Carmine's

Walked in-hosts didn't even LOOK at us. We were in jeans(nice jeans) and had walked over from the very upscale hotel nearby in which we were staying-thought we would pop in to see if a table was available. Manager came out finally after we were ignored by hosts for 2 minutes(they weren't on phones!), I asked if we were dressed appropriately, he said of course. Hosts still didn't even look or acknowledge us even while seating us. Note to hosts-just because we aren't in our 'couture' attire at the time, doesn't mean we aren't well off and ready to spend a mint in your restaurant for good food! This almost overshadowed the fantastic food and wait staff, attentive but not intrusive. Food was EXCELLENT, hubby had pork chops, I had the cavetelli arrabiata-very nice and spicy-loved it! Almost a perfect dining experience.

Pros: Food was fantastic, very reasonably priced

Cons: Host staff was very unwelcoming

Posted 10/05/09

Had 1/2 Cesar and cheese ravioli. Got ill at 4AM.

Posted 07/12/09

Every time I am back in Chicago, I love to go to Carmines for the great food and atmosphere. This past Saturday was really disappointing!!!! We made a reservation for 8 people at 8:00PM several weeks ago. We arrived 10 minutes early, and were told we would be seated in 10-15 minutes. That came and went & every time we checked status up front, the hostess was very rude & said either "5 -to-10 minutes more' or 'i will find you when you table is ready". About ten "5-to-10 minutes" later, we were finally seated for our 8PM reservation at 8:50PM!!!! Seems to be some extremely poor management going on there these days; there were several people in the same situation. I am quite disappointed b/c I really loved this place & my linguini & clams was no where near as good as it has been in the past. Unless they can turn things around, I will have to find a new place to go back to when visiting good old Chiicago!!!

Cons: Not seating on time for your reservation; rude hostesses

Posted 06/20/09

I loved every minute at this place - until they walked us into the overflow seating in the "tent".

The time spent in the bar with the live music beforehand and the food itself made up for a very subpar dining atmosphere. If we'd been in the main restaurant, it would've been 5 stars and superb.

Pros: atmosphere, music, drinks, food

Cons: outdoor tent

Posted 06/12/09

We were in town for a Romantic weekend and we were finishing up some shopping when we decided to stop. It was the middle of the dinner rush and we lucked out and got their last walk-in table. We were seated upstairs and it was much more quiet. The atmosphere seemed pretty the standard and our server wasn't the most gifted guy in the world but he was attentive and polite. The bread was served promptly but I was initially put off with the bowl of parmesan cheeese (seemed cheap and cheezy). The cocktails were nice and strong and our appetizer was wonderful, we had the calamari. It was very fresh and not overcooked (unlike most places). The tomato and onion salad was really nice and there was plenty for the two of us and some for later too! We had the linguini with white clam sauce, which was amazing and the Torteloni Carbonara which was very rich and very good, although the peas were of a strangely crunchy consistency. When all things were said and done, we were way too full to even look at the desert menu. Every one was very polite, even the bathroom attendant but the hostesses were dressed like cheap prostitutes. We loved the food and had a really nice time, we will be making this a regular stop for us when staying in Chicago.

Pros: Wonderful Food

Cons: New meaning to Door *hore

Posted 09/02/08

I come to Chicago quite a bit on business, and decided to head to Carmine's on the advice of the concierge at my hotel. My friend and I arrived in that area and right away noticed we were sent to a tourist trap. That entire area is full of midwest tourists looking for a "night out" in Chicago. The service was absolutely laughable, the food was fair-to-poor, and the wine was old (and not in the good way). The men working there were all frat-boy dummies and the girls taking reservations looked like cheap HS cheerleaders. The waitstaff kept coming up to us, letting us know the bread was in the oven which was why we didn't get any when we sat down. When the bread finally did arrive, it was cold and hard. Very weird. The waitress, after taking our order said "Have a nice night!" and we never saw her again except to sprinkle cheap parm on my dish. I ate only a few bites but had to stop because the dish (Penne Bolognese) was just disgusting. The whole experience was rather commical to my friend and me - we just laughed it all off. Looking around, we were not surprised to see that the majority of people there looked like tourists. The restaurant tried to be "fancy" (I think?) but it was just an expensive, crappy tourist trap. If you have any taste, avoid this place.

