Club Lago

09/19/2008 Posted by SMBARS

Whenever we venture downtown, we always head to Club Lago. Why wouldn't we...when it's the best Italian food in Chicago AND it's always consistent, the staff is attentive, friendly and accomodating and the atmosphere is easy going, yet fun. Our standard order is fried zucchini appetizer, pizza bread and red wine. We always order a pasta dish (with meat sauce) to pass around the table to share and then we each order our own veal dishes. You may ask us, which veal dish would we recommend... and we will tell you it would be a great debate in our family as to which one is the best....is it the traditional veal parmesan, veal sassi, veal rusticana, veal piccante, veal limone or breaded veal cutlet? They are all amazing and I could easily say that each of those veal dishes is the best! You must try each one and decide for yourself! If we have room we always order cannoli. It is so good!! What makes Club Lago unique is that it the kind of place you can go dressed up before a concert or play, go casual for a dinner with friends, dress in jeans to eat before a game, pop in to grab a quick bite and drinks between a wedding and the reception, have a nice lunch or dinner when you're with the kids, or go for a special occasion with your sweetheart, simply because they treat you so well in this place! The Nardini brothers are the third generation owners and I know this because I have been going there since their grandfather and their father owned the place. I am proud to say I have been eating at Club Lago for more than 35 years!! It is the real deal folks. It is truly a gem of a restaurant. If you haven't been there, you are missing out. Go and experience Club Lago! Tell them the girl from Barrington sent you and enjoy one great Italian meal in a unique atmosphere! Bon Appetit!

Pros: Real Italian food, Friendly Service, Good Prices

07/12/2008 Posted by Rioghan

Several months ago I was looking for a place to go for Italian cuisine. While shopping at my usual favorite smoke shop, Iwan Ries, a friend recommended Club Lago. I made reservations and headed to the restaurant. I felt like I came into your favorite bar/restaurant. You are immediately greeted like a regular. The customer service is superb. The place has that old feeling like it has been there forever. You feel you can expect to be treated as though you've been coming there all your life. Everyone is welcoming and inviting. Fantastic long bar, tin ceiling, red checkered tableclothes, etc. Since that first evening, I've made this my usual stop when I'm in Chicago. Don't miss this restaurant, whether for drinks and appetizers, or for a great meal. My usual meal is the Veal Saltimbocca with a carafe of Chianti. Fabulous. On my last trip, I ventured for Veal Piccante, a recommendation of the waitress. And she wasn't lying, it was fabulous. I've had their spumoni, but on this trip I tried the cannoli. Absolutely fantastic. I travel a lot with my work and with various cuisines I attempt to find the best of some of my favorite dishes. I would have to say their cannoli ranks right up there. Another huge plus in the the win column, this place offers an excellent value for the money. Usually in large cities you can expect to pay a handsome premium for great food, but this is the exception. On this last trip for two dinners, two desserts and a carafe of Chianti I think I paid around $65. If you are looking for a casual dining experience and want to have a great time, head to Club Lago - You won't be disappointed.

Pros: Fantastic Food, Superb Service, Like coming home for dinner!

Cons: Probably parking, but I usually walk it or cab it if it is inclement weather.