Maggiano's has never been one of my favorites because I just can't deal with the size of their portions. The Ravioli (appetizer) comes with 6 squares so big they could work as the table cloth. We gave it a try this last time and went to the one at Oakbrook. The wait was bad but the ladies working the waiting list were acting as if this restaurant was located in the heart of Paris, with top notch food, with people who were killing each other to get a table. NOT. This is a restaurant in Skokie IL, people!!!! Definitely not worth the wait or the hassle. Let alone the hostess' attitude
(3)
james b.
Beware of the new menu-- big changes We (my family) like Maggiano's. We've probably eaten there or carried out about 6 times per year for at least 10 years. One of our favorite features is the fact that portion sizes are huge and we get lots of leftovers for the following day's lunch (or sometimes another dinner). Most of the items have been available in large and small size; large is definitely a bargain. But I placed a carryout order last week and got a big surprise. Apparently the menu has been revised. No more large or small-- just one size, which seems smaller than the old small. Prices, however, seem to have gone up. The net effect is a big price increase. We placed our typical order for 6 people-- calamari, salad, two or three pastas, lasagna, and some chicken. Although the total was over $100, we barely had enough to feed everybody. The old menu would have given us tons of leftovers. I still like the food, but I doubt I'll carry out from there anymore.
(2)
Jackie M.
ok i tried this in CHICACO but this place is every where. try it where its closest to ur city! Maggiano's Little Italy - OMG. The cab driver told us to go here and said it was a little family restaurant. Little did he know Maggiano's is all over the place. Man. I was so hungry everything we ordered was supppppperrrrrrrrrrrr good. In fact Maggiano's is THE best Italian Restauant I have ever had. We ordered... mussels with white bean tomato sauce- and that shit was off the chain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can drink the soup to the last drop. You can taste the wine and parsley and everything they put inside. That appetizer is a masterpeice. Veal Marsala - and lemme tell you nowhere else I've ever eaten even has this on the menu. It was the best. Very full of flavor and the mushrooms were great. Seafood Pasta w/ Red Sauce - Like I said everything was super good... They were not stingy at all... The seafood pasta had a little spicy kick to it which made it all the better. We also ordered side pasta's with our food and added meatballs and whatever we didn't finish we would take to go & we had food for days. Tirimisu is also good here... I stayed in a hotel that had a stove and was able to warm up all the foods right from the tin. Tasted great as left overs as well. Just like it was in the restaurant.
(4)
T. R.
Always the best food, the best service, drinks - EVERYTHING! We love this Oak Brook Maggiano's more than any other. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable and the managers and wait staff will accommodate in any way they can. The wine list is great - the salad, all the pasta dishes and desserts - WONDERFUL!
(5)
Michelle H.
A great place to go with a larger group of people. Their family style service lets everyone have something different to share. The quantities are humongous! But for some reason, the quality is not hampered by this fact. My personal favorite as an appetizer is the calamari ( They have rings here- I have an aversion to eating the whole squid, for some reason it reminds me of eating a deep fried Wacky Wall Walker.) it is very lightly breaded and very well seasoned. For it being so crowded, our service was still very attentive and polite. There was a mildly long wait for a table, it was worth the wait.
(4)
Monte H.
I was there for a wedding reception, everything was great; parking sucks though so save yourself the hastle and pay the $4 for valet.
(4)
Linda T.
I must give it 3 stars - not for the food, but for the service. The food is really good. Italian is my favorite, and this definitely serves it the way I like. The waiter probably only came to our table 4 times, max (including taking our order). We got everything else (napkins, drinks, etc.) and were tended to by the busboys. When it came time to tip, I didn't even want to give the waiter anything - the busboy totally deserved it more!
(3)
samantha b.
I seriously LOVE Maggiano's and especially this location! The waiters are always attentive and I never feel like I've been forgotten. There is a ton of seating so there isn't TOO long of a wait, but on Fridays and Saturdays it can get crowded. The nice thing about this though is that they actually take reservations for 2 people, which I find uncommon with many restaurants. What I LOVE here is the Crispy Zucchini Fritte. They are fried PERFECTLY and the sauce they come with is super delish! If you are coming here for small portion sizes you are at the WRONG place! Their portions could feed a family of four with their pastas, which is AWESOME for leftovers if you are into that :) Overall I loooove coming here and I recommend this location to anyone!
(5)
Jessica M.
I deciced to try this place out after a little shopping at Oak Brook. It was packed.. kind of reminded me of a high class olive garden. LOL The food was bland and MY CHICKEN WAS RAW. Long story short i sent it back because thats gross. They aplogized and were really nice about it and game me the dish on the house. But all in all i would prob.never come back here. I dont like chain resturants and i wasnt aware that this was one untill later but that would explain the food....
(2)
Kathy F.
My wedding reception was kind of a blur and I think I had two bites of food! I was later assured by guests that the food was fabulous. A great place for a reception--especially if you are budget conscious. We had a morning wedding and a lunch reception here in 2008. Really lovely and everyone was pleasant and easy to work with, and I was the bride! A great experience!
(4)
Eric H.
Running on reputation. (This review is specific to the Oak Brook IL location.) Even for a chain, this place used to be good. I had dinner there last night and I was less than pleased with the service and food was just ok. Hostesses: The hostess stand is located in an awkward location. It is hard to get to and tends to be overcrowded. When waiting for your seat you get bumped and jostled by people trying to put their names on the list and other people being herded to their tables. The phrase "log jam" comes to mind. There is no convenient place to sit or place your drinks when it is crowded. There is a bar adjacent to the hostess stand, but it was full and is probably not appropriate for families. (This was on a Monday which is typically not a busy day for restaurants. I would hate to see what this place is like on a Friday or Saturday.) During this recent visit, the hostesses had the air of superiority that you would expect from the matre'd at an upscale snooty French restaurant. No smiles or friendly greetings. You get the feeling that you are putting them out just being there. Even with having a reservation we ended up waiting for 25 minutes. After seeing several parties arriving later than us getting seated, I asked when we would be able to get a table. I was curtly informed that we had not notified them that our party had all arrived and that we were ready to be seated. We had; they just botched it. * PA System: The announcement system deserves a special mention. I could not help but imagine if they salvaged it from some drive-thru restaurant that was being demolished. Patrons get to experience a hostess pressing her mouth to the microphone and yelling "BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4! BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4!" The sound is as sweet as old A.M. radio with the volume turned all the way up to 11, blasting static throughout the restaurant. Bar: They have decent little bar that is suitable for a light meal or glass of wine when waiting for a table. Once I finally got the bartender's attention (he was very busy because all of the drinks in the restaurant are prepared here), I ordered a glass of wine--- the house Chianti. I asked if it was dry. In reply I got a quizzical look and then a tentative "yes." It wasn't. I am pretty sure that the bartender didn't understand the concept of 'dry' when referring to wine. Menu: Menu selection is what you would expect from an American-ized Italian restaurant (lots of pasta and red sauce). Price/Quality/Value: Four of us had eggplant Parmesan, bow tie pasta with red sauce, fettuccini Alfredo with broccoli, and grilled sea bass (evening's special). Our total bill without drinks (because we had ordered them at the bar) was $70, before tip. It was all pretty good quality. The one thing that Maggiano's is known for is large portions. We got plenty of food and enough for each of us to have another meal, or two. I had the fish and it was delicate, moist and flavorful. Waitress: Our waitress was prompt and attentive. She took our order and our food was delivered so quickly that I had to wonder how they could cook it so fast. That was impressive. I am guessing that it was less than 5 minutes from order to delivery. Fast! Busboys: Clearly, there was a goal to turn the tables quickly because our table was cleared before we could finish eating. Literally. My daughter still had the fork in her mouth when one of the super-efficient bus boys grabbed the plate and whisked it off to the kitchen, as we yelled "We'll take the rest to go!" Conclusion: If you are looking for big potions of overpriced pasta you cannot go wrong. The atmostphere is huried and the service is efficient. Having spent 7 years in the restaurant business, you learn certain thing just by observing. It is clear that this Maggiano's has crossed the line into "generate more profits" over "provide great food and service." Generally, this is a reflection of a managment that measures success by increased table-turns, average check, and post server sales average rather than satisfied customers. (I'll be back because my oldest daughter loves the Alfredo. )
(3)
Kimberly J.
Had family style dinner here with family last week. The place was packed and food was great! I was impressed that despite being really busy the service was fast. The standout of the meal was their Beef Baciole (a great stand in for thier pot roast which is only served on Sunday). The only drawback to this place is the parking, but you can't fault a place for being popular and busy.
(5)
Bridgette K.
The food is great generous portions. Great spiniach dip for an appetizar the baked ziti is great and fettucine is yummy. The waitstaff is great and their new lunch menu is awesome. Oh my god and their peach bellini is a great drink.
(5)
Michelle I.
This is one of our favorites! We have never had a bad meal here! The only reason why I don't give it 5 stars is because the servers can be a little clueless at times. They really need some more coats racks around! We were seated at a booth and they table behind us had their coats thrown over the back of their booth and the hostess and server didn't even try to move them or suggest that the rude people move them so my husband could get comfortable. It was weird but what would you do?? My husband gets up 2 times and takes the coats and gently moves them on their side... so they move it back! RUDE! But other than that, everything else is great! I always get the Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce- YUM! Also, I never liked Neapolitan ice cream until I had it here! And trust me, it is big enough for a family! It's huge! Everything is huge here! You can have leftovers for 3 days and still have some left! They also have some great party rooms for larger family style dinners, great for throwing showers!
(4)
Kris Z.
Everything here is absolutely delicious. Their salads - I had a special - mediterranean trout that was amazing. I could eat here once a week likely.
(5)
Tammy W.
Restaurant was clean. Bathroom was very cold (dined on a subzero day.) Service was poor, while in the bathroom server moved all condiments were I was sitting. Ordered a class of wine and the glass it was served in was filthy! Food was okay. I had real high expectations especially since I was visiting the Oak Brook location. Service, quality and presentation was overall poor. If I want Italian, I'll stick with Barraco's in Evergreen.
(2)
Jen C.
I LOVE Maggiano's EVERYWHERE! The Oak Brook one is also attached to the Corner Bakery. It's always busy...and they only take reservations for larger parties. So be prepared to wait for a couple of hours especially for dinner on the weekends. No matter what, the servers are usually very nice, friendly, and attentive. Everything I've ever eaten here has been delicious...even something as simple as spaghetti! Their appetizers are all scrumptious, like their mushroom ravioli and I don't even like to eat mushrooms! Their pastas are all beyond great...probably because they're so bad for you :P Salads are delicious. Steaks are great. I love their chicken parm! All the desserts I've had here have been delicious too! The best thing to do is to go here with at least four people and go family style so you can eat everything and get everything refilled! That is always my favorite thing to do here!
(5)
Angela U.
Great restaurant, huge portions. Bring your appetite, and plan to take a dog bag, too.
(5)
S S.
I've had food poisening from there twice. Just don't do it...
(1)
Jennifer G.
Family menu is a great deal. Their salads are great and I love the mushroom ravioli with red sauce instead of the white sauce. Their calamari is always great - very tender. Not crazy about the chicken cacciatore, but I am the forgiving type.
(4)
Lizzi C.
Obviously always busy because of the Oak Brook location, but it's worth the wait. The leftovers from the humungo portions are great for lunch the next day. If you like Maggiano's try the Woodfield location in the summer and you can sit outside overlooking a little pond. Favorites-chicken alfredo and the gnocchi with tomato vodka sauce. Please try the Apple Crostada with caramel sauce for dessert!!! You'll thank me.
(3)
Erin B.
The wait here is forever, and the food is good. Yes, there is better in this great city, however, this is great in a pinch. Also, a better option would be to order carry out. You still get the huge portions, but with no wait. Don't forget, it's BYOB at your house!
(3)
Ashley W.
I can't get over how big the portions are at Maggianos- the last time I ate here I took home the leftovers and literally ate them for 4 days! Even though the portions are really large I still find their food to be pretty good quality. I like going here with a big group of people so we can order a bunch of things and try a bit of everything. Save the quaint Italian places for dates.
(3)
Margie N.
One of my all-time fav places! I keep trying to *change up* my dinner selection -- but I just can't pass up the spag & meatballs -- fantastico!! Cooked to perfection and so much food, the enjoyment lasts for a couple days at home. Why oh why can't there be a Maggiano's closer to Frankfort .... sigh.
(5)
Jeff A.
Maggiano's is a favorite Italian location for me. I have alot of fond memories of this particular location because I used to eat there with my parents and younger sister alot. Yes, it gets crowded and yes it's irritating having to wait in the crowded reception area or at the crowded bar until they call you up but I've found it to be worth the wait most times. I haven't been there in a little while so the review from Eric H. bothers me a bit but I wouldn't doubt a word of what he said. Popular places like this tend get bored of being popular. Fame is a bitch, isn't it? I've been to the Woodfield location once and it seemed alright. But I like the look of the Oak Brook place better. It's a little more like something out of a Martin Scorsese movie.
(4)
Jena S.
I've been to this place a few times before, I've always liked the food but I always forget why I never go back. IT"S THE GOD DAMN WAIT and TWAT HOSTESSES! I made a reservation for Saturday at 6:15 a week in advance and I still had to wait 20 minutes when I got there. The bitch hostess didn't make eye contact, barely grunted a hello and kept tossing her overpriced emo cut in a huff. The food was good and the waiter was fantastic but I hate being irritated as soon as I walk in the door.
(3)
Trinidad T.
the amount of food they serve can be a little overwhelming, but it's good and it's italian... for someone that doesn't stuff their face crazy-style, i'd suggest splitting entres with another person, unless you wanna drown in italian goodness. the staff is always awesome and bring anything you'd like. make sure you have room for dessert! and beware: it will hurt the pocketbook if you pay per head for family/buffet style! we were part of a 20-person group and after taxes and tips, it came out to be 40 bucks a person! i'm sure i didn't eat that much, but now i know that we should individually order the dishes we want (non-renewable style)
(4)
Marcie T.
My husband and I go here, as well as some of the other locations fairly often. We always love the food, although we mourn the loss of the ability to choose a small or larger portion of the pastas. What struck both of us, however, was the downgrading of the quality of the bread! What number cruncher decided that the quality of the bread put out on the table wouldn't be noticed??? When we started going to Maggianos several years back, the bread basket contained a crusty baguette, bread sticks, and some focaccia. Later, they cut out all but the baguette. Now, the last several visits, they have gone from a crusty baguette, with all the deep pockets and holes that catch the olive oil so nicely, to some cheap imitation of white bread that just happens to have a baguette shape. Gone are the nice deep holes, as well as any semblance of crustiness. We so looked forward to this start to our meal. Now, they've lost us, as well as some of our friends who also notice the very same thing. Is losing customers the way to save the restaurant some money??? I don't think so!
(2)
Kristen R.
We started coming here because of the great food and service. However, the last few times we have visited now have us thinking maybe we should try to find another italian restaurant to go to. The food there is still good, but the service has become awful. We kept thinking "ok, maybe that was just a bad night for them". Then we have gone back again and kept on getting terrible service. The hostesses enjoy making you wait even when there are tables available and staff walking around looking for something to do and no one else is waiting for a table. The service is terrible, from getting me the completely wrong drink to never getting ice water and bread. The servers either take forever to come to your table and don't return in case you need anything. Or, they are wanting your order the instant you sit down and continue to race you through your meal in no time flat. I love the food, but the all around service has us looking for another italian restaurant to frequent.
(2)
Gary K.
This is another Italian restaurant where the servings are plenty generous. I'd recommend the Mushroom Ravioli al Forno. The atmosphere is great for a date and the service is very pleasant. Be ready for a wait though, this restaurant is almost always full.
(4)
Chris B.
One of my favorite restaurants. Its lots of other people's in Chicago too. I can't say how many times I've seen Chicago pro athletes list it as their favorite in the team yearbooks. Its got atmosphere. Great classic tunes from Sinatra and the like play over the dining area. The food portions are huge. One spaghetti dish could easily feed 2 people. I have not tasted anything I didn't like from either the entree or apetizer menus. Huge wine and drink lists. One bad thing is the wait times. On busy nights it could take hours for a walk in to get a table. If you don't want to dine in, then call your order in and take it to go. It tastes just as good!
(5)
Joe S.
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, forget this place. But, if you like solid, Americanized red-sauced Italian, and huge portions, you've got the spot. Spirited dining room, above average service, and a few gems on the wine list that are pretty affordable. Best bets are the Maggiano's Salad (features a house Italian dressing with a sweet kick), Mushroom Ravioli al Forno, and the Rigatoni "D" with Marsala Cream Sauce. Desserts used to be HUGE, lately downscaled to LARGE. The chocolate zuccoto cake is can't miss, and the tiramisu is above average.
(3)
Steven M.
I had reservations for 4 and I showed 2 hours early because I was chewing on the curtains. They sat us right away and the waitress promptly acknowledged us. We got our drinks, bread and I ordered an app. I do have to say that the Maggiano salad is the best in the west. I do not care for blu cheese, but the way they presented it in the salad was awesome! I had pasta on the brain, so I got the spaghetti in meat sauce, sans the meatball. Didn't want to lose any noodles. I also got a comp pasta for the next day. I had to ask how big the bowl I was getting, as I was hungry enough to ask if they could put both into one dish. I didn't have to do that though. One was enough and it was very tasty with little bits of meat throughout. Our server was on top of her game as it was a busy time of day. I have to mention that I forgot my credit card in the bill holder. I called about a half hour later when I realized what I had done and called immediately. They had my card waiting for me when I arrived. This isn't the best Italian food in the world. But the staff, ambiance as well as the prices make it a winner in my book.
(4)
Joey G.
From last time, the place was good, but then went downhill. I got the chicken marcela and got food poisoning. If you ask me, the food is not at all as good as the restaurant looks. The food may look good, but it's not.
(1)
Cliff G.
Called on Sunday @ 4 pm to see how long a wait would be for party of 12. Was told 3 hours...asked to speak to Manager and we said we would break party up into 2 tables. Was then told 2 hours. No thanks.....1/2 the party decided to go anyway and was seated within 15 minutes..although screwed up order on two entrees. . other party decided not to wait and went to Roberto's in Elmhurst and had an amazing meal, fabulous service and no hassle. What up Maggiano? Obviously management is looking as there are 22 filtered reviews!
(1)
Jennifer S.
You can't go wrong with Maggiano's for a group dinner! I love that the food is served family style, so I can enjoy a little bit of everything and not feel guilty. The private room we were in was very nice and the service was pretty speedy as well.
(4)
Shawn m.
Where do I start!?!...Went here last week with a group of 12....VERY slow service and our waitress was horrible!!!!:( She didn't know what sparkling water was?!......brought me tap water instead..when I explained the difference she brought over a bottle which i wasn't able to open for 10 mins because i didn't have a bottle opener!...we waited another 15minutes to place our order...she got chocolate cake on my friends white shirt..I gave it 2 stars..because the food was ..hmmm "decent".
(2)
Alicia K.
Food here = 3 stars Value = 5 stars Average of the two = 4 stars Went here for lunch with my husband and two friends (about 2pm). We were seated right away by a window which was lovely. It's a little dark inside which would be romantic for dinner, but for lunch, the window was perfect. Went with the $19.95/person lunch thing and OH EM GEE!!! I cannot believe they still make money by giving you that much food for that little! You choose two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees, and two desserts. They proceed to bring enough of all of those for you to totally gorge. If you like one a bunch, you ask for another plate of it (but seriously, good luck finishing the amount they bring you to start with!!!). For $20 -- AMAZING DEAL!!! Now, the food: APPETIZERS = 5 star quality -Spinach and artichoke dip = incredible. The dip itself is in a shallow plate so that it maximizes the cheesy part getting nice and brown. I love this. -fried mozzarella is pretty darn good, too. It's like mozzarella sticks, but instead of being small sticks, it's these 4"X4" (estimate) flat squares of battered and fried mozzarella. Not too greasy and comes with marinara sauce. Muy bueno. SALADS - 4 stars -Caesar salad is pretty standard, but I thought their Caesar dressing was top notch! I was on a Caesar kick for a while, so I know what I'm talking about. ;] It was heavy on the dressing, but at least it tasted good. -Maggiano's Salad (iceburg & romaine, bleu cheese, crispy Prosciutto, red onions, house dressing) is an excellent combination of flavors. I thought it was also slightly heavy on the dressing, but again -- it tasted good. PASTAS- 3-4 star quality -Gnocchi w/vodka sauce - the sauce is phenomenal, but in my opinion there isn't enough of it and honestly I'm just not a Gnocchi fan. It just doesn't pack enough punch... lacks flavor... you get the idea. -Chicken & Spinach Maniccoti - imagine normal Manicotti but w/small pieces of moist chicken and some spinach + a white sauce instead of red. I loved it, but my husband didn't. To each his own. ENTREES - 1-2 stars -Chicken Francese - recommended to us by the server, but I was very unimpressed. I would actually go so far as to say I DISLIKED it. It had a funky aftertaste, was somehow dry despite being breaded, and just really wasn't very good. The red potatoes it came with were just fine, but I would stay away from this one. -Salmon - Again, I was not impressed. I LOVE salmon, and this one was just bland. I normally get mine frozen from Costco and make them in the microwave (can we say low standards???) that's how much I love the stuff. This was a disappointment. DESSERTS -Profiteroles (2 stars) were ok. I felt the breaded part was pretty dry and not tasty enough for that to be where my dessert calories were coming from. The ice cream in the middle is good, though. -Creme Brulee (5 stars) -- now THIS they did RIGHT! Shallow dish maximizes the crunchy top, and it's HUGE. Seriously probably the largest creme brulee I've ever had, and even though I shared it with my husband, we had trouble finishing it, and I do NOT have trouble finishing dessert. Ever. Would I go back? You bet I would, but only with 3 other people (great size group! Perfect double date!), only for lunch (not crowded), and I would try different entrees. Believe me -- your $20 could not possibly go further at a restaurant! Give this one a try. :]
(4)
Erin L.
Came here with my husband - first time back here together since our beautiful wedding reception in September 2008. The server - Sue was great. She was really nice and suggested some good items for us to try. Our only issue was the temperature of the food. It was just warm and felt like it was sitting out for a bit. When Sue gave us our bill, she made a point of telling us about taking a survey online about our experience. So when I got home, I filled it out. Yesterday I received a $40 gift certificate in the mail apologizing about the food temperatures. Totally didn't expect that! What I love about all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants - if there is a problem, they go above and beyond to not only make you happy, but try to fix the problems.
(5)
Anuj S.
Maggiano's is fine. Not so much anymore, but people used to rave about this place. I always thought the food was good, but not great. One thing's for sure, it is very popular. I've been there when the wait is 1 hour. Definitely not worth that... There are SO many other choices out there.
(3)
Diana P.
Great meal and super service! Loved everything wo ate! Glad I tried some specials.
(5)
Bleu W.
Always a treat to eat here. We ordered so much food it was almost like Thanksgiving with the amount of food we had at the end of the meal to take home. The pasta was fresh, the service was quite good, and they were great with our food allergy concerns. The dessert was also very good. Cannot wait to return here for our family tradition when we are in the area again.
(5)
LOIS B.
I have to admit, I stayed away for 5 years because the last time we were here, WITH RESERVATIONS, we waited a good 45 minutes. Not good, especially since one of our guests was a diabetic and had already taken insulin. This was of NO significance to the hostess. What's the point of a reservation? I do not know if over booking, huge crowds, and long waits are still a problem because today we were at a private luncheon in a private room. We were served a pre- selected menu and what we ate was very tasty. The chopped salad is outstanding, and always has been. Our servers were very pleasant and it was, overall, a positive experience. However, I would still be hesitant to come back for dinner, even with a reservation, based on some of the other reviews.
(3)
Sarah B.
I went to Maggiano's with the madre, the BF, and friend Lisa. It was after we went exploring at Graue mill and we were hungry. Mumsy had a gift card, so Maggiano's was the obvious choice, and, well, we were hungry (and the BF can eat, even when he's not hungry). It was a totally different experience from the last time we went. Our waiter was super attentive, even though it was during the dinner rush. He had good recommendations. We got the stuffed mushrooms and fried mozzarella for appetizers. Both were amazing. Simply amazing. I got a shrimp polenta dinner, which was great, the Madre and friend Lisa got dinners from the classic pastas, which means they got another pasta to take home. Both enjoyed their meals. And the BF got a seafood pasta extravaganza (can you tell I forgot the name?), which he devoured. All in all, a lovely dinner and totally worthy of 4 stars.
(4)
Glenn M.
Our party of 10 had a great time celebrating a family member's birthday. We had a reservation, which they called to confirm, and we were seated right away even though the entrance was packed and the restaurant was full. Great food and service were provided, at a fair price, especially considering that most got to take home a free meal due to their offer. Wonderful night; will go back. Can't go wrong there.
(5)
Sandi P.
3.5 stars. Husband received a gift card for this restaurant so we figured we didn't have much to lose by trying this place. It exceeded our expectations in terms of food quality and value for the money. Service was a bit uneven, however. Our waiter brought drinks and bread promptly but we had to then wait 15 minutes for our crab cake appetizer. I also had to remind him to bring my leftovers. Slight lapses, not enough to ruin the meal by any means. We opted for the dinner for 2 for $39.95- what a great deal! We could choose any appetizer (the aforementioned crab cakes with red pepper sauce and arugula were quite good), 2 dishes from the classic pasta menu AND any dessert. As if this wasn't enough, we also selected a full size pasta dish each to take home for another dinner at no additional cost. Our entrees - I had eggplant Parmesan and husband had meat lasagna - were hearty with a flavorful tomato sauce. Not La Gondola quality, but above average Italian for sure. We finished with the tiramisu, as recommended by the waiter, which was quite creamy and topped with dark chocolate shavings. A pleasant ending to a pleasantly surprising dinner.
(3)
Danny Y.
Food wise, this place is just barely above Buca di Beppo. Service, it's a little lacking, mainly in that it's SLOW. They're simply too busy! Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes to be seated. 15 minutes for appetizers, another 15 for main course, and maybe 5 minutes more for your desert. All in all, we were in there for a good 2 hours. Not because we eat slow, but mainly because the service is slow. Nevertheless, the price is a steal for the amount of food you receive. We got the meal for 2. For $40, we got the flatbread for appetizer, 2 classic pastas for lunch, 2 classic pastas (different ones) to take home, and a HUGE slice of chocolate cake. Now, here's what we ordered, and what I thought of each: 1. chicken & pepper flatbread: 4/5, terrific starter. Although, in terms of portions, this could easily be a substitute for the main course. 2. Fettucini alfredo: 2.5/5, terrific sauce. But, be forewarned, there's nothing but noodles and sauce in this giant bowl of fettucini. 3. Ravioli: 3.5/5, terrific sauce, delicious raviolis, cooked thoroughly. Didn't particularly like seeing the sauce clump up, probably due to the slow service. 4. Spaghetti & Meatballs: 3/5, pretty standard stuff. Nothing I'd order if not for the buy 1 get 1 to take home deal. 5. Lasagna: 3.5/5, I'm sure it had partly to do with me microwaving this the next day, but seriously the layers tasted like dough. You'll probably want to eat this fresh in the restaurant. 6. Chocolate cake: 4/5, I'm a sucker for sweets. Even then, I had to split this baby up into 3 meals. I'm estimating one slice of this stuff to be about 10000000 calories. Yea, that sounds about right. All in all, worth a go. The price is so good that we'll probably go back for take-out next time, so as to skip on the service.
(3)
Julie O.
For service - 5 stars. Great job, timing excellent, needs anticipated and met. Food is just fine, enjoyable, served at the right temperatures. Nothing too over the top, but the fall special - butternut squash ravioli - is delightful.
(5)
Richie D.
Ahhh welcome to a perfect example of Chicago suburbia along with one of the hundreds of Lettuce Entertain You Inc restaurants. It's not quite a mirror image of Chicago's Little Italy (simply not possible for one restaurant alone), but it remains fairly solid restaurant chain. I went here for a birthday party and we got the Classic Family deal. You receive two choices of each of the following: 2 appetizers, 2 salads, 2 pasta dishes, 2 entrees and 2 desserts (plus the fresh complimentary bread and olive oil that you try not to fill up on). We recommend all the salad choices, stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers apps, vodka sauce gnocchi, Rigatoni D and Baked Ziti pastas, and the Tiramisu cake. I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on their menu--they've got it all down when it comes to flavor. Expect to receive a huge amount of food that will cause guilt afterward when you feel like a blimp and become sick to your stomach thinking of all the people starving world-wide. They will give you the left-overs in boxes (phew!). For those who have dietary restrictions, they are super accommodating. We had 2 people who are allergic to wheat and the cook came out to discuss the options (which are corn based--I think it should be of rice but it's better than nothing). At this location, expect to wait even if you have a reservation (your whole party must be present to be sat).
(4)
mike b.
Been here many times. Was just in with two large groups, one table great experience, other had snafu with delayed food orders (these things happen). Food is solid, stick to pasta dishes or fish over chicken. Aside from good food and great wine and cocktails, 5 stars is for the service and management, who recognized the problem and fixed it fast and professionally. Too many restaurants forget they're in the service business. We will come back again and again due to the way they treat their customers.
(5)
Dennis S.
Big portions, nothing bad, nothing great. In Oakbrook Mall, this is a reasonable alternative for a nice meal. By no means is it a destination restaurant. But service is good, selection is huge, and portions are even bigger. Family-style food is an option, not a requirement. The Lettuce Entertain You chain knows what it is doing with its six Maggiano's Little Italy restaurants. I had the lasagna. It was excellent. Not unique, not memorable, just lasagna as it should be. My "cup" of soup was a bowl of soup, a meal in itself. I don't get impressed by volume as a restaurant's main feature, although that certainly is the trademark of Maggiano's. Would I go back - sure. Would I make an effort to go back - no way.
(3)
Jordan U.
Was here recently for a Bat Mitzvah and it was awesome as usual. I love this place. They always do a great job, professional service, solid food and plenty of it! The banquet rooms they have in the back are great for mid-sized events and they have it down to a tee.
(4)
Eric Y.
Of all the coincidences, we had two large group dinners on successive evenings at Maggiano's. Now I have eaten enough food to last the entire week! This place is a really safe bet for large group dining - there's plenty of variety, plenty of food, and the quality is good. The amount of food you get is pretty insane so be prepared to bring some home. My favorites are the Rigatoni D which is are thick pasta tubes with a creamy mushroom sauce, lots of mushrooms and chicken. The beef filet medallions are first-rate also. Their fried calamari is excellent. Tiramisu is really good too. The wine list offers a nice selection of Italian wines by the glass. Service is a bit slow but the waiters move fast.
(3)
Patty H.
I have eaten here several times but yesterday the service was the best I have had yet. I apologize I cannot remember his name but he was wonderful. We went around 11. I love that they give you another meal to take home.
(4)
Nils S.
Visited here the day after Christmas in a group of 6. The waitress was very friendly and attentive, anticipating the drink refills promptly. Ordered Fettucine Alfredo with a side Caesar salad. The salad was quite good, the pasta tasted okay (some of the noodles were a bit tough for my taste). An additional benefit of the pasta dishes is you get a second serving to go, so more value for your money. The restaurant is a bit difficult to find, since it faces the parking lot at Oakbrook, so not easy to get to if you're walking among the stores.
(3)
Michelle K.
My boyfriend, our parents, and I met here last Saturday night for an early dinner. Frustrated by the full parking lot (well, it IS Oakbrook Mall) and confused by the bizarre restaurant layout (the entrance is actually toward the back of the restaurant...what?), we were hungry and ready to order wine and gorge on some overpriced pasta. After hearing that a few of us had never been to Maggiano's, our waiter came back with the chef to offer us a free appetizer of their zucchini fritti. It was soooo good. That put us in a good mood. We were also excited to hear about their deal where you could order one standard pasta dish for $13 (lasagna, baked ziti, ravioli, spaghetti, etc.) and get to take ANOTHER one home for free! Such a good deal. Everyone ordered off that menu, except me: I got the Lobster Fettuccine, which had big chunks of lobster, prosciutto, peapods, and artichoke hearts in a lobster cream sauce. Sounds awesome, right? This is a dish made out of everything I love, and yet it was...bland. I could swear I heard the "wah wahhhhh" of a sad trombone after taking the first bite. The pasta could have used more sauce - as it was, it was kind of dry. Maybe that was it. I added parmesan and pepper to jazz it up a little, which helped. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, though. For dessert, my boyfriend and I split the creme brulee (yum) and our parents split a piece of the toasted poundcake with ice cream, hot fudge, and fried bananas (tasty but rich). Our waiter also brought us some complimentary lemon cookies, which was very nice and unexpected. The service was really fantastic, but since my entree was less than fab, I'll have to give them three stars for now.
(3)
L H.
I've been to Maggiano's only once, and can see that I can't add much more to the positive commentary that's already here. All I know is that Maggiano's was able to accommodate our large party of 17 (10 adults, 7 kids) with aplomb. I was famished when I arrived there, thinking, "We'll just see who can outlast who with these endless family style Italian meals." Well, Maggiano's outlasted my sizeable appetite. With a smile. The food was extremely good and desserts were fantastic. Service was very professional. All I have to compare this dining experience to is that it's like a more upscale Buca di Beppo. Anyway, I just found out that there's a Maggiano's close to me in San Jose, CA. I look forward to vistiing there and comparing experiences.
(4)
Jeanne L.
Always liked this place. Our staple dish here is the Rigatoni D. The trick is that you have to keep folding and mixing and tossing the pasta into the sauce. As the dish cools, the sauce gets thicker, and coats everything better, and so it gets better as it goes. Second staple here is the tiramisu. BF has been to Italy and says Maggiano's tiramisu is the only one that can even compare to some tiramisu he ate at a restaurant in italy where an italian grandma makes it. But what can really compare to that? Recently I had a frozen peach bellini here b/c it was blazingly hot outside and I wanted something cold; a soda just wouldn't do it. IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I'd get it again :). Service is always great, and their coffee is pretty good too. Kitchen closes at 10pm I believe.
