Vivo

I have always enjoyed hitting this unique spot in the west loop for a great meal and a great time. The service is not stuffy and the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. I have had the same server a few times and he always remember waiting on me and what wine I usually order. The most recent time I was there we got him again and he came up to the table and told us they were actually out of the wine I liked but he had already thought of some suggestions of different bottles I might enjoy just as much. He was right on, the new wine was fantastic. And I was pretty impressed by his ability to remember and offer something he knew we would enjoy.
There is always a long list of specials to choose from. I ordered a bone in stuffed veal chop that was delicious, and my date ordered the rigatoni pasta with peas and goat cheese, which the waiter said was one of his favorites.

If your looking for a very fine-dining, stuffy atmosphere, with robots as waiters, this is not the place for you. If you want to be in a fun and lively space with good food, service, and ambiance; then Vivo is the place.

They also recently opened the new lounge next door and had a DJ playing the Saturday night we were there. We sat in the lounge after our meal for a night cap and had a great time.

They are obviously still doing things right, since I was told they have been open for 17 years. I will definitely be returning again and again.

Pros: food, atmosphere, service

Cons: drinks tend to be a little pricey

Posted 11/29/08

I've been a restaurant owner in San Antonio, Texas for 15 years, so when I was in Chicago on business I decided to check out Vivo, based on a suggestion by a friend. For a busy Saturday night it was perfect! The service was impeccable. My server knew everything about ever bottle of wine on the list (I think he even mentioned he ordered the wine), and helped me pair with an excellent entree. I kept htinking to myself: "I wish I could find staff this knowledgable for my restaurants." After dinner me and my friends decided to check out the lounge for some more drinks. The atmosphere was great, the DJ played great music that fit the atmophere perfectly, and the bartenders were very friendly. Just when I thought to myself this place was perfect I noticed a very loud, older gentleman ordering the staff around. He was very angry and very bitter, and not to mention very intoxicated. Being in resaturants myself I assumed this clown was just some obnixious regular, so I asked the hostess, and she said: "Oh, thats the owner." I'm not sure if this man knows anything about running a restaurant, but that kind of image is really bad for business. ESPECIALLY if he's the owner! All in all Vivo is a great restaurant, and I would recommend it to anyone. I just hope the owner isn't there when they go.

Pros: Knowledgable staff, great food.

Posted 11/23/08

I took a friend to Vivo's for his birthday after telling him how many times over the past 10 years I had enjoyed the food and service -- what a mistake! I don't know what was going on with our server but she was rude and very curt. She seemed to be put out because we asked questions about the appetizers and wine. After our meal arrived, we were being rushed through our meaI which seemed odd because there were at least 5 vacant tables. I tried not to make a scene while there but the next day I called to speak to a manager and was told someone would call me back. No one did. I even gave the server's name plus I went to their website and wrote a long narrative about the problems we had but, no response! I have never been so ticked off and disappointed in a restaurant!

Posted 09/16/08

After reading some of the reviews about bad service, I was alittle worried when making the reservations. Turns out reservations weren't needed on a Sunday late afternoon. Perhaps thats why the service was impeccable, I don't know. After ordering drinks, my wife and I weren't ready to order meals just yet, so the waiter gave us an appropriate amount of time,before returning. The appetizer we shared, a soft cheese (sorry I can't remember the name) was infused with truffle oil, served over arugula with pieces of fig, pear,and other accompaniments, all with a reduced balsamic drizzled over it, well it was heavenly. I could have mad a main course of it, the variety of tastes and textures was scrumptious. Our main courses, mine an ahi tuna and my wifes the pasta with rapini, were very good, but not quite up to the appetizer. Dessert was a shared pistachio gelato with meringus chips that was delicious and quite a decent size. Service was very good; attentive, but not overbearing. We sat outside on a gorgeous September afternoon, that always helps the overall feeling one gets from a restaurant. All in all a great dining experience

