Oh this place came through for us in the nick of time and on NEW YEARS EVE night! My husband and I were going to see a show at the Chicago Theater that evening and did not plan on having all major restaurants booked solid (DUMB of us I know!). Luckily, we were able to get super reasonably priced valet parking there for hours AND sit down for a decent meal. The bar area seating was all reserved for late night so we chanced it by standing by their bar. An absolutely wonderful bar tender asked if we were seeing a show and gave us a table given we'd have to leave before the reservation came--'twas PERFECT because we had our show to get to anyway. I ordered a regular burger with fries which was good while my husband got a delicious pasta dish (I ate a lot of his). We also had some sweet sorbet for dessert. Servers always asking how we were doing and fast. Overall, excellent experience! read more

We recently came to CHI to celebrate my wifes birthday. The highlight of the trip was to go to the CIBC and see Hamilton on a Saturday at 8pm. I chose this restaurant based on reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor, location and theater menu. Before getting into specifics, let me say that my wife was extremely pleased with my choice! We had a 6:15 reservation which required a short 10 minute Lyft ride from the embassy suites Downtown. We were promptly seated, the restaurant appeared to be 3/4 full at that time. They knew that we were on the theater schedule, so the service moved at a pace that was not to fast and not to slow. Much appreciated, because we were worried that it may be a long line at the play. The location we sat at was a row of two tops. My wife sat facing the room and I sat facing the mirrored wall. The mirror was great because I could see the room behind me without turning around. Staff - all were pleasant, helpful, efficient and were well dressed. Ambiance - I don't want to describe the place as being dark, but the mixture of the red and black colors and the candles on the tables was a nice affect. I wish that we would have noticed the outside seating but we saw it on the way out. It was a nice evening. Food - the food was fantastic! The portions were large....which is not normally a problem, except that we of course could not carry anything out because of the show plans. We both ordered the braised pot roast, tomato bisque and key lime pie. The bisque was a little on the sweet side but that's where any negatives stop. Would definitely return to try other dishes if ever in the city again. Wall decor - We loved that effect. My only negative is that there aren't any names on the drawings. I asked the hostess on the way out where was the Obama cartoon and nobody knew. She finally remembered that they do have a book behind the counter that tells where every character is. So yes, I eventually got my picture Location - was a nice 8 - 10 minute walk from the CIBC. I walk slow, and we were lucky that the rain had not shown up yet. Restrooms - they were clean and I would definitely recommend using them before going to the theaters. read more

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Came on a Friday night with 5 people and got in with no reservation - about 10 minutes. We ordered many apps: grilled calamari, shrimp, crab cake, stuffed mushrooms. The standouts were the crab cake and mushrooms, but really can't go wrong with any. Everyone seemed to enjoy their food. The fish of the day was cooked perfect. My uncle said the ravioli was the best he's had. The pot pie was ok...I've tried much better. It had a lot of chicken which was good but the sauce was a little too rich. The chicken parm was all eaten up by my Dad, he liked it but don't think it was the best he's had or anything. Ordered the pb cheesecake and mouse cake for dessert, also great. Overall, a good spot with good service in Chicago. Not a must go or anything, but surely an Italian meal that won't let down. read more

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Dined with 2 friends at Petterino's before the theater last night . Everything was amazing!!! Justin the manager was so helpful and accommodating! He made this visit receive a 5 star review! Louis our server was informative. The cocktails were delicious, I specifically had the Limoncello Martini, while my friends enjoyed the Sidecar. Calamari appitizer was fresh and crispy and both sauces tasty. The wedge salad was enough for the 3 of us to split and was one of the best I have ever ordered. We then split 2 entrees, the ravioli with meat sauce and the basic spaghetti and meatballs. Both we wonderful. Can't wait to comeback and explore the menu more! Could become one of our favorite pre-theater dining locations!!!! read more

I came alone and the server talked to me two times, to order and to pay. I ask to change meat in pasta and he told me that I can't do that. Also the prices for the food you get are to much high. Anyway im not coming here again. read more

Petterinos - Chicken piccata - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The food was very good and well priced even though we didn't have a reservation they're able to see my family at five fairly quickly

The good and atmosphere was beautiful! However the service was less than okay. We waited to be checked in on for an hour to even ask for the check. The couples around us all received great service by the same bartender's taking the tables next to ours but for some reason our table wasn't deemed valuable enough to give service too. read more

