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Pasta Bowl - Wicker Park
Master Critic Review
Pasta Bowl - Wicker Park
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
This neighborhood pasta kitchen has served generous portions of scratch-made Italian comfort food since 1996. The house-specialty Farfalle Pollo with pecorino cream sauce and the exceptional value $10 lunch specials keep locals returning for unpretentious, satisfying meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Farfalle Pollo, Rosemary Gnocchi, Six Cheese Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: 29 years of generous portions and exceptional value in the heart of Wicker Park
Who should go: Budget-conscious diners seeking reliable Italian comfort food
When to visit: Lunch for the unbeatable specials
What to order: Farfalle Pollo (house specialty), cranberry gorgonzola salad
Insider tip: The $10 lunch special includes pasta and drink - best deal in the neighborhood
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on North Ave and side streets; near CTA Damen Blue Line (98 meters). Metered spots may require payment during busy hours
Dress code: Very casual - jeans, t-shirts, whatever you're wearing. No dress code whatsoever
Noise level: Moderate to lively - music playing, bustling energy, but quieter than the Lincoln Park location per reviewers
Weekend wait: 15-20 min for parties of 2; 45+ min for larger groups. No reservations - first come first served
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait typically; $10 lunch special draws a crowd but turns fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including Vegetarian Delight (zucchini noodles), shells gorgonzola, pesto linguine, caprese, several salads clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - marinara-based pastas can be modified; ask about oil and garlic preparations without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - Vegetarian Delight with zucchini noodles is marked gluten-free; inquire about other modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones. The vibe is friendly neighborhood joint with communal energy, not candlelit intimacy. Great if you both want massive portions, good drinks, and zero pretense. Skip if you're trying to impress with ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations at all; it's first come first served. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to avoid waits. Parties of 2 get seated faster; larger groups should expect 45+ minutes on busy nights. Stay near the door - they move through the waitlist quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - they have a dedicated kids menu with classics like spaghetti and meatballs. Portions are huge so sharing works well. Casual atmosphere means no stress about noise or mess. Multiple reviewers mention successful family dinners with young children.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable value - massive scratch-made portions at $10 lunch specials that feed you twice. No-frills comfort food where quality beats ambiance. BYOB-friendly (wine/beer now available too)
Skip if: You want romantic atmosphere or refined presentation; try Monteverde or Via Carducci. Also skip if you're in a rush on busy nights - no reservations means unpredictable waits