(4)
Nicole L.
Wow, two Italian restaurants in the same week... I think hell has just frozen over! As mentioned in my previous review, I'm not big on Italian food, so Maggiano's has never been a restaurant I think of when wanting to dine out. However, my hubby had a gift card, and his daughter loves Italian food, so we found ourselves there today for lunch. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but I ended up pleasantly surprised by the food. We all took advantage of the classic pastas portion of the menu where you choose two pastas - one to eat immediately and the other to take home - for $12.95. I got the gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce which was great. It's been years since I've had good gnocchi, and I can't seem to make it right myself, so it was nice. I also got the baked ziti but I was too full to even eat dinner (and didn't even finish my gnocchi, so that's in the fridge too as I write this), so I can't comment on it yet. The service was good, which coupled with the food, will increase the likelihood that I'll be returning before another 5 years has passed (seriously, it's been at least that long since I last ate at a Maggiano's).
(4)
Abbi F.
The spare rib cannelloni is TO DIE FOR! I mean...the actual food is delicious, but it's prepared so very well, that I could just sop up the juices in bread & eat that all day & be perfectly happy!!! On the down side, long wait (even for take-out...but the food is darn good) and awfully crowded.
(4)
Michelle I.
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I go to Maggiano's only if I have to. Both times I've been to one, they both have been in the Chicago area, for work meetings. I have yet to go to the one that is actually in the same state as me. Because of the circumstances, I can't speak for the regular menu but the food provided for within the meeting facilities was a-ok. Yay for the sandwiches, I especially liked the mozzarella sandwich. The salads were decent, pretty much your typical caesar or house salad. The orzo salad was a bit funky....it definitely got a big 'skip' from me. Yummy tomato basil soup. Nice fruit tray, plenty of pineapple to up my Vitamin C level. Dessert left something to be desired, we were served these chocolate fudge bars with some type of weird consistency....meh, another skipped item. The actual meeting facility is super nice, perfect for most events. Staff was cool. Ehhh, what else can you ask for when work is buying you lunch?
(3)
Ali W.
My boo and I were in the hood checking out our wedding venue so we decided to walk around the mall and grab some info on rehearsal dinner venues. So the man got hungry and we stopped into Maggianos. I just have to say that the entrance is a little misleading- its weird because if you go through the banquet doors you end up in the back of the restaurant...you're suppose to go through corner bakery. (shrugs) Overall the food was just alright, but the service was amazing! The manager guy kept checking in on us because we had requested info on the banquet area and our sever, Randall, was amazing! Definitely one of the best waitresses I have ever had. Our water was never empty and our bread basket was always full! wahoo! Five stars for her! I got the baked ziti which was pretty good, but i wish instead of sausage there was something like mushrooms or spinach, but i mean...i don't know if i can make that request- i guess next time I'll have to ask. The man got lasagna and because we ordered in the special section we got to take an order home! I got the angel hair, but haven't had it yet. I hope it is not salty like the gnoochi i took home from the one downtown! yikes!
(4)
Jonathon H.
Solid food, nice atmosphere, good value. They're always really nice to the kids. I can always count on a good meal, and the second dish of pasta to take home makes this a really good value. We go once every six weeks or so. Fine dining? Nope. But reliably good. Only complaint is that service, while typically nice, can be slow.
(4)
K B.
We went to Maggiano's for New Years Eve and the food was wonderful! The pasta was plentiful and the best I have tasted in years at any restaurant! The take home dish was also an added welcome. I didn't feel rushed at all throughout the dinner, and the atmosphere was family oriented for New Years Eve. It was a great choice.
(5)
Mike K.
Ironically, I've been to the Skokie location of Maggiano's a few times and now the Oak Brook location once but never the River North location less than 10 minutes away from me. We showed up for a 5:30 reservation for 12. The restaurant was packed to the rafters when we walked in. I felt like I was in Florida. Why are these people eating so early? Half of the table opted for one of the family style options, while the other half ordered individual meals. The appetizers I ate were the bruschetta and the onion strings. The bruschetta was a bit oily and sopped into the bread, but I still found it very tasty. I always love when bruschetta comes with fresh shaved mozzarella, as this did. The onion strings were also very good. They are, of course, deep fried, but they were kind of light. I was going to order a "Maggiano's Salad," but the waiter told me the side salad would suffice. He was correct. The side salad is very generous. Most salads are just not worth having. This particular salad was excellent, probably because of all the fattening toppings. You have to cancel out the benefits of a salad to make it worth eating. For the main course, I ordered the gnocchi with vodka sauce to continue to adhere to one tiny part of my Catholicism. It was pretty good but not the best vodka sauce I've ever had. I've still not tasted a better vodka sauce than at Rosebud, with Orso's getting an honorable mention. Frankly, some of the better vodka sauces at Jewel trump what I've tasted at area restaurants. The gnocchi itself was nicely done. Anything made of potatoes is golden in my book. Service here was top notch. Surprisingly, they broke out about six different bills and got them all right. That takes some doing. It probably helped that nobody was pounding too many Peronis. Four stars. I'll have to fight the tourists and check out the River North location some day.
(4)
James R.
My wife and I both had one of their specials. Mine was chicken and sausage, and hers was chicken and shrimp. Hers was with noodles while mine was cooked with very tasty potatoes and onions. The only problem was that these 2 dishes were seasonal, so I am not sure how long they will have them. They do have some fine choices which I would like to try but will also watch their specials. Their Caesar salad was excellent not drowned in dressing. Service was good, and my wife and I plan on coming back.
(4)
Cristina T.
Attended a bridal shower here last weekend and everything was fantastic! Service was prompt, food and drinks were always refilled and everyone had a great time. My food favorites were the gnocchi with sausage and a type of breaded chicken we had. For dessert I thought the tiramisu was light and perfectly sweet. The profiteroles were great too. If I was to ever have an event to plan I will definitely have it at Maggiano's!
(5)
Jean M.
Family style dinner at Maggianos is fabulous. Haven't been to Maggianos in a while, but they never fail to deliver great food. I could have feasted on the calamari alone and been happy.
(5)
J Mae S.
I visit Maggiano's perhaps 1 or 2 times a year. The purpose of today's visit was to celebrate my birthday with my parents. I am not a food connoisseur, however. If the food tastes good, it tastes good. I ordered baked rigatoni pomodoro, while my parents ordered mom's lasagna and spaghetti (with meatball). As starters, we had the caesar salad and stuffed mushrooms. We enjoyed the food and there were no complaints. Upon arriving, my father asked if they do anything special for birthdays, since it was my birthday. The server said yes, they do. However, she hardly checked on us during our meal and of course, did forget about my birthday. We've definitely had more attentive and friendly servers at this location in the past. (If ours had shown more personality or interest in not just us, but the other patrons, I would have spoken up.) Happy birthday to me. I will definitely be back, but not for my birthday (those come around only once a year!)
(4)
Curtis C.
Lots of food... ok food... crowded... It really is a place to share your food. I wouldnt say it blows your socks off but its decent. I would definitly go somewhere else if im not starving or feeding a family of 20 starving italian kids...
(3)
Felicia V.
I think what I loved most about this place was the ambiance: low-lighting, dark wood floors and tables, super classy banquet room. Not bad for a restaurant in a strip mall. The food was good, not amazing, but good. Pretty standard chain restaurant Italian food. You can get another serving of your entree for free if you ask!
(3)
Ruby P.
I had pasta of course it was good as this is from a pasta lover. Then I happen to have a drink called the Frozen Peach Bellini....If you like sweet drinks then THIS IS TO DIE FOR. Absolutely scrumptious. I usually do not even like peach but it was not too sweet and the peach was not too overpowering.
(4)
Dino M.
Ok food. Has gone straight down hill since it was sold. Half he portions it used to be and higher cost. To bad, we used to love it there.
(2)
Lisa B.
This review is for their Banquet service, which we used for the kid's Bar Mitzvah lunch. One big plus was that they charge a lower price for kids age 5-12, even though they got the exact same food. For our Saturday "classic family-style" luncheon the charge was $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per kid. This gave everyone two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees and two desserts. It was served family style so people could take one, both, or neither of each course. Even with our restrictions (no pork, no shellfish, no nuts) we were able to choose many yummy dishes, and nobody went home hungry. Our Banquet manager, Valerie Principe-Klump, was so helpful, and the service was great. I really liked that the room, linens, centerpieces, display tables, audio-visual, EVERYTHING, was included in the price. Being nickel-and-dimed will piss me off real fast.
(5)
Pattie S.
Let me preface and say that i've been to a Maggianos before, in Las Vegas, and it was excellent. Food was great, and they even had someone playing accordian. Because of this experience, i was excited to go to Maggianos again. I came here with my boyfriend on a Saturday. We had reservations at 4:30 and were seated promptly. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, and our entrees of chicken parmesan, all at the same time. The stuffed mushrooms came within 10 minutes and they were amazingly good--this was the only good thing about our experience. After we ate the mushrooms, we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more for our entrees to come. We waited some more, and after about 40 minutes of waiting, our entrees finally came. Even worse, is that they came to us warm, not hot. By the time i finished eating, the spaghetti i was eating was cold. The dinner itself was extremely disappointing. What's worse is through our entire dining experience, we only got 1 refill, even though our glass was empty. Our waiter, who mumbled through everything, only checked on us a few times. I was extremely disappointed with my dining experience here. It seemed as if everyone seated around us was complaining about the service here. Maybe Maggianos was just having an off day, but I will not be returning. I would rather go to the Olive Garden or Bucca Di Beppo.
(1)
Julie P.
This review is of their Banquet Service though I have been here for regular meals often & was always impressed. One word: Amazing! My sister had her wedding reception here & I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with nothing but highest regards. When we came to look at the restaurant, she was still looking for a venue. We were blown away. The staff took their time to show us around, give us information & make sure our questions were answered even though we did not call ahead. We just popped in for lunch. The space was gorgeous. It did not feel like any old banquet room. Huge wooden bars & wood panel walls made for a stunning backdrop for a wedding day. The tasting sent the bride and groom home with enough leftovers to share with the family to make a dinner. How do you choose between so many amazing dishes? The wedding day was simply beautiful. The staff went above and beyond every moment. They took time to learn the names of the bride and groom & the parents and treated everyone like royalty. The food came out for all tables at the same time. You didn't have the problem where one table was finishing desert while one table was just getting salad. Service was attentive & top notch. Your glass was never empty, but you never felt smothered either. A perfect showcase of transparent service paired beautifully with amazing food and drinks. The food! This was the most reasonably priced wedding package out of every venue they considered, though you would never know it. People are still talking about the food months later. Not only did they send us home with 17 pans of left overs, the food the day of was amazing. Portobello Mushroom Ravioli is still my favorite! We were served family style, and the bowls were truly bottomless! You wanted to keep eating because it was so good! This was not your typical tasteless, dried out, plated, banquet hall dinner. The bar service was amazing, too. The drinks were poured as they should be, and not so the restaurant would make a profit by over or under pouring the drinks. Top notch all around & highly recommended!
(5)
Sandra M.
Food is always delish! We usually go to another location to eat but decided on Oakbrook because of the location of parties invited. Made reservations well in advance and when we got there the restaurant was not as full as it can be, however they gave us a horrible small table for 6 right next to a noisy drink station. Too much traffic and noise to enjoy the company. We had 2 servers and they got our order incorrect so had to send food back. We ordered one of the classic pastas which meant we could take an additional meal home and they got that wrong too. Also the waiter needs to pay attention to the drink levels for all parties. He only asked the 2 sitting at the end of the table if they wanted refills and then when he came back I had to ask for a couple more and then he only brought 1 back and then he seemed bothered by the 3rd request for a refill. We will continue to go to Maggianos but will avoid the Oakbrook location. Naperville location just another 10-15 miles west and service and parking much better .
(3)
Miguel R.
I love me some italian food. I haven't had it in a while, but man is chicken parmesian my favorite. I got a Lettuce Entertain You gift card from someone, and I had no idea where to spend it - then I thought.... "Hey you like good food" so as it were I was in Oak Brook, and like a sign from above - that's where we both saw and wanted to go. Good food, good prices, and the atmosphere was comfortable. It was a bit chilly out, and overcast, but there always time to enoy a nice lunch outside in the coming months - this was an indoor place....
(4)
John O.
Full!!! I always eat to much when I go here. They have a lot to choose from and a lot of wine too. What makes it good here is that you get the quality and quantity. I've always left the restaurant with a full stomach and a doggy bag. Yes, pasta is cheap to produce but this place enhances it. Can be a long wait so make reservations or go early and belly up to the bar.
(4)
Jessica D.
Makes you feel like you're in New York in the 30s-40s at a local (very large) italian establishment. Historical Italian-American decor of unknown families and folks make it homey, humongous portions make it a group or sharing environment. Delicious wines, menu, specials, and desserts -- although not necessarily authentic italian, very close. Bar gets crowded, and makes it hard to step to the restrooms.
(4)
Brianna L.
I used to love maggianos till this past weekend..i was craving fried calamari..the wait was 1.5 hours good thing the bar is first come first serve we snagged one within 10 mins...the sangria was good, the frozen peach drink was even better..but the friend calamari left little to be desired..it wasn't crunchy at all :( boooooooooo to that!! and then we had another appetizer the spinach and artichoke dip..ehh it was kind of bland..wouldn't recommend either one to be honest with you
(3)
Deborah W.
Overall this was kind of an average experience for dining out in Chicago and the surrounding area. The food was pretty decent but the service, unfortunately was terrible. My recommendation, stick to the chef section where they give you a second entree to take home - when I'm paying $14 for a huge spaghetti and a lasagna that together last me 4+ meals, I'm a whole lot less picky on the ambiance and service.
(3)
Thomas L.
First off they lose a star for not serving Stella Artois in the proper glass. The food was tasty portions are twice as large so when you see the menu and question the price figure you are eating two meals. Honestly, looking at the people in there they are probably not taking too much home. + I had the beef medallions w/ portabella mushrooms ++ Mussels w/ white bean and sundried tomatoes were amazing +/ waiter was awkward at times making me think he was cognitively slow??? - My Stella was in the wrong glass - People watching was boring.
(4)
sherry t.
Chef decided to stop by our table Wednesday evening and offered us free fried zucchini appetizer outta nowhere. Felt really special. Food is really affordable and delicious. Skip their bruschetta. Stuffed mushrooms is fantastic! Everything is in huge portions. Couldn't try much with just two people. Shrimp linguini was decent. I must return with more ppl to sample more food! Service was exceptional!!
(4)
Cindy B.
We just had our wedding reception at the Oak Brook location this past April, and it was the best decision we could have made for our wedding venue. Dar was our coordinator at Maggiano's, and could not have done a better job with her team. At weddings, everyone remembers the food, drinks and music, and Maggiano's topped the cake with the food, drinks and their wonderful customer service. From the appetizers, to all of the courses and the sweet table. Everything received an A++. We had a special request to have a traditional drink available, and they let us bring it in to have available at the bar for our guests. They catered to all of our personal touches that we wanted to have happen. They did a great job working with all of our vendors--florist, DJ, Acoustic set, bakery and Shutterbooth on getting them set up. Thank you Maggiano's Oak Brook Staff for making our wedding a truly stellar and unforgettable evening for us and our guests!
(5)
Mark P.
Maggiano's is one of my favorite dining experiences. That fact is due to the service, quality of food (both in house, and in your own house), portion sizes are enough to enjoy for more than one meal, and the price is not overwhelming either. I enjoy their menu starting with appetizers through the main entree. I can't remark on their deserts, as I have never been able to get that far due to being thoroughly satisfied before reaching that attraction. Their calamari, and stuffed mushrooms are simply amazing. The house "Maggiano's Salad" has a superb dressing (that we make sure to receive extra of for the remaining salad we take home with us, since we make sure by ordering the large one for just that reason). The olive oil, fresh bread, butter, and Parmesan cheese is another treat that is not to be missed while awaiting the main entree as well. When it comes to the main meal, I would highly recommend their Grilled Salmon Lemon and Herb! This is what I usually order, and have NEVER had it served to where the first taste does not remind me why I LOVE it so! Another appreciative dish is their Fettuccine Alfredo, again a very appealing dining experience. The staff has always been very top notch, and attentive. If you are looking for a refill for your beverage, you will not be looking for very long. I again can not recommend this place enough! I would give it the full five stars, but I myself don't believe anything on this planet can be absolutely perfect. One of the only downfalls might be an occasional wait time for a table. However, it is a very decent place to eat, and many others are aware of that fact. The wait time for a table can be eased within the full service bar area, which is located just to the side of the dining areas. At times this space can be a bit crowded, but the tasty selection of thirst quenching options can help subside any pains from your wait for a table. They do take reservations, but only for larger party sizes. Special functions can be accommodated in other seating/dining areas as well. A limited outside sidewalk cafe type of seating option is also available during nice weather as well. The only other item that steers this place away from perfection would be the parking situation (since it shares a parking arrangement with the shopping mall). This is not something I would usually complain about except that the handicapped parking slots are located a bit further from the door than appreciated. They do have valet parking, and it is for some reason located closer. Still, I have rarely had a problem finding a manageable place which is not too far away to reach the entrance. One final note of appreciation is their carry-out option is ALWAYS accurate each time we choose that route, and the packaging style they utilize allows us to travel the (longer than normal) distance for carry-out, and still maintain a hot meal upon arrival to our eating destination. A well deserved four star recommendation I eagerly give! Job well done Maggiano's!!!
(4)
Sherah B.
This is a pretty good chain restaurant. I went here during a work conference and was pleased. My coworkers (3 of them) all got something off the children's menu (mac & cheese) and the portions were HUGE! Maybe this is why so many kids are fat? Anyway, the food is pretty good, but it's a chain. It won't blow you out of the water. Good location though, too.
(3)
Foster R.
Maggiano's is pretty good, I usually play it safe and order something like spaghetti, chicken parmesan, etc. I recently tried the beef canneloni, and it wasn't bad at all. Their caesar salads are very delicious. I've been to maggiano's a few times and haven't been disappointed yet. The ambience is classy and laid back, which keeps me coming back. I recommend them if you want some good Italian food.
(4)
Anastasia K.
After quite a while suffering from poor service by the wait staff (NOT the bussers), Maggiano's Oak Brook is finally coming back around. I've never had a bad meal here, but the service has been questionable. I'm glad to report that things have taken a turn for the better! I recently had my graduation party here, and the banquet service and food was simply astounding! My guests couldn't stop RAVING about the food and super helpful staff! You pretty much can't miss on a meal here unless you have lived in Italy and have super high expectations. The kitchen is willing to meet you on all your special requests and the staff goes out of their way to correct your plate if something is off. They do offer a separate carryout option, but honestly, the food isn't so great once you get it home. I'm sure it has something to do with the plastic containers they use which smell like a hospital (blech). If you can score a table (reservations HIGHLY recommended - use OpenTable.com's mobile website!), have a seat and enjoy the music, the food and the company!
(4)
Misse D.
I hate Maggiano's. Well, then, why did I come here to eat? I was on a business lunch and did not make the reservation. As someone that lived in Italy, I am horrified at the food that they try to pass as Italian. It's simply NOT Italian food. It's very heavy, mediocre pasta. Blech.
(1)
Tim Y.
I've been to Maggiano's numerous times. This experience was like every other -- very good. All the food served was hot, tasty, and plentiful. Wait staff did an excellent job ensuring satisfaction while remaining relatively inconspicuous throughout the evening. Bathrooms were well-stocked and clean. The other two large groups were sufficiently firewalled from ours such that it didn't feel like we were crammed in a Chuck-e-Cheese with kids wandering through our space and vice versa.
(4)
Jello M.
Ahhhh... How I love you, maggionos. Delicious food. and lots of it. I always order family style with a big group, and I'm never disssapointed. My go to appetizers are the deep fried zuccini, the bruchetta, and the calamari. The house salad is bacon and blue cheese, and instead of ordering two salads I order one and get another appatizer because yes, my awesome waiter let me do that. Pasta is whatever mood I'm in, they're all great. And the lemon cookies...they look so simple but they are so yummy...
(5)
Kat D.
I've been to several Maggiano's (in a couple different states) but this one in particular far exceeded any experience I've had at this particular restaurant. What made me like it right off the bat was that it was open late on a Sunday night after my boyfriend and I had seen at play at Drury Lane. We were starving, and were thankfully seated immediately, and given bread to much on while we decided what we wanted. We put in an order of calamari and our dinner orders at the same time. About 20 minutes later, our dinners came out...though we had yet to receive our appetizer. Not wanting to send our dinners back to sit under the heat lamp while we waited for then ate our calamari, we decided to just have our dinners. My boyfriend had the crab cannelloni, which he said was very tasty, but very rich as it's served in an alfredo sauce. I had the shrimp linguini which was delicious, but I couldn't help making a mess as the sauce was a bit thinner than expected. During our meal, though, our server (who hadn't brought our meals out to us) came over with the calamari and, noticing her timing flaw, apologized profusely and offered to box it up for us, or to have it taken off the bill. We opted for the latter, as calamari tastes best when it's freshly cooked and wouldn't taste as good the next day. She said that would be no problem. Near the end of the meal, the manager came over and also apologized and then asked if he could make it up to us by giving us a free dessert. As I know no one who can turn down free tiramisu, no matter how full they are, we accepted his complimentary dessert and it came with a free coffee as well. And it was heavenly! Would have gladly paid for a dessert that delicious. Over all, the food was great, but I was most impressed by the staff. The mix up with the appetizers and meals was handled well and even though it would have been nice to have the calamari, we weren't upset about it, but we were still exceeded in being appeased with the free dessert and coffee. They definitely know how to keep their customers happy.
(4)
Jen F.
Yes, chain restaurants do usually suck. Maggiano's, having started in good ole' Chi town, is a glaring exception. Maggiano's is a tried-and-true favorite. They serve huge family sized portions of pasta, which means you are definitely getting your money's worth (and likely some to take home). I can honestly say I have tried just about every single item on their menu. I've been coming here for about twenty years now. I've also tried most of their specials. I've rarely, if ever, been disappointed. P.S. They make a great steak. I looked into getting married here, as it was originally my top choice, but I ended up liking the banquet hall better someplace else. As far as wedding food goes, this place would offer the best--but the banquet itself is kind of dull. Everything is wood, wood, and more wood. Anytime a friend visits from out of town, I always take them to Maggiano's--gotta represent Chi-town's finest!
(5)
Wayne B.
We love this restaurant. Best Italian ever. If you order from the traditional pasta menu (about 10 items), they give you an order to go as well at no charge!!!! We eat there every time we go to Chicago. Service has always been terrific. Last time we got a free dessert and free cappicino!
(5)
J C.
Great food. Price is what you expect for being in Oak Brook. Lost a star for our waitress not coming by often enough for drinks. Lost another for completely forgetting a refill on a drink and a refill on the coffee at the end.
(3)
Patricia K.
Maggianos is the same, basically anywhere you go. I have been to numerous and they all have the same great customer service and their food is delicious. I have to give a special shout-out to this location after their bartending staff made an extra effort on my behalf recently. I was giving the toast at one of my best friend's wedding when I did that required a bit of crowd involvement. To make a long story short, this was a surprise to the bride and groom, designed to embarrassment them (did they not think I'd live up to my roll? lol!) I needed a few non-wedding guests (strangers) to participate in the joke. During the cocktail hour, I asked the bartenders to pitch in -- and they happily complied! It really added to the bit and I was incredibly thankful for their willingness to participate.
(5)
Debra A.
I agree with the previous reviewer, Candice G, about the Oak Brook location being much better than the Chicago and Woodfield locations. The service at Oakbrook is much better, and by better I mean they're friendlier, don't give preference to parties of 6 over parties of 2, they're quick to refill your plates if you dine family style and they always bring me another refill on my soda without me asking. Not to mention the food is outstanding. My favorite dishes: Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce, creme brulee, and Nana's poundcake. Whenever I place an order to go, they are very thorough and double check everything in front of me to make sure everything I ordered is in there. Everyone in take-out is friendly just like the wait staff in the dining room. Parking is usually hard to find anytime of the day, but valet will solve that problem.
(4)
Minners N.
never never disappoints me- with it's food, service, or price. After exploring almost all the italian shops in little italy, Maggiano's ranks with the best of them. A few locations around the Chicago area and they are all great. Every dish I've tried here has been awesome from lobster ravioli, baked ziti, vodka gnocci to all the appetizers. I still don't have a favorite yet because I'm still trying to try everything off the huuge menu. Their complimentary bread and olive oil is awesome. Last time I was here, my husband and I had 3 baskets of bread. The bread is fresh and piping hot and very light. The olive oil is so sweet and flowery- sooo good. I wish I knew where to get it. Service has always been top-notch- never snooty or lazy. My glass is never near empty. I never have to ask the waiter for anything, my glass is always full and the bread is always refreshed. i love the service here. great date place or family meal or group gathering- the atmosphere is so versatile. warning- in my experience, the leftovers never taste as good as the original dish, which sucks cause the portion sizes are huge and i always have leftovers.
(5)
Tom L.
I was here for my Brother and Sister-in-Law's wedding and it was a great night! Food was amazing, the DJ was good, the room was big enough for our large (amount) families and it was just an overall amazing experience. I'm glad they picked this place!
(5)
Ray S.
Yes, I just gave them 5 stars. Why? Because I felt like it! The food is good, not the greatest Italian cuisine, but good enough to go back again and again. I mean it's a Lettuce Entertain you chain. Whatayawant from a chain place? But all in all a decent experience, the wait staff is always nice and knowledgeable and what I really like, the manager always pays us a visit. Not only does that tell me they are on top of things, they also appreciate our business. So if you're doing some shopping at the mall and have a taste for Italian, check them out. Nice group of folks!
(5)
Kristina O.
Apparently the workers here hate me. The guy setting up our table w/ plates "accidently" smashed my wrist with the glass he was putting in front of me. Then the guy serving us water apparently didn't realize when you lean over with one pitcher, the other pitcher in your hand tilts as well.... this resulted in ice cold water being poured all over me and my purse. Then to top it all off, my pasta was served w/ at least one cup of pasta water..... yum? My mom was pretty bummed. Thanks for ruining my family lunch Maggiano's! 2 stars for the bread being warm and delicious.
(2)
Pam K.
Stopped for lunch with my folks the other day. The three of us split two entree salads -- the chopped and one with chicken, apples, grapes, celery, etc. The salads were disappointing -- the portion was fine for us to share but there was nothing memorable about either one of them. The chopped salad didn't seem to have that many ingredients and the chicken/apple salad came with large chunks of chicken -- I don't think it was grilled or marinated because there wasn't much flavor to it. The waitress introduced herself then took our order. No smile, no small talk, didn't ask if we had questions about the menu, etc. Really got the impression she didn't enjoy her job. The experience was disappointing.
(3)
Josue J.
food was great as usual, but the banquet service I recieved was horrible. They charged me twice as much as I was originally quoted, but they have a note in the contract, that says PRICE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Could not believe that this happened to me here.
(3)
Melissa W.
AMAZING night at Maggianos! The wonderful experience started 3 weeks ago when I called to see if they could accommodate a family function since I was flying in from LA. Chris the mgr was super helpful and shared the great menu and offered to accommodate my guest with food allergies. We arrived to a crazy busy Saturday night but they had our table for 13 ready and we had Jeff as our server. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing and authentic. My brother in law is Italian and said it's just like mom makes. The food came out hot, large portions with unlimited refills and they let you take home the leftovers too! We left with 20 containers of food. The spinach salad was to die for and the rigatoni d is a must. We had the stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers along with tiramisu for dessert. The family loved the evening and I was overly impressed when the chef personally came out and talked to my guest who had the food allergies and accommodated all of her needs. I highly recommend Maggianos in Oak Brook!!
(5)
A K.
Disgusting and unhygenic. We sat at the bar, the wine glass was sticky, dirty with food grease,finger and lip smudges. Saw the bar tender washing glasses in the most, unhygienic manner. Holding the stem he'd dip the glass in a basin of soapy water from there into a basin of water and them let them drip dry and put them back on the shelf to be used.He must have washed 50 glasses in the same water. Yuck. No wonder they were stained and smudged. After seeing that we he was splattering water all over the bar. We left and went to The clubhouse. Better service, food and cleanliness.
(1)
Dave S.
I have been to several different Maggianos locations. I would have to say that this particular location is probably the busiest and has the longest wait. I personally DETEST waiting in an excessive line for anything so I don't get over here very often. Need i even mention that the portions will feed me for two meals and I always get my monies worth. ALWAYS! i am thinking that is the general consensus with this chain in general. I attended a private party here recently and i was impressed with the service, food and atmosphere. It was served family style and keeping with their tradition, the food was excellent and the portions were massive!
(4)
Steve G.
The restaurant lost our ticket order so after we waited an hour, the chef came out and apologized and offered us free dessert (I don't know why they think this makes everything better) since we don't usually have dessert anyway. Its a great excuse for poor service. The food was OK the coffee was awful and we finished eating 1 1/2 hours later or so. We were visiting friends. We got seated next to the busy back area which I hate. We had to ask the waitress for our salads. They were very busy and basically I will not return because poor service is inexcusable. A friendly apology would be fine without the free dessert. Coffee was supposed to be fresh but it was awful. This is something customers don't like and won't come back to. Poor seating, poor service and poor quality of coffee (food was average). I am very happy that I can post this. Busy area but there are better restaurants in the area that have better everything. Too bad for us and our friends. Better luck next time. oh, well.
(2)
Monika J.
Love it!!! For any celebration or just dining out it is to go for good Italian food.
(5)
D A.
Stopped by tonight for a quick dinner after post Xmas shopping. They were super busy and we got lucky and got sat right away. Service was more than great, my drink was refilled faster than I've ever seen. Portions were larger than normal today (and I hate to say almost double the size of the take out I ordered from here the first Friday of this month). Anyways the 4 cheese ravioli was great, served hot and fast. Ceaser salad was good and the creamy potato soup was great. I ate too much bread and cheese.... Good meal, nothing special today but things were consistent and food was super hot, which helps on a cold day!
Loves me some LEYE!!!Loves me some carbs!! Dinner reservations at 6:30, party of 5:00. I decided on this restaurant because we were celebrating birthdays and this is a little more special than the Olive Garden right? The place was packed, as expected. We waited, smushed, in the bar/waiting area. The hostesses seemed rather crazed, which they should have hid a little better (no one's enjoys listening to you complaining). We were seated in the back, which was cozy. Our waiter, Matthew I believe, was not the best at all...more on that later. Food: Delicious!! Hot crusty bread with olive oil and cheese...YUM!! We had the Bruschetta and Maggiano's Salad as an appetizer. I would go there just for a big bowl of the salad!!! Romaine lettuce, crispy friend Prosciutto, red onion and house dressing. So effin good!!! Some of our main dishes included: baked ziti, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, and some kinda of mushroom chicken pasta. Everyone loved their meal. Service: Lacking in all areas. Matthew our server introduced himself and gave us time to look at the menu for drinks...10 minutes later....brought us the specials menu saying he'd be right back to get our DRINKS....10 minutes later....."Why don't I go ahead and get your whole order with your drinks"...no, why don't you give us another 20 minutes.....We all go around ordering, got confused at times. Never asked anyone if we wanted the full or half size portions....said he "assumed" the half portion (FYI waiters...don't assume for your patrons). Rushed us through our orders and we had to catch him before he ran away to order our appetizers. Also, said to one of us "Gee, are you going to lick the plate clean"....RUDE. Maggiano's is always going to be busy and the servers and hostesses should be accustomed to that and prepared. I will go back because the food was excellent....hopefully I'll have a different waiter!
(4)
Cee B.
Solid family food. I was there for a bridal shower and got to taste a few of their simple dishes. Meatball pasta was the best. chicken parmesan, chicken picatta, shrimp pasta was only ok (i think i made a better chicken picatta). Dessert was the highlight. Tiramisu was definitely above average and spunomi is A-OK. the bridal shower was well staffed. staff did a good job clearing plates and filling drinks.
(3)
Mike M.
Great food - great atmosphere. Highly recommended! Can't go wrong when looking for Italian food.
(5)
Amy T.
Craving for Italian? Then go to Maggiano's Little Italy! It's a great place for lunch, and/or dinner! If you go for dinner make sure you make a reservation because it can get pretty crowded! My overall rating: Service - Friendly staff. Fast Service. What more can you ask for? Food - AMAZING- pasta, salad, flatbread pizza, calarmari, etc ALL GOOD! Price- Pretty Pricey. But TOTALLY WORTH IT!
(5)
liz s.
Ok, I went to a family event here- i know, it's awful, you don't choose that aspect of your life... I am giving it two stars, which is VERY VERY generous- because of the staff. They were friendly, obliging and helpful. I really was extremely impressed by them. the food was god awful. One of those, i know i'm getting fat by eating this, but i can't not eat it, because i would offend the fam... It is rainy out, sunday, and i am fatter, and not at all satisfied by my meal- Plus, i don't do well in the western suburbs and I got lost on the way there. When we left, I yelled for joy when I saw a city of Chicago sign. Oh it's good to be back-
(2)
Ellen M.
Family-style Italian food. The huge dining room is hard to move about in, and the resulting din is not incredibly pleasant, but overall I like it better than the downtown location. Lots of rosemary and garlic. For a group of four, you will have a shopping bag or two of leftovers if you order four dishes. The portions are that big. Great place for small parties at a round table, larger meetings or corporate events, or wedding receptions. Good service. Get a reservation. 6/3/08 edit: things have changed - I like Clark/Grand better.
(3)
Lizzi C.
Obviously always busy because of the Oak Brook location, but it's worth the wait. The leftovers from the humungo portions are great for lunch the next day. If you like Maggiano's try the Woodfield location in the summer and you can sit outside overlooking a little pond. Favorites-chicken alfredo and the gnocchi with tomato vodka sauce. Please try the Apple Crostada with caramel sauce for dessert!!! You'll thank me.
(3)
Erin B.
The wait here is forever, and the food is good. Yes, there is better in this great city, however, this is great in a pinch. Also, a better option would be to order carry out. You still get the huge portions, but with no wait. Don't forget, it's BYOB at your house!
