Doesn't Recommend

Wassup562

Joined 3 years ago

It's like a dump. But with food!. 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.

Recommends

sam1105

Joined 4 years ago

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

Doesn't Recommend

Jarmusz

Joined 5 years ago

Great patio, Great Food, horrible service. 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.

Doesn't Recommend

mkay75

Joined 6 years ago

Nothing to write home about. 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!

Recommends

cityguy924

Joined 7 years ago

Check for rodents before dining outside!. 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!!

Recommends

trm012400

Joined 7 years ago

Fantastic!!!. The food was great and the patio was very cozy! The service was a bit slow but we didn't care! Overall we would definitely visit again and will take guests visiting from out of town!

Recommends

believe925

Joined 8 years ago

completely amazing!!. If you're looking for a romantic spot any night (or day) of the week for simply amazing italian cuisine and a delightful atmosphere, Orso's is the place to be! The interior is semi-formal complete with white linen tableclothes, chandeliers and a pianist. During the summer months, the outdoor dining area is simply amazing - covered in a canapy of grapevines. A true dining experience!! And the staff is warm and friendly and makes you feel right at home.

Recommends

hatchitman

Joined 8 years ago

Love this place!. The two restaurant areas are nice but different. The entrance area is louder, while the smaller room with the piano can be very romantic. The tables are small with candles and the room is tight but the atmosphere is great. The dress is casual like most italian restaurants. The food was very good in my opinion. I've eaten the manicotti as well as the chicken vesuvio with potatoes on seperate occasions and enjoyed both. I don't remember the service being bad or slow as stated in another post.

If you're in the Old Town area and are looking for a good Italian restaurant at a reasonable price, I would reccomend you give Orso's a try. I believe the restaurant allows you to create the atmosphere you desire. Whether you're there to do a little partying or prefer something a little quieter and romantic I think you will enjoy Orso's.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Comfortable Italian bar and trattoria attracts a crowd of Old Town regulars.. In Short
This restaurant is split into two narrow, comfortable rooms, one is a bar with tables, booths and a piano squeezed in; the other a dining room that opens for dinner. In the summer, a bi-level outdoor space is available for dining. The menu brims with Italian classics, such as whole grilled calamari in warm vinaigrette, risotto, tortellini soup, pizza, and chicken Vesuvio with roasted potatoes.

Doesn't Recommend

gemini18

Joined 9 years ago

overrated. I do not agree with the other reviews at all. I went on a Saturday evening and sat in the front garden area. After ordering an appetizer we waited for our server for more than 20 minutes to return to take our dinner order. My boyfriend had to go inside to ask the hostess for our waitress! Then finally when we got our food, lets just say they were mediocre at absolute best. My lasagna was bland and tasted like a microwave meal. Gross! I will not return to Orso's.