my friend's gnocchi with blue cheese, which I found to be slightly disappointing that the blue cheese was out of the bottle and not crumbled, but delicious nonetheless. To finish we split the Tiramisu (my fave), the Panna Cotta (also good) and the Mouse (yum). There were many items on the menu I would be happy to come back to try. Fortunately I have a wine rack full of appropriate options to accompany me.,
(4)
Jen A.

Lucia's is a wonderful Italian restaurant and a cozy place to bring a group. And by cozy, I mean small...8 friends and I got together for my birthday here and waited almost 20 minutes to be seated even though we had reservations. That was the only reason why I took a star away from this place. The dining room is charming and I noticed many of the tables had a larger party, like 6 to 10 people with each group. We had a few bottles popped (Yay BYOB!) and perused the menu. Prices started at about 20 bucks for most of the pasta entrees. All of the main dishes came with salad to start with, which was really nice. Everyone was really happy with their food. I ordered the seafood pasta which was excellent. We capped off the meal with several gelatos. Overall, great ambiance and atmosphere with delicious food-- just expect a short wait and bring a few wine bottles and you're set for a great dinner.
(4)
Anna V.

We love dining at Lucia's. It is a true family owned and operated with love. They have authentic italian cuisine. My husband and I go there often. The only thing that I can suggest is: Mamma Lucia I would love to try just some more of your amazing dishes. Some menu rotation. if possible. I do try the specials along with our favorites. It is a BYOB, outdoor dining and very at home in Zia Lucia's and Zio's dining room. I live in the suburbs so I have not yet tried the deli, but our friends who live in the city swear by it and also use thei catering service for our Italian family parties. It does not get any better then cooking yourself. I see many groups celebrating bacherlorette birthdays etc. You will not go wrong. Buon appetito!
(5)
John R.

This review is for the deli - I've eaten in the restaurant once or twice, its very good, but I don't know it well enough to review it. Lucia was part of Barcello's, wicker park's best pizza place that is sadly no more. Anyway, she opened this place in 2002 or so and has, hands down, the best subs in Chicago. Just incredible - great bread, quality meats and really nice seasoning. And the price is right. She's better than Santullo's (gone) and Potbelly (flavor?) and charges less than both. Seriously, eat the Lucia and life begins anew.
(5)
Reena G.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! I threw my boyfriend a last-minute going away dinner here and Lucia's staff was awesome. Not only did they book my party of 18 less than a week in advance, but they were BYOB, reasonably priced and SOOOOOOO NICE! The food was awesome too:) Awesome atmosphere for a group, dim lighting, free flowing booze. Highly recommended - can't wait to go back!
(5)
Matthew M.

I have only been to the Deli side of Lucia's, but I go there a lot. They have some of the best Italian sandwiches anywhere. What makes this place five stars is one item. Their Arancini! Maybe I have not been looking hard enough, but this is the only place i have seen these outside of Sicily. These are exactly like the ones in Italy and I am so excited that i can walk and get them whenever I want. If you have never had Arancini. do it.
(5)
John Blue H.

This Italian restaurant is by far one of the best kept secrets in Chicago! Not only is the deli spectacular during the day for healthy salads and savory sandwiches, but the nightly restaurant has AHHHHMAZING delicacies that will make your mouth water. I had the meat ravioli pasta, and the gravy sauce was so delicious, I couldn't help but devour my plate! Portion control? What the hell is that? My partner had a delicious pasta in vodka sauce with tender chicken and was morbidly full after stuffing his piehole! "it's just so good, I can't stop!" he said! I literally had to pull the fork out of his vice grip to get him to stop. The caprese salad appetizer was flavorfully fresh and filling as well! This BYOB spot is a must do, even if you're far from Wicker Park. Lucia, the owner, is the sweetest, most cating woman you will ever meet, and she always makes me feel like family when I'm there! LOVE HER! This family-owned business is a gem amongst all of the new sub-par eateries around. Go, stuff your face!
(5)
Brian T.

got to knock down my original five stars to 4. food is still great but you look at a menu that says delivery, you pick what you want and you get amped for it. then you call and they say they aren't offering delivery at the moment. this happened about four times to me. And they have such a small window for deliveries, 11 to 4, so you would hope they would have some one to deliver during the time.
(4)
Nana H.