Popped in here quickly to escape the cold and grab a drink. We cozied up to the bar and got a drink (no straw, of course!!), and then quickly became peckish. The menu is enticing and varied, but we ended up each thinking calamari sounded good. We ordered that, and the server asked, "which one? The fried or the grilled?" We both glanced down at the menu again, and then, in comedic fashion, I said, "Oh, I didn't see there was a grilled option" at the EXACT same time that my girlfriend said, "Oh, I didn't see there was a fried option." The three of us laughed... and then we asked for the bartender's opinion. He started talking about some of the differences, and as soon as the adjective "spicier" passed his lips, that was it. Grilled it would be. Heavenly. That is all I need to say. A lovely combination of tangy and zesty flavors! read more

I stopped in here the other day for a quick early dinner. Excellent service, nice wine list. Love the atmosphere with classic chicago characters on the wall. Friendly, not hurried. Most importantly, though, the gnocci was without a doubt the best I have ever had in my life. Corn in my gnocci? Yes, sir may I have another! read more

Second time to Petterino's while in Chicago. 1st Time was lunch, this time dinner. I love the characterization all around and the character of this place. The bread and thin crackers on the table are so good. I don't really drink a lot of wine, and the wine I do drink is a sweet Moscato and I wanted some. They were out. So got a sparking Rose. Needed a good carb load so ordered the Pappardelle Bolognese with pork and sausage. The pasta was delicious, tender and cooked perfectly with great flavor. Sauce was great as well, very well seasoned and good. While the sausage was prominent in the sauce only had a small piece of pork. Which was good, just wish there was more. The bread was great to sop up some of the sauce. Portion was more than enough. Our service was very good as we had business convo that wasn't interrupted. More pork and have my wine and would have gotten more stars. Will not be disappointed if I have to come back for another meeting. read more

We've been going to Petterino's for many years. It's been the perfect spot before the theater in Chicago with great drinks and classic menu items that we loved. I was saddened to hear that post pandemic the restaurant has new owners and is no longer part of the Lettuce Entertain You group. Inside the restaurant is brighter but they have opted to no longer use the classic white tablecloths that used to cover the tables. We were still open to the new experience but unfortunately it fell way short. The menu is completely different - not one familiar thing remains and the the items we ordered were unfortunately not good. Our pasta was overdone and flavorless, the sauce on the chicken piccata was goopy. The delicious cocktails we used to enjoy were watered down. The restaurant was busy and is still a great location near the theater but I'm not sure we will be back. read more

Old school Chicago vibe. Our waitress was very polite. Staff brought out food and was hospitable. Long lineup for woman's bathroom. I asked for dressing on the side for salad but they forgot. It was ok. They are so busy. The menu on yelp wasn't the same as what they offered read more

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Fabulous experience dining with Justin and Eddie in the bar. Both went out of their way to make sure we had the best experience! Great food, wonderful drinks, even better hospitality! read more

Great dinner tonight with a couple of Chicago natives who are business associates. Two of us had the parmesan crusted white fish (price fixe) and one had the rigatoni. The fish came with tomato bisque soup and a dessert. Desserts we had were the Key Lime and the Lady Fingers .... both great. The rigatoni had freshly made sausage and tasted fabulous as well. Service was exceptional, we never had a plate needing to be pre-bussed and our drinks remained filled all night. Todd S. did a great job and knew the menu well. This is just a short walk from the offices and the hotel I stay in, when in town (not all that often). But my business associates apparently stop by every few weeks and also bring other out-of-town guest to eat here. read more

Superb service at this restaurant, especially by Jan. Excellent food, atmosphere, holiday decor, and wine selection. Highly recommend. read more

Food is amazing. No need to write a post just run out the door!!! And Go!!! I had an appetite calamari. - portion was great! Tomato Bisque was sooo good! Chicken tortilla soup was goooood. Braised short ribs were good! Everything was good!! Thank me later. read more

Petterinos - food is so good you will need someone to roll you out the door! Customer service is 5 's go there you won't be sorry! THANK me LATER!!!! - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Melissa was the most amazing waitress!!! My granddaughter wanted a cherry coke. Melissa offered to make one gif her - combining a couple of ingredient! it was amazing! My other granddaughter wanted a pink lemonade. Again, with an incredible level of professionalism Melissa asked if she could crest one for her. When she tasted it, Abbie asked if Nelissa could be her best friend. All of the food was outstanding! This upscale restaurant knows how to treat children and we will be back!! read more

