Petterino’s
150 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL, 60601
Petterino’s Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Chicago for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
150 North Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL, 60601 - Phone (312) 422-0150
- Website https://www.petterinos.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
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.
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Bill M.
Went for lunch. The food was great but we sat outside because of funny smell inside. Then we were seated in a window well outside because we wanted shade. Looked up and we had all kinds of paint flakes hanging over the table.
(3)Randy H.
In the heart of the theater district, Petterinos asked about and accomodated our time constraints without compromising the service or food, which was delightful. Maybe it was just luck but we were seated within minutes of our reservation time. All around a great dining experience.
(4)Jessica C.
Went with a friend before a concert at the Chicago Theater. They had no open reservations, but the bar was a very comfortable place to dine. The Raspberry Daiquiri is AMAZING and the food was good too. We were too full to have dessert, which looked really yummy.
(5)Stephanie L.
Yelp has it right...3.5 all the way. Normally I would give it 3 stars...but its a perfect place for a theater dinner=4 Fast and friendly service. :) Easy online reservations with OpenTable...YAY! We sat in a booth, which I love. Our server was quirky, informative, and all smiles. The food is good, its not great. Homemade gnocchi was doughy and pillowful. The spaghetti and homemade pork and veal meatball was good. I wouldnt get it again though. It just didnt do anything for me. I love all the pics up everywhere. It was fun to guess who everyone was!
(4)Amber O.
Food and service was excellent! Great menu with a wonderful variety to choose from. We had the skirt steak and chicken Romano, portions were large and delicious! Would highly recommend and next time we are in Chicago we will definitely stop by again!
(5)Alan M.
Went to petterinos pre-theatre (as many do).. The food was wonderful, the service excellent... But we were just two... And they seated us at a tiny little table for two, at the far corner of the restaurant, tight against the wall (right near the bathrooms). I'm sorry, but at those prices (not outrageous, but not dinner on a budget, either) I shouldn't be eating off a postage stamp stuck in a corner.
(4)Mitchell F.
Absolutely fantastic; both the service and the food. I loved the brussel sprout slaw more than anything. You cannot go wrong trying this place. For downtown Chicago the prices were extremely reasonable as well. Go here with your family and friends and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Mark H.
Convenient! Talk about taking dinner and a play to a new level. Petterino's space literally opens to the Goodman Theater. This restaurant was very accommodating with last minute reservations available and a timeliness to catch the show afterwards. Italian cuisine. Not a big fan of the Lettuce Entertain You World of restaurants. Regardless, the food was good. Tried their rigatoni with sausage. Decent quantity. The sauce was a bit saltier than I prefer. Also sampled the Chicken Pot Pie. All the traditional ingredients on a flakey thick croissant. Nice creation. Not a place to journey out to just for dinner but def be back if headed to the Goodman.
(4)Fredrick B.
A+ For Petterino's! I have dined at Petterino's a couple of dozen times in the past few months for business related lunches. The staff is exceedingly accommodating, the service excellent--attentive without being overbearing, and the food is always exquisitely prepared. Years ago when my business was in the loop I used to be a regular there, and my recent high-quality experiences have lead me to conclude that I need to be a regular there no matter where I office! This is a GREAT place to dine. I might add, that a year or so ago I was on the Board of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, and Attorney Lou Cairo (of the famed Goldberg Weismann & Cairo) sponsored a "Lawyers For Kids With Cancer" event downstairs at Petterino's. The venue was perfect for our reception, the food plentiful, service outstanding, and pricing fair. Accordingly, I would also encourage those in need of a downtown venue for receptions, office parties and the like, to explore Petterino's as a viable centrally located venue option.
(5)ZkarenJ Z.
I haven't been to Petterino's in a while, even though I live in the area. Sat at the bar, and ordered a medium cooked hamburger. Bartender set up the cutlery, and gave me a glass of water. Took a while for the burger to come, just figured it takes time to make good food, but the hamburger came out raw. I asked the bar person to check if I had ordered "medium", and after confirmation, I showed a raw hamburger, oozing blood, with a thin cooked crust. After sort of agreeing is was not a medium burger, "... it could be cooked a bit more", we decided the burger was going back into the kitchen. OK. No problem. But, when it was suggested it would only take a couple of minutes to heat it up, I balked. The burger was cut in half, loaded with condiments, and the solution was to scrape it all off, and then re-heat the burger? In my 60 years eating restaurant food, that particular solution has only been offered at the most undesirable of places. In any case, the waitperson was not happy, and the wait staff murmuring "the guy at the bar" seem to agree, my request to cook another burger was inappropriate. I kept the fries 'cause I was hungry. Order the next burger "well", and rather then it coming out cooked through, it was overcooked, a dried out hard hockey puck, almost burnt. Anyway... no one paid attention to me again. I was not offered condolences, a drink, or any compensation. In fact, I never got my water re-filled for the duration of my stay. I did rattle the ice around a bit just to see what would happen, but the glass was never refilled. Made eye contact and requested the check, that never came. Had to asked twice. Like I said, In my 60 years eating restaurant food, that particular solution has only been offered at the most undesirable of places. Since they opened, I've been in and out of this place, but honestly, during the last few years, I've visited less and less. Their continued "unique" food preparation and staff, have kept me away. At least we still have Miller's Pub and their "old ways" hustle , customer first, and generous wait staff. And, as a bonus, it's also less expensive.
(1)Angelica C.
This is a review on their customer service, namely today's hostess at the host stand. I had a reservation for 1pm this afternoon for a party of 3, we got out of our meeting early and headed over. Upon our arrival at 12:41pm, she said that she could not seat us immediately as our reservation was for 1pm. I looked around the venue and there were plenty of tables for our group! I asked if she could cancel my reservation and just seat us immediately? She said no and immediately looked back down to whatever she was reading. As if my question was an inconvenience!!! She could've suggested sitting at the bar for a few drinks until it was time to be seated. Or she should've asked a staff member to check on seating availability. But she made absolutely no attempt to placate me. Therefore, we walked right out to a different establishment. If you're looking for a place to wow your potential clients, this is NOT the place if you're getting a big dose of haterade at the front door.
(1)Mark D.
I've always had good experiences at Petterino's, so it's disappointing that I have to write this two star review. On Thursday, May 14 my colleagues and I walked to Petterino's for an early dinner. To put it simply, the food was delicious and our server was nice and attentive. The reason that we will never return is because of how rude and dismissive the host was when we arrived. I may have been able to get over how rude he was to me when I approached the host stand, but the fact that he was even more rude and dismissive to my elderly colleague when she arrived is unforgivable. His behavior was deplorable. Attention Management: You may want to retrain the gentleman (and I use that term loosely) that was serving as your host at 4 pm on Thursday, May 14. Despite the good experiences that I have had at Petterino's in the past, the actions of your host ensured that I will never walk through your doors again and I will make a point to see that others do not either.
(2)Trudy G.
Like any restaurant, you have to know what to get, because not every dish is outstanding. I have tried most of the menu, and I'll share the best: The tomato bisque is wonderful- even for a non-tomato soup loving person. It tastes like a perfect blend of spices, and wine, (and tomatoes- though you can't taste them). For seafood loving fans, the pasta Zuppa Di Pesce is absolutely delicious. Loaded with different seafood and a yummy non-red sauce. The short rib is also very good if you crave a home cooking type of meal.
(5)Brett H.
Second time here! Searched this place out as we had a great memory of the first visit over a year ago. The bartender is nice, funny and makes great drinks. Our food was delicious and cooked nicely. I wish the lights were still on the ceiling; however, we sat outside for dinner and it was very nice. For dessert we split a peppermint ice cream with hot fudge that was very good. Definitely will go back. I would give 5 stars, but usually save that for perfect service and perfect/amazingly cooked food.
(4)Amy R.
Ordered the Skirt steak which was the house speciality and could not eat what was served. It tasted spoiled. My friend also tried and could not eat. Our server suggested it was the Chili Butter on the steak I was tasting and never really addressed the fact it was spoiled. Another meal was offered and I wasn't charged for the steak but Management should have addressed the problem.
(1)Maria-Elena T.
Two of us had dinner. My friend, the local, picked it. The place was toasty warm despite the freezing cold outside. The atmosphere reminded me of the classic Italian restaurants in the old days and I half expected Sinatra to come around the corner. We were seated in a roomy booth which I loved. I started with a martini with blue cheese stuffed olives; it was delicious and much needed after the hectic week. For my appetizer, i had with the Caesar salad which was cheesy. The have the anchovies inside the dressing- the way it was meant to be. I would come back for this salad alone! The salmon main course was good. For dessert I had the homemade chocolate ice cream with candied nuts. I would have preferred more nuts but otherwise it was very good. The ice cream was creamy but also mousse -like. Our waitress was excellent.
(4)Debra L.
This was my first time here. I work just around the corner and have passed by many times. My job has a very casual (actually nonexistent) dress code and I felt a tad underdressed here. The place is a throwback to an early 60's rat pack style steak house. The red booths and sleek wood paneling give it a retro flair. Dean Martin singing the classic Volare, gave a nod to the time-travel atmosphere. The host also gave a nice friendly first impression. My friend and I were seated outside. The bread basket was placed on the table immediately. I'm truly a bread fan, but I try to abstain. On the other hand there was this paper thin, crispy, seasoned cracker bread that was absolutely addictive. That doesn't count as bread, right? We truly enjoyed the light margaritas with tequila, pomegranate juice and agave. They are seriously the perfect light summer drink. Being a non-meat eater the salads at a place like this tend to scare me since I've had bad salad experiences elsewhere. The salad I had was wonderful. It had fresh butter lettuce, asparagus spears, hearts of palm, ripe cherry tomatoes, and avocado. The service was impeccable. If your in the loop, or taking in a play at one of the nearby theaters, Petterino's is a good solid choice.
(4)Jon P.
We ate at Petterino's before IL Trovatore at the Lyric opera. We were there around noon and subsequently ordered off of the brunch menu. First, I ordered a "Matilda" cocktail. Heaven!! Highly recommended! For brunch I ordered the Short Rib Chilaquiles - (look it up!) A - This dish was a somewhat latin influenced crispy tortilla tower. It was truly unique, huge and really tasty. Service was solid and the dessert cart was overwhelming. I would definitely eat here again! (see photos as well!)
(4)Kristen M.
DIVINE. Petterino's is magnificent! Outstanding service by our waiter John. Superb food - Steak Diane, cooked to perfection, absolutely mouthwatering!! Andy's Easy Living Drink (Smirnoff Honey Vodka, Grand Marnier, Ginger Beer & Fresh Lemon) is a splendid summertime drink. Plus, we were there to view the private dinning area and the manager, Darius, was unbelievably welcoming and showed us all around. The area has a complete private entrance, coat check, awesome staircase to downstairs, private bar and the entire downstairs is yours - very cool!! *Best tip about this place: downstairs has a piano!
(4)Rachel P.
Had a really great dinner here! Daniel was our waiter and he was so personable. Overall service was warm and impeccable. We had great steaks and a delicious chocolate cake. This is the kind of place you want to return to many times.
(5)Tami S.
Came in for a late(ish) dinner on my last trip to Chicago. I really, really enjoyed my time here. As I said, it was late(ish) and I was crazy hungry. I know it's not normally advisable to chow down on big pasta meals right before bed, but that's really what I was after. On the waiter's recommendation, I had the pappardelle bolognese and MAN was that good. Perfect and exactly what I was looking for... restaurant quality but still "homey" in exactly the way I craved (in my still-jet-lagged state). Loved the warm bread that came before the meal, too. Wonderful cocktails, very good wine list. Warm, "old-school" professional service. Clubby and vintage in the Ring-a-Ding Kid school -- love seeing all the name plates and, of course, the caricatures on the wall -- don't know if it was intentional or not, but near the entrance to the washrooms, the drawings of Joan Rivers and Robin Williams were side by side, two great comics now gone from our world. We closed the place but didn't feel pushed out. Even though I don't like to "repeat" restaurants when I visit a city, I would definitely come here again.
(4)Hannah O.
I might have just not ordered the right dishes, but I was not wowed by the food. I ordered the lemon chicken, which was a speciality, and was incredibly underwhelmed. The chicken was rubbery and the sauce was not very tasty to me. Everything else was fine, but again, I would not pay the amount that I did for what I received.
(2)Hannah H.
A wedding reception was held here and I was pleasantly surprised with the experience - I have never heard of Petterino's, but it's located in the theater district off of Dearborn and Randolph. An Italian restaurant that offers appetizers (such as bruschetta, artichoke, meatballs, mussels, calamari, etc.), salads, sandwiches, pasta, steaks, roasts, seafood entrees, chicken, and dessert. There is a private banquet room downstairs (entrance off of Randolph); you can either take the winding staircase or the elevator downstairs. There was a cocktail reception where there was an awesome waitstaff offering delicious mini sausages in a flaky phyllo crust with a mustard dip, eggplant bites, mini bruschetta, a salad ceviche, and an open bar with some efficient and sweet bartenders. valet parking is available off of Dearborn. When we were seated, we had the option of ordering either the Horseradish Crusted Whitefish, Short Ribs of Beef, or Chicken Parmigiana. A platter of the Housemade Pork & Veal Meatballs were served in a nice marinara sauce; the meatballs were not overly-gigantic, and they were quite delicious - I liked the slight crispiness on the exterior. There was a little cup of Tomato Bisque with a couple of croutons that was very thick and hearty, and it was quite delicious. Warm bread was served with spreadable butter. The entrees were also all very tasty and in large portions - the short ribs were very fork tender, and this came with a side of mashed potatoes. The fish itself was light and flaky, and you can taste the tanginess from the horseradish/mustard sauce - the side of the fresh slawed brussel sprouts was also quite tasty! The chicken in the Chicken Parmigiana was very thick and generously-sized, and this was also a solid dish. The waitstaff was very quick and efficient, and they were quick in clearing everything away. I would love to go back and try out their other items on the menu, and I think this place is a great option if you're in the area, catching a musical! +Housemade Pork & Veal Meatballs +Tomato Bisque +Short Ribs of Beef +Brussel Sprouts Slaw
(4)David S.
We went there before going to see The Book of Mormon last night. All I have to say about this place is that it is the typical Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. Overpriced and overrated. We had the deal that for $34.95, you get to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert. We had the fried calamari and the grilled calamari. The fried was just OK. The grilled was nasty. The calamari was grilled, then drenched in a giardiniera pepper mix and parsley. We then both had the Shrimp Diablo. Another disappointment. The shrimp was overcooked and the pasta was undercooked. The sauce was OK. Desert was the mint ice cream with hot fudge and the Chocolate mousse cake. Those were OK. The service was good. We only chose that place because we had a $50.00 gift card for Lettuce Entertain You. Not going back.
(3)Jeffie J.
Welcome to Chicago's attempt to have a Sardi's (at least Vincent Sardi was a real person; I'm still trying to find out who Mr. Petterino is or was), down to the theater caricatures on the walls. It serves heavy cuisine to downtown theater-goers. In some respects the food is quite generous. The well-made martini was accompanied by three olives stuffed with blue-cheese. This was followed by a generous bread basket well stocked with bread sticks, dinner rolls, corn bread and pumpernickel slices. Then came a massive mound of beef short ribs with mashed potatoes and carrots.The short ribs were quite tender and tasty. If I could stop here, the review would be 4 stars, but MIA service brings it down to 3. Pretty much after I ordered, I was ignored. No one ever asked, Is everything alright? Can I get you anything else? Would you like another martini? The empty martini glass stayed on the table for the entire evening. At these prices, I believe customers deserve a little more attention from the staff. If you can't make it to mid-town Manhattan for your pre-theater dinner, Petterino's may do. Just don't try to use the direct doors to Goodman Theater (as I did); they were locked the night I was there.
(3)Debbie K.
The food was straight from the Sysco truck. We were not going to the show so we became the table that wasn't a priority. When the crowd left for the show, everyone must have gone on break. Maybe it was just a bad night. The peppermint ice cream and meatball appetizer were good.
(1)Patrick And Susan N.
Love this place. Makes no difference - lunch or dinner the food is outstanding. The staff and service is excellent. Love trying to figure out the caricatures hanging on the walls.
(5)Jennifer B.
In town from Dallas and decided to have lunch here, now we have been two days in row and might make it three! Great patio, great food and drinks. Staff is great and friendly. Had Gnocchi with Vodka sauce-very tasty, roasted Brussel sprouts-I will be thinking about them daily!!! We also had the crab cakes which are very good and I'm fairly picky! Keep up the good work!
(5)Allison F.
This is a solid option for dinner in the theater district, especially if you're going to a show at the Goodman. There are several items on the full menu in addition to a 3-course prix-fixe menu with plenty of options for $34.95. I went that route and got the Petterino Salad (aka house salad), Short Ribs w/ mashed potatoes and veg, and peppermint ice cream. The highlight of the meal, the short ribs, were tender and tasted homey. All in all, Petterino's a safe, economical bet for anyone looking for a good meal.
(4)Todd S.
Went for a business lunch today and ordered a salmon Cobb salad. The portion of salmon was extremely underwhelming. For comparison, the salmon filet in the salads at both theater-district Rosebud locations is three times the size. For an $18 salad, I honestly couldn't believe that the chef would let that out of the kitchen. On top of that, I needed to remind the waitress of my drink order and the salad arrived with a mountain of tomatoes after I asked explicitly for none. I'm very non-confrontational and thus I never call a restaurant to complain. I decided to this time as I've been going to Peterino's since I was a kid and don't want to see it go downhill. I waited 10 minutes on hold to speak to a manager. I explained my disappointment and the manager said, "Thank you for bringing this to our attention" and abruptly ended the conversation before hanging up. I wouldn't have said this three years ago but in my opinion, there are much better options in the area.
(1)Samantha H.
I've been here twice. Once several years ago and once recently and had similar experiences. It's great for a pre-theater spot because they always ask what time your show starts and deliver food quickly, despite the large size of the place. The service is average, food is average, decor is decent. Nothing special here but it is a solid spot for theater. Also the bar area is very nice. If they have reserved tables they will usually let you sit in them for a short time as well so don't hesitate to ask the bartenders.
(3)Karen C.
I've only had lunch at Petterino's (it's always been too busy to just pop-in for dinner!) so this review is specific to that. We got there early, sat outside, and had a great lunch. The bread they give you to start is warm & delicious, and there is a nice variety in the basket. I had the salmon cakes that were on special that day, they were SO good. Two huge salmon cakes topped with poached eggs, and a side of cucumber dill salad. My buddy had the gnocchi special & he said it was delicious, but he was jealous of my salmon cakes, so I was nice and let him finish one of them. They were for reals amazing... crispy on the outside, big chunks of salmon, the poached eggs were perfectly done. A ~$30 excellent lunch for two in the loop (no drinks)... not a terrible deal for a nice sit-down meal, considering Panera, etc. is hovering around $12/person these days.
(4)Whitney G.
Great food, excellent drinks, and superb service, though it is a bit overpriced. Some of the entrees are better than others -- the salmon, chicken parm, and spaghetti & meatballs are all highly recommended. They also make a killer old fashioned, for those hitting the bar!
(4)Darlene K.
Haven't been back to Petterino's in a few years. Visited this Sunday before a concert in Millennium Park. Service, decor and location were great as always. Food was disappointing. Chicken Parmesan was like something from a chain restaurant and the short ribs were tasty but dry. Hope the food returns to fantastic soon!
(2)Marna P.
We ended up at Petterino's just by chance bc we were starving, it was Friday night, and the theater crowd had already gone to their shows so, hallelujah, a place without a 45 minute wait! I was a little suspicious at first, but it worked out great. I did the prix fix theater menu which offers an app, entree, and dessert for $35. Being from LA, this is a hell of a deal for a dinner on a Friday night! I had a caesar salad, gnocchi with vodka sauce, and an amazing chocolate mousse cake for dessert. Overall, the food was nothing to write home about, but not bad either. Just a decent meal. What I really enjoyed was our service. Our waiter was great, and overheard my mom, sister, and I commenting on the many caricature photos on the walls and stopped to explain some of them that we had questions about. He struck the perfect balance between giving us info without overstaying his welcome. He was very attentive but not overly so. The dining experience was wonderful. Especially bc we had all come in grumpy bc we were hangry, and family on vacation. ;) We all left in a great mood and not just because of the wine. One other standout was the FABULOUS host. Watch out for that sashay as he walks you to your table!!! I wish I could've taken him home with me just to escort me everywhere around my house.
(4)Fay W.
In Chicago for just one day and came here for lunch before my flight home. Petterino's is exactly what I envisioned a traditional Italian place in Chicago should look like! Service was impeccable, wine was delicious (Puglia), and the pasta was wonderful (spinach gnocchi). The star, however, was the corn chowder which came free with the pasta.
(5)Lauren B.
PROS: The quality of the food was excellent and a good value. Location is great for theatre. CONS: Service was unpleasant. My guest and I dined at Petterino's last week. When making reservations a week in advance I informed the staff that we were attending a theatre performance at 7:30 pm and asked for the recommendation of time to arrive. I indicated that we were available at any time. I was encouraged and assured that there would be no time issue if we had 6:00 reservations since we were a party of two. We arrived at 6:00 and were not seated until 6:12. Our waiter, Danny S. was busy taking orders around us. When he arrived at our table, he did not introduce himself, welcome us, or offer beverages - he dropped the specials menu on the table. We quickly requested beverages and he dashed off. After watching Danny serve all the tables around us, I called him to our table and explained that we were attending the local theatre and would like to order to which he replied angrily, "I know" and left the table. About five minutes later (now 6:40) he returned to the table and stared at the table. We took this as indication that he was ready to take our order. We each gave our three course choices. He returned several minutes later to ask what I wanted for the second course. Fortunately that was the end of our encounter with Danny S. except for an uneventful presentation of the check. I would have preferred to have earlier reservations, enjoyed a more leisurely meal, and not have had to rush to the theatre. I will not return to Petterino's because of the poor service of Danny S.
(2)Victoria G.
It is really ok to get a drink before the show at Goodman but I would recommend choosing better locations nearby. Place is busy and loud. Our table was dirty and the waiter cleaned it by wiping crumbs into my clothes. It is also not meant for a romantic dining experience before or after the show as it is too crowded and busy.
(2)Peter O.
Another example of Lettuce Entertain You doing so well what they do so well. We recommend Petterino's with no hesitation. Sometimes great, always very good classic Italian dishes, steaks and sea food. Mmm mmm mmm! Lettuce Entertain You tomato bisque. Oddly for Lettuce, portions are sometimes not large. Though this may be beneficial, as taking leftovers to theatre is inappropriate and just the thought of leaving such tasty food on one's plate is abhorrent. White cloth tablecloths and napkins. Dark woods. Glistening glass and flatware. High banquettes. A 1930s-'40s Theatre District feel. Substantial mixed drinks, tight little wine list, brewed iced tea and excellent coffee. Knowledgable, neat, quite pleasant servers whose service has consistently been top notch. Let them know when you need to be at a performance in one of the local venues and they will help you to be on time. Nice, compact outdoor area, and half-French doors in the bar open to the street during pleasant weather. All spaces often are quite quite crowded and chatty-loud with busy beehive buzz. ~Peter O. and S.
(4)Julia J.
If you are going to see a show at the Chicago Theater, this place is stellar at getting your food ready in a rush. It's a typical Chicago Steak place with a few creative options (like their brussel sprout slaw) --Totally AWESOME, btw... The cornbread in the bread basket is to die for. The grilled calamari appetizer is amazing, the portion size is decent. (Although they do slightly bread it--and that isn't mentioned in the menu. So, heads up for you gluten-free freaks!) I ordered a salad and made some substitutions and everything came out perfectly. My husband had the whitefish. It was amazing, fresh and prepared just right. Every time my husband and I catch a show across the street, we book a table here. We can count on a good filling meal and getting our check ASAP.
(4)michael w.
I only had the corn chowder, a ceaser, and a beer at the bar so not really enough to give a proper review but my service was good and the atmosphere friendly. Location is convenient to Daley and the blue line. A lot of Goodman theater traffic since it's next door.
(3)Sarah R.
The inside of Petterino's is lovely and the wait staff were excellent. I went with a large group and we had a private room. The salads were all overdressed and by the time the entrees came they were all cold. That being said, groups are HARD to please so I am thankful they kept my wine glass full.
(3)Dave F.
Highly overrated !!! I should have left after being seated.What I saw one of the busboys do was not very sanitary. When you tell him that the water glasses that are on our table are dirty,you get them washed not put on another table!!!!!!! I'm done with Petterinos.
(1)Samuel C.
Very classy place! Loved the decor and the food was very reasonably priced. One of the best chicken pot pies ( and lemonades) I've ever had!
(5)Albina O.
Two of us came here on a Saturday around 5 o'clock. We were seated immediately, outdoors per request. The seats were great! Location is my favorite part about this restaurant. It is in the center of the city, with plenty to look at; yet it's still a very pleasant place to eat outside- you don't feel like you're on a sidewalk. And if you choose to sit indoors, the atmosphere there seemed terrific as well. The food was good- better than Maggiano's, worse than home made Italian. The SHRIMP LOUIS SALAD was fantastic- I'm tend not to get salads at restaurants, because they are rarely anything special, but this one is an exception. The spicy remoulade dressing gets 5 stars. My friend ordered SHRIMP DIABLO- a spicy red sauce shrimp & pasta dish. Good, but nothing to write home about. Serving sizes are huge. At first it does seem a bit pricy for the quality, but keeping in mind the location & the large portion sizes, prices were right on point. The bartender is a miracle worker- SPRING MOJITO is highly recommended. The service was a bit slow, but I liked that! We didn't feel rushed to leave, and the waiter was always around, so we could always catch his attention and ask for a check if we wanted to. Highly recommended!
(4)Steve m.
It's OK, nothing special. Had some calamari, which was OK, though on the soggy side. Skirt steak looked good, was cooked right, but no seasoning. I'm sure they were maybe having an off night, unless my standards are too high. Good atmosphere, waiters were great.
(2)Matt S.
over cooked, under seasoned and overpriced. not a great eating experience however the service was attentive and polite. I'm certain there are better Italian restaurants in the area to go to before this establishment.
(2)John T.
We went to Petterino's before going to see the Book of Mormon last night. The reservation was perfect, the service was great, parking, everything worked out well. My wife and son had the Chicken Parm and my daughter had the Sausage Rigatoni, both were excellent. Now here is the reason for only 3 stars (2 1/2) if I could. I had the Shrimp Diablo and it was probably the worst shrimp I have ever had, it reminded me of Mrs. Paul's fish sticks we had to eat on Fridays during lent. It was the most fishy tasting shrimp I've tasted and as far as diablo goes it should be called Shrimp in a mild marinara sauce. We were just there in January and everything was great and we would definitely go again but I would avoid the shrimp at all costs.
(3)Jason D.
Pass on Petterino's. For an Italian restaurant the recommended gnocchi dish was bland and flavorless. And the "signature" burger I got could have been made anywhere else, nothing special about it at all. These two signature dishes we got were sub-par. One extra star for okay service and a pretty decent grilled calamari appetizer. Afterwards, we agreed we should have eaten at the mcdonald's across the street rather then drop $70 here for lunch.
(2)Irina S.
Super tasty! Very polite personnel, nice location. Portions are not big, but enough to enjoy :) You should definitely taste their bread!
(5)Shayma O.
Amazing food starting from the mushroom soup and the beats salad to the spinach gnocchi and ending it with a chocolate mousse
(5)Billa C.
What I love most about "Petterino's" is its location being directly connected to the "Goodman Theatre", its warm and cozy ambiance and the wonderful wait staff. The food is tasty and quite pleasing but wouldn't bring me back again and again. For anyone wanting a meal before or after a performance at "The Goodman" it is just ideal. Not only are you only steps away from it but in addition "Petterino's" even provides valet parking. How good is that. We went there yesterday (Sunday), a party of 7 and we had a 11:45 AM reservations for a 2:00 PM performance of "A Christmas Carol". Enjoyed a most leisurely and nice meal - had a choice of either the Brunch or the Dinner menu - great variety from Eggs Benedict to Steak. And our waitress was just most charming and efficient - even took a great photo of our party. Thank you for that!! Would love to attach it but seems not possible.
(4)James S.
Nestled in Chicago's Theater District, Petterino's seems to have two objectives: (1) power lunches to the working crowd in Chicago; and (2) evening dinners for the theater crowd. My first impression was that It reminded me of Truluck's in Dallas with attentive staff and a business lunch crowd. The cartoon-ish drawings on the wall also reminded me of The Palm. The food here was good, but I am not necessarily excited about italian for lunch. How can someone have a productive afternoon after putting away a large chicken parmesan (and pasta)? I went with the Chicken Club and it had a good mix of bacon, ham, and avocado with, of course, a grilled chicken breast. The fries served on the side were decent. There were some great sandwiches on the menu (angus burger, short rib sandwich, etc) but their prices mostly exceed $14 each. I was actually tempted for a salad, but those ranged from $16 to $21 each. Great service, good food, and the prices to match its prime location in the Theater District.
(3)Frank T.
Atmosphere great Service great Food very good Drinks good, little pricy One of the better Italian restaurants downtown. Recommend the seasonal old fashion. Only real complaint is the drinks will set you back about $10 a pop, & my GF was thirsty the night we went..All in all solid place
(4)Maui O.