(3)
Ashley W.
I can't get over how big the portions are at Maggianos- the last time I ate here I took home the leftovers and literally ate them for 4 days! Even though the portions are really large I still find their food to be pretty good quality. I like going here with a big group of people so we can order a bunch of things and try a bit of everything. Save the quaint Italian places for dates.
(3)
Margie N.
One of my all-time fav places! I keep trying to *change up* my dinner selection -- but I just can't pass up the spag & meatballs -- fantastico!! Cooked to perfection and so much food, the enjoyment lasts for a couple days at home. Why oh why can't there be a Maggiano's closer to Frankfort .... sigh.
(5)
Jeff A.
Maggiano's is a favorite Italian location for me. I have alot of fond memories of this particular location because I used to eat there with my parents and younger sister alot. Yes, it gets crowded and yes it's irritating having to wait in the crowded reception area or at the crowded bar until they call you up but I've found it to be worth the wait most times. I haven't been there in a little while so the review from Eric H. bothers me a bit but I wouldn't doubt a word of what he said. Popular places like this tend get bored of being popular. Fame is a bitch, isn't it? I've been to the Woodfield location once and it seemed alright. But I like the look of the Oak Brook place better. It's a little more like something out of a Martin Scorsese movie.
(4)
Jena S.
I've been to this place a few times before, I've always liked the food but I always forget why I never go back. IT"S THE GOD DAMN WAIT and TWAT HOSTESSES! I made a reservation for Saturday at 6:15 a week in advance and I still had to wait 20 minutes when I got there. The bitch hostess didn't make eye contact, barely grunted a hello and kept tossing her overpriced emo cut in a huff. The food was good and the waiter was fantastic but I hate being irritated as soon as I walk in the door.
(3)
Marcie T.
My husband and I go here, as well as some of the other locations fairly often. We always love the food, although we mourn the loss of the ability to choose a small or larger portion of the pastas. What struck both of us, however, was the downgrading of the quality of the bread! What number cruncher decided that the quality of the bread put out on the table wouldn't be noticed??? When we started going to Maggianos several years back, the bread basket contained a crusty baguette, bread sticks, and some focaccia. Later, they cut out all but the baguette. Now, the last several visits, they have gone from a crusty baguette, with all the deep pockets and holes that catch the olive oil so nicely, to some cheap imitation of white bread that just happens to have a baguette shape. Gone are the nice deep holes, as well as any semblance of crustiness. We so looked forward to this start to our meal. Now, they've lost us, as well as some of our friends who also notice the very same thing. Is losing customers the way to save the restaurant some money??? I don't think so!
(2)
Kristen R.
We started coming here because of the great food and service. However, the last few times we have visited now have us thinking maybe we should try to find another italian restaurant to go to. The food there is still good, but the service has become awful. We kept thinking "ok, maybe that was just a bad night for them". Then we have gone back again and kept on getting terrible service. The hostesses enjoy making you wait even when there are tables available and staff walking around looking for something to do and no one else is waiting for a table. The service is terrible, from getting me the completely wrong drink to never getting ice water and bread. The servers either take forever to come to your table and don't return in case you need anything. Or, they are wanting your order the instant you sit down and continue to race you through your meal in no time flat. I love the food, but the all around service has us looking for another italian restaurant to frequent.
(2)
Gary K.
This is another Italian restaurant where the servings are plenty generous. I'd recommend the Mushroom Ravioli al Forno. The atmosphere is great for a date and the service is very pleasant. Be ready for a wait though, this restaurant is almost always full.
(4)
Chris B.
One of my favorite restaurants. Its lots of other people's in Chicago too. I can't say how many times I've seen Chicago pro athletes list it as their favorite in the team yearbooks. Its got atmosphere. Great classic tunes from Sinatra and the like play over the dining area. The food portions are huge. One spaghetti dish could easily feed 2 people. I have not tasted anything I didn't like from either the entree or apetizer menus. Huge wine and drink lists. One bad thing is the wait times. On busy nights it could take hours for a walk in to get a table. If you don't want to dine in, then call your order in and take it to go. It tastes just as good!
(5)
Trinidad T.
the amount of food they serve can be a little overwhelming, but it's good and it's italian... for someone that doesn't stuff their face crazy-style, i'd suggest splitting entres with another person, unless you wanna drown in italian goodness. the staff is always awesome and bring anything you'd like. make sure you have room for dessert! and beware: it will hurt the pocketbook if you pay per head for family/buffet style! we were part of a 20-person group and after taxes and tips, it came out to be 40 bucks a person! i'm sure i didn't eat that much, but now i know that we should individually order the dishes we want (non-renewable style)
(4)
Joe S.
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, forget this place. But, if you like solid, Americanized red-sauced Italian, and huge portions, you've got the spot. Spirited dining room, above average service, and a few gems on the wine list that are pretty affordable. Best bets are the Maggiano's Salad (features a house Italian dressing with a sweet kick), Mushroom Ravioli al Forno, and the Rigatoni "D" with Marsala Cream Sauce. Desserts used to be HUGE, lately downscaled to LARGE. The chocolate zuccoto cake is can't miss, and the tiramisu is above average.
(3)
Steven M.
I had reservations for 4 and I showed 2 hours early because I was chewing on the curtains. They sat us right away and the waitress promptly acknowledged us. We got our drinks, bread and I ordered an app. I do have to say that the Maggiano salad is the best in the west. I do not care for blu cheese, but the way they presented it in the salad was awesome! I had pasta on the brain, so I got the spaghetti in meat sauce, sans the meatball. Didn't want to lose any noodles. I also got a comp pasta for the next day. I had to ask how big the bowl I was getting, as I was hungry enough to ask if they could put both into one dish. I didn't have to do that though. One was enough and it was very tasty with little bits of meat throughout. Our server was on top of her game as it was a busy time of day. I have to mention that I forgot my credit card in the bill holder. I called about a half hour later when I realized what I had done and called immediately. They had my card waiting for me when I arrived. This isn't the best Italian food in the world. But the staff, ambiance as well as the prices make it a winner in my book.
(4)
Joey G.
From last time, the place was good, but then went downhill. I got the chicken marcela and got food poisoning. If you ask me, the food is not at all as good as the restaurant looks. The food may look good, but it's not.
(1)
Cliff G.
Called on Sunday @ 4 pm to see how long a wait would be for party of 12. Was told 3 hours...asked to speak to Manager and we said we would break party up into 2 tables. Was then told 2 hours. No thanks.....1/2 the party decided to go anyway and was seated within 15 minutes..although screwed up order on two entrees. . other party decided not to wait and went to Roberto's in Elmhurst and had an amazing meal, fabulous service and no hassle. What up Maggiano? Obviously management is looking as there are 22 filtered reviews!
(1)
Jennifer S.
You can't go wrong with Maggiano's for a group dinner! I love that the food is served family style, so I can enjoy a little bit of everything and not feel guilty. The private room we were in was very nice and the service was pretty speedy as well.
(4)
Shawn m.
Where do I start!?!...Went here last week with a group of 12....VERY slow service and our waitress was horrible!!!!:( She didn't know what sparkling water was?!......brought me tap water instead..when I explained the difference she brought over a bottle which i wasn't able to open for 10 mins because i didn't have a bottle opener!...we waited another 15minutes to place our order...she got chocolate cake on my friends white shirt..I gave it 2 stars..because the food was ..hmmm "decent".
(2)
Alicia K.
Food here = 3 stars Value = 5 stars Average of the two = 4 stars Went here for lunch with my husband and two friends (about 2pm). We were seated right away by a window which was lovely. It's a little dark inside which would be romantic for dinner, but for lunch, the window was perfect. Went with the $19.95/person lunch thing and OH EM GEE!!! I cannot believe they still make money by giving you that much food for that little! You choose two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees, and two desserts. They proceed to bring enough of all of those for you to totally gorge. If you like one a bunch, you ask for another plate of it (but seriously, good luck finishing the amount they bring you to start with!!!). For $20 -- AMAZING DEAL!!! Now, the food: APPETIZERS = 5 star quality -Spinach and artichoke dip = incredible. The dip itself is in a shallow plate so that it maximizes the cheesy part getting nice and brown. I love this. -fried mozzarella is pretty darn good, too. It's like mozzarella sticks, but instead of being small sticks, it's these 4"X4" (estimate) flat squares of battered and fried mozzarella. Not too greasy and comes with marinara sauce. Muy bueno. SALADS - 4 stars -Caesar salad is pretty standard, but I thought their Caesar dressing was top notch! I was on a Caesar kick for a while, so I know what I'm talking about. ;] It was heavy on the dressing, but at least it tasted good. -Maggiano's Salad (iceburg & romaine, bleu cheese, crispy Prosciutto, red onions, house dressing) is an excellent combination of flavors. I thought it was also slightly heavy on the dressing, but again -- it tasted good. PASTAS- 3-4 star quality -Gnocchi w/vodka sauce - the sauce is phenomenal, but in my opinion there isn't enough of it and honestly I'm just not a Gnocchi fan. It just doesn't pack enough punch... lacks flavor... you get the idea. -Chicken & Spinach Maniccoti - imagine normal Manicotti but w/small pieces of moist chicken and some spinach + a white sauce instead of red. I loved it, but my husband didn't. To each his own. ENTREES - 1-2 stars -Chicken Francese - recommended to us by the server, but I was very unimpressed. I would actually go so far as to say I DISLIKED it. It had a funky aftertaste, was somehow dry despite being breaded, and just really wasn't very good. The red potatoes it came with were just fine, but I would stay away from this one. -Salmon - Again, I was not impressed. I LOVE salmon, and this one was just bland. I normally get mine frozen from Costco and make them in the microwave (can we say low standards???) that's how much I love the stuff. This was a disappointment. DESSERTS -Profiteroles (2 stars) were ok. I felt the breaded part was pretty dry and not tasty enough for that to be where my dessert calories were coming from. The ice cream in the middle is good, though. -Creme Brulee (5 stars) -- now THIS they did RIGHT! Shallow dish maximizes the crunchy top, and it's HUGE. Seriously probably the largest creme brulee I've ever had, and even though I shared it with my husband, we had trouble finishing it, and I do NOT have trouble finishing dessert. Ever. Would I go back? You bet I would, but only with 3 other people (great size group! Perfect double date!), only for lunch (not crowded), and I would try different entrees. Believe me -- your $20 could not possibly go further at a restaurant! Give this one a try. :]
(4)
Erin L.
Came here with my husband - first time back here together since our beautiful wedding reception in September 2008. The server - Sue was great. She was really nice and suggested some good items for us to try. Our only issue was the temperature of the food. It was just warm and felt like it was sitting out for a bit. When Sue gave us our bill, she made a point of telling us about taking a survey online about our experience. So when I got home, I filled it out. Yesterday I received a $40 gift certificate in the mail apologizing about the food temperatures. Totally didn't expect that! What I love about all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants - if there is a problem, they go above and beyond to not only make you happy, but try to fix the problems.
(5)
Anuj S.
Maggiano's is fine. Not so much anymore, but people used to rave about this place. I always thought the food was good, but not great. One thing's for sure, it is very popular. I've been there when the wait is 1 hour. Definitely not worth that... There are SO many other choices out there.
(3)
Diana P.
Great meal and super service! Loved everything wo ate! Glad I tried some specials.
(5)
Bleu W.
Always a treat to eat here. We ordered so much food it was almost like Thanksgiving with the amount of food we had at the end of the meal to take home. The pasta was fresh, the service was quite good, and they were great with our food allergy concerns. The dessert was also very good. Cannot wait to return here for our family tradition when we are in the area again.
(5)
LOIS B.
I have to admit, I stayed away for 5 years because the last time we were here, WITH RESERVATIONS, we waited a good 45 minutes. Not good, especially since one of our guests was a diabetic and had already taken insulin. This was of NO significance to the hostess. What's the point of a reservation? I do not know if over booking, huge crowds, and long waits are still a problem because today we were at a private luncheon in a private room. We were served a pre- selected menu and what we ate was very tasty. The chopped salad is outstanding, and always has been. Our servers were very pleasant and it was, overall, a positive experience. However, I would still be hesitant to come back for dinner, even with a reservation, based on some of the other reviews.
(3)
Sarah B.
I went to Maggiano's with the madre, the BF, and friend Lisa. It was after we went exploring at Graue mill and we were hungry. Mumsy had a gift card, so Maggiano's was the obvious choice, and, well, we were hungry (and the BF can eat, even when he's not hungry). It was a totally different experience from the last time we went. Our waiter was super attentive, even though it was during the dinner rush. He had good recommendations. We got the stuffed mushrooms and fried mozzarella for appetizers. Both were amazing. Simply amazing. I got a shrimp polenta dinner, which was great, the Madre and friend Lisa got dinners from the classic pastas, which means they got another pasta to take home. Both enjoyed their meals. And the BF got a seafood pasta extravaganza (can you tell I forgot the name?), which he devoured. All in all, a lovely dinner and totally worthy of 4 stars.
(4)
Glenn M.
Our party of 10 had a great time celebrating a family member's birthday. We had a reservation, which they called to confirm, and we were seated right away even though the entrance was packed and the restaurant was full. Great food and service were provided, at a fair price, especially considering that most got to take home a free meal due to their offer. Wonderful night; will go back. Can't go wrong there.
(5)
Sandi P.
3.5 stars. Husband received a gift card for this restaurant so we figured we didn't have much to lose by trying this place. It exceeded our expectations in terms of food quality and value for the money. Service was a bit uneven, however. Our waiter brought drinks and bread promptly but we had to then wait 15 minutes for our crab cake appetizer. I also had to remind him to bring my leftovers. Slight lapses, not enough to ruin the meal by any means. We opted for the dinner for 2 for $39.95- what a great deal! We could choose any appetizer (the aforementioned crab cakes with red pepper sauce and arugula were quite good), 2 dishes from the classic pasta menu AND any dessert. As if this wasn't enough, we also selected a full size pasta dish each to take home for another dinner at no additional cost. Our entrees - I had eggplant Parmesan and husband had meat lasagna - were hearty with a flavorful tomato sauce. Not La Gondola quality, but above average Italian for sure. We finished with the tiramisu, as recommended by the waiter, which was quite creamy and topped with dark chocolate shavings. A pleasant ending to a pleasantly surprising dinner.
(3)
Danny Y.
Food wise, this place is just barely above Buca di Beppo. Service, it's a little lacking, mainly in that it's SLOW. They're simply too busy! Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes to be seated. 15 minutes for appetizers, another 15 for main course, and maybe 5 minutes more for your desert. All in all, we were in there for a good 2 hours. Not because we eat slow, but mainly because the service is slow. Nevertheless, the price is a steal for the amount of food you receive. We got the meal for 2. For $40, we got the flatbread for appetizer, 2 classic pastas for lunch, 2 classic pastas (different ones) to take home, and a HUGE slice of chocolate cake. Now, here's what we ordered, and what I thought of each: 1. chicken & pepper flatbread: 4/5, terrific starter. Although, in terms of portions, this could easily be a substitute for the main course. 2. Fettucini alfredo: 2.5/5, terrific sauce. But, be forewarned, there's nothing but noodles and sauce in this giant bowl of fettucini. 3. Ravioli: 3.5/5, terrific sauce, delicious raviolis, cooked thoroughly. Didn't particularly like seeing the sauce clump up, probably due to the slow service. 4. Spaghetti & Meatballs: 3/5, pretty standard stuff. Nothing I'd order if not for the buy 1 get 1 to take home deal. 5. Lasagna: 3.5/5, I'm sure it had partly to do with me microwaving this the next day, but seriously the layers tasted like dough. You'll probably want to eat this fresh in the restaurant. 6. Chocolate cake: 4/5, I'm a sucker for sweets. Even then, I had to split this baby up into 3 meals. I'm estimating one slice of this stuff to be about 10000000 calories. Yea, that sounds about right. All in all, worth a go. The price is so good that we'll probably go back for take-out next time, so as to skip on the service.
(3)
Julie O.
For service - 5 stars. Great job, timing excellent, needs anticipated and met. Food is just fine, enjoyable, served at the right temperatures. Nothing too over the top, but the fall special - butternut squash ravioli - is delightful.
(5)
Richie D.
Ahhh welcome to a perfect example of Chicago suburbia along with one of the hundreds of Lettuce Entertain You Inc restaurants. It's not quite a mirror image of Chicago's Little Italy (simply not possible for one restaurant alone), but it remains fairly solid restaurant chain. I went here for a birthday party and we got the Classic Family deal. You receive two choices of each of the following: 2 appetizers, 2 salads, 2 pasta dishes, 2 entrees and 2 desserts (plus the fresh complimentary bread and olive oil that you try not to fill up on). We recommend all the salad choices, stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers apps, vodka sauce gnocchi, Rigatoni D and Baked Ziti pastas, and the Tiramisu cake. I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on their menu--they've got it all down when it comes to flavor. Expect to receive a huge amount of food that will cause guilt afterward when you feel like a blimp and become sick to your stomach thinking of all the people starving world-wide. They will give you the left-overs in boxes (phew!). For those who have dietary restrictions, they are super accommodating. We had 2 people who are allergic to wheat and the cook came out to discuss the options (which are corn based--I think it should be of rice but it's better than nothing). At this location, expect to wait even if you have a reservation (your whole party must be present to be sat).
(4)
mike b.
Been here many times. Was just in with two large groups, one table great experience, other had snafu with delayed food orders (these things happen). Food is solid, stick to pasta dishes or fish over chicken. Aside from good food and great wine and cocktails, 5 stars is for the service and management, who recognized the problem and fixed it fast and professionally. Too many restaurants forget they're in the service business. We will come back again and again due to the way they treat their customers.
(5)
Dennis S.
Big portions, nothing bad, nothing great. In Oakbrook Mall, this is a reasonable alternative for a nice meal. By no means is it a destination restaurant. But service is good, selection is huge, and portions are even bigger. Family-style food is an option, not a requirement. The Lettuce Entertain You chain knows what it is doing with its six Maggiano's Little Italy restaurants. I had the lasagna. It was excellent. Not unique, not memorable, just lasagna as it should be. My "cup" of soup was a bowl of soup, a meal in itself. I don't get impressed by volume as a restaurant's main feature, although that certainly is the trademark of Maggiano's. Would I go back - sure. Would I make an effort to go back - no way.
(3)
Jordan U.
Was here recently for a Bat Mitzvah and it was awesome as usual. I love this place. They always do a great job, professional service, solid food and plenty of it! The banquet rooms they have in the back are great for mid-sized events and they have it down to a tee.
(4)
Eric Y.
Of all the coincidences, we had two large group dinners on successive evenings at Maggiano's. Now I have eaten enough food to last the entire week! This place is a really safe bet for large group dining - there's plenty of variety, plenty of food, and the quality is good. The amount of food you get is pretty insane so be prepared to bring some home. My favorites are the Rigatoni D which is are thick pasta tubes with a creamy mushroom sauce, lots of mushrooms and chicken. The beef filet medallions are first-rate also. Their fried calamari is excellent. Tiramisu is really good too. The wine list offers a nice selection of Italian wines by the glass. Service is a bit slow but the waiters move fast.
(3)
Patty H.
I have eaten here several times but yesterday the service was the best I have had yet. I apologize I cannot remember his name but he was wonderful. We went around 11. I love that they give you another meal to take home.
(4)
Nils S.
Visited here the day after Christmas in a group of 6. The waitress was very friendly and attentive, anticipating the drink refills promptly. Ordered Fettucine Alfredo with a side Caesar salad. The salad was quite good, the pasta tasted okay (some of the noodles were a bit tough for my taste). An additional benefit of the pasta dishes is you get a second serving to go, so more value for your money. The restaurant is a bit difficult to find, since it faces the parking lot at Oakbrook, so not easy to get to if you're walking among the stores.
(3)
Michelle K.
My boyfriend, our parents, and I met here last Saturday night for an early dinner. Frustrated by the full parking lot (well, it IS Oakbrook Mall) and confused by the bizarre restaurant layout (the entrance is actually toward the back of the restaurant...what?), we were hungry and ready to order wine and gorge on some overpriced pasta. After hearing that a few of us had never been to Maggiano's, our waiter came back with the chef to offer us a free appetizer of their zucchini fritti. It was soooo good. That put us in a good mood. We were also excited to hear about their deal where you could order one standard pasta dish for $13 (lasagna, baked ziti, ravioli, spaghetti, etc.) and get to take ANOTHER one home for free! Such a good deal. Everyone ordered off that menu, except me: I got the Lobster Fettuccine, which had big chunks of lobster, prosciutto, peapods, and artichoke hearts in a lobster cream sauce. Sounds awesome, right? This is a dish made out of everything I love, and yet it was...bland. I could swear I heard the "wah wahhhhh" of a sad trombone after taking the first bite. The pasta could have used more sauce - as it was, it was kind of dry. Maybe that was it. I added parmesan and pepper to jazz it up a little, which helped. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, though. For dessert, my boyfriend and I split the creme brulee (yum) and our parents split a piece of the toasted poundcake with ice cream, hot fudge, and fried bananas (tasty but rich). Our waiter also brought us some complimentary lemon cookies, which was very nice and unexpected. The service was really fantastic, but since my entree was less than fab, I'll have to give them three stars for now.
(3)
L H.
I've been to Maggiano's only once, and can see that I can't add much more to the positive commentary that's already here. All I know is that Maggiano's was able to accommodate our large party of 17 (10 adults, 7 kids) with aplomb. I was famished when I arrived there, thinking, "We'll just see who can outlast who with these endless family style Italian meals." Well, Maggiano's outlasted my sizeable appetite. With a smile. The food was extremely good and desserts were fantastic. Service was very professional. All I have to compare this dining experience to is that it's like a more upscale Buca di Beppo. Anyway, I just found out that there's a Maggiano's close to me in San Jose, CA. I look forward to vistiing there and comparing experiences.
(4)
Jeanne L.
Always liked this place. Our staple dish here is the Rigatoni D. The trick is that you have to keep folding and mixing and tossing the pasta into the sauce. As the dish cools, the sauce gets thicker, and coats everything better, and so it gets better as it goes. Second staple here is the tiramisu. BF has been to Italy and says Maggiano's tiramisu is the only one that can even compare to some tiramisu he ate at a restaurant in italy where an italian grandma makes it. But what can really compare to that? Recently I had a frozen peach bellini here b/c it was blazingly hot outside and I wanted something cold; a soda just wouldn't do it. IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I'd get it again :). Service is always great, and their coffee is pretty good too. Kitchen closes at 10pm I believe.
(4)
Nicole L.
Wow, two Italian restaurants in the same week... I think hell has just frozen over! As mentioned in my previous review, I'm not big on Italian food, so Maggiano's has never been a restaurant I think of when wanting to dine out. However, my hubby had a gift card, and his daughter loves Italian food, so we found ourselves there today for lunch. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but I ended up pleasantly surprised by the food. We all took advantage of the classic pastas portion of the menu where you choose two pastas - one to eat immediately and the other to take home - for $12.95. I got the gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce which was great. It's been years since I've had good gnocchi, and I can't seem to make it right myself, so it was nice. I also got the baked ziti but I was too full to even eat dinner (and didn't even finish my gnocchi, so that's in the fridge too as I write this), so I can't comment on it yet. The service was good, which coupled with the food, will increase the likelihood that I'll be returning before another 5 years has passed (seriously, it's been at least that long since I last ate at a Maggiano's).
(4)
Abbi F.
The spare rib cannelloni is TO DIE FOR! I mean...the actual food is delicious, but it's prepared so very well, that I could just sop up the juices in bread & eat that all day & be perfectly happy!!! On the down side, long wait (even for take-out...but the food is darn good) and awfully crowded.
(4)
Michelle I.
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I go to Maggiano's only if I have to. Both times I've been to one, they both have been in the Chicago area, for work meetings. I have yet to go to the one that is actually in the same state as me. Because of the circumstances, I can't speak for the regular menu but the food provided for within the meeting facilities was a-ok. Yay for the sandwiches, I especially liked the mozzarella sandwich. The salads were decent, pretty much your typical caesar or house salad. The orzo salad was a bit funky....it definitely got a big 'skip' from me. Yummy tomato basil soup. Nice fruit tray, plenty of pineapple to up my Vitamin C level. Dessert left something to be desired, we were served these chocolate fudge bars with some type of weird consistency....meh, another skipped item. The actual meeting facility is super nice, perfect for most events. Staff was cool. Ehhh, what else can you ask for when work is buying you lunch?
(3)
Ali W.
My boo and I were in the hood checking out our wedding venue so we decided to walk around the mall and grab some info on rehearsal dinner venues. So the man got hungry and we stopped into Maggianos. I just have to say that the entrance is a little misleading- its weird because if you go through the banquet doors you end up in the back of the restaurant...you're suppose to go through corner bakery. (shrugs) Overall the food was just alright, but the service was amazing! The manager guy kept checking in on us because we had requested info on the banquet area and our sever, Randall, was amazing! Definitely one of the best waitresses I have ever had. Our water was never empty and our bread basket was always full! wahoo! Five stars for her! I got the baked ziti which was pretty good, but i wish instead of sausage there was something like mushrooms or spinach, but i mean...i don't know if i can make that request- i guess next time I'll have to ask. The man got lasagna and because we ordered in the special section we got to take an order home! I got the angel hair, but haven't had it yet. I hope it is not salty like the gnoochi i took home from the one downtown! yikes!
(4)
Jonathon H.
Solid food, nice atmosphere, good value. They're always really nice to the kids. I can always count on a good meal, and the second dish of pasta to take home makes this a really good value. We go once every six weeks or so. Fine dining? Nope. But reliably good. Only complaint is that service, while typically nice, can be slow.
(4)
K B.
We went to Maggiano's for New Years Eve and the food was wonderful! The pasta was plentiful and the best I have tasted in years at any restaurant! The take home dish was also an added welcome. I didn't feel rushed at all throughout the dinner, and the atmosphere was family oriented for New Years Eve. It was a great choice.
(5)
Mike K.
Ironically, I've been to the Skokie location of Maggiano's a few times and now the Oak Brook location once but never the River North location less than 10 minutes away from me. We showed up for a 5:30 reservation for 12. The restaurant was packed to the rafters when we walked in. I felt like I was in Florida. Why are these people eating so early? Half of the table opted for one of the family style options, while the other half ordered individual meals. The appetizers I ate were the bruschetta and the onion strings. The bruschetta was a bit oily and sopped into the bread, but I still found it very tasty. I always love when bruschetta comes with fresh shaved mozzarella, as this did. The onion strings were also very good. They are, of course, deep fried, but they were kind of light. I was going to order a "Maggiano's Salad," but the waiter told me the side salad would suffice. He was correct. The side salad is very generous. Most salads are just not worth having. This particular salad was excellent, probably because of all the fattening toppings. You have to cancel out the benefits of a salad to make it worth eating. For the main course, I ordered the gnocchi with vodka sauce to continue to adhere to one tiny part of my Catholicism. It was pretty good but not the best vodka sauce I've ever had. I've still not tasted a better vodka sauce than at Rosebud, with Orso's getting an honorable mention. Frankly, some of the better vodka sauces at Jewel trump what I've tasted at area restaurants. The gnocchi itself was nicely done. Anything made of potatoes is golden in my book. Service here was top notch. Surprisingly, they broke out about six different bills and got them all right. That takes some doing. It probably helped that nobody was pounding too many Peronis. Four stars. I'll have to fight the tourists and check out the River North location some day.
(4)
James R.
My wife and I both had one of their specials. Mine was chicken and sausage, and hers was chicken and shrimp. Hers was with noodles while mine was cooked with very tasty potatoes and onions. The only problem was that these 2 dishes were seasonal, so I am not sure how long they will have them. They do have some fine choices which I would like to try but will also watch their specials. Their Caesar salad was excellent not drowned in dressing. Service was good, and my wife and I plan on coming back.
(4)
Cristina T.
Attended a bridal shower here last weekend and everything was fantastic! Service was prompt, food and drinks were always refilled and everyone had a great time. My food favorites were the gnocchi with sausage and a type of breaded chicken we had. For dessert I thought the tiramisu was light and perfectly sweet. The profiteroles were great too. If I was to ever have an event to plan I will definitely have it at Maggiano's!
(5)
Jean M.
Family style dinner at Maggianos is fabulous. Haven't been to Maggianos in a while, but they never fail to deliver great food. I could have feasted on the calamari alone and been happy.
(5)
J Mae S.
I visit Maggiano's perhaps 1 or 2 times a year. The purpose of today's visit was to celebrate my birthday with my parents. I am not a food connoisseur, however. If the food tastes good, it tastes good. I ordered baked rigatoni pomodoro, while my parents ordered mom's lasagna and spaghetti (with meatball). As starters, we had the caesar salad and stuffed mushrooms. We enjoyed the food and there were no complaints. Upon arriving, my father asked if they do anything special for birthdays, since it was my birthday. The server said yes, they do. However, she hardly checked on us during our meal and of course, did forget about my birthday. We've definitely had more attentive and friendly servers at this location in the past. (If ours had shown more personality or interest in not just us, but the other patrons, I would have spoken up.) Happy birthday to me. I will definitely be back, but not for my birthday (those come around only once a year!)
(4)
Curtis C.
Lots of food... ok food... crowded... It really is a place to share your food. I wouldnt say it blows your socks off but its decent. I would definitly go somewhere else if im not starving or feeding a family of 20 starving italian kids...
(3)
Felicia V.
I think what I loved most about this place was the ambiance: low-lighting, dark wood floors and tables, super classy banquet room. Not bad for a restaurant in a strip mall. The food was good, not amazing, but good. Pretty standard chain restaurant Italian food. You can get another serving of your entree for free if you ask!
(3)
Ruby P.
I had pasta of course it was good as this is from a pasta lover. Then I happen to have a drink called the Frozen Peach Bellini....If you like sweet drinks then THIS IS TO DIE FOR. Absolutely scrumptious. I usually do not even like peach but it was not too sweet and the peach was not too overpowering.
(4)
Dino M.
Ok food. Has gone straight down hill since it was sold. Half he portions it used to be and higher cost. To bad, we used to love it there.
(2)
Lisa B.
This review is for their Banquet service, which we used for the kid's Bar Mitzvah lunch. One big plus was that they charge a lower price for kids age 5-12, even though they got the exact same food. For our Saturday "classic family-style" luncheon the charge was $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per kid. This gave everyone two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees and two desserts. It was served family style so people could take one, both, or neither of each course. Even with our restrictions (no pork, no shellfish, no nuts) we were able to choose many yummy dishes, and nobody went home hungry. Our Banquet manager, Valerie Principe-Klump, was so helpful, and the service was great. I really liked that the room, linens, centerpieces, display tables, audio-visual, EVERYTHING, was included in the price. Being nickel-and-dimed will piss me off real fast.
(5)
Pattie S.
Let me preface and say that i've been to a Maggianos before, in Las Vegas, and it was excellent. Food was great, and they even had someone playing accordian. Because of this experience, i was excited to go to Maggianos again. I came here with my boyfriend on a Saturday. We had reservations at 4:30 and were seated promptly. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, and our entrees of chicken parmesan, all at the same time. The stuffed mushrooms came within 10 minutes and they were amazingly good--this was the only good thing about our experience. After we ate the mushrooms, we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more for our entrees to come. We waited some more, and after about 40 minutes of waiting, our entrees finally came. Even worse, is that they came to us warm, not hot. By the time i finished eating, the spaghetti i was eating was cold. The dinner itself was extremely disappointing. What's worse is through our entire dining experience, we only got 1 refill, even though our glass was empty. Our waiter, who mumbled through everything, only checked on us a few times. I was extremely disappointed with my dining experience here. It seemed as if everyone seated around us was complaining about the service here. Maybe Maggianos was just having an off day, but I will not be returning. I would rather go to the Olive Garden or Bucca Di Beppo.
(1)
Julie P.
This review is of their Banquet Service though I have been here for regular meals often & was always impressed. One word: Amazing! My sister had her wedding reception here & I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with nothing but highest regards. When we came to look at the restaurant, she was still looking for a venue. We were blown away. The staff took their time to show us around, give us information & make sure our questions were answered even though we did not call ahead. We just popped in for lunch. The space was gorgeous. It did not feel like any old banquet room. Huge wooden bars & wood panel walls made for a stunning backdrop for a wedding day. The tasting sent the bride and groom home with enough leftovers to share with the family to make a dinner. How do you choose between so many amazing dishes? The wedding day was simply beautiful. The staff went above and beyond every moment. They took time to learn the names of the bride and groom & the parents and treated everyone like royalty. The food came out for all tables at the same time. You didn't have the problem where one table was finishing desert while one table was just getting salad. Service was attentive & top notch. Your glass was never empty, but you never felt smothered either. A perfect showcase of transparent service paired beautifully with amazing food and drinks. The food! This was the most reasonably priced wedding package out of every venue they considered, though you would never know it. People are still talking about the food months later. Not only did they send us home with 17 pans of left overs, the food the day of was amazing. Portobello Mushroom Ravioli is still my favorite! We were served family style, and the bowls were truly bottomless! You wanted to keep eating because it was so good! This was not your typical tasteless, dried out, plated, banquet hall dinner. The bar service was amazing, too. The drinks were poured as they should be, and not so the restaurant would make a profit by over or under pouring the drinks. Top notch all around & highly recommended!
(5)
Sandra M.
Food is always delish! We usually go to another location to eat but decided on Oakbrook because of the location of parties invited. Made reservations well in advance and when we got there the restaurant was not as full as it can be, however they gave us a horrible small table for 6 right next to a noisy drink station. Too much traffic and noise to enjoy the company. We had 2 servers and they got our order incorrect so had to send food back. We ordered one of the classic pastas which meant we could take an additional meal home and they got that wrong too. Also the waiter needs to pay attention to the drink levels for all parties. He only asked the 2 sitting at the end of the table if they wanted refills and then when he came back I had to ask for a couple more and then he only brought 1 back and then he seemed bothered by the 3rd request for a refill. We will continue to go to Maggianos but will avoid the Oakbrook location. Naperville location just another 10-15 miles west and service and parking much better .