My boyfriend and I stopped in last night because we are going down our WBEZ members list. I've been by this place a lot and just never stopped in and we're so glad we finally stopped in. It's a little misleading at first because it looks like a quick sandwich stop, but its really romantic in the back! It was pretty packed and it looked like there were 2 large tables having a little party there. We were lucky to get a table. We ordered the grilled shrimp and artichoke, the veal scallopini, and the seafood linguine. It was alll delicious! and there was so much!! I had left overs for lunch. If I ate Italian food more often, I'd probably stop in a lot more. I will be back!
(4)
Kori E.

We went here on a Saturday night with a rather large party, and we had an 8:30 reservation! No problemo, when I arrived some of us were already seated. Please note, this place is TINY! We were one of 3 large parties in the back dining room with about 2 or 3 smaller two tops surrounding us. The waitress was phenomenal when trying to keep up with our difficult ordering at times, and she even stopped me on the way out and gave me tips for reheating my pasta dish the next day!! The dining room was obviously very loud because of the large parties, but its a very fun atmosphere with parties mingling with other parties! I would love to come back with just my boyfriend during the week for a more quiet experience. But, all in all, the food was really good, the service was really good and I would definitely come back. OH and its BYOB, you cant beat it!
(4)
Diana M.

I was not looking forward to finding parking just east of hipster ground zero in order to try Lucia's for the first time, but as luck would have it I found a spot right out front! Clearly, this was just foreshadowing to what awaited us inside! As Penny notes, we were a table of 18 seated in the front room. It was a little cramped, but not so much so that you'd really notice it. The waiter was good, though he did have to be reminded that 2 or our group hadn't ordered, but when reminded, he was super apologetic! Hell, the guy had the whole front room and our loud group of 18. I'll give him a pass on that. I ordered the ravioli stuffed with artichokes with a light marinara sauce. Oh wow. It was great! The sauce wasn't the chunky veggie laden stuff you get in most jar sauces (ick), it was a true marinara sauce made with tomatoes and water(?). Perfect! Probably the best Italian dish I've had in a long time. My fiance had the Linguini pescatore (mussels, clams, shrimp and calamari with linguini). He's half Italian and really doesn't like to go to Italian restaurants because nothing is ever as good as his Mom's. But ya know what? He LOVED his food. We shared a Tricolore salad before our meals and that was tasty with a nice light vinaigrette. I was unaware that a salad came with our meal...we probably wouldn't have order the Tricolore had we seen that on the menu. (This is the only reason I'm not giving 5 stars, btw.) BYOB is great, though it would have been nice to have our beers put in the fridge. No biggie though. Prices are reasonable for the very large portions. I can't wait to go back and try some other dishes!
(4)
Jen T.

Great Place for a large group to celebrate anything! Our group of 12 fit just fine and not busy on a Monday night! Good ole' rustic Italian setting, BYOB my favorite! plus they let us bring out own cake and no charge to serve it. We had lots of pasta, appetizers and wine wine wine! Entrees are big enough to share or you'll have enough to take home for lunch to next day. I noticed the deli counter on the way out and they do catering as well. I may have to check that out!
(4)
Jen G.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this lovely BYOB spot! This charming italian restaurant really does remind me of walking into a large family dining room. Tables talk to one another, the staff is unpretentious and the place is really characterized by its warm atmosphere and generous portions. From what I could tell there is no charge whatsoever for the BYOB (they give you a corkscrew, chill the bottles, not much else, but I prefer to pace myself anyway in this type of setting.) We ended up there last night for a friend's birthday (um, Piece quoted the 6 of us a "2-hour wait"--are you serious?!?) and it was such a serindipitous change of plans, recalling the last time we were all there--for two other friends' birthdays. Anyway, I love the fact that the waiter accommodated our family-style order (3 main courses, a large salad) and didn't charge us for the dessert we brought. A place like Lucia's could survive and thrive just about anywhere. Fortunately for us, it resides in a lovely nook seemingly miles away from the 6 corners. Also: cops love it. Not really sure what that means but I saw tons of Chicago blue eating in the cafe part of the restaurant.
(4)
Lisa P.