Good food, great service and old world ambience
(4)Geoffrey D.
We love Petterino's. It can be very crowded and very noisy when the theater crowds build, but as soon as it's time for curtains up, the whole restaurant is yours! Try the cheese ravioli or the shrimp diablo for a real treat!
(4)Erik C.
I love Petterinos! This is a great place to go before a show, there is always a prix fixe dinner option. I've been for lunch and dinner several times and it never disappoints. You'll definitely need a reso before a show otherwise expect to wait a long time. They have a different lunch special Monday thru Friday that is always good (salmon cakes on Friday is the best!) The portions are good and the bread basket is perfect. I highly recommend the minestrone soup. The vodka sauce used on the potato gnocchi is so mouthwatering and delicious you'll want to take a bath in it. I've also had salmon which was cooked perfectly. Definitely a must go!
(4)Barb M.
Week night and after being seated, I waited 20 min in a half full restaurant before flagging down a server to order a drink. Service was slow but polite. Had the fixed price menu for about $34. Crab cake is not Maryland style- at least not what I have had all over Maryland. Too much breading, dry and dark brown crunchy exterior. Steak Dianne for the entree was not bad - tender and cooked perfectly. Sauce was under seasoned with a few mushrooms. Looked sparse on the plate. You have to order a vegetable or starch on the side (not included in this fixed price menu) so I ordered mashed potatoes for $6.95 and it is enough for 2 at least (too bad if dining solo on business). I got the chocolate mousse cake for dessert- nothing special but enjoyable. I think there may be other spots with higher quality service and cuisine, but for the price this may be the best atmosphere and food possible.
(3)Karen P.
We stopped into Petterino's after divorce court. We had no reservation but it was only 11:30 a.m. on a Friday. We were immediately issued to find our own seat at the bar. There was a whole open restaurant so they must keep their reservations; at least I hope they do! Next time I will make one if I think of it! The three of us ordered salads and OMG! were they fresh and delicious. I had the Seafood Louis, which contained grilled calamari, grilled shrimp, grilled salmon, and some flakes of crabmeat. It also came with tomato, a slice of avocado, a hard boiled egg slice and a wedge of head lettuce that was truly crisp and fresh. Thousand Island dressing was served with it and I asked for it on the side. You can choose your dressing. My two lawyers ordered the Southwest BBQ Chicken salad and it was ¡tan bueno! So good! And healthy, too. Might have to count the calories, however with the salad dressing. By noon, the place was packed and one could not move. Very hectic lunch hour. I believe the early bird does get the nice quiet at the beginning of the shift. I gave it 4 stars for service. The waitress in the bar moves very slow and forgets things. Not sure if she might have other tables in the restaurant? If the service had been courteous and timely, definitely a 5 star. But, this time it is four stars. We had to hunt her down for the check, too.
(4)Paul F.
Had the veal Marsala and the pumpkin soup. The soup was excellent! The veal was a little bland but the sauce and mushrooms were good. My wife had the tomato bisque and crab cakes. She enjoyed them! Service was overall very good.
(4)Elizabeth A.
Good Italian food at downtown prices -- surprised? There isn't really anything remarkable here except for the cool caricatures on the wall. Other than that, it's like Maggiano's -- tightly packed tables, loud, and carries the regular Italian fare.
(4)Dawn F.
Went there on a Friday night around 7. Theatre crowd had already dispersed and the place... was... empty. So our service was great, but the ambiance was awful. If you are looking for a meal experience with a city- vibe, do not go here. The food was terrific though. Not "the best" steak I've had in the city, but pretty good. Wine list was mediocre. Wedge salad was a wedge salad. I couldn't have been less impressed. Thank goodness we had a Lettuce Entertain You gift card which took the sting out of our grand total.
(3)Ken O.
As a fan of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, I had recently tried Petterino's and I was not disappointed. Upon entering the building, I was greeted by the hostess with a smile. The entry had the 50's feeling with the heavy wood and subway tiles on the floor. There was plenty of area to for me to wait for my guest. On right side of the entry was the bar with plenty of seating and on the left of the entry were seats along with a piano. Once my guest arrived, we were seated immediately. We were lucky to be able to sit in a large booth in the back of the room and next to the wait staff area. This did not bother us. On the walls, you will notice the platters of various famous guests who have dined at the restaurant. Our server, Wendell, was fantastic. He had sensed that we were in for a leisure dinner. He was busy with other tables; however, he made sure we had our wine and rolls. Both were great! We went for the 7 After 7 menu which is very reasonable. I would highly suggest this menu. I had ordered the Calamari, Chicken Armando and Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae. My guest had the Mussels, Four Cheese Ravioli and the Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae. Everything was delicious. No complaints at all. I would highly suggest the restaurant for the food and service. I am looking forward to my next visit to this great restaurant.
(5)Heather D.
So it's not that I don't like Petterino's - I do. It's just that I'm not in love with it, not jumping for joy to go there, and surely not recommending it to my friends as a top spot to dine at. The food here is average, nothing spectacular, nothing interesting. The vibe is meant to be "classy" and the setup is interesting but overall I think this place reminds me more of a gimmick tricking those not familiar with the Chicago upper-scale dining experience that it is in that league when it's not. I imagine Petterino's use to be the 'place to go' back in the day (like the 50's) but simply isn't any longer and trying desperately to obtain their former glory. Some of my fav dishes: The crab cake appetizer. Very good. A must have! Corn Chowder - Also a must have. Peppermint ice cream. - Again a must have! Things I'll pass on in the future: Pretty much all their entrees and sandwiches. Not worth the price and always very average, mediocre even. My boyfriend and I tend to get an app or two, a soup or two, and dessert and that's pretty much it. Final Verdict: I would suggest coming here if you are short on time, forgot to make reservations somewhere better and plan on going to a show or being downtown, or if you really have a hankering for corn chowder and peppermint ice cream! Come not starving and stick to their cheaper items like their three course deals that work for you: offering something you really want to have for dinner.
(3)Juliana R.
After a day at the art institute my bf and I stopped in for nite cap before catching a cab home.... We sat at the bar and had a couple of rounds of martinis that really gave us that buzz we were lookin for after a long day! Bartenders were super friendly & chill and I could not get over the delicious scent of marinara in this joint! I would definitely come back for a delicious dinner everyone is raving about here!
(5)Amber O.
Short ribs were delicious. Daniel. S was very accommodating! He was awesome and even comedic. Also the Motown oldies but goodies was a nice touch! I would come here again :)
(4)Donald C.
Are you going to a show? Do you want a professionally delivered meal that is on-time and contains no surprises? Do you want a menu that will appeal to everyone in your party? I have a couple more questions: Do you love the Honda Accord? Do you wear "smart, sensible" shoes? Do you really believe that "nothing good happens after midnight"? This is absolutely the restaurant for you. You will like the food, your reservation time will be honored, your waiter will be attentive, and you'll finish your meal with time to spare before your next event. You'll probably even say, "that was a pretty good value" as you walk out the door. Go no-handed on your bike. Leave your shirt untucked. Stay out late, and try something new and exciting....something other than Petterino's.
(3)Fred S.
Ate at the bar here last night before a show at Goodman. I have been a Goodman subscriber for years, so I have been eating at the bar pre-show here for years. In the past coupe of years, I have noticed place is slipping. Menu has gone down a bit in quality-but last night tore it. The food was ok, but the service was terrible. We ordered wine, soup, salad and entrees. After 10 minutes, we get salad-no wine yet or soup. About 30 seconds later, waiter passes, I flag him down, tell him to cancel soup, and get the wine. Soup comes as he goes, I send it back, he brings the wine as we finish salads-wrong wine. None of this fresh pepper for salads or anything. Our waiter then disappears for the remainder of dinner. Food comes and goes, nobody asks how it was. Some other passing server asks about desert. Finally, we get check-and we are charged for soup. Three quarters of everything our waiter did, he did wrong. Sounds picayune? Perhaps, but at a price of over $50 per person, you expect reasonably good service, to allow you to enjoy a good meal at a relaxed, comfortable pace. This level of poor service ruins that. Food was good though.hence two stars.
(2)Jamie P.
The best part of Petterino's is its proximity to the theaters. I went for lunch the other day before a matinee show. Location: Very convenient for the Goodman, Oriental, and Cadillac Palace theaters. I would recommend making a reservation if you are wanting to eat prior to a popular show time. Service: Excellent! If I was rating on service alone, I would give 5 stars. Our server understood that we needed to get to a 2pm show, and he timed out our lunch perfectly without making us feel rushed. He asked if it was our first time there (it was) and so he brought us a complimentary piece of chocolate mousse cake. Food: Eh, not bad, but nothing special. I ordered the mahi-mahi sandwich and thought it was pretty greasy. I would return again before a show due to its location, but I wouldn't go out of my way to dine just for the food.
(3)Jim A.
Lunch with two colleagues, no reservations but got there in time to get a high-top in the bar area. Great service. We all had the daily soup, a bean and sausage, which we all enjoyed. For lunch I had the lasagna special, was very good, cheesy, and a very generous serving. My colleagues enjoyed their's as well. Overall great lunch
(5)Peter A.
Old school charm ... great dining room atmosphere, fabulous service staff, and well-prepared dishes. Can't really ask for more.
(4)Cameron H.
Before heading to the Oriental to see Evita, a friend decided to eat at Petterino's (being very close proximity) to the theater. I started off with wine. I was torn between a Red Zin and a Syrah/Malbec. So, of course, what did I do.. I ended up having both (at different times of course)... :-). Both were equally good but completely different. Red Zin was very smooth and not too much body. Where the Syrah/Malbec had far more flavor and slightly spicier, and a bit more fruity. Depending on what you are looking for both are a good choice. For an appetizer, I ordered the fried calamari. Very good and tender (not chewy at all). In keeping the oceanic theme, I ordered scallops. Delicious. They were small but you receive 5 of them. Flavored well and cooked perfectly. For dessert, I ordered the tiramisu. With what I ordered, the prix/fixe was the best option ($34.00). Well worth it. The service was good. The atmosphere wasn't too loud but still fun as there was a nice diversity in the room. Overall, good experience!! I would definitely go back!
(4)Melissa B.
I can't not give Petterino's 5 stars! I'm always begging my friends to meet me here and because they come almost once a week I get turned down. I can't get enough of this place. All of the food is excellent. I'm a huge fan of the salads and the meatballs. I personally find the portions large. I need to split almost everything on the menu. The cocktail and wine list is sure to please anyone. The servers are always on top of their game and make wonderful suggestions. This is the place to have dinner before a show. They always get you in and out right on time. Reservations are always honored and valet is fast and easy. They will keep your car during the show too. ** Be sure to check the website for different specials **
(5)Sheila G.
Went there last night after a show at the Goodman. We are Lettuce Entertain you Gold card members and usually enjoy all the restaurants in the group specifically for their well trained staff. We were extremely disappointed with the service last night. My husband and daughter and I ordered three entrees and one appetizer. They brought out the entrees with a wrong order, asked if they could please send them back until we get the grilled calamari and correct my daughters order. Ok. We proceed, I ordered the salmon with spinach and salsa verde. Horrible, sat in a stick of butter, which was from holding it while we ate the calamari, pretty sure. Assuming the salsa verde was flavorful I spread it over the greasy fish. OOps it's actually pesto with a ton of cheese. Assuming they grabbed the wrong green bowl i flag the waitress down and explain I wanted the salsa verde, not pesto. Who puts cheese on Salmon? She came back with a list of ingredients from the chef, explaining they call it that because it's green. Yuck. Gnocchi was chewy and over sauced. The surf and turf was good. Given we ordered one dessert and coffee I expected a gesture to apologize for the multiple screw ups. Won't go back despite location to theatre.
(2)Peter F.
Service is great. Staff is friendly. Food tastes amazing. Value, absolutely. I always feel I paid a lot less than what I was given. Taste buds go wild. The decor is classic. I really feel like I am in Chicago here. I half expect the mob to ask me to leave because they are having a private meeting. The Prix Fixe offers great options from a large chunk of the menu. An appetizer, a main course, and dessert. I make sure I stop by whenever I am in Chicago.
(5)B T.
We chose Petterino's based on it's location next to the Goodman Theater where we had tickets to see a play. When we arrived, we were told that there was a 35 minute wait. We decided to take a seat in the bar after waiting a while and seeing no movement in or out of the dining area. The bar was incredibly loud, very crowded, and just felt kind of "worn" out. I ordered a filet mignon, and my vegetarian wife ordered a baked potato and a vegetable side as there was not much of a vegetarian menu. The food arrived cold. The baked potato's were dry. Her cauliflower was dry, and had no seasoning. My filet was a poor quality cut of meat. It was on par with something you might get for for $14 at a chain restaurant. The meal ended up being remarkably overpriced, even for Chicago. As we were finishing our meal, nearly an hour and a half after arriving, I received a text telling us that our dining room table was ready. I would not recommend Petterino's for a meal.
(2)B C.
Fabulous food and service. Danny (our waiter) was absolutely fantastic. Everyone was so friendly, nice, courteous, and professional. Will definitely be at the top of our recommend list!!!
(5)Niti B.
Great italian food and perfect for a big party. In a great location after a show or just a night out with your gals. The feel is great and the service is personable. I highly recommend this restaurant to any tourists and locals for a good hearty meal with plenty of left overs to munch on at home.
(4)John F.
We attended a family pre-wedding dinner here tonight. The food was bland and the service was so-so. The highlight of our night was the combative valet who was so disgusting, he actually challenged me to fight over our misunderstanding with him. The Russian Mafia must be running this place. It seems like a nice old Chicago restaurant until you actually get in or near it.
(1)Andrew K.
Our waiter was this enormous guy who made us feel like we were valued customers, even though the place was full. He was on top of his game. The bread is good, the pasta is great, and everything came fast. This place is fancy, the ambiance is appropriate for creative types, and the prices were very good. Thank you to Petterino's! Especially our waiter, he was rad.
(5)Danny T.
The decor of the place is spot-on. You feel like you are in an Italian restaurant. Not to mention the hilarious caricatures all over the walls. The music is just right, and the tables quite nice. The food itself does not take long to come out, and is extremely delicious. The service was a bit rude, but it is usually busy so I bet that can be a factor on the worker's attitudes. Overall I would highly recommend this place for a good Italian night!
(4)John G.
Very nice food in a classic Chicago environment. We were there for their sort of show tunes night with live music and it was fantastic. I would definitely return.
(4)Sandra C.
Every year I go to Chicago, it's a must to have dinner here. The place gets crowded because the theater crowd will stop here before they go to see a show. I love the selection and the portion is generous so you can share with your buddy. The seasonal dessert was fantastico!
(5)Anna B.
There's really no pleasanter way to enjoy a weekday lunch than to secure an outside table; the pristine white tablecloths add a luxurious, old world element & the people-watching potential is endless.
(3)Kelly L.
Petterino's is a reliable business lunch or pre-theatre restaurant. It's not for special occasions. The food is decent, the staff swift, and the atmosphere warm and bustling. I like it because there are few sit-down restaurants in the loop that are not exhorbitant or fast food. This isn't the place to take out of towners if you want to show them our excellent restaurant scene, but you don't have to be nervous about going here either. I've never left unsatisfied.
(3)Enio D.
Walking around downtown Chicago and wondered in. This place has lots and lots of character! Drawings on the wall of famous people a la the old Brown Derby in Los Angeles. It was early so the place was empty. However, it filled up quickly once the theater crowd began coming in. Food was average. I had a beef sandwich - it was a little dry. My wife had gnocchi - ok but nothing to write home about. It was pricy and everyone was ready to serve - sometimes annoying but at least they were attentive.
(3)Eileen B.
I'm glad we gave Petterino's another chance. Despite our trains late arrival we were still able to enjoy an unrushed dinner and arrive ontime for the concert at House of Blues. I would like to thank Adam the General Manager for his assistance with this, providing us with a fabulous server who timed our dinner perfectly with the kitchen so this could all be achieved. The eggplant bruschetta was decisious but did not compare to the ginormous scallop with sauted spinach or horseradish encrusted whitefish entrees. Thank you again for an enjoyable evening.
(4)Jon K.
First visit here before seeing Book of Mormon. Thankfully we had reservations or else we would never have gotten seated before the show. The place was packed and very loud. Nice menu, Italian food basically. We were trying to eat a bit lighter since we were going to the show, so salads were tried more than other things. I can't recall the name of my salad but it was very good, lots of tomatos and hearts of palm with a very good tomato based vinagrette. For my entree I had the crab cake. It was the best I have ever had. Large, but not overly filling. So, I recommend for a pre-show bite. But be ready for tables that are too close together and the very loud crowd.
(4)Jacob G.
I arrived in snowy Chicago from sunny LA today. After few hours of walk I decided to get inside of this nice restaurant. The design is very impressive- classy and simple. All walls are decorated with caricatures. I got a table near my favorite actor David Schwimmer (I have attached his caricature as well) David S, the waiter, was very attentive and knowledgeable, especially in wine. By his recommendation, I got a glass of Pinor Noir, Bridlewood from...Califronia. Plus I also had a medallion steak cooked on white truffle oil. Good service, tasty food, cozy atmosphere.
(5)Jamie B.
Crazy busy Saturday night before the 8PM show next door. We were lucky to get a hightop in the very crowded bar. It took about 10 minutes for someone to take out order after we sat down and we had to flag someone down to help us. We has bruschetta, calamari, and a wedge salad. All were just ok, the wedge was too drenched in dressing to be enjoyable.
(3)Klaus Z.
Great dining experience in Chicago. The server is very nice. Tho the chicken pot pie is not on the menu, he managed it for me. They have a dessert cart with several popularities such as macaroon and tiramisu. Interesting
(5)Susan M.
My husband is a huge fan of Petterino's, so whenever we're both in the area we'll dine here for a late lunch/early dinner. It's always solid. We always sit in the bar area, waitstaff is fun and friendly - everyone hanging out casually for drinks after (or during) work. On our last visit we had started with Calamari, we both had Angus burgers, and finished with the Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae. The burgers were delicious, cooked perfectly, juicy. The ice cream was super creamy - so much that I didn't even miss the whip (they only serve it with hot fudge). We'll be back.
(4)Eva M.
Petterino's is a great place for a lot of options. If you want a central location for a business lunch this place is great. The Shrimp Louis Salad is amazing. It comes with deviled eggs. The Irv Cupcinet chopped salad is a Chicago staple. It's really great. Perfectly balanced with ingredients. If you dine at the bar, definitely get the calamari or the artichoke dip. Ed, the bartender has been tending bar for over a decade and is one of the reasons everyone stops by after work. In the heart of the theater district you can't go wrong stopping here before or after a performance.
(5)Holly K.
Waiter that we had was very attentive to our needs and we had a very pleasant evening. Tried their entree salad and it was quite filling!
(5)Nicole S.
FOOD AND MOTOWN MUSIC!! Great place to sit and enjoy dinner in between shopping. Our waiter, Daniel S., was great and very accommodating. The food was well priced and the Motown music they played was very enjoyable.
(5)Chere F.
Petterino's is attached to the Goodman Theater. Very classy. Great caricatures of theater folks. Extensive menu and 3 course Prix Fixe options for $35. Crab cake appetizers - yum! Steak Diane - good Pork Chop - better Chicago cheesecake w/ fruit top - just right. Impeccable service. Helpful and professional.
(4)David M.
I think this place is great because it's reasonably priced despite the neighborhood. They could easily charge 20% more and still be valid. Great atmosphere too!
(5)Zach G.
I struggle between 4 and 5 stars, but will stick to 4. I really didn't expect to enjoy Petterino's as much as I did, but they really nailed it in food, in service, and in price. Service was phenomenal throughout - our waiter was always there for us, but not overwhelmingly so. Waters were kept full all of the time. Food came out quickly and piping hot. Food was excellent - at our table of four, two had scallops, one had ravioli with meat sauce, and I had the special Frutti de Mare. If one thing was weakest, it was the ravioli. That's not to say she didn't clear her plate, because she did. The scallop dishes were both delicious and the scallops themselves were sizable and cooked perfectly. My frutti de mare was excellent with plenty of seafood. It was a little heavy on the fish, but there were also mussels and calamari, as well as one shrimp and one scallop. I would prefer some more calamari to all of the fish on it, but that's just my preference. We also split a chocolate mousse cake for dessert and it was chocolatey and delicious. Prices seemed quite fair. Wine and drink selection was great. The restaurant itself has an old-world feel to it for sure, but is not as dark and depressing as some old-world-esque restaurants can be. And it's perfect for a pre-Goodman Theater dinner like we had - literally right next door.
(4)Kathleen M.
I really enjoyed our meal here for a number of reasons; first and foremost was eating outside on the patio. Yes, I know the corner of Randolph and Dearborn is not known for intimacy but for people watching, it truly cannot be beat. Plus, it's summer in Chicago, you have to take advantage of the weather. And eating there was like dinner with a show - just the illegal skateboaders/cops chasing them off was worth the price of the meal. Urban theater thrown in for free! We were early for our reservation but it was not a problem and in fact, were alone on the patio for a while, it was divine. Our server was fabulous and the maitre d' was extremely friendly as well. We all had the prix fixe theatre dinner and all three of my courses were very good. I started out with the fried calamari which came with a nice seafood sauce with a bit of a zing. I then had the crusted trout. I was undecided between that and the white fish and the server recommended the trout and told me if I didn't like it, he would bring me the white fish. Hey, how's that for a guarantee! I finished up with coffee and profiteroles, delicious end to a leisurely meal. We then strolled through the restaurant to the Goodman and saw a terrific play. When we came out of the play, our car was waiting for us as they asked which performance we were attending when we left the car. Parking for dinner and the play, $14.00, quite the bargain. If you are seeing a play, I think it is the best place to eat ahead of time. I hope I get to do both again soon. I need to see if the nervous skateboarder has improved his skills!
(4)Lisa V.
I love this place and try to get there at least once a trip whilst in Chicago. I've had the filet mignon and salmon and both were fabulous, cooked perfectly. Knowledgeable wait staff, great food, excellent location, celebrity decor (aka Sardi's NY), what's not to like. It's a little on the pricey side but worth every penny. I highly recommend the Monday Cabaret night, that was a blast. It's classy karaoke, accompanied by a pianist and a lively MC. Songs are all Broadway tunes. Thoroughly enjoyed myself.
(5)Mary M.
I had the baked ravioli with meat sauce (a must) and the tiramisu. Not a dessert person, but it was so good! Overall food was great and the waitstaff was wonderful.
(4)Annie R.
I was here with my friend to grab a quick bite before going to Oriental Theater to watch Wicked last week. It was a Weekday and we were there in time for the happy hour $5 specials. Amazing deal! We ordered beef tenderloin sliders, shrimp something, and one more (I forgot, and they don't have a menu online). Everything was good, but the beef tenderloin sliders were especially delicious. That being said, the service was pretty bad. We walked in, and the host told us the wait is over an hour so we opted for bar seating. However, we were told by the waiters that the small side tables alongside the bar were all reserved. That's odd. Anyway, we got lucky and someone at the bar left so we sat there. however, I had to flag down a waiter for everything we needed, including water. Once we got their attention though, they were nice. But then I noticed some nicely dressed folks walking in, and they just sat at any open table. When an even nicer dressed couple walked in, one of the waiters immediately personally seated them at a table that was barely freeing up. This is why I was unhappy with the service. Better look like you have money to get good service. Btw, My friend and I were both coming from work so we werent dressed up but we're definitely professional and put together. we are also not the typical demographic for the restaurant, being two young Asian females. Another thing, even though they have a great happy hour menu, none of the waiters ever brought it out to customers even when they specifically asked! We found one laying around in front of us (maybe the silver lining on not having attentive service) and happily shared the menu with others sitting next to us. I will not be returning to this snobby restaurant, and will definitely do a better job at searching for other nearby establishments when I attend future shows.
(3)dustin g.
stopped in last night for dinner after a event we attended ..service was fast and cheery..food was great... we had shrimp cocktail corn chowder spaghetti and meatballs and everything was delicious. I will return for another meal down the road for sure
(5)Jennifer F.
This is my go-to place after a night at the Theatre. Old school in a good way. They are always crowded but the staff is welcoming and polite...even when they tell you sweetly it will be a long wait! I don't even bother with the dining room seats...I head straight for the bar tables. There is full service and rarely a wait. My absolute favorite is a glass of red wine and the classic Steak Diane! Although on a cold night you really can't beat their shortrib entrée. Service is quick, efficient and polite. Next time you are heading to the theatre I highly recommend this Chicago Classic.
(5)Vincent S.
This place is very borderline. I've had problems with service here. They don't want to seat you where you want to sit. They save seats for their regular patrons. The service is very, very slow. It's close to my job and I'm accustomed to a certain level of service and quality of food. My favorite places are too far away from my office. I want this place to get it together and FAST.
(1)Bree O.
I am writing this review from the standpoint of planning & hosting an event at Petterino's - specifically a wedding. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the staff at Petterino's. Pamela, the event planner, was a godsend during our wedding planning process. She was always very quick to reply, quick to help, and open to all of my sometimes crazy ideas. Our wedding would not have been such a success without her. Secondly, the waitstaff the night of my event was extremely friendly and helpful. By the time I arrived, everything was set up and taken care of. There was not one detail of the evening that I would have wanted to be different. The venue is absolutely gorgeous. I had no idea, as a regular patron of Petterino's, that they have a separate banquet entrance and room next door to their public space. It has dark wooden walls and a grand staircase, which we actually did our ceremony on. We easily fit our 120 guests and a dance floor. The way the rooms are set up was really conducive to letting our guests decide what kind of fun they wanted to have at our wedding - a quieter conversation in the lobby, lots of drinks in the bar, or dancing like crazy in the main room. Another plus is that small centerpieces (very small vases of flowers + votive candles) are set out on the tables as a standard, so we just used those as our centerpieces and they were lovely. One reason that I liked the idea of having our wedding at a restaurant was that the food would be prepared on site. The banquet area actually has a separate kitchen, so that is a nice touch. Our guests raved about the food all night and for days after the wedding. It was really nice to hear people tell us it was the best wedding food they'd ever had! The pink peppermint sundae was also a nice touch for dessert, in addition to our cake. My now-husband and I are a pretty laid back couple, and Petterino's was very elegant and lovely without having any frills. Even without the over-the-top frills, though, our wedding turned out to be the best night of our lives. The food, service, execution, ambiance - it was all just perfect. Petterino's will always hold a special spot in our hearts. (We loved it so much that I already booked another event there for 2014!)
(5)Anthony A.
My steak was delicious and my baked potato came with tons of fixings which is the way I like it! Very nice ambiance. I definitely recommend & will return next time I'm in Chi Town.
(4)Peggy R.
Just eh. My husband's potatoes that came with his steak were near burnt. My supposedly glazed carrots were tasteless and on the raw side. Probably would not come here again. The food is just mediocre for the price you pay.
(2)Andre W.
Just had drinks here while waiting on a show @ the Goodman Theater. The Sparkling French Martini is pretty good...its a $12 spend though Service was ok as we sat outside.
(4)Vince D.
We had lunch at Petterinos last week. Excellent but a bit pricey. I had the brazed beef that was fantastic for about $20. My wife had chicken breaded with pretzel bread crumbs. Both were excellent although mine was super, I would go back for that meal. The service was ok we sat outside and had some wine by the glass that was reasonably priced. The corn chowder was just ok I wouldn't get that again, also was a bit cold. The place was packed and the servers were running all over the place. You have to schedule this place in advance for dinner just too packed near theater district. Overall very good but pricey but very nice atmosphere. I would recommend for those that are willing to spend a bit extra. Vince D
(4)Fred J.
The food here was amazing! I took a date here and it was a great atmosphere for us both. It wasn't too loud or noisy and the staff was very helpful. The price was slightly higher than average for two, but after receiving our appetizer and entree's I can add that I will definitely be back! Thank you so much for this wonderful experience in the Loop!
(5)Melanie V.
Because of Petterino's close proximity to Goodman, the restaurant isn't necessarily my number one choice. I like to avoid tourists, can you blame me? But, on this particular night, the clientele ranged from clearly affluent regulars, dressed up theater going peeps and...the out of place tourists. Nice mix, I suppose. IF you do decide to venture here, please come for the 7 after 7 deal. This is basically a 3 course meal for $20. Great deal...especially since the food here is VERY good and wonderfully presented. They also offer a 'Theater Menu' (3-courses for $30). This is the menu I ordered off of because I wasn't really paying attention when the waitress came by, so I didn't realize there were TWO menus. (Make sure you pay attention, so you don't turn out surprised at the end of the meal like me!). Fantastic meal, for sure. I'm glad I chose the crab cake (HUGE lumps of fresh crab and not too overly fried) and the chicken pot pie. Check out the picture of it...as my sister described it as a deconstructed pot pie. It's more of a puff pastry crust over the chicken, broth, peas and carrots. I topped it off with peppermint ice cream...based off the rec of our waitress. My nieces and I both ordered this and were IN LOVE with it. It's alot of food, so come hungry! Props to our super friendly and enthusiastic waitress. She did a great job tending to my (usually picky and unfriendly) family. To note: -Check out the tons and tons of caricatures of celebs on the walls. You'll have a grand old time trying to figure out who the picture are of! -The bar has a tv in the back, so you can sneak a peek at ESPN if you get bored at the table. -Most importantly: VALET PARKING IS FREE AFTER 7 (if you eat here). Make sure they stamp your ticket, so that you're not charged on the way out.