Pros: Good outdoor seating

Cons: everything else

Posted 07/23/08

This is the place to be if you're injected with silicon and want to have a little fun with the 40 - 50 something men (sugar daddies). My date and I had dinner (we're both mid-20s) and while I enjoyed my meal ( the stuffed mushrooms are wonderful) I had no idea that the menu was the exact same as Rosebud on Rush. The local scene and the fact that my "homey Italian food" wasn't original was kind of a turn off. Go elsewhere if you can, but if you're in the area, it's nice for a laugh and a decent meal.

Pros: blondes with silicon flirting with 40 - 60 something men, nice outdoor setting, see and be seen crowd

Cons: all of the above

Posted 07/21/08

We were from out of town, from Nashville where we are used to going to many good upscale restaurants. We were seated quickly, but the downstairs was very crowded and noisy. I felt like the table next to us could hear our entire conversation. Our waiter was very prompt, but I felt like he was very disinterested in us and more interested in turning our table quickly. Our glasses were always full, the wine was great and the food was great, too. The only thing I felt was missing was the service piece. Our server was not bad, he just seeemed more concerned with getting us out quickly and upseling us on appetizers, wine, dessert, etc. The whole experience seemed very impersonal. But the food was very good and I enjoyed my meal very much. Just wish the servers could've been more personal and engaging.

Pros: good food, good wine

Cons: service was average, noisy in downstairs, tables were too close together

Posted 03/18/08

My husband and I visited Chicago for our 7 year wedding anniversary. The concierge at our hotel suggested, and then made a reservation for us at Carmine's. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed. As soon as we sat down at the table, our server was there to help us, and offered great suggestions to us. The food was amazing! Be sure to try the Pasta Fagoli, the best I have ever had! We ordered a bottle of champagne, and our glasses was never empty, our server was always there to refill our glasses. It was the best service I have ever received at a restaurant (and since I am a server, this is a top compliment!). Next time we visit Chicago, we will definitely return to Carmine's!

Pros: The food! The service! The whole experience!

Cons: None

Posted 02/24/08

i have always had a good time at this place. Large portions of great food. It has at great downtown atmosphere.

Posted 02/24/08

I stopped by here late night with a friend when we were craving steamed mussels. They were so good, we went back the next night. But they were out! I was destroyed and asked for the manager. Donny called a sister company and was actually going to get tmussels for us, but we decided to have the clams instead and they were just as good. Food, wine, atmosphere, friendly staff - all an A+. Thanks Donny for making the effort.

Pros: Friendly manager and wait staff, flexible menu

Cons: Pretty busy during the weekend evenings - need a reservation

Posted 12/17/07

Not able to rate the food as we never got that far. We had a reservation for 4 arrived ahead of reservation time...to an overly crowded reception area. The scene was out of control and the receptionists were harried. We were told to wait in the bar. 30 minutes past our reservation time we started asking 'how much longer" and were told a "little while", 45 minutes past our reservation time we were told that there were 3 other parties with 4people ahead of us and any walk in that had been waiting. At 60 minutes past our reservation we retrieved our coats and dined elsewhere. We will NEVER return! Our dollars will not be spent at an establishment that has such disregard for their customers.

Pros: Easy walk from the Drake Hotel

Cons: Total disregard for reservation time

Posted 12/09/07

I have eaten here twice and had a great meal both times. The bar (and the entire restaurant) can be loud and busy, but has good live music. One of the best shrimp cocktails I have ever had and I highly recommend any of the veal dishes.

Posted 07/21/07

Because of its bustling facade and even busier interior dining room, I expected to be very good, or at least decent at the very least. Instead I was very disappointed at my experience there, as I have tried most of the other Italian restaurants in the area, and this had one of the most popular names. I ordered the Parmesan Chicken entree which came with a side of pasta. It looked good, but it was very salty. In fact, it was so salty that I could not even taste the chicken. On the other hand, the pasta was so bland, I used it to offset the saltiness of my chicken, which I never finished. Hoping that maybe the dessert would make up for the dinner, we ordered cheesecake and tiramisu. It was good but nothing mind-blowing. It was a pretty disappointing experience.