Posted 09/11/08

ok - lets get real here. I actually grew up in the business, I own a fine dining establishment and I am embarrassed to write this but its all true and unfortunately deserving. The service is a C- AT BEST. The food is a solid C AT BEST. I did not have a reservation and my wife and I were seated in a second class table WITH THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT EMPTY AT 6PM ON SATURDAY. Maybe a few table outside and two tables inside were being used. I couldn't believe it. I laughed and asked the host, "are you kidding me" all these tables and you have us at a table without toom to place my silverware and a plate. This was a joke - they tried to make it better and failed miserably. It appears no one really cares there either. MY server was wearing converse all stars for God's sake. Is this slick or trendy? Bad service, totally not impressed with dinner either. I will give them this, they have a great look to the store. It's sharp on the inside only. I know I know you think I am critical because I am in the business. But this time I was ciritical as a regular customer. TREAT WALK INS WITH RESPECT AND THEY'LL RETURN NEXT TIME. As it stands now, I am never spending my night there again. We almost got up and left. Oh and my the way - the drinks ARE expensive and believe me they didn't give me a generous pour either. This was laughable on all counts. I won't mention my restaurant and appear to pander - but please please give other Chicago fine dining eaterys a chance. This one missed the mark BIG TIME.

Pros: Really sharp interior and easy parking

Cons: EVERYTHING ELSE - Food, Service, snobby attitude etc

Posted 08/24/08

I recently had a wonderful dinner just down the street from my doggie daycare and I really enjoyed it.
If your looking for a quite peaceful dinner this is not the place. Otherwise, BRAVO!

Pros: Good food and service

Cons: LOUD

Posted 06/25/08

Let me start off by saying that this place could be great. The atmosphere and the decor is awesome! The food is very good as well, but the service is below average for a Chicago restaurant. Especially at the prices they charge, which in my opinion is way too much! The drinks are very small and very expensive as well. That said, I just returned from Rome, and I have to say the gnocchi at Vivo was just as good as the gnocchi in Italy.
Funny story- A friend of mine whom I was dining with at Vivo asked about a dessert she had had there about a year ago that is no longer on the menu. The waiter said, "Oh, we can't make that anymore. The blender broke". Hmmmm. So she asks the manager. He says, "No, that is not true, I don't know what he is talking about!" He proceeds to get cozy with some MUCH younger girls at a table. Well, while we are sitting at the bar having an after dinner drink, the manager brings her the dessert she had asked about. Nice right? We thought so too until we see he charged us $15 for it! Needless to say, bad business move. I will not be going back.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Service, price

Posted 05/13/08

We were heading to Timo, another four lettered Italian restaurant in the Randolf street neighborhood, and we found that was out of business. So we headed down Randolf figuring with two of us on Friday night we might be able to visit Marche or Sushi Wabi there, but instead we popped into Vivo -give something new a try. And were we glad we did. I felt very comfotable there in the great atmosphere, we waited for a few minutes at the less-busy bar in back which was complete with its own sommelier, he picked out some winners in the wine department and was happy to let us taste before we comitted. He knew his wines. After just a few minutes we found a quiant little table next to the 'wall of wine' which needs no further explaination. I would recommend the lamb in the grape reduction sauce, it's really good. Our waiter had the one quality that most waiters neglect or sometimes take for granted in a place like this albeit a simple thing: he listened to us, and he understood what we were saying. So we tipped the hell out of him and drank a bunch and the bill still wasn't that bad!

Pros: We liked the service, food, and atmosphere, what else do you want?

Cons: While its a great value, I can't afford to go there every day.

Posted 04/03/08

Wow - a tremendous amount of hype but a much bigger let down.

I will admit the food was great but that's about it.

Service was H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E

Honestly, I got better service at Bar Louie - across the street.

What really gets me is that our group (4 women) politely - let me reiterate politely explained the multitude of service issues to the manager. The manager was very apologetic but never came back to our table. We waited 15 mintues and "poof" it was apparent this person was unable or unwilling to do anything so they decided to hide until we left.