(4)Insun M.
Everything about the experience was pretty solid. My favorites of the night were the mussel appetizer was tasty and not too salty and my salad (had a weird name). Probably won't order the short ribs again because it had that sort of "mass produced a while ago" taste to it.
(4)Steve C.
Excellent restaurant in the heart of the theater district. Great food and the servers really attend to you knowing that you are probably going to a show after dinner. This is a top choice in Chicago!
(4)James C.
was visiting some family that worked around the corner. we decided to have a drink here since they have outdoor seating for people watching. my mother and I got there first and requested a table outside for five, as the other members of our party were still in the office. the balding host curtly asked if we were having dinner. when we replied, "drinks and appetizers," he smugly retorted, come back when your entire party is here. when one person cancelled, and it became a foursome, we revisited the host and he baffingly stated, "are you sure??" My aunt is going to suggest to her cohorts at her office of our awful experience to stop frequenting an establishment that treats willing customer so coldly.
(2)John L.
Went to see Motown, the Musical and had brunch here. Sat outside and was never bothered by cars, exhaust, etc. The food was delicious and the service by our waiter was superb. I shall return.
(5)Dallas M.
Meh. I have stopped here several times on my way home from work. This place has been recommended to my by several locals as a great place to eat and drink, alone or with friends. Aesthetically, I love the decor and the vibe of the place. The patio is also very nice. The food is great, but in my opinion, priced too high for what you get. What I'm really not a fan of is the bartender service. I've been several times and have never had a good experience with the bartenders. They aren't super friendly and seem to treat you as if they're doing you a favor by serving you. I kept thinking it was just one bartender, but it's not. I've only sat at the bar, so I can't speak for table side service. The guys who deliver your food are excellent. Very nice. I've given this place many chances and have gone at different times. I'll probably go again because of its location, but it's not a favorite or a go-to place for me.
(3)Kiara R.
Excellent service (Danny is incredible!) very impressive food! This place is underrated on Yelp. It's busy, but for good reason. Well worth the wait!!
(5)S. B.
The best thing about this restaurant is the location. It's a convenient place to eat before or after a show. The food is not very good and there are better options in the area. If you are considering the pre fixe menu, be sure to add up the regular menu prices first. With some combos you can save $10-$15 by ordering individually. Also, none of the house specials (appears on the menu in red) are pre fixe options. Bottom line? Skip it.
(1)Monica S.
My friend and I came with an online reservation, but to our surprise, we didn't need one at 5:30pm on a Saturday. However, that wasn't representative of its food or service. The Farmers Market linguini was a perfect entree for a vegetarian like myself. Not only was the linguini al dente, but it was flavorful, creamy, and nutritious all at the same time. It didn't hurt that it had tons of mushrooms--my favorite food in the world! I finished my meal with profiteroles with my friend! Our waiter was very attentive and made sure that we got what we needed. The -1 star is for the somewhat stale bread in the complimentary bread basket. Regardless, I'm definitely returning to try their prix fixe meal next time!
(4)Ccc B.
DO NOT HOST A PRIVATE EVENT HERE!!!!!!! Although we did enjoy the place and the food in general, the treatment that we received from the manager and the captain was obnoxious and insulting. My colleague and I arrived half an hour late. When I mentioned our contact's name he was dismissive: well, she's gone! (as opposed to: how can i help you?) I mentioned the reception, and that the main door was closed, and he insisted that it was not, that we were wrong. I said that we would like to have a drink at the bar upstairs until the time of the party, and he told us that we could go order a drink downstairs. Except that, as we found out later, that was a dishonest suggestion. I have to say that normally, for someone who is spending this much money (did I mention US$ 4,000.00???) , a complementary glass of wine and a beer would be just customary. Well, ok, we paid for our drinks, but how surprised were we when we found out that, because we were there early (although we did not want to be) -- we had to pay US$ 75 dollars extra!! And the two guys were so confrontational and flashing the contract in front of me! This was so dishonest and unnecessary! AND... the captain said that if the guest stayed any longer, I would have to pay US$75 extra for every 30 minutes. Please note that we had agreed about the time and the price, and we were very clear about it. These guys were just dishonest and arrogant. How could I recommend this place to anybody? I am even wondering if there was an element of racism in their attitude. Apparently, yout they are not used to non-white people hosting expensive parties in their venue and they think they can treat us a servants. I am very disappointed.
(1)Stephanie M.
Stopped in on a Friday night before a show with no reservation... They were able to seat us so long as we gave the table up in an hour. Fine with us. We sat down to a nearly empty restaurant... ordered crab cake for app, delicious... Chicken pot pie and chicken Cesar salad for entrée, both wonderful. The CPP was deconstructed, and tasted soo good! For dessert I had a chocolate cake, forgot the name but it was delicate and delicious as well. I ordered from a prix fixe menu for $30, I'll be back soon. Oh, by the time we left, an hour later, the restaurant was packed!
(4)Richard R.
I've usually enjoyed LEYE restaurants, they serve good food, large portions and always have great customer service....Oops, not this time... My date and I had received 2 $25 gift cards. These were not discount cards but full dollar for dollar value cards. At the end of the meal we presented the 2 cards to the server and was promptly told they were not good for Saturday nights. OK, we did not read the fine print but given that the joint was maybe 25% filled and we didn't take a table from others, concluded that maybe they could make an exception...I asked the server to consult with the manager , Mr. Alan Bruce Ladin, and a few minutes later a brutish and brusk "gentleman" arrived. He basically told us it's the rule and there is nothing he would do about it. He then began admonishing us that we should have been more careful in reading the gift card. I do realize we made a mistake but also know he could have resolved the issue by accepting the prepaid cards. Mr. Alan Bruce Ladin, you do not belong in a LEYE restaurant. You reflect very poorly on the fine brand that Mr. Melman developed.... We will not be going back.
(2)Dawn B.
Tonight I went to Petterinos with my boyfriend before we went to a show at the Cadillac Palace Theater. We had a great time! I had the chicken pot pie and made the mistake of ordering mashed potatoes to go along side that, but the side was not needed. The Chicken pot pie was delicious and was a generous portion. My boyfriend got the ravioli, he said he would recommend it with the meat sauce, otherwise it would be too plain. I ordered the first martini on the menu, it was ok but not worth 12 dollars. The chocolate cake for desert was delicious. Our server was nice, but she had a lot of tables to run between. We still had good service. Our waters were never less than half full, the bus boys were all over filling waters consistently. We had fun trying to decide who the caricatures on the wall were. It was a great dinner to start our night, even though it was a bit expensive.
(4)Angie M.
They make a damn fine cup of coffee at Petterino's. I'd just like to point that out right away, in case you were wondering. If you find yourself in the theater district looking for a pre or post-show meal, Petterino's is the pick of the litter. They totally play up the whole "Old, Classic Chicago" thing. I'm talkin' white tablecloths, framed images of gangsters and movie stars, that damn fine coffee served in a silver carafe and even old-fashioned champagne glasses that are wide at the top instead of the long and lean glasses so popular these days. Its kinda kitschy, kind of fun and kind of perfect before the theater. I saw a show at the Oriental on a Sunday at 1pm, so we decided to grab a bite before the show. Seeing as how I hadn't had breakfast I was SO excited to see that the brunch menu at Petterino's offers both breakfast and lunch options. A cheddar and bacon omelet, coffee and a Bellini for me and a club sammie and a bloody for my date. Perfect. I was really pleased with my omelet. The cheddar was maybe a tad sharp for my taste, but the aside from that I was happy. I especially liked the presentation. The hashbrowns, while they taste like regular hashbrowns, are presented in two hashbrown balls, giving some dimension to the plate. Petterino's knows how to make food look pretty. Also pretty was the complimentary bread basket. Stuffed with everything from mini bagels to cinnamon muffins to cranberry scones, it's a pleasant surprise and a great way to start the meal. I'd go back to Petterino's even if I wasn't going to a play.
(4)Lisa B.
I enjoyed dinner with a friend at Petterino's last Thursday evening. Our server was Danny. We were both blown away by Danny's attention and friendliness. The food was amazing. I'm a picky eater so I ordered a pasta - rigatoni with vodka sauce and it was the best I ever had! The atmosphere was great, a quiet night and our reservation wasn't until 9pm. I would definitely have dinner here again.
(5)Megan C.
Great Italian Restaurant. Right at the price you'd expect from an italian restaurant. Great food! I had the chicken parmigiano. And my husband had the shrimp diovola (or something similar) and both were very flavorful. Great portions. And yummy bread=always a plus. We loved the classy feel of the restaurant and the service was surprisingly fast. We ordered and had our food in -10 minutes. Great location as it's in the middle of downtown.
(4)Caroline B.
My dining experience here was alright, nothing exciting enough to bring me back in a city full of more enticing options. I came here because I had a gift card to use and it was close to the L on a rainy Chicago evening. The service was fine, nothing to complain about. I sat at the bar with a friend and it was about half full on a Monday evening but was completely empty by 7:30, not too surprising for a crummy weeknight in the loop. The menu was very similar to Wildfire, another Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I shared the calamari, had a bowl of tomato bisque and a couple glasses of wine. So I didn't order a main entree but I'm sure it would have been tasty, everything was good, as you come to expect from a Lettuce restaurant. I did not come expecting to be blown away or anything so I can't say I was disappointed but there was nothing to write home about.
(3)Ramone B.
I loved this place!! Me and my friend Checked this place out before a concert at the Chicago theater 4-14-12. The atmosphere was pretty cool. The walls were filled with caricatures of famous celebs. The menu is pretty extensive. I settled for a crab cake appetizer, whitefish for the main course with broccolini. The crab cake was good. Lots of meat and not just bread which I appreciated. The whitefish was good, could have been better. Kind of on the bland side. I tried a piece of my friends steak- It was so damn good!! The steak had a nice chunk of Parmesan cheese on top of it. #Yum. One of the highlights of my meal was the chocolate mousse cake. I didn't know what to expect because some places serve a blob of brown mousse resembling something my cat drops in his litter box. I dug my fork into it and the crust was hard as shit. Not even kidding. I thought I was going to break my fork. I was rather annoyed until my friend showed me why the crust was so hard. It was like a nestle crunch candy bar. I could've slapped my mama that shit was so good lol!! I will definitely be back! I had a drink called a side car which I really loved- Cognac, Cointreau, and lime juice. It was very good , and will creep up on you! Until next time.......
(4)C D.
My boyfriend and I were vacationing in Chicago a couple of weeks ago, and we decided to dine here for lunch on our first day in the city. We were not disappointed! Although we did feel slightly underdressed. Service: One word: excellent. Our waiter was very kind, courteous, and respectful. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and was able to suggest some items to us. In addition, he was very attentive and prompt with our food and drinks. Food: The food was absolutely wonderful! I had the Chicken Parmigiana with the tomato bisque soup and my boyfriend had the Chef DiGregorio's Rigatoni, and we both had a Cesar salad. All of the food was simply exquisit. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anybody. Not only for the food and the service, but also for the atmosphere. The restaurant was very tasteful and seemed warm and inviting.
(5)Christine C.
I have to say...I am quite sad to write this review. I've dined with Petterino's quite a few times, almost EVERY time I have gone to the theatre's in the area. Last night may have been my last time as a frequent diner. First of all, I will start with the one positive thing: our waiter. He was phenomenal, has worked there for 11 years, was very nice, catered to us, etc. He was not an issue whatsoever and was probably what made me give this place 2 stars instead of 1. The food was lackluster. My boyfriend got the special which was the Flounder, he said it was not that great, nothing to write home about. My real issue was with my meal and my girlfriends meal. We both got the Cobb Salad. This is a $16 dollar salad my friends so I expected it to be amazing. It arrived with a lot of lettuce and carrots and not so much chicken and ONE SLICE of avocado. ONE SLICE. This blew my mind. I just paid this money for ONE SLICE of an avocado?! This also wasn't a mistake as my friends had one slice too. This really blew my mind. I wouldn't serve that to a dinner guest in my own home, how tacky. It also just looked ridiculous, this little tiny slice of avocado sitting on top of my salad. I'm shocked they let it go out like that and that the waiter didn't say anything either. I have a Lettuce Entertain You Rewards card, that's how often we dine at them, but I think Petterino's will be overlooked the next time we make reservations. While good service is great, great food is also important and I just didn't get that.
(2)Ashley C.
Petterinos will always have a special place in my life. We had our wedding ceremony and reception at their banquet facility. Our experience with Pam, their catering manager, was absolutely exceptional. A few days before, we went to Petterino's to run through everything to make sure everything was executed perfectly (or perfectly as possible). Pam was great at offering options and was able to accommodate us. The day of, they executed everything perfectly - all down to the little details. I loved that they cared. A guest noticed that after we were officially married, someone ran into the back to tell everyone "they're married!" The meal was cooked perfectly and went without problems. They were always quick to make sure everything was going perfect - when they found out that I accidentally received the sparkling grape juice for champagne, I had one if not more glasses of champagne always nearby. Sergio, the coordinator that evening, was exceptional and very observant. For instance, when I was giving grandma a hug goodbye (and tearing up), I immediately had a small pack of kleenex in my hands thanks to Sergio. We were both just very impressed and would highly recommend Petterino's for a private event. Of course, since we had our wedding there, we have been in to the restaurant a few times. Now, I can understand that the service can be slow. Yet, when they were slow, they were quick to compensate us with dessert and/or drinks. We've always had excellent food when there. I am a fan of their salads - I find that they are fantastic and accommodate my direction well (substitute this cheese, this on the side, etc) - honestly, by the end of it, I've made my own salad. I can be a pain, but they don't mind at all. Yet, it's always delicious. I highly recommend reservations or going to the restaurant after 7:30. The place gets a lot of theater go-ers between 5-7:30 and it gets very busy. It is an entirely different restaurant after 7:30. Out of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, this is one of my favorites.
(5)Rachel H.
So, I'll be 30 tomorrow, and my maturity is apparently showing. I'm giving this joint 4 stars instead of 3, which I was tempted to do simply because I was in a surly mood the evening I dined there. I know, I know, but I didn't do it! Really my main qualm with the restaurant was being stuck in the cramped front area even though I had a reservation, but I'll move on. They have a variety of options outside their regular menu including a couple of prix fixe options. We did the 7 after 7 menu, which is $19.95 and you can choose from a listing of 7 of starters, entrees, and desserts. Risotto fritters were excellently cheesy, and I really enjoyed the Yankee pot roast which is part of what made me learn the error of my ways and put this 4th star on. We also shared a bruschetta starter and my pink peppermint ice cream with a little creamer filled with homemade hot fudge was a sweet ending. Our service was fine throughout the meal, nothing noteworthy, until our server very kindly gave me LEYE points on the remainder of our dinner after I'd used some points to pay for part of it. Apparently they're not supposed to do that, which I think is bunk, but at least I got my points. I'm such a freak. Since I work nearby, I'll probably check Petterino's out again for a nice lunch or happy hour.
(4)Stefanie J.
Really good bolognese. I guess this place could pass as casual, but the clientele did seem a bit on the older, more reserved, and dressier side.
(3)Judy H.
DO NOT HAVE A PRIVATE PARTY HERE. Unless of course you want to be ripped off. The food and beverage minimum was a very low $1200, however they're sneaky and have the waiters walk around and continuiously refill the wine glasses, even without the guests asking for more. Not to mention the fact that an open bar was on our contract, however the waiter would walk up to our guests, holding two bottles of wine, and asking "would you like something to drink?". Of course our guests are going to assume it's wine only. This is probably because the bar is upstairs and them lazy-asses didn't want to walk up and down those stairs. I solved that by announcing to our group that we had an open bar. Too bad it was after the waiter had already poured 35 glasses to start (92 glasses total), most of which weren't consumed. The "oriental theater menu" (btw....the fact that they use the word oriental drives me insane), was okay, except for the fact that the shrimp cocktail was three measly pieces of shrimp on a tiny plate, not presented well, and the waiter didn't ask any of the guests who chose the filet how they wanted it cooked. Everyone who chose the filet got a very rare filet, most of our guests didn't even eat it (but were too kind to complain). Oh, and how about the fact that as the host, I arrive early to hopefully be greeted and thanked by a manager (because the restaurant where I held the exact same party the night before did that), but that didn't happen. Once they heard "private party", they just sent me downstairs. Very rude. Lastly, our menus were printed wrong. Who gets wilted spinich with their chocolate mousse? $3600 later, I leave, very upset. I am going to have to find a new restaurant to hold this party at next year.
(1)Mac M.
Enjoyed the ambiance of the place. Seemed like it was full of people going to the various theaters nearby, don't know the mix of tourists to locals. My wife had the Chicken Armand ($19) which was served with a sauce and that's all, I had the Beef Short Ribs ($22), served with mashed potatoes and a few vegetables. Being from Texas, we compared it to having chicken fried chicken and pot roast. We each also had salads (a house and a Caesar) which were good ($6). She thought it odd that they only offer Lasagna as a weeknight special, I thought it odd that their choice of music was 70's disco, complete with Donna Summer. Total bill was about $63 with one iced tea (never refilled), one water (kept full). Had about a 10 minute wait, 6 pm on a Sunday night, no reservations.
(3)Michael D.
Petterino's is located in the Loop theater district and offers an extensive menu with an Italian slant. The dining area is stylishly decorated with red upholstered booths and tables with white tablecloths. Hundreds of caricatures of theater artists and celebrities as well as large dance scenes adorn the walls and up front is a long bar. All of this and the crowds of patrons combine to create a very exciting and vibrant atmosphere intentionally reminiscent of the premier theater district supper clubs of the 1940s. On a recent weeknight my wife and I stopped in before a play without a reservation. The place was crowed with a wait for table service but we were lucky to snag a couple of seats at the bar. We each had a drink that was well made and a good pour. Wanting something light, my wife had the appetizer of pork and veal meatballs in tomato sauce, and I had the grilled chicken club sandwich accompanied by French fries. The meatballs were very well made and tasty. My sandwich, which was prepared with a whole chicken breast and avocados, was delicious, and my fries were crisp and flavorful. The service was very efficient and competent. Petterino's is part of the Lettuce Entertain You (LEY) group of restaurants. Although I avoid chain eateries, I have found the LEY establishments to be exceptional and Petterino's to be one the best. Petterino's food and drinks are high quality at reasonable prices, the service is professional, and the vibe is animated but extremely enjoyable. Highly recommended, perfect for pre-theater dinner.
(5)David C.
In terms of rating a food place 5 stars I figure you have to start with 5 and deduct from there. Everything was excellent. The service and the way it was set up was perfect. We ordered out app (the crab cake) and it came out like right away, I thought it may have been pre-made, but when I put my fork to it there was no rubbery, stale sitting under the heat lamp feel to it, it was hot and tasty and wonderful and the corn and red pepper concoction under it was nice too. TIMING: it seemed to me that everything here is about timing, the place was busy and everything came out right on time. A runner would bring the app, then the waiter took the plates, then the runner brought the food, then the waiter would pop right back over and say "good, everything is there" as though they are running some sort of mathematical equation to how they do things. The only bad thing, and it was minor, was that I like my beer a little colder and the base of the Stella Artois glass was chipped at the base. It's petty, but that's the only thing that could have made it perfect. 4 stars that on any other day would be 5.
(4)Linda B.
Absolutely amazing experience! We went for lunch, waited only fifteen minutes for a table. All during our visit the staff went out of their way to please us. We mistakenly arrived on a Sunday during brunch but the chef, when told we had come in to try the chicken pot pie (our daughter) immediately offered to make it for her. It was so flaky and creamy. My burger was the best I have had. REALLY NO KIDDING! Each of our meals was perfectly prepared. We were even offered free desserts from the scrumptious dessert cart as it was still brunch. I can't wait to return!
(4)Rebecca C.
My friend and I were welcome to remain in the restaurant on a Friday night, for 4.5 hrs. and were treated like royalty. Our meals were delicious and the waitstaff couldn't be kinder or more efficient. I've dined at Petterino's many times, and it's always a place to relax, enjoy the food and glad I chose this restaurant!
(5)Deb G.
This review is for the banquet room, where the guy and I attended a wedding rehearsal dinner. I loved the space! I thought the separate entrance and walk down the big staircase was great. For this event, drinks and hors d'oeuvres were served in the bar area. The bartenders were efficient and friendly. We had dinner in the main banquet room, which had a lovely atmosphere. The food was only ok - the rolls served on the table were one step away from burnt and the salads either had too little or too much dressing. My chicken Marsala came only with mashed potatoes, so it was a plate of brown food. A few green beans on the side would gone a long way in presentation. I did like the dessert table, though - cute presentation and anything I tried was very tasty!
(3)Monique U.
The decor here is very old school Chicago, which i appreciate. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. I had the gnocchi in vodka sauce for $17. It was good, but quite rich so I couldn't finish it all in one sitting.The waiter recommended a pinot noir to complement my gnocchi and it was perfect. We split a cheesecake for dessert and it was also tasty. Again, very rich, so I'd recommend splitting it. Definitely a theatre crowd and more business oriented clientel though. I don't see 20 somethings seeking this place out for a night on the town, especially since the wine comes at $11 a glass.
(4)Tima D.
Great food & great drinks! I love going here in the summer and sitting on the patio. Beautiful place and great staff...plus the food is great too!
(4)Suzanne C.
Nice. Clean. Comfortable. Tomato Bisque was gooood! I had the Chicken Armand which was pretty good. Would have been nicer with some asparagus and maybe linguine lol. My friend had the salmon omelet and salad. It looked picture perfect. She said it was pretty good. Considering it is Petterino's, I was not going to be surprised if wait staff and/or hosts were snobby but I was surprised when they weren't. We were not rushed... matter of fact the waiter came by 3 times before we actually ordered and was still insanely pleasant. :) Petterino's was a nice lunch but I wasn't wow'd. Not that you need to be for every place in Chicago you eat. Comparably speaking, it was good and nice. My friend is on a no-carbs diet so I had the bread basket all to myself lol
(3)Rachel L.
I am, alas, sensitive to wheat, so I'm grateful when restaurants try to accommodate people like me, especially Italian places. There are a couple of methods restaurants seem to have when approaching this type of food need. (I should point out here that the choice of place was a friend's). Some have foods set aside specifically for gluten free requests. They discovered gluten free bread and pasta. These items can sit along side the regular menu items. Then there's the method of offering normal menu items without the gluten-laden ingredients. There's nothing wrong with this; it can communicate the desire to work with a customer. However, if your approach to gluten free is only the latter, it just looks lazy. Of course, based on the low star rating, you can guess that Petterino's has taken the latter route. There's nothing wrong with offering regular menu items without certain ingredients, but it sure is a lazy road to take for a fancy Italian spot. I was also a bit upset with our waitress in handling my needs. She wasn't familiar with the gluten free menu, and me ordering from it turned into a small debacle. The last thing you want when you're out with friends is to make ordering food a big deal. Being unable to eat wheat can make you a bit crabby when large baskets of bread are placed in front of you and you can't have it (and you can smell it). But see, the gluten free menu at Petterino's doesn't have descriptions. And it isn't clear what's offered (for the record, if the item isn't on the regular menu you're also holding, it's only available during a different sitting). So I needed some clarification, and the waitress squinted at the special menu, trying to figure out what's actually available. Maybe I was feeling overly sensitive at the moment, but when she finally took my order, I was nearly ready to cry. The salad itself was ok. It was decently tasty, but nothing special. Since they haven't discovered gluten-free pasta, I couldn't have pasta. For $16 I do expect to have more than one measly slice of avocado. At the end of the meal, they gave us a slice of cheesecake on the house (not sure why). When the waitress put out forks for everyone, she told us about the cheesecake and turning to me said (I'm not making this up), "And you can have some blueberries." Because I can't have the cheesecake, but I can have the blueberry sauce that's dribbled on the side. Wooohoooo! It's dessert party time people!! Overall, I think that our waitress was trying, but I think she simply didn't know what to do with me and maybe got flustered. Why else would you ask the gluten-free person at the table if the table wants more bread?
(1)Lauren T.
Petterino's was an amazing treat during our Chicago trip! My fiance surprised me and proposed to me on our Chicago trip. We had reservations at Petterino's. His mother called without our knowledge, told them we just got engaged and they put us in the best table of the restaurant. Jose was our waiter and certainly made the evening a success. Their staff is friendly, the food is to die for and prices aren't horrible considering it's a steakhouse. We will be at Petterino's next time we are in Chicago!
(5)Atinuke A.
Do you like Italian-Americanized entrees? Are you someone who doesn't really get out much? Do you rarely go out to eat dinner? Is it difficult for you to consider where to eat if given an option? Well if you're in such predicament, don't worry I was too. Until I found out Petterino's! It is an exquisite fine dining restaurant. For one, it's located in the heart of downtown Chicago. I mean sure I've lived all my life here, but downtown is where the big things are at (like the third largest tower in America). Plus if you're all about the theatre district, there is one literally next door called the Goodman theatre. There is no better way to finish a show then to get a fine meal afterwards just a couple of yards away. Petterino's is starting to sound a little pricey after hearing "theatre" next door to the restaurant. Well let's talk about the setting of this fine place, that'll make you sweat a little more. My first impression of the restaurant was that it looked pretty fancy. Now I'm not talking about the "chandeliers, crystal classes, marble floors, and a man playing the violin" type of fancy. No, it was more of a romantic, yet a formal type of fancy. The lights were dim; every table had a red velvet tablecloth underneath a cream white cotton one. Clean silverware wrapped up in a red cotton napkin next to crystal-like glasses for each seat. What really caught my eye were the cartoon paintings of various celebrities with signed signatures from themselves to each of their pictures. Those paintings made me think, "Does that mean Oprah ate here before? I could be sitting in the same seat she was in!" Kudos to you Petterino's for making me famous in a few seconds before my meal came. Sounds even more expensive now huh? Well hold on just a little more, your food is about to be served. The customary free bread appetizer was divine. The waiter provides a small basket of five to six different types of bread per table. There were a few I was barricading myself away from. It's probably because I they were wheat, I hate wheat. But the white, salted rolls I demolished were heavenly. I haven't ordered everything off the menu there, so I wouldn't know if everything tastes good. Although, the best meal I ordered was the Chicken Parmigiana. This superb chicken entree was considerably substantial breaded, non-oily baked chicken breast. Tomato sauce covered the chicken, with warm melted mozzarella on top, and a sprinkle of basil leaves to finish the masterpiece. Next to it was a tremendous bowl of spaghetti covered with meaty tomato, lightly seasoned, sauce. My mouth was losing consciousness after each bite, making me hit the "I'm full" button and calling in for the take away containers. The leftovers had the same effect too. Drum roll for your receipt! Boom Bum Boom Bum Boom! Your price is cheap! I didn't pay more than twenty five bucks. There were some other pricey meals, but the highest anyone can pay, excluding wine, is up to thirty five dollars. But the best part is the quantity of the money can't be compared to the food. The meals are quite sizable. Most of my guests had to take leftovers because it was all too much for our stomachs. The food, atmosphere, and prices were splendid. The service could have been a little bit better. My waiter kept spilling my water, but delivered the food calmly. But from my experience at this fancy, Italian corner restaurant, I would definitely see myself continuing to come back to it for any type of occasion. As well as for any other person, if you're hungry, on a budget, and craving Italian, Petterino's is your place! Now go call 312-422-0150 and make a reservation. Go!
(4)Ken C.
Such a great place. Good food. Good cocktails. Good atmosphere. I enjoy the experience every time.
(5)Valerie W.
Yum, yum, yum, Petterino's! I've been to Petterino's a few times, and it just gets better and better! On Saturday we were here for lunch before heading to the Goodman to see A Christmas Carol (the restaurant is attached, which is awesome, it was bitterly cold outside on Saturday) and once again, I was not disappointed. We ordered off of the theatre special, which includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, specially designed to be quick and easy for theatre goers. I had: Midwestern corn chowder: C. Got a bowl when I was expecting a cup, could've been hotter, and for the red bell pepper to corn ratio, it should've been bell pepper chowder. Atlantic Salmon: A. Perfectly broiled, served on a bed of spinach, and topped with a puttanesca type sauce (olive, tomato, onion.) Neither the salmon or spinach were overdone or overdressed. It's easy to mess up salmon. Petterino's didn't. Tiramisu: A+.My absolute favorite dessert. So much so, that I've been eating too much of it lately, and my waistband is starting to take notice. No more dessert for me. I have to start sticking to coffee only. I don't know how I'll be able to manage this at Petterino's, it was just a hair below my mom's. That's saying a lot. Atmosphere and service: energetic and quick on both. I would love to return again when not in a rush to see a show.
(4)Tracey M.
