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Calo Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Calo Ristorante
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
A long-running Andersonville institution that’s best when you treat it like a classic Chicago Italian night: big portions, familiar recipes, and an easy-going dining room. The strength is consistency at scale—great for groups, celebrations, and repeat takeout orders that need to hit the same every time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Vesuvio, Lobster ravioli, Calamari fritti
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A true neighborhood Italian anchor with proven, high-volume reliability.
Who should go: Families and groups who want classic Italian comfort.
When to visit: Early dinner or weekend group nights.
What to order: Chicken Vesuvio, lobster ravioli, calamari.
Insider tip: Order one classic entrée plus one pasta to share—portions run generous.
Calo Ristorante
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
An old-school, big-room Italian-American anchor where the pizza lane is about dependable thin-crust practicality alongside a deep bench of pastas and classics. It’s strongest for groups who want familiar flavors, big portions, and an easy, park-and-eat rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-crust sausage pizza, Chicken Vesuvio, Baked mostaccioli
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big-room Italian comfort with a reliable pizza-and-classics playbook.
Who should go: Families and groups who want no-drama favorites
When to visit: Weekend lunch or early dinner for easiest seating
What to order: Thin-crust sausage pizza, chicken Vesuvio, baked mostaccioli
Insider tip: Use the pizza as the table anchor, then add one pasta—stop there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; no valet. Can be tight during weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sweaters are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively to loud, especially in the main dining room—conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian pastas, salads, and veggie-topped pizzas.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads or modified pasta/pizza without cheese; not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free pasta options; pizza is primarily traditional wheat crust.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or low-pressure first date than a romantic one—the room is big, busy, and conversation competes with the energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially at lunch or early dinner, but weekends fill up fast—expect a wait if you arrive after peak time.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, familiar flavors, big portions, and a forgiving atmosphere make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, celebrations, and diners who want classic Italian-American comfort with dependable portions.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal or a modern, chef-driven pizza experience—this is about scale and familiarity, not finesse.
Calo Ristorante
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
A long-running Andersonville institution with a broad menu and a steady neighborhood rhythm—exactly the kind of place that turns lasagna into a reliable weeknight move. The baked lasagna (notably the Thursday special) is classic, hearty, and built for comfort more than finesse. Come hungry, split one appetizer, and treat lasagna as the centerpiece.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna (Thursday special), Chicken Parmigiana, House pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A since-1963 neighborhood institution with a dependable baked-lasagna play.
Who should go: Families and regulars who want classic Italian.
When to visit: Thursday dinner for the lasagna special.
What to order: Baked lasagna, chicken parm, one house pizza
Insider tip: Order lasagna early on Thursdays—specials are the move.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Clark Street and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sweaters are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively neighborhood dining room, but conversation is generally easy at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; shorter earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian pastas, pizzas, and appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — some pasta or vegetable dishes can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free options may be available for certain dishes, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — the vibe is comfortable and unfussy rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on most weekdays and earlier evenings; weekends and Thursday lasagna nights are more competitive.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are generous, and the menu is approachable for kids.
Best For
Better for: Classic baked lasagna, generous portions, and a relaxed neighborhood experience that works well for groups and families.
Skip if: You want refined, chef-driven lasagna or a quiet, romantic dining room — there are more modern Italian spots nearby for that.
Calo Ristorante
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
An Andersonville mainstay where the surprise move is the ribs—big-portion, fall-off-the-bone BBQ comfort served in a classic, full-service Italian dining room. It’s best when you treat ribs as the centerpiece and keep sides simple so you don’t bury the table under extra mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Full slab B.B.Q. ribs, Chicken and ribs combo, Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A classic Andersonville dining room with unexpectedly strong BBQ ribs.
Who should go: Ribs lovers who want a sit-down meal
When to visit: Early dinner for easier pacing
What to order: Full slab BBQ ribs, chicken and ribs combo, mashed potatoes
Insider tip: Go ribs on a Wednesday special night if it’s running.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; generally manageable early evening, tighter after 6:30pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top are fine; no need to dress up, but it’s a full-service dining room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable sides available.
Vegan options: Limited — some pasta or vegetable sides can be modified; best to ask server.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a relaxed, unfussy sit-down meal. It’s more comfort-forward than romantic, but the space feels welcoming and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends and special nights fill up—calling ahead helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Portions are generous, the room is forgiving, and the menu works well for kids and multigenerational groups.
Best For
Better for: Big-portion ribs in a full-service, sit-down setting with classic comfort energy rather than a casual BBQ joint.
Skip if: You want smoky, pit-style barbecue or a quieter, more intimate dining experience.
Calo Ristorante
8.2
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
A long-running Andersonville institution with a classic dining-room feel and a menu designed for big, satisfying Italian-American comfort. The move is to treat it like a reliable celebration spot: one pasta or seafood classic, a shared starter, and don’t over-order because portions stack fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ ribs, Linguine vongole, Mushroom ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A family-run Andersonville mainstay serving classic Italian-American comfort since 1963.