(3)
Miguel R.
I love me some italian food. I haven't had it in a while, but man is chicken parmesian my favorite. I got a Lettuce Entertain You gift card from someone, and I had no idea where to spend it - then I thought.... "Hey you like good food" so as it were I was in Oak Brook, and like a sign from above - that's where we both saw and wanted to go. Good food, good prices, and the atmosphere was comfortable. It was a bit chilly out, and overcast, but there always time to enoy a nice lunch outside in the coming months - this was an indoor place....
(4)
John O.
Full!!! I always eat to much when I go here. They have a lot to choose from and a lot of wine too. What makes it good here is that you get the quality and quantity. I've always left the restaurant with a full stomach and a doggy bag. Yes, pasta is cheap to produce but this place enhances it. Can be a long wait so make reservations or go early and belly up to the bar.
(4)
Jessica D.
Makes you feel like you're in New York in the 30s-40s at a local (very large) italian establishment. Historical Italian-American decor of unknown families and folks make it homey, humongous portions make it a group or sharing environment. Delicious wines, menu, specials, and desserts -- although not necessarily authentic italian, very close. Bar gets crowded, and makes it hard to step to the restrooms.
(4)
Brianna L.
I used to love maggianos till this past weekend..i was craving fried calamari..the wait was 1.5 hours good thing the bar is first come first serve we snagged one within 10 mins...the sangria was good, the frozen peach drink was even better..but the friend calamari left little to be desired..it wasn't crunchy at all :( boooooooooo to that!! and then we had another appetizer the spinach and artichoke dip..ehh it was kind of bland..wouldn't recommend either one to be honest with you
(3)
Deborah W.
Overall this was kind of an average experience for dining out in Chicago and the surrounding area. The food was pretty decent but the service, unfortunately was terrible. My recommendation, stick to the chef section where they give you a second entree to take home - when I'm paying $14 for a huge spaghetti and a lasagna that together last me 4+ meals, I'm a whole lot less picky on the ambiance and service.
(3)
Thomas L.
First off they lose a star for not serving Stella Artois in the proper glass. The food was tasty portions are twice as large so when you see the menu and question the price figure you are eating two meals. Honestly, looking at the people in there they are probably not taking too much home. + I had the beef medallions w/ portabella mushrooms ++ Mussels w/ white bean and sundried tomatoes were amazing +/ waiter was awkward at times making me think he was cognitively slow??? - My Stella was in the wrong glass - People watching was boring.
(4)
sherry t.
Chef decided to stop by our table Wednesday evening and offered us free fried zucchini appetizer outta nowhere. Felt really special. Food is really affordable and delicious. Skip their bruschetta. Stuffed mushrooms is fantastic! Everything is in huge portions. Couldn't try much with just two people. Shrimp linguini was decent. I must return with more ppl to sample more food! Service was exceptional!!
(4)
Cindy B.
We just had our wedding reception at the Oak Brook location this past April, and it was the best decision we could have made for our wedding venue. Dar was our coordinator at Maggiano's, and could not have done a better job with her team. At weddings, everyone remembers the food, drinks and music, and Maggiano's topped the cake with the food, drinks and their wonderful customer service. From the appetizers, to all of the courses and the sweet table. Everything received an A++. We had a special request to have a traditional drink available, and they let us bring it in to have available at the bar for our guests. They catered to all of our personal touches that we wanted to have happen. They did a great job working with all of our vendors--florist, DJ, Acoustic set, bakery and Shutterbooth on getting them set up. Thank you Maggiano's Oak Brook Staff for making our wedding a truly stellar and unforgettable evening for us and our guests!
(5)
Foster R.
Maggiano's is pretty good, I usually play it safe and order something like spaghetti, chicken parmesan, etc. I recently tried the beef canneloni, and it wasn't bad at all. Their caesar salads are very delicious. I've been to maggiano's a few times and haven't been disappointed yet. The ambience is classy and laid back, which keeps me coming back. I recommend them if you want some good Italian food.
(4)
Mark P.
Maggiano's is one of my favorite dining experiences. That fact is due to the service, quality of food (both in house, and in your own house), portion sizes are enough to enjoy for more than one meal, and the price is not overwhelming either. I enjoy their menu starting with appetizers through the main entree. I can't remark on their deserts, as I have never been able to get that far due to being thoroughly satisfied before reaching that attraction. Their calamari, and stuffed mushrooms are simply amazing. The house "Maggiano's Salad" has a superb dressing (that we make sure to receive extra of for the remaining salad we take home with us, since we make sure by ordering the large one for just that reason). The olive oil, fresh bread, butter, and Parmesan cheese is another treat that is not to be missed while awaiting the main entree as well. When it comes to the main meal, I would highly recommend their Grilled Salmon Lemon and Herb! This is what I usually order, and have NEVER had it served to where the first taste does not remind me why I LOVE it so! Another appreciative dish is their Fettuccine Alfredo, again a very appealing dining experience. The staff has always been very top notch, and attentive. If you are looking for a refill for your beverage, you will not be looking for very long. I again can not recommend this place enough! I would give it the full five stars, but I myself don't believe anything on this planet can be absolutely perfect. One of the only downfalls might be an occasional wait time for a table. However, it is a very decent place to eat, and many others are aware of that fact. The wait time for a table can be eased within the full service bar area, which is located just to the side of the dining areas. At times this space can be a bit crowded, but the tasty selection of thirst quenching options can help subside any pains from your wait for a table. They do take reservations, but only for larger party sizes. Special functions can be accommodated in other seating/dining areas as well. A limited outside sidewalk cafe type of seating option is also available during nice weather as well. The only other item that steers this place away from perfection would be the parking situation (since it shares a parking arrangement with the shopping mall). This is not something I would usually complain about except that the handicapped parking slots are located a bit further from the door than appreciated. They do have valet parking, and it is for some reason located closer. Still, I have rarely had a problem finding a manageable place which is not too far away to reach the entrance. One final note of appreciation is their carry-out option is ALWAYS accurate each time we choose that route, and the packaging style they utilize allows us to travel the (longer than normal) distance for carry-out, and still maintain a hot meal upon arrival to our eating destination. A well deserved four star recommendation I eagerly give! Job well done Maggiano's!!!
(4)
Sherah B.
This is a pretty good chain restaurant. I went here during a work conference and was pleased. My coworkers (3 of them) all got something off the children's menu (mac & cheese) and the portions were HUGE! Maybe this is why so many kids are fat? Anyway, the food is pretty good, but it's a chain. It won't blow you out of the water. Good location though, too.
(3)
Anastasia K.
After quite a while suffering from poor service by the wait staff (NOT the bussers), Maggiano's Oak Brook is finally coming back around. I've never had a bad meal here, but the service has been questionable. I'm glad to report that things have taken a turn for the better! I recently had my graduation party here, and the banquet service and food was simply astounding! My guests couldn't stop RAVING about the food and super helpful staff! You pretty much can't miss on a meal here unless you have lived in Italy and have super high expectations. The kitchen is willing to meet you on all your special requests and the staff goes out of their way to correct your plate if something is off. They do offer a separate carryout option, but honestly, the food isn't so great once you get it home. I'm sure it has something to do with the plastic containers they use which smell like a hospital (blech). If you can score a table (reservations HIGHLY recommended - use OpenTable.com's mobile website!), have a seat and enjoy the music, the food and the company!
(4)
Misse D.
I hate Maggiano's. Well, then, why did I come here to eat? I was on a business lunch and did not make the reservation. As someone that lived in Italy, I am horrified at the food that they try to pass as Italian. It's simply NOT Italian food. It's very heavy, mediocre pasta. Blech.
(1)
Tim Y.
I've been to Maggiano's numerous times. This experience was like every other -- very good. All the food served was hot, tasty, and plentiful. Wait staff did an excellent job ensuring satisfaction while remaining relatively inconspicuous throughout the evening. Bathrooms were well-stocked and clean. The other two large groups were sufficiently firewalled from ours such that it didn't feel like we were crammed in a Chuck-e-Cheese with kids wandering through our space and vice versa.
(4)
Jello M.
Ahhhh... How I love you, maggionos. Delicious food. and lots of it. I always order family style with a big group, and I'm never disssapointed. My go to appetizers are the deep fried zuccini, the bruchetta, and the calamari. The house salad is bacon and blue cheese, and instead of ordering two salads I order one and get another appatizer because yes, my awesome waiter let me do that. Pasta is whatever mood I'm in, they're all great. And the lemon cookies...they look so simple but they are so yummy...
(5)
J C.
Great food. Price is what you expect for being in Oak Brook. Lost a star for our waitress not coming by often enough for drinks. Lost another for completely forgetting a refill on a drink and a refill on the coffee at the end.
(3)
Kat D.
I've been to several Maggiano's (in a couple different states) but this one in particular far exceeded any experience I've had at this particular restaurant. What made me like it right off the bat was that it was open late on a Sunday night after my boyfriend and I had seen at play at Drury Lane. We were starving, and were thankfully seated immediately, and given bread to much on while we decided what we wanted. We put in an order of calamari and our dinner orders at the same time. About 20 minutes later, our dinners came out...though we had yet to receive our appetizer. Not wanting to send our dinners back to sit under the heat lamp while we waited for then ate our calamari, we decided to just have our dinners. My boyfriend had the crab cannelloni, which he said was very tasty, but very rich as it's served in an alfredo sauce. I had the shrimp linguini which was delicious, but I couldn't help making a mess as the sauce was a bit thinner than expected. During our meal, though, our server (who hadn't brought our meals out to us) came over with the calamari and, noticing her timing flaw, apologized profusely and offered to box it up for us, or to have it taken off the bill. We opted for the latter, as calamari tastes best when it's freshly cooked and wouldn't taste as good the next day. She said that would be no problem. Near the end of the meal, the manager came over and also apologized and then asked if he could make it up to us by giving us a free dessert. As I know no one who can turn down free tiramisu, no matter how full they are, we accepted his complimentary dessert and it came with a free coffee as well. And it was heavenly! Would have gladly paid for a dessert that delicious. Over all, the food was great, but I was most impressed by the staff. The mix up with the appetizers and meals was handled well and even though it would have been nice to have the calamari, we weren't upset about it, but we were still exceeded in being appeased with the free dessert and coffee. They definitely know how to keep their customers happy.
(4)
Jen F.
Yes, chain restaurants do usually suck. Maggiano's, having started in good ole' Chi town, is a glaring exception. Maggiano's is a tried-and-true favorite. They serve huge family sized portions of pasta, which means you are definitely getting your money's worth (and likely some to take home). I can honestly say I have tried just about every single item on their menu. I've been coming here for about twenty years now. I've also tried most of their specials. I've rarely, if ever, been disappointed. P.S. They make a great steak. I looked into getting married here, as it was originally my top choice, but I ended up liking the banquet hall better someplace else. As far as wedding food goes, this place would offer the best--but the banquet itself is kind of dull. Everything is wood, wood, and more wood. Anytime a friend visits from out of town, I always take them to Maggiano's--gotta represent Chi-town's finest!
(5)
Wayne B.
We love this restaurant. Best Italian ever. If you order from the traditional pasta menu (about 10 items), they give you an order to go as well at no charge!!!! We eat there every time we go to Chicago. Service has always been terrific. Last time we got a free dessert and free cappicino!
(5)
Patricia K.
Maggianos is the same, basically anywhere you go. I have been to numerous and they all have the same great customer service and their food is delicious. I have to give a special shout-out to this location after their bartending staff made an extra effort on my behalf recently. I was giving the toast at one of my best friend's wedding when I did that required a bit of crowd involvement. To make a long story short, this was a surprise to the bride and groom, designed to embarrassment them (did they not think I'd live up to my roll? lol!) I needed a few non-wedding guests (strangers) to participate in the joke. During the cocktail hour, I asked the bartenders to pitch in -- and they happily complied! It really added to the bit and I was incredibly thankful for their willingness to participate.
(5)
Debra A.
I agree with the previous reviewer, Candice G, about the Oak Brook location being much better than the Chicago and Woodfield locations. The service at Oakbrook is much better, and by better I mean they're friendlier, don't give preference to parties of 6 over parties of 2, they're quick to refill your plates if you dine family style and they always bring me another refill on my soda without me asking. Not to mention the food is outstanding. My favorite dishes: Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce, creme brulee, and Nana's poundcake. Whenever I place an order to go, they are very thorough and double check everything in front of me to make sure everything I ordered is in there. Everyone in take-out is friendly just like the wait staff in the dining room. Parking is usually hard to find anytime of the day, but valet will solve that problem.
(4)
Minners N.
never never disappoints me- with it's food, service, or price. After exploring almost all the italian shops in little italy, Maggiano's ranks with the best of them. A few locations around the Chicago area and they are all great. Every dish I've tried here has been awesome from lobster ravioli, baked ziti, vodka gnocci to all the appetizers. I still don't have a favorite yet because I'm still trying to try everything off the huuge menu. Their complimentary bread and olive oil is awesome. Last time I was here, my husband and I had 3 baskets of bread. The bread is fresh and piping hot and very light. The olive oil is so sweet and flowery- sooo good. I wish I knew where to get it. Service has always been top-notch- never snooty or lazy. My glass is never near empty. I never have to ask the waiter for anything, my glass is always full and the bread is always refreshed. i love the service here. great date place or family meal or group gathering- the atmosphere is so versatile. warning- in my experience, the leftovers never taste as good as the original dish, which sucks cause the portion sizes are huge and i always have leftovers.
(5)
Tom L.
I was here for my Brother and Sister-in-Law's wedding and it was a great night! Food was amazing, the DJ was good, the room was big enough for our large (amount) families and it was just an overall amazing experience. I'm glad they picked this place!
(5)
Ray S.
Yes, I just gave them 5 stars. Why? Because I felt like it! The food is good, not the greatest Italian cuisine, but good enough to go back again and again. I mean it's a Lettuce Entertain you chain. Whatayawant from a chain place? But all in all a decent experience, the wait staff is always nice and knowledgeable and what I really like, the manager always pays us a visit. Not only does that tell me they are on top of things, they also appreciate our business. So if you're doing some shopping at the mall and have a taste for Italian, check them out. Nice group of folks!
(5)
Kristina O.
Apparently the workers here hate me. The guy setting up our table w/ plates "accidently" smashed my wrist with the glass he was putting in front of me. Then the guy serving us water apparently didn't realize when you lean over with one pitcher, the other pitcher in your hand tilts as well.... this resulted in ice cold water being poured all over me and my purse. Then to top it all off, my pasta was served w/ at least one cup of pasta water..... yum? My mom was pretty bummed. Thanks for ruining my family lunch Maggiano's! 2 stars for the bread being warm and delicious.
(2)
Pam K.
Stopped for lunch with my folks the other day. The three of us split two entree salads -- the chopped and one with chicken, apples, grapes, celery, etc. The salads were disappointing -- the portion was fine for us to share but there was nothing memorable about either one of them. The chopped salad didn't seem to have that many ingredients and the chicken/apple salad came with large chunks of chicken -- I don't think it was grilled or marinated because there wasn't much flavor to it. The waitress introduced herself then took our order. No smile, no small talk, didn't ask if we had questions about the menu, etc. Really got the impression she didn't enjoy her job. The experience was disappointing.
(3)
Josue J.
food was great as usual, but the banquet service I recieved was horrible. They charged me twice as much as I was originally quoted, but they have a note in the contract, that says PRICE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Could not believe that this happened to me here.
(3)
Melissa W.
AMAZING night at Maggianos! The wonderful experience started 3 weeks ago when I called to see if they could accommodate a family function since I was flying in from LA. Chris the mgr was super helpful and shared the great menu and offered to accommodate my guest with food allergies. We arrived to a crazy busy Saturday night but they had our table for 13 ready and we had Jeff as our server. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing and authentic. My brother in law is Italian and said it's just like mom makes. The food came out hot, large portions with unlimited refills and they let you take home the leftovers too! We left with 20 containers of food. The spinach salad was to die for and the rigatoni d is a must. We had the stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers along with tiramisu for dessert. The family loved the evening and I was overly impressed when the chef personally came out and talked to my guest who had the food allergies and accommodated all of her needs. I highly recommend Maggianos in Oak Brook!!
(5)
A K.
Disgusting and unhygenic. We sat at the bar, the wine glass was sticky, dirty with food grease,finger and lip smudges. Saw the bar tender washing glasses in the most, unhygienic manner. Holding the stem he'd dip the glass in a basin of soapy water from there into a basin of water and them let them drip dry and put them back on the shelf to be used.He must have washed 50 glasses in the same water. Yuck. No wonder they were stained and smudged. After seeing that we he was splattering water all over the bar. We left and went to The clubhouse. Better service, food and cleanliness.
(1)
Dave S.
I have been to several different Maggianos locations. I would have to say that this particular location is probably the busiest and has the longest wait. I personally DETEST waiting in an excessive line for anything so I don't get over here very often. Need i even mention that the portions will feed me for two meals and I always get my monies worth. ALWAYS! i am thinking that is the general consensus with this chain in general. I attended a private party here recently and i was impressed with the service, food and atmosphere. It was served family style and keeping with their tradition, the food was excellent and the portions were massive!
(4)
Steve G.
The restaurant lost our ticket order so after we waited an hour, the chef came out and apologized and offered us free dessert (I don't know why they think this makes everything better) since we don't usually have dessert anyway. Its a great excuse for poor service. The food was OK the coffee was awful and we finished eating 1 1/2 hours later or so. We were visiting friends. We got seated next to the busy back area which I hate. We had to ask the waitress for our salads. They were very busy and basically I will not return because poor service is inexcusable. A friendly apology would be fine without the free dessert. Coffee was supposed to be fresh but it was awful. This is something customers don't like and won't come back to. Poor seating, poor service and poor quality of coffee (food was average). I am very happy that I can post this. Busy area but there are better restaurants in the area that have better everything. Too bad for us and our friends. Better luck next time. oh, well.
(2)
Monika J.
Love it!!! For any celebration or just dining out it is to go for good Italian food.
(5)
D A.
Stopped by tonight for a quick dinner after post Xmas shopping. They were super busy and we got lucky and got sat right away. Service was more than great, my drink was refilled faster than I've ever seen. Portions were larger than normal today (and I hate to say almost double the size of the take out I ordered from here the first Friday of this month). Anyways the 4 cheese ravioli was great, served hot and fast. Ceaser salad was good and the creamy potato soup was great. I ate too much bread and cheese.... Good meal, nothing special today but things were consistent and food was super hot, which helps on a cold day!
Loves me some LEYE!!!Loves me some carbs!! Dinner reservations at 6:30, party of 5:00. I decided on this restaurant because we were celebrating birthdays and this is a little more special than the Olive Garden right? The place was packed, as expected. We waited, smushed, in the bar/waiting area. The hostesses seemed rather crazed, which they should have hid a little better (no one's enjoys listening to you complaining). We were seated in the back, which was cozy. Our waiter, Matthew I believe, was not the best at all...more on that later. Food: Delicious!! Hot crusty bread with olive oil and cheese...YUM!! We had the Bruschetta and Maggiano's Salad as an appetizer. I would go there just for a big bowl of the salad!!! Romaine lettuce, crispy friend Prosciutto, red onion and house dressing. So effin good!!! Some of our main dishes included: baked ziti, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, and some kinda of mushroom chicken pasta. Everyone loved their meal. Service: Lacking in all areas. Matthew our server introduced himself and gave us time to look at the menu for drinks...10 minutes later....brought us the specials menu saying he'd be right back to get our DRINKS....10 minutes later....."Why don't I go ahead and get your whole order with your drinks"...no, why don't you give us another 20 minutes.....We all go around ordering, got confused at times. Never asked anyone if we wanted the full or half size portions....said he "assumed" the half portion (FYI waiters...don't assume for your patrons). Rushed us through our orders and we had to catch him before he ran away to order our appetizers. Also, said to one of us "Gee, are you going to lick the plate clean"....RUDE. Maggiano's is always going to be busy and the servers and hostesses should be accustomed to that and prepared. I will go back because the food was excellent....hopefully I'll have a different waiter!
(4)
Cee B.
Solid family food. I was there for a bridal shower and got to taste a few of their simple dishes. Meatball pasta was the best. chicken parmesan, chicken picatta, shrimp pasta was only ok (i think i made a better chicken picatta). Dessert was the highlight. Tiramisu was definitely above average and spunomi is A-OK. the bridal shower was well staffed. staff did a good job clearing plates and filling drinks.
(3)
Mike M.
Great food - great atmosphere. Highly recommended! Can't go wrong when looking for Italian food.
(5)
Amy T.
Craving for Italian? Then go to Maggiano's Little Italy! It's a great place for lunch, and/or dinner! If you go for dinner make sure you make a reservation because it can get pretty crowded! My overall rating: Service - Friendly staff. Fast Service. What more can you ask for? Food - AMAZING- pasta, salad, flatbread pizza, calarmari, etc ALL GOOD! Price- Pretty Pricey. But TOTALLY WORTH IT!
(5)
liz s.
Ok, I went to a family event here- i know, it's awful, you don't choose that aspect of your life... I am giving it two stars, which is VERY VERY generous- because of the staff. They were friendly, obliging and helpful. I really was extremely impressed by them. the food was god awful. One of those, i know i'm getting fat by eating this, but i can't not eat it, because i would offend the fam... It is rainy out, sunday, and i am fatter, and not at all satisfied by my meal- Plus, i don't do well in the western suburbs and I got lost on the way there. When we left, I yelled for joy when I saw a city of Chicago sign. Oh it's good to be back-
(2)
Ellen M.
Family-style Italian food. The huge dining room is hard to move about in, and the resulting din is not incredibly pleasant, but overall I like it better than the downtown location. Lots of rosemary and garlic. For a group of four, you will have a shopping bag or two of leftovers if you order four dishes. The portions are that big. Great place for small parties at a round table, larger meetings or corporate events, or wedding receptions. Good service. Get a reservation. 6/3/08 edit: things have changed - I like Clark/Grand better.
(3)
Maria C.
Maggiano's has never been one of my favorites because I just can't deal with the size of their portions. The Ravioli (appetizer) comes with 6 squares so big they could work as the table cloth. We gave it a try this last time and went to the one at Oakbrook. The wait was bad but the ladies working the waiting list were acting as if this restaurant was located in the heart of Paris, with top notch food, with people who were killing each other to get a table. NOT. This is a restaurant in Skokie IL, people!!!! Definitely not worth the wait or the hassle. Let alone the hostess' attitude
(3)
james b.
Beware of the new menu-- big changes We (my family) like Maggiano's. We've probably eaten there or carried out about 6 times per year for at least 10 years. One of our favorite features is the fact that portion sizes are huge and we get lots of leftovers for the following day's lunch (or sometimes another dinner). Most of the items have been available in large and small size; large is definitely a bargain. But I placed a carryout order last week and got a big surprise. Apparently the menu has been revised. No more large or small-- just one size, which seems smaller than the old small. Prices, however, seem to have gone up. The net effect is a big price increase. We placed our typical order for 6 people-- calamari, salad, two or three pastas, lasagna, and some chicken. Although the total was over $100, we barely had enough to feed everybody. The old menu would have given us tons of leftovers. I still like the food, but I doubt I'll carry out from there anymore.
(2)
Jackie M.
ok i tried this in CHICACO but this place is every where. try it where its closest to ur city! Maggiano's Little Italy - OMG. The cab driver told us to go here and said it was a little family restaurant. Little did he know Maggiano's is all over the place. Man. I was so hungry everything we ordered was supppppperrrrrrrrrrrr good. In fact Maggiano's is THE best Italian Restauant I have ever had. We ordered... mussels with white bean tomato sauce- and that shit was off the chain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can drink the soup to the last drop. You can taste the wine and parsley and everything they put inside. That appetizer is a masterpeice. Veal Marsala - and lemme tell you nowhere else I've ever eaten even has this on the menu. It was the best. Very full of flavor and the mushrooms were great. Seafood Pasta w/ Red Sauce - Like I said everything was super good... They were not stingy at all... The seafood pasta had a little spicy kick to it which made it all the better. We also ordered side pasta's with our food and added meatballs and whatever we didn't finish we would take to go & we had food for days. Tirimisu is also good here... I stayed in a hotel that had a stove and was able to warm up all the foods right from the tin. Tasted great as left overs as well. Just like it was in the restaurant.
(4)
T. R.
Always the best food, the best service, drinks - EVERYTHING! We love this Oak Brook Maggiano's more than any other. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable and the managers and wait staff will accommodate in any way they can. The wine list is great - the salad, all the pasta dishes and desserts - WONDERFUL!
(5)
Michelle H.
A great place to go with a larger group of people. Their family style service lets everyone have something different to share. The quantities are humongous! But for some reason, the quality is not hampered by this fact. My personal favorite as an appetizer is the calamari ( They have rings here- I have an aversion to eating the whole squid, for some reason it reminds me of eating a deep fried Wacky Wall Walker.) it is very lightly breaded and very well seasoned. For it being so crowded, our service was still very attentive and polite. There was a mildly long wait for a table, it was worth the wait.
(4)
Monte H.
I was there for a wedding reception, everything was great; parking sucks though so save yourself the hastle and pay the $4 for valet.
(4)
Linda T.
I must give it 3 stars - not for the food, but for the service. The food is really good. Italian is my favorite, and this definitely serves it the way I like. The waiter probably only came to our table 4 times, max (including taking our order). We got everything else (napkins, drinks, etc.) and were tended to by the busboys. When it came time to tip, I didn't even want to give the waiter anything - the busboy totally deserved it more!
(3)
samantha b.
I seriously LOVE Maggiano's and especially this location! The waiters are always attentive and I never feel like I've been forgotten. There is a ton of seating so there isn't TOO long of a wait, but on Fridays and Saturdays it can get crowded. The nice thing about this though is that they actually take reservations for 2 people, which I find uncommon with many restaurants. What I LOVE here is the Crispy Zucchini Fritte. They are fried PERFECTLY and the sauce they come with is super delish! If you are coming here for small portion sizes you are at the WRONG place! Their portions could feed a family of four with their pastas, which is AWESOME for leftovers if you are into that :) Overall I loooove coming here and I recommend this location to anyone!
(5)
Jessica M.
I deciced to try this place out after a little shopping at Oak Brook. It was packed.. kind of reminded me of a high class olive garden. LOL The food was bland and MY CHICKEN WAS RAW. Long story short i sent it back because thats gross. They aplogized and were really nice about it and game me the dish on the house. But all in all i would prob.never come back here. I dont like chain resturants and i wasnt aware that this was one untill later but that would explain the food....
(2)
Kathy F.
My wedding reception was kind of a blur and I think I had two bites of food! I was later assured by guests that the food was fabulous. A great place for a reception--especially if you are budget conscious. We had a morning wedding and a lunch reception here in 2008. Really lovely and everyone was pleasant and easy to work with, and I was the bride! A great experience!
(4)
Eric H.
Running on reputation. (This review is specific to the Oak Brook IL location.) Even for a chain, this place used to be good. I had dinner there last night and I was less than pleased with the service and food was just ok. Hostesses: The hostess stand is located in an awkward location. It is hard to get to and tends to be overcrowded. When waiting for your seat you get bumped and jostled by people trying to put their names on the list and other people being herded to their tables. The phrase "log jam" comes to mind. There is no convenient place to sit or place your drinks when it is crowded. There is a bar adjacent to the hostess stand, but it was full and is probably not appropriate for families. (This was on a Monday which is typically not a busy day for restaurants. I would hate to see what this place is like on a Friday or Saturday.) During this recent visit, the hostesses had the air of superiority that you would expect from the matre'd at an upscale snooty French restaurant. No smiles or friendly greetings. You get the feeling that you are putting them out just being there. Even with having a reservation we ended up waiting for 25 minutes. After seeing several parties arriving later than us getting seated, I asked when we would be able to get a table. I was curtly informed that we had not notified them that our party had all arrived and that we were ready to be seated. We had; they just botched it. * PA System: The announcement system deserves a special mention. I could not help but imagine if they salvaged it from some drive-thru restaurant that was being demolished. Patrons get to experience a hostess pressing her mouth to the microphone and yelling "BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4! BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4!" The sound is as sweet as old A.M. radio with the volume turned all the way up to 11, blasting static throughout the restaurant. Bar: They have decent little bar that is suitable for a light meal or glass of wine when waiting for a table. Once I finally got the bartender's attention (he was very busy because all of the drinks in the restaurant are prepared here), I ordered a glass of wine--- the house Chianti. I asked if it was dry. In reply I got a quizzical look and then a tentative "yes." It wasn't. I am pretty sure that the bartender didn't understand the concept of 'dry' when referring to wine. Menu: Menu selection is what you would expect from an American-ized Italian restaurant (lots of pasta and red sauce). Price/Quality/Value: Four of us had eggplant Parmesan, bow tie pasta with red sauce, fettuccini Alfredo with broccoli, and grilled sea bass (evening's special). Our total bill without drinks (because we had ordered them at the bar) was $70, before tip. It was all pretty good quality. The one thing that Maggiano's is known for is large portions. We got plenty of food and enough for each of us to have another meal, or two. I had the fish and it was delicate, moist and flavorful. Waitress: Our waitress was prompt and attentive. She took our order and our food was delivered so quickly that I had to wonder how they could cook it so fast. That was impressive. I am guessing that it was less than 5 minutes from order to delivery. Fast! Busboys: Clearly, there was a goal to turn the tables quickly because our table was cleared before we could finish eating. Literally. My daughter still had the fork in her mouth when one of the super-efficient bus boys grabbed the plate and whisked it off to the kitchen, as we yelled "We'll take the rest to go!" Conclusion: If you are looking for big potions of overpriced pasta you cannot go wrong. The atmostphere is huried and the service is efficient. Having spent 7 years in the restaurant business, you learn certain thing just by observing. It is clear that this Maggiano's has crossed the line into "generate more profits" over "provide great food and service." Generally, this is a reflection of a managment that measures success by increased table-turns, average check, and post server sales average rather than satisfied customers. (I'll be back because my oldest daughter loves the Alfredo. )
(3)
Kimberly J.
Had family style dinner here with family last week. The place was packed and food was great! I was impressed that despite being really busy the service was fast. The standout of the meal was their Beef Baciole (a great stand in for thier pot roast which is only served on Sunday). The only drawback to this place is the parking, but you can't fault a place for being popular and busy.
(5)
Bridgette K.
The food is great generous portions. Great spiniach dip for an appetizar the baked ziti is great and fettucine is yummy. The waitstaff is great and their new lunch menu is awesome. Oh my god and their peach bellini is a great drink.
(5)
Michelle I.
This is one of our favorites! We have never had a bad meal here! The only reason why I don't give it 5 stars is because the servers can be a little clueless at times. They really need some more coats racks around! We were seated at a booth and they table behind us had their coats thrown over the back of their booth and the hostess and server didn't even try to move them or suggest that the rude people move them so my husband could get comfortable. It was weird but what would you do?? My husband gets up 2 times and takes the coats and gently moves them on their side... so they move it back! RUDE! But other than that, everything else is great! I always get the Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce- YUM! Also, I never liked Neapolitan ice cream until I had it here! And trust me, it is big enough for a family! It's huge! Everything is huge here! You can have leftovers for 3 days and still have some left! They also have some great party rooms for larger family style dinners, great for throwing showers!
(4)
Kris Z.
Everything here is absolutely delicious. Their salads - I had a special - mediterranean trout that was amazing. I could eat here once a week likely.
(5)
Tammy W.
Restaurant was clean. Bathroom was very cold (dined on a subzero day.) Service was poor, while in the bathroom server moved all condiments were I was sitting. Ordered a class of wine and the glass it was served in was filthy! Food was okay. I had real high expectations especially since I was visiting the Oak Brook location. Service, quality and presentation was overall poor. If I want Italian, I'll stick with Barraco's in Evergreen.
(2)
Jen C.
I LOVE Maggiano's EVERYWHERE! The Oak Brook one is also attached to the Corner Bakery. It's always busy...and they only take reservations for larger parties. So be prepared to wait for a couple of hours especially for dinner on the weekends. No matter what, the servers are usually very nice, friendly, and attentive. Everything I've ever eaten here has been delicious...even something as simple as spaghetti! Their appetizers are all scrumptious, like their mushroom ravioli and I don't even like to eat mushrooms! Their pastas are all beyond great...probably because they're so bad for you :P Salads are delicious. Steaks are great. I love their chicken parm! All the desserts I've had here have been delicious too! The best thing to do is to go here with at least four people and go family style so you can eat everything and get everything refilled! That is always my favorite thing to do here!
(5)
Angela U.
Great restaurant, huge portions. Bring your appetite, and plan to take a dog bag, too.
(5)
S S.
I've had food poisening from there twice. Just don't do it...
(1)
Jennifer G.
Family menu is a great deal. Their salads are great and I love the mushroom ravioli with red sauce instead of the white sauce. Their calamari is always great - very tender. Not crazy about the chicken cacciatore, but I am the forgiving type.
(4)
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Address :Oakbrook Shopping Center,240 Oakbrook Ctr
Oak Brook, IL, 60523
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
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.
Maria C.
Maggiano's has never been one of my favorites because I just can't deal with the size of their portions. The Ravioli (appetizer) comes with 6 squares so big they could work as the table cloth. We gave it a try this last time and went to the one at Oakbrook. The wait was bad but the ladies working the waiting list were acting as if this restaurant was located in the heart of Paris, with top notch food, with people who were killing each other to get a table. NOT. This is a restaurant in Skokie IL, people!!!! Definitely not worth the wait or the hassle. Let alone the hostess' attitude
(3)james b.
Beware of the new menu-- big changes We (my family) like Maggiano's. We've probably eaten there or carried out about 6 times per year for at least 10 years. One of our favorite features is the fact that portion sizes are huge and we get lots of leftovers for the following day's lunch (or sometimes another dinner). Most of the items have been available in large and small size; large is definitely a bargain. But I placed a carryout order last week and got a big surprise. Apparently the menu has been revised. No more large or small-- just one size, which seems smaller than the old small. Prices, however, seem to have gone up. The net effect is a big price increase. We placed our typical order for 6 people-- calamari, salad, two or three pastas, lasagna, and some chicken. Although the total was over $100, we barely had enough to feed everybody. The old menu would have given us tons of leftovers. I still like the food, but I doubt I'll carry out from there anymore.