Once upon a time, I scheduled a lot of business meeting at Peterino's for people I worked with and had heard many, many good things about it. So, when a friend asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday lunch this year I jumped on the chance to find out what all the fuss was about. I don't eat a lot of meat these day, but OMG... Petterino's Short Rib meal is to DIE for!!! The beef ribs were so tended and melted in my mouth. The mashed potatoes were quite yummy as well. It was the perfect comfort food meal for a coolish day. Since it was by bday, of course I finished off the experience with dessert - with Cinnimon Ice Cream Crostada to be exact. One word to those who don't eat chocolate - there aren't many desserts that don't have chocolate so if you have your heart set on making this part of your meal, considered yourself warned. After eating this meal, I now see why so many of my former business associates loved Petterino's so much. It is surely a treat, and somewhere I plan to dine again.
(5)M C.
The solid-3 (could be 4-star) review is based upon a Saturday night dining on appetizers at the packed bar before a performance at the Goodman. Service was quick and very good, considering everyone was here for dining/drinks before the show and all asking for their tab at the same time. Had an order of their mussels and a cup of the tomato bisque and can't say that I was disappointed. It was very good, well-presented, and tasted great going down with a glass of wine. Staff was on their game, and if I'm ever in the theater district on a weekend, I will definitely keep this place in mind.
(3)Pat m.
Gave 3 stars because our waiter, Danny was superb. Much better for at better prices at any other Lettuce restaurant. But they have a captive audience in the Theater District, especially on Sunday, when many nearby spots are closed
(3)Adam K.
Stopped in with 45 minutes before a show. Our server was exceptional - warm, personable, helpful and conscious of the time. The food was great and we made it out just in time for the curtain.
(5)Evan S.
Setting: feels like an old time, Italian family-style place. Steakhouse feel almost. I went for lunch with my manager to have a quick catch up. The service was accommodating to our need to be speedy. The bread was great. I had to restrain myself from shoveling it into my face while my manager talked about my expectations for the summer. For entree, I ordered the Tuna Nicoise Burger, served open-faced on a ciabatta bun with anchovy caper aioli. Bolied egg, radish, some greens, and tomatoes are sprinkled on top as well. A side of fries topped it off. Definitely a nice spot to check out once or twice when in the loop area. One small drawback: my manager had to ask for a soda and oil/parmesan more than once. Stay full Chicago, Evan
(4)Greg C.
Very customer friendly. I made a reservation and arrived late. We were in a hurry for the theater next door and they got us in and out on time in less than forty minutes. Good hot breads before our entrees arrived. The gnocchi was good as well as their strip steak.
(4)LOIS B.
This was a hard rating for me. The entree that I had was just okay, but this restaurant has many pluses on its side. Walking distance to a number of the theaters. Valet parking for dinner and the theater for $14. Try to find a lot that you can park in while you attend the theater for $14 ~ it's not going to happen. Dave, our waiter, was the best. I could have made a meal out of what was in the bread basket and the Irv Kupcinet salad. Fresh baked scones only available on Sundays ~ to die for, and the other offerings were just as tasty. A preset theater menu to get you there for curtain time, at a most reasonable price. Crisp white tablecloths, intimate lighting makes dining a much more pleasurable experience.
(4)derek T.
Excellent food, and great service with an eye towards getting you out the door for the theatre. Location is perfect and the atmosphere was 'pre-show' fancy, but not so much that you couldn't wear nice jeans.
(4)Bob R.
We had a wonderful time. As suburban Chicagoans, we don't get into the city as much as we'd like. This was a romantic weekend for just the two of us playing tourist in the Loop. Petterino's was one of the highlights of our trip. The waiter was outstanding, the food and drinks delicious. While the prices are a little high, you are treated like royalty. Go there for the food, but enjoy the experience.
(4)Heather M.
This place is very cute, it totally mimicks an old-time NYC theater district restaurant. I was here for a "power lunch," and it was the perfect setting. If you're important enough (and go there a lot, I imagine), they'll reserve your table with one of those name plates that go on your desk - great touch. Everything was great, even the bread. The cheese crisps were addictive. I liked the salmon a lot, and the rest of the table (pepper steak, french dip, caeser salad with chicken) cleaned their plates. This could have been a function of our grad school budgets and the fact that lunch was free, but they all seemed to enjoy. Great service (super friendly/helpful servers), seems like an easy choice for an client lunch, and friendly on the wallet if your company is cutting back.
(4)Katy H.
Being the 22 year old college student that I am I was thoroughly impressed with this place. It is by far classier than any other establishment I have casually dined at with a friend in the past. My friend, who works at the Macy's close by, was recommended this place by one of her co-workers; unfortunately her co-worker was fabricating when she said this place lacks a heavy price tag. Maybe it is affordable for her, but for a broke, part-time-minimum-wage-working student, the $29 I paid after tip and tax for my baked raviolis (I didn't get a drink or an appetizer) was a bit steep...just a little bit...not something I'm used to. However, the service was great and made up for the dent in my bank account. We went in on a Tuesday night after seven, so we had no problem being seated promptly. Our server, John, was very knowledgeable on the entrees and made suggestions for my friend and me. I ended up choosing the baked ravioli (I added a picture under photos) which was absolutely de-li-cious, better than any raviolis I have ever had in the past (sorry, mom!). My friend ordered the salmon, which tasted delicious (and I don't even like salmon), but she was disappointed with its size for the price. It was probably 3-4 oz sitting in the middle of a large, white dinner plate, all alone. I should also mention the dinner rolls were absolutely amazing and had a sweet taste to them. I would go back just to have those rolls again. Though the dishes are expensive, the two of us will be back. I will definitely be bringing my boyfriend by here, who says he's been to Petterino's before and enjoyed the food as well. Hopefully he pays next time ;)
(4)Rebekah H.
Petterino's is a mixed bag for me while they have excellent customer service and waitstaff, the food left something to be desired. The rolls in the bread basket were dry and a bit stale tasting. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger which was a great portion size and had ok flavor, but the meat was seemingly unseasoned so it detracted from the good toppings that were on it. Fries were just ok as well, nothing special. However, my husband's Sundried Tomato Pesto Chicken Sandwich was delicious, not phenomenal, but very good. All in all, they were ok but for the price, I expected much more!
(3)Shelby K.
We walked into Petterino's without a reservation thinking we could get a table or a seat in the bar at 5pm before a show at The Goodman. Wrong. We waited for the first available seat at the bar, for about 30 minutes. My advice is to make a reservation. I was excited to eat here, because like any Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, they are guaranteed to have a gluten free menu with plenty of choices. I was not disappointed. The server understood my gluten allergy concerns and took great care of us at the bar. I ordered the Tomato Bisque and Chicken and Peppers. Both were delicious. The chicken was a large portion, in an oily sauce. It smelled so good the woman next to me ordered the same after seeing my meal. They had gluten free pasta on the menu that I am excited to try next time.
(4)R D.
Great gluten free menu. The GF linguini with marinara sauce and chicken is too good to not finish.
(4)Margaux D.
I LOVE PETTERINO'S. Nomnomnom. My family and I chow down here before each show we see. It's tradition. The atmosphere is totally Old Chicago, and the wait staff are very professional and nice. They are totally a part of the experience. A few years ago before we went to see Young Frankenstein, I accidentally left the tickets on our table before we left. I ran back to the restaurant and told our waiter what happened. No joke, this guy rummaged through the garbage in his tuxedo in order to find the tickets we had left behind.These guys are there to serve. I always go for the pre-theater menu as well. They'll give you an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $30. That's one of each course for each person at the table. It's genius. So much delicious food for so little! Try the calamari: very lightly breaded and fried so when it's served, it's light and delicious. The Chocolate Mousse cake is to die for as well. The crust is a chocolate wafer and the rest is sin on a plate. I swear.
(5)Erika G.
Last week I worked onsite all week. Head stuck in computer all day, even ordering in with no break for lunch. Hardcore. So, after work as I was walking to my bus stop with the rest of the proletariats, I thought "I deserve a little wine reward. I'm going to try some place I've never been." Enter Petterino's. Named after the longtime maitre'd, sadly deceased, of the Pump Room - in it's glory days. The bar area was lively - and this review is for the bar area only, as on my budget one glass is all I can afford. I sat down and had a delicious Malbec, one of the house wines. The bartender chatted me up and I had a great time watching people. The food smelled incredible. I didn't have any that night, but soon, soon . . .
(4)Sahar M.
Good for office lunch. Try lobster bisque, cheeseburgers, and chicken pesto. I also like their salads. Try IRV KUPCIENT chopped salad. Very good!
(3)David L.
I am a huge fan of Petterino's. Monday Night Live is what drew me in, and the 7 after 7 menu (prix fixe). The pot roast is the best on the planet. I went here with colleagues numerous times while in Chicago on business, and will go back every Monday night when I am back in town. Denise and Becky are great entertainers. The servers are very good. The hostess could smile more, but that's okay. They have a coat check where you can put your luggage/laptop bag if you just flew into O'Hare. Oh - the lemonade is very, very good here, too. The crème brulet was excellent. Thank you Petterino's for showing me how much fun Chicago can be on a Monday night!
(5)Diane C.
What a find walking down Randolph Street after 7 pm Three course dinner under $20. Fine dining a la fresco and attentive wait staff.
(4)Matt R.
Letteuce entertain you restaurants all seem to fit into a few small categories. One is the stuff like big bowl, and another is like this place. Really, portions are big too. Overall, the food was good, and the service was too. It's debatable whether it's worth the price. However, maybe I shouldn't have changed after my orchestra concert and I would have fit right in here! All the waitres wore tuxedos. Overall, Chicken was good, Veggies were good, and I guess they can serve you really fast if you ask for it, as well.
(4)Kara Z.
My husband and I went here for the first time last night before catching a show at the Chicago Theatre. We appreciated all the Yelp reviews that helped us make our decision. As other people have mentioned, reservations are highly recommended, especially before a show. Petterino's is close to many of the theaters. We did the valet and it was $14 to park there during dinner and the show. They had the car ready for us on the street when our show was over. The restaurant has a great ambiance and there is so much to look at. This is actually a fancier restaurant than we tend to frequent (they even have those little crumb scraper things to clean off the table in between courses!) :) so we really enjoyed ourselves and it felt like a special occasion. Our waiter was professional and helpful- the service was excellent. This is the kind of place that they refill your water glass practically every time you take a sip. That sometimes felt a little distracting to us, but we were never without water! :) We got the pre-theatre menu which is $29.95 per person. We added the deviled egg appetizer. Have you EVER seen that on a menu? We had to try them and we actually loved them. You get 5 deviled egg halves and it's on a plate with an arugula salad with Italian dressing- so delicious!!! Wow- the bread basket is amazing! They have these pretzel-type rolls that weren't hard- they were really soft and delicious. They had very thin cheese crisps and then a dark bread with fruit in it and another kind of Italian bread. It comes with butter and I was happy it wasn't hard- I hate when the butter at restaurants is too cold to spread. The bread really was delicious and our waiter kept asking if we wanted more, which is thoughtful because I always feel like a pig when I ask for more bread on my own. My husband's first course was the crab cake, and he LOVED it. It is one of the specialities. I had the Irv Kupcinet salad (if you're from Chicago you just have to order that with such a cool namesake). I had it without the blue cheese and without the blue cheese dressing- it came with the Italian vinaigrette and was full of lettuce, bacon, egg, black olives, corn, onions, and avocado- I loved it. My husband's main course was the chicken pot pie, which is another one of the specialities on the menu. He didn't love it and I didn't care for it either. The puffed pastry was a nice touch and it came in a rich cream sauce. It just wasn't really our thing. I had the Yankee Pot Roast which came with mashed potatoes and carrots and onions. It was pretty good- very tender- but pretty salty and the carrots were under-cooked. We chose the chocolate mousse cake and the peppermint ice cream for dessert. The milk chocolate mousse cake was pretty good, with drizzled raspberry puree and chocolate sauce and fresh whipped cream. The peppermint ice cream was served with delicious warm fudge sauce and it had three scoops of pink ice cream and big pieces of peppermint candy- it was refreshing. Our waiter told us that Vince Vaughn and John Cusack (some of our favorites) came in one time and were really nice and down to earth and ordered iced tea and salads. We enjoyed looking at all the caricatures on the wall, and our waiter explained that if there was a signature on the caricature that meant that the person had dined there. Cool! We wished that we had realized ahead of time that they would package up any leftovers and hold them in their cooler for us until after the show- that's a nice service especially because it is SO much food! One downside we found was that the chairs were pretty uncomfortable- next time we will definitely try a booth. We really enjoyed our experience and the food and will definitely be back for a special occasion.
(5)Carol K.
Seemingly, the only time I go to Petterinos, is when I have tickets for the Goodman next door. But that's all right because every time I've been here (for dinner or brunch) the food has been good, the service impeccable and they get you in and out in time for your show. On my most recent visit, we went for brunch. The place was hopping as there was a matinee show at the Goodman and people were trying to get in and get on their way but it didn't faze any of the staff. The ambiance is very "old school" with the white table cloths and dark wood, and red upholstered booths, but with out any of the pretense that goes along with that. We were seated in a large booth in the back and had Danny as our our server extraordinaire! This guy knows his stuff and is so pleasant and helpful that you want him just to sit down and have breakfast with you. He even asked my friend if she was right handed so he could put the coffee cup down on the side most convenient for her. I had a Bloody Mary to start my meal (delicious with just the right amount of spice) and then on to my Eggs Benedict. Other than they needed just a smidge more hollandaise sauce (ask for more if you go) they were perfect with just the right tang from the lemon in the sauce. The dessert cart is complimentary at breakfast so be sure to try the small puddings, or macaroons or any of the other delicacies on the cart as they are all the perfect way to end your brunch. Valet parking is available (and they will keep your car until after the show) or there is a parking garage located across Dearborn which is just as easy. And when you are done, know that Petterinos and the theater are connected so there is no need to go back out doors (perfect for those shows during the Winter season). The perfect spot for when you have tickets for any of the theaters in the area. But make reservations, or you will surely be out of luck!
(4)Mrs. F.
Went to Petterino's for dinner and found it was "open mic" night. Denise, the emcee, kept kowtowing to a large group of people "from 990", which I guess is where she lives. It seems she got a group to come to her show, and then crooned, catered, and joked with them all evening. It must have been nice for them, but it was rude to the rest of us, since we were left out. What's up with the management, letting her do that! The food is ok, but nothing special for a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. For my money, the food (and eye candy) at Keefer's is much, much better, and you don't have to put up with a noisy crowd on a Monday night, and a fat emcee who thinks she's talented.
(2)Amy H.
This is my favorite place for business in the loop. Business lunch? Yessiree! It's old school up in this joint and for lunch they specialize in the three S's: steaks, salads, and sandwiches. It's a great place to discuss your biz, whether it be your line of work or your gossip with the gals. Happy hour? Oh my, yes! If you're lucky enough to nab a barstool, Petterino's make the best sidecar in the city. Probably because they've had years of practice. You have to dodge the tourists who are getting a quick nibble before a show in the theater district, but Petterino's is solid and predictable. The good things should never change.
(4)Margaret N.
Went to dinner here before going to a show. Dinner was great, ambiance matched the whole theater vibe, and we were able to valet the car and pick it up after the show was over. Super convenient and fun.
(5)Nicole N.
I had their cheeseburger for takeout, and it was indeed mighty tasty. The only hitch was that they depend heavily on their hostess to greet guests and I was ignored, along with the party ahead of me, for a good 5 min by the multitude of staff wandering about on a quiet night. I know, it's just 5 min but I get annoyed when staff blatantly ignores people waiting foe help, even a "welcome, our hostess will be right with you" would suffice. Ok, rant over. Once I was seared at the bar for my takeout order everyone was very nice. The fries were decent, not a big portion but the burger more than made up for it. Good char flavor, well seasoned meat, and good balance of toppings. I would go back again to sate a burger crave!
(4)Lan T.
Solidly good Italian food - not the best, but a summation of many great parts. The gnocchi were tender and flavorful, the service attentive, and the prices reasonable. Portions are enough for two small Asian girls to demolish in one sitting. The ambiance makes this a winner - particularly when you're sitting outside on a balmy summer evening, people watching all the folks on their way to the theatre.
(4)Melanie S.
I think I'll be crossing Petterino's off my list for good. I went today (without a reservation) and politely asked about getting a table (keeping in mind that it was slim at best), and was told that I "could dig around and see if there was table in the bar area". Ok, fine. We were able to find a small table, that was wobbly, naturally. I have a knack for always finding a table that's wobbly. Service was pretty horrific. Again, I can overlook that, if the food's good. On Mondays, their special is beef stroganoff. It used to be pretty good. Today it was borderline inedible. The noodles were so overcooked that they were just gluey and all stuck together. I've had airline food (in coach, no less) that was better than this slop. Thankfully, I started with the tomato bisque so at least I had something. The bartender/server came by to clear my plate. I was with a client so I didn't want to call attention to the fact that my meal was terrible, but I figured he'd notice that it was virtually untouched and ask me about it, or at a minimum, comp me a dessert. Neither of these things happened. The best part is that several tables remained open the entire time we were there, so we easliy could have been seated in the restaurant itself. Pett's seems to get off on the snob factor (i.e. the nameplates, the must-reserve policy). If this place had better food and service, I'd put up with it once in awhile, but there's really no good reason to eat here anymore.
(2)Tammy C.
We had the best experience ever. It started out with a very attentive maitre'd who made sure we were seated (even without a reservation) in order to be out in time for our show. Then, our waitress realized we were pressed for time and did everything she could to make it happen. The food was outstanding! I loved my parmesan crusted scallops and would have licked the plate, if it was socially acceptable. We will definitely be back!
(5)Andy K.
Amazing service. Very accommodating!!
(5)John F.
First the bad: The hostess was very rude. We came here for lunch on Friday 6/8/12 at approximately 11:15 am. Our party of seven included an elderly woman. We had originally asked to sit outside, but the table our hostess showed us was a bit too small for our party and was in direct sunlight (making it too hot for our senior guest). When we asked to sit inside instead, the hostess copped a less-than-subtle attitude. Everyone is entitled to a bad day once in a while, but who gets fired up about something so trivial? What makes matters worse is that the restaurant was half empty, so it's not like our hostess had to make some special accommodation for us. Now the good: The food was very tasty. Simple, American fare with an Italian/steakhouse twist. My turkey club sandwich was really good and the fries that came with it were cooked perfectly. Everyone in our party enjoyed their dishes. Ambiance was really cool. Place kind of looks like an old supper club and has sketch drawings of celebrities. Now the mediocre: For the love of God, don't clear my place until everyone at the table has finished their meal.
(3)Rick M.
We went to Petterino's once for a nice quiet dinner for two. It was really late so the restaurant was fairly empty. That was something we both liked a lot - we could talk and laugh and have a lot of privacy to our conversation. The place itself is really big and any other guests that came in were seated a fair distance away. If I remember correctly, though, the menu didn't have a huge selection to choose from. Either way, we liked how they had crab cakes which we ordered as an appetizer. The service was excellent, too. The waitress we had was talkative and very friendly. Our food was out quickly and it was absolutely delicious. I had a steak and my fiancee had the fettucine alfredo and we were both extremely satisfied. Although the food was a little pricey, its important to keep in mind you pay for the downtown location, the quality, and the service.
(4)Meredith K.
This place is pretty solid. I work nearby so when my dad wants to meet for lunch this is where we usually go. Good salads, soups etc. He always gets the chicken meatballs with penne. I love the chicken pot pie but not when I need to go back to work! They also have great pre-theater deals. I'm also a fan of their cocktails. All in all this place won't let you down and if you're a LEYE member you get points!
(4)Karim S.
A little formal dress code but very nice cheese steak and a nice atmosphere. Notice that tips are included in the prize. We gave in total $ 50 in tips which was a bit to much compare to what seems normal tips%.
(4)Mimi W.
I took my daughter to Goodman Theater to see The Jungle Book afternoon performance. We brunched at Petterino's beforehand. The atmosphere is nice. Our waiter was pleasant and timely. My daughter had their famous pancakes with a lemon custard on top. They were ok. The stack was huge. I didn't see a child portion available. I had a California omelet asking for a pepper cheese instead of the one they normally use. They did not give me the pepper cheese. Also, they forgot the avocado that comes on the omelet. Then, I took my daughter to the bathroom, she's 7, and they cleared our table and took everything including the table cloth. The waiter apologized and they promptly brought my daughter another dessert, though not my coffee. It was pretty good, but not great.
(3)Heather P.
I was in charge of picking the restaurant for a group of people planning to see a comedian at the Chicago Theatre so we wanted to find something to suit everyone's tastes and be close enough to the theatre that we could walk. This was a good pick in terms of vicinity to the theatre district and variety on the menu, but overall most of us felt it was mediocre at best. Initially the draw for me was the special theatre menu they don't advertise on the menu. It was a pre fixed meal with your choice of soup or salad, meat or fish and a dessert for a set price. All six of us went that route and none of us were overly impressed with any of our dishes, including the a la carte sides we got for the table. Our $80 bottle of wine was recommended by the server, but I would have been just as happy with a $40 bottle. All in all, it was an overpriced average experience. Apparently this is a hot spot for celebrity sightings. We definitely didn't see any celebrities, but we sure did see a lot of Viagra-using, trophy hunting, money flashing gentlemen (I originally had a less polite term here) out to impress. The only other element that we found amusing (other than some good ole people watching) was the caricatures of celebrity patrons lining the walls. Next time we go to a show, I'll check out another spot instead.
(3)Janet E.
I have never heard of anyone speak of this restaurant, yet I have passed by this place so many times walking towards the Goodman Theater! Thank goodness we picked the worst snow storm of the season to visit for dinner! We arrived for a super early dinner, before 5pm. We had no reservations but was lucky enough to snag a table. I would recommend making reservations if you plan to come here anytime after 5:30pm because the place was packed with a line by the door. Thats a sign this place is good if people are coming here during a blizzard. Anyways, we were seated and Cara was our server. She was AWESOME!!!!!!! Very sweet and very accommodating to our requests. The old man next to us that complained about everything from the food to the service, decided to target us and told us to speak quietly. Cara came by, saw the whole thing happen, and apologized to us for his rude behavior. Totally not her fault but she was so sweet so she apologized any way!! As for the food, it was very good. I opted for the prix fixe menu and had the fritzel salad. One of the BEST salads I have ever had. Great ingredients and delicious dressing! The potato crusted tilapia was good but not great. It had a great crunch and was tender but again, Chicago seafood sucks! So this was on a scale of 6.5 out of 10 for me. Dessert was their banana pudding pie which was soooooo good I ate the whole thing myself. My friend had the stuffed pepper (which has meat for those vegetarians reading this) which she thought was good but was too soft for her taste. Overall my experience here was awesome. Despite the rude old man, the food was good, the service from Cara was great, the food came out quickly, and the atmosphere was really nice. I will be back!
(4)Charles Z.
Meh, the meat lasagna has TOO MUCH CHEESE and not enough pasta. Greek-style Caesar Salad is SO SOUR OMG. Chicken in the salad was bitter cause it was burnt. Not my style.
(2)Rachel S.
Old school Chicago joint. Love the "Presbyterian" cocktail. Also, they NEED to give me the recipe for the rigatoni with eggplant ragu, it is the bomb.
(4)Mahsa T.
This place is almost a carbon copy of Maggiano's--everything from the decor to the menu. I would have to say the food itself is probably at about a 3, but I gave an extra star for the good service that we received during lunch. Our waiter was attentive and polite. I had the chicken parmesan, which was good and tasted really fresh, and also tried a bite of the chicken pot pie, which was also good. Most of the lunch entrees come with your choice of soup or salad. I was really surprised with how fast they bring out your food. They're speedy--I guess that's why they're known for being a good pre-theater dinner place. I was also surprised at how packed the place was on a Monday during lunch, so definitely make reservations or get there before noon.
(4)Jennie C.
Came here for pre-concert brunch, the food was overpriced and just ok. I had the strawberry & whipped cream Belgian waffle, and it's nothing like the feast I'm used to having at Original Pancake House. Here the waffle is crispy but has a bit of burnt taste, and none of that lovely yeasty flavor I prefer in my brunch sweets. Skimpy amounts of strawberry and whipped cream too, all for $14. My friend's smoked salmon omelet was the smallest I'd ever seen in any brunch restaurant, and costed $15. The bread basket was decent, with raisin crisps, muffins and mini bagels. Service was also quite friendly and attentive. I asked for hot water and it automatically came with a slice of lemon. But there are much better (and cheaper) brunch places in town. Maybe the good reviews are for dinner?
(2)Erick H.
Went here before a concert, and loved it. The waiter was fantastic. He kept us laughing. Food was pretty good. I had the Asparagus Linguini, which was fantastic. Not overpowering. Everyone else really enjoyed their food.
(4)Jim L.
Great lunch dining, service and prices. Cant wait to come back and try more things on the menu. Had the Scallolps and they were perfect.
(4)Yaneck W.
this is great place for both food and drinks. Food is consistent and always tasty. Drinks are good but definitely more expensive than normal.
(4)Saira K.
I wanted to like this place more. I had the jumbo shrimp cocktail to begin. The shrimp were huge, but they were so, so salty! When I asked the server, she said that she would speak with the Chef. She came back telling me that they always sprinkle salt on their cocktail shrimp!?! Really?! I think he must have sprinkled couple spoonfuls on mine. Caesar salad was good. But the salt shrimp really killed the meal for me.
(2)Dwain C.
I ate at "Petterino's" in Chicago, IL when I went to see a show at the Goodman Theatre. I had good food and good service. A great place to go when your going to the Goodman.
(5)Vincent S.
While downtown for a matinee showing of Big Fish and with little time to spare we caught a quick lunch at Petterino's. We were immediately seated in an almost full restaurant. We both enjoyed a cup of Midwest Corn Chowder with Bacon, although the bacon was a bit hard to find. My friend made a lunch of Deviled Eggs while I ordered the Short Rib Sandwich. I was pleasantly surprised with spicy heat from the giardiniera sauce. Service was fast and friendly. We received our check and easily made the show on time. I look forward to eating there again when I have the time to enjoy a grander meal.
(4)Jane D.
Went for pre-theater dinner. Had the prix fixe for $35 pp. Starters was mussels. It was ok. Some were not so fresh. Main course was steak diane. I got 3 steak medallions and 2 of them were overcooked. The sauce on the steak was good but the meat wasn't very flavorful. For dessert, I had chocolate mousse cake which was really, really good. The husband had tomato bisque, whitefish, and peppermint ice cream. He said he enjoyed his meal. Service was prompt and courteous. A word of advice if you are eating before a performance: let the server know that you are going to a show so that the service corresponds to the time you need to leave. We didn't do that and we had to flag down our waiter and run to the theater. Overall a nice dinner. I might go there again and order something else if I'm going to the theater district but the restaurant is not worth a special trip for the food alone.
(3)Katelyn C.
Petterino's holds a lot of dear memories to me and I will always love having dinner here and walking to the theater! I was running late for dinner/play date and they read the whole menu to me and had my meal ready and warm when I arrived to quickly throw some food down my throat and rush to our seats. The staff here is great and the walls are adorned with Chicago and world-wide celebrities. I have never had a complaint over anything here and I will be a forever customer. It is a staple to the theater district.
(5)Helena B.
I think I've found the perfect place for a mid-range lunch in the Loop. Last week, my group wanted something "sit down" but not "too fancy". Oh, and if it could be on the way to this other place one of them had to go after lunch, that would be aces. I know, right? Good thing for them I am the Restaurant Whisperer. We didn't have reservations so we sat at a high-top table in the bar area (where it is seat-yourself but you can order from the full menu). Bonus: we got to watch Maury Povich or somesuch while eating. Three of us went with entree-sized salads. Mine (the Fritzel) featured hearts of palm and avocado. I ate every last bit. Another teammate had a sandwich. Everyone seemed quite satisfied with their meals. To be honest though, I wasn't paying much attention to their food because mine was so good. Service was a touch slow, but hopefully if you've come to Petterino's you have some time to spare.
(3)Tyler M.
We dined at this restaurant while visiting Chicago, having made reservations in advance. The inside is a pretty cool place, with a large dining room with caricature pictures on the wall, signed by various celebrities if they have visited the restaurant before. The service was good, as was the food, which came out quickly. My wife had the four cheese ravioli and I ordered the chicken parm. The sauce was delicious as well. The only reason for four stars is that I set my personal bar very high for something to go above and beyond. While Petterino's was very good and high quality, it was just that -- very good, yet not exceptional. We would still definitely return on a future trip.
(4)Maren B.
My boyfriend took me here for a special dinner, and it was a great choice. We went on a Sunday evening, and the entire neighborhood was pretty quiet so it was relaxing and comfortable. The weather was perfect so we sat at a table outside, fenced in with a row of flowers and small shrubs. Our waitress was attentive but not overwhelming. We got everything right on time, although they did forget to give him a spoon for his soup. We both got the pre-theater menu, which gives you an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert for about thirty dollars. I chose the chopped salad, the salmon, and the chocolate mousse cake. The salad was almost big enough to have been it's own entree, and was super fresh and flavorful. The salmon was good, it paired amazingly well with the cooked cherry tomatoes on top. I wasn't crazy about the texture of the cooked spinach, but I was so full after my chopped salad and delicious bread and butter that I didn't have room for it anyway. But the best part of all was the chocolate mousse cake... light layers of chocolate cake and mousse, on top of a nice crunchy crust, with REAL whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and raspberry sauce. It was amazing... for real. To quote Jersey Shore... "it's so romantical!"
