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Antico
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Antico
7.7
A small, community-minded café where donuts show up as a smart add-on to strong coffee and Guatemalan-leaning pastries. Treat it like a tight order—one drink, one donut, one pastry—so the visit stays quick and satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate glazed doughnut, Cinnamon sugar doughnut, Guava concha
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Coffee-and-donut stop with a local, small-room feel.
Who should go: Coffee people who want one sweet bite
When to visit: Late morning for the easiest pace
What to order: Doughnut, seasonal pastry, espresso drink
Insider tip: Ask what pastries just landed and choose from that batch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable mid-morning, tighter during neighborhood events.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and layers all fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy for conversation, especially outside peak coffee rush.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—daytime café; late mornings can see a short line but it moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; counter service keeps things fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most pastries and donuts are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—select pastries may qualify; availability varies by day.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—generally not a focus; ask staff about any daily options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a low-pressure coffee date—short, sweet visits work best rather than lingering plans.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter service with a small seating area; grab a spot after ordering or plan to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Casual and welcoming for older kids; space is tight for strollers during busy moments.
Best For
Better for: Quick coffee-and-donut stops with a neighborhood feel and thoughtful pastry pairings.
Skip if: You want a full donut case, large seating area, or a long sit-down café experience.
Antico
8.4
Tucked on a residential Bucktown corner, Antico is a candlelit Italian restaurant known for handmade pastas, wood-roasted meats, and a leafy back patio. Longtime owner-operator leadership and steady critical praise make it a go-to when you want a neighborhood spot that still feels special.
Must-Try Dishes:
Focaccia di Recco with crescenza cheese, Tajarin with prosciutto and breadcrumbs, Wood-roasted chicken with seasonal vegetables
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A quietly polished Bucktown Italian where pastas and a garden patio make it feel like a local secret.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting intimate, neighborhood Italian.
When to visit: Warm-weather evenings to take advantage of the back patio.
What to order: Focaccia di Recco to start, a seasonal tajarin, and the wood-roasted chicken.
Insider tip: Request the patio or window tables when booking; they’re limited and go first on nicer nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; usually manageable but can tighten after 6pm — no valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly inside; quieter on the garden patio.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak patio season.
Weekday lunch: Generally not applicable — the restaurant is primarily dinner-focused; check hours if visiting midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas and starters can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable plates and salads may be adaptable; confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some dishes are naturally gluten-free and pasta swaps may be available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit room and patio feel intimate without being formal, and the shareable pasta format keeps the meal relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early or late seatings are your best bet; on warm evenings, expect a wait if you’re hoping for the patio.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and older teens; no kids’ menu and the vibe skews romantic rather than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Romantic neighborhood dinners, seasonal handmade pastas, and a charming garden patio that feels like a hidden local escape.
Skip if: You want large-group energy, boisterous bar seating, or a broad menu with extensive vegan and gluten-free choices.
Antico
8.5
Antico is a chef-owned Bucktown trattoria where Northern Italian cooking leans rich and comforting, with a spinach lasagna Bolognese and housemade pastas drawing regulars. The snug front room and enclosed garden patio skew more intimate than flashy, making it a go-to for lingering dinners built around a substantial baked pasta course.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Bolognese, Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage, Smoked Duck or Seasonal Risotto
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven Northern Italian spot where a classic lasagna Bolognese shares billing with handmade pastas and an enclosed garden patio.
Who should go: Date-night couples and small groups craving rustic Northern Italian pasta.
When to visit: Later weeknights for relaxed pacing; weekends for garden-room buzz.
What to order: Lasagna Bolognese, gnocchi with brown butter, a seasonal risotto.
Insider tip: Request the garden room in warmer months; it’s quieter and feels slightly removed from the main dining room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on neighborhood side streets; can be competitive after 6pm — allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — you can carry a conversation, but the small room feels lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: N/A — typically dinner-focused; lunch service is not standard.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pastas and appetizers can be prepared meatless.
Vegan options: Limited — menu skews dairy-forward; ask about modifications but expect few true vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Selective — some dishes can be adapted and there are gluten-free pasta substitutes on occasion; confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate dining room and enclosed garden patio feel cozy and relaxed, making it ideal for a conversation-forward first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — small parties may get seated early or late evening, but prime weekend times usually require a reservation, especially if you want the garden room.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is compact and better suited to adults; well-behaved older kids are fine, but it’s not designed for very young children or large family groups.
Best For
Better for: Romantic, slower-paced Italian dinners built around rich pastas and a standout lasagna in a cozy, intimate setting.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, loud celebratory energy, vegan-heavy menus, or a highly modern/experimental Italian experience.