(2)Jackie M.
ok i tried this in CHICACO but this place is every where. try it where its closest to ur city! Maggiano's Little Italy - OMG. The cab driver told us to go here and said it was a little family restaurant. Little did he know Maggiano's is all over the place. Man. I was so hungry everything we ordered was supppppperrrrrrrrrrrr good. In fact Maggiano's is THE best Italian Restauant I have ever had. We ordered... mussels with white bean tomato sauce- and that shit was off the chain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can drink the soup to the last drop. You can taste the wine and parsley and everything they put inside. That appetizer is a masterpeice. Veal Marsala - and lemme tell you nowhere else I've ever eaten even has this on the menu. It was the best. Very full of flavor and the mushrooms were great. Seafood Pasta w/ Red Sauce - Like I said everything was super good... They were not stingy at all... The seafood pasta had a little spicy kick to it which made it all the better. We also ordered side pasta's with our food and added meatballs and whatever we didn't finish we would take to go & we had food for days. Tirimisu is also good here... I stayed in a hotel that had a stove and was able to warm up all the foods right from the tin. Tasted great as left overs as well. Just like it was in the restaurant.
(4)T. R.
Always the best food, the best service, drinks - EVERYTHING! We love this Oak Brook Maggiano's more than any other. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable and the managers and wait staff will accommodate in any way they can. The wine list is great - the salad, all the pasta dishes and desserts - WONDERFUL!
(5)Michelle H.
A great place to go with a larger group of people. Their family style service lets everyone have something different to share. The quantities are humongous! But for some reason, the quality is not hampered by this fact. My personal favorite as an appetizer is the calamari ( They have rings here- I have an aversion to eating the whole squid, for some reason it reminds me of eating a deep fried Wacky Wall Walker.) it is very lightly breaded and very well seasoned. For it being so crowded, our service was still very attentive and polite. There was a mildly long wait for a table, it was worth the wait.
(4)Monte H.
I was there for a wedding reception, everything was great; parking sucks though so save yourself the hastle and pay the $4 for valet.
(4)Linda T.
I must give it 3 stars - not for the food, but for the service. The food is really good. Italian is my favorite, and this definitely serves it the way I like. The waiter probably only came to our table 4 times, max (including taking our order). We got everything else (napkins, drinks, etc.) and were tended to by the busboys. When it came time to tip, I didn't even want to give the waiter anything - the busboy totally deserved it more!
(3)samantha b.
I seriously LOVE Maggiano's and especially this location! The waiters are always attentive and I never feel like I've been forgotten. There is a ton of seating so there isn't TOO long of a wait, but on Fridays and Saturdays it can get crowded. The nice thing about this though is that they actually take reservations for 2 people, which I find uncommon with many restaurants. What I LOVE here is the Crispy Zucchini Fritte. They are fried PERFECTLY and the sauce they come with is super delish! If you are coming here for small portion sizes you are at the WRONG place! Their portions could feed a family of four with their pastas, which is AWESOME for leftovers if you are into that :) Overall I loooove coming here and I recommend this location to anyone!
(5)Jessica M.
I deciced to try this place out after a little shopping at Oak Brook. It was packed.. kind of reminded me of a high class olive garden. LOL The food was bland and MY CHICKEN WAS RAW. Long story short i sent it back because thats gross. They aplogized and were really nice about it and game me the dish on the house. But all in all i would prob.never come back here. I dont like chain resturants and i wasnt aware that this was one untill later but that would explain the food....
(2)Kathy F.
My wedding reception was kind of a blur and I think I had two bites of food! I was later assured by guests that the food was fabulous. A great place for a reception--especially if you are budget conscious. We had a morning wedding and a lunch reception here in 2008. Really lovely and everyone was pleasant and easy to work with, and I was the bride! A great experience!
(4)Eric H.
Running on reputation. (This review is specific to the Oak Brook IL location.) Even for a chain, this place used to be good. I had dinner there last night and I was less than pleased with the service and food was just ok. Hostesses: The hostess stand is located in an awkward location. It is hard to get to and tends to be overcrowded. When waiting for your seat you get bumped and jostled by people trying to put their names on the list and other people being herded to their tables. The phrase "log jam" comes to mind. There is no convenient place to sit or place your drinks when it is crowded. There is a bar adjacent to the hostess stand, but it was full and is probably not appropriate for families. (This was on a Monday which is typically not a busy day for restaurants. I would hate to see what this place is like on a Friday or Saturday.) During this recent visit, the hostesses had the air of superiority that you would expect from the matre'd at an upscale snooty French restaurant. No smiles or friendly greetings. You get the feeling that you are putting them out just being there. Even with having a reservation we ended up waiting for 25 minutes. After seeing several parties arriving later than us getting seated, I asked when we would be able to get a table. I was curtly informed that we had not notified them that our party had all arrived and that we were ready to be seated. We had; they just botched it. * PA System: The announcement system deserves a special mention. I could not help but imagine if they salvaged it from some drive-thru restaurant that was being demolished. Patrons get to experience a hostess pressing her mouth to the microphone and yelling "BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4! BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4!" The sound is as sweet as old A.M. radio with the volume turned all the way up to 11, blasting static throughout the restaurant. Bar: They have decent little bar that is suitable for a light meal or glass of wine when waiting for a table. Once I finally got the bartender's attention (he was very busy because all of the drinks in the restaurant are prepared here), I ordered a glass of wine--- the house Chianti. I asked if it was dry. In reply I got a quizzical look and then a tentative "yes." It wasn't. I am pretty sure that the bartender didn't understand the concept of 'dry' when referring to wine. Menu: Menu selection is what you would expect from an American-ized Italian restaurant (lots of pasta and red sauce). Price/Quality/Value: Four of us had eggplant Parmesan, bow tie pasta with red sauce, fettuccini Alfredo with broccoli, and grilled sea bass (evening's special). Our total bill without drinks (because we had ordered them at the bar) was $70, before tip. It was all pretty good quality. The one thing that Maggiano's is known for is large portions. We got plenty of food and enough for each of us to have another meal, or two. I had the fish and it was delicate, moist and flavorful. Waitress: Our waitress was prompt and attentive. She took our order and our food was delivered so quickly that I had to wonder how they could cook it so fast. That was impressive. I am guessing that it was less than 5 minutes from order to delivery. Fast! Busboys: Clearly, there was a goal to turn the tables quickly because our table was cleared before we could finish eating. Literally. My daughter still had the fork in her mouth when one of the super-efficient bus boys grabbed the plate and whisked it off to the kitchen, as we yelled "We'll take the rest to go!" Conclusion: If you are looking for big potions of overpriced pasta you cannot go wrong. The atmostphere is huried and the service is efficient. Having spent 7 years in the restaurant business, you learn certain thing just by observing. It is clear that this Maggiano's has crossed the line into "generate more profits" over "provide great food and service." Generally, this is a reflection of a managment that measures success by increased table-turns, average check, and post server sales average rather than satisfied customers. (I'll be back because my oldest daughter loves the Alfredo. )
(3)Kimberly J.
Had family style dinner here with family last week. The place was packed and food was great! I was impressed that despite being really busy the service was fast. The standout of the meal was their Beef Baciole (a great stand in for thier pot roast which is only served on Sunday). The only drawback to this place is the parking, but you can't fault a place for being popular and busy.
(5)Bridgette K.
The food is great generous portions. Great spiniach dip for an appetizar the baked ziti is great and fettucine is yummy. The waitstaff is great and their new lunch menu is awesome. Oh my god and their peach bellini is a great drink.
(5)Michelle I.
This is one of our favorites! We have never had a bad meal here! The only reason why I don't give it 5 stars is because the servers can be a little clueless at times. They really need some more coats racks around! We were seated at a booth and they table behind us had their coats thrown over the back of their booth and the hostess and server didn't even try to move them or suggest that the rude people move them so my husband could get comfortable. It was weird but what would you do?? My husband gets up 2 times and takes the coats and gently moves them on their side... so they move it back! RUDE! But other than that, everything else is great! I always get the Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce- YUM! Also, I never liked Neapolitan ice cream until I had it here! And trust me, it is big enough for a family! It's huge! Everything is huge here! You can have leftovers for 3 days and still have some left! They also have some great party rooms for larger family style dinners, great for throwing showers!
(4)Kris Z.
Everything here is absolutely delicious. Their salads - I had a special - mediterranean trout that was amazing. I could eat here once a week likely.
(5)Tammy W.
Restaurant was clean. Bathroom was very cold (dined on a subzero day.) Service was poor, while in the bathroom server moved all condiments were I was sitting. Ordered a class of wine and the glass it was served in was filthy! Food was okay. I had real high expectations especially since I was visiting the Oak Brook location. Service, quality and presentation was overall poor. If I want Italian, I'll stick with Barraco's in Evergreen.
(2)Jen C.
I LOVE Maggiano's EVERYWHERE! The Oak Brook one is also attached to the Corner Bakery. It's always busy...and they only take reservations for larger parties. So be prepared to wait for a couple of hours especially for dinner on the weekends. No matter what, the servers are usually very nice, friendly, and attentive. Everything I've ever eaten here has been delicious...even something as simple as spaghetti! Their appetizers are all scrumptious, like their mushroom ravioli and I don't even like to eat mushrooms! Their pastas are all beyond great...probably because they're so bad for you :P Salads are delicious. Steaks are great. I love their chicken parm! All the desserts I've had here have been delicious too! The best thing to do is to go here with at least four people and go family style so you can eat everything and get everything refilled! That is always my favorite thing to do here!
(5)Angela U.
Great restaurant, huge portions. Bring your appetite, and plan to take a dog bag, too.
(5)S S.
I've had food poisening from there twice. Just don't do it...
(1)Jennifer G.
Family menu is a great deal. Their salads are great and I love the mushroom ravioli with red sauce instead of the white sauce. Their calamari is always great - very tender. Not crazy about the chicken cacciatore, but I am the forgiving type.
(4)Lizzi C.
Obviously always busy because of the Oak Brook location, but it's worth the wait. The leftovers from the humungo portions are great for lunch the next day. If you like Maggiano's try the Woodfield location in the summer and you can sit outside overlooking a little pond. Favorites-chicken alfredo and the gnocchi with tomato vodka sauce. Please try the Apple Crostada with caramel sauce for dessert!!! You'll thank me.
(3)Erin B.
The wait here is forever, and the food is good. Yes, there is better in this great city, however, this is great in a pinch. Also, a better option would be to order carry out. You still get the huge portions, but with no wait. Don't forget, it's BYOB at your house!
(3)Ashley W.
I can't get over how big the portions are at Maggianos- the last time I ate here I took home the leftovers and literally ate them for 4 days! Even though the portions are really large I still find their food to be pretty good quality. I like going here with a big group of people so we can order a bunch of things and try a bit of everything. Save the quaint Italian places for dates.
(3)Margie N.
One of my all-time fav places! I keep trying to *change up* my dinner selection -- but I just can't pass up the spag & meatballs -- fantastico!! Cooked to perfection and so much food, the enjoyment lasts for a couple days at home. Why oh why can't there be a Maggiano's closer to Frankfort .... sigh.
(5)Jeff A.
Maggiano's is a favorite Italian location for me. I have alot of fond memories of this particular location because I used to eat there with my parents and younger sister alot. Yes, it gets crowded and yes it's irritating having to wait in the crowded reception area or at the crowded bar until they call you up but I've found it to be worth the wait most times. I haven't been there in a little while so the review from Eric H. bothers me a bit but I wouldn't doubt a word of what he said. Popular places like this tend get bored of being popular. Fame is a bitch, isn't it? I've been to the Woodfield location once and it seemed alright. But I like the look of the Oak Brook place better. It's a little more like something out of a Martin Scorsese movie.
(4)Jena S.
I've been to this place a few times before, I've always liked the food but I always forget why I never go back. IT"S THE GOD DAMN WAIT and TWAT HOSTESSES! I made a reservation for Saturday at 6:15 a week in advance and I still had to wait 20 minutes when I got there. The bitch hostess didn't make eye contact, barely grunted a hello and kept tossing her overpriced emo cut in a huff. The food was good and the waiter was fantastic but I hate being irritated as soon as I walk in the door.
(3)Trinidad T.
the amount of food they serve can be a little overwhelming, but it's good and it's italian... for someone that doesn't stuff their face crazy-style, i'd suggest splitting entres with another person, unless you wanna drown in italian goodness. the staff is always awesome and bring anything you'd like. make sure you have room for dessert! and beware: it will hurt the pocketbook if you pay per head for family/buffet style! we were part of a 20-person group and after taxes and tips, it came out to be 40 bucks a person! i'm sure i didn't eat that much, but now i know that we should individually order the dishes we want (non-renewable style)
(4)Marcie T.
My husband and I go here, as well as some of the other locations fairly often. We always love the food, although we mourn the loss of the ability to choose a small or larger portion of the pastas. What struck both of us, however, was the downgrading of the quality of the bread! What number cruncher decided that the quality of the bread put out on the table wouldn't be noticed??? When we started going to Maggianos several years back, the bread basket contained a crusty baguette, bread sticks, and some focaccia. Later, they cut out all but the baguette. Now, the last several visits, they have gone from a crusty baguette, with all the deep pockets and holes that catch the olive oil so nicely, to some cheap imitation of white bread that just happens to have a baguette shape. Gone are the nice deep holes, as well as any semblance of crustiness. We so looked forward to this start to our meal. Now, they've lost us, as well as some of our friends who also notice the very same thing. Is losing customers the way to save the restaurant some money??? I don't think so!
(2)Kristen R.
We started coming here because of the great food and service. However, the last few times we have visited now have us thinking maybe we should try to find another italian restaurant to go to. The food there is still good, but the service has become awful. We kept thinking "ok, maybe that was just a bad night for them". Then we have gone back again and kept on getting terrible service. The hostesses enjoy making you wait even when there are tables available and staff walking around looking for something to do and no one else is waiting for a table. The service is terrible, from getting me the completely wrong drink to never getting ice water and bread. The servers either take forever to come to your table and don't return in case you need anything. Or, they are wanting your order the instant you sit down and continue to race you through your meal in no time flat. I love the food, but the all around service has us looking for another italian restaurant to frequent.
(2)Gary K.
This is another Italian restaurant where the servings are plenty generous. I'd recommend the Mushroom Ravioli al Forno. The atmosphere is great for a date and the service is very pleasant. Be ready for a wait though, this restaurant is almost always full.
(4)Chris B.
One of my favorite restaurants. Its lots of other people's in Chicago too. I can't say how many times I've seen Chicago pro athletes list it as their favorite in the team yearbooks. Its got atmosphere. Great classic tunes from Sinatra and the like play over the dining area. The food portions are huge. One spaghetti dish could easily feed 2 people. I have not tasted anything I didn't like from either the entree or apetizer menus. Huge wine and drink lists. One bad thing is the wait times. On busy nights it could take hours for a walk in to get a table. If you don't want to dine in, then call your order in and take it to go. It tastes just as good!
(5)Joe S.
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, forget this place. But, if you like solid, Americanized red-sauced Italian, and huge portions, you've got the spot. Spirited dining room, above average service, and a few gems on the wine list that are pretty affordable. Best bets are the Maggiano's Salad (features a house Italian dressing with a sweet kick), Mushroom Ravioli al Forno, and the Rigatoni "D" with Marsala Cream Sauce. Desserts used to be HUGE, lately downscaled to LARGE. The chocolate zuccoto cake is can't miss, and the tiramisu is above average.
(3)Steven M.
I had reservations for 4 and I showed 2 hours early because I was chewing on the curtains. They sat us right away and the waitress promptly acknowledged us. We got our drinks, bread and I ordered an app. I do have to say that the Maggiano salad is the best in the west. I do not care for blu cheese, but the way they presented it in the salad was awesome! I had pasta on the brain, so I got the spaghetti in meat sauce, sans the meatball. Didn't want to lose any noodles. I also got a comp pasta for the next day. I had to ask how big the bowl I was getting, as I was hungry enough to ask if they could put both into one dish. I didn't have to do that though. One was enough and it was very tasty with little bits of meat throughout. Our server was on top of her game as it was a busy time of day. I have to mention that I forgot my credit card in the bill holder. I called about a half hour later when I realized what I had done and called immediately. They had my card waiting for me when I arrived. This isn't the best Italian food in the world. But the staff, ambiance as well as the prices make it a winner in my book.
(4)Joey G.
From last time, the place was good, but then went downhill. I got the chicken marcela and got food poisoning. If you ask me, the food is not at all as good as the restaurant looks. The food may look good, but it's not.
(1)Cliff G.
Called on Sunday @ 4 pm to see how long a wait would be for party of 12. Was told 3 hours...asked to speak to Manager and we said we would break party up into 2 tables. Was then told 2 hours. No thanks.....1/2 the party decided to go anyway and was seated within 15 minutes..although screwed up order on two entrees. . other party decided not to wait and went to Roberto's in Elmhurst and had an amazing meal, fabulous service and no hassle. What up Maggiano? Obviously management is looking as there are 22 filtered reviews!
(1)Jennifer S.
You can't go wrong with Maggiano's for a group dinner! I love that the food is served family style, so I can enjoy a little bit of everything and not feel guilty. The private room we were in was very nice and the service was pretty speedy as well.
(4)Shawn m.
Where do I start!?!...Went here last week with a group of 12....VERY slow service and our waitress was horrible!!!!:( She didn't know what sparkling water was?!......brought me tap water instead..when I explained the difference she brought over a bottle which i wasn't able to open for 10 mins because i didn't have a bottle opener!...we waited another 15minutes to place our order...she got chocolate cake on my friends white shirt..I gave it 2 stars..because the food was ..hmmm "decent".
(2)Alicia K.
Food here = 3 stars Value = 5 stars Average of the two = 4 stars Went here for lunch with my husband and two friends (about 2pm). We were seated right away by a window which was lovely. It's a little dark inside which would be romantic for dinner, but for lunch, the window was perfect. Went with the $19.95/person lunch thing and OH EM GEE!!! I cannot believe they still make money by giving you that much food for that little! You choose two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees, and two desserts. They proceed to bring enough of all of those for you to totally gorge. If you like one a bunch, you ask for another plate of it (but seriously, good luck finishing the amount they bring you to start with!!!). For $20 -- AMAZING DEAL!!! Now, the food: APPETIZERS = 5 star quality -Spinach and artichoke dip = incredible. The dip itself is in a shallow plate so that it maximizes the cheesy part getting nice and brown. I love this. -fried mozzarella is pretty darn good, too. It's like mozzarella sticks, but instead of being small sticks, it's these 4"X4" (estimate) flat squares of battered and fried mozzarella. Not too greasy and comes with marinara sauce. Muy bueno. SALADS - 4 stars -Caesar salad is pretty standard, but I thought their Caesar dressing was top notch! I was on a Caesar kick for a while, so I know what I'm talking about. ;] It was heavy on the dressing, but at least it tasted good. -Maggiano's Salad (iceburg & romaine, bleu cheese, crispy Prosciutto, red onions, house dressing) is an excellent combination of flavors. I thought it was also slightly heavy on the dressing, but again -- it tasted good. PASTAS- 3-4 star quality -Gnocchi w/vodka sauce - the sauce is phenomenal, but in my opinion there isn't enough of it and honestly I'm just not a Gnocchi fan. It just doesn't pack enough punch... lacks flavor... you get the idea. -Chicken & Spinach Maniccoti - imagine normal Manicotti but w/small pieces of moist chicken and some spinach + a white sauce instead of red. I loved it, but my husband didn't. To each his own. ENTREES - 1-2 stars -Chicken Francese - recommended to us by the server, but I was very unimpressed. I would actually go so far as to say I DISLIKED it. It had a funky aftertaste, was somehow dry despite being breaded, and just really wasn't very good. The red potatoes it came with were just fine, but I would stay away from this one. -Salmon - Again, I was not impressed. I LOVE salmon, and this one was just bland. I normally get mine frozen from Costco and make them in the microwave (can we say low standards???) that's how much I love the stuff. This was a disappointment. DESSERTS -Profiteroles (2 stars) were ok. I felt the breaded part was pretty dry and not tasty enough for that to be where my dessert calories were coming from. The ice cream in the middle is good, though. -Creme Brulee (5 stars) -- now THIS they did RIGHT! Shallow dish maximizes the crunchy top, and it's HUGE. Seriously probably the largest creme brulee I've ever had, and even though I shared it with my husband, we had trouble finishing it, and I do NOT have trouble finishing dessert. Ever. Would I go back? You bet I would, but only with 3 other people (great size group! Perfect double date!), only for lunch (not crowded), and I would try different entrees. Believe me -- your $20 could not possibly go further at a restaurant! Give this one a try. :]
(4)Erin L.
Came here with my husband - first time back here together since our beautiful wedding reception in September 2008. The server - Sue was great. She was really nice and suggested some good items for us to try. Our only issue was the temperature of the food. It was just warm and felt like it was sitting out for a bit. When Sue gave us our bill, she made a point of telling us about taking a survey online about our experience. So when I got home, I filled it out. Yesterday I received a $40 gift certificate in the mail apologizing about the food temperatures. Totally didn't expect that! What I love about all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants - if there is a problem, they go above and beyond to not only make you happy, but try to fix the problems.
(5)Anuj S.
Maggiano's is fine. Not so much anymore, but people used to rave about this place. I always thought the food was good, but not great. One thing's for sure, it is very popular. I've been there when the wait is 1 hour. Definitely not worth that... There are SO many other choices out there.
(3)Diana P.
Great meal and super service! Loved everything wo ate! Glad I tried some specials.
(5)Bleu W.
Always a treat to eat here. We ordered so much food it was almost like Thanksgiving with the amount of food we had at the end of the meal to take home. The pasta was fresh, the service was quite good, and they were great with our food allergy concerns. The dessert was also very good. Cannot wait to return here for our family tradition when we are in the area again.
(5)LOIS B.
I have to admit, I stayed away for 5 years because the last time we were here, WITH RESERVATIONS, we waited a good 45 minutes. Not good, especially since one of our guests was a diabetic and had already taken insulin. This was of NO significance to the hostess. What's the point of a reservation? I do not know if over booking, huge crowds, and long waits are still a problem because today we were at a private luncheon in a private room. We were served a pre- selected menu and what we ate was very tasty. The chopped salad is outstanding, and always has been. Our servers were very pleasant and it was, overall, a positive experience. However, I would still be hesitant to come back for dinner, even with a reservation, based on some of the other reviews.
(3)Sarah B.
I went to Maggiano's with the madre, the BF, and friend Lisa. It was after we went exploring at Graue mill and we were hungry. Mumsy had a gift card, so Maggiano's was the obvious choice, and, well, we were hungry (and the BF can eat, even when he's not hungry). It was a totally different experience from the last time we went. Our waiter was super attentive, even though it was during the dinner rush. He had good recommendations. We got the stuffed mushrooms and fried mozzarella for appetizers. Both were amazing. Simply amazing. I got a shrimp polenta dinner, which was great, the Madre and friend Lisa got dinners from the classic pastas, which means they got another pasta to take home. Both enjoyed their meals. And the BF got a seafood pasta extravaganza (can you tell I forgot the name?), which he devoured. All in all, a lovely dinner and totally worthy of 4 stars.
(4)Glenn M.
Our party of 10 had a great time celebrating a family member's birthday. We had a reservation, which they called to confirm, and we were seated right away even though the entrance was packed and the restaurant was full. Great food and service were provided, at a fair price, especially considering that most got to take home a free meal due to their offer. Wonderful night; will go back. Can't go wrong there.
(5)Sandi P.
3.5 stars. Husband received a gift card for this restaurant so we figured we didn't have much to lose by trying this place. It exceeded our expectations in terms of food quality and value for the money. Service was a bit uneven, however. Our waiter brought drinks and bread promptly but we had to then wait 15 minutes for our crab cake appetizer. I also had to remind him to bring my leftovers. Slight lapses, not enough to ruin the meal by any means. We opted for the dinner for 2 for $39.95- what a great deal! We could choose any appetizer (the aforementioned crab cakes with red pepper sauce and arugula were quite good), 2 dishes from the classic pasta menu AND any dessert. As if this wasn't enough, we also selected a full size pasta dish each to take home for another dinner at no additional cost. Our entrees - I had eggplant Parmesan and husband had meat lasagna - were hearty with a flavorful tomato sauce. Not La Gondola quality, but above average Italian for sure. We finished with the tiramisu, as recommended by the waiter, which was quite creamy and topped with dark chocolate shavings. A pleasant ending to a pleasantly surprising dinner.
(3)Danny Y.
Food wise, this place is just barely above Buca di Beppo. Service, it's a little lacking, mainly in that it's SLOW. They're simply too busy! Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes to be seated. 15 minutes for appetizers, another 15 for main course, and maybe 5 minutes more for your desert. All in all, we were in there for a good 2 hours. Not because we eat slow, but mainly because the service is slow. Nevertheless, the price is a steal for the amount of food you receive. We got the meal for 2. For $40, we got the flatbread for appetizer, 2 classic pastas for lunch, 2 classic pastas (different ones) to take home, and a HUGE slice of chocolate cake. Now, here's what we ordered, and what I thought of each: 1. chicken & pepper flatbread: 4/5, terrific starter. Although, in terms of portions, this could easily be a substitute for the main course. 2. Fettucini alfredo: 2.5/5, terrific sauce. But, be forewarned, there's nothing but noodles and sauce in this giant bowl of fettucini. 3. Ravioli: 3.5/5, terrific sauce, delicious raviolis, cooked thoroughly. Didn't particularly like seeing the sauce clump up, probably due to the slow service. 4. Spaghetti & Meatballs: 3/5, pretty standard stuff. Nothing I'd order if not for the buy 1 get 1 to take home deal. 5. Lasagna: 3.5/5, I'm sure it had partly to do with me microwaving this the next day, but seriously the layers tasted like dough. You'll probably want to eat this fresh in the restaurant. 6. Chocolate cake: 4/5, I'm a sucker for sweets. Even then, I had to split this baby up into 3 meals. I'm estimating one slice of this stuff to be about 10000000 calories. Yea, that sounds about right. All in all, worth a go. The price is so good that we'll probably go back for take-out next time, so as to skip on the service.
(3)Julie O.
For service - 5 stars. Great job, timing excellent, needs anticipated and met. Food is just fine, enjoyable, served at the right temperatures. Nothing too over the top, but the fall special - butternut squash ravioli - is delightful.
(5)Richie D.
Ahhh welcome to a perfect example of Chicago suburbia along with one of the hundreds of Lettuce Entertain You Inc restaurants. It's not quite a mirror image of Chicago's Little Italy (simply not possible for one restaurant alone), but it remains fairly solid restaurant chain. I went here for a birthday party and we got the Classic Family deal. You receive two choices of each of the following: 2 appetizers, 2 salads, 2 pasta dishes, 2 entrees and 2 desserts (plus the fresh complimentary bread and olive oil that you try not to fill up on). We recommend all the salad choices, stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers apps, vodka sauce gnocchi, Rigatoni D and Baked Ziti pastas, and the Tiramisu cake. I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on their menu--they've got it all down when it comes to flavor. Expect to receive a huge amount of food that will cause guilt afterward when you feel like a blimp and become sick to your stomach thinking of all the people starving world-wide. They will give you the left-overs in boxes (phew!). For those who have dietary restrictions, they are super accommodating. We had 2 people who are allergic to wheat and the cook came out to discuss the options (which are corn based--I think it should be of rice but it's better than nothing). At this location, expect to wait even if you have a reservation (your whole party must be present to be sat).
(4)mike b.
Been here many times. Was just in with two large groups, one table great experience, other had snafu with delayed food orders (these things happen). Food is solid, stick to pasta dishes or fish over chicken. Aside from good food and great wine and cocktails, 5 stars is for the service and management, who recognized the problem and fixed it fast and professionally. Too many restaurants forget they're in the service business. We will come back again and again due to the way they treat their customers.
(5)Dennis S.
Big portions, nothing bad, nothing great. In Oakbrook Mall, this is a reasonable alternative for a nice meal. By no means is it a destination restaurant. But service is good, selection is huge, and portions are even bigger. Family-style food is an option, not a requirement. The Lettuce Entertain You chain knows what it is doing with its six Maggiano's Little Italy restaurants. I had the lasagna. It was excellent. Not unique, not memorable, just lasagna as it should be. My "cup" of soup was a bowl of soup, a meal in itself. I don't get impressed by volume as a restaurant's main feature, although that certainly is the trademark of Maggiano's. Would I go back - sure. Would I make an effort to go back - no way.
(3)Jordan U.
Was here recently for a Bat Mitzvah and it was awesome as usual. I love this place. They always do a great job, professional service, solid food and plenty of it! The banquet rooms they have in the back are great for mid-sized events and they have it down to a tee.
(4)Eric Y.
Of all the coincidences, we had two large group dinners on successive evenings at Maggiano's. Now I have eaten enough food to last the entire week! This place is a really safe bet for large group dining - there's plenty of variety, plenty of food, and the quality is good. The amount of food you get is pretty insane so be prepared to bring some home. My favorites are the Rigatoni D which is are thick pasta tubes with a creamy mushroom sauce, lots of mushrooms and chicken. The beef filet medallions are first-rate also. Their fried calamari is excellent. Tiramisu is really good too. The wine list offers a nice selection of Italian wines by the glass. Service is a bit slow but the waiters move fast.
(3)Patty H.
I have eaten here several times but yesterday the service was the best I have had yet. I apologize I cannot remember his name but he was wonderful. We went around 11. I love that they give you another meal to take home.
(4)Nils S.
Visited here the day after Christmas in a group of 6. The waitress was very friendly and attentive, anticipating the drink refills promptly. Ordered Fettucine Alfredo with a side Caesar salad. The salad was quite good, the pasta tasted okay (some of the noodles were a bit tough for my taste). An additional benefit of the pasta dishes is you get a second serving to go, so more value for your money. The restaurant is a bit difficult to find, since it faces the parking lot at Oakbrook, so not easy to get to if you're walking among the stores.
(3)Michelle K.
My boyfriend, our parents, and I met here last Saturday night for an early dinner. Frustrated by the full parking lot (well, it IS Oakbrook Mall) and confused by the bizarre restaurant layout (the entrance is actually toward the back of the restaurant...what?), we were hungry and ready to order wine and gorge on some overpriced pasta. After hearing that a few of us had never been to Maggiano's, our waiter came back with the chef to offer us a free appetizer of their zucchini fritti. It was soooo good. That put us in a good mood. We were also excited to hear about their deal where you could order one standard pasta dish for $13 (lasagna, baked ziti, ravioli, spaghetti, etc.) and get to take ANOTHER one home for free! Such a good deal. Everyone ordered off that menu, except me: I got the Lobster Fettuccine, which had big chunks of lobster, prosciutto, peapods, and artichoke hearts in a lobster cream sauce. Sounds awesome, right? This is a dish made out of everything I love, and yet it was...bland. I could swear I heard the "wah wahhhhh" of a sad trombone after taking the first bite. The pasta could have used more sauce - as it was, it was kind of dry. Maybe that was it. I added parmesan and pepper to jazz it up a little, which helped. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, though. For dessert, my boyfriend and I split the creme brulee (yum) and our parents split a piece of the toasted poundcake with ice cream, hot fudge, and fried bananas (tasty but rich). Our waiter also brought us some complimentary lemon cookies, which was very nice and unexpected. The service was really fantastic, but since my entree was less than fab, I'll have to give them three stars for now.
(3)L H.
I've been to Maggiano's only once, and can see that I can't add much more to the positive commentary that's already here. All I know is that Maggiano's was able to accommodate our large party of 17 (10 adults, 7 kids) with aplomb. I was famished when I arrived there, thinking, "We'll just see who can outlast who with these endless family style Italian meals." Well, Maggiano's outlasted my sizeable appetite. With a smile. The food was extremely good and desserts were fantastic. Service was very professional. All I have to compare this dining experience to is that it's like a more upscale Buca di Beppo. Anyway, I just found out that there's a Maggiano's close to me in San Jose, CA. I look forward to vistiing there and comparing experiences.
(4)Jeanne L.
Always liked this place. Our staple dish here is the Rigatoni D. The trick is that you have to keep folding and mixing and tossing the pasta into the sauce. As the dish cools, the sauce gets thicker, and coats everything better, and so it gets better as it goes. Second staple here is the tiramisu. BF has been to Italy and says Maggiano's tiramisu is the only one that can even compare to some tiramisu he ate at a restaurant in italy where an italian grandma makes it. But what can really compare to that? Recently I had a frozen peach bellini here b/c it was blazingly hot outside and I wanted something cold; a soda just wouldn't do it. IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I'd get it again :). Service is always great, and their coffee is pretty good too. Kitchen closes at 10pm I believe.
(4)Nicole L.
Wow, two Italian restaurants in the same week... I think hell has just frozen over! As mentioned in my previous review, I'm not big on Italian food, so Maggiano's has never been a restaurant I think of when wanting to dine out. However, my hubby had a gift card, and his daughter loves Italian food, so we found ourselves there today for lunch. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but I ended up pleasantly surprised by the food. We all took advantage of the classic pastas portion of the menu where you choose two pastas - one to eat immediately and the other to take home - for $12.95. I got the gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce which was great. It's been years since I've had good gnocchi, and I can't seem to make it right myself, so it was nice. I also got the baked ziti but I was too full to even eat dinner (and didn't even finish my gnocchi, so that's in the fridge too as I write this), so I can't comment on it yet. The service was good, which coupled with the food, will increase the likelihood that I'll be returning before another 5 years has passed (seriously, it's been at least that long since I last ate at a Maggiano's).
(4)Abbi F.
The spare rib cannelloni is TO DIE FOR! I mean...the actual food is delicious, but it's prepared so very well, that I could just sop up the juices in bread & eat that all day & be perfectly happy!!! On the down side, long wait (even for take-out...but the food is darn good) and awfully crowded.