I really feel bad for the Chef as the food was really good.

Pros: Food was great

Cons: S-E-R-V-I-C-E and M-A-N-A-G-E-M-E-N-T

Posted 03/04/08

Never go to this resturant on a Valentines Day. It is too noisy, to crowded, did they rent extra table to stuff us in like sardines? They also made it clear that they did not want you to linger over your meal to savory any romantic moment you could wring out of this disaster. The service was BAD and the food average. What is so hard about serving an appetizer first then a salad after when people want to share andd tell you? When asked our waiter said that is how they always did it, except for the table next to us. Once questioned it was down hill from there. To his credit he corrected it after asked but then showed up at the table only once after to give us the bill. Needless to say we will not go back nor should you.

Cons: service, food, value

Posted 02/13/08

Vivo has always been one of my favorite places to dine on the weekends. The atmosphere is lively and upbeat, the staff is friendly and always remembers what I like to order. Was surprised to read the last review,... Andrew K. has waited on me several times, and is always very pleasant, knowledgeable, and attentive. The food is always great and the wine selection changes quite frequently.

I recommend Vivo to anyone looking to have a great time, and a great meal!!

Posted 11/14/07

While the setting and food were noteworthy in a pleasant way, the service and experience left plenty to be desired. If you decide to try Vivo and are looking for good service, be sure to avoid Andrew K's section unless you wish to be treated as though you were in McDonalds. You might also ask the host to keep the rest of the service staff clear of your table until you are actually finished dining before they swipe your plate from you. It's a shame one should even have to consider making such requests to ensure a pleasant dining experience. There are plenty of other restaurants in Chicago where such requests are not needed!

Pros: Interior design, decent food

Cons: Andrew K's service, the table/bus service, overall attitude

Posted 09/11/07

Great date spot, great food. So relaxing, atmosphere is BEAUTIFUL! A little on the pricy side, the appetizers are big enough to order a few for a light dinner. Staff is making sure everyone is taken care of.

Pros: valet, food staff

Cons: seating, sometimes your at a table with people you dont know.....

Posted 08/07/07

Very pricey drinks and food. I didnt think it was great, especially b/c I got food bourne illness
The staff was friendly, surprisingly unpretentious.

Pros: Nice service

Cons: Expensive, food bourne illness

Posted 12/07/06

I tried this restaurant based on reviews I read here and elsewhere, and I must say I was gravely dissapointed. The food was mediocre and they put mushrooms in 90% of it. The staff was fine, the atomosphere and decor was great, but for the price, the food should have been better...

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Food

Posted 08/29/06

My husband and I decided to dine there this past Sunday afternoon. Because the weather was so beautiful we decided to dine outside. The service was excellent and food was relatively good. Half through our dining pleasure another couple sat down. The hostess appeared to know the couple and greetings indicated that they were good friends. The woman took out a cigarette and proceeded to smoke. The smoke began to bother me and my husband; therefore, my husband told her so. The woman said that maybe we shonuld move. Not once did the hostess say one word or offer to move the newly arrived couple. We appeared to be the villians. My husband and I decided to leave and not continue our dinner. We felt totally disrespected. The hostess was quite uncaring as to how we felt. She was more concerned with how her friends felt. There were empty tables around. Since they had just arrived and food not served, it seemed to us that this was the couple to be relocated. I certainly will not return to Vivo's although I have enjoyed dining there previously. I can only state my last encounter with anyone that I will relate if asked about this restuarant. I will tell them to dine there at there own risk. Smoking is totally acceptable for outside dining. So, take your chance if you want to dine outside. You might be seated next to a smoker and this smoker may be the friend of the hostess!!!

Pros: waiters for attentive

Cons: Disrecpectful hostess on 7/23/06--6:00 p.m.

