The Caliterra Bar & Grille
(312) 274-4444
633 N St Clair St
Chicago,
IL
60611
41.8936
-87.6226
Neighborhoods: Central, Near North Side
Hours:
Daily 6:30am-10pm
Price:
$$$$
Parking:
Pay lot; Valet
Last updated 4.27.09
What People Are Saying About The Caliterra Bar & Grille
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Sophisticated, comfortable Caliterra's clubby bar and spacious dining room draws an upscale crowd to the second level of the luxurious Wyndham Hotel. Decor is tasteful, with muted colors and soft wood accents. A display kitchen buzzes at the entrance; the view from window tables hints at Michigan Avenue's bustle just a block away.
The Food
Executive Chef Rick Gresh crafts creative, outstanding California-influenced Italian fare. Ruby-red slices of sashimi tuna pair perfectly with shiitake mushrooms and avocado in one lipsmacking starter; another is light, flavorful crisp shrimp "cigars" drizzled with balsamic syrup. Pastas include goat-cheese ravioli with fennel and orange essence, and black-truffle ravioli with celery-root puree. Entrees are impressive, especially the meltingly tender prosciutto-wrapped pork filet mignon dressed with kale and artichoke hearts. Finish with a selection from the cheese cart, featuring no fewer than 23 fabulous varieties.
User Reviews
paws26
July 26, 2007
I was visiting Chicago with my 16 year son for a few days to look at colleges and we wanted to have some good meals while we were there. We both like nice restaurants and good food so based on the reviews we thought this was a safe choice. We got off to a bad start when the waitress offered me a drink but neglected to offer my son even a soda. He was quite insulted. I also had to brush several crumbs off of the table after we sat down. I had looked up the menu prior to coming here to make sure we would like the choices and we were interested in an artisan cheese plate that was listed. I asked the waitress about it and she said that was no longer available. Another disapointment. She then told us the soup of the day was cream of mushroom and left us to review the menu. When she returned I asked for the mushroom soup as my first course, she then told me it was actually cream of spinach. I didn't want that. We ordered the tuna tartare as our appetizer, my son ordered the margherita pizza and I ordered the braised short ribs pappardelle. The tuna appetizer was very good as was the pizza. The short ribs were awful. The meat was cooked into a blob and the promised horseradish sauce was glopped on and unappetizing. The noodles were ok but there was no flavor. The atmosphere was hotel stuffy and boring and we thought the place had no ambience. We regretted our choice and vowed to find a better meal the next night (which we did in Lincoln Park area). All in all, not a good experience and not recommended.
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pjs2780
January 15, 2007
My husband an I had lunch here today and really enjoyed it. Our server was sweet and attentive, the bread basket was filled with a delicious selection and a good variety of flavors and textures, and our entrees (mac and cheese [with shrimp, peas, and ham] and my orechiette [made without a cream sauce on request] with sausage and mushrooms) were both wonderful. We enjoyed our experience and would definitely consider returning!
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kranjan
July 12, 2004
If your looking for an excellent dining expereince that offers a unique mix of Italian with Californian cuisine this is the spot. Dim lighting and very formal setting makes this a good place for a romantic dinner or small group setting. Not great for large groups of people. Portions are a bit small, but expected. Don't miss trying out the cheese sampler at the end this is a fanstic chance to try a variety of cheeses with complimenting condiments & wines- highly reccomended!!
read full reviewThe Details on The Caliterra Bar & Grille
What to Drink:
The wine list has a well-balanced selection of Italian and American varietals, including Cal-Ital wines grown in California using Italian grapes. The by-the-glass selection is limited.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Hotel Restaurants, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Brunch, Private Rooms, Online Reservations, Business Breakfast, Live Music, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
General Info:
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
Bar; Lounge