(4)Michelle I.
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I go to Maggiano's only if I have to. Both times I've been to one, they both have been in the Chicago area, for work meetings. I have yet to go to the one that is actually in the same state as me. Because of the circumstances, I can't speak for the regular menu but the food provided for within the meeting facilities was a-ok. Yay for the sandwiches, I especially liked the mozzarella sandwich. The salads were decent, pretty much your typical caesar or house salad. The orzo salad was a bit funky....it definitely got a big 'skip' from me. Yummy tomato basil soup. Nice fruit tray, plenty of pineapple to up my Vitamin C level. Dessert left something to be desired, we were served these chocolate fudge bars with some type of weird consistency....meh, another skipped item. The actual meeting facility is super nice, perfect for most events. Staff was cool. Ehhh, what else can you ask for when work is buying you lunch?
(3)Ali W.
My boo and I were in the hood checking out our wedding venue so we decided to walk around the mall and grab some info on rehearsal dinner venues. So the man got hungry and we stopped into Maggianos. I just have to say that the entrance is a little misleading- its weird because if you go through the banquet doors you end up in the back of the restaurant...you're suppose to go through corner bakery. (shrugs) Overall the food was just alright, but the service was amazing! The manager guy kept checking in on us because we had requested info on the banquet area and our sever, Randall, was amazing! Definitely one of the best waitresses I have ever had. Our water was never empty and our bread basket was always full! wahoo! Five stars for her! I got the baked ziti which was pretty good, but i wish instead of sausage there was something like mushrooms or spinach, but i mean...i don't know if i can make that request- i guess next time I'll have to ask. The man got lasagna and because we ordered in the special section we got to take an order home! I got the angel hair, but haven't had it yet. I hope it is not salty like the gnoochi i took home from the one downtown! yikes!
(4)Jonathon H.
Solid food, nice atmosphere, good value. They're always really nice to the kids. I can always count on a good meal, and the second dish of pasta to take home makes this a really good value. We go once every six weeks or so. Fine dining? Nope. But reliably good. Only complaint is that service, while typically nice, can be slow.
(4)K B.
We went to Maggiano's for New Years Eve and the food was wonderful! The pasta was plentiful and the best I have tasted in years at any restaurant! The take home dish was also an added welcome. I didn't feel rushed at all throughout the dinner, and the atmosphere was family oriented for New Years Eve. It was a great choice.
(5)Mike K.
Ironically, I've been to the Skokie location of Maggiano's a few times and now the Oak Brook location once but never the River North location less than 10 minutes away from me. We showed up for a 5:30 reservation for 12. The restaurant was packed to the rafters when we walked in. I felt like I was in Florida. Why are these people eating so early? Half of the table opted for one of the family style options, while the other half ordered individual meals. The appetizers I ate were the bruschetta and the onion strings. The bruschetta was a bit oily and sopped into the bread, but I still found it very tasty. I always love when bruschetta comes with fresh shaved mozzarella, as this did. The onion strings were also very good. They are, of course, deep fried, but they were kind of light. I was going to order a "Maggiano's Salad," but the waiter told me the side salad would suffice. He was correct. The side salad is very generous. Most salads are just not worth having. This particular salad was excellent, probably because of all the fattening toppings. You have to cancel out the benefits of a salad to make it worth eating. For the main course, I ordered the gnocchi with vodka sauce to continue to adhere to one tiny part of my Catholicism. It was pretty good but not the best vodka sauce I've ever had. I've still not tasted a better vodka sauce than at Rosebud, with Orso's getting an honorable mention. Frankly, some of the better vodka sauces at Jewel trump what I've tasted at area restaurants. The gnocchi itself was nicely done. Anything made of potatoes is golden in my book. Service here was top notch. Surprisingly, they broke out about six different bills and got them all right. That takes some doing. It probably helped that nobody was pounding too many Peronis. Four stars. I'll have to fight the tourists and check out the River North location some day.
(4)James R.
My wife and I both had one of their specials. Mine was chicken and sausage, and hers was chicken and shrimp. Hers was with noodles while mine was cooked with very tasty potatoes and onions. The only problem was that these 2 dishes were seasonal, so I am not sure how long they will have them. They do have some fine choices which I would like to try but will also watch their specials. Their Caesar salad was excellent not drowned in dressing. Service was good, and my wife and I plan on coming back.
(4)Cristina T.
Attended a bridal shower here last weekend and everything was fantastic! Service was prompt, food and drinks were always refilled and everyone had a great time. My food favorites were the gnocchi with sausage and a type of breaded chicken we had. For dessert I thought the tiramisu was light and perfectly sweet. The profiteroles were great too. If I was to ever have an event to plan I will definitely have it at Maggiano's!
(5)Jean M.
Family style dinner at Maggianos is fabulous. Haven't been to Maggianos in a while, but they never fail to deliver great food. I could have feasted on the calamari alone and been happy.
(5)J Mae S.
I visit Maggiano's perhaps 1 or 2 times a year. The purpose of today's visit was to celebrate my birthday with my parents. I am not a food connoisseur, however. If the food tastes good, it tastes good. I ordered baked rigatoni pomodoro, while my parents ordered mom's lasagna and spaghetti (with meatball). As starters, we had the caesar salad and stuffed mushrooms. We enjoyed the food and there were no complaints. Upon arriving, my father asked if they do anything special for birthdays, since it was my birthday. The server said yes, they do. However, she hardly checked on us during our meal and of course, did forget about my birthday. We've definitely had more attentive and friendly servers at this location in the past. (If ours had shown more personality or interest in not just us, but the other patrons, I would have spoken up.) Happy birthday to me. I will definitely be back, but not for my birthday (those come around only once a year!)
(4)Curtis C.
Lots of food... ok food... crowded... It really is a place to share your food. I wouldnt say it blows your socks off but its decent. I would definitly go somewhere else if im not starving or feeding a family of 20 starving italian kids...
(3)Felicia V.
I think what I loved most about this place was the ambiance: low-lighting, dark wood floors and tables, super classy banquet room. Not bad for a restaurant in a strip mall. The food was good, not amazing, but good. Pretty standard chain restaurant Italian food. You can get another serving of your entree for free if you ask!
(3)Ruby P.
I had pasta of course it was good as this is from a pasta lover. Then I happen to have a drink called the Frozen Peach Bellini....If you like sweet drinks then THIS IS TO DIE FOR. Absolutely scrumptious. I usually do not even like peach but it was not too sweet and the peach was not too overpowering.
(4)Dino M.
Ok food. Has gone straight down hill since it was sold. Half he portions it used to be and higher cost. To bad, we used to love it there.
(2)Lisa B.
This review is for their Banquet service, which we used for the kid's Bar Mitzvah lunch. One big plus was that they charge a lower price for kids age 5-12, even though they got the exact same food. For our Saturday "classic family-style" luncheon the charge was $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per kid. This gave everyone two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees and two desserts. It was served family style so people could take one, both, or neither of each course. Even with our restrictions (no pork, no shellfish, no nuts) we were able to choose many yummy dishes, and nobody went home hungry. Our Banquet manager, Valerie Principe-Klump, was so helpful, and the service was great. I really liked that the room, linens, centerpieces, display tables, audio-visual, EVERYTHING, was included in the price. Being nickel-and-dimed will piss me off real fast.
(5)Pattie S.
Let me preface and say that i've been to a Maggianos before, in Las Vegas, and it was excellent. Food was great, and they even had someone playing accordian. Because of this experience, i was excited to go to Maggianos again. I came here with my boyfriend on a Saturday. We had reservations at 4:30 and were seated promptly. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, and our entrees of chicken parmesan, all at the same time. The stuffed mushrooms came within 10 minutes and they were amazingly good--this was the only good thing about our experience. After we ate the mushrooms, we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more for our entrees to come. We waited some more, and after about 40 minutes of waiting, our entrees finally came. Even worse, is that they came to us warm, not hot. By the time i finished eating, the spaghetti i was eating was cold. The dinner itself was extremely disappointing. What's worse is through our entire dining experience, we only got 1 refill, even though our glass was empty. Our waiter, who mumbled through everything, only checked on us a few times. I was extremely disappointed with my dining experience here. It seemed as if everyone seated around us was complaining about the service here. Maybe Maggianos was just having an off day, but I will not be returning. I would rather go to the Olive Garden or Bucca Di Beppo.
(1)Julie P.
This review is of their Banquet Service though I have been here for regular meals often & was always impressed. One word: Amazing! My sister had her wedding reception here & I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with nothing but highest regards. When we came to look at the restaurant, she was still looking for a venue. We were blown away. The staff took their time to show us around, give us information & make sure our questions were answered even though we did not call ahead. We just popped in for lunch. The space was gorgeous. It did not feel like any old banquet room. Huge wooden bars & wood panel walls made for a stunning backdrop for a wedding day. The tasting sent the bride and groom home with enough leftovers to share with the family to make a dinner. How do you choose between so many amazing dishes? The wedding day was simply beautiful. The staff went above and beyond every moment. They took time to learn the names of the bride and groom & the parents and treated everyone like royalty. The food came out for all tables at the same time. You didn't have the problem where one table was finishing desert while one table was just getting salad. Service was attentive & top notch. Your glass was never empty, but you never felt smothered either. A perfect showcase of transparent service paired beautifully with amazing food and drinks. The food! This was the most reasonably priced wedding package out of every venue they considered, though you would never know it. People are still talking about the food months later. Not only did they send us home with 17 pans of left overs, the food the day of was amazing. Portobello Mushroom Ravioli is still my favorite! We were served family style, and the bowls were truly bottomless! You wanted to keep eating because it was so good! This was not your typical tasteless, dried out, plated, banquet hall dinner. The bar service was amazing, too. The drinks were poured as they should be, and not so the restaurant would make a profit by over or under pouring the drinks. Top notch all around & highly recommended!
(5)Sandra M.
Food is always delish! We usually go to another location to eat but decided on Oakbrook because of the location of parties invited. Made reservations well in advance and when we got there the restaurant was not as full as it can be, however they gave us a horrible small table for 6 right next to a noisy drink station. Too much traffic and noise to enjoy the company. We had 2 servers and they got our order incorrect so had to send food back. We ordered one of the classic pastas which meant we could take an additional meal home and they got that wrong too. Also the waiter needs to pay attention to the drink levels for all parties. He only asked the 2 sitting at the end of the table if they wanted refills and then when he came back I had to ask for a couple more and then he only brought 1 back and then he seemed bothered by the 3rd request for a refill. We will continue to go to Maggianos but will avoid the Oakbrook location. Naperville location just another 10-15 miles west and service and parking much better .
(3)Miguel R.
I love me some italian food. I haven't had it in a while, but man is chicken parmesian my favorite. I got a Lettuce Entertain You gift card from someone, and I had no idea where to spend it - then I thought.... "Hey you like good food" so as it were I was in Oak Brook, and like a sign from above - that's where we both saw and wanted to go. Good food, good prices, and the atmosphere was comfortable. It was a bit chilly out, and overcast, but there always time to enoy a nice lunch outside in the coming months - this was an indoor place....
(4)John O.
Full!!! I always eat to much when I go here. They have a lot to choose from and a lot of wine too. What makes it good here is that you get the quality and quantity. I've always left the restaurant with a full stomach and a doggy bag. Yes, pasta is cheap to produce but this place enhances it. Can be a long wait so make reservations or go early and belly up to the bar.
(4)Jessica D.
Makes you feel like you're in New York in the 30s-40s at a local (very large) italian establishment. Historical Italian-American decor of unknown families and folks make it homey, humongous portions make it a group or sharing environment. Delicious wines, menu, specials, and desserts -- although not necessarily authentic italian, very close. Bar gets crowded, and makes it hard to step to the restrooms.
(4)Brianna L.
I used to love maggianos till this past weekend..i was craving fried calamari..the wait was 1.5 hours good thing the bar is first come first serve we snagged one within 10 mins...the sangria was good, the frozen peach drink was even better..but the friend calamari left little to be desired..it wasn't crunchy at all :( boooooooooo to that!! and then we had another appetizer the spinach and artichoke dip..ehh it was kind of bland..wouldn't recommend either one to be honest with you
(3)Deborah W.
Overall this was kind of an average experience for dining out in Chicago and the surrounding area. The food was pretty decent but the service, unfortunately was terrible. My recommendation, stick to the chef section where they give you a second entree to take home - when I'm paying $14 for a huge spaghetti and a lasagna that together last me 4+ meals, I'm a whole lot less picky on the ambiance and service.
(3)Thomas L.
First off they lose a star for not serving Stella Artois in the proper glass. The food was tasty portions are twice as large so when you see the menu and question the price figure you are eating two meals. Honestly, looking at the people in there they are probably not taking too much home. + I had the beef medallions w/ portabella mushrooms ++ Mussels w/ white bean and sundried tomatoes were amazing +/ waiter was awkward at times making me think he was cognitively slow??? - My Stella was in the wrong glass - People watching was boring.
(4)sherry t.
Chef decided to stop by our table Wednesday evening and offered us free fried zucchini appetizer outta nowhere. Felt really special. Food is really affordable and delicious. Skip their bruschetta. Stuffed mushrooms is fantastic! Everything is in huge portions. Couldn't try much with just two people. Shrimp linguini was decent. I must return with more ppl to sample more food! Service was exceptional!!
(4)Cindy B.
We just had our wedding reception at the Oak Brook location this past April, and it was the best decision we could have made for our wedding venue. Dar was our coordinator at Maggiano's, and could not have done a better job with her team. At weddings, everyone remembers the food, drinks and music, and Maggiano's topped the cake with the food, drinks and their wonderful customer service. From the appetizers, to all of the courses and the sweet table. Everything received an A++. We had a special request to have a traditional drink available, and they let us bring it in to have available at the bar for our guests. They catered to all of our personal touches that we wanted to have happen. They did a great job working with all of our vendors--florist, DJ, Acoustic set, bakery and Shutterbooth on getting them set up. Thank you Maggiano's Oak Brook Staff for making our wedding a truly stellar and unforgettable evening for us and our guests!
(5)Mark P.
Maggiano's is one of my favorite dining experiences. That fact is due to the service, quality of food (both in house, and in your own house), portion sizes are enough to enjoy for more than one meal, and the price is not overwhelming either. I enjoy their menu starting with appetizers through the main entree. I can't remark on their deserts, as I have never been able to get that far due to being thoroughly satisfied before reaching that attraction. Their calamari, and stuffed mushrooms are simply amazing. The house "Maggiano's Salad" has a superb dressing (that we make sure to receive extra of for the remaining salad we take home with us, since we make sure by ordering the large one for just that reason). The olive oil, fresh bread, butter, and Parmesan cheese is another treat that is not to be missed while awaiting the main entree as well. When it comes to the main meal, I would highly recommend their Grilled Salmon Lemon and Herb! This is what I usually order, and have NEVER had it served to where the first taste does not remind me why I LOVE it so! Another appreciative dish is their Fettuccine Alfredo, again a very appealing dining experience. The staff has always been very top notch, and attentive. If you are looking for a refill for your beverage, you will not be looking for very long. I again can not recommend this place enough! I would give it the full five stars, but I myself don't believe anything on this planet can be absolutely perfect. One of the only downfalls might be an occasional wait time for a table. However, it is a very decent place to eat, and many others are aware of that fact. The wait time for a table can be eased within the full service bar area, which is located just to the side of the dining areas. At times this space can be a bit crowded, but the tasty selection of thirst quenching options can help subside any pains from your wait for a table. They do take reservations, but only for larger party sizes. Special functions can be accommodated in other seating/dining areas as well. A limited outside sidewalk cafe type of seating option is also available during nice weather as well. The only other item that steers this place away from perfection would be the parking situation (since it shares a parking arrangement with the shopping mall). This is not something I would usually complain about except that the handicapped parking slots are located a bit further from the door than appreciated. They do have valet parking, and it is for some reason located closer. Still, I have rarely had a problem finding a manageable place which is not too far away to reach the entrance. One final note of appreciation is their carry-out option is ALWAYS accurate each time we choose that route, and the packaging style they utilize allows us to travel the (longer than normal) distance for carry-out, and still maintain a hot meal upon arrival to our eating destination. A well deserved four star recommendation I eagerly give! Job well done Maggiano's!!!
(4)Sherah B.
This is a pretty good chain restaurant. I went here during a work conference and was pleased. My coworkers (3 of them) all got something off the children's menu (mac & cheese) and the portions were HUGE! Maybe this is why so many kids are fat? Anyway, the food is pretty good, but it's a chain. It won't blow you out of the water. Good location though, too.
(3)Foster R.
Maggiano's is pretty good, I usually play it safe and order something like spaghetti, chicken parmesan, etc. I recently tried the beef canneloni, and it wasn't bad at all. Their caesar salads are very delicious. I've been to maggiano's a few times and haven't been disappointed yet. The ambience is classy and laid back, which keeps me coming back. I recommend them if you want some good Italian food.
(4)Anastasia K.
After quite a while suffering from poor service by the wait staff (NOT the bussers), Maggiano's Oak Brook is finally coming back around. I've never had a bad meal here, but the service has been questionable. I'm glad to report that things have taken a turn for the better! I recently had my graduation party here, and the banquet service and food was simply astounding! My guests couldn't stop RAVING about the food and super helpful staff! You pretty much can't miss on a meal here unless you have lived in Italy and have super high expectations. The kitchen is willing to meet you on all your special requests and the staff goes out of their way to correct your plate if something is off. They do offer a separate carryout option, but honestly, the food isn't so great once you get it home. I'm sure it has something to do with the plastic containers they use which smell like a hospital (blech). If you can score a table (reservations HIGHLY recommended - use OpenTable.com's mobile website!), have a seat and enjoy the music, the food and the company!
(4)Misse D.
I hate Maggiano's. Well, then, why did I come here to eat? I was on a business lunch and did not make the reservation. As someone that lived in Italy, I am horrified at the food that they try to pass as Italian. It's simply NOT Italian food. It's very heavy, mediocre pasta. Blech.
(1)Tim Y.
I've been to Maggiano's numerous times. This experience was like every other -- very good. All the food served was hot, tasty, and plentiful. Wait staff did an excellent job ensuring satisfaction while remaining relatively inconspicuous throughout the evening. Bathrooms were well-stocked and clean. The other two large groups were sufficiently firewalled from ours such that it didn't feel like we were crammed in a Chuck-e-Cheese with kids wandering through our space and vice versa.
(4)Jello M.
Ahhhh... How I love you, maggionos. Delicious food. and lots of it. I always order family style with a big group, and I'm never disssapointed. My go to appetizers are the deep fried zuccini, the bruchetta, and the calamari. The house salad is bacon and blue cheese, and instead of ordering two salads I order one and get another appatizer because yes, my awesome waiter let me do that. Pasta is whatever mood I'm in, they're all great. And the lemon cookies...they look so simple but they are so yummy...
(5)Kat D.
I've been to several Maggiano's (in a couple different states) but this one in particular far exceeded any experience I've had at this particular restaurant. What made me like it right off the bat was that it was open late on a Sunday night after my boyfriend and I had seen at play at Drury Lane. We were starving, and were thankfully seated immediately, and given bread to much on while we decided what we wanted. We put in an order of calamari and our dinner orders at the same time. About 20 minutes later, our dinners came out...though we had yet to receive our appetizer. Not wanting to send our dinners back to sit under the heat lamp while we waited for then ate our calamari, we decided to just have our dinners. My boyfriend had the crab cannelloni, which he said was very tasty, but very rich as it's served in an alfredo sauce. I had the shrimp linguini which was delicious, but I couldn't help making a mess as the sauce was a bit thinner than expected. During our meal, though, our server (who hadn't brought our meals out to us) came over with the calamari and, noticing her timing flaw, apologized profusely and offered to box it up for us, or to have it taken off the bill. We opted for the latter, as calamari tastes best when it's freshly cooked and wouldn't taste as good the next day. She said that would be no problem. Near the end of the meal, the manager came over and also apologized and then asked if he could make it up to us by giving us a free dessert. As I know no one who can turn down free tiramisu, no matter how full they are, we accepted his complimentary dessert and it came with a free coffee as well. And it was heavenly! Would have gladly paid for a dessert that delicious. Over all, the food was great, but I was most impressed by the staff. The mix up with the appetizers and meals was handled well and even though it would have been nice to have the calamari, we weren't upset about it, but we were still exceeded in being appeased with the free dessert and coffee. They definitely know how to keep their customers happy.
(4)Jen F.
Yes, chain restaurants do usually suck. Maggiano's, having started in good ole' Chi town, is a glaring exception. Maggiano's is a tried-and-true favorite. They serve huge family sized portions of pasta, which means you are definitely getting your money's worth (and likely some to take home). I can honestly say I have tried just about every single item on their menu. I've been coming here for about twenty years now. I've also tried most of their specials. I've rarely, if ever, been disappointed. P.S. They make a great steak. I looked into getting married here, as it was originally my top choice, but I ended up liking the banquet hall better someplace else. As far as wedding food goes, this place would offer the best--but the banquet itself is kind of dull. Everything is wood, wood, and more wood. Anytime a friend visits from out of town, I always take them to Maggiano's--gotta represent Chi-town's finest!
(5)Wayne B.
We love this restaurant. Best Italian ever. If you order from the traditional pasta menu (about 10 items), they give you an order to go as well at no charge!!!! We eat there every time we go to Chicago. Service has always been terrific. Last time we got a free dessert and free cappicino!
(5)J C.
Great food. Price is what you expect for being in Oak Brook. Lost a star for our waitress not coming by often enough for drinks. Lost another for completely forgetting a refill on a drink and a refill on the coffee at the end.
(3)Patricia K.
Maggianos is the same, basically anywhere you go. I have been to numerous and they all have the same great customer service and their food is delicious. I have to give a special shout-out to this location after their bartending staff made an extra effort on my behalf recently. I was giving the toast at one of my best friend's wedding when I did that required a bit of crowd involvement. To make a long story short, this was a surprise to the bride and groom, designed to embarrassment them (did they not think I'd live up to my roll? lol!) I needed a few non-wedding guests (strangers) to participate in the joke. During the cocktail hour, I asked the bartenders to pitch in -- and they happily complied! It really added to the bit and I was incredibly thankful for their willingness to participate.
(5)Debra A.
I agree with the previous reviewer, Candice G, about the Oak Brook location being much better than the Chicago and Woodfield locations. The service at Oakbrook is much better, and by better I mean they're friendlier, don't give preference to parties of 6 over parties of 2, they're quick to refill your plates if you dine family style and they always bring me another refill on my soda without me asking. Not to mention the food is outstanding. My favorite dishes: Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce, creme brulee, and Nana's poundcake. Whenever I place an order to go, they are very thorough and double check everything in front of me to make sure everything I ordered is in there. Everyone in take-out is friendly just like the wait staff in the dining room. Parking is usually hard to find anytime of the day, but valet will solve that problem.
(4)Minners N.
never never disappoints me- with it's food, service, or price. After exploring almost all the italian shops in little italy, Maggiano's ranks with the best of them. A few locations around the Chicago area and they are all great. Every dish I've tried here has been awesome from lobster ravioli, baked ziti, vodka gnocci to all the appetizers. I still don't have a favorite yet because I'm still trying to try everything off the huuge menu. Their complimentary bread and olive oil is awesome. Last time I was here, my husband and I had 3 baskets of bread. The bread is fresh and piping hot and very light. The olive oil is so sweet and flowery- sooo good. I wish I knew where to get it. Service has always been top-notch- never snooty or lazy. My glass is never near empty. I never have to ask the waiter for anything, my glass is always full and the bread is always refreshed. i love the service here. great date place or family meal or group gathering- the atmosphere is so versatile. warning- in my experience, the leftovers never taste as good as the original dish, which sucks cause the portion sizes are huge and i always have leftovers.
(5)Tom L.
I was here for my Brother and Sister-in-Law's wedding and it was a great night! Food was amazing, the DJ was good, the room was big enough for our large (amount) families and it was just an overall amazing experience. I'm glad they picked this place!
(5)Ray S.
Yes, I just gave them 5 stars. Why? Because I felt like it! The food is good, not the greatest Italian cuisine, but good enough to go back again and again. I mean it's a Lettuce Entertain you chain. Whatayawant from a chain place? But all in all a decent experience, the wait staff is always nice and knowledgeable and what I really like, the manager always pays us a visit. Not only does that tell me they are on top of things, they also appreciate our business. So if you're doing some shopping at the mall and have a taste for Italian, check them out. Nice group of folks!
(5)Kristina O.
Apparently the workers here hate me. The guy setting up our table w/ plates "accidently" smashed my wrist with the glass he was putting in front of me. Then the guy serving us water apparently didn't realize when you lean over with one pitcher, the other pitcher in your hand tilts as well.... this resulted in ice cold water being poured all over me and my purse. Then to top it all off, my pasta was served w/ at least one cup of pasta water..... yum? My mom was pretty bummed. Thanks for ruining my family lunch Maggiano's! 2 stars for the bread being warm and delicious.
(2)Pam K.
Stopped for lunch with my folks the other day. The three of us split two entree salads -- the chopped and one with chicken, apples, grapes, celery, etc. The salads were disappointing -- the portion was fine for us to share but there was nothing memorable about either one of them. The chopped salad didn't seem to have that many ingredients and the chicken/apple salad came with large chunks of chicken -- I don't think it was grilled or marinated because there wasn't much flavor to it. The waitress introduced herself then took our order. No smile, no small talk, didn't ask if we had questions about the menu, etc. Really got the impression she didn't enjoy her job. The experience was disappointing.
(3)Josue J.
food was great as usual, but the banquet service I recieved was horrible. They charged me twice as much as I was originally quoted, but they have a note in the contract, that says PRICE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Could not believe that this happened to me here.
(3)Melissa W.
AMAZING night at Maggianos! The wonderful experience started 3 weeks ago when I called to see if they could accommodate a family function since I was flying in from LA. Chris the mgr was super helpful and shared the great menu and offered to accommodate my guest with food allergies. We arrived to a crazy busy Saturday night but they had our table for 13 ready and we had Jeff as our server. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing and authentic. My brother in law is Italian and said it's just like mom makes. The food came out hot, large portions with unlimited refills and they let you take home the leftovers too! We left with 20 containers of food. The spinach salad was to die for and the rigatoni d is a must. We had the stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers along with tiramisu for dessert. The family loved the evening and I was overly impressed when the chef personally came out and talked to my guest who had the food allergies and accommodated all of her needs. I highly recommend Maggianos in Oak Brook!!
(5)A K.
Disgusting and unhygenic. We sat at the bar, the wine glass was sticky, dirty with food grease,finger and lip smudges. Saw the bar tender washing glasses in the most, unhygienic manner. Holding the stem he'd dip the glass in a basin of soapy water from there into a basin of water and them let them drip dry and put them back on the shelf to be used.He must have washed 50 glasses in the same water. Yuck. No wonder they were stained and smudged. After seeing that we he was splattering water all over the bar. We left and went to The clubhouse. Better service, food and cleanliness.
(1)Dave S.
I have been to several different Maggianos locations. I would have to say that this particular location is probably the busiest and has the longest wait. I personally DETEST waiting in an excessive line for anything so I don't get over here very often. Need i even mention that the portions will feed me for two meals and I always get my monies worth. ALWAYS! i am thinking that is the general consensus with this chain in general. I attended a private party here recently and i was impressed with the service, food and atmosphere. It was served family style and keeping with their tradition, the food was excellent and the portions were massive!
(4)Steve G.
The restaurant lost our ticket order so after we waited an hour, the chef came out and apologized and offered us free dessert (I don't know why they think this makes everything better) since we don't usually have dessert anyway. Its a great excuse for poor service. The food was OK the coffee was awful and we finished eating 1 1/2 hours later or so. We were visiting friends. We got seated next to the busy back area which I hate. We had to ask the waitress for our salads. They were very busy and basically I will not return because poor service is inexcusable. A friendly apology would be fine without the free dessert. Coffee was supposed to be fresh but it was awful. This is something customers don't like and won't come back to. Poor seating, poor service and poor quality of coffee (food was average). I am very happy that I can post this. Busy area but there are better restaurants in the area that have better everything. Too bad for us and our friends. Better luck next time. oh, well.
(2)Monika J.
Love it!!! For any celebration or just dining out it is to go for good Italian food.
(5)D A.
Stopped by tonight for a quick dinner after post Xmas shopping. They were super busy and we got lucky and got sat right away. Service was more than great, my drink was refilled faster than I've ever seen. Portions were larger than normal today (and I hate to say almost double the size of the take out I ordered from here the first Friday of this month). Anyways the 4 cheese ravioli was great, served hot and fast. Ceaser salad was good and the creamy potato soup was great. I ate too much bread and cheese.... Good meal, nothing special today but things were consistent and food was super hot, which helps on a cold day!
(5)Anita J.
I went to a banquet at Maggianos today in Oakbrook; I have a food allergy to gluten. They were notified ahead of time & evidently they weren't prepared. My waiter was also notified when I got there. Appetizers were served, I watched everyone serve themselves food & eat. Next salads were served & finally I received a salad! Now entrees were served & again I watched everyone serve themselves food, start eating & finally I received a bowl of pasta & 2 chicken breast. Sad to say my homemade pasta taste so much better, and I'm not a chef! The chicken was tasteless! Next desserts were served & this time I didn't receive ANYTHING! I asked my waiter for ice cream; I never received it! I asked a waitress for ice cream & was told my waiter needed to bring me a creme brûlée. He finally did, but doesn't creme brûlée have crispy brown sugar on top? My didn't! It was a custard pudding with a cut up strawberry on top. The bottom line is: THE SERVICE & FOOD SUCKED! If you want to watch people eat & feel as if your putting people out of their way go to MAGGIANOS!!! After telling my family about my horrible experience, none of us are interested in going there!!
(1)Laura K.
Loves me some LEYE!!!Loves me some carbs!! Dinner reservations at 6:30, party of 5:00. I decided on this restaurant because we were celebrating birthdays and this is a little more special than the Olive Garden right? The place was packed, as expected. We waited, smushed, in the bar/waiting area. The hostesses seemed rather crazed, which they should have hid a little better (no one's enjoys listening to you complaining). We were seated in the back, which was cozy. Our waiter, Matthew I believe, was not the best at all...more on that later. Food: Delicious!! Hot crusty bread with olive oil and cheese...YUM!! We had the Bruschetta and Maggiano's Salad as an appetizer. I would go there just for a big bowl of the salad!!! Romaine lettuce, crispy friend Prosciutto, red onion and house dressing. So effin good!!! Some of our main dishes included: baked ziti, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, and some kinda of mushroom chicken pasta. Everyone loved their meal. Service: Lacking in all areas. Matthew our server introduced himself and gave us time to look at the menu for drinks...10 minutes later....brought us the specials menu saying he'd be right back to get our DRINKS....10 minutes later....."Why don't I go ahead and get your whole order with your drinks"...no, why don't you give us another 20 minutes.....We all go around ordering, got confused at times. Never asked anyone if we wanted the full or half size portions....said he "assumed" the half portion (FYI waiters...don't assume for your patrons). Rushed us through our orders and we had to catch him before he ran away to order our appetizers. Also, said to one of us "Gee, are you going to lick the plate clean"....RUDE. Maggiano's is always going to be busy and the servers and hostesses should be accustomed to that and prepared. I will go back because the food was excellent....hopefully I'll have a different waiter!
(4)Cee B.
Solid family food. I was there for a bridal shower and got to taste a few of their simple dishes. Meatball pasta was the best. chicken parmesan, chicken picatta, shrimp pasta was only ok (i think i made a better chicken picatta). Dessert was the highlight. Tiramisu was definitely above average and spunomi is A-OK. the bridal shower was well staffed. staff did a good job clearing plates and filling drinks.
(3)Mike M.
Great food - great atmosphere. Highly recommended! Can't go wrong when looking for Italian food.
(5)Amy T.
Craving for Italian? Then go to Maggiano's Little Italy! It's a great place for lunch, and/or dinner! If you go for dinner make sure you make a reservation because it can get pretty crowded! My overall rating: Service - Friendly staff. Fast Service. What more can you ask for? Food - AMAZING- pasta, salad, flatbread pizza, calarmari, etc ALL GOOD! Price- Pretty Pricey. But TOTALLY WORTH IT!
(5)liz s.
Ok, I went to a family event here- i know, it's awful, you don't choose that aspect of your life... I am giving it two stars, which is VERY VERY generous- because of the staff. They were friendly, obliging and helpful. I really was extremely impressed by them. the food was god awful. One of those, i know i'm getting fat by eating this, but i can't not eat it, because i would offend the fam... It is rainy out, sunday, and i am fatter, and not at all satisfied by my meal- Plus, i don't do well in the western suburbs and I got lost on the way there. When we left, I yelled for joy when I saw a city of Chicago sign. Oh it's good to be back-
(2)Ellen M.
Family-style Italian food. The huge dining room is hard to move about in, and the resulting din is not incredibly pleasant, but overall I like it better than the downtown location. Lots of rosemary and garlic. For a group of four, you will have a shopping bag or two of leftovers if you order four dishes. The portions are that big. Great place for small parties at a round table, larger meetings or corporate events, or wedding receptions. Good service. Get a reservation. 6/3/08 edit: things have changed - I like Clark/Grand better.
(3)Lizzi C.
Obviously always busy because of the Oak Brook location, but it's worth the wait. The leftovers from the humungo portions are great for lunch the next day. If you like Maggiano's try the Woodfield location in the summer and you can sit outside overlooking a little pond. Favorites-chicken alfredo and the gnocchi with tomato vodka sauce. Please try the Apple Crostada with caramel sauce for dessert!!! You'll thank me.
(3)Erin B.
The wait here is forever, and the food is good. Yes, there is better in this great city, however, this is great in a pinch. Also, a better option would be to order carry out. You still get the huge portions, but with no wait. Don't forget, it's BYOB at your house!
(3)Ashley W.