STAY AWAY! Let me begin by stating that we had two previously good experiences here, but after last night's debacle. We will NEVER come back. We made a reservation for 9:15 and arrived at 9:05 pm. The, who I presume to be, owner came up to us and said that we would have to wait about 10 minutes. Okay, that's fine we were early. Then from 9:15 to 9:35 we were ignored expect for a single "2 more minutes" from the owner.." Finally, at 9:40 I went up to him and he said we've got your table...2 minutes..I said it's either 2 minutes or we are leaving. After that we got a VERY rude "We've been backed up 20 minutes all night, so go ahead and leave." Now if you knew you were backed up shouldn't you have said that when we arrived?! Never received an apology or any kind of ramification for being late with our reservation, these people do not know how to run a business/restaurant. Horrible, horrible owner and staff. I will never be returning or recommending this place to anyone. We left and celebrated my brother's birthday at Club Lucky...just down the street and has good food, GREAT service, and no crappy owner.
(1)
Kelly W.

A tasty little gem in Wicker Park. BYOB, no corkage fee... and great food. I was with a very large party but our server handled us well. There were so many delicious sounding option but I went with the ravioli filled with pumpkin squash. Fantastic. As someone who was spoiled with good Italian food in Boston's North End, this place really impressed me. Would definitely come back and would love to stop in for lunch and try the sandwiches!
(4)
Brian M.

Good Italian food traditional menu. Everyone was happy with their meal but no one was blown away. I had the seafood risotto which had a great balance between the risotto and seafood, a problem I've run into in other local Italian restaurants, the risotto was cooked well, but just didn't say 5 stars to me. I would definitely recommend the cannoli for desert which seems homemade. Prices were great and the byob policy is a favorite. Great place for a dinner with friends or a romantic dinner with your better half. I'll come back here and see if I find the dish that really sets Lucias apart the competition.
(4)
Rose N.

If I could select different star ratings for the restaurant, deli, and service I would. So let me lay it out for you... Deli- 5 stars the food is delicious, you must get the Yale sub or Pork special Deli service- 2/3 stars, they are really slow and even if you call ahead a lot of times it is a wait when you get there, that being said it is well worth it Restaurant- 4 stars, excellent food, byob, just not 5 stars for food Restaurant service- 4-5 stars, lucia is very personable as well her husband and when we celebrated my aunt's 50th bday and were waiting for a table outside she brought us out appetizers, wine glasses and a key even though we had been there maybe five minutes
(4)
Wendy L.

Best Italian Beef in the City. I'm no connoisseur, but in my opinion it's one of the best! I love, love love the Italian Deli in the Front of the House. Hidden in the back is a cute little sit-down type of restaurant. I have to say, unfortunately, that the food is mediocre and over priced for the quality. Service is good. It's very homey and BYOB is nice. Lucia and her Husband run the place and they're very sweet, entertaining people. I'll definitely be back for great service and an AWESOME beef sandwich from the deli - 8 years and counting!
(4)
A F.

Regardless of the other reviews on here about bad service, the food is really good here. I think this place is a little hidden gem in Wicker Park. Durning the day its a deli style dining, you just order your food and sit down in the front of the restaurant. Really casual atmosphere, the food is really good, and the prices are not that bad for the portions your get. I know there is a dining room in the back but that is open later in the evening. We will definitely be going back!
(4)
Maura S.