Posted 07/22/06

I was blown away with the restaurant. I'm a frequent diner at the Cleveland location, and had high expectations for the Chicago restaurant. The service, food and wine all exceeded my expectations. Two thumbs up!

Pros: atmosphere, wine list

Posted 08/25/05

This place was disappointing. The food was mediocre at best. The service was terrible - we were told we could only sit at a certain table, but had to be gone within an hour for some unknown reason which was mumbled. Mumbling was common amongst the three different people who tended to our table. However, the entire restaurant was at that time empty - why not seat us elsewhere? In addition, they were slow and very unattentive. The wine was good, but outrageously priced, especially in comparison to the entree. Finally, everything was ala carte, which was odd, but did bump up the price considerably. I thought they tried to be more than they were by charging a premium price for an inferior product.

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Service, Food (taste), Service

Posted 08/16/05

Best beef carpaccio in town, one of the best gnocchi dishes- very rich, with truffles- you have to try it if you can handle a heavy dish. Delish! Very upbeat fun atmosphere - I'd go there on a date, with friends, or by myself and hang at the bar.

Pros: Great dishes, Happening atmosphere

Posted 12/17/04

Vivo has been around for 14 years, so you know it's always good. I lived in chicago 3 years ago and I used to frequently dine at Vivo. I recently moved back to the City and wanted to see if Vivo was still the great place that I used to visit. Indeed it has remained a fantastic restaurant, with incredible food, great service and fantastic wine.

Pros: ambiance, great food/wine, helpful service

Cons: , loud on weekends

Posted 12/06/04

We started with antipasto which was described as a selection of meats and cheeses.
What was delivered to us was a plate with six slices of salami, a slice of brie (!? how italian!) and a slice of parmagiano.
We each ordered veal for our entree. I had the lump of fat they have the nerve to call osso bucco. My dining companion had the stuffed veal chop which was quite obviously stuffed with non-Italian fontina cheese (I know this because Italian fontina does not taste like Wisconson cheddar.)
The waiter was a hipster doofus who when he wasn't being completely unattentive was completely unprofessional.
That said, the wine (which they had nothing to do with making) and the desserts were the only things worth paying for at this overpriced dump.

Pros: wine list, dessert

Posted 03/29/04

Vivo definitely has that romatic vibe... I was there with a few friends for a quiet Saturday night dinner. The waiter & staff was very kind & attentive. Food was great... i love their caprese (tomato, basil, & mozzarella apetizer) The black linguine w/ crabmeat was excellent. Overall, my experience was good. Make reservations first!!!

Pros: Good food, Romantic, Nice Ambience

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/14/03

I ate here several years ago, and am surprised to see that the overall rating on this site was only barely above a 7. My dining companion and I were impressed with the ambience, the attentive and professional service, and especially the food.

Posted 03/02/03

The service at Vivo was terrible. To start, we had a reservation, but had to wait at the bar while there were open tables available. The waiters were rude and constantly engaged in other conversations! We got a new waiter in the middle of our meal b/c our other waiter went to sit down at another table to talk. Our check was incorrect and took an incredible amount of time to change as the waiters ignored our table. The food was decent, but did not make up for the terrible experience and the mistreatment we received. Our seafood pasta did taste somewhat fishy and made me nervous to eat it. Some of the fish was also cold.

Posted 03/01/03

I went to Vivo for a private party. The bartenders worked very hard but ran out of popular alcohol. We were told we would get appetizers and a huge buffet. The appetizers were good but not enough for the 100+ people. The food was pasta and very dry chicken. We were disappointed with the quality and quantity of the food. Management was very rude and mean. My sister could not find her coat they were little help. I tried to help but I slipped on the stairs. Instead of seeing if I was okay (huge bruises and a large scratch) they kicked me and my fiance out. They also threatend to call the police if we did not leave. I tried to tell them we could not leave without my sister and her coat but they continued to be rude. I would never recommend booking a party at this place.

Posted 01/01/03