Carson's The Place for Ribs: User Reviews

highly recommended!
By HookEmHorns from Lincoln Park, March 7, 2009

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Great place! A bit too fancy for a rib place. It was a lil difficult to get yourself dirty in such a fancy place, but the best part is the waiter putting the bib around your neck. Great food, ribs were excellent. I went during the restuarant week, so the prices were great. Otherwise half slab of ribs are slighly overpriced, but they were good. Service was average; the food and ambiance made up for the service.

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Just Average
By tewald from Gold Coast, April 2, 2008

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I have heard so many great things about this Chicago mainstay, and was terribly disappointed. Very average at best, our server recommended the steak that is dry aged in house....it was awful and over cooked. The ribs were also over cooked and dry. For the money, not worth it.

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all in all... it was just ok
By jaewarren from Gold Coast, December 22, 2007

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I came here with a buddy after work and we were seated in the bar. it was a good thing we had alot to talk about because a server didn't show himself for almost 10 minutes. the food was pretty good though, which made up for the lackluster service. i'll probably go back if i'm out-numbered in a group. personally, i think i'd have a better experience at applebees.

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Carson's Is Average Place for...
By Michael from Rockford, IL, July 25, 2007

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Carson's Is Average Place for ribs. There sauce that they use is a little strong and sour. But I give it Two Stars. A little Hight Priced for 4 BBQ Sandwiches it will cost about $40 Dollars, $10 Dollars A Sandwich. I hope this was helpful to you all.

Some of the worst ribs...
By Chestnut from Appleton , wi, May 3, 2007

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Some of the worst ribs I've ever had. Service was nonexistent. For being in the service industry they don't know the first thing about customer service. Ribs were dry and tough. Sauce was ok at best.

Old atmosphere, but surprisingly the...
By meatdowntown from River North, IL, April 29, 2007

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Old atmosphere, but surprisingly the salads are very good. I felt like I was out in the Country instead of downtown Chicago. The servers must have been working there for years, so they are just doing their job like robots (they are not very warm, but they are not rude either). Decent food at good price (nothing upsaclae here).

Knew something was up when...
By JudyB from Chicago, Il, April 13, 2007

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Knew something was up when we walked in and the waitress looked at an almost empty dining room and said "Where shall I put you?" Okay, hyperbole. A lot of it, when it comes to this place. Carry out has been excellent in the past, my first time in the restaurant left a lot to be desired. The steak knife was greasy; Coleslaw was wonderful, the bread basket was hardly up to the hype...four small baguette slices and two tiny muffins. No presentation, my half slab of eight bones came alone, unescorted on a way too big plate. Smallish baked potato, everything was lukewarm, butter and sour cream didn't melt after sitting a couple minutes on the potato. I know kitchens prepare ahead, is it too much to ask that I not feel like my dinner was sitting around since, oh, LUNCH.

Everytime I come up from...
By Celine Bentley from Springfield, IL, March 4, 2007

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Everytime I come up from Springfield I enjoy Carsons on Wells. I especially love the anchovy-paste based salad dressing on the slaw and salad. Would you be willing to give that recipe to me. I feel it's mayo, sour cream, anchovy paste and a few other ingredients. Please assist and I'll be coming back again and again.

I have been to Carson's...
By Brian from Bourbonnais, IL, October 4, 2006

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I have been to Carson's about a dozen times and I feel that the quality has slipped a little. The pork chop I had was WAY over cooked. Pork does not have to be cooked this way. It's a shame, because it was a nice piece of meat. However, the au gratin potatoes we right on the money.

Service left a little to be desired. I sucked on my ice cubes waiting for the water that we were promised at least three times. Same with coffee after the meal.

I may not return for a good while.

RIbs still the best in...
By Chuck U Farley from Chicago, Il, January 1, 2006

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RIbs still the best in town. I know people like ribs that slide off the bone, I like mine to have a little substance to them and Carson's delivers. Sauce is outstanding, salads are very good, and service was Ok. Went on New Year's Eve and there was probably a new waiter on hand as he messed up one of our appetizer orders and one of our dessert order. No big deal though as the food is still some of the best and the ribs are fantastic. Will be back soon.