(4)Jamie B.
We had a great time last night at Monday Night Live - it was a nice change to hear some great performers serenade us while we ate. The food was all outstanding and it was a great birthday celebration for my dad. The only frustrations were that, despite making a note of his birthday when making the reservation, the waiter didn't seem to know anything about it and so there wasn't a candle or song for him. Also, some things showed up in the salads that weren't listed on the menu, but not a huge deal. Thanks for a great evening!
(4)Chicago G.
The atmosphere is nice here but the food is salty and not that great. Not sure why LEYE hasn't stepped up to make their restaurants more consistent.
(2)Laurent B.
It was decent, the decor was typical though. I enjoyed the penguin suits they have the staff wear. Now the food ,okay so I started out with the clam chowder and it was delicious. Next for my main entrée I ordered the Trout. Now that was delicious, but it was quite miniscule. So since I was starving, I decided on the fettuccine with grilled chicken. Now that hit the spot, but it was nothing special. Finished off with the pumpkin pie and it was enjoyable but again nothing special. This place is just nothing special! :(
(3)Keely B.
I was decidedly underwhelmed by this place. The service was very attentive, and the menu extensive, but absolutely everything is a la carte and very overpriced. I ordered the chicken parmesan for $19. I knew in advance that it did not come with a vegetable. What I didn't realize that it would literally just be a chicken breast on a plate topped with a little tomato sauce and cheese. No pasta. No nothing. I have never heard of chicken parmesan not being served with some sort of carbohydrate (over pasta, in a sandwich), and for $19 I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a little pasta. Seriously, it'd add about 30 cents to the overhead. My husband's linguine with vegetables was $17, and that was mediocre as well. One last complaint: the restaurant is very large, and the women's bathroom is TINY. 3 stalls. 2 sinks. Barely enough space for a small line to form (and believe me, a line forms). Terrible planning.
(2)Daisy S.
I absolutely loved having brunch here! The waiter we had was very nice again and had a sense of humor. Big plus for service! I ordered the Veggie Omelette and to me it was out of this world. It was an egg white omelette filled with veggies even asparagus! it also came with fruit on the side. I thought eating healthy was going to be a bust, but it sure wasn't. My husband ordered the bananas foster waffle. This was very delicious! Next time I want to try the french toast. They also came to our table with a dessert cart and we were able to choose the desserts we wanted. I had an oreo cookie dipped in white and milk chocolate and a cheesecake ball dipped in choc nuts and coconut! My husband liked the pudding cup with whipped cream and cup cake. were coming again for brunch it was a delight!!!
(5)Mihir P.
I'm giving Petterino's 4 stars because you can get the theatre pre-fixe special even if you're not going to the theatre. And there are several selections for each course. Price is quite reasonable as well. I got the garden salad w/ Caesar dressing but I think it was Louie dressing instead. Our waitress took it back immediately and got something else. I think I got the soup which was not memorable. The filet is a solid choice - good as any other I've had in the city. Perfectly cooked and VERY reasonably priced. Our waitress was less available as the night went on. It's hard to say if I'll go back because the atmosphere is rat-packish without the fun. It's old, quiet and boring.
(4)Melissa M.
I come here a lot for lunch. They have a good atmosphere, great food, nice outdoor area (great for people watching), and pretty attentive service. It can be difficult to get a table, yet sometimes they can squeeze you in if you have a smaller group. They also offer open seating in the bar area which is a hit or miss depending on how many people are in your group.
(5)Alex J.
Service was excellent, but the food was even better. Look out for the chicken meatballs, and go for the peppermint ice cream for dessert.
(5)Erica W.
Great place for brunch. I had read about Petterino's brunches, and finally tried it last Sunday. What was I waiting for? First of all, there is free valet parking with validation. Huge plus, would be a great place to take people from out of town because there isn't much of a fuss in parking, etc. Second of all, you get a free basket of pastries with your meal. These aren't dry little nasty pastries. These are amazing muffins, scones, bagels - I mean, you could go just for the bread basket. Why did we end up ordering 3 baskets for our table? Embarrassing. Third of all, pay attention to the items marked in red - the Petterino's favorites, because they really are amazing. The blueberry ricotta pancakes...never had anything like them. Out of this world. The lemon curd that you spread on the top takes it over the edge. It's sweet yet tart, and your taste buds don't know what to do. Ridiculous. The egg strata...full of flavor - unbelievably delicious - bacon, cheese, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms... I'm getting this the next time I go. It's a must. The best part to top it all off is the complimentary dessert cart that goes around to each table. You can get as many desserts as you want. My favorite was the orange jello wedges - they had a real orange rind filled with orange jello (which happens to be my favorite jello flavor) - I had to ask the waitress how they made them because they were so cute. She said that they had a special jello mold. They also had custards, cupcakes, and so many other things that I can't remember. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because the service was a little too slow for my liking. Our waiter was truly entertaining because he acted like a very formal waiter from the old days - almost like he was acting - it was entertaining, but unfortunately not very sincere. He also had a passive-aggressive comment when we asked for our second basket of pastries - saying that we wouldn't have room for dessert. Whatever - bring us more bread! Other than that, we had an amazing culinary experience. Petterino's is officially on the brunch list.
(4)Kamilah J.
Just finished a group brunch that was very good. The egg strata and lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes are to die for! Make a reservation and save room for the dessert cart!
(4)Jay n.
Great food, great service......they never disappoint. Fine dining caliber restaurant with a very casual feel. Good place to bring clients or candidates for lunch, or just come with your coworkers. Did I say great service?
(5)Alex R.
Service was polite, but bad (messed up our order and it was tough to get the hostess' attention). Food was second rate at best. Homemade lasagna was recommended by the waiter ... I tried it out and it was dry. Not sure how you can get melted cheesey goodness to taste dry, but they managed to do it. Thankfully my company was great, so the lackluster food wasn't the end of the world. Was expecting more from a higher end lunch spot.
(2)Jeff S.
Petterino's is great place to get a little above average bite. Great for a slightly upscale lunch, although it can get a little crowded. Better for dinner. They have a nice old-school bar, which I like, and you get a pretty decent pour on a port wine I might add. Monday nights are cool if you like theater... since it is the off-night for theater many of the local performers pour into Petterino's for open mic night. It is quite a treat and for no extra charge. Now let's get the menu. The food is decent, but certainly not the best I have had. I have had several different items on the menu. Here are the most memorable. The Fritzel Salad is probably my favorite item (I know, huh, a salad), of course I add chicken to make more of a meal. It is an excellent salad though. I have had the beef stroganoff, which overall is pretty good, except they use pretty fatty beef with chunks of fat on it, which isn't to my taste, but others love it. The Farmers Market Linguini is also very tasty (again, I add chicken), except the liguini itself could use a little improvement. This may be more of a Chicago thing in general. I have yet to find a place that serves great, al dente linguini in Chicago. Also, a couple of my friends love the Yankee Pot Roast, although I haven't personally tried it. Also, if your dining after 9:00 PM ask about the 9-after-9 menu. There are some great prices on these multi-course meal options, which aren't on the main menu. In the end, Petterino's has a decent atmosphere, pretty good food, and few nice surprises. It's definitely in my downtown rotation, but not quite on the A-list.
(3)Karin H.
The classic raspberry daquiri was just how I like it; sweet. I had the Maryland crab cake appetizer (one crab cake) on a bed of pan roasted corn with a side dish of French fries and found everything very tasteful.
(4)Diana K.
Meh. Pretty unremarkable. Sat in the bar and had pretty bad service. Forgot to bring drinks, forgot bread, had to ask multiple times for both. I got the corn chowder...not much corn flavor, just a thin cream base, not chowder like at all. My bf got the tomato bisque which tasted decent . Also ordered the pesto fritters which sounded delicious. They were pretty mediocre, tasted better when dipped in the tomato soup for sauce. They were served with a smokey tomato sauce that tasted like it was made a few days. Chicken club sandwich was pretty good. I'd order that again if I were to go back. Fries were good too, but hey it's a chicken club, it's not rocket science.
(2)Suzanne T.
Delicious scallops and fish dishes, wonderful and creative desserts. The fresh ingredients are obvious here-nothing frozen or out of a box-pre packaged. The service is exceptional. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Anna B.
This is on of my weekly happy hour hang outs. Ed the Bartender is fantastic and he will hook you up with one of his signature Ed's Margaritas (if you have more than one, you might fall under the table), or he can mix up pretty much any drink and it'll be better than any previous version you've had. His mai tais are ridiculous. The food at Pet's is always fantastic. The menu is mainly American classics. They have a GREAT steak and their chicken pot pie is service with puff pastry instead of pie crust, which is just so yummy! I can't recommend this place enough for folks who have parents in town. They'll think you're all grown up when you take them there!
(4)Laura W.
Ate here for lunch for the first time in a weeklong marathon of celebrating my birthday. I was meeting a friend in the loop and we both agreed to try Petterino's. They have the caricature pictures on the wall that reminded us of Muppets Take Manhattan where they go in and take Liza Minelli's picture off the wall and replace it with Fonzi's. So it was fun to name everyone we recognized. The food: Their pesto arancinis are amazing. I am not sure why they don't call them arancinis? I guess because people understand "risotto balls" more? I alao had the crab cake appetizer and it comes with a nice side of peppers and corn. The traditional side salad isn't that great, iceberg lettuce some carrot shreds and cherry tomatoes. My friend had the Wednesday special: lasagna with meat sauce and it was better than I was expecting. I get why it is the go to spot for the theater district, and even for lunch it was packed and there was a wait to be seated.
(3)Leang E.
In a last minute ditch effort to use as many scratch offs from the lettuce entertain you group mailer, I met up with a friend here for lunch. We both had salads and they seemed kind of pricey to me. I had a chopped salad with grilled chicken added, and the house dressing was nice and light, but lacking flavor. Our service was a bit on the slower side, and it makes it a little more difficult when you are there on your work lunch hour. With plenty of lunch options in the loop, I might have to pass up this place or else I might have to have something other than salad here.
(3)Michael M.
I've only had drinks and appetizers here, but I really like the atmosphere. I've gone before plays at the Goodman and they are always good with the timing.
(4)Jason M.
I'd like to say first that the location is a prime setting. You can stop in whenever, order a glass of wine, or 2, maybe 3, and get great food in a respectable amount of time. However, with it being located right in the loop, the occupants file in and out much like the tide does, so expect it to be busy during lunch and dinner hours. The food is always a pleasure to eat, and the staff appears to be very well educated on the various dishes and desserts. I've only experienced one mishap at this restaurant, and it was when I brought a date there and we were given the wrong salads. We both ordered the Fritzel (add steak and the house cab to increase its awesomeness), but we got the Fritzel dressing with a house salad. Where I'm trying to go with this is our bartender was amazing. He was the one that actually noticed and said something to us about it. He made up for it with his wit, charm, and 2 free drinks, so I love you Petterino's. Two stellar thumbs up.
(4)Lynda A.
Great service, over priced food that isn't very special. Good drink menu. Pretty cool ambiance.
(3)P S.
Our server tonight (receipt said Danny S) was the best waiter I have ever even dreamed of- like to an extent that makes me inspired to be better at my own job. He was really focused, charismatic, warm, funny and almost elegant. Everything he did had some special flourish to it, like when he poured the coffee he brought the coffee pot high above the cup so it made this really long arching stream. He also had a graceful way of gliding from table to table that was almost like dancing, like Fred Astaire. And he looked like a smiling alert young Fred Astaire. serving in a busy place like that must be stressful and take tons of energy and organization. Danny came across as very relaxed and comfortable- he didn't even need to write our orders down,but got everything perfect, and perfectly managed the pace of our meal. I think he actually had a million tables, but he still managed gave us special attention. We appreciated him very much. We asked if he is an actor but he said no. I was a little bit disappointed because it seems like his energy and charisma would translate well to the silver screen. The Bar tenders and hosts are also very warm with great eye contact like Danny, so maybe its the culture of Petterinos and everyone who works there has an awesome personality- it could be. I look forward to a night out at Petterinos again. The food was great and it was the best human experience I've ever had at a restaurant.
(5)Brian M.
Great service and great food. I'm not sure if they still do this, but at one point they would hold your leftovers in their fridge while you went to the theatre. Nice!
(4)Jake R.
Underwhelming. Good service/atmosphere. Food was good not great. There's a reason this was the only place we could get into before Book of Mormon.
(2)Laura K.
The 7 after 7 menu at Petterino's is a steal. The 3 course meal is $19.95 and includes a starter course, entree, and dessert, with select glass of wines for $7. I had the minestrone soup, potato crusted tilapia, and cheesecake. 7 after 7 I'm in heaven! It was a wonderful meal with great service and fun decor.
(5)adine l.
We had a late dinner last night after a show. , between 9.30 pm and 10 and sat at the bar. My negative comment has nothing to do with the food , which was good, but with the fact that the busser/ bar-back started his closing side work right around us: taking trash cans out, bringing his broom on the side of the bar etc... The message was simple :"time to go, folks" Ironically, the whole bar area filled up after 10 00 pm with customers, and the side work had to stop... I understand everyone wants to go home but the late customers should be treated like the first, or else, close the place.
(3)Pamela C.
One of my favorite Lettuce Entertain You spots. Very similar menu to Maggiano's with a little bit of a flavorful twist. My favorite is the Fettuccine Alberto. And they have excellent cocktails. Perfect lunch/dinner spot if you're attending the Goodman theater next door. The staff knows exactly what time the shows are and makes sure you're out in time. Plus there are caricatures from most of the Chicago shows covering over the walls.
(4)David G.
It's been a while since I ate here, didn't quite remember why I waited so long when I had made the reservation. But after the lackluster attention at the dinner table by the wait staff, I remember why and have now made a note that it will be quite some time before I return. Let me fast forward to the unattentiveness. There were 6 of us in our dinner party, the restaurant was full, we were seated at 4pm, so before a huge dinner rush. We ordered our meals, and when they arrived, all seemed ok. However, my wife's buger was ordered well done, and it came out medium rare. The rest of us at the table did not realize that she was picking at the burger, we all finished our entrees, and NO ONE CAME to the table to see how people's food was. From the time it was dropped off until I had to wave down another server (because ours never stopped by our table), our server was mia. I'm sure John is a good server, maybe tonight was a bad night, but this was really unacceptable. Putting it past us, I thought maybe we'd finish up the meal well. He came to drop off the check and mentioned that my wife's $15 burger was comped. Nice touch. There were 3 couples in the party, 2 paid cash, 1 paid credit. It was $87 bucks a piece, on person paide with the $15 birthday voucher from LYE. When he came back, the credit card was charged $102. I mentioned to John that it appears that he forgot to take the $15 off, because the charge was more than we had expected. In front of the table, he insisted that he took it off. He was sure of it. He went through the totals on the receipt line by line and showed me that there was a $15 credit. When I pointed out that the $15 credit was for the burger that came out incorrect, he still insisted that he was right. Eventually we sorted it out, but really, not to impressed with the service. The food was ok, not worth the price paid. Next time I want to go back here, I'll look at my Yelp review and remember just why I didn't like the place.
(1)Chrisa H.
Went here for lunch today with a big party. Now, lunch in the loop at a decent restaurant can be a nightmare - imagine what it's like when you're a party of 12! We had reservations, blew past our reservation time, called to tell them we'd be late, and they still had a table for us when we got there. The place was packed - good sign - and the menu is great for lunch, including two specials, veal meatloaf, pot pies, sandwiches, and several salads. I ordered the special - lobster roll with remoulade sauce. Sounds great, right? I'll never know....they ran out of the lunch special by 12:35 when I'd ordered. Boo. So, heartbroken over losing out on lobster, I ordered the chicken club sandwich. It was a club sandwich, but the grilled chicken in it was great - grilled enough to have some tasty char lines but still be juicy, and the bacon was amazing applewood smoked slabs. Yum. One of my co-diners had the chicken pot pie which was GORGEOUS and she said, very, very tasty. Another had crab cakes and also gave her thumbs up on that, and the lobster bisque which was warm and creamy (I got a taste). The service was pretty slow - it took us 90 minutes to have lunch. Granted, we were a big party, but the place was jammed and there was definitely not enough wait staff for the lunchtime rush. I look forward to going back since I work close by, but I might go for a late lunch and avoid the rush.
(3)Princess D.
This is a solid 2.5 stars establishment. The service was pleasing and attentive, however, the food was not up to par for the prices being charged. I went there tonight with family to celebrate my in-law's birthday. The first impression I had of the establishment is that it somewhat resembled Maggianos. It's not a bad thing, but I was expecting something different, something more formal. I ordered the four cheese ravioli. While they weren't awful they weren't the best either. They were okay at best with a price tag that didn't match the type of food being consumed. Almost $17 for cheese ravioli. Also, everything was a la carte. A side of fries was $6. They were regular fries by the way, nothing fancy or different about them. For that price they could have at least drizzled a little bit of truffle oil or sprinkle some parmesan. The total bill for a party of 5 adults and 2 kids was over $300, which didn't include parking. Valet was another $14. I don't mind spending money on fine dining, but the prices don't equal the kind of food that is being offered at this place. I don't think I will return, as there are better italian restaurants in the city.
(2)Keyona D.
Went here for a birthday celebration on 8/30. Good selection of options. Prix fixe menu has large portions. David our server was great!
(4)Lauri R.
Great choice before the theater. Waiter attentive, food good and nice atmosphere.
(4)Matt R.
Celebrate the city that has an edible homage to the arts. Pity Chicago for having only one. While you won't find vaudeville being performed in the aisles, you will find a cornucopia of stars of various talents and expressions lining the walls. The golden age of theatre is alive and well at Petterino's, and you might believe for an hour or two, while you sip in the tomato bisque and enjoy the variety of complimentary breads, that there is no Chicago outside of the Theater district. Forget the crime and corruption of our fair city and delight instead on meats, eggplant, pastas, and deceptively potent cocktails as you await your performance. Or just hit the bar during lunch hours for a liquid lunch. And then do your own Shakespearean tragedy upon returning to the office; hiding one's true opinions and having steady work are so over-rated. If you go during the summer, they have a lovely outdoor patio section. And if you go during the other 9 months, they have indoor heating. HEAT, people! INDOORS! The "artistic restaurant community" (coined and minted as of right now) spares no expense. You might just see a politician, an actor, and a businessman break bread together...but first they walk into a bar...and I think a duck is involved. Regardless, it ends with someone breaking a leg, I think.
(4)Jackie G.
I've been here twice. The first time, I was 8 months pregnant and craving steak so, everything tasted GREAT that day. The loaded baked potato is my favorite. I had the Porterhouse, which was perfecto! The second time was....not so great. I had the NY Strip and it was DRY and tough. The loaded baked potato didn't fail me though. But then again, how hard is it to bake a potato and put cheese, bacon bits, and sour cream in separate bowls?? I probably couldv'e made that meal at home for 1/4 the price. I don't think i will be going back. There are so many other steakhouses downtown Chicago...
(3)Eric Y.
I like this place. For a pre-theater dinner, it's hard to beat. We had dinner here before a play at the Goodman. First off, you can valet your car for dinner and the show for $14. That's got to be one of the best deals in Chicago! This place is old school. Shrimp de Jonghe? Beef Strogonoff? C'mon ... that's right out of the 70s ... in a good way. Our food was competently prepared. Service was good. And the bread basket - gotta be one of the best. Their dinner rolls are warm, moist, yeasty, topped with a hint of a salty and caramelly glaze - it's just too hard to resist eating a second one! I always ask for Plymouth gin and this place has it. It makes the best martini in my opinion, and I always give props to places that carry it. On the downside, the desserts were ho-hum. Berries with Chantilly cream - what's Chantilly cream, I asked ... it's just whipped cream, only with a fancier name.
(4)Shannon M.
Petterino's hearkens back to another era -- red plush banquettes, tuxedo-clad waiters, and framed caricatures of actors on the walls. This was also clearly a time period when restaurants weren't nearly as noisy as they are today; we enjoyed a wonderfully quiet meal on a Friday night and could hear everyone around the table (as opposed to dinner at Quartino last Friday, when no one in the party was audible). The food is fair. We had a party of five, and several of us opted for the "theater menu," from which you can select a soup or salad, an entree and a dessert for a set price. The corn chowder had a good taste and was full of vegetables, though seemed a bit thin for something calling itself a "chowder". The entree of potato-crusted tilapia with a sherry-caper-butter sauce had a nicely browned exterior, although the texture of the fish leaned precariously towards mushy in the center; the sauce married well with the potato crust and was not greasy (sometimes a problem with butter sauces). The dessert of "strawberry tall cake" was a deconstructed strawberry shortcake: angel food cake (not spongy or flavorless like the kind you get at the store; you could see flecks of vanilla beans in it too) sat on the powdered-sugar-dusted plate beside a small heap of sliced strawberries and a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Tasty, though why not put it all together? If you don't order from the "theater menu," everything is a la carte, and side dishes are meant to be shared by two people (so be prepared for spoon wars...). Service was polished in an old-school manner, overseen by the aforementioned tuxedo-attired waiter, (in our case, John) who'd clearly been doing this for more than a few years and didn't mind telling us what to do a little bit. His recommendations ended up being good ones. You're here for the setting, even more so than the food; I really liked that it was subdued as far as noise, and when the theater crowd departed, it got even quieter! For this fact alone I would come back. Petterino's is attached to the Goodman Theater, so it does draw the theater crowd of course, though other groups were in evidence as well. Dress was toward the nicer end (thanks to the theater group), though people were in jeans as well. Valet parking was available and convenient; $10 for dinner, and $14 for dinner and the show. I'd definitely come back to Petterino's for a quiet and classy meal in the Loop.
(4)Claudia G.
Petterino's is a good stop before catching a show at the Harris Theater. It is only three blocks away so an easy walk or jog, as we found. Our one complaint was the time to get the check. The restaurant really promotes itself as a pre-theater place to go and we let our server know we were catching a show. She kinda disappeared at the end of our meal and then when she reappeared the whole paying process went a bit slow. I mention this because another couple with a different server had the same experience, we learned, as the four of us ran out together. So glad I wasn't wearing heels that night! Otherwise, the food was good solid italian fare. Nothing unique. Just well prepared standards. The staff was very pleasant.
(3)ZZ K.
$19.95 for a 3 course meal after 7pm....sounds like a great deal to me! Note: Make sure you ask for the special menu, because the choices are somewhat limited. Plus, we were here anyway looking at their banquet hall, were hungry and thought, we might as well try their food! Lets start - Decent wine options that are not outrageously priced...check Breadbasket check and ummm....HELL YA!!! SUPER YUMMY with great variety!!! Its shameful, but we finished off 2 of them!!!! I know...I know... A variety of dinner items that tasted good, and allowed for leftovers? Check again! Appetizer: Midwest Corn Chowder w/ bacon - creamy and tasty! Calamari - regular calamari, nothing special Dinner: Both items were tasty! Chicken Armando with a Parmesan Crust and Asparagus Housemade Chicken Meatballs with Spaghetti w/ marinara sauce Sweet,decadent, chocolate desserts? Up...you guessed it...check! Dessert: Dark chocolate and fig pudding - SUPER DELISH (if u like figs)!! Chocolate Ovation Cake - tasted like a mousse, creamy and very chocolaty Overall we both liked this place, including our server (he was super nice), the comfy booth and even relaxed vibe of the whole establishment. My fiance thought it was better than Maggiano's, but I think they are close to it, but not 100% there. We will be back again...
(4)Chanele B.
On our first night in Chicago after a long and stressful move, we stopped into Petterino's for dinner because it looked appealing from the outside (or perhaps we were just very cold). Inside, it felt charming and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our waiter conversed with us, even my father, who has an odd sense of humor, and he was helpful with recommendations. My only complaint was that the service was quite slow at times. I felt we waited much longer than normal for our food, check, etc., but the friendliness of the staff and the professional demeanor made up for that. The food itself was good but not excellent, with the exception of the tomato bisque soup, which was divine. I had a skirt steak with fries, which was tasty but the meat was quite tough. My boyfriend had the Steak Diane, which was flavorful and much more tender than my steak. My father ate ravioli, but he is very simple to please, especially with a good bottle of wine, which we did enjoy. We didn't try dessert, as the portions were big enough to fill us and the service was quite slow. I wouldn't call Petterino's a place I'd go regularly, but it's interesting enough and the food is good enough to warrant occasional visits, especially with out of town company that would be interested in the decor and atmosphere. I also would like to try it for lunch, as the other reviews seem to suggest it as a nice sit down spot for lunch in the Loop, a good break from the regular fast food.
(4)Megan M.
wan't some good advice before going to petterino's? do NOT order the broiled whitefish. you might ask, who in their right mind would order broiled whitefish in the first place? well, someone who gave up meat for lent and was denied a chopped salad without chicken. yes, denied. i asked for the chopped salad without chicken, and was answered with a big fat no. (disclaimer: we went for a company lunch, and had limited menu options) anyways, the fish was about the size of a 5-dollar footlong from subway...and hung off the side of my plate. usually bigger is better, but when it comes to fish...not so much. made me wonder how cheap it actually was if they we willing to give me enough fish to feed a family of 7. had a bite, it was pretty bland...and tasted exactly how it sounded. 'broiled whitefish.' bleh. the sauteed spinach lacked any sort of seasoning. the potatoes could have saved it. they had a nice crunch to the skin, but the pool of oil they were swimming in soaked right through it within minutes. more advice? (on a positive note) eat as much bread as you can. the sticky pretzel roll-looking things, were awesome. bread basket: 1, broiled whitefish: 0
(2)J and S.
My Go-To pre-theater dinner restaurant. The potato-crusted tilapia is awesome! I am NOT a fish fan, honestly, I have never ordered fish in a restaurant other than this dish which I get religiously each time I come. They are accustomed to the pre-theater crowd (even have a pre-fixe menu for it) so you never have to worry that you will be late for your date with the stage. They also have good martinis and a good wine selection. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the loop looking for dinner!
(4)Edwin A.
Opted for the after 7pm 19.95 special, we went here after watching Billy Elliot at the Oriental Theatre. Not a whole lot of places around besides McDonalds. As a prior reviewer noted, it does feel like a NYC theatre district restaurant. Decor they had charactures of famous people with their autographs. Service was good. They take pride in this. Food was good as well. Breadbasket warm and fresh. Steak with cheese good, chicken armando good. For desert the chocolate ovation cake, hyped up as a house specialty when brought out looked like the size of a halloween chocolate. Don't make the mistake and experiment. Get the tiramisu!
(3)Amy E.
I was looking for a simple, mid-range Italian ish restaurant for about $40 a head in the loop. This was exactly the place I was looking for, and nothing more. Like other restaurants in the Lettuce Entertain You family, this restaurant serves average food with a customer-service oriented slant. In other words, my grandfather, who asks for ketchup with this steak even in the finest restaurants, would appreciate the large size of the restaurant, the comfortable booths, and the fact that a warm bread plate comes out almost as soon as you sit down.
(3)Billie R.
A definite before show dinner place! What can I say- they kept our leftovers for us until after our show. I am hooked! That is a very nice service, one I really appreciate! Being able to valet for dinner and a show in one fell swoop is a plus- I get lost pretty easily. But the drinks ( The French Martini is delicious) were wonderful, and hey- I wanted to take leftovers home, that should tell you something about the food. Our entire party was happy with the service, food, and beverages.
(4)Lauren K.
I've had better. My friend and I ate here on a Wednesday night around 7. It was pretty empty the entire time we were there. I enjoyed the decor. Our server was very polite but sparse. Don't come here if you're vegetarian, like me. My friend said she liked her food, but it wasn't over the top amazing. Also, just an observation, her appetizer, tuna tartar actually looked quite a bit larger than her entree, pepper steak. I had the fettucini, sans prosciutto. Nothing short of Olive Garden, tasted like when I make the fettucini alfredo recipe on the back of the pasta box. Meh. I had tiramisu after dinner and it wasn't good. The texture was way too spongy and the flavor was bland. This place is nothing special. If you're a tourist in the area for a show and want a meal afterward and you eat meat, then maybe you'd like it, but perhaps you'd find it a bit over priced for what you get. I probably won't go here again unless it's just for a drink.
(2)Daniel D.