I want to give Lucia's a better rating, but both times I've been here the service was less than desirable. Aside from the poor service, the food was delicious. BYOB always makes me happy.
(3)
Chirag P.

Had my wife's birthday party there, of course first and foremost love the fact that it's BYOB, so we brought plenty of wine for our party of 10. We were seated right away, the food was great. Everyone seemed to order a different dish, some of the girls did have to split plates due to the size. But everyone liked what they ordered. And the service was awesome. Definitely a fan and would recommend it to anyone looking to save a few bucks by bringing their own libations.
(4)
Justin W.

Solid Italian food at a great price. I love the Thursday night Chicken Vodka Penne special. They tend to give you a lot -- dinner and lunch -- and the price is fair. I haven't tried anything else on the menu, so I can't really help there. Inside it's BYO!
(4)
Erica S.

Another Lent Friday dinner place on the Lent Tour 2010! In all seriousness, I was looking for an Italian place where we could BYOB-and Lucia's it was. I tried to get the man friend to call during the day or at least let me know if going here was set in stone, but he balked and didn't decide that he wanted Italian until 5pm. When I came home, I called and tried to get a reservation. They had one for 6:30, with the stipulation that we only had an hour and a half. It was fine, it was two people. We showed up and sat at our table. The waitress was very nice, even though she did keep trying to push the special pan seared scallops. Our server opened our bottle right away and we ordered up an appetizer right away-bruschetta. Very fresh and fufilling, it was a wonderful beginning to our meal. For our courses, we both got the gnocchi. It was so we could try both and also, because we were going meatless. He got the gnocchi in the tomato and I got the spinach gnocchi. Both were delicious, with HUGE portions. They were so big that I thought to myself that maybe I shouldn't have ordered that appetizer or eat all of the bread on the table. Whoops. In any case, the gnocchi was filling and the sauce was very thick and cheesy. It was a definite plus. A great date night place or a great place for groups, this was awesome. Also, the BYOB just can't be beat. I will return to engage in the meat side of this place, as there were some entrees that looked as if they would be absolutely splendid.
(4)
Lauren K.

Could this place be any more cute? We were greeted by what seemed to be the owner of the place. He was very nice and made sure we were comfortable. Kept checking on the other people dining, too. BYOB, they open it for you! (wine) The waitress checked on us maybe a few more times than I would have liked, but it was good to know we could receive service quickly if we needed it. We stayed a bit past closing time and they didn't seem to mind. Some vegetarian options, mostly pasta. I had artichoke ravioli. Usually with ravioli dishes you don't get very many, but this plate was nice and full and it tasted great. Try it out if you're in the neighborhood!
(4)
Katy E.

A truly great BYOB find in Chicago. The service was great, our food was delicious, and very reasonably priced. Can't wait to go back! Perfect for a girls night!
(4)
Shakeia T.

Last night, a group of 15 of us ate here for my best friend's birthday. I made the reservations 2 weeks in advance and confirmed the Wednesday before. Upon arrival, our tables were ready. We were seated immediately. We had about 15 bottles of wine & champagne (it was a celebration of life!) and Andrea, our waitress was EXCELLENT! She took great care in bringing everyone's food out almost simultaneously. She made sure bottles of wine were opened before we realized others were empty. She was very attentive and helpful. Handling a large group alone can be overwhelming and she did it with a smile. The food was EXCELLENT. It was a trip to Italy without a passport. Not a single person complained about the food, which rarely ever happens. Another great experience at Lucia's! :-)
(5)
Nancy H.

Such a cute and cozy dinner place! My girl friends and I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant on a Saturday night. We made reservations and called to inform them we were running late, and although the owner (?) was a little annoyed when we arrived 20 minutes late, there was luckily a table available for us. The front of the restaurant (which is behind the deli during the day) maybe seats 30, it is really small, but my friend says there is a larger area in the back. The food was great! We shared the grilled calamari appetizer which actually looked better than it tasted (was a little bland), the mushroom risotto (which had a strong wine flavor to it), and the seafood linguini. I was most satisified with the seafood linguini in light tomato sauce. In general, the presentation of the food outweighed the taste, and the portions are just right. Prices are at par for an Italian restaurant of that quality - $14-17 for pastas, and $15-24 for chicken and fish. Lastly, it is BYOB with no cork fee!
(4)
Mario A.

