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Pasta Palazzo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pasta Palazzo
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
This colorful diner-style Italian spot offers build-your-own pasta combinations at prices that defy Lincoln Park real estate. Counter seating facing the open kitchen lets you watch sauces come together while the signature jalapeño gnocchi draws regulars back repeatedly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño Gnocchi, Gnocchi with Gorgonzola, Grilled Calamari
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Gourmet pasta at diner prices near Steppenwolf Theatre
Who should go: Solo diners, pre-theater crowds, and budget-watchers
When to visit: Before evening shows at nearby theaters
What to order: Jalapeño Gnocchi, Farfalle Pomodoro Formaggio, Flourless Chocolate Cake
Insider tip: Sit at the counter for the best view of the pasta action
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Halsted, can be tricky during peak hours. Armitage Brown Line stop nearby, or take the bus. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Come as you are - total diner vibes. Jeans, t-shirts, whatever. Zero pretense.
Noise level: Loud when busy - small space plus open kitchen equals energetic. Not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical, especially pre-Steppenwolf shows. No reservations taken.
Weekday lunch: Walk right in, service is fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options like Linguine Pesto, Primavera, and multiple veggie-based sauces for build-your-own
Vegan options: Limited - marinara and primavera work, but most sauces have cream or cheese. Ask staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta available for $2 extra. Shared kitchen, not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both low-maintenance. Cramped tables, communal seating, and loud vibes don't scream romance. Better for casual third dates or friend dates where conversation flows over carbs, not candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations. Walk in and grab what's available. Counter seats by the open kitchen are usually easiest to snag solo. Groups of 5+ should expect a wait during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - straightforward pasta options, fast service, and the open kitchen is entertaining for kids. Casual enough that no one cares about noise or mess. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Solo diners who want to eat well for under $15 without feeling awkward. Pre-theater fuel before Steppenwolf. Anyone who values quality-to-price ratio over ambiance.
Skip if: You want a lingering dinner experience, need quiet for conversation, or have severe celiac. The cramped quarters and high-turnover pace aren't for leisurely evenings.
Pasta Palazzo
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Pasta Palazzo is a tiny, colorful Halsted storefront where counter-side cooking, chalkboard specials, and wallet-friendly plates make it a neighborhood staple. Its baked lasagna sits alongside gnocchi and other fresh pastas, drawing praise for hearty portions and straightforward, sauce-driven comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Lasagna, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, Baked Goat Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A compact, open-kitchen pasta shop where house lasagna and gnocchi deliver homestyle comfort at everyday prices.
Who should go: Casual pasta fans prioritizing value, portions, and low-key vibes.
When to visit: Weeknights or off-peak weekend hours to avoid cramped waits.
What to order: House Lasagna, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, baked goat cheese with bread.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if possible to watch pastas and lasagna come together while you eat.
Pasta Palazzo
8.0
Family-owned for more than two decades, Pasta Palazzo is a compact Halsted storefront where big bowls of affordable pasta and house wine fuel low-stakes date nights. The room is casual and a bit cramped, but the combination of friendly service, shareable starters, and generous plates makes it a reliable choice when you want cozy rather than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jalapeño Gnocchi, Penne Bolognese, Baked Goat Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A snug, longtime neighborhood pasta shop where inexpensive plates and house wine make Italian date night feel easy instead of precious.
Who should go: Couples prioritizing hearty pasta and value over polished ambiance.
When to visit: Early evenings on weeknights to avoid tight waits in the small room.
What to order: Jalapeño Gnocchi, Penne Bolognese, Baked Goat Cheese.
Insider tip: Split an appetizer and two pastas and you’ll usually stay in budget even with a carafe of house wine.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9pm
Tuesday12pm - 9pm
Wednesday12pm - 9pm
Thursday12pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 10pm
Saturday12pm - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm