Orsos Restaurant

04/03/11

It's like a dump. But with food!

by Wassup562

We've snacked at Orso's back patio during festivals in the area, and thought we'd try the restaurant. Thanks to rude service and a miserable environment, we'll never set foot in their establishment again. If you're looking for a nice, pleasant Italian meal, go elsewhere. Tables are on top of each other and jammed next to the kitchen and services entrances. Average age of the place was 60, probably people who had been putting up with their abuse for years and don't know any better. We went in and they offered a table jammed up next to the bar next to the entry where people coming into the restaurant slammed into the table chairs. We passed, and sat at the bar waiting for another table. They gave us one, right next to the service entrance, and I do mean 'next to'. 1 inch further back and it would have obstructed it. We asked for other tables but they were 'taken'. If so, not during the hour we sat waiting for our tiny portion of expensive deep fried greasy calimari. At least we had a couple of pricey drinks with no alcohol- my date had a wine pour of about 3 shots worth, and I had a watered down 'cocktail' that was a fruit drink. After seeing the full-priced but bite-sized portions of other tables' patrons that we were jammed against, we left. They didn't care. This is a place to go to if you have no place else to go.

11/17/09

Great place

by sam1105

The food was unique!!! The wine perfect !!! The service ''super fast'' !!! The best thing though was the atmosphere...

• Pros: Best pizza in town by far

07/20/08

Great patio, Great Food, horrible service

by Jarmusz

I always try and base my rating on food and Orso's is certainly is fitting for some of the best Italian in the city and the patio is a wonderful setting for summertime gatherings. Unfortunatley, I had tried numberous times to make a reservation for a Saturday and was point blank told they would not accept any more reservations because of larger parties that they were already booked. I can't believe everytime I have wanted to go there, and give them my money in a soft economy when other resturantes are closing left and right they turn away business. I live in the neighborhood and just because of this I will certainly not give them the first consideration during the winter, when they will be crying for customers, which seems the only time a local can get in.

09/15/07

Nothing to write home about

by mkay75

I walked by this place so many times and was looking forward to trying it. My mom was in from out of town so I thought, "prefect opportunity!" We were both disappointed is the service, food quality and the fact that there was only one other table seated on the entire place. I?d say it was quite a let down on the hopping wells street atmosphere. At least we had our pick for the window table so we could people watch.

My mom had the spaghetti. with Bolognese and meatballs. The sauce was so sweet (which some may like) but the meatballs were really dry. There was no fresh parmesan served on the pasta, or at least it was not offered. I had the the Scaloppini alla Orso. It was alright, but nothing I would go back for. The server never once came back to check on our meal. I'm not sure what she was doing since we were the only people there.

It was not a TERRIBLE experience, but considering the other great options for Italian on Wells, I think Orso's needs to kick it up a notch!

11/12/06

Check for rodents before dining outside!

by cityguy924

While on a date, we decided to go to Orso?s for a glass of wine. Once seated in the corner of the outdoor garden, we ordered our wine. Approximately, 20 minutes of being seated a large rodent ran under our table. We immediately got up to notify the wait staff. After telling the waitress about the rodent, she said ?we?re outside, rodents happen?, she never offered to reseat us or make reasonable accommodations. My date and I reseated ourselves, finished our wine, and left without tipping. After my experience, I left the manager 2 messages for a call back, without a reply. The City of Chicago should be notified!!

• Pros: Food is good
• Cons: Service