Sorry, had to add another star, this place is truly amazing and their service is great. This is one of my favorite dinner spots in WP. They make good Italian food at a reasonable price and not to mention it's BYOB. I would highly recommend it to anyone and have taken many out of town guests. Only draw-back is that they are are always busy, which in a way is a good thing, you know it must be good. They do take reservations so I would suggest you call before going; especially on busy nights/weekends. If you have a big group then I would advice calling a few days early. This place makes me feel like I'm at a little restaurant in Italy and for 50 bucks and a nice bottle of wine you will have an amazing dinner for two. It's by far one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
(5)
A T.

very tight sitting and table arrangement but acceptable since it gives that italian charm....had the eggplant rollups for an app. very good and a nice alternative to a fried app. shared 2 pasta dishes that were a little above average. the great thing is it's an unlimited BYOB. Bring your booze bottles and loads of wine because there isn't a cap on it. it's a great location for dinner and then bar-hopping in bucktown.
(3)
Shelly W.

Deli is great! Veggie sandwiches are an absolute delight. Always have received great service!
(5)
Flo J.

Great BYOB!! I love this place.. the service can be spotty but is usually nice.
(4)
Margie S.

Hands down my ABSOLUTE most favorite Italian place in the city. It is THE closest thing to living in Italy. The food is fantastic. I just had their oven baked pork chop stuffed with artichokes, with rosemary potatoes - mouth is watering just thinking about it! Desserts are homemade. It is true, authentic, italian cuisine at a really good price. The only thing that sets me back from going there now is that it's discovered!
(5)
Andrea H.

Money is tight, don't spend yours here. With so many options in this great culinary city, I was appalled at the experience my friends and I had at Lucia a week ago. We were celebrating a special occasion and made a reservation for nine at 7pm. Eight of us arrived on time, were seated promptly and ordered a few appetizers. One person in our party arrived late, just as we had finished our appetizers and ordered our entrees. She was greeted by the manager/owner (?), who advised her we were almost finished (not even close) and refused to show her to our table. She found us on her own, promptly ordered (she had reviewed the menu in advance), and received her entree a few minutes after the rest of us. At around 9pm, another patron approached our table, rather abruptly advising us that she and her party of eight had been waiting a half hour for their 8:30 reservation and that the manager had told her they were waiting for us to leave and she should come talk to us if they wanted to be seated. We had just ordered dessert and had wine left to finish... We later learned after a conversation with that group, that the manager had LIED to them and stated that three of us had shown up over an hour late (what??), that we refused to leave, on and on... The food was good. I've had worse, I've had better... We especially enjoyed the desserts, and I want to say our server was great, very courteous, apologetic of the situation, and as attentive as she could be given the number of large groups she was serving. But the manager/owner double booked our table (1.5 hours for a group of nine to have a full dinner and dessert? Really??), proceeded to lie to the people behind us and dampen special occasions for both parties, then when I approached him on the way out, shrugged his shoulders and said, "Eh, what can ya do..." Here's what I can do. I can spend my money elsewhere and hope others do as well. Sure, there are worse things in life than bad service... but why support it when there are so many alternatives?
(2)
christina F.