Great pre-theatre spot for an excellent meal within walking distance from almost all the plays in Chi-town. We stopped in early without a reservation, got seated before the rush and had plenty of time before walking next door to the Goodman Theatre. Ordered from the pre fixe menu that includes appetizer, entree and dessert. Amy had the pecan crusted whitefish and I had the tenderloin medallions. Tried the chocolate panache mousse cake. We both recommend Petterino's with two thumbs up and look forward to returning again soon! read more

The restaurant accommodated us even though we were late to our reservation on a Friday evening and would have been well within their right to say no. But they held it! And then the food was excellent and quick. Our server was kind and brought ice cream for a birthday in the party. That was just clicking that as our reason on Open Table! Very nice of them and a great experience all around. read more

A classic old-time Chicago restaurant - swanky decor and overpriced American food. I ordered an old-fashioned ($14), a burger ($19), and a milk-chocolate mousse cake ($8). The old-fashioned and the burger were pretty standard, good but not worth the price. The mousse cake was delicious. Apparently they have good Italian food. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. read more

Petterinos - Cocktail: Thyme for a Spritz - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Popped in on a Sunday afternoon while the Bears were playing so it was nice and peaceful. Sat at the bar and Ryan was a great bartender/server. The ravioli and tomato soup were delicious. The meatballs (appetizer) were pretty good. read more

We have been going here before Broadway plays for a long time! We went here before frozen the food was good. My mom and our friend enjoyed their food. But I really didn't like the 1 dish that I ordered the risotto. But the 2nd dish I had was really good! The pasta and meatballs were really good! I have had that dish in meany different places! But to Bad that it's not a let us entertain you restaurant anymore. The peppermint ice cream has been always really good! But the Lemon tart is not good! Sorry to say and please have the chocolate cake. The manager was really nice! And the waiter was really nice! I'm going back here tomorrow night and hopefully they will have chocolate cake and hopefully the food will be really good. read more

First of all, the outdoor seating during the summertime is perfect for people watching!! Aside from that, the food was delicious! My party split the chicken Parmesan and almond crusted whitefish, both of which were humongous portions and cooked to perfection. The chicken parm was the right amount of salty and saucy with a nice twirl of al denta pasta on top. The whitefish was perfectly crusted and the lemon cream sauce (?) was a great addition. While the service was relatively slow, I didn't mind because the view was pleasant. This was the perfect restaurant to visit before seeing a play at the Nederlander theatre across the street. read more

Petterinos - Almond Crusted Whitefish - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came here for lunch today. Great location. I sat outside and it's outdoor area is perfect and so great for people watching because it's right in the heart of all the judicial government buildings and the theatre district. I ordered the Tilapia BLT and a side Martini..lol! The tilapia BLT was very good and a nice size it was with fries for $13.00. The Martini was pretty tasty too. My only gripe is my waiter Kendra was non attentive. I sat for over 15 minutes and she had still not came to take my order. I had to stop another waiter who took my order. She was practically MIA my entire dining experience, which was not cool at all. read more

Petterinos - Blueberry Lemontini - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We had a birthday celebration tonight and I have to commend this establishment, Torren in particular, but the entire staff was fabulous!!!! The food was amazing!!! The service was excellent!! Thank you, and please continue...you make a good day a fantastic event!!! read more

On March 25 I went to this restaurant before a show and I thought it would be a special experience. I had seen this place since I worked on Borders at State and Randolph and it seemed like somewhere people went when they made it. But then I'm there and go in the bathroom, and just as I go in the guy doing valet parking runs in and sits down on the only toilet and starts in on a loud bowel movement. I needed to use a stall myself, so waited. While this elapsed, for considerable time, a polite, theater-oriented customer came and went and seemed bothered by the waiting line. Meanwhile, this guy is complaining at me from the stall, as he sits on the toilet relieving himself, that it's "weird" that I am waiting because there is a bathroom way down in the basement of the restaurant attached to the Goodman Theater. Eventually he came out and explained where this was and I went all the way down there out of a desire to have nothing further to do with this guy and get far away from him. But, at this point, I have to ask, if this guy knows of a very private bathroom where he could locate his disgusting, long bowel movements, why are they not already located there? Why is he shoving customers down there so he can vacate his bowels on the ground level? My wife and I spent three figures on dinner. Is that nothing? Does this restaurant define itself on this valet's need for immediate privacy on the toilet? read more