I can't get over how big the portions are at Maggianos- the last time I ate here I took home the leftovers and literally ate them for 4 days! Even though the portions are really large I still find their food to be pretty good quality. I like going here with a big group of people so we can order a bunch of things and try a bit of everything. Save the quaint Italian places for dates.
(3)Margie N.
One of my all-time fav places! I keep trying to *change up* my dinner selection -- but I just can't pass up the spag & meatballs -- fantastico!! Cooked to perfection and so much food, the enjoyment lasts for a couple days at home. Why oh why can't there be a Maggiano's closer to Frankfort .... sigh.
(5)Jeff A.
Maggiano's is a favorite Italian location for me. I have alot of fond memories of this particular location because I used to eat there with my parents and younger sister alot. Yes, it gets crowded and yes it's irritating having to wait in the crowded reception area or at the crowded bar until they call you up but I've found it to be worth the wait most times. I haven't been there in a little while so the review from Eric H. bothers me a bit but I wouldn't doubt a word of what he said. Popular places like this tend get bored of being popular. Fame is a bitch, isn't it? I've been to the Woodfield location once and it seemed alright. But I like the look of the Oak Brook place better. It's a little more like something out of a Martin Scorsese movie.
(4)Jena S.
I've been to this place a few times before, I've always liked the food but I always forget why I never go back. IT"S THE GOD DAMN WAIT and TWAT HOSTESSES! I made a reservation for Saturday at 6:15 a week in advance and I still had to wait 20 minutes when I got there. The bitch hostess didn't make eye contact, barely grunted a hello and kept tossing her overpriced emo cut in a huff. The food was good and the waiter was fantastic but I hate being irritated as soon as I walk in the door.
(3)Marcie T.
My husband and I go here, as well as some of the other locations fairly often. We always love the food, although we mourn the loss of the ability to choose a small or larger portion of the pastas. What struck both of us, however, was the downgrading of the quality of the bread! What number cruncher decided that the quality of the bread put out on the table wouldn't be noticed??? When we started going to Maggianos several years back, the bread basket contained a crusty baguette, bread sticks, and some focaccia. Later, they cut out all but the baguette. Now, the last several visits, they have gone from a crusty baguette, with all the deep pockets and holes that catch the olive oil so nicely, to some cheap imitation of white bread that just happens to have a baguette shape. Gone are the nice deep holes, as well as any semblance of crustiness. We so looked forward to this start to our meal. Now, they've lost us, as well as some of our friends who also notice the very same thing. Is losing customers the way to save the restaurant some money??? I don't think so!
(2)Kristen R.
We started coming here because of the great food and service. However, the last few times we have visited now have us thinking maybe we should try to find another italian restaurant to go to. The food there is still good, but the service has become awful. We kept thinking "ok, maybe that was just a bad night for them". Then we have gone back again and kept on getting terrible service. The hostesses enjoy making you wait even when there are tables available and staff walking around looking for something to do and no one else is waiting for a table. The service is terrible, from getting me the completely wrong drink to never getting ice water and bread. The servers either take forever to come to your table and don't return in case you need anything. Or, they are wanting your order the instant you sit down and continue to race you through your meal in no time flat. I love the food, but the all around service has us looking for another italian restaurant to frequent.
(2)Gary K.
This is another Italian restaurant where the servings are plenty generous. I'd recommend the Mushroom Ravioli al Forno. The atmosphere is great for a date and the service is very pleasant. Be ready for a wait though, this restaurant is almost always full.
(4)Chris B.
One of my favorite restaurants. Its lots of other people's in Chicago too. I can't say how many times I've seen Chicago pro athletes list it as their favorite in the team yearbooks. Its got atmosphere. Great classic tunes from Sinatra and the like play over the dining area. The food portions are huge. One spaghetti dish could easily feed 2 people. I have not tasted anything I didn't like from either the entree or apetizer menus. Huge wine and drink lists. One bad thing is the wait times. On busy nights it could take hours for a walk in to get a table. If you don't want to dine in, then call your order in and take it to go. It tastes just as good!
(5)Trinidad T.
the amount of food they serve can be a little overwhelming, but it's good and it's italian... for someone that doesn't stuff their face crazy-style, i'd suggest splitting entres with another person, unless you wanna drown in italian goodness. the staff is always awesome and bring anything you'd like. make sure you have room for dessert! and beware: it will hurt the pocketbook if you pay per head for family/buffet style! we were part of a 20-person group and after taxes and tips, it came out to be 40 bucks a person! i'm sure i didn't eat that much, but now i know that we should individually order the dishes we want (non-renewable style)
(4)Joe S.
If you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, forget this place. But, if you like solid, Americanized red-sauced Italian, and huge portions, you've got the spot. Spirited dining room, above average service, and a few gems on the wine list that are pretty affordable. Best bets are the Maggiano's Salad (features a house Italian dressing with a sweet kick), Mushroom Ravioli al Forno, and the Rigatoni "D" with Marsala Cream Sauce. Desserts used to be HUGE, lately downscaled to LARGE. The chocolate zuccoto cake is can't miss, and the tiramisu is above average.
(3)Steven M.
I had reservations for 4 and I showed 2 hours early because I was chewing on the curtains. They sat us right away and the waitress promptly acknowledged us. We got our drinks, bread and I ordered an app. I do have to say that the Maggiano salad is the best in the west. I do not care for blu cheese, but the way they presented it in the salad was awesome! I had pasta on the brain, so I got the spaghetti in meat sauce, sans the meatball. Didn't want to lose any noodles. I also got a comp pasta for the next day. I had to ask how big the bowl I was getting, as I was hungry enough to ask if they could put both into one dish. I didn't have to do that though. One was enough and it was very tasty with little bits of meat throughout. Our server was on top of her game as it was a busy time of day. I have to mention that I forgot my credit card in the bill holder. I called about a half hour later when I realized what I had done and called immediately. They had my card waiting for me when I arrived. This isn't the best Italian food in the world. But the staff, ambiance as well as the prices make it a winner in my book.
(4)Joey G.
From last time, the place was good, but then went downhill. I got the chicken marcela and got food poisoning. If you ask me, the food is not at all as good as the restaurant looks. The food may look good, but it's not.
(1)Cliff G.
Called on Sunday @ 4 pm to see how long a wait would be for party of 12. Was told 3 hours...asked to speak to Manager and we said we would break party up into 2 tables. Was then told 2 hours. No thanks.....1/2 the party decided to go anyway and was seated within 15 minutes..although screwed up order on two entrees. . other party decided not to wait and went to Roberto's in Elmhurst and had an amazing meal, fabulous service and no hassle. What up Maggiano? Obviously management is looking as there are 22 filtered reviews!
(1)Jennifer S.
You can't go wrong with Maggiano's for a group dinner! I love that the food is served family style, so I can enjoy a little bit of everything and not feel guilty. The private room we were in was very nice and the service was pretty speedy as well.
(4)Shawn m.
Where do I start!?!...Went here last week with a group of 12....VERY slow service and our waitress was horrible!!!!:( She didn't know what sparkling water was?!......brought me tap water instead..when I explained the difference she brought over a bottle which i wasn't able to open for 10 mins because i didn't have a bottle opener!...we waited another 15minutes to place our order...she got chocolate cake on my friends white shirt..I gave it 2 stars..because the food was ..hmmm "decent".
(2)Alicia K.
Food here = 3 stars Value = 5 stars Average of the two = 4 stars Went here for lunch with my husband and two friends (about 2pm). We were seated right away by a window which was lovely. It's a little dark inside which would be romantic for dinner, but for lunch, the window was perfect. Went with the $19.95/person lunch thing and OH EM GEE!!! I cannot believe they still make money by giving you that much food for that little! You choose two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees, and two desserts. They proceed to bring enough of all of those for you to totally gorge. If you like one a bunch, you ask for another plate of it (but seriously, good luck finishing the amount they bring you to start with!!!). For $20 -- AMAZING DEAL!!! Now, the food: APPETIZERS = 5 star quality -Spinach and artichoke dip = incredible. The dip itself is in a shallow plate so that it maximizes the cheesy part getting nice and brown. I love this. -fried mozzarella is pretty darn good, too. It's like mozzarella sticks, but instead of being small sticks, it's these 4"X4" (estimate) flat squares of battered and fried mozzarella. Not too greasy and comes with marinara sauce. Muy bueno. SALADS - 4 stars -Caesar salad is pretty standard, but I thought their Caesar dressing was top notch! I was on a Caesar kick for a while, so I know what I'm talking about. ;] It was heavy on the dressing, but at least it tasted good. -Maggiano's Salad (iceburg & romaine, bleu cheese, crispy Prosciutto, red onions, house dressing) is an excellent combination of flavors. I thought it was also slightly heavy on the dressing, but again -- it tasted good. PASTAS- 3-4 star quality -Gnocchi w/vodka sauce - the sauce is phenomenal, but in my opinion there isn't enough of it and honestly I'm just not a Gnocchi fan. It just doesn't pack enough punch... lacks flavor... you get the idea. -Chicken & Spinach Maniccoti - imagine normal Manicotti but w/small pieces of moist chicken and some spinach + a white sauce instead of red. I loved it, but my husband didn't. To each his own. ENTREES - 1-2 stars -Chicken Francese - recommended to us by the server, but I was very unimpressed. I would actually go so far as to say I DISLIKED it. It had a funky aftertaste, was somehow dry despite being breaded, and just really wasn't very good. The red potatoes it came with were just fine, but I would stay away from this one. -Salmon - Again, I was not impressed. I LOVE salmon, and this one was just bland. I normally get mine frozen from Costco and make them in the microwave (can we say low standards???) that's how much I love the stuff. This was a disappointment. DESSERTS -Profiteroles (2 stars) were ok. I felt the breaded part was pretty dry and not tasty enough for that to be where my dessert calories were coming from. The ice cream in the middle is good, though. -Creme Brulee (5 stars) -- now THIS they did RIGHT! Shallow dish maximizes the crunchy top, and it's HUGE. Seriously probably the largest creme brulee I've ever had, and even though I shared it with my husband, we had trouble finishing it, and I do NOT have trouble finishing dessert. Ever. Would I go back? You bet I would, but only with 3 other people (great size group! Perfect double date!), only for lunch (not crowded), and I would try different entrees. Believe me -- your $20 could not possibly go further at a restaurant! Give this one a try. :]
(4)Erin L.
Came here with my husband - first time back here together since our beautiful wedding reception in September 2008. The server - Sue was great. She was really nice and suggested some good items for us to try. Our only issue was the temperature of the food. It was just warm and felt like it was sitting out for a bit. When Sue gave us our bill, she made a point of telling us about taking a survey online about our experience. So when I got home, I filled it out. Yesterday I received a $40 gift certificate in the mail apologizing about the food temperatures. Totally didn't expect that! What I love about all Lettuce Entertain You restaurants - if there is a problem, they go above and beyond to not only make you happy, but try to fix the problems.
(5)Anuj S.
Maggiano's is fine. Not so much anymore, but people used to rave about this place. I always thought the food was good, but not great. One thing's for sure, it is very popular. I've been there when the wait is 1 hour. Definitely not worth that... There are SO many other choices out there.
(3)Diana P.
Great meal and super service! Loved everything wo ate! Glad I tried some specials.
(5)Bleu W.
Always a treat to eat here. We ordered so much food it was almost like Thanksgiving with the amount of food we had at the end of the meal to take home. The pasta was fresh, the service was quite good, and they were great with our food allergy concerns. The dessert was also very good. Cannot wait to return here for our family tradition when we are in the area again.
(5)LOIS B.
I have to admit, I stayed away for 5 years because the last time we were here, WITH RESERVATIONS, we waited a good 45 minutes. Not good, especially since one of our guests was a diabetic and had already taken insulin. This was of NO significance to the hostess. What's the point of a reservation? I do not know if over booking, huge crowds, and long waits are still a problem because today we were at a private luncheon in a private room. We were served a pre- selected menu and what we ate was very tasty. The chopped salad is outstanding, and always has been. Our servers were very pleasant and it was, overall, a positive experience. However, I would still be hesitant to come back for dinner, even with a reservation, based on some of the other reviews.
(3)Sarah B.
I went to Maggiano's with the madre, the BF, and friend Lisa. It was after we went exploring at Graue mill and we were hungry. Mumsy had a gift card, so Maggiano's was the obvious choice, and, well, we were hungry (and the BF can eat, even when he's not hungry). It was a totally different experience from the last time we went. Our waiter was super attentive, even though it was during the dinner rush. He had good recommendations. We got the stuffed mushrooms and fried mozzarella for appetizers. Both were amazing. Simply amazing. I got a shrimp polenta dinner, which was great, the Madre and friend Lisa got dinners from the classic pastas, which means they got another pasta to take home. Both enjoyed their meals. And the BF got a seafood pasta extravaganza (can you tell I forgot the name?), which he devoured. All in all, a lovely dinner and totally worthy of 4 stars.
(4)Glenn M.
Our party of 10 had a great time celebrating a family member's birthday. We had a reservation, which they called to confirm, and we were seated right away even though the entrance was packed and the restaurant was full. Great food and service were provided, at a fair price, especially considering that most got to take home a free meal due to their offer. Wonderful night; will go back. Can't go wrong there.
(5)Sandi P.
3.5 stars. Husband received a gift card for this restaurant so we figured we didn't have much to lose by trying this place. It exceeded our expectations in terms of food quality and value for the money. Service was a bit uneven, however. Our waiter brought drinks and bread promptly but we had to then wait 15 minutes for our crab cake appetizer. I also had to remind him to bring my leftovers. Slight lapses, not enough to ruin the meal by any means. We opted for the dinner for 2 for $39.95- what a great deal! We could choose any appetizer (the aforementioned crab cakes with red pepper sauce and arugula were quite good), 2 dishes from the classic pasta menu AND any dessert. As if this wasn't enough, we also selected a full size pasta dish each to take home for another dinner at no additional cost. Our entrees - I had eggplant Parmesan and husband had meat lasagna - were hearty with a flavorful tomato sauce. Not La Gondola quality, but above average Italian for sure. We finished with the tiramisu, as recommended by the waiter, which was quite creamy and topped with dark chocolate shavings. A pleasant ending to a pleasantly surprising dinner.
(3)Danny Y.
Food wise, this place is just barely above Buca di Beppo. Service, it's a little lacking, mainly in that it's SLOW. They're simply too busy! Be prepared to wait 15-45 minutes to be seated. 15 minutes for appetizers, another 15 for main course, and maybe 5 minutes more for your desert. All in all, we were in there for a good 2 hours. Not because we eat slow, but mainly because the service is slow. Nevertheless, the price is a steal for the amount of food you receive. We got the meal for 2. For $40, we got the flatbread for appetizer, 2 classic pastas for lunch, 2 classic pastas (different ones) to take home, and a HUGE slice of chocolate cake. Now, here's what we ordered, and what I thought of each: 1. chicken & pepper flatbread: 4/5, terrific starter. Although, in terms of portions, this could easily be a substitute for the main course. 2. Fettucini alfredo: 2.5/5, terrific sauce. But, be forewarned, there's nothing but noodles and sauce in this giant bowl of fettucini. 3. Ravioli: 3.5/5, terrific sauce, delicious raviolis, cooked thoroughly. Didn't particularly like seeing the sauce clump up, probably due to the slow service. 4. Spaghetti & Meatballs: 3/5, pretty standard stuff. Nothing I'd order if not for the buy 1 get 1 to take home deal. 5. Lasagna: 3.5/5, I'm sure it had partly to do with me microwaving this the next day, but seriously the layers tasted like dough. You'll probably want to eat this fresh in the restaurant. 6. Chocolate cake: 4/5, I'm a sucker for sweets. Even then, I had to split this baby up into 3 meals. I'm estimating one slice of this stuff to be about 10000000 calories. Yea, that sounds about right. All in all, worth a go. The price is so good that we'll probably go back for take-out next time, so as to skip on the service.
(3)Julie O.
For service - 5 stars. Great job, timing excellent, needs anticipated and met. Food is just fine, enjoyable, served at the right temperatures. Nothing too over the top, but the fall special - butternut squash ravioli - is delightful.
(5)Richie D.
Ahhh welcome to a perfect example of Chicago suburbia along with one of the hundreds of Lettuce Entertain You Inc restaurants. It's not quite a mirror image of Chicago's Little Italy (simply not possible for one restaurant alone), but it remains fairly solid restaurant chain. I went here for a birthday party and we got the Classic Family deal. You receive two choices of each of the following: 2 appetizers, 2 salads, 2 pasta dishes, 2 entrees and 2 desserts (plus the fresh complimentary bread and olive oil that you try not to fill up on). We recommend all the salad choices, stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers apps, vodka sauce gnocchi, Rigatoni D and Baked Ziti pastas, and the Tiramisu cake. I don't think you can really go wrong with anything on their menu--they've got it all down when it comes to flavor. Expect to receive a huge amount of food that will cause guilt afterward when you feel like a blimp and become sick to your stomach thinking of all the people starving world-wide. They will give you the left-overs in boxes (phew!). For those who have dietary restrictions, they are super accommodating. We had 2 people who are allergic to wheat and the cook came out to discuss the options (which are corn based--I think it should be of rice but it's better than nothing). At this location, expect to wait even if you have a reservation (your whole party must be present to be sat).
(4)mike b.
Been here many times. Was just in with two large groups, one table great experience, other had snafu with delayed food orders (these things happen). Food is solid, stick to pasta dishes or fish over chicken. Aside from good food and great wine and cocktails, 5 stars is for the service and management, who recognized the problem and fixed it fast and professionally. Too many restaurants forget they're in the service business. We will come back again and again due to the way they treat their customers.
(5)Dennis S.
Big portions, nothing bad, nothing great. In Oakbrook Mall, this is a reasonable alternative for a nice meal. By no means is it a destination restaurant. But service is good, selection is huge, and portions are even bigger. Family-style food is an option, not a requirement. The Lettuce Entertain You chain knows what it is doing with its six Maggiano's Little Italy restaurants. I had the lasagna. It was excellent. Not unique, not memorable, just lasagna as it should be. My "cup" of soup was a bowl of soup, a meal in itself. I don't get impressed by volume as a restaurant's main feature, although that certainly is the trademark of Maggiano's. Would I go back - sure. Would I make an effort to go back - no way.
(3)Jordan U.
Was here recently for a Bat Mitzvah and it was awesome as usual. I love this place. They always do a great job, professional service, solid food and plenty of it! The banquet rooms they have in the back are great for mid-sized events and they have it down to a tee.
(4)Eric Y.
Of all the coincidences, we had two large group dinners on successive evenings at Maggiano's. Now I have eaten enough food to last the entire week! This place is a really safe bet for large group dining - there's plenty of variety, plenty of food, and the quality is good. The amount of food you get is pretty insane so be prepared to bring some home. My favorites are the Rigatoni D which is are thick pasta tubes with a creamy mushroom sauce, lots of mushrooms and chicken. The beef filet medallions are first-rate also. Their fried calamari is excellent. Tiramisu is really good too. The wine list offers a nice selection of Italian wines by the glass. Service is a bit slow but the waiters move fast.
(3)Patty H.
I have eaten here several times but yesterday the service was the best I have had yet. I apologize I cannot remember his name but he was wonderful. We went around 11. I love that they give you another meal to take home.
(4)Nils S.
Visited here the day after Christmas in a group of 6. The waitress was very friendly and attentive, anticipating the drink refills promptly. Ordered Fettucine Alfredo with a side Caesar salad. The salad was quite good, the pasta tasted okay (some of the noodles were a bit tough for my taste). An additional benefit of the pasta dishes is you get a second serving to go, so more value for your money. The restaurant is a bit difficult to find, since it faces the parking lot at Oakbrook, so not easy to get to if you're walking among the stores.
(3)Michelle K.
My boyfriend, our parents, and I met here last Saturday night for an early dinner. Frustrated by the full parking lot (well, it IS Oakbrook Mall) and confused by the bizarre restaurant layout (the entrance is actually toward the back of the restaurant...what?), we were hungry and ready to order wine and gorge on some overpriced pasta. After hearing that a few of us had never been to Maggiano's, our waiter came back with the chef to offer us a free appetizer of their zucchini fritti. It was soooo good. That put us in a good mood. We were also excited to hear about their deal where you could order one standard pasta dish for $13 (lasagna, baked ziti, ravioli, spaghetti, etc.) and get to take ANOTHER one home for free! Such a good deal. Everyone ordered off that menu, except me: I got the Lobster Fettuccine, which had big chunks of lobster, prosciutto, peapods, and artichoke hearts in a lobster cream sauce. Sounds awesome, right? This is a dish made out of everything I love, and yet it was...bland. I could swear I heard the "wah wahhhhh" of a sad trombone after taking the first bite. The pasta could have used more sauce - as it was, it was kind of dry. Maybe that was it. I added parmesan and pepper to jazz it up a little, which helped. Everyone else enjoyed their meals, though. For dessert, my boyfriend and I split the creme brulee (yum) and our parents split a piece of the toasted poundcake with ice cream, hot fudge, and fried bananas (tasty but rich). Our waiter also brought us some complimentary lemon cookies, which was very nice and unexpected. The service was really fantastic, but since my entree was less than fab, I'll have to give them three stars for now.
(3)L H.
I've been to Maggiano's only once, and can see that I can't add much more to the positive commentary that's already here. All I know is that Maggiano's was able to accommodate our large party of 17 (10 adults, 7 kids) with aplomb. I was famished when I arrived there, thinking, "We'll just see who can outlast who with these endless family style Italian meals." Well, Maggiano's outlasted my sizeable appetite. With a smile. The food was extremely good and desserts were fantastic. Service was very professional. All I have to compare this dining experience to is that it's like a more upscale Buca di Beppo. Anyway, I just found out that there's a Maggiano's close to me in San Jose, CA. I look forward to vistiing there and comparing experiences.
(4)Jeanne L.
Always liked this place. Our staple dish here is the Rigatoni D. The trick is that you have to keep folding and mixing and tossing the pasta into the sauce. As the dish cools, the sauce gets thicker, and coats everything better, and so it gets better as it goes. Second staple here is the tiramisu. BF has been to Italy and says Maggiano's tiramisu is the only one that can even compare to some tiramisu he ate at a restaurant in italy where an italian grandma makes it. But what can really compare to that? Recently I had a frozen peach bellini here b/c it was blazingly hot outside and I wanted something cold; a soda just wouldn't do it. IT WAS REALLY GOOD! I'd get it again :). Service is always great, and their coffee is pretty good too. Kitchen closes at 10pm I believe.
(4)Nicole L.
Wow, two Italian restaurants in the same week... I think hell has just frozen over! As mentioned in my previous review, I'm not big on Italian food, so Maggiano's has never been a restaurant I think of when wanting to dine out. However, my hubby had a gift card, and his daughter loves Italian food, so we found ourselves there today for lunch. I wasn't really looking forward to it, but I ended up pleasantly surprised by the food. We all took advantage of the classic pastas portion of the menu where you choose two pastas - one to eat immediately and the other to take home - for $12.95. I got the gnocchi in tomato vodka sauce which was great. It's been years since I've had good gnocchi, and I can't seem to make it right myself, so it was nice. I also got the baked ziti but I was too full to even eat dinner (and didn't even finish my gnocchi, so that's in the fridge too as I write this), so I can't comment on it yet. The service was good, which coupled with the food, will increase the likelihood that I'll be returning before another 5 years has passed (seriously, it's been at least that long since I last ate at a Maggiano's).
(4)Abbi F.
The spare rib cannelloni is TO DIE FOR! I mean...the actual food is delicious, but it's prepared so very well, that I could just sop up the juices in bread & eat that all day & be perfectly happy!!! On the down side, long wait (even for take-out...but the food is darn good) and awfully crowded.
(4)Michelle I.
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I go to Maggiano's only if I have to. Both times I've been to one, they both have been in the Chicago area, for work meetings. I have yet to go to the one that is actually in the same state as me. Because of the circumstances, I can't speak for the regular menu but the food provided for within the meeting facilities was a-ok. Yay for the sandwiches, I especially liked the mozzarella sandwich. The salads were decent, pretty much your typical caesar or house salad. The orzo salad was a bit funky....it definitely got a big 'skip' from me. Yummy tomato basil soup. Nice fruit tray, plenty of pineapple to up my Vitamin C level. Dessert left something to be desired, we were served these chocolate fudge bars with some type of weird consistency....meh, another skipped item. The actual meeting facility is super nice, perfect for most events. Staff was cool. Ehhh, what else can you ask for when work is buying you lunch?
(3)Ali W.
My boo and I were in the hood checking out our wedding venue so we decided to walk around the mall and grab some info on rehearsal dinner venues. So the man got hungry and we stopped into Maggianos. I just have to say that the entrance is a little misleading- its weird because if you go through the banquet doors you end up in the back of the restaurant...you're suppose to go through corner bakery. (shrugs) Overall the food was just alright, but the service was amazing! The manager guy kept checking in on us because we had requested info on the banquet area and our sever, Randall, was amazing! Definitely one of the best waitresses I have ever had. Our water was never empty and our bread basket was always full! wahoo! Five stars for her! I got the baked ziti which was pretty good, but i wish instead of sausage there was something like mushrooms or spinach, but i mean...i don't know if i can make that request- i guess next time I'll have to ask. The man got lasagna and because we ordered in the special section we got to take an order home! I got the angel hair, but haven't had it yet. I hope it is not salty like the gnoochi i took home from the one downtown! yikes!
(4)Jonathon H.
Solid food, nice atmosphere, good value. They're always really nice to the kids. I can always count on a good meal, and the second dish of pasta to take home makes this a really good value. We go once every six weeks or so. Fine dining? Nope. But reliably good. Only complaint is that service, while typically nice, can be slow.
(4)K B.
We went to Maggiano's for New Years Eve and the food was wonderful! The pasta was plentiful and the best I have tasted in years at any restaurant! The take home dish was also an added welcome. I didn't feel rushed at all throughout the dinner, and the atmosphere was family oriented for New Years Eve. It was a great choice.
(5)Mike K.
Ironically, I've been to the Skokie location of Maggiano's a few times and now the Oak Brook location once but never the River North location less than 10 minutes away from me. We showed up for a 5:30 reservation for 12. The restaurant was packed to the rafters when we walked in. I felt like I was in Florida. Why are these people eating so early? Half of the table opted for one of the family style options, while the other half ordered individual meals. The appetizers I ate were the bruschetta and the onion strings. The bruschetta was a bit oily and sopped into the bread, but I still found it very tasty. I always love when bruschetta comes with fresh shaved mozzarella, as this did. The onion strings were also very good. They are, of course, deep fried, but they were kind of light. I was going to order a "Maggiano's Salad," but the waiter told me the side salad would suffice. He was correct. The side salad is very generous. Most salads are just not worth having. This particular salad was excellent, probably because of all the fattening toppings. You have to cancel out the benefits of a salad to make it worth eating. For the main course, I ordered the gnocchi with vodka sauce to continue to adhere to one tiny part of my Catholicism. It was pretty good but not the best vodka sauce I've ever had. I've still not tasted a better vodka sauce than at Rosebud, with Orso's getting an honorable mention. Frankly, some of the better vodka sauces at Jewel trump what I've tasted at area restaurants. The gnocchi itself was nicely done. Anything made of potatoes is golden in my book. Service here was top notch. Surprisingly, they broke out about six different bills and got them all right. That takes some doing. It probably helped that nobody was pounding too many Peronis. Four stars. I'll have to fight the tourists and check out the River North location some day.
(4)James R.
My wife and I both had one of their specials. Mine was chicken and sausage, and hers was chicken and shrimp. Hers was with noodles while mine was cooked with very tasty potatoes and onions. The only problem was that these 2 dishes were seasonal, so I am not sure how long they will have them. They do have some fine choices which I would like to try but will also watch their specials. Their Caesar salad was excellent not drowned in dressing. Service was good, and my wife and I plan on coming back.
(4)Cristina T.
Attended a bridal shower here last weekend and everything was fantastic! Service was prompt, food and drinks were always refilled and everyone had a great time. My food favorites were the gnocchi with sausage and a type of breaded chicken we had. For dessert I thought the tiramisu was light and perfectly sweet. The profiteroles were great too. If I was to ever have an event to plan I will definitely have it at Maggiano's!
(5)Jean M.
Family style dinner at Maggianos is fabulous. Haven't been to Maggianos in a while, but they never fail to deliver great food. I could have feasted on the calamari alone and been happy.
(5)J Mae S.
I visit Maggiano's perhaps 1 or 2 times a year. The purpose of today's visit was to celebrate my birthday with my parents. I am not a food connoisseur, however. If the food tastes good, it tastes good. I ordered baked rigatoni pomodoro, while my parents ordered mom's lasagna and spaghetti (with meatball). As starters, we had the caesar salad and stuffed mushrooms. We enjoyed the food and there were no complaints. Upon arriving, my father asked if they do anything special for birthdays, since it was my birthday. The server said yes, they do. However, she hardly checked on us during our meal and of course, did forget about my birthday. We've definitely had more attentive and friendly servers at this location in the past. (If ours had shown more personality or interest in not just us, but the other patrons, I would have spoken up.) Happy birthday to me. I will definitely be back, but not for my birthday (those come around only once a year!)
(4)Curtis C.
Lots of food... ok food... crowded... It really is a place to share your food. I wouldnt say it blows your socks off but its decent. I would definitly go somewhere else if im not starving or feeding a family of 20 starving italian kids...
(3)Felicia V.
I think what I loved most about this place was the ambiance: low-lighting, dark wood floors and tables, super classy banquet room. Not bad for a restaurant in a strip mall. The food was good, not amazing, but good. Pretty standard chain restaurant Italian food. You can get another serving of your entree for free if you ask!
(3)Ruby P.
I had pasta of course it was good as this is from a pasta lover. Then I happen to have a drink called the Frozen Peach Bellini....If you like sweet drinks then THIS IS TO DIE FOR. Absolutely scrumptious. I usually do not even like peach but it was not too sweet and the peach was not too overpowering.
(4)Dino M.
Ok food. Has gone straight down hill since it was sold. Half he portions it used to be and higher cost. To bad, we used to love it there.
(2)Lisa B.
This review is for their Banquet service, which we used for the kid's Bar Mitzvah lunch. One big plus was that they charge a lower price for kids age 5-12, even though they got the exact same food. For our Saturday "classic family-style" luncheon the charge was $24.95 per adult and $14.95 per kid. This gave everyone two appetizers, two salads, two pastas, two entrees and two desserts. It was served family style so people could take one, both, or neither of each course. Even with our restrictions (no pork, no shellfish, no nuts) we were able to choose many yummy dishes, and nobody went home hungry. Our Banquet manager, Valerie Principe-Klump, was so helpful, and the service was great. I really liked that the room, linens, centerpieces, display tables, audio-visual, EVERYTHING, was included in the price. Being nickel-and-dimed will piss me off real fast.
(5)Pattie S.
Let me preface and say that i've been to a Maggianos before, in Las Vegas, and it was excellent. Food was great, and they even had someone playing accordian. Because of this experience, i was excited to go to Maggianos again. I came here with my boyfriend on a Saturday. We had reservations at 4:30 and were seated promptly. We ordered our drinks and an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms, and our entrees of chicken parmesan, all at the same time. The stuffed mushrooms came within 10 minutes and they were amazingly good--this was the only good thing about our experience. After we ate the mushrooms, we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more for our entrees to come. We waited some more, and after about 40 minutes of waiting, our entrees finally came. Even worse, is that they came to us warm, not hot. By the time i finished eating, the spaghetti i was eating was cold. The dinner itself was extremely disappointing. What's worse is through our entire dining experience, we only got 1 refill, even though our glass was empty. Our waiter, who mumbled through everything, only checked on us a few times. I was extremely disappointed with my dining experience here. It seemed as if everyone seated around us was complaining about the service here. Maybe Maggianos was just having an off day, but I will not be returning. I would rather go to the Olive Garden or Bucca Di Beppo.
(1)Julie P.
This review is of their Banquet Service though I have been here for regular meals often & was always impressed. One word: Amazing! My sister had her wedding reception here & I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone with nothing but highest regards. When we came to look at the restaurant, she was still looking for a venue. We were blown away. The staff took their time to show us around, give us information & make sure our questions were answered even though we did not call ahead. We just popped in for lunch. The space was gorgeous. It did not feel like any old banquet room. Huge wooden bars & wood panel walls made for a stunning backdrop for a wedding day. The tasting sent the bride and groom home with enough leftovers to share with the family to make a dinner. How do you choose between so many amazing dishes? The wedding day was simply beautiful. The staff went above and beyond every moment. They took time to learn the names of the bride and groom & the parents and treated everyone like royalty. The food came out for all tables at the same time. You didn't have the problem where one table was finishing desert while one table was just getting salad. Service was attentive & top notch. Your glass was never empty, but you never felt smothered either. A perfect showcase of transparent service paired beautifully with amazing food and drinks. The food! This was the most reasonably priced wedding package out of every venue they considered, though you would never know it. People are still talking about the food months later. Not only did they send us home with 17 pans of left overs, the food the day of was amazing. Portobello Mushroom Ravioli is still my favorite! We were served family style, and the bowls were truly bottomless! You wanted to keep eating because it was so good! This was not your typical tasteless, dried out, plated, banquet hall dinner. The bar service was amazing, too. The drinks were poured as they should be, and not so the restaurant would make a profit by over or under pouring the drinks. Top notch all around & highly recommended!
(5)Sandra M.
Food is always delish! We usually go to another location to eat but decided on Oakbrook because of the location of parties invited. Made reservations well in advance and when we got there the restaurant was not as full as it can be, however they gave us a horrible small table for 6 right next to a noisy drink station. Too much traffic and noise to enjoy the company. We had 2 servers and they got our order incorrect so had to send food back. We ordered one of the classic pastas which meant we could take an additional meal home and they got that wrong too. Also the waiter needs to pay attention to the drink levels for all parties. He only asked the 2 sitting at the end of the table if they wanted refills and then when he came back I had to ask for a couple more and then he only brought 1 back and then he seemed bothered by the 3rd request for a refill. We will continue to go to Maggianos but will avoid the Oakbrook location. Naperville location just another 10-15 miles west and service and parking much better .