Go early if you want great service. This place gets a LOT of large groups due to its BYOB, and so the service can be spotty when there are lots of large groups (which, one must admit, are harder to take care of then the same number of people in smaller groups in relation to timing and serving and such). My husband and I have been here half a dozen times over the past 4+ years and are never disappointed. The only time we've had "spotty" service is when we go after 7:30 when the large groups gather. We were just here last night. We went "early" (6:30) b/c we were going to a 8 pm show in the neighborhood. We had a reservation, though the place was not busy at that time. We ate outside on the patio, which is awesome. It is private, and so don't have to deal with passer-bys crowding your table. It is tomato season, so the bruschetta was amazing (don't expect amazing tomatoes not in tomato season). As usual, my chicken marsala was perfect. Light. Large serving for $20 - two chicken breast halves, mushrooms, perfectly sauteed spinach. (also included a salad). My husband had the lasagna. It was also quite good. Our waters always stated filled, and the food timing was perfect. Overall, you get what you get. It may be a tad pricey in some people's opinion, but they don't have a liquor license, so your meal is not subsidized by expensive drinks. Considering a lot of very casual places will run you $10 for a sandwich, $20 is an excellent price of bread, salad, and perfectly cooked chicken marsala at a great little dinner spot.
(4)
Jeff N.

Really like the small, energetic place. Part restaurant, part deli. Went there on Saturday night. Table of 6. Although they were packed, they did not rush us to order or did not rush the delivery of food. I had the pumpkin squash ravioli with pecans on top. Very tasty! This place is BYOB. They may charge a corkage fee, but did not on this visit. Terramasu was a very tasty end to the evening. We were there from 6:30 to 9:00. The manager did come to our table to ask us to wind things up, as they had a 9:00 reservation for our table. Normally I would find that offensive, but #1, they tell you up front that they keep the table stays at 2 hours and #2, the manager was not a jerk about it. And we were there 2 !/2 hours. So it was fair to ask us to wrap things up. This is the kind of neighborhood gem you want to support and keep open.
(4)
Amanda Z.

OK, now I understand why I couldn't get a party into this place 45 minutes before we wanted to eat...it's teeny! But if you're looking for delightful Italian faves and huge portions that are presented beautifully, come to Lucia's. We were welcomed by a sweet man who informed me that he was going to tell those girls to leave our table (I loved him already!) After a short wait, we were escorted to a table in the back dining area. The restaurant is warm and inviting, it feels very Italian. Dim lighting, but not so dim you can't read the menu. And BYOB? I was almost sold before I even ate here. I recommend the Bruschetta (perfectly so-garlicky-it's-spicy...don't say I didn't warn you!) and the cheesy gnocchi (not its official name). I also recommend sharing. There is a $2.50 share fee, but the portions are gigantic, and unless you want to carry your gnocchi around in your purse all night, it's a worthy fee. The risotto is fantastic, and all around the table, ooohs and ahhs were heard. The staff is fantastic, we had good recommendations, and our water glasses were always full. Furthermore, when we hung around until an hour after they closed (ooops!) they were completely nice about it. Good for a date, good for a group of girls, and good for family dinners, stop by...don't let the awning fool you, there is delightful food awaiting you inside.
(4)
Shelden E.

One of the best Italian restaurants I have been to in the city. Been there a few times but my favorite dish is probably the Pollo Marsala. The black olives thrown in to that really heighten the taste of it! And the bread they provide you with is also a pretty good quality with a crust to it. They're deserts are very good, but with all of them I've had, I feel like they are not quite what you're expecting. Service is very good there too. Though it may get a bit more difficult when it gets very crowded. Best to be prepared for it to be busy on weekends.
(5)

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Address : 1825 W North Ave
Chicago, IL, 60622
Phone (773) 292-9700
Website https://www.luciaschicago.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :10:30 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

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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Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine

1825 W North Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622

Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine Menu

Gli Antipasti

Le Insalate

Le Paste Ei Risotti

Nostri Pesci

Le Nostre Carni

Nostri Dolci

Nostri Gelati

Healthy Meal suggestions for Lucia’s Gourmet Italian Cuisine

Gli Antipasti

Le Insalate

Le Paste Ei Risotti

Nostri Pesci

Le Nostre Carni

Nostri Dolci

Nostri Gelati

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