Who should go: Celebration diners who want big portions and classic plates
When to visit: Early dinner for easier parking and pacing
What to order: BBQ ribs, linguine vongole, mushroom ravioli
Insider tip: Split a starter—portion sizes can make a two-course meal enough.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Clark St and nearby side streets; manageable early evening but fills up after 6:30pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans are fine; many diners dress up slightly for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation early, louder during peak dinner hours with large groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta, ravioli, and vegetable-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited—can adapt some pasta or vegetable dishes, but not a deep bench.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available; cross-contact possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a comfortable, low-pressure dinner than a sleek first impression—ideal if you want classic food and an easygoing vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays or early evenings; weekends are tougher, especially for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—welcoming to families with familiar dishes and flexible portions; best for elementary-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, reliable Italian-American classics, and group celebrations where everyone can find something familiar.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern Italian, lighter plates, or a quiet, intimate dining room—choose a more contemporary trattoria instead.
Calo Ristorante
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
A long-running Andersonville room built for big tables: red-sauce Italian-American comfort, crowd-pleasing portions, and a private dining setup that suits birthdays and family reunions. It shines when you keep the order classic—one pizza lane, one pasta lane, and a tight rotation of starters that won’t bog down the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Calamari, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A private-dining-friendly Italian standby built for big, classic meals.
Who should go: Families and celebration groups
When to visit: Weeknights for easier pacing
What to order: Fried calamari, thin crust pizza, tiramisu
Insider tip: Anchor with one pizza per 2–3 people, then add one pasta.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clark Street; generally manageable on weeknights, tougher during weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sweaters are common; no need to dress up unless it’s a celebration.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—conversation is easy at small tables but gets noisier with large parties and peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta, pizza, and salad options that work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—can adapt some pastas or salads, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some gluten-free pasta and naturally gluten-free mains, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate first date—it’s lively and group-oriented. Better for casual dates or double dates than quiet one-on-one conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for smaller parties on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and groups of six or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common, portions are generous, and classic Italian dishes make it easy for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large-group Italian comfort food, private dining needs, and celebrations where portion size and familiarity matter more than culinary experimentation.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, modern Italian date spot or a chef-driven menu—there are tighter, more intimate options nearby for that.
Calo Ristorante
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
A classic Andersonville lunch option when you want an unflashy, dependable Italian menu and portions that can double as tomorrow’s meal. The smartest business-lunch order is thin-crust pizza or a single pasta lane plus a salad—enough to feel substantial without turning the table into a feast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin crust pizza, Lasagna, Focaccia bread service
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Old-school Italian-American portions and reliability that suit midday meetings.
Who should go: Teams who want familiar Italian and easy parking.
When to visit: Weekday lunch right at opening for fastest service.
What to order: Thin crust pizza, lasagna, focaccia
Insider tip: Split one pizza and one pasta for the cleanest, fastest table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; generally manageable at lunch, tighter in the evening. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and workday attire are standard.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but conversation-friendly for meetings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially near opening
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pastas, pizzas, and salads can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some pastas and vegetable sides can be adapted, but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free pasta may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual first meeting than a romantic one — the room is comfortable and familiar, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes at lunch and early dinner; peak weekend nights are busier but still approachable if you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very family-friendly with familiar food, large portions, and a relaxed atmosphere suited for kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic Italian-American lunches where portion size, speed, and predictability matter more than trendiness.
Skip if: You want a polished, modern Italian business lunch or a quieter, more refined dining room.
Calo Ristorante
8.4
A long-running Andersonville standby where the pizza program lands best as classic Chicago tavern style with a sit-down dining room behind it. Treat it like a structured meal—one thin-crust pie, one salad, and you get a full-service experience that still stays in the affordable lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-style thin-crust pizza (sausage), Sausage and mushroom thin crust, House salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A classic Andersonville sit-down with true Chicago tavern-style pizza as the anchor.
Who should go: Families and groups who want a casual dine-in
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for an easier table
What to order: Sausage thin crust, sausage-mushroom pie, house salad
Insider tip: Keep the order tight—one pizza plus one salad is the cleanest value play.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; can be tight during dinner hours, easier after 8pm or on side blocks.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and everyday wear are perfectly fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to hold a table conversation, but it gets louder during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie pizza builds, salads, and pasta options.
Vegan options: Limited—can do veggie pizzas without cheese or simple red-sauce pasta, but not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pizza crust available, but prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than something romantic—comfortable, familiar, and conversation-friendly rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights or off-peak hours, but weekends are busier and waits are common if you walk in during dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—welcoming dining room, flexible menu, and portions that work well for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down tavern-style pizza with reliable service and a full-meal feel that works for groups and families.
Skip if: You want fast slices, deep-dish pizza, or a quieter, more date-night-focused atmosphere.
Hours
Monday12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday12pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday12pm - 9:30pm
Thursday12pm - 9:30pm
Friday12pm - 10:30pm
Saturday12pm - 10:30pm
Sunday12pm - 9:30pm