How about a useful review ladies and gentlemen: Gentlemen, get the thing straight once and for all: Petterino's isn't there to create appetites, the Petterino's is there to preserve appetites. With all malapromisms set aside, this old loop establishment is here to keep us with a belly full of food, a sifter full of stutter, and a laugh in every tremble the guests may have to beckon. Yes Petterino's is great, from the dim lights, to the Sardi's-like portraits, and American style dishes raging from Fish to Steak to Salads to Olives. How could anybody go wrong with simple delicacies mixed with a loosened tie and blushed cheeks? The ample seating and bar size, down from the printed napkins to the bow-tied clad servers leave the patron feeling like a king. The elegance of ordering classic cocktails from 'sympathetic bartenders' and listening to old Pop's Louis Armstrong empowers anybody to suddenly carry a pen in their pocket. Little do people realize the importance of a signature. Then there is Petterino's, which brings in all walks of life above the rust belt. Seriously, the food is of no reason to complain too, they're all zingers in my short book of complaints, to the ample flowing of booze, to the exodus of patrons meandering to the Goodman or Cadillac to pretend to be interested in theater. Head not the warnings from other reviewers: is an extra minute on your drink a worry? Was your steak not burnt enough? Were you sat next to an infant four booths away? Oh fie, blink twice and slap yourself in the face, and feel ashamed for the pragmatic complaints; we're all here for a reason, to dine, to wine, to smile. Petterino's is dining thats honest and fantastic, never a reason to complain, always a reason to celebrate. Way to keep the idea from classy preserved from the Eisenhower era presented in the era of overly-critical food-network inspired nobodies and dazzle them all in the blight of presentation to the hearty meals and nearly flammable beverages. If you're passing through the loop at any time of the day during any hectic weather, Petterino's is a humble spot to share a drink, push your legs against the leather bar, or split a dessert. If in the mood for a play, make it a night with a pallet filled from every spot of the tongue. A true garnishing experience.
(5)Mary T.
I met with a large group of friends this past weekend for brunch--what fun! Petterino's is in the theater district and is pretty standard for that neighborhood: pricey but not outrageous; nice, fancy-ish atmosphere without being stuffy or too dressy. We had a reservation for 8 and were shown to a large, round table (yessss!), perfect for keeping the brunch conversation going. The restaurant was bustling but never got too loud, which I always appreciate. I loved the caracitures on the walls, the decor, and the fabulous brunch drinks menu! In all, brunch, drinks, and tip was about $40 per person. The regular menu was fine--nothing spectacular--all pretty standard brunch fare. By the way my friends devoured their sandwhiches and omelets, I'd say they must have been pretty good! I had the chicken hash. Both the eggs and the chicken were a little too done for my liking, but the seasoning was good. Dessert put the restaurant back in my good graces: part of brunch is their free dessert trolley, which was a nice assortment of of tiny desserts. Yum! Another really nice perk is the free valet parking if you're there before 1pm. They also have free coat check. Bonuses all over the place! And I can't finish this review without mentioning our fantastic waiter, Danny. He is the only thing that bumped this review from a 3 to a 4. He was fantastic!! Funny, entertaining, attentive without being hovering, and a genuine delight of a server. All in all, it was a charming restaurant, decent food. and fantastic service!
(4)Kristin M.
My parents were taking my sister and I to see the Adams Family Musical and decided to duck in to Petterino's for dinner beforehand. I guess this place you have to have reservations to if you want to be seated. We asked for a table for four and the host was a big snob and said that they couldn't seat us unless we took a table right by the door. She had a real attitude and added that we would also have to be out within an hour because someone who had a reservation was going to sit there. Now I have to tell you, my dad is a really funny guy but he can also embarrass the pants off of you. He pointed his finger right at her and said, "Well now that's up to you and your coworkers, honey. Bring out the food and check in an hour and we will be out of here. So why don't you just get on that." Normally I would have been mortified but she was such a snob she deserved to get knocked down a peg or two. Needless to say, she didn't like us much after that (or even before that) and told us to seat ourselves and never brought over menus. We sat down at our table right next to the revolving door and noticed that a wine glass and two of the plates were dirty. Not a good start. Our server was very sweet and made up for the hosts bad attitude, but the food was underwhelming. My sister and mother had some sort of carbanera pasta, my father had halibut and I had the baked ravioli which our server recommended. My father really enjoyed his meal but I feel like I could have made mine at home. I did really like that they put the sauce in a gravy boat on the side so I could just as much or as little as I liked. All in all, there are so many amazing restaurants in Chicago I won't ever come back here. There is so much talent to be discovered there is no point in going back to a mediocre restaurant.
(1)Chrissy N.
Came here for brunch with 8 friends, and had a GREAT time! We had a perfect round table- lovely for being able to see and talk to everyone. Our waiter Danny was the highlight of the day. He was fun, friendly, polite, fancy, witty, and an all around good time. He had such a fancy coffee pour, there was spontaneous applause at the table!! Each of us ordered different brunch cocktails, and they did a marvelous job- no skimping on the liquor. I had an omlette which was delicious. A friend had the hash which she said was dry. Everyone else seemed quite satisfied. It wasn't out-of-this-world, but it was good food, good prices. But the real icing on the cake was the dessert cart (complimentary!) that came around after we finished our entrees. Mouse, chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, cheesecake, oh dear, that was a nice way to end the experience. I'll definitely be back. Petterino's can consider this a 10-star review- thanks to our waiter Danny!
(5)Benjamin C.
We utilized Petterino's banquet facilities for our wedding. This was the perfect choice. The service we received, prior to the reception as well as the table service, was exceptional. The food was also wonderful. I would highly recommend Petterino's for any group gathering.
(5)Merrill O.
Our first time to Petterino's for Sunday brunch, and have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! Although they don't have a huge brunch menu, the items that they do have are quite yummy and fairly reasonably priced for that part of downtown. I had the Maryland Lump Crab Cake Eggs Benedict, which was a fabulous variation of the breakfast classic. And a nice twist? They have potato pancakes as the standard breakfast side, instead of regular hash-browns or fried potatoes. I was virtuous and substituted fresh fruit for my potato pancakes, but my nephew was kind enough to let me taste his, and they were excellent. Next visit, I want to try the Baked Egg Strada, as I was eyeing my neighbor's, and it looked great! The deciding factors though, to put this on my Yelp list of Go-To Spots for Brunch Fanatics? 1) Free valet parking for Sunday Brunch when in before 1 PM. I don't even drive, and I still recognize this as a HUGE perk. 2) A complimentary bread basket with brunch, which included such yummies as baby muffins, bagels, scones and some type of raisin toast crisps. 3) An included dessert trolley which was loaded with decadent treats. I'm not even a dessert eater, yet I still couldn't resist! All in all, a nice relaxing (and filling) brunch extravaganza. Check it out...I think you'll be pleased. And if you're headed to the theatre after, you can't find a better pre-theatre brunch location.
(4)Sue Z.
Loved it! Outside seating for interesting people watching. EVERYTHING was delicious and hot!
(5)Joseph K.
I had the gnocci and it was interesting. Obviously, it was rich, but I never got tired of the sauce. We also had the meatballs for the appetizer which were good (but small). Good date spot and a "Let's just find a place" place for people wandering State/Michigan.
(4)Nikki V.
We went there after 7 so we decided to do the 7 after 7 deal which was pretty good. We got there on the last night of their Monday Night Cabaret until mid-January. At first, we weren't really sure what was going to happen so they seated us in an area where we can talk and not disturb everyone. The cabaret ended up being hilarious and brilliant and I was getting annoyed with everyone else who was trying to talk over the music and I was trying to listen haha. Anyways, The shrimp bisque wasn't anything too special. The bf enjoyed his calamari. The German Riesling I ordered was very tasty and I don't remember what beer Tim got. I got the whitefish which wasn't very good, unfortunately but Tim really liked his Tilapia. My creme brulee was to die for! Almost as good as my own! hah and the tirmisu wasn't too bad either. All in all, the service is impeccable and the food isn't too bad. I think I just ordered the wrong stuff for myself. I would definitely come back, the ambiance is great and everything. This first experience just wasn't the best.
(3)Chris M.
I went to brunch with the family before a show at the Oriental theatre last Sunday. I am not sure what I was expecting but I wasn't very impressed. The food, service and desert cart were really unimpressive. Maybe I had too high expectations. The brunch menu was okay but I think I was hoping for some more creativity and choices. I ended up going with the Deluxe Toasted Cheese Sandwich; a grilled cheese with bacon and tomato, French fries and tomato soup. It was ok. My girlfriend who is a vegetarian ordered the same thing and asked them if they could put spinach on the sandwich instead of bacon. It was met with a confused look by the waiter who said they couldn't but they could offer a side of spinach. The waiter reiterated that she wanted a sandwich with no meat which she said yes to but that included them leaving off the tomato. We had 14 people in our party including 6 kids ranging from 16 to 11. They decided to sit the kinds at another section with a different server. I thought this was really peculiar. My dad who was paying the bill made sure to mention to our waiter that the other table was with us so they would bring us the bill. I did observe that the kid's waitress did a nice job. She was engaging and the kids liked her but it was apparent there was no communication between the servers because when the bill came she tried to drop it off at their table and the kids were dumbfounded. We quickly claimed the bill; I blame our waiter, the same guy who couldn't find a way to get spinach on a grilled cheese. The dessert cart was cool but I was unimpressed with the selections which included Jello. I guess I was hoping for something a little more upscale including the service before going to the theater.
(2)LeeAnn B.
Service is bad and very slow. Our server spilled my friend's wine all over her, served her soup with no spoon (and didn't come back until the soup was cold). Our food had obviously been under the food lamp because of the mix up. BTW - crab salad does not taste good after being under a food lamp. Plus, $40 for a salad and a beer feels a bit steep! I won't be back!
(1)Ameet T.
I went here before a show because of the reviews. I would never go here again. The woman who was to take our names down for a table was nowhere to be found for about 15 minutes eventually a barback asked us how many people we had in our group. We were seated by the hostess who was rude when i asked her why it took so long for us to be attended to when we walked in. The food was mediocre at best and the service was terrible. What else can you expect from a lettuce entertain you restaurant? Do not reccomend!!! ...despite high hopes for this place.
(1)David M.
I love love love this place. Was there during the NATO summit, stopped in with a friend. Service was awesome our waitress was so nice and professional. The food was amazing I got the chicken pot pie and my friend who has severe diet restrictions was personally taken care of by the chef. I cannot rate this place high enough. Can't wait to go back.
(5)CJ J.
Hit and miss. I've been here a few times. Here is what I have learned...MAKE A RESERVATION! You are treated differently if you have one. Had an evening there with my friends a few weeks ago and everything was great... food, service...and yes, we had reservations, Went there with my family after the (afternoon) show recently, did not have reservations. We all made the mistake of getting salads. Not very good or satisfying. Will be back though. It's close by and I'll make reservations next time! :)
(3)Lisa H.
I rarely give 5 star reviews, but Petterino's deserves it! I have been here twice and both times been very impressed with the excellent food and service. For lunch, I had the tomato bisque which was incredibly tasty, great homemade croutons and they do not skimp on portion sizes! It was a fantastic place for a business lunch and we received many compliments on our choice. The waiters are friendly and helpful and they do not rush you. I also went here for dinner with my fiance and his parents and everybody loved it. When we arrived it was right after a dinner show (so they were very busy). The hostess smiled and said "I think I can squeeze you in" - she took us downstairs to the private party room, where a jazz piano player was singing. It was amazing! We had basically our own private bar and bartender. I can't remember what we all ate, but I know that everyone enjoyed it, and the drinks we got were excellent. Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Colleen M.
Everyone I work with loves coming here for lunch, but I think its secretly because the service is so slow and its an excuse to get out of the office for awhile. I really don't think the food here is that great. It's not bad, but not worth dealing with the pretentious waitstaff for. They also always run out of their lunch specials halfway through the lunch hour. Basically, I can't think of anything stand-out that I've eaten here that would be worth coming back for. I can only judge based on the lunches I've had here, but nothing has been good enough to merit coming here for dinner.
(2)G M.
I went to the monday night live music. The singers were wonderful. The food was fantastic.
(5)C W.
Had to make a meal out of sides since there wasn't a veggie option. The sides ended up being awkwardly proportioned and made dining difficult. There really wasn't anything notable other than we talked to coach Q there.
(2)Sandy K.
A-ok. I've been here a couple times due to it's convenience to the theaters. I always get the pre fixe menu. The service is good. They always handle our reservations well and get us out in time for our show. I love it when they gush over what a good wine choice I made! Yeah, I realize they say it to everybody. I usually order some type of fish. The food to me is like a higher end wedding banquet food. It's ok. It's just that when I get a chance to go into the city I prefer something more exciting than regular American fare.... so it's not you Petterinos, it's me.
(3)Gene W.
I'd been hearing about Petterino's for a while and finally made it by a few weeks ago. We didn't have reservations, so when we dropped in we were seated at a small table in the bar area. Definitely a nice alternative to waiting around for two hours. The bar area looked like a replica of something from an old gangster film. Maybe like a laminated photo of something from that time. That's not a complaint either. Nothing about the place was over the top or bombastic. I'd heard Petterino's had a reputation for making marvelous drinks, so I ordered a Manhattan to down before dinner. I'll give it a B. Not fantastic, but certainly better than most places. If I'm ever looking for a primo Manhattan, I'm still going to the Green Mill. I ordered the Chicken Armando and my friend ordered some other delicious chicken thing. All I know is that they were both delicious. Good sized portions, great sauce, tender meat. Yes. Nothing about the service leaps out at me other than the fact that after we finished our meal, even though there was quite a crowd now waiting for a table, we never felt rushed or hurried to leave by the staff. Not to say we sat and ordered coffee and pulled out a chess board, but it was nice not to catch attitude in a busy downtown restaurant on the weekend. I will for sure, most definitely, absolutely, be back.
(4)Chris R.
My family and I stopped into Petterino's before going to a nearby show. We are very glad we did! As we were just walk-ins we were sad to hear that they were booked up for their seatings, but the host was quick to point out that they served the full menu a the bar. So we quickly found a table and became happy with out choice. We aren't wine drinkers, but they have a extensive wine list. I can tell you their Bloody Mary is pretty good, could have used some salt though. The crab cakes are great! Beef filet was butter smooth, and the potato crusted talapia was one of the best we've had. Based on it's location to the theater district, good service, attentive wait staff, and tasty menu choices we happily give these guys 4 stars
(4)Rob. W.
Impeccable service. And the "Pre-Fixe" dinner is a white tablecloth bargain.
(5)Angela U.
We went to this restaurant before a play, and it was really good food. I was impressed, with the wait staff and the food. Nice atmosphere. A hidden gem in Chicago, because it's not on Rush, but not be missed, if you get a chance to go there.
(4)Siddhika B.
I wasn't told my pasta had ham. Smelly surprise for a vegetarian. And damn expensive pasta too!
(2)Andrew W.
good food. outdoor seating was fun, even in the pouring rain (we were the only ones willing to bear it). would visit again if in the neighborhood.
(4)Chris C.
Use to order takeout lunch from here a lot until I did it once for dinner and they totally screwed it up. I went in to pick up my dinner order and was treated very badly by the hostess and bartender. They didn't check the order and when I sat down to eat it back at work, noticed the order was wrong. I then called asking for a refund and got hung up on. Had to call a second time to get the refund. While they sent me a 25 gift certificate, I'll probably not use it. Their staff seems to have sticks up their butts.
(1)Manda C.
I thought the price($20 a plate) was right for an already expensive "fancy" night out. I went for the whole Theater experience and really enjoyed myself!
(4)Matt J.
Great place for lunch if you are stuck in this part of the downtown area. Great sandwiches, pizza and cookies. Get whatever sounds good to you because it will be.
(4)Mike S.
I was really disappointed with lunch at Petterino's. The place just comes off as incredibly stuffy and self-important immediately upon walking in. I sat at the bar and 1 of the 3 bartenders was really cordial, but the other 2 were just kind of fixtures back there who went out of their way to avoid eye contact when I needed something. The menu itself also seemed really disappointing. The only word I can really use to sum it up is "eye-talian": it looks like whoever designed the menu had a great, great, great grandmother who was Italian, and over the years the family bastardized the recipe to make them boring and unadventurous. Even the decor and clientele screamed "fake Brooklyn Italian" to me. The only redeeming quality: the Malbec was tasty. That's about it.
(2)Ji K.
I've been here twice now-- both times right before a show nearby. And both times, the food was delicious, the service was wonderful, and the caricatures were quite entertaining to look at. When the waiter tells you that the items on the menu in red are their specialty, they're not lying. All red items rule! So, while I wouldn't go out of my way to come here for a random Friday night dinner-- this place is a must before going to a show (especially because the $14 dinner + show valet price is such a deal). Speaking of valet, though-- my friend swears the valet took all the silver from his coin tray (leaving only the copper) and also rifled through some of the other compartments (without even trying to cover it up). So yeah. Make sure you don't leave anything valuable or important in your car. And maybe hide your shiny Mr. Washingtons while you're at it.
(4)Katie H.
Meh, more like 2.5 stars. It wasn't bad, but I wouldn't come back if I was paying. I was taken here for a much belated birthday lunch because my boss had a gift certificate to use. Our water was very theatrical. Like he wasn't so much a waiter, as an actor playing the part of a waiter. Everything was done with flourish, annunciated, from the diaphragm, once more with feeling! I ordered a salad with dressing on the side. When our food finally arrived (after all the tables around us who sat after us) it came doused in about a gallon of dressing but since our waiter was off auditioning somewhere for 20 minutes, I ate it anyways. I also had a crabcake which was pretty tasty, but had I been paying I would have thought the $12 price tag was a bit much for the size. My boss went with the scallops which came topped wtih a cheesey bread crumb crust not mentioned on the menu. Overall, it was just eh. Not bad, not really good. For a free meal it was fine, but had I shelled out $20 for my crab cake and salad I would have been very dissapointed.
(3)Heather D.
I've been to Petterino's for dinner before but never for Sunday brunch. And boy was I pleasantly surprised. I got the bananas foster waffle and it was absolutely delicious. I would definitely go there for brunch again!
(4)Thuc N.
I do not really like this place since it's very cramped in. The table were too close to one another. You always feel the need to move your chair closer to the table whenever a waiter or a customer pass by. Therefore, I end up eating my meal while putting my awareness on "high" which kind of ruin the mood. The service was quite good. I would not go here or take any of my friends here since their foods were ok but not special to introduce to friends. I only went here because a friend like it and she always wanted to dine here after the Goodman.
(3)Hailey W.
Best restaurant in Chicago! Go on a Friday at 9! The place is literally empty! Plus you'll get the 7 After 7 menu which is super cheap! Ask for Erica, she was probably the best server I've ever had!
(5)Allie O.
The entire atmosphere of the restaurant was very elegant and classy. The walls were covered with celebrity caricature's and I thought that was really neat and it gave the restaurant a fun personality. The waiters were all wearing tuxedo's and the music wasn't too loud either. Although the waiter took some time to first come to the table to take my order, the service was excellent other than that. The menu was very well designed, but I think there were too many different typefaces that didn't work well together, but there was a good use of color. The dessert menu was decorated very nicely and was titled 'Sweet Finale.' The crab cake was served with corn and tomatoes, which was a very delicious combination and I really liked it because it was something that I had never tried before. Next, the steak was served into 3 mini steaks with small mushrooms on top. The steak was very delicious, if your looking for a good seafood or steakhouse to go to in downtown Chicago, this is the one!
(4)c d.
Decorated with all the celeb photos on the wall, it has a great old school atmosphere. The classic cocktail menu matches the atmosphere. The service is excellent, very professional. Make a reservation for the best experience. They have a variety of salad options. They are large and fresh. The tuna tartare was delicious! Lots of classic sandwich offerings too. Cup size serving of soups are perfect size. The shrimp bisque was very tasty. Can't decide, go with the toasted cheese and tomato bisque. Huge lunch serving. I look forward to returning to give the bar seating a try.
(4)Tuya S.
The service was friendly and the meal was decent. In general I thought the atmosphere and interior hinted on retro America's 40's and 50's when women used to put on red lipstick and lots of rouge. Perhaps the impression was built upon observing black and white photos of famous guests who frequented the spot, though I was told that the restaurant is not that archaic. The server was courteous and had quite a charisma of a ballroom master. If you are planning to watch musical or any theatrical performance this could be good place to dine beforehand.
(3)Matt L.
This place is a below average spot for a quick business lunch. It's one of those places that thrives on its location rather than its food. I ordered the chicken club sandwich. It was a decent size sandwich but was pretty below average. It was piled far too high with lettuce and fell apart right after picking it up. There was hardly any chicken on it as well. The fries were average at best. I'm guessing they were probably just the frozen kind you buy at the grocery store because they were fairly soggy and lukewarm. Service was ok but for the money (about $11 for my sandwich and a Coke) you could definitely do better in the loop.
(2)Zach T.
Been here twice. Once for a banquet, and I chalked the mediocre experience up to banquet food until I went here yesterday. The Decor is great. Very old-school theater restaurant with carricatures on the walls and waitstaff in tuxedos. I ordered a chesseburger medium rare as I am wont to do. This thing came out PURPLE. So rare that it barely held together. I fought with stomach pain all night from it. The taste was decent, but c'mon people. I expect more out of a $9 cheeseburger.
(3)Eddy C.
Had I reviewed Petterino's after the first time I went there, I probably would've been inclined to give it four stars. On that occasion, my gf and I had went to Petterino's for a nice dinner before we went to see Wicked. We each got the pre-theater special, which included a starter, entree and dessert for $30. You can only pick from certain items on the menu but there were enough choices for us that we thought we'd give it a try. While the food was only decent (I had the Chicken Armando, my gf had the Broiled Whitefish), the portions were so massive that we didn't have room for dessert. Our server was nice enough to let us come back to the restaurant after the show to have our dessert, which ended up being a rather nice way to conclude the evening. Unfortunately, after lunch today, I'm going to have to bump it down to three stars. The food was definitely not the problem. I got the Crab Salad Melt -- think tuna melt but with large chunks of crab instead. Excellent flavor plus they come with homemade potato chips that you can't help eating even though you know you shouldn't. But the amount of time we waited to get our food was absolutely ridiculous. We're talking 45 minutes, which is simply unacceptable for a restaurant who has so many customers that work nearby and have to actually get back to work at a reasonable hour. To be fair, the waiter was very apologetic but it didn't change the fact that I got back to my office about 20 minutes later than I should have. Considering that the food isn't cheap nor mind-blowingly good, I probably won't be going back to Petterino's unless I didn't need to be somewhere afterwards AND someone else was paying for my meal.
(3)Laura S.
Much better than the tourist joint I had it pegged for. Pre-theater menu, $ 30 three courses, perfectly serviceable steakhouse-style fare. Ate with six very different people, everyone left happy.
(3)Jamie O.
Classic and formal, Petterino's delivers traditional, tasty dishes. It serves its purpose as a business or theatre meal. The tomato soup had character and was very flavorful. The salad was decent. Their bread variety was impressive.
(3)meg g.
The hostess and wait staff here don't prefer to help anyone who doesn't look like they're coming from a hard day of museum benefits and spa treatments. As you can imagine, they didn't like the looks of us- even though we were dropping a ton of cash (this place ain't cheap). So, just to spite them, we frequented it multiple times one summer, ordered fancy drinks, talked really loud about violent video games and our sex lives, and then tipped really well. WE SHOWED THEM! One day though, we finally got fed up and moved our lunch parties across the street to Arby's.
(2)Ann M.
I am a semi-regular for Monday Night Live, so I get treated like a queen whenever I come in to Petterino's. The food is decent, and the service is excellent. The 7 After 7 menu is a great value.
(3)Erin M.
My first impression of Petterino's was a horrid stinky cigarette smell. Also when we walked in there were about 20 tables to our right which were all set and empty but we were told there was about a 15 min. wait. I am sure these tables had a purpose but it wasn't for us. When we got back to our booth the cigarette smell subsided but didn't go completely away. But, I loved the Eggplant Ragu pasta! It was delicious. I can't remember the exact name of it because, of course, it was a fancy "menu" name. Our server was really great and the timing was great for a "date." Relaxed and not rushed. I would say Petterino's is a little over priced for me (my pasta dish was 17.95) and it didn't have any meat but, I did like all the pictures on the walls and the feel of the place. On a last note their menu that I found online is outdated.
(3)Giselle S.
This review is only for the bar. Dan the bartender you Rock! Thanks for the chocolate martini. Thanks for the lesson on the photos that sit at the front of the bar. (They are regulars from the courthouse- lawyers) As for the rest of the drinks they were all very tasty. Enjoyed the nightcap.
(4)Tom B.
Excellent service. Our server was sensitive to our need to attend a performance at the Goodman. Food was good, but not great. The four cheese ravioli were pretty ordinary. The hamburger was better.
(4)Nori G.
I have been to Petterino's several times over the past few years and have always found the service, staff and food to be exceptional - except this last visit. About two weeks ago (prior to the Ricky Gervais show), I entered the restaurant and the front desk hostess instructed me to see the bartender as he would point me to my table. I stood at the bar for almost four minutes before the bartender came over - he saw me several times, but felt it more important to wipe the counter, enter orders in the system or talk to other patrons. After getting his attention, he pointed to the table and told me he'd get us menus, which took over five minutes to arrive - as did the bread. As it turns out the bartender also took our orders and delivered our food. When we finally did order, the food was excellent - as always, but we found it difficult to get the bartender's attention when we wanted to order a drink or get the bill - we often had to flag down a busboy. Although we were satisfied with the food, the service was downright disappointing, and off-putting. The bartender was the least-friendly bartender I have met, was grumpy, unapproachable and certainly not the image fitting to a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I will return to Petterino's again, but will avoid the bar and the grumpy old man.
(2)Richard B.
First of all, the on-line menu may not contain changes made recently. I was set on having the 'chicken chopped salad'. Now, it's the chopped salad and you can add chicken for a fee. I asked my waiter..."this is supposed to have chicken? "it did till Monday". Sign of the times. Oh well. The service was great as usual and the close location to Billy Elliott can't be beat.
(3)Robyn T.
Petterino's has a fabulous dining deal going on right now. If you would like to dine after 7 on ANY night of the week, you can get a great 3-course meal for less than $20. Yep, that's right Yelpers only $19.95 for a solidly good 3-course meal. Here's how it works: Petterino's has selected 7 appetizers, 7 entrees (from each of their dinner categories) and 8 desserts (yes, that kind of messes up the 7 but how could you leave off the Chocolate Applause cake?!) for you to choose from. They even have 7 wine selections for $7 a glass AND free valet parking. Great deal. I have to say that Petterino's service and the quality of their food is not what I remember it to be when I frequented there a few years ago, but I'm still A-Ok with it. There's less of a crowd after 7 so the servers don't seem as harried. Sometimes there are mistakes on items (oops you said medium on that steak? Sorry this one you got is burned to a crisp!) but overall I'm a happy client. Recommendations for the After 7 deal -- asparagus appetizer (3 stalks lightly fried with a creamy dipping sauce) or the caesar salad; Pot Roast (so tender!) or the pepper steak (if its cooked properly); chocolate applause cake (so rich!) or the sour cherry crumble.
(3)Quantas G.
I went to an event in Petterino's banquet room downstairs and was satisfied. The decor was classy, the staff was extra helpful, and the food was really good. The Caesar salad had the right amount of dressing, cheese shavings and sizable croutons. The pasta were flavorful and the mashed potatoes and asparagus were spot on. This place is definitely a joint to hit up before a play in the area or hosting a private event. FYI, alcohol prices are typical of the Loop/River North area...more than my frugalness like to pay.
(4)Kwoky L.
I went here for a recruiting event for our future interns. The food was okay, mostly regular Italian food that we all know. Nothing particularly impressive but their molten chocolate cake is a must try!!! It is the chocolatiest (is that even a word?) in town. I would suggest trying it with a empty stomach unless you want to puke out the chicken carbonara you just had. Yea, it's that rich.
(3)Vince T.
Good food and convenient. Thursday evening prix fixe menu is the best value.
(4)A W.
This Old school pre-theater place will always have a place in my heart since they did an fabulous job on my wedding reception. The 7 after 7 is a great deal, and everything they serve is great.
(5)Michelle I.
This is a great restaurant to visit before going to see a show. It is in the heart of the theater district. We went right before seeing Wicked. The great thing is the Valet will take your car- curbside, and keep it for you through the show! I loved my Steak Diane w/stuffed tomato- how often do you find that as a side? The waitstaff were nice but very busy and not attentive enough.
(4)Stephanie T.
I love this place. I have been here for both lunch and dinner and both times I was super satisfied. Way to go Petterinos.. way to go.
(5)Brenda M.
Reliable for a "just above middle of the road" dinner. Wait staff is formally friendly and volunteered 1/2 orders for the kids. Steaks are predictably good (you're in Chicago after all) but the crab cakes are soggy, and the crab a little on the side of past the crab's prime. Pot roast and chicken pot pie are wonderful safe choices as they are specialties. desserts are nothing to come back for but will do the trick if you need it.
(3)S R.
Good service, nice atmosphere, sat outside, enjoyed my filet mignon.
(4)Justin H.
Petterino's is good for a special dinner but for a regular lunch I found it quite pricey and what I ordered, glorified fetticini alfredo, was rather tasteless. The server who came around to refill my Sprite instead filled my glass the rest of the way with water leaving that all too familiar watered down soda taste. Service other than that was fast and with that quickness came every server who walked by stepping on my foot. This is a great place to go if you want to listen to Rich business men discuss their personal views on the world which is comedy in and of its own. Where else can you go and listen to a business man discuss how he would feel if the economy tanked and he wouldn't be able to live the Petterino's for daily lunch lifestyle anymore. I gave it the 3rd star only because of the humor content of eating there for lunch on a business day!
(3)Matthew S.
