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Amici-Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Amici-Chicago
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A counter-service, snack-forward Italian-leaning concept that’s best treated as a fast, focused bite rather than a full sit-down Italian night. The arancini lane is the core strength—order a tight set and you’ll get the cleanest, most repeatable result.
Must-Try Dishes:
Arancini flight, Chicken tikka arancini, Jerk arancini
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Arancini-focused, counter-service Italian comfort built for speed.
Who should go: Solo diners and quick comfort-food seekers
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner for quickest service
What to order: Arancini flight, one side, one drink
Insider tip: Choose a flight first—add extras only after you taste.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby can be tight in the evening, easier earlier in the day.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter chatter and quick turnover, easy to have a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often faster if you order immediately
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian arancini and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—options depend on the daily arancini selection; best to ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—arancini are breaded; gluten-free choices are minimal.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, quick bite than a traditional date—great if you want something casual and short, not ideal for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system; seating is first come, first served and usually opens up quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like simple, fried comfort food; limited seating and menu variety make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive Italian-leaning comfort food with a clear specialty focus, especially when you want something quicker than a full restaurant.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Italian dinner, extensive pasta options, or a long, social meal.
Amici-Chicago
7.7
A small counter-style spot that’s especially friendly for families who want Italian flavors in a fast, portable format. The arancini-forward menu is best when you mix one classic option with one adventurous filling, then round it out with a simple side.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Arancini, Pasta Salad, Corn Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Arancini-centered Italian comfort you can eat on the go.
Who should go: Families who want quick, affordable Italian
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for shortest lines
What to order: Italian arancini, pasta salad, corn salad
Insider tip: Order 2–3 arancini to share, then add one salad for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tough in the evening and on game days. Best bet is metered side streets or a short walk.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, Cubs gear all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small space, quick turnover, easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, longer on Cubs game days
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetarian arancini fillings and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veggie-based options, but confirm ingredients before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some salads may work, but most items involve breading; ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual stop than a sit-down date. Works if you want something quick and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors, fast service, and easy-to-share items work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Italian flavors and grab-and-go meals centered on arancini.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down Italian dinner or a long, leisurely meal.
Hours
Monday12pm - 8pm
Tuesday12pm - 8pm
Wednesday12pm - 8pm
Thursday12pm - 8pm
Friday12pm - 8pm
Saturday12pm - 8pm
SundayClosed