Calo Ristorante

I don't understand how anyone could write a bad review on here about this place! The food was BETTER than we thought and the service was perfect. I ordered the filet mignon and when it came, it was a little undercooked, so I asked the waiter (Juan) to have it cooked a little more. He was more than happy to do so and he gave us such great service! The manager even came by to make sure we were enjoying our meal. I highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back!

Pros: Food and Service

Cons: None

Posted 07/29/08

Have been going here for 20+ years. New & trendy now, but it didn't compromise the food taste nor quality. We went here once or twice a week for lunch or had pizza on Saturday afternoons, Heck, we were the ones who invented the double stuff pizza. Ribs are the best in the city, even better than that place on Wells street!

Pros: atmosphere, the greatest wait staff that have been there for years- you know who you are

Cons: not a one!

Posted 02/15/08

OK - This was for delivery - I have never been to the restaurant - so maybe a great martini would make it 2 stars. I thought the food was pretty bad. The ribs were dry, cold and nothing to shout about. We only ate 1/2 and the rest were tossed. Chicken Marsala - awful - chicken breasts in some broth, no flavor. Pizza - it was ok - again - nothing great.
I am used to good food and eat out quite often. I used to order delivery a lot until I moved far north - I can't find any great restaurants with delivery up here!
And the guy that delivered it gave us attitude because he had to come up the stairs. Hey! that's why I'm paying a delivery fee and tipping you - to bring it to my door!!

I definitely won't order delivery from here again.

Cons: the food was just not good

Posted 12/18/07

I grew up with Calo when it was across the street serving up pizza to neighborhood families on Friday nights. My Uncle Will painted the murals in old Calo and would be very impressed to see the transformation it has made to its present glory. I am so relieved they did not cave to the north side trendiness of chrome/glass. I still sense the Anciene Regime. Glorrrious! The rich dark woods, Chicago brick, the art work, real class. My childhood favorite was Pollo Vesuvio and it stills reigns supreme. Chicken Vesuvio can only be had in Chicago and it has to be Calo. But feel free to try anything as their menu is authentic Italian and it is all heavenly. I am very picky about Italian menus because there is so much ersatz corporate tripe being pushed on unenlightened diners but Calo is still king of Clark Street. Bravo!! DD

Pros: Beautiful atmosphere, great authentic Italian menu, good wines.

Cons: natta

Posted 10/26/07

If people thought Calo went through a transformation in 2004 - wait til they go back there now! VERY Lincoln-parky - gone are the Mobster booths where all manner of things could be discussed in the darkly lit bar area. That being said - food is the same - although some influence from the bistro they had for a few years - GREAT for take out or delivery - its Italian Comfort food - lots of good red sauces and alfredo sauces - their seafood is average as is their beef - ribs are good and frighteningly so is their fried chicken! yes its a weekly special. they have a parking lot - which is good as Andersonville has EXPLODED as the place to dine - unbelieveable you have to wait for a table at Calo - but they have anchored the hood when it wasn't much - so good for them. Thin style pizza is good - but when they get busy they get a bit lazy in the making - Service is good and their pizza bread they serve as you wait is GREAT easy to fill up on. We order from there too much as the extra 20lbs can be blamed on them!

Posted 07/27/07

A pleasant restaurant, but vegetarians beware -- the restaurant includes meat in its sauces without announcing as much on the menu. Waiters also do not always know the ingredients of the entrees; one told me that the meat in my dish was cheese.

Pros: ambience

Cons: unannounced meat

Posted 05/08/06

If you like thin crust pizza, this is your place. The crust is thin and delicious with just the right amount of toppings. Highly Recommended!

Posted 02/15/06

I ordered the Zuppe de Pesce, described as a "seafood soup" on the menu at market price. The waitress failed to mention it literally served 4, each in my party of four ordered his own entree. It was ok, the seafood was overcooked. The bill comes and I could not believe my eyes when I saw $59.99 for this entree alone!! Are they kidding.
Never again!

Posted 07/07/05

We recently made our first visit to Calo since it's dreaded "make over", and we were very disappointed with its new look. It's too bright, too busy, and too Lincoln Park. There were actually people waiting to be seated! Calo's new-found popularity is clearly based on its new facade. However, unfortunately for those of us who have been dining here for years, it's popularity will likely be maintained when these new comers realize that the food, service, and price are great! We miss the smokey bar, we miss the dark red booths, and it will be a sad, sad day when my name is put on a wait list at Calo!

Pros: octopus, pizza, free parking

Cons: , new look

Posted 10/05/04

My husband and I have been coming to Calo for years. We first started coming when we returned to our old Andersonville neighborhood from California and several years later we have relocated to Texas and Calo is the first Chicago restaurant we return to when we visit. We love the pizza!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: We love the food and the ambience too.

Cons: None that we know of

Posted 09/15/04

Calo, Calo, Calo...what are you Finestra de Calo or Calo Ristorante? An old favorite that I've been going to since I was a kid is getting on the New Andersonville band wagon in a HUGE way. I hope you don't change so much that I don't recognize you. The Italian's delicious, the ribs are delicious but I went there for the dark, smoky, atmosphere. Now they're opening up the windows and letting the sun in and I'm not sure what's going to happen, maybe you're already done as I haven't been there for awhile. But I sure can't blame you, you'd be crazy to pass that train up. Although please TRY not to raise the prices to a totally ridiculous amount, for my sake.

Pros: dim lit & comfortable, great food, good wait staff

Posted 08/15/04

It's very dark in here. This place has the perfect balance of value and taste. They're not going to knock your socks off with some crazy dish. Go to Finestra di Calo next door if you want awesome. This is traditional Italian food with a great price tag. The real reason I keep coming back for more is because they deliver until some ungodly hour. (And please don't break my kneecaps, because I love your food. What the editorial review says is true. You totally expect to see some Mafiosi having dinner in here.)

Pros: food, hours, price

Cons: pizza kinda weak

Posted 12/14/03

My wife and I was visiting Chicago and was passing Calo Ristorante on Clark. We stopped and had dinner. We had a special for the day. Fettucini Con Cappesante Allo Zafferano, Pan seared scallops, spinach & cherry tomatoes in a cream saffron sauce served over fettuccine. It was excellent. The scallops were tender and great taste. The cream saffron sauce was light and great flavor. The fettuccine was cooked just right. It was not soft and mushy but firm and done. I highly recommend the restaurant and will be returning when I am back in the area.

Jerry O'Donley, Paducah, KY

Pros: Inexpensive, Great food, Good Service

Cons: Parked on street

Posted 12/10/03