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Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
Master Critic Review
Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
8.8
A glamorous Art Deco supper club in the historic Oviatt Building, Cicada is built for dressed-up date nights with live big-band music and Italian-leaning fine dining. Couples come for the soaring 30-foot ceilings, vintage chandeliers, and white-tablecloth service that turn dinner into an old-Hollywood experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Linguine, New York Steak Osso Bucco, Chocolate Lava Cake
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: A 1928 Art Deco landmark turned supper club with live big-band nights.
Who should go: Couples wanting a dressed-up, old-Hollywood dinner-and-dancing night.
When to visit: Friday or Saturday evenings during live music dinner service.
What to order: Start with Lobster Linguine, share the New York Steak Osso Bucco, finish with Chocolate Lava Cake.
Insider tip: Book a table on a live music night and request a mezzanine seat for the best view of the band and dance floor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available for around $12–$15; street parking is limited and tough after 6pm in the Historic Core, so plan extra time.
Dress code: Dressy and cocktail-forward. Think: suits, dresses, elevated evening wear. Jeans are generally out of place on live music nights.
Noise level: Lively. Live big-band music means you can chat between songs, but expect a performance-first atmosphere rather than intimate quiet.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on live music nights.
Weekday lunch: They do not operate regular weekday lunch service; for special events or off-night dinners, waits are usually minimal with a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A handful of vegetarian-friendly starters and pastas; not a fully dedicated menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect 1–2 modifiable dishes; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free proteins and salads; staff can modify some pasta dishes with notice.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a grand, cinematic first date. The Art Deco setting, live band, and ballroom ambiance create instant chemistry. Ideal for those who enjoy a formal, show-like dinner environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but not recommended. On live music nights, walk-ins are rare and usually seated very late. Reserve ahead, especially for the mezzanine or near the dance floor.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The vibe is sophisticated, late-night, and performance-focused. Older teens might enjoy the music, but young children may feel out of place.
Best For
Better for: Grand, glamorous occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, engagement dinners—where you want live entertainment and old-Hollywood spectacle.
Skip if: You prefer quiet dining, casual dress codes, or modern minimalist spaces. Theatrical supper-club energy is the whole point here.