Posted 05/23/07

This past weekend was St. Patrick's Day and I found myself in Chicago with two friends. After a long day and many miles of walking we found ourselves seeking a satisfying meal before we soaked in a few libations. We happened upon Carmine's. The building was inviting and good Italian, despite the holiday, seemed to be just what we needed. I had the basics. Spaghetti and meatballs with an antipasto salad. How would I describe it? Let me see. Perfect. I grew up in an Italian community and have longed for the food my friends' families would grace us with growing up. If you could see the size of my midsection, you would know that I know a little bit about good food. This is great food. The noodles were al dente. The sauce was not too sweet, not too carlicy and just the right hint of spice. The meatballs, they were the star - big, beautifully seasoned and perfectly cooked. The warm atmosphere and friendly staff completed the experience. I can tell you this. Whenever I am in downtown Chicago, I will be searching for an excuse to get to Carmine's. You should too.

Pros: Food, Ambience, Value

Cons: Parking? It's on Rush Street. Walk or take the bus.

Posted 03/18/07

For good eating, just go here. the food is always good and its very nice. always try to eat outdoors.

Pros: good everything

Cons: bad nothing

Posted 03/18/07

For our anniversary, my wife and I went to Carmine's for dinner. We had to wait an hour and a half after our reservation time to be seated. Luckily, we had read reviews that told us of this ahead of time, so we were all ready to take our time and have a few drinks at the bar. Once we were finally seated, we both found the food to be tasty and to be large and satisfactory portions. We also found the service to be very attentive, which made us feel better about the wait that we had endured. I would definitely recommend the restaurant but would make sure that people knew about the wait before they ventured there.

Pros: Location

Cons: Wait (even with reservations)

Posted 01/14/07

I made a reservation a week in advance for a party of nine for Christmas Eve. We arrived on time and waited 45 minutes to be seated in a room off the main dining room and next to the entrance to the Kitchen. The staff made no attempt to make ammends even when asked. The food was average at best; my pasta was served luke warm. They won't see my credit card again.

Pros: Location, can seat larger groups

Cons: Kept waiting for 45 minutes past reservation time

Posted 12/28/06

I moved to the city from the south suburbs and happen to be just a few blocks away from Carmines. Its all up to you...the food is fabulous and they serve huge portions. Many can be split between two of you. The restaurant is very noisy, very crowded and extremely smokey. If you don't mind the above mentioned, you will have an evening of some fabulous food. Despite the few negative, I keep going back for more!

Pros: great food

Cons: crowded, loud, smokey, drinks are average

Posted 11/15/06

The food was fair, drinks were watered..for the price..low value....but for some reason the place was packed. Maybe we just ordered the wrong food off the menu. The Pasta was average, have had as good in Olive Garden.
Long wait if you don't have reservations. One woman ate got up and walked out and proceeded to let go of her meal in the street in front of the place....nice atmosphere....made sure I didn't order the same thing. The front reservation cupie dolls were pretty stupid, could not figure out when we said three...we meant three not two....when it came time for our table, they seated us at a table for two...then to get one for three it was another 20 minutes after waiting 1 hour.....nice....there are better places....

Pros: crowded

Cons: crowded, long wait if no reservation, average at best pasta

Posted 07/13/06

What was supposed to be a special evening for my husband turned into a disaster at Carmines. Our waitress was overzealous with the olive oil on our bread plates. In addition, she read the daily specials with no enthusiasm. She carded us and then made a big scene in front of other patrons regarding the validity of our ids. The kicker...our drinks were incorrectly made. The food was cold and bland. The topping on the birthday cake was when the waitress forgot to put a candle in my husband's dessert, after I made arrangements for such a request...it was only his 30th birthday. Lastly, the Management refused to follow-up with my formal complainant...not even a letter back with an explaination or an apology. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!!!!!

Posted 12/28/05

I went to the restaurant not too long ago with a few friends. We were searching through the menu, and decided to order a bottle of wine. We showed our I.D.'s to the waiter, who then showed them to the manager, who told us all of our I.D.'s were fake. All of us were much older than 21, and we offered to show further verification of our age, but the manager refused, and so we left. DO NOT GO TO THIS RESTUARANT if you want to be treated fairly. By far the worst experience I've ever had at a restaurant. I urge all to skip this restaurant for fair service.

Posted 10/29/05

We waited a full hour even though we had reservations. No where to sit so we had to stand while waiting. Hostesses were beyond rude. Food was just OK.