Great place for classic, delicious Italian! They have a fairly large menu and have something for everyone. Our group tried the crispy burrata appetizer which was to die for, perfect to split between 3 people. We also got the trio sliders, the chicken Parmesan and the burger, and I honestly cannot decide which is my favorite between them... you can't go wrong with anything you choose from the menu! Also it's part of the lettuce entertain you group which is an extra perk because we could earn/spend points! read more

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We have visited this high-quality, modern yet classically old-school restaurant at least 3 times over the past 7 years. Got a special occasion? A show in the Theater area? A business or casual lunch meeting? Shopping or visiting government offices, courts or landmarks in the heart of downtown? Looking to eat during a day trip to The Loop? Each would be a good reason --or excuse -- to stop in. Also, reasonable portions and price options exist for almost any budget. Desserts and drinks round out an all-star menu and solid service. This restaurant and bar actually ranks higher now than our pre-COVID visits. When people care about the quality of their work . . .when people ask their customers for feedback or special requests . . .when people graciously honor and welcome their customers. . . when people always bring their "A game" and immediately address concerns or questions . . . when people work hard to earn your respect and trust . . . success tends to follow seamlessly. read more

Nice setting in the Chicago Loop with good menu. The steaks are good but i enjoy the salads. My favorite is named after my former colleague the Irv Kupcinet Salad, a Cob salad with one slice of avocado. Shrimp on a skewer is a nice extra cost touch. Plus tomato bisque soup. read more

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What a fun place! Right next to Block 37. I came here on a date night with my SO and we did the Prix Fixe menu, it was so good. We did the crispy burrata, lobster bisque and the parmesan crusted filet trio. The filet was so juicy and tender. The service was superb, shout out to Adam for being such a good waiter. They made sure you were taken care of but gave you space to actually eat instead of asking "how is it?" 50 times. Prices are good for the amount and a steal for the quality. We would definitely recommend and will be back. read more

Petterinos - Brought our own wine. Only $15 uncorking fee - American Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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We ate at Petterino's for a pre-theater, impromptu, super early dinner/ late lunch at on a Sunday afternoon. They were not busy at all, which was expected given the time of day (around 3PM). They had old school, classic decor with warm tones. The lighting was a little dark, but the walls were filled with signed celebrity characatures, which made for a unique setting. I ordered the fettucine shrimp alfredo. The pasta tasted fresh, the sauce was creamy and the shrimp was flavorful. My husband ordered the braised beef short ribs, which was hearty and comforting. The service was friendly and attentive. The location is very convenient, as it is a couple minutes walk from the Chicago Theater. We plan on dining here again when we're in the area and look forward to trying other items on their menu. read more

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Amazing service! My friend and I were having a long day at the office and decided to come for a last minute dinner. The manager JUSTIN squeezed in and got us a comfortable booth. Our waiters name was EDWIN and he was super professional and hilarious! Given the large group of people that they served tonight, he got us our orders and drinks with no problems and a huge smile! He is literally the best server I have ever had in Chicago. And now we want to come back just for him. ;) read more

I've been a couple times --lunch and dinner and enjoyed the experience both times. Service is attentive. Food is solid. Price is good for what you get. On my last visit, we opted for the Prix Fixed menu (~$35 for three courses). The highlight, for me, was the grilled calamari. It was VERY fresh and flavorful and the serving was generous. Also, the main course and dessert were very nice servings. I ordered a Manhattan, and it was a generous pour and well prepared. Finally, I would suggest this as place to visit for both tourists and theater goers (the restaurant directly connects to the Goodman Theater). For tourists, it is interesting to look at the sketches on the wall of all of Chicago's Who's Who. The caricatures are reminiscent of the old Brown Derby in Hollywood, or The Palm in Washington DC. I would put it as a short list for any first-time visitors or anyone with business in the theater district. read more