This was one of the first places I went to when I moved to Chicago, and I have come back periodically ever since. A great menu, with excellent service is the story here. You'll have to share the place with a constant theater crowd (read: mostly tourists who can't figure out north from east... yes, Lake Michigan = East, big tall buildings = west). The decor is a throwback to swank, Rat Pack-ish joints with the illusion that a celeb will pop out from around the corner (haven't seen one there yet). The bar area tends to stay smokier than I like, even at lunch... but then again, it's the bar. Try their chocolate multi course dessert... pretty amazing. As for the rest of the meal, I haven't run into anything I wouldn't try a second time.
(4)JAMES R.
Are you a sports fan? No, you will not get the best Italian food in Chicago here. But they have so many big screen TVs around the bar that you can watch two games at the same time. Hawks and Mexican soccer? No problem. Sox and Bears? Easy. Cute bartenders. Great pizza.
(4)Jaye S.
Went here prior to the Ford Theatre. Food was good. Service was very good. Attentive but not too attentive. The wine list is limited with farily high markup (like most places). We used the valet parking for the theatre and our car was waiting at the curb when we got out. That is great service. The "Pump Room" concept is done well. The place was pretty full on a Wed. night pre-theatre and that is a good sign.
(4)Natalie J.
so i've been holding onto these lettuce entertain you gift cards for almost two years. when our company holiday party turned into a byobb (bring your own brown bag), i decided that two coworkers and myself should use the gift cards and splurge on lunch for ourselves. so, we pick petterino's. my friend ordered the salmon, i ordered the sea scallops, and my other friend ordered a cheeseburger. let's go through it shall we? we picked up our order and the gentleman working the carryout was very friendly. we left in good spirits. we get back into the office and my mouth is watering for these sea scallops. i open my tupperware container and am confused. what am i looking at? my first thought is - they messed up my order. my second thought is - this looks disgusting. it was a log-shaped breaded thing....it couldn't be sea scallops, could it? it was!! apparently by "garlic crusted" they meant breaded. and the sauce! yuck! i think i ate one and a half scallops before i threw it away, and tried to forget about. and believe me, i'm a member of the clean plate club. it was practically inedible and i could just imagine the following scenario tomorrow: so i got carryout from petterino's....yeah....the sea scallops...and i haven't stopped yaking. my friend's salmon, which i only had a tiny bite of, tasted better than mine but i didn't sample enough to really judge. and my friend's cheeseburger was pretty good. it's hard to f up a cheeseburger, though, am i right?! they also forgot her french fries - who wants a burger without french fries? we also got soups and bread with our meals. but everything was slightly warmer that room temperature (i know it was a three block walk but really?) and i just couldn't eat lukewarm soup after losing my appetite after looking at/tasting those f'n scallops! my friend ate her soup, she said it was bleh. so, $55 later, i understand why it is that i write yelp reviews....because i love to eat and i know what good food tastes like. this is a shit restaurant in a prime location in downtown chicago and tourism has to be the only thing keeping it alive. man being a tourist sucks sometimes.
(1)Sue C.
We had dinner before seeing Eddie Izzard here also...and we really enjoyed the atmosphere (celebrity caricatures are great--don't they make you wish you were an artist?) , great food and drink here. I ordered from their show price fixed options: had the house salad with Green Goddress dressing (great) with the Chicken Armand with asparagus (a great signature dish), and the Chocolate Applause dessert (VERY good) all for a very reasonable price. Others had the Mahi Mahi and the Salmon...and the soup served was very good...but on the small side. We had booked our reservation thru Open Table, and received a complimentary appetizer when they noted it was our first time there (nice touch...though the mushroom quiches were a little on the dry side). Great service!
(5)Amy S.
This is the go-to spot for after-work drinks for my crew. Ed makes the best dirty martini in the city :) I've gone here for pre-show dinner as well and the food is very good. Great value for the location.
(5)Candace M.
I had lunch here with a friend and the restaurant is cozy and the food was good. I had the baked chicken which was tasty. Their salads are also good, a bit pricey but tasty. This a good lunchtime spot.
(3)Natalia D.
First and foremost i think this place is 80% good food 20% hype...but its good food none the less. The atmosphere is great and it is right in the middle of Chicago's Theater District. Waiter service is good and they have a full bar. My company recently rented out the bottom of the restaurant for a company event. We had a great time and were catered to nicely. Parmesan Chicken was excellent. I had the dinner as part of a family style set up so I was lucky to taste a little bit of everything. The pasta bolognese was so tasty!!! I loved every bite of it. The white fish wasnt as good though. It was regular fish and was a but under seasoned and I even picked out a couple bones out of it. So I wouldnt recommend it. The dessert menu was simple and nothing out of the ordinary. It was actually just a set up of cookies and cupcakes and angel food cake. Over all it was a good experience but I don't think its a place I'd like to become a regular at.
(3)Faith H.
I've passed by this restaurant so many times, so a friend of mine and I finally decided to give it a go. If you like Maggiano's, you'll like this. Very similar menu and atmosphere. I just thought it was OK. I'd be interested in going back for lunch or brunch to see how that is.
(3)Kathleen C.
Good food. Good servers. Have been here for lunch and for dinner. Both were fantastic. Good selections of meat, fish, and other stuff. However, it is impossible to get a reservation around dinner as so many people try to go there before plays. So call in advance! The atmosphere is nice and old school with big red comfy booths and pictures of old celebrities on the walls. I love how the servers all wear tuxedos -- looks so nice!
(4)Natalie B.
I went here on a business lunch and found it to be like a step back in time. And I mean that in the best way possible. When I first walked in, I noticed the VIP wall. This wall has nameplates of frequent important diners. If one of these VIPs makes a reservation, they take your nameplate off the wall and put it on the table to reserve it. Crazy! I also got a kick out of the portraits on the wall. With the slew of political ads we see in the city, it was easy to pick out their portraits on the wall. The service and food were great. I had the Chicken Pot Pie. I was tickled when they brought the puff pastry to me without the pot pie filling. Then the waiter preceeded to poke a hole in the pastry and spoon the pot pie filling in! It was tasty and the pastry stayed crispy. My only complaint was that the salad dressing was a little too heavy on my side salad.
(4)Steve T.
Petterino's is a great place to go for lunch in the loop or dinner, however the service is pretty slow. This is not a place to go if you're under tight time constraints and need to get out of there within an hour. The food is good, salads are pretty consistent in quality each time I have gotten one at lunch, and the soups are good. For dinner I've had some of the pastas before and those are great as well. I'd recommend a reservation during the busy lunch periods if you are going with 4+ people, same for dinner.
(3)Scott T.
First, I am not even close to a picky customer but this place really made me hate it! Went here on a Friday. We waited almost 30 min past our reservation time...not a huge deal but what is the purpose of a reservation?! We finally were seated and it took about 20 minutes for our waiter to take our drink order (now my blood pressure is rising slowly) Besides our watier moving super slow He was a bit rude. I usually can look past bad service if the food is good. I order a steak medium. When it finally comes out it is as rare as can be. Like I said, I am not a picky customer and NEVER send food back but when you are paying a decent amout for a steak I would like the order to be correct. This is not the biggest deal in the world so I finally get our waiters attention and explain to him "I ordered my steak medium and this is really rare" and he says "And?" And?! are you kindding me???!! thats what he actually said. So he takes the food back after being rude. While everyone else already has their food in our party (4 of us) I wait another 20 minutes for my food!! Finally my steak comes back (after everyone is half way done with their food) and the steak looks grey as if they just threw it in the mircrowave!!!!! so: 1. If it was put in a microwave what took so long? 2. Why are you putting it in a microwave?! it clearly was not thrown back on. The customer service was so bad, the food was average at best. I will never go back to this place. There are so many better options for the same type of food in the area.
(1)Jason S.
My favorite Lettuce Entertain you lunch spot. Not only because it is around the corner from my office, but because it is a nice lunch place to splurge and I know it is going to be good food and good service. Love the salads - I could eat the steak salad and tomato bisque soup for every meal. Finish it off with some flourless chocolate cake and I am good for a good food coma in the office for the rest of the afternoon. Dont forget to get your Lettuce Points and grab your leftover bag!!! TIP: If you are headed to the theater, this place is a great stop...and they will serve you fast if you are running late for the first act.
(4)Kieran C.
So yeah, I work like two blocks from this place, so I am frequently forced off to lunches here. Let me just say--I have never had a bad meal here, per se; However, I always have this feeling when I look at the menu that there is nothing that I am actually interested in eating. I always choose something because it seems like the most okay-sounding option. The salads, one of the only quasi-healthy options, always come drenched in dressing, in spite of repeated requests to go easy on it. A bunch of the other reviews mention bad service though, so I am not that surprised, I guess.
(2)Pete M.
Had anaother great meal at Petterino's last night. This has got to be the best value in the downtown area. Besides being a great value, it's a really nice place with high quality food/service. I had a great strip staek , roasted potatoes, crab cake appetizer and a dessert for 29.95 . That can't be matched anywhere downtown for the quality. . My friend had fish and enjoyed her dish too. The service is great there.
(5)Lisa L.
I went here for an early dinner yesterday and had a great experience. The restaurant was basically empty, but since this is the theater district, make sure you call ahead or reserve through opentable.com if you are going in the evening or on a weekend. We had great service - friendly and helpful, but not annoying! The walls are covered with character sketches of famous people that have dined there, and I had the honor of sitting under "Elaine" from Seinfeld and Hugh Hefner - very fun to pick out the celebrities as you wait (like a mini-trivia game). I started with a "salty dog," which is basically a sea-breeze with gin and a salt rim (sounds strange, but is really refreshing in the insanely humid weather). The asparagus Milanese appetizer was fantastic, as was the small shopped salad (tons of fresh ingredients and the perfect amount of dressing). I had the Chow Mien, which I was impressed with, and my partner had the chicken piccata, which was good as well (although a smaller portion that I expected). Overall, another solid LEYE dining option - also if the weather is nice, they have a great outdoor patio.
(4)Joscelyn M.
Good place for a business lunch or a pre-theater dinner. Standard meat and fish dishes. Good "big" salads. I especially like the asparagus milanese appy!
(3)Erin C.
My mom and I love coming here before going to a show. They get you in and out if you let them know what show you are seeing. The food is always good, whether you order of the regular menu or check out one of the daily specials. My favorite is the Rigatoni Augustino (which I think was taken off of the dinner menu, but is still available for lunch). It's rigatoni with an eggplant sauce. Delish. The fish is also great here, as are the salads. Came here for lunch yesterday and tried the Seared Scallop Salad. Yum! For dessert, you cna't go wrong with the Chocolate Applause Cake. If you like chocolate...and fresh whipped cream....you will love this.
(4)Tony G.
They really focus on the service here, and that makes it an excellent place for a business lunch. It's mostly Italian, but they have many sandwiches and other entrees to choose from. They did get my order wrong, but it was corrected very quickly. I usually get the baked ravioli, which is excellent and comes with plenty of sauce on the side - maybe so the ravioli stays crispy! This time, I tried a salad with grilled chicken and it was really really good. I would like to know what I have to do to get one of those plaques with my name on it. Maybe after I make my first million...
(4)Rob J.
I stumbled upon this place, looking for a restaurant to have a post show appetizer and cocktail after seeing "Dreamgirls" last nite at the Cadillac Theater. I really liked my experience at Petterinos. Sat at the bar, ordered the Tuna Tartare, and had a couple glasses of chardonnay. The bartender was extremely nice and attentive about getting me served. The Tuna Tartare was fabulous, as well as the wine. I would definitely go there again after a theater show in the loop!
(4)Heidi B.
I was really impressed with the food and the value here. The 7 After 7 Menu was excellent, choose from 7, 3 course meals after 7:00 for $19.95. They were happy to pack up dessert to take back to the hotel. My only complaint was with the slow and absent minded waitress. She was nice enough, but very slow bringing the food, bill, and dessert.
(4)Erin J.
The default lunch location for my boss (a nameplate), and I really am not a fan of this place. I think it's pretentious and reeks of snobbery, but the biggest turn-off is the service. When you see them, the servers are actually quite nice and professional, even laying on the 'act' a little heavy (although, they probably could be actors...) but they are gone for long periods of time, and getting refills on drinks is nearly impossible. We went for a team lunch last week and our group used 2 tables. One of the tables was served and had nearly finished their lunches before the other table was even served! After the 2nd table finished, another 15 minutes went by before the waiter glided over and started peppering us with suggestions on dessert and coffee. Two members of our group had to leave because we were there over 2 hours. As for the food, it's not bad, necessarily. A little safe, unadventurous, but a solid place for a business lunch, should you have the time. OH - always check the whitefish - last 2 times my boss got it, it was raw in the middle.
(2)Bob K.
Screams 'Lettuce Entertain You' right when you walk in the door. But that is ok...and the experience was very good. Arrived just before the lunch rush which quickly packed the place... Our waitress was very good...kept the diet coke filled and replenished the bread basket. Ordered the Monday special...Beef Stroganoff with a cup of Tomato Bisque. The Tomato Bisque was WOW and I would like to go back for the lunch option which includes the bisque and a grilled cheese sandwich...(maybe I will add some bacon) Beef Stroganoff was very good. The beef was not overcooked and the perfect amount of sour cream was dolluped on top... Probably the best lunch option in that immediate area.
(4)Sarah I.
I had an awesome experience here. Everything was wonderful. My husband and I ate here before we saw Wicked in Feb. 2006. We were worried about allowing enough time, so we totally allowed TOO much time. I was 7 months pregnant and it was really cold outside. So we decided to spend our "extra" time having a leisurely dinner. Our waiter was wonderful and so we just enjoyed every course of our meal including: Crispy Coconut Jumbo Shrimp with Orange Horseradish Sauce Garlic Crusted Sea Scallops with Sherry Butter Chicken Armando with a Parmesan Crust and Asparagus You order "sides" separate from your entree, so we ordered Sauteed Mushrooms and Mashed Potatoes And they have awesome desserts including their Chocolate Applause Cake. We ordered a dessert sampler plate with 4 or 5 small portions of various things. And THEN we had a Cappuccino for my husband and a decaf coffee for me.
(5)Bob A.
This was my first time at Petterinos and overall I was not impressed. I came to Petterinos for a work event with 3 of my colleagues. I ordered the filet...and it was quite the conversation topic for the rest of the night. Not because it was so delicious or looked succulent, or smelled great...it was because when it came out...it was roughly the size of a silver dollar. Ok, so maybe that's an exaggeration...but it was the smallest steak I have ever seen. It was amusing to everyone (even me), until I realized I paid $35 for a mini-steak. Oh well...the good news is the rest of our party seemed to enjoy their meals. And...I have to admit, they have the best sweet potatoe concotion i have ever had !
(2)Beth P.
I just had dinner here before seeing Eddie Izzard at the Chicago theater. Wow, was Izzard awesome, but this review is for Petterino's, so here goes: The walls were covered in caricatures of celebrities, which was quite entertaining trying to guess who was who while waiting for the food. I started with a glass of wine, and split the french fried calamari- it was the best I've ever had! Where I come from, "split" means "try to eat most of it before the other person does." Well, the other person gave me a run for my money, dang. Then we all tried the corn-chowder soup, and it.... was... AWESOME. I must say though, that it reminded me of the same everyday soup at the "Big Boy" chain restaurants back home in Michigan. You must order this chowder. The dinner salads are really huge and creative, but I ordered the chicken vesuvio. It was delicious, but I was expecting it to be a little more filling. Our waitress knew we were seeing a show, but she took forever to return to our table and ask us about dessert, so we didn't have time. I really wanted to take away a star for her inattentiveness, but I'm feeling generous. Though, not generous enough to ever split calamari again.
(4)Monica F.
I went here for the first time for lunch today. Made a reservation for 1pm, got a table right away. Excellent for an hour-long lunch if you work downtown! The cheese ravioli with meat sauce was delicious, and came with a salad, too. The price was delicious as well...$30 for lunch for two. We finished just in time to get back to the office with a few minutes to spare. I'll definitely be coming back.
(4)Charles L.
This is my favorite business lunch place downtown. Were we to restrict the ranking system to "places to go on a business lunch downtown," I would give this place 5 stars. I like Petterino's because it has a neat ambiance-this is clearly a 'place to go before you see a show,' which gives it a cooler feel than, e.g., Keefer's. I had the broiled whitefish, which was quite good, and a delicious dessert of vanilla ice cream, a delicious chocolate bundt cake sort of thing, and thick chocolate sauce. Recommended!
(4)Michael M.
My wife, my sister-in-law, her friend, and I ate at Petterino's the day after Christmas 2010. The ladies wanted to do some after-Xmas shopping on the Mag Mile so we all went downtown. Here's the thing. Apparently, even through there are tons of shoppers everywhere, it seemed like every place we wanted to eat was closed. We tried 4 different places with no luck. So I logically say "To the Yelp app!" and pull out my iPhone to find some place nearby. We eventually decided on Petterino's and I called just to make sure they were open. Once we got there, there were plenty of tables and only a few other groups there that seemed to be in the same shopping boat as us, but the girl at the front still acted as though she was doing us a favor by seating us. Our server was nice but didn't really know what to do with us because by the time we got there, it was right as they were switching over from the brunch/lunch menu to dinner. We ended up using the dinner menus. All four of us agreed that the food was a little too bland and was just missing something. We all kinda came to the conclusion that Petterino's exists for all the people going to or coming out of shows at all the theaters in the Theater District. Maybe it is because we came on an off day, but Petterino's really did not wow us at all.
(2)Dusty K.
I work near Petterino's so it's a place my coworkers and I frequently travel to for birthday lunches out. I've eaten here probably 10 times over the last 3 years. It's a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant so it's safe to say you can assume good, quality food for reasonable prices. And that's exactly what you get. I've had numerous dishes here...the lasagna (a Wednesday special), the baked ravioli, and the pot roast (the daily special). All were very good dishes and I would eat each one again. They start by bringing you a basket of bread with butter before your meal and the bread is pretty good I just wish they brought more initially cause it never seems to be enough. I've had the caesar salad as well and it's a standard good tasting caesar salad. For dessert I have tried the lava cake (chocolate cake with creamy chocolate center) and that leaves me happy as well. I've never had a bad experience in all my trips. That's why I keep going back. Overall, Petterino's is a good Italian place. Go for lunch during work or after if you are in the area. Food is good and you won't leave disappointed.
(4)Adriana S.
Great service, very friendly and attentive. Large bar area with open doors that lead to outside seating. Not too busy for a Friday night, which is good for a last minute meal. The bread basket is excellent and has great variety. Interesting menu. I recommend the Maryland Crab Cake, classic with a lot crab meat! Street was a bit noisy but still enjoyed sitting outside. Great prix fixe theater menu for $30.
(4)Danielle W.
I came here with a couple of girlfriends because we didn't win Wicked tickets and we stayed for 2 1/2 hours! The atmosphere is elegant, cozy, and charming. The service is good. The food is awesome! My friend and I both have celiacs and we split the roasted chicken, broccoli, and a side of baked sweet potato. Unbelievable! You have to get the sweet potato. It comes with little dishes of brown sugar, butter, and pecans. Perfection.
(4)Bridget L.
This is a great place to go for lunch. I really enjoy sitting in the bar area, too. You don't need reservations there, which is great because usually it's packed in the dining room. The bartenders are very friendly, and the portions are great for the money. I've only been to dinner here a couple of times, and it's fine, but really I prefer the lunch service. You can get a nice salad or sandwich in a comfy, cozy steakhouse for almost the same price as a lunch at Corner Bakery or Cosi.
(4)Jon O.
Ate here before a show and the food was fantastic. We didn't have a reservation but were seated at a table in the bar area right away which was fine. I had the baked ravioli. It was excellent. Tasted like mini lasagna. Lol. The service and atmosphere was great and such a great location to the theatre and shopping. Will definitely go back.
(5)Steven D.
Go for the 7 after 7 deal (look on the website to see what is being served that day). Water was frequently refilled, and the food was pretty good. The atmosphere was great and even when eating on your own or in a group, there is enough decor and clientele to keep you occupied. Overall a nice place that I would go to again if I was near Goodman Theatre.
(3)Judy M.
First off, I should have known that anything that convenient to the Theater District doesn't need to survive on quality. We got there at 5:45 before our 7:30 showing of Avenue Q. I think it was around 6 that we actually ordered. And it was about 6:50 before our food arrived. Here's a tip, order an appetizer because sitting there forever after you order munching on partially stale white bread and rye with raisins isn't going to cut it. Our waiter, didn't bother letting us know that the food would be a while despite walking past our table every five minutes. I rarely ever tip less than 20% and usually tip more (and I don't buy into the idea that your tip percent is pre-tax total).... Two things I do not forgive. If I sit there with an empty glass of water for long periods of time, and if there is a lag in the kitchen and you don't inform me. Water guys were on point - there's one of your stars. Mr. Waiter Man, next time here's a little phrase for you "I would like to inform you that the kitchen has gotten a bit behind tonight and unfortunately it might be a bit longer before your food comes out. My sincerest apologies." Ok, to the food, my hubby's chicken parm was pretty good, my capellini with shrimp scampi was pretty good too. There is where the other star comes from. Although I don't like digging shrimp out of a pile of pasta when they have their tails on. If they have tails, leave them conveniently around the pasta, not buried within. Now why no more stars when the food was decent... . We ordered the twice baked potato for our side. It came out about 5 minutes after our entrees and was half cold. That's right, HALF cold! Can someone please tell me how the bottom baked potato was piping hot and the piped in twice baked part was cold. We're not talking room temp here, but actually kind of cold!! Perhaps they nuked the bottom potato and then piped in the top that was cooked much earlier in the day and forgot the second baking of the twice baked potato?? Beats the hell out of me, but it was gross. The only reason we didn't send it back was because it was about 7 and we only had a half our to eat and make it to the show. We didn't have another 50 minutes to wait for it to come back out. Next time, we'll eat somewhere else first before the show and choose quality over convenience.
(2)Yvonne O.
Petterino's is the typical Lettuce Entertain You resturant. BUT - the most fantastic part about the place is the takeout spot on the side. The guys there are wonderful and the offerings are just as if you were seated in the restaurant. Pricey, sure, but what do you expect? I got a chicken and pasta dish with a dessert and drink for about $16 and enjoyed the jealous stares from the lunch table full of yucky Subway and McD's offerings. Worth the walk and splurge for the occassional treat.
(4)A C.
Great Food!!! Perfect location.....right downtown! Accessible no matter where you are!
(4)Amy J.
I've been here once, before a play and it was really really good. Our waiter was super friendly, good wine list... And I got some sort of ravioli dish that was amazing. I don't remember what it was called but I can tell you it was one of the best pasta's I've ever had. It was excellent. You wouldn't think much of this place from the outside, but it's literally NEXT to the goodman theatre (So you don't have to do that whole parking twice thing) and the food is really good. Italian, authentic, friendly comfortable atmosphere.
(4)Tina T.
Petterino's - you really p*** me off. I have been a strong supporter of LEYE restaurants for a long time - I believe that even though they are part of a "chain" they generally deliver a fairly unique and quality product. But I am sorely upset that we spent our money at Petterino's only to be treated like dog poop by its staff. We had received some LEYE gift cards from several clients and decided to grab dinner at an LEYE establishment this past weekend when we were downtown. We've been to many of their restaurants, so we thought we'd try a place that was new to both of us. My husband liked the concept of the '40's style restaurant and menu at Petterino's. The food itself was pretty solid; definitely nothing to write home about, but a decent meal. My husband had the Steak Diane, which he enjoyed, and I had a chicken marsala, which wasn't bad. The problem happened when we attempted to settle our bill. We enclosed two gift cards and then paid the difference in cash, leaving a 17% tip as well (which I should have snatched from that obnoxious waiter's hands when I had the chance.) I waited at the table, finishing a glass of wine and waiting for the two desserts that we had ordered to go, while my husband visited the restroom. The waiter comes back to the time, and accusingly throws the check portfolio in my face, saying that we hadn't left enough money for the bill. I looked at him incredulously, as we had more than settled it; finally after actually looking, he realized that there were 2 gift cards in the payment, along with some cash. Which upon he still said we did not leave him enough cash. Finally my husband came back from the restroom and went over the bill with him (is it that difficult to figure out that $125 less $75 is $50?) and then he realized his error. Upon which he did not even offer up a small apology. On top of this, to add insult to injury, we had to wait another 15 minutes for our desserts; and then when we got home,. we realized that they shorted us one dessert (which of course we had paid for.) Snotty and rude behavior by that waiter - which should never be allowed in a LEYE establishment.
(2)Zac K.
Really like this place- not that it's anything that amazing, however really consisent and good. Nicely prepared creamed spinach and great Manhattan's! chopped salad was nice as well- enjoy this place because it reminds of the old school steakhouse type places where everything is done nicely and know you won't be displeased.
(5)Duftur D.
I was very disappointed at the fact that my friend and I were not even asked if we wanted something to drink. The hostess was very rude and so were the waiters. I will never be going here again!
(1)C M.
My boyfriend and I have gone there several times for anniversaries and whatnot and we always enjoy our food. Our steaks are always cooked how we order them, they're very flavorful, and decently priced for what they are. I love the decor-all the drawings of famous people throughout the years on the wall are great. It's definitely got an old hollywood feel too it. We'd go there again in a heartbeat.
(4)Jonah E.
First a plus: $14 valet parking for dinner and a show - they asked what show and had our car out upon our return - great work! The restaurant on the other hand is a waste of time and space. I am a fan of Lettuce restaurants in that they have in the past been consistent, but not this one. Obviously they are oriented towards volume. My guess is their primary goal is to turn tables and get people to their show on time. The food was borderline bad - no real pronounced flavors and mostly cold. The service was inconsitent with the server, expeditors and busboys seeming to have no real plan as to who would do what or when. The menu and wine lists are uninspired. Generally disappointing - but as mentioned the valet service is good, especially if you are going to the show - this draw will likely keep them swimming in tourists and suburbanites - I'll be going elsewhere, not worth a second look in my view.
(2)John M.
This loop restaurant is very good for business people as well as theatre patrons. They have a special menu, "7 after 7" which is a package menus served after 7:00PM daily for $19.95. This is a great deal. As a resident of the loop area, I like to try out the local places and have a small list ready to make recommendations to visitors. Petterino's would be on my list for good food and reasonable value. Not only do they have a good variety of primarily Italian food, but their special package for after 7:00PM is a great value -- especially for those of you on expense accounts. We all know how the boss wants us to keep costs to a minimum. This is a place that is expense account friendly. The service is reasonable and the establishment is usually not as crowded after the theatre crowd leaves around 7:00PM, hence the special deal after that time. It is also a short walk to the Palmer House, Wit, Allegro (almost wrote Bismark - shows my age!), and Renaissance hotels. I had the Blue Cheese encrusted steak and it was very tasty. The tomato soup I had was really good, too. I also found the portions just about right. So when you are in the loop and need a place to eat and you have a taste for Italian fare, this is a good place for you to try.
(4)Cristina K.
A few colleagues and I were in Chicago for work and a local recommended this place. I had a wonderful salad with the Lorenzo dressing, which was so refreshing and delightful that I forgot I was in one of those pretty touristy spots in Chicago. The salad was so great and fresh, especially after a night of steaks. A great lunch.
(3)C M P.
Ed the Bartender is great. The place is always hopping, albeit there are too many lawyers there. But maybe that's cool. Bar food is above average (chopped salad; chicken sandwich; calamari; burger). Go and check it out after work. The cute girls are in the back.
(4)Ann G.
I had lunch here today with my mother before going to see Wicked and felt compelled to write. I had the chicken pot pie, she had the roast beer/steak sandwich and we both agreed that it was the most fantastic lunch we'd had in a long time! 'The Gin & Tonic' was mixed to perfection as well. Our server was friendly, our food came fast and overall the experience was great!
(5)Mark M.
Great food, fabulous service and fresh and tasty ingredients. The corn chowder was excellent. We tried an appetizer - smoked salmon brushetta, which was very good. And, the fettucini alberto (asiago cream sauce, peas and prosciuto) was absolutely delicious. I'd highly recommend it! The only negatives - a tad bit pricey, and really loud.
(4)Jason P.
The asthetics of the building and the characters on the wall make this a great date spot. I went here with the parents when they were in town, and they ate it up. The food was great, make sure to get the sweet potato. Good place to also go when you are going to see a play (as everyone else has said) since it's right across the street from the Ford. You can get in pretty much at any hour, i've never waited more than 15 minutes without a reservation.
(4)K S.
Tourist trap. Good to go before theatre. Don't expect anything. Give corporate, tiny pours for drinks. Good place to keep warm before the show. That's about it. Coffee shop/cruise ship food.
(2)Rebekah K.
