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Il Porcellino
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Il Porcellino
8.5
Il Porcellino delivers red-sauce Italian comfort in a cozy, wood-and-checkered-tablecloth space just off Hubbard’s bar row. Large-format salads, chicken parm, and spaghetti plates make it a reliable pick for family-style carb nights before or after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti and meatballs, Roasted chicken penne, Whipped ricotta bruschetta
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A modern red-sauce joint that balances cozy design with big, shareable plates.
Who should go: Dinors craving classic, hearty Italian favorites downtown.
When to visit: Evenings before shows or games when you want comfort.
What to order: Whipped ricotta bruschetta, chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs.
Insider tip: Portions run large, so split a salad and a pasta before committing to mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available during dinner hours; nearby paid garages on Hubbard/State; street parking is limited, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for downtown evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at most tables, but peak weekend hours can get energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seating sometimes opens sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait outside of convention/show traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several salads, pastas, and appetizers can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be modified, but expect 1–2 viable options.
Gluten-free options: Some pastas and mains can be prepared gluten-free on request; no dedicated GF kitchen or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy room, warm lighting, and shareable plates make it comfortable and low-pressure, especially for a classic dinner date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early seatings; on weekends, expect a wait and consider bar or high-top seating if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff is accommodating and the menu is familiar for older kids; best for families during earlier dinner hours rather than late weekends.
Best For
Better for: Large, shareable red-sauce classics, reliable group dinners, and comfort-first Italian in a polished but relaxed setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for avant-garde Italian, a quiet white-tablecloth experience, or a quick, budget-minded meal.
Il Porcellino
8.5
Il Porcellino is a classic-leaning Italian-American tavern where rigatoni alla vodka, burrata lasagna, and big salads meet a warm, wood-and-leather room. A tucked-away private space and flexible group menus make it one of River North’s most reliable choices for family-style parties and casual business dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Baked Burrata Lasagna, Tuscan Cheese Bread
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Comfort-minded red-sauce Italian with a cozy, genuinely private back room.
Who should go: Groups craving shareable pastas and approachable Italian classics.
When to visit: Evenings, especially weeknights, for smoother pacing and service.
What to order: Rigatoni alla Vodka, burrata lasagna, Tuscan cheese bread.
Insider tip: Pre-order family-style platters so the private room meal flows.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby garages within a 1–3 block walk. Valet is sometimes offered during peak evenings — confirm when booking.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is comfortable at most tables, quieter in the private room.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 45–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pastas, salads, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward sides and salads with modifications; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be prepared gluten-free on request (including select pastas); notify the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm, cozy room and classic Italian menu make it relaxed and welcoming without feeling too formal. Choose an earlier seating if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on weeknights and earlier seatings, but weekend dinner fills quickly. Walk-ins should expect a wait or bar seating; groups and private room bookings should reserve in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids around 8+ who enjoy pasta and shared plates. High chairs are limited and the room can be lively during peak hours, so earlier seatings work best.
Best For
Better for: Comfort-leaning Italian classics served family-style in a cozy space, plus a genuinely separate private dining room that works well for celebratory group meals.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge or ultra-quiet fine dining, or need extensive vegan options — consider a more modern or specialty-focused restaurant instead.