Dined here for the first time since a friend and I were attending a play at Goodman theater. Atmosphere was cozy, our waiter Eliu was friendly and attentive. Drinks were pretty reasonable for what we ordered. $40 for 4 drinks can't beat that in downtown. I tried the Lake Superior whitefish and mashed potatoes. I can't believe they ran out of mashed potatoes :( so i opted for broccoli. My friend had a New York strip and unfortunately french fries. Food was pretty decent. It was my friend birthday dinner and Eliu heard me say it so he brought out a birthday dessert. I think with service being good it bumped up my 3 stars to 4. It's worth a try I'll dine again and Maybe try something different as it is an Italian restaurant and i got fish read more

Great spot grab a dinner before the theater. The hustle and bustle of this dinner club is old school Chicago. The service is prompt and professional. The food is fine. I wouldn't call it fabulous but it's ok. The prices are reasonable for downtown and the walls are covered with vintage looking caricature drawing like old school hollywood. On the weekends they are hopping and the vibe is perfect if you're having a theater night. Don't miss the dessert. They did not disappoint. read more

I have been to Petterinos's a few years ago but only sat at the bar...Tonight me and a friend called and Justin helped me get a reservation in the first place. Well, it started snowing and it was a Saturday night and the drive was a long and crazy one getting there with tons of people crossing the streets and lots of traffic. On 94 east the traffic had a backup of 20 minutes so I am afraid we were running later, however I did call Justin and then I talked to Paula another manager at the front desk and she said if I am more than 15 minutes late, I won't get my reservation I made a wrong turn and then there were busses, but I did call again and again about every 10 minutes until we arrived and then talked to Justin he said don't worry about it. The hostesses were horrible. Paula and a young rookie named Nikki whom she did not want to give me her name, ignored us and made sneering remarks (and you can read other yelps about Petterinos and see that someone wrote the same thing!) to us all night long. When our table was ready Nikki came over to the bar snickering mumbling that our table was ready then she asked my guests some strange questions. She seemed whacked out and should not even be a hostess same with Paula. If you don't like what you do, then don't do the job.......you are representing Rich Melman the king of restaurants. The bus men were great and well groomed and eager to please. Justin was our hero last night. He was polite, very neatly dressed, and he guided us to a table and was extremely nice to us to make up for Paula and Nikki's VERY rude behavior upon our arrival by blaming me for being late in a witchy tone and mean to us for no reason a couple of times, then she put us at a tight space and I am handicapped and could not sit there. I walked over and Justin said he would handle it. I am sorry Rich Melman, I sure hope you read these YELPS, because I have been to many of your establishments and its sad that you do not know who is greeting your customers at such a hot spot dinner place. I probably will not return here again. read more

We arrive at the corner of Randolph and Clark, with 60 minutes to spare before our, what was to be a crappy one, play at the Oriental was to begin. We are hungry and there is Petterino's. It is a Lettuce establishment, and we are shameless points gatherers. Into the crowded place we go and we luck into a couple of seats at the bar. Quick bartender, Manhattan, Martini, crab bisque, 100 layer lasagna, all ordered. Minutes later, drinks up, bisque up, all 4 star LEYE standard. Then came the $25, 100 layer lasagna. Shoulda been called 5 layer lasagna. No meat, contrary to the menu. Tiny portion making one long for an Olive Garden. We were rushed, tasted good but lacking in every way. We paid our bill and ran off to theater with 10 minutes to spare. This Petterino's should be better, like all the other LEYE places like Wildfire and Pescara. Something is amiss. I really want my $25 back, but I would be happy with just getting what I expected in my food. You going to theater? Try someplace else skip old Petterino's. We will. read more

Not a great experience from start to finish. The waiter was not friendly or helpful. My son's chicken farm came with a few lonely pieces of spaghetti and when I asked for a few more he told me I could order a side for $7. Thanks. The fish I order had skin left on that made it tasty especially fishy. Speaking of my son, they forgot to acknowledge it was his birthday and I was scared to tell the waiter. I think the bread was the best part. read more

I meet my sisters here for the ocasional birthday dinner and drinks. We all three love their shrimp fettuccine Alfredo. Can't stop here without having a Cosmo! This place gets really crowded so I recommend making reservations few weeks in advance! read more

After a long day my work team here for lunch. The manager, server, and team were fantastic! Ask for Jan as your server, he is friendly, attestation, and a great person. Thank you!​​​​​ read more