If I could, I would give Petterino's 3.5 stars, but I am giving it 4 as the benefit of the doubt, and I don't want to seem contrary! Plus, my dinning partner seemed exceptionally happy with her delicious looking chicken dish and was extremely pleased with the moistness of the chicken. I got the baked cheese Ravioli AL Forno. It was ok. I was neither over or underwhelmed; it was a good unmemorable dish. I liked it, but I cannot work up much enthusiasm for it; the filling seemed to be straight ricotta cheese without any herbs, spices, or flavorings. I am not against this, but that combined with a simple preparation of baking it with Parmesan and covering it in generic marinara made for a decent, filling, predictable, forgettable, meal. They were already out of the specials by the time of our reservations (1:30) which is late for the loop. They take a lot of pride in their steaks, which is great, however the choices are very limited for a vegetarian. I really wanted soup, but unfortunately there are no vegetarian soup options. The salad was also unmemorable save for very mild grated radishes on top mixed with grated carrots. It took between 11 and 15 minutes to get the salad; I would not recommend this place for a fast lunchtime meal if you have to be back to the office. The waitress was nice, but the service was unmemorable. She did disappear for some time when I was desperate to get the check. Don't get me wrong, she was NOT a bad waitress, and service was NOT bad, it was just unexceptional. I had been to Cozy Corner this morning for breakfast and was incredibly spoiled by the fantastic service, so she had a tough act to follow. I would NOT describe this place as upscale. The environment just does not support any claims of upscale, unless your idea of upscale is exclusive to cloth napkins. I would say Petterino's is pretty mid-level dining. Overall, I would give this place 3.5 stars, just to rate it a little above a few of the other places I have given 3 stars.
(4)rebecca f.
a friend and i went to petterinos yesterday after a really long workday, arriving around 930. we were seated immediately, and our server john was really nice and helpful. but i have to be honest, the food (or at least what we ordered) was .... meh. calamari appetizer was standard deep fried stuff, with some bland tartar sauce and cocktail sauce. i had the "Potato Crusted Tilapia" which was slightly overcooked, and i'm not sure where the potato comes in. for dessert we tried the pear crisp, which was the biggest disappointment of the evening. bland bread-y crusted ramekin with tasteless fruit on the bottom. some of my pears were not peeled and the texture of the skin was pretty off-putting. overall, it's probably a safe bet in the neighborhood, but definitely not an overwhelming dining experience.
(2)tessa c.
i had a club sandwich here. what? it was hot and my dad wanted to sit on the patio. a steaming plate of steak or fish was not appealing to me. it was just ok although my dad said he liked his steak. 1 star for the club, 2 for my dad's steak and the nice atmospheric patio and good wait staff. but i've had better. also the lemonade was way too sweet.
(3)Gail T.
ate here twice. always the best service. bus boys were quick, waiters were attentive, hostess is welcoming everyone. its usually an older crowd. okay, not old.. more of the business lunch spot-- lots of suits and grey hair. it's a nice spot near the theatre district. their calamari for appet. is amazing comes with 3 different dips.. exotic and isn't as fattening and bland as other places' calamari. had two steak dishes. both very delicious.. moreover, filling.
(5)heather d.
first mistake was going before a show. 2nd mistake was ordering the chicken club. it said it had bacon on it, which i love so i ordered it. it arrived with ham (i am a nice jewish girl who eats bacon no problem but have major issues with any other pig products...) i was annoyed but in a rush and didnt want to make a scene so i removed it and ate bits and pieces of my sandwich. the fries were good though. there are def. much better places to eat in the area.
(2)S L.
Petterino's is your typical LEYE restaurant in the land of the tourists and pre-theatre crowd. Nothing special, but will do in a pinch. It's more of a 3 1/2 star restaurant. Since that's not possible, and they don't deserve 4, 3 stars will have to to. We visited Petterino's on Saturday. We had a few errands to run in the Loop, so we figure we might as well have dinner down here too. At 2pm, my other half made a reservation on Open Table's website. There were not many time slots left - it was either really early or late. We chose the later option, 8pm was our reservation time. We were only 15 minutes early but we were seated right away. Apparently the theatre crowd just left because the place was quite empty. I wish we would have known and stopped by earlier. We both opted for the pre-theatre specials - $30 for 3 courses: soup or salad, main entree and dessert. Sides, like vegetables and potatoes did not come with the entree. We were slightly disappointed and didn't order the extras. We figure the 3 courses will fill us up anyway. The corn chowder was pretty good! Lots of bits of corn, potatoes, and carrots. The tomato bisque was a bit too tangy for my taste. The steak diane ($3 extra I think) was quite tender, cooked to my liking but a bit too burnt on the outside. The white fish was a little over-cooked, but was still good. We finished off with the chocolate cake, which was more like "death by chocolate"; and the strawberry cake, which consist of a piece of yellow cake with strawberry and whip cream on the side. Service was good for the most part. The front desk staff was nice. When we were waiting to be seated, an elderly woman was complaining to the hostesses that her waiter overcharged her on her drinks. They assured her it'll be taken care off. I can tell one of the hostess was a bit annoyed at her because the elderly lady was rambling on and on, how she'll miss her show if they didn't take care of this right away and such. The same hostess also seated us and apologized for the situation. Our waitress was very attentive at first - she informed us of the specials of the evening and took our order in a timely manner. After our first course, a table of her regular customer arrived and her attentiveness slowly declined. They were seated about 3-4 booths away and our waitress was talking to her regulars a lot. The attentiveness declined further when a group of 12 were seated nearby. By then we were nearly done with our entrees, so it wasn't a bit deal. She didn't completely forget about us tho, but I think a little less chatting with her regulars would have helped. I don't think I'll be back unless I have tickets to see a show near by, or if someone was picking up the tab. The ala cart menu was a tad on the pricey side for the quality of food. The restaurant just felt too touristy and suburban - I suppose most LEYE restaurants are that way. Bottom line: A nice restaurant to go to for pre-theatre dining, and definitely take advantage of their special menu. Don't go out of your way tho, there are better options elsewhere.
(3)penny h.
Very nice restaurant. This is a Lettuce restaurant. The service and the food were very good. I really liked the salads and the steak sandwich. Nice place .. give it a try.. :)
(4)Anna S.
I went to Petterino's with some girlfriends tonight after we saw a show at The Goodman. I have never been treated so rudely in my life. As we walked by the window trying to decide where we would go we noticed it said "late night menu" available so we entered thinking we weren't putting anyone out. A man in a tux came over and asked us if we would like drinks. No "hello, how are you"? And he didn't say anything else the entire time we ordered then "forgot" to bring us the waters we asked for. Not two minutes after our drinks were placed in front of us the same man returned and told us if we wanted anything else we should order now because it is last call. He was in front of our table for all of 30 seconds but managed to say the phrase "it's last call" three times. He had only been gone a moment when another man in a tux, I'm assuming another bartender, came over and told us they were closing. Somehow in all of this we managed to order a few small appetizers and we ate them while the dueling tux's kept stalking our table to see if we were finished. My girlfriends were too nice to say anything. Not me. You see, we all work in the industry, but that is what made me even angrier. We would never have treated a guest like that. Sure, we all know what it's like when it's the end of the night and someone walks in right at closing. You're not in the mood. You want to go home. You DON'T let the person dining know that. Especially a table that just wants one round of drinks and three appetizer salads. AND a table who didn't know you were closing! Your window said late night menu available. I never walk into a restaurant when it's closing. Plus we were not planning to stay long. If you could read us at all--which any good service industry worker should be able to read a table--you would have been able to tell this. And if someone had informed us they were closing so soon we would have gone somewhere else. We were there for a mere 1/2 hour after the bar closed with, by the way, many other people still there dining as well. And the restaurant was clearly still open as the dining room was quite full. On my way out I casually mentioned to the gentlemen at the front how disappointing it was and I got a tight lipped smile from one and a "I'm sorry" from the other. But that was it. No accountability. This is my first post on yelp because as someone who works in the industry I tip and don't complain no matter what because I know what it's like. But this was too far. I was really insulted and I will never go in there again.
(1)elizabeth n.
This upscale restaurant is perfect for a dinner before the theater. It is located close to the Oriental Theater and they have good food and great desserts. It is the perfect place for dinner before a show or a drink or dessert afterwards. It does tend to be crowded but if you make a reservation they accomodate you and make sure you have enough time before your play begins.
(4)Lauren D.
one time my family and I ate here before a musical and they lost their power in the middle of our dinner! it was kind of exciting, in an "i wonder if we'll ever get our food!" sort of way. reminded me of a more upscale maggiano's - good for groups. fancy italian if you will... but if you want real authentic delicious Italian i would not go here.
(3)Jen T.
Went to Petterino's because we had LUEU gift certs. Only place that I could get last minute reservations at on a saturday night. Although food was decent and my Key Lime Martini was the best ever, I the waiter annoyed me. We ordered an appetizer. The servers bring us our dinner and I look at my boyfriend like "what about the app?" 10 minutes later the waiter comes around to ask if we need anything and I say, "What about our appetizer and my boyfriends glass of wine he wanted with dinner?" He slaps his head and says "Oh sorry" and that he'll be right back. He comes back and instead of bringing the appetizer and taking it off the bill, he asks if we still want it. What is this Olive Garden? I say, Ugh no I guess not, but can my boyfriend get his wine? He says Oh so sorry again and disappears. 5 minutes later after my boyfriend has made a dent in his meal, does he get his wine. I would hope that the service would be better than thay in a Let Us Entertain You restaurant.
(2)Amanda L.
I have been here a half dozen times and never had anything less than good food and a great time. The service is always impeccable. Great looking dining room. I LOVE the tomato bisque. Also great, super fresh salads and a fun basket of varietal breads at your table on arrival. Wines are little on the pricey side but worth it.
(5)K M.
It is a nice convenient place for a pre-show dinner but I didn't think the food was all that great. We also got stuck with seating close to the door in the winter, which pretty much meant I had my coat on throughout the meal.
(3)John D.
We went as a pre theatre dining venue and it was perfect! The staff was very accommodating and very helpful but not condescending. We were not rushed at all. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. Spaghetti with veal meat balls, ravioli and scallops were all excellent. Very god value for the money. Can't wait to go back! JD
(5)Janeen W.
They have the best Calamari I have very tasted. It's not gummy or rubbery. It's sooooooo good! The also have a wonderful after 7 menu for for $19.95 per person, select from seven great first courses, seven delicious entrées, and seven desserts. It also come with complimentary valet parking!!!! Great food!!
(5)Nikole J.
The service was absolutely wonderful!!! Danny was our waiter and couldn't have done a better job. The food was very good! Crab cakes are a must!! Very reasonably prices ($15-$20/entree).
(5)Rick F.
Business Lunch! Food: Excellent Service: Outstanding Price: Above Average The server was great! All the salads were excellent, the grilled ham and cheese sandwich was suburb! Homemade potato chips could not just eat one! Enjoy! Rick
(4)Samantha N.
We went to Petterino's before a musical on a Sunday. The staff is super friendly and very helpful. The waitress brought my bff a slice of decadant bday cake (for free and I didn't even ask for it) and she was kind but super duper slow. For a hamburger and french toast with bacon (plus drinks) I spent 60.00. Way too expensive for what we ordered. It didn't taste all that great. HOwever, with brunch they have a cute dessert tray and you can have as many as you want. Bonus!! Best part was that we got to park there all day (since we ate first) for only 14.00 and it was half a block from the theater. I will go back to petterinos for the cheap parking, not the food.
(3)Lindsay S.
Dinner and show tunes just make a perfect evening. Especially in the heart of the theater district. I was apprehensive in going here since of the location and the Lettuce Entertain You aspect of it, but we had an out of town guest wanting to go someplace 'different' and 'Chicago-y', so thanks Yelp in the help with this one! We had made reservations but noticed that there weren't too many people inside so thought we chance going in a bit early. We got a 'no problem!' and then 'are you here for the cabaret show?'. What? Show? Fantastic! So they showed up to some prime seats for the show they do every Monday at 7:30. A fantastic deal if you go later in the evening is the 7 after 7. A prix fixe meal set up. And great choices too! I opted for the fabulous tomato bisque (yum!), the Armando chicken with asparagus and finished with the peppermint ice cream with fudge. The chicken was great, but the bisque before that filled me up that I could barely finish the chicken and realized that I had gotten a dessert that I was going to be unable to take home! Uh oh! So I did my best and trudged on through it. I never realized that this place was connected to the Goodman Theater, which now makes sense why they are promoting meals after 7pm. To get people that are not going to one of the many theaters around there. I think this is our kind of place with the arts around you, the menu has the current season line up for all the theaters around there. Plus we got a show to boot! The Monday night live music show was a hoot and they had some talent that's for sure. They seemed mostly like regulars though, except for one kiddo who was visiting town. Our in town guest seemed to enjoy this taste of Chicago which was mattered the most of course. It just goes to show that you never know what you're going to get when you walk into a restaurant around here! I have definitely found my pre-theater/opera restaurant after much searching!
(5)Claire F.
Bread Basket Baby....the highlight of the meal for me.....The rest of the food was good but not crazy good. Is it worth $40 a person? probably not, but if you get the deal 7 after 7, I think that's a pretty good deal. And, don't forget the bread basket!
(3)Carole L.
My filet was outstanding and my husband loved the meatballs with his pasta. He also loved the minestrone soup. Our waitress was terrific!
(4)Megan L.
I am a big fan of Petterino's - I was originally introduced to it at my "welcome to your new job" lunch a number of years ago, and have been happily going back ever since. The food is fairly basic Italian. The menu is solid, and they do a great job with a number of the basics. I can't think of a single time when I haven't enjoyed my food. One of my favorites is the chicken parmigiana, but I've ventured to other items on the menu and have never been disappointed. Also, any time I go, I have to get the tomato bisque. I've even gotten it to go a couple of times. The service has always been good - sometimes better than others, but always solid. One of my favorite things, though, is that this is a big theatre restaurant - it's in the heart of the theatre district, and the walls are covered in caricatures of actors and other celebrities who have come through. They list show times in their menu, and are great about suggesting a reservation time based on what show you are seeing and what kind of dinner you're looking to have (just an entree? Or apps, entree, dessert, and some drinks).
(4)Devi R.
This is a pleasant, convenient, family Italian restaurant. We went before seeing a movie at the Gene Siskel theater. Food: There was nothing notable about the food, but nothing terrible, either. We ordered three dishes: Risotto balls, which were classic arancini-type appetizer, deviled eggs, which were standard, and an asparagus pesto linguine, which was lackluster and didn't have all the flavor the menu promised. The menu said "roasted mushrooms", and we pretty much got the usual button mushrooms sauteed / cooked in until soft. Portions were nice and large, though, and two of us split the 3 dishes. The deserts were good - chocolate mousse cake and berries and cream. Service: Again, nothing noteworthy, but dependable. Food came out at a good pace, and the server was friendly. Ambience: It would have been your standard Italian restaurant atmosphere (think a slightly more personalized Maggianos) if it weren't for the celebrity cartoons that covered every wall. Even President Obama's signed caricature hung by the bathroom - I assume not out of disrespect but just because that's where the most people will see it - and it made for something fun to check out while passing through. Location: Convenient for theaters in the area, but not worth a trip just to eat there. Overall: Reliable, probably consistent, nothing special except for the cartoons. Try Trattoria 10, also in the area, for what I think is a better Italian alternative.
(3)ForTheLoveofFood M.
I used to live a half block away from Pettertinos and honestly, I really miss it. It's very old-school and great for the regulars in Chicago and the theater-goers from out of town. I love the bar-staff at Petterinos, they are attentive and always talkative, but not in a "Cheers" sort of way, they are just very nice and will ask you how you are and your day was etc... Petterinos has one of my favorite Dirty Martinis. I'm not sure what makes them different, but they are amazing- and the blue cheese olives are always freshly stuffed, so that's another plus. I know I should go to P's for their pasta or their homestyle dishes, but i honestly love their burger and fries. Their fries are some of the best I've ever had and the burger is to die for. Always cooked perfectly and has alway come out hot and juicy. Aside from my burger and fries, their bread basket offers a tasty variety of breads, but their onion roll will forever have my taste-bugs begging for more. Aside from the food and drink the atmosphere is unique and probably what the restaurant is most known for. I always feel like I'm walking into an old mob-style restaurant with the low lighting and half-mooned booths. But the celebrity-sketches are what the people flock to see. I understand why the photos are there; they are unique and are fantastic conversation pieces, especially when trying to guess who is who. With all of the positivity I give P's I do have a con.... The menu. I understand that they keep their menu basic and that it rarely changes for a reason- it's a classic,well known place, but I think it's time they add some new dishes to the menu. The burger and fries are great, and so are their other dishes, but the prices and the meals don't match up for me. If they would add a few more things I'm sure I'd bump my rating up to 5 stars. I've been there several times, but the 5 star rating is just out of reach for them right now. If you are looking for a great place to eat and see some fun art work, Petterinos is definitely a place I recommend. My parents always ask me to take them there when they are in town. You'll love the staff and the fun atmosphere. The only piece of advice I would give to anyone going, either eat dinner really early at 5 or late at 8 or so- so you miss the theater crowd, because it gets VERY busy. Have martini for me when you visit!
(4)Katie R.
A dime a dozen. I don't need you Petterino's, and clearly you really don't need me. Is good service truly that hard to find? I have been here twice and neither time have I been awed by the treatment of their staff. They act as if they're doing me a favor and I should be grateful to be in their presence. Yet this place is always crowded, it baffles me. Dear I say Location, Location Location? Done. Said. In the past before a play I've been told before we could eat there only if we were out in an allotted time slot. I'm sorry I don't operate that way. This is not a new rendition of supermarket sweep where the first one done wins a meal at Petterinos. We told them no and went elsewhere. Now I've gone again, in fact this very afternoon for the first time in a year, and our waiter had an attitude the entire time. I understand we all have rough days, but a your welcome when I would thank him for something would be a appreciated. Also when he brought the wrong soup for someone in my party and was corrected he argued and said he was told to bring the soup he brought (which he in fact wasn't.) I don't ask for much out of service. Prompt, accurate, polite. Bottom line Petterino's is not accurate or polite, simply prompt. McDonald's is prompt too.
(2)Brett A.
I would head back to Petterino's just for the bread basket! Of course, by the time we finished our second bread basket (flaky cheese flat bread crisps, pretzel rolls, pumpernickel with walnuts and raisins, and something marvelous with a salty, crusty top), we were pretty stuffed, and as we ordered the three-course pre-theater prix fixe, there was way too much food to eat prior to heading next door to the Goodman. So be warned...stop the waiter from volunteering that second bread basket! Our food was great. We all had different starters. I can highly recommend the corn bisque, and my parters loved their salads, particularly the Fritzel, with its rich ingredients (avocado, deviled egg, hearts of palm) and tomato-ey viniagrette. For entrees the Steak Diane was particularly good, cooked at just the perfect temperature, recommended by my waiter when I asked for it not to be pink in the center, but not too bloody either and he said to go "medium rare plus." And finally, dessert. Okay, maybe it wasn't the bread basket that sent me to my theater seat a bit uncomfortable, but instead the fact that I completely finished my three-scoop Homer's peppermint ice cream sundae with silky rich hot fudge and real whipped cream. Yeah. That could be it. Whatever it was, the meal was excellent; the start of a terrific evening, and along with being able to valet the car for dinner and stay through the theater, a real deal.
(5)Sara P.
I love the bread here! It's good. I like the tomato bisque; it's a nice lunch dish. I like that I can come here and have some nice food without dropping too much dough. Service is good, and they didn't give me the stink-eye for sitting along and reading throughout my meal. Good times, good food.
(4)Jenn S.
I hate when I'm conflicted on a rating. I really would like to give this place 4 stars but although the service is really good, the food was just ok. In all of the years that I've worked/lived downtown, I've never been to Petterinos. Its not like its hidden either so who knows what my problem was. My co-workers and I decided to check it out one day for lunch. When we walked in down the aisle to the main dining room, I noticed that there were nameplates on the tables in these elevated booths. Honestly, my first thought was, "oh...its that kind of place." As soon as we sat down at our table, our waiter was there to ask for our drink order followed by our food order. Two of us had the corn chowder and another the minestrone. The soup was ok. A bit bland though. For the main course, we had lasagna and the fritzel salad. The salad was good. You could definitely tell the the ingredients were fresh. The lasagna, however, was really salty. I mean REALLY salty. It just kind of ruined the meal. I'm not really sure that I'll go back to Petterino's...a least for lunch. The nameplates really put me off. I really don't care if someone has eaten there THAT much that they got a nameplate. Kinda weird actually. In addition, I expected more from the food. I'm assuming that its visited so often strictly because of it proximity to the theaters. Again, the only positive thing that I can really say is that its good for your lunch hour. We were in and out in enough time to make it back to the office. If I do go back, I will definitely just stay in the bar seating area.
(3)Cassie B.
The only way this place must stay in business is proximity to theaters and nostalgia. The food was very overpriced for small portions and poor quality. (Filet very, very small, tiny side; trout was swimming in butter - not a butter sauce, just butter, no side; skirt steak and whitefish a big meh). Skipped appetizers as none looked appealing; the dessert list looked decent but we didn't order any. Not a fan of the wine list or the small pours in cheap wine glasses. Not a satisfying dining experience at all.
(2)Wendy Y.
I think you could have a great or disappointing meal here, depending on what you order. We went here for lunch and it was really fun. The service was great. Our soups were great. The Tomato Bisque was fantastic. We split the salad with avocados. Not sure what it was called but it was great. Then we got the tilapia and the fetticini. We wanted to share everything so they did all the splitting in the kitchen. Nice! Love that. They have these two bite desserts that are perfect. Get the applause molton chocolate cake. I loved it! Overall, I really liked everthing except the pasta. I wouldn't suggest ordering their pasta dishes. I feel like there are not a lot of great lunch sit down restaurants in the loop. This one is. It has a fifties type charm and they take pride in their food. I Iiked it and hope to go again soon. You should make reservations if you go for lunch. They get really busy.
(4)Nancy H.
We were looking for a brunch place for our wknd in Chicago, after scouring tons of menus, I decided ton Petterino's. Our food was awesome. We got the Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, sooooooo good, and a Cheddar and Bacon Omlette. Good for an omlette, served with these potato hash brown patty things which were soooooo good. The service was friendly, and incredibly fast. The restaurant has a cool vibe with caricatures of actors and actresses lining the walls. I'd come here all the time if I lived in Chicago.
(5)Joan D.
I usually eat here before matinees at Goodman next door. If you don't make a reservation weeks in advance, you just hope for a free table at the first-come first-served bar. The food is average to good. The prices are high for the quality. I often get a chopped salad, good but not great. The smoked salmon and aspargus omelet sounded better than it was. A little sour cream and/or chopped onion on the side would have helped with the dryness. The hash brown patties are a nice addition. My main dislike is probably that the bread basket, while having nice scones and sweet breads doesn't have any italian or french bread. That's a mismatch with the name and purported Italian theme. It's like Italy meets Iowa farm country.
(3)Jenni E.
I went here before a show and had a good experience. The waitstaff was very attentive and I didn't find it slow at all. In fact they asked what time our show was so that we had plenty of time to eat and get there before it started. Drinks were pretty expensive, but in the city you expect that - I opted for lemonade which was good after adding some sugar. I liked the optional prix fixe "Theater Menu", but opted for sharing the chopped salad, Chicken Armando, Strip Steak and Key Lime Pie with the people I was dining with. All of the food was good, but not amazing and I felt like the menu lacked pizazz. They do have a good deal for valet parking if you aren't close to public transportation, but expect a line in the bathroom no matter what.
(3)Eric S.
The food is excellent and the service is good. Our meal was expensive but in line with expectations. I like that you can make reservations right from Yelp.
(4)Natalie B.
So unimpressed. We ate here on a Saturday night just as the theatre guests were all leaving, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. The service was terrible and our waiter forogot our sodas that we asked for twice, put bacon on my salad (I specifically told him I cannot eat bacon), brought my husband the completely wrong dish, forgot our sides, and then swiped our credit card for the wrong amount. Barely apologized and seemed like he was one some sort of drug--who knows. The food was on par with Chili's-- I like Chilis, but not at $30 and entree. Sit this one out.
(2)Pat C.
We were three old college friends dining before a concert at The Chicago Theater. We each had a couple of delicious cocktails (I recommend the fun Sidecar!) and took advantage of the three course Price Fixe meal for $33 each, and were glad that we did. We particularly recommend the Maryland Crabcake, the super Steak Diane and all of the desserts. Our Server and Food Deliverer were terrific - the service was spot on and very commendable. All in all, a great experience from the time we walked in the door until we left.
(5)Michael H.
I had an okay lunch here. I don't remember it being amazing, but it's a nice place for the area.
(3)Kasheena P.
Nice ambiance, the food and martinis were good, and the service was nice.
(3)Marie S.
Repeat visit because we happened to be in the area and were hungry. Again - they do have excellent service. But this visit really confirmed that the food is just plain mediocre. I went with the servers recommendation for the special of the day. Why didn't I listen to myself?? I knew what I was ordering was probably going to be ehhh, but he raved about it. So I gave it a try and was sadly disappointed. On the other hand, my husband really enjoyed his dish. This place seems good for comfort food dishes, not anything too unique - as thats not their thing. So all in all ... its a two star place, but the service gives it a bump to three stars.
(3)Geoff H.
I'll start by saying I've never 'eaten in' the restaurant, so I can't comment on service inside. Our firm has had two holiday parties in the (basement) banquet space, and the food and service were fantastic for both. Much better than other places we've used; highly recommended for banquets. Five stars for that. I've had carry-out for lunch a couple times. They have a separate entrance for carry-out, but strangely they almost seemed put out that I was calling in an order (I work directly next door), or, conversely, put me on hold for so long that I hung up and went elsewhere. Their burgers are very good, though slightly pricey, no surprise there (their on-line menu no longer has prices, which is a little odd). I ordered chicken marsala, or whatever eqivalent they offered (it's no longer on the menu).....for $16, it was skimpy, to say the least, and I don't think it came with pasta, soup or salad, bud rather a loaf of nice, crusty bread big enough for three people. A little odd. Oh well, their food is consistently decent, if a little bland.
(4)Robin B.
I have never been to the restaurant, however I was here for a wedding on New Year's Eve. Overall I was not expecting much based on the dark/old appearance of the place. After my experience there I felt compelled to write. The staff working the event was extremely friendly and accomodating. The food was wonderful, I was expecting scallops served on a buffet to be chewy...they were anything but that. The parmesean scallops melted in your mouth like butter. They also had the chicken parmesean and filet which were both spectacular. This wedding has compelled me to want to try the restaurant too. I'll keep you posted.
(4)Veronika O.
Wide variety of specialty dishes and pastas, had the Pork dish with fingerling potatoes, absolutely delicious. The down side was the slow service and the stinky waiter.
(4)Samantha L.
I came here for a business lunch and ordered the Chicken Amarando. It came with a soup or salad, and I chose the salad with lemon vinegerette. The salad seemed to on and off taste good, and I'm not quite sure why. The chicken was delicious though, with a parmesan crust and topped with asparagus. This dish in particular was pretty great and a good portion, though I do not know what to expect from the other dishes. The service was also pretty good too.
(4)Stacey M.
Woot. Finally a 5 star review! I was beginning to think I was a grumpy lady who was hard to please :) Not so! thanks to Petterino's. My mom had actually picked this place because she'd heard great things about it - and it was convenient after our BILLY ELLIOT show (which is highly recommended too, by the way)! I made reservations about 1 1/2 months ago - but on a Theater Sunday - is probably a good idea. Our waitress: SUPER pleasant, patient, attentive = happy patrons :) She told us of the theater specials and made sure we were happy with everything! Food: Phenomenal - from the steak, to the blackened talapia, to the Fetuccini Alberto, to their salads and even desserts! This was the range of things my table ordered! Price: I happened to use my Lettuce Entertain you Frequent Diner card i had a bunch of points on - but the food/drink/service worth the price! I also learned there is free valet after 7pm, and during the week they have a $19.95 Three-course menu after 7pm weekdays - that's normally $29.95! DEFINITELY try this place out! Nice bar in there too!
(5)P S.
I was quite pleasantly surprised with my second (third I guess technically) time at Petterino's. The first time was a late dinner after a function at the Goodman, and it left a bad taste. I wasn't impressed with the food or the service and pretty much regarded it with a shrug thereafter. The second time was only for one cocktail, a pretty delicious dirty martini - so that counts, but not for a ton. Today I took myself to lunch via a Lettuce gift card and prepared myself to make an official judgment. It was after 2 so the place was empty except for the bar, but my server was on top of it. He greeted me immediately and brought me bread and iced tea with a smile. I ordered the grilled chicken club which was easily the best club sandwich I have ever had. Hands down. Fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked bacon and chicken, fresh bread. They graciously subbed out the fries with some excellent steamed asparagus, and I inhaled almost the whole thing. The tea was fresh brewed and fantastic. They refilled me before the glass was empty (that goes a long way). The bill came to $13, I let him keep the rest of the money on the gift card. He called me "miss" instead of "ma'am", which is worth a nice tip I say.
(4)Richie D.
All I have to say is: WOW! I'm not used to these type of up-scale places, but it's great for a once-in-a-while pre-theater dinner. The service was perfect (the waiter even told us the history of the restaurant by using the caricatures and pictures covering the walls). The taste and quality of the food is outstanding! The potato-crusted tilapia, I deem, is the best item on the menu. Now, the prices are very costly, especially since everything is a la carte. I personal believe that they upped the prices so they could bring you food "on the house" because we received a free salad and 2 desserts. So just say it's your first time (wink wink ;). The desserts are all very tasty, so no specific recommendations here. Nothing more to be said other than, BE SURE TO MAKE RESERVATIONS ONLINE ( Opentable.com ) & dress nicely.
(5)