Cons: crowded, long wait, expensive

Posted 10/10/05

What was supposed to be a special occasion turned out to be absolutely disappointing. Service was pretentious and food was barely edible. I was embarressed that I had brought my parents there. I don't know why so many people were there, but I will not be back!

Cons: Rude Service, Pretentious Help

Posted 09/04/05

Service was superb. Mushrooms to die for and recomended new york steak which I usally stick with filets and was blown away by the NY steak. Fun place and the next time I'm in town I will be back

Pros: service, food, setting

Cons: bread crust hard, no vinegar w oil, far from guest

Posted 07/06/05

Living only couple of blocks away from Carmine's it is great to know that we can always count on their quality food and service. The Rush street's scene is only the frosting on the cake.

Pros: Location, Huge portions

Cons: Minimal wine list

Posted 05/19/05

Carmine's in our eyes is really one of the greats!! We headed there for my husband's 30th and we were wined and dined like royalty!! The food is ALWAYS amazing with HUGE portions and the service was GREAT!!! The Caprese Salad and Stuffed Mushrooms are a MUST!!! Their pasta was fabulous and they will go out of their way to make your food made to order how you like it!!!!
The downstairs area is the place sit if you love to people watch - or sit outside if it is warm. Great location, great food and great service!!! THE place for anyone who wants to experience really great Italian food!! I give it a 10!!! This place never disappoints!!!

Pros: Fabulous food, GREAT service, The IN place

Posted 10/04/04

I recently hosted 10 of my friends at Carmine's for dinner. I chose this restaurant due to their detail-oriented staff and amazing service. The waitstaff continues to exceed my expectations each time I visit. It was if we were in a private dining room. The food is always great and offers something for everyone. Also, great outdoor dining in the summer. Great people watching in the summer.

Pros: service, food, location

Posted 05/21/04

Stopped in at Carmine's on a recent trip to Chicago. Had no problem getting a table for four on a Thursday at 9 PM. Great food (especially the veal) and okay service. My only gripes are that the portions are just TOO big, and that my waiter 'argued' about my wanting to refuse a bottle of wine that was obviously "corked".

Posted 09/23/02

Discovered 'Carmine's' when my daughter lived just a block away, and have made it a part of nearly every visit to Chicago since! No matter which restaurant we try, the top votes still go to 'Carmine's'! Even enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving Dinner there. The service is always superb, the atmosphere friendly & fun! Great bar to wait for your table - tho usually quick to seat. Have tried many items on menu - liked everything!
Highly recommended!

Posted 08/19/02

I LOVE carmines. I really enjoy eating there, the food is always something you can count on, as well as the atmosphere. I can truly say that this is one of my favorite restaurants. The portions are HUGE, the wait staff is amazing, and the bread is simply divine.

Posted 08/07/02

Seated quickly (and outside too!) and the portions were huge. Sausage and pepper appetizer was big enough for me and my friend to split, and we both eat like horses. My pasta dish was huge as well, and very good. I'd definitely go back.

Pros: Good portions, Outside seating

Cons: Cigar smokers outside, Cramped tables outsid

Posted 08/06/02

If you can charm the host and get a great table outside, your night is made! The servers are kind and patient...won't rush you if you want to sit and enjoy a few cocktails pre or post dinner. The food is great and frankly quite reasonable for the neighborhood. Try the meatballs!

Posted 07/29/02

It's my favorite, and I've been to the top-rated restaurants from Napa Valley-San Diego-New York City-Miami. Even waiting for a table is fun because of the "high energy" ambience. The food is delicious. (Jimmy Buffet was present the night I was there recently). I recommend the Sea Food Salad for something that you can't get anywhere else. It's definitely a "best" Chicago experience.

Pros: live entertainment, worth every cent, great date place

Posted 07/28/02

Carmine's is the best of the best in Chicago. The food is consistent, and spectacular. The ambiance is great, whether upstairs or down. I highly recommend downstairs for people watching and upstairs for more quiet dinners. Admitedly the wait-staff can be a bit unpredictable, the food is never less than excellent! And I have yet to meet a single waitperson at Carmine's that didn't come around after a few friendly words.

Pros: Ambiance, Food, Lively

Posted 06/17/02