(3)Miguel R.
I love me some italian food. I haven't had it in a while, but man is chicken parmesian my favorite. I got a Lettuce Entertain You gift card from someone, and I had no idea where to spend it - then I thought.... "Hey you like good food" so as it were I was in Oak Brook, and like a sign from above - that's where we both saw and wanted to go. Good food, good prices, and the atmosphere was comfortable. It was a bit chilly out, and overcast, but there always time to enoy a nice lunch outside in the coming months - this was an indoor place....
(4)John O.
Full!!! I always eat to much when I go here. They have a lot to choose from and a lot of wine too. What makes it good here is that you get the quality and quantity. I've always left the restaurant with a full stomach and a doggy bag. Yes, pasta is cheap to produce but this place enhances it. Can be a long wait so make reservations or go early and belly up to the bar.
(4)Jessica D.
Makes you feel like you're in New York in the 30s-40s at a local (very large) italian establishment. Historical Italian-American decor of unknown families and folks make it homey, humongous portions make it a group or sharing environment. Delicious wines, menu, specials, and desserts -- although not necessarily authentic italian, very close. Bar gets crowded, and makes it hard to step to the restrooms.
(4)Brianna L.
I used to love maggianos till this past weekend..i was craving fried calamari..the wait was 1.5 hours good thing the bar is first come first serve we snagged one within 10 mins...the sangria was good, the frozen peach drink was even better..but the friend calamari left little to be desired..it wasn't crunchy at all :( boooooooooo to that!! and then we had another appetizer the spinach and artichoke dip..ehh it was kind of bland..wouldn't recommend either one to be honest with you
(3)Deborah W.
Overall this was kind of an average experience for dining out in Chicago and the surrounding area. The food was pretty decent but the service, unfortunately was terrible. My recommendation, stick to the chef section where they give you a second entree to take home - when I'm paying $14 for a huge spaghetti and a lasagna that together last me 4+ meals, I'm a whole lot less picky on the ambiance and service.
(3)Thomas L.
First off they lose a star for not serving Stella Artois in the proper glass. The food was tasty portions are twice as large so when you see the menu and question the price figure you are eating two meals. Honestly, looking at the people in there they are probably not taking too much home. + I had the beef medallions w/ portabella mushrooms ++ Mussels w/ white bean and sundried tomatoes were amazing +/ waiter was awkward at times making me think he was cognitively slow??? - My Stella was in the wrong glass - People watching was boring.
(4)sherry t.
Chef decided to stop by our table Wednesday evening and offered us free fried zucchini appetizer outta nowhere. Felt really special. Food is really affordable and delicious. Skip their bruschetta. Stuffed mushrooms is fantastic! Everything is in huge portions. Couldn't try much with just two people. Shrimp linguini was decent. I must return with more ppl to sample more food! Service was exceptional!!
(4)Cindy B.
We just had our wedding reception at the Oak Brook location this past April, and it was the best decision we could have made for our wedding venue. Dar was our coordinator at Maggiano's, and could not have done a better job with her team. At weddings, everyone remembers the food, drinks and music, and Maggiano's topped the cake with the food, drinks and their wonderful customer service. From the appetizers, to all of the courses and the sweet table. Everything received an A++. We had a special request to have a traditional drink available, and they let us bring it in to have available at the bar for our guests. They catered to all of our personal touches that we wanted to have happen. They did a great job working with all of our vendors--florist, DJ, Acoustic set, bakery and Shutterbooth on getting them set up. Thank you Maggiano's Oak Brook Staff for making our wedding a truly stellar and unforgettable evening for us and our guests!
(5)Foster R.
Maggiano's is pretty good, I usually play it safe and order something like spaghetti, chicken parmesan, etc. I recently tried the beef canneloni, and it wasn't bad at all. Their caesar salads are very delicious. I've been to maggiano's a few times and haven't been disappointed yet. The ambience is classy and laid back, which keeps me coming back. I recommend them if you want some good Italian food.
(4)Mark P.
Maggiano's is one of my favorite dining experiences. That fact is due to the service, quality of food (both in house, and in your own house), portion sizes are enough to enjoy for more than one meal, and the price is not overwhelming either. I enjoy their menu starting with appetizers through the main entree. I can't remark on their deserts, as I have never been able to get that far due to being thoroughly satisfied before reaching that attraction. Their calamari, and stuffed mushrooms are simply amazing. The house "Maggiano's Salad" has a superb dressing (that we make sure to receive extra of for the remaining salad we take home with us, since we make sure by ordering the large one for just that reason). The olive oil, fresh bread, butter, and Parmesan cheese is another treat that is not to be missed while awaiting the main entree as well. When it comes to the main meal, I would highly recommend their Grilled Salmon Lemon and Herb! This is what I usually order, and have NEVER had it served to where the first taste does not remind me why I LOVE it so! Another appreciative dish is their Fettuccine Alfredo, again a very appealing dining experience. The staff has always been very top notch, and attentive. If you are looking for a refill for your beverage, you will not be looking for very long. I again can not recommend this place enough! I would give it the full five stars, but I myself don't believe anything on this planet can be absolutely perfect. One of the only downfalls might be an occasional wait time for a table. However, it is a very decent place to eat, and many others are aware of that fact. The wait time for a table can be eased within the full service bar area, which is located just to the side of the dining areas. At times this space can be a bit crowded, but the tasty selection of thirst quenching options can help subside any pains from your wait for a table. They do take reservations, but only for larger party sizes. Special functions can be accommodated in other seating/dining areas as well. A limited outside sidewalk cafe type of seating option is also available during nice weather as well. The only other item that steers this place away from perfection would be the parking situation (since it shares a parking arrangement with the shopping mall). This is not something I would usually complain about except that the handicapped parking slots are located a bit further from the door than appreciated. They do have valet parking, and it is for some reason located closer. Still, I have rarely had a problem finding a manageable place which is not too far away to reach the entrance. One final note of appreciation is their carry-out option is ALWAYS accurate each time we choose that route, and the packaging style they utilize allows us to travel the (longer than normal) distance for carry-out, and still maintain a hot meal upon arrival to our eating destination. A well deserved four star recommendation I eagerly give! Job well done Maggiano's!!!
(4)Sherah B.
This is a pretty good chain restaurant. I went here during a work conference and was pleased. My coworkers (3 of them) all got something off the children's menu (mac & cheese) and the portions were HUGE! Maybe this is why so many kids are fat? Anyway, the food is pretty good, but it's a chain. It won't blow you out of the water. Good location though, too.
(3)Anastasia K.
After quite a while suffering from poor service by the wait staff (NOT the bussers), Maggiano's Oak Brook is finally coming back around. I've never had a bad meal here, but the service has been questionable. I'm glad to report that things have taken a turn for the better! I recently had my graduation party here, and the banquet service and food was simply astounding! My guests couldn't stop RAVING about the food and super helpful staff! You pretty much can't miss on a meal here unless you have lived in Italy and have super high expectations. The kitchen is willing to meet you on all your special requests and the staff goes out of their way to correct your plate if something is off. They do offer a separate carryout option, but honestly, the food isn't so great once you get it home. I'm sure it has something to do with the plastic containers they use which smell like a hospital (blech). If you can score a table (reservations HIGHLY recommended - use OpenTable.com's mobile website!), have a seat and enjoy the music, the food and the company!
(4)Misse D.
I hate Maggiano's. Well, then, why did I come here to eat? I was on a business lunch and did not make the reservation. As someone that lived in Italy, I am horrified at the food that they try to pass as Italian. It's simply NOT Italian food. It's very heavy, mediocre pasta. Blech.
(1)Tim Y.
I've been to Maggiano's numerous times. This experience was like every other -- very good. All the food served was hot, tasty, and plentiful. Wait staff did an excellent job ensuring satisfaction while remaining relatively inconspicuous throughout the evening. Bathrooms were well-stocked and clean. The other two large groups were sufficiently firewalled from ours such that it didn't feel like we were crammed in a Chuck-e-Cheese with kids wandering through our space and vice versa.
(4)Jello M.
Ahhhh... How I love you, maggionos. Delicious food. and lots of it. I always order family style with a big group, and I'm never disssapointed. My go to appetizers are the deep fried zuccini, the bruchetta, and the calamari. The house salad is bacon and blue cheese, and instead of ordering two salads I order one and get another appatizer because yes, my awesome waiter let me do that. Pasta is whatever mood I'm in, they're all great. And the lemon cookies...they look so simple but they are so yummy...
(5)J C.
Great food. Price is what you expect for being in Oak Brook. Lost a star for our waitress not coming by often enough for drinks. Lost another for completely forgetting a refill on a drink and a refill on the coffee at the end.
(3)Kat D.
I've been to several Maggiano's (in a couple different states) but this one in particular far exceeded any experience I've had at this particular restaurant. What made me like it right off the bat was that it was open late on a Sunday night after my boyfriend and I had seen at play at Drury Lane. We were starving, and were thankfully seated immediately, and given bread to much on while we decided what we wanted. We put in an order of calamari and our dinner orders at the same time. About 20 minutes later, our dinners came out...though we had yet to receive our appetizer. Not wanting to send our dinners back to sit under the heat lamp while we waited for then ate our calamari, we decided to just have our dinners. My boyfriend had the crab cannelloni, which he said was very tasty, but very rich as it's served in an alfredo sauce. I had the shrimp linguini which was delicious, but I couldn't help making a mess as the sauce was a bit thinner than expected. During our meal, though, our server (who hadn't brought our meals out to us) came over with the calamari and, noticing her timing flaw, apologized profusely and offered to box it up for us, or to have it taken off the bill. We opted for the latter, as calamari tastes best when it's freshly cooked and wouldn't taste as good the next day. She said that would be no problem. Near the end of the meal, the manager came over and also apologized and then asked if he could make it up to us by giving us a free dessert. As I know no one who can turn down free tiramisu, no matter how full they are, we accepted his complimentary dessert and it came with a free coffee as well. And it was heavenly! Would have gladly paid for a dessert that delicious. Over all, the food was great, but I was most impressed by the staff. The mix up with the appetizers and meals was handled well and even though it would have been nice to have the calamari, we weren't upset about it, but we were still exceeded in being appeased with the free dessert and coffee. They definitely know how to keep their customers happy.
(4)Jen F.
Yes, chain restaurants do usually suck. Maggiano's, having started in good ole' Chi town, is a glaring exception. Maggiano's is a tried-and-true favorite. They serve huge family sized portions of pasta, which means you are definitely getting your money's worth (and likely some to take home). I can honestly say I have tried just about every single item on their menu. I've been coming here for about twenty years now. I've also tried most of their specials. I've rarely, if ever, been disappointed. P.S. They make a great steak. I looked into getting married here, as it was originally my top choice, but I ended up liking the banquet hall better someplace else. As far as wedding food goes, this place would offer the best--but the banquet itself is kind of dull. Everything is wood, wood, and more wood. Anytime a friend visits from out of town, I always take them to Maggiano's--gotta represent Chi-town's finest!
(5)Wayne B.
We love this restaurant. Best Italian ever. If you order from the traditional pasta menu (about 10 items), they give you an order to go as well at no charge!!!! We eat there every time we go to Chicago. Service has always been terrific. Last time we got a free dessert and free cappicino!
(5)Patricia K.
Maggianos is the same, basically anywhere you go. I have been to numerous and they all have the same great customer service and their food is delicious. I have to give a special shout-out to this location after their bartending staff made an extra effort on my behalf recently. I was giving the toast at one of my best friend's wedding when I did that required a bit of crowd involvement. To make a long story short, this was a surprise to the bride and groom, designed to embarrassment them (did they not think I'd live up to my roll? lol!) I needed a few non-wedding guests (strangers) to participate in the joke. During the cocktail hour, I asked the bartenders to pitch in -- and they happily complied! It really added to the bit and I was incredibly thankful for their willingness to participate.
(5)Debra A.
I agree with the previous reviewer, Candice G, about the Oak Brook location being much better than the Chicago and Woodfield locations. The service at Oakbrook is much better, and by better I mean they're friendlier, don't give preference to parties of 6 over parties of 2, they're quick to refill your plates if you dine family style and they always bring me another refill on my soda without me asking. Not to mention the food is outstanding. My favorite dishes: Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce, creme brulee, and Nana's poundcake. Whenever I place an order to go, they are very thorough and double check everything in front of me to make sure everything I ordered is in there. Everyone in take-out is friendly just like the wait staff in the dining room. Parking is usually hard to find anytime of the day, but valet will solve that problem.
(4)Minners N.
never never disappoints me- with it's food, service, or price. After exploring almost all the italian shops in little italy, Maggiano's ranks with the best of them. A few locations around the Chicago area and they are all great. Every dish I've tried here has been awesome from lobster ravioli, baked ziti, vodka gnocci to all the appetizers. I still don't have a favorite yet because I'm still trying to try everything off the huuge menu. Their complimentary bread and olive oil is awesome. Last time I was here, my husband and I had 3 baskets of bread. The bread is fresh and piping hot and very light. The olive oil is so sweet and flowery- sooo good. I wish I knew where to get it. Service has always been top-notch- never snooty or lazy. My glass is never near empty. I never have to ask the waiter for anything, my glass is always full and the bread is always refreshed. i love the service here. great date place or family meal or group gathering- the atmosphere is so versatile. warning- in my experience, the leftovers never taste as good as the original dish, which sucks cause the portion sizes are huge and i always have leftovers.
(5)Tom L.
I was here for my Brother and Sister-in-Law's wedding and it was a great night! Food was amazing, the DJ was good, the room was big enough for our large (amount) families and it was just an overall amazing experience. I'm glad they picked this place!
(5)Ray S.
Yes, I just gave them 5 stars. Why? Because I felt like it! The food is good, not the greatest Italian cuisine, but good enough to go back again and again. I mean it's a Lettuce Entertain you chain. Whatayawant from a chain place? But all in all a decent experience, the wait staff is always nice and knowledgeable and what I really like, the manager always pays us a visit. Not only does that tell me they are on top of things, they also appreciate our business. So if you're doing some shopping at the mall and have a taste for Italian, check them out. Nice group of folks!
(5)Kristina O.
Apparently the workers here hate me. The guy setting up our table w/ plates "accidently" smashed my wrist with the glass he was putting in front of me. Then the guy serving us water apparently didn't realize when you lean over with one pitcher, the other pitcher in your hand tilts as well.... this resulted in ice cold water being poured all over me and my purse. Then to top it all off, my pasta was served w/ at least one cup of pasta water..... yum? My mom was pretty bummed. Thanks for ruining my family lunch Maggiano's! 2 stars for the bread being warm and delicious.
(2)Pam K.
Stopped for lunch with my folks the other day. The three of us split two entree salads -- the chopped and one with chicken, apples, grapes, celery, etc. The salads were disappointing -- the portion was fine for us to share but there was nothing memorable about either one of them. The chopped salad didn't seem to have that many ingredients and the chicken/apple salad came with large chunks of chicken -- I don't think it was grilled or marinated because there wasn't much flavor to it. The waitress introduced herself then took our order. No smile, no small talk, didn't ask if we had questions about the menu, etc. Really got the impression she didn't enjoy her job. The experience was disappointing.
(3)Josue J.
food was great as usual, but the banquet service I recieved was horrible. They charged me twice as much as I was originally quoted, but they have a note in the contract, that says PRICE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Could not believe that this happened to me here.
(3)Melissa W.
AMAZING night at Maggianos! The wonderful experience started 3 weeks ago when I called to see if they could accommodate a family function since I was flying in from LA. Chris the mgr was super helpful and shared the great menu and offered to accommodate my guest with food allergies. We arrived to a crazy busy Saturday night but they had our table for 13 ready and we had Jeff as our server. The service was wonderful and the food was amazing and authentic. My brother in law is Italian and said it's just like mom makes. The food came out hot, large portions with unlimited refills and they let you take home the leftovers too! We left with 20 containers of food. The spinach salad was to die for and the rigatoni d is a must. We had the stuffed mushrooms and sausage and peppers along with tiramisu for dessert. The family loved the evening and I was overly impressed when the chef personally came out and talked to my guest who had the food allergies and accommodated all of her needs. I highly recommend Maggianos in Oak Brook!!
(5)A K.
Disgusting and unhygenic. We sat at the bar, the wine glass was sticky, dirty with food grease,finger and lip smudges. Saw the bar tender washing glasses in the most, unhygienic manner. Holding the stem he'd dip the glass in a basin of soapy water from there into a basin of water and them let them drip dry and put them back on the shelf to be used.He must have washed 50 glasses in the same water. Yuck. No wonder they were stained and smudged. After seeing that we he was splattering water all over the bar. We left and went to The clubhouse. Better service, food and cleanliness.
(1)Dave S.
I have been to several different Maggianos locations. I would have to say that this particular location is probably the busiest and has the longest wait. I personally DETEST waiting in an excessive line for anything so I don't get over here very often. Need i even mention that the portions will feed me for two meals and I always get my monies worth. ALWAYS! i am thinking that is the general consensus with this chain in general. I attended a private party here recently and i was impressed with the service, food and atmosphere. It was served family style and keeping with their tradition, the food was excellent and the portions were massive!
(4)Steve G.
The restaurant lost our ticket order so after we waited an hour, the chef came out and apologized and offered us free dessert (I don't know why they think this makes everything better) since we don't usually have dessert anyway. Its a great excuse for poor service. The food was OK the coffee was awful and we finished eating 1 1/2 hours later or so. We were visiting friends. We got seated next to the busy back area which I hate. We had to ask the waitress for our salads. They were very busy and basically I will not return because poor service is inexcusable. A friendly apology would be fine without the free dessert. Coffee was supposed to be fresh but it was awful. This is something customers don't like and won't come back to. Poor seating, poor service and poor quality of coffee (food was average). I am very happy that I can post this. Busy area but there are better restaurants in the area that have better everything. Too bad for us and our friends. Better luck next time. oh, well.
(2)Monika J.
Love it!!! For any celebration or just dining out it is to go for good Italian food.
(5)D A.
Stopped by tonight for a quick dinner after post Xmas shopping. They were super busy and we got lucky and got sat right away. Service was more than great, my drink was refilled faster than I've ever seen. Portions were larger than normal today (and I hate to say almost double the size of the take out I ordered from here the first Friday of this month). Anyways the 4 cheese ravioli was great, served hot and fast. Ceaser salad was good and the creamy potato soup was great. I ate too much bread and cheese.... Good meal, nothing special today but things were consistent and food was super hot, which helps on a cold day!
(5)Anita J.
I went to a banquet at Maggianos today in Oakbrook; I have a food allergy to gluten. They were notified ahead of time & evidently they weren't prepared. My waiter was also notified when I got there. Appetizers were served, I watched everyone serve themselves food & eat. Next salads were served & finally I received a salad! Now entrees were served & again I watched everyone serve themselves food, start eating & finally I received a bowl of pasta & 2 chicken breast. Sad to say my homemade pasta taste so much better, and I'm not a chef! The chicken was tasteless! Next desserts were served & this time I didn't receive ANYTHING! I asked my waiter for ice cream; I never received it! I asked a waitress for ice cream & was told my waiter needed to bring me a creme brûlée. He finally did, but doesn't creme brûlée have crispy brown sugar on top? My didn't! It was a custard pudding with a cut up strawberry on top. The bottom line is: THE SERVICE & FOOD SUCKED! If you want to watch people eat & feel as if your putting people out of their way go to MAGGIANOS!!! After telling my family about my horrible experience, none of us are interested in going there!!
(1)Laura K.
Loves me some LEYE!!!Loves me some carbs!! Dinner reservations at 6:30, party of 5:00. I decided on this restaurant because we were celebrating birthdays and this is a little more special than the Olive Garden right? The place was packed, as expected. We waited, smushed, in the bar/waiting area. The hostesses seemed rather crazed, which they should have hid a little better (no one's enjoys listening to you complaining). We were seated in the back, which was cozy. Our waiter, Matthew I believe, was not the best at all...more on that later. Food: Delicious!! Hot crusty bread with olive oil and cheese...YUM!! We had the Bruschetta and Maggiano's Salad as an appetizer. I would go there just for a big bowl of the salad!!! Romaine lettuce, crispy friend Prosciutto, red onion and house dressing. So effin good!!! Some of our main dishes included: baked ziti, eggplant Parmesan, lasagna, and some kinda of mushroom chicken pasta. Everyone loved their meal. Service: Lacking in all areas. Matthew our server introduced himself and gave us time to look at the menu for drinks...10 minutes later....brought us the specials menu saying he'd be right back to get our DRINKS....10 minutes later....."Why don't I go ahead and get your whole order with your drinks"...no, why don't you give us another 20 minutes.....We all go around ordering, got confused at times. Never asked anyone if we wanted the full or half size portions....said he "assumed" the half portion (FYI waiters...don't assume for your patrons). Rushed us through our orders and we had to catch him before he ran away to order our appetizers. Also, said to one of us "Gee, are you going to lick the plate clean"....RUDE. Maggiano's is always going to be busy and the servers and hostesses should be accustomed to that and prepared. I will go back because the food was excellent....hopefully I'll have a different waiter!
(4)Cee B.
Solid family food. I was there for a bridal shower and got to taste a few of their simple dishes. Meatball pasta was the best. chicken parmesan, chicken picatta, shrimp pasta was only ok (i think i made a better chicken picatta). Dessert was the highlight. Tiramisu was definitely above average and spunomi is A-OK. the bridal shower was well staffed. staff did a good job clearing plates and filling drinks.
(3)Mike M.
Great food - great atmosphere. Highly recommended! Can't go wrong when looking for Italian food.
(5)Amy T.
Craving for Italian? Then go to Maggiano's Little Italy! It's a great place for lunch, and/or dinner! If you go for dinner make sure you make a reservation because it can get pretty crowded! My overall rating: Service - Friendly staff. Fast Service. What more can you ask for? Food - AMAZING- pasta, salad, flatbread pizza, calarmari, etc ALL GOOD! Price- Pretty Pricey. But TOTALLY WORTH IT!
(5)liz s.
Ok, I went to a family event here- i know, it's awful, you don't choose that aspect of your life... I am giving it two stars, which is VERY VERY generous- because of the staff. They were friendly, obliging and helpful. I really was extremely impressed by them. the food was god awful. One of those, i know i'm getting fat by eating this, but i can't not eat it, because i would offend the fam... It is rainy out, sunday, and i am fatter, and not at all satisfied by my meal- Plus, i don't do well in the western suburbs and I got lost on the way there. When we left, I yelled for joy when I saw a city of Chicago sign. Oh it's good to be back-
(2)Ellen M.
Family-style Italian food. The huge dining room is hard to move about in, and the resulting din is not incredibly pleasant, but overall I like it better than the downtown location. Lots of rosemary and garlic. For a group of four, you will have a shopping bag or two of leftovers if you order four dishes. The portions are that big. Great place for small parties at a round table, larger meetings or corporate events, or wedding receptions. Good service. Get a reservation. 6/3/08 edit: things have changed - I like Clark/Grand better.
(3)Maria C.
Maggiano's has never been one of my favorites because I just can't deal with the size of their portions. The Ravioli (appetizer) comes with 6 squares so big they could work as the table cloth. We gave it a try this last time and went to the one at Oakbrook. The wait was bad but the ladies working the waiting list were acting as if this restaurant was located in the heart of Paris, with top notch food, with people who were killing each other to get a table. NOT. This is a restaurant in Skokie IL, people!!!! Definitely not worth the wait or the hassle. Let alone the hostess' attitude
(3)james b.
Beware of the new menu-- big changes We (my family) like Maggiano's. We've probably eaten there or carried out about 6 times per year for at least 10 years. One of our favorite features is the fact that portion sizes are huge and we get lots of leftovers for the following day's lunch (or sometimes another dinner). Most of the items have been available in large and small size; large is definitely a bargain. But I placed a carryout order last week and got a big surprise. Apparently the menu has been revised. No more large or small-- just one size, which seems smaller than the old small. Prices, however, seem to have gone up. The net effect is a big price increase. We placed our typical order for 6 people-- calamari, salad, two or three pastas, lasagna, and some chicken. Although the total was over $100, we barely had enough to feed everybody. The old menu would have given us tons of leftovers. I still like the food, but I doubt I'll carry out from there anymore.
(2)Jackie M.
ok i tried this in CHICACO but this place is every where. try it where its closest to ur city! Maggiano's Little Italy - OMG. The cab driver told us to go here and said it was a little family restaurant. Little did he know Maggiano's is all over the place. Man. I was so hungry everything we ordered was supppppperrrrrrrrrrrr good. In fact Maggiano's is THE best Italian Restauant I have ever had. We ordered... mussels with white bean tomato sauce- and that shit was off the chain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can drink the soup to the last drop. You can taste the wine and parsley and everything they put inside. That appetizer is a masterpeice. Veal Marsala - and lemme tell you nowhere else I've ever eaten even has this on the menu. It was the best. Very full of flavor and the mushrooms were great. Seafood Pasta w/ Red Sauce - Like I said everything was super good... They were not stingy at all... The seafood pasta had a little spicy kick to it which made it all the better. We also ordered side pasta's with our food and added meatballs and whatever we didn't finish we would take to go & we had food for days. Tirimisu is also good here... I stayed in a hotel that had a stove and was able to warm up all the foods right from the tin. Tasted great as left overs as well. Just like it was in the restaurant.
(4)T. R.
Always the best food, the best service, drinks - EVERYTHING! We love this Oak Brook Maggiano's more than any other. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable and the managers and wait staff will accommodate in any way they can. The wine list is great - the salad, all the pasta dishes and desserts - WONDERFUL!
(5)Michelle H.
A great place to go with a larger group of people. Their family style service lets everyone have something different to share. The quantities are humongous! But for some reason, the quality is not hampered by this fact. My personal favorite as an appetizer is the calamari ( They have rings here- I have an aversion to eating the whole squid, for some reason it reminds me of eating a deep fried Wacky Wall Walker.) it is very lightly breaded and very well seasoned. For it being so crowded, our service was still very attentive and polite. There was a mildly long wait for a table, it was worth the wait.
(4)Monte H.
I was there for a wedding reception, everything was great; parking sucks though so save yourself the hastle and pay the $4 for valet.
(4)Linda T.
I must give it 3 stars - not for the food, but for the service. The food is really good. Italian is my favorite, and this definitely serves it the way I like. The waiter probably only came to our table 4 times, max (including taking our order). We got everything else (napkins, drinks, etc.) and were tended to by the busboys. When it came time to tip, I didn't even want to give the waiter anything - the busboy totally deserved it more!
(3)samantha b.
I seriously LOVE Maggiano's and especially this location! The waiters are always attentive and I never feel like I've been forgotten. There is a ton of seating so there isn't TOO long of a wait, but on Fridays and Saturdays it can get crowded. The nice thing about this though is that they actually take reservations for 2 people, which I find uncommon with many restaurants. What I LOVE here is the Crispy Zucchini Fritte. They are fried PERFECTLY and the sauce they come with is super delish! If you are coming here for small portion sizes you are at the WRONG place! Their portions could feed a family of four with their pastas, which is AWESOME for leftovers if you are into that :) Overall I loooove coming here and I recommend this location to anyone!
(5)Jessica M.
I deciced to try this place out after a little shopping at Oak Brook. It was packed.. kind of reminded me of a high class olive garden. LOL The food was bland and MY CHICKEN WAS RAW. Long story short i sent it back because thats gross. They aplogized and were really nice about it and game me the dish on the house. But all in all i would prob.never come back here. I dont like chain resturants and i wasnt aware that this was one untill later but that would explain the food....
(2)Kathy F.
My wedding reception was kind of a blur and I think I had two bites of food! I was later assured by guests that the food was fabulous. A great place for a reception--especially if you are budget conscious. We had a morning wedding and a lunch reception here in 2008. Really lovely and everyone was pleasant and easy to work with, and I was the bride! A great experience!
(4)Eric H.
Running on reputation. (This review is specific to the Oak Brook IL location.) Even for a chain, this place used to be good. I had dinner there last night and I was less than pleased with the service and food was just ok. Hostesses: The hostess stand is located in an awkward location. It is hard to get to and tends to be overcrowded. When waiting for your seat you get bumped and jostled by people trying to put their names on the list and other people being herded to their tables. The phrase "log jam" comes to mind. There is no convenient place to sit or place your drinks when it is crowded. There is a bar adjacent to the hostess stand, but it was full and is probably not appropriate for families. (This was on a Monday which is typically not a busy day for restaurants. I would hate to see what this place is like on a Friday or Saturday.) During this recent visit, the hostesses had the air of superiority that you would expect from the matre'd at an upscale snooty French restaurant. No smiles or friendly greetings. You get the feeling that you are putting them out just being there. Even with having a reservation we ended up waiting for 25 minutes. After seeing several parties arriving later than us getting seated, I asked when we would be able to get a table. I was curtly informed that we had not notified them that our party had all arrived and that we were ready to be seated. We had; they just botched it. * PA System: The announcement system deserves a special mention. I could not help but imagine if they salvaged it from some drive-thru restaurant that was being demolished. Patrons get to experience a hostess pressing her mouth to the microphone and yelling "BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4! BLAH-BLAH PARTY OF 4!" The sound is as sweet as old A.M. radio with the volume turned all the way up to 11, blasting static throughout the restaurant. Bar: They have decent little bar that is suitable for a light meal or glass of wine when waiting for a table. Once I finally got the bartender's attention (he was very busy because all of the drinks in the restaurant are prepared here), I ordered a glass of wine--- the house Chianti. I asked if it was dry. In reply I got a quizzical look and then a tentative "yes." It wasn't. I am pretty sure that the bartender didn't understand the concept of 'dry' when referring to wine. Menu: Menu selection is what you would expect from an American-ized Italian restaurant (lots of pasta and red sauce). Price/Quality/Value: Four of us had eggplant Parmesan, bow tie pasta with red sauce, fettuccini Alfredo with broccoli, and grilled sea bass (evening's special). Our total bill without drinks (because we had ordered them at the bar) was $70, before tip. It was all pretty good quality. The one thing that Maggiano's is known for is large portions. We got plenty of food and enough for each of us to have another meal, or two. I had the fish and it was delicate, moist and flavorful. Waitress: Our waitress was prompt and attentive. She took our order and our food was delivered so quickly that I had to wonder how they could cook it so fast. That was impressive. I am guessing that it was less than 5 minutes from order to delivery. Fast! Busboys: Clearly, there was a goal to turn the tables quickly because our table was cleared before we could finish eating. Literally. My daughter still had the fork in her mouth when one of the super-efficient bus boys grabbed the plate and whisked it off to the kitchen, as we yelled "We'll take the rest to go!" Conclusion: If you are looking for big potions of overpriced pasta you cannot go wrong. The atmostphere is huried and the service is efficient. Having spent 7 years in the restaurant business, you learn certain thing just by observing. It is clear that this Maggiano's has crossed the line into "generate more profits" over "provide great food and service." Generally, this is a reflection of a managment that measures success by increased table-turns, average check, and post server sales average rather than satisfied customers. (I'll be back because my oldest daughter loves the Alfredo. )
(3)Kimberly J.
Had family style dinner here with family last week. The place was packed and food was great! I was impressed that despite being really busy the service was fast. The standout of the meal was their Beef Baciole (a great stand in for thier pot roast which is only served on Sunday). The only drawback to this place is the parking, but you can't fault a place for being popular and busy.
(5)Bridgette K.
The food is great generous portions. Great spiniach dip for an appetizar the baked ziti is great and fettucine is yummy. The waitstaff is great and their new lunch menu is awesome. Oh my god and their peach bellini is a great drink.
(5)Michelle I.
This is one of our favorites! We have never had a bad meal here! The only reason why I don't give it 5 stars is because the servers can be a little clueless at times. They really need some more coats racks around! We were seated at a booth and they table behind us had their coats thrown over the back of their booth and the hostess and server didn't even try to move them or suggest that the rude people move them so my husband could get comfortable. It was weird but what would you do?? My husband gets up 2 times and takes the coats and gently moves them on their side... so they move it back! RUDE! But other than that, everything else is great! I always get the Gnocchi w/Vodka sauce- YUM! Also, I never liked Neapolitan ice cream until I had it here! And trust me, it is big enough for a family! It's huge! Everything is huge here! You can have leftovers for 3 days and still have some left! They also have some great party rooms for larger family style dinners, great for throwing showers!
(4)Kris Z.
Everything here is absolutely delicious. Their salads - I had a special - mediterranean trout that was amazing. I could eat here once a week likely.
(5)Tammy W.
Restaurant was clean. Bathroom was very cold (dined on a subzero day.) Service was poor, while in the bathroom server moved all condiments were I was sitting. Ordered a class of wine and the glass it was served in was filthy! Food was okay. I had real high expectations especially since I was visiting the Oak Brook location. Service, quality and presentation was overall poor. If I want Italian, I'll stick with Barraco's in Evergreen.
(2)Jen C.
I LOVE Maggiano's EVERYWHERE! The Oak Brook one is also attached to the Corner Bakery. It's always busy...and they only take reservations for larger parties. So be prepared to wait for a couple of hours especially for dinner on the weekends. No matter what, the servers are usually very nice, friendly, and attentive. Everything I've ever eaten here has been delicious...even something as simple as spaghetti! Their appetizers are all scrumptious, like their mushroom ravioli and I don't even like to eat mushrooms! Their pastas are all beyond great...probably because they're so bad for you :P Salads are delicious. Steaks are great. I love their chicken parm! All the desserts I've had here have been delicious too! The best thing to do is to go here with at least four people and go family style so you can eat everything and get everything refilled! That is always my favorite thing to do here!
(5)Angela U.
Great restaurant, huge portions. Bring your appetite, and plan to take a dog bag, too.
(5)S S.
I've had food poisening from there twice. Just don't do it...
(1)Jennifer G.
Family menu is a great deal. Their salads are great and I love the mushroom ravioli with red sauce instead of the white sauce. Their calamari is always great - very tender. Not crazy about the chicken cacciatore, but I am the forgiving type.
(4)