ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Lasagna in Bucktown & Logan Square
Best Romantic Restaurants in Bucktown & Logan Square
Master Critic Review
Mano a Mano
7.7
Mano a Mano is a design-forward Logan Square pasta and wine spot with a compact menu of housemade pastas, crudos, and Italian-leaning small plates. It’s more scene-driven than classic, but the bar seating and low-lit room make it a useful option for friends or dates who want to make a full night of Milwaukee Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe with housemade tonnarelli, Beef carpaccio with parmigiano and arugula, Rigatoni alla vodka
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A style-conscious pasta bar where a short menu and long wine list encourage hanging at the bar.
Who should go: Wine-and-pasta people who like buzzy, design-y rooms.
When to visit: Later weekend seatings if you want a more nightlife-adjacent feel.
What to order: Start with carpaccio, split a cacio e pepe and one red-sauce pasta, then a seasonal dessert.
Insider tip: Solo diners should grab a bar seat; it’s the best way to chat with staff about off-menu pours and specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Milwaukee/side streets; metered spots and residential blocks can be competitive after 6pm — rideshare is common on busy weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but the room skews stylish and slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is comfortable at the bar or earlier seatings, louder during late-night weekend rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats are often the quickest fallback.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant; verify hours if planning a daytime visit.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several meatless pastas and small plates are typically available; servers can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adjusted, but most pastas rely on egg, cheese, or butter.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some dishes can be modified and there may be GF-friendly options, but pasta is not universally gluten-free and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you like a buzzy, design-forward vibe — the bar and two-top tables feel intimate, though it can get lively during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — expect a wait on weekends, but bar seating and later seatings are your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s oriented toward adult diners, wine service, and later evenings; teens are fine, but it’s not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Design-driven pasta nights, solo bar dining, and wine-centric catch-ups in a stylish, low-lit room.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional trattoria, large-group seating, or extensive vegan/gluten-free pasta options.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 11pm
Saturday4pm - 11pm
Sunday4pm - 10pm