La Salumeria Del Merlo: User Reviews

Too small, too cold
By NickKalm from Evanston, August 5, 2009

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What a disappointment! After telling us they couldn't/wouldn't split a pasta to be served as an appetizer, and that the portions were "European," I decided to order the pasta special ($16) for myself. When it arrived -- FOUR small raviolis. As the entree portion. Come on. Plus, it (and my wife's entree) were, at best, lukewarm.

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Merlot Service
By rryan from evanston, August 2, 2009

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Merlot's food is OK- compared to other top end Italian. However were it hurts the experience is with exceptionally poor service and management. At our last meal there, the service was extraordinarily poor. Waiter's admitted they were having a bad day in the kitchen. While apologizing is great, management should at least compensate patrons with something rather than less-than-since, gratuitous smiles of apology. There was a sense of frustration on the part of many diners that night. Some even left after only having drinks.

Spare yourself the trouble and find a business that is better managed.

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Stay away
By mi from linc pk, December 16, 2008

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Why does this place make customers wait 90 min for a table when the back room is 50% empty!?! The host/bartender (his dual role is a strange curiosity) doesn't even do a good job tending bar while making parties endure this wait. Plus, the food is way way way overpriced for decent Italian. With $40 ala carte entrees and min $50 bottles of wine, be prepared to spend almost $200 per couple. There is way better in Lincoln Pk!

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Serious attitiude problems
By nross from evanston, December 16, 2008

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We visitied one recent Saturday night and experienced the rudest behavior we have ever recieved from the maitre d't. Not only was he rude and abrupt with us, as we were seated in the front room we continually witnessed hs numerous unplesantries with other arriving guests. He exhibited a serious lack of recognition that in this economy, restaurants should be appreciative of people willing to support them. His behavior was the other way around. As we attempted to order (he was apparently our acting waiter as well) he continually interrupted us to walk away. When asked what vegetables we might order(one of us is a vegetarian), he rudely told us that they do not do anything off the menu. This experience was unfortunate and has caused us to cross this restaurant off our list, and to be sure to tell others of his rude behavior. There are too many other restaurants that make it a point to tell and show their guests how much they appreciate their business.

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One of The Best Restaurants in the City
By DW from Streeterville, June 19, 2008

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This place is outstanding. The food is superlative. The wine list is second to none. The service is excellent. Service is provided without rushing the diner - in true Eurpoean style. The ambiance is soothing and relaxing. If you want some of THE best food in the City with a great wine list in an atmosphere of quiet elegance GO HERE. If you want the loud, cramped, bumper to bumper, table-turning downtown get-in get-out experience go elsewhere. I look forward to the new specials as well as the old faithfuls on the menu. I take my family here and also people who enjoy a delicious dinner. You can't go wrong here.

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Great food, but don't take your Italian grandmother
By JimB from Lincoln Park, May 4, 2008

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The food was without a doubt fantastic, clearly typical of quality home-cooked Italian meals. If I were to bring my Italian grandmother, I'd have to hide the prices from her, because she'd kick my butt for spending that much on food identical to what she makes for a Sunday dinner.

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Great Restaurant
By TFL from Lincoln Park, April 17, 2008

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I read metromix for guidance when choosing new places often. Although Merlo gets mixed reviews, on this site, I feel compelled to write as I have never had anything less than a great experience at Merlo. I dine at Merlo often, the food and service are consistantly outstanding. Great home made pasta. The artichoke torte is amazing and I love the wine list, great choices at all price points. A definate destination restaurant.

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Worst Service - Completely Appalling
By CM from Lincoln Park, March 9, 2008

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Had heard good things, but unfortunately we had a horrible experience at Merlot Saturday. The manager was beyond rude ... my husband and I were shocked. Food was delicious, ambiance is good, but service at noon at Potbelly's is so much better than Merlot when it was slow. Will not go back. And the manager ... unbelievable. We didn't even complain to this guy and he was rude to us. Cannot in good faith recommend. Merlot should be embarassed.

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Hands down the best Italian...
By CZ from Chicago, IL, September 4, 2007

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Hands down the best Italian restaurant in the state. Authentic and delicious. I have never had a bad meal here and have eaten here countless times. I absolutely love this place and will return here for the rest of my life. Everything on the menu is delicious so I cannot just recommend a few dishes to try.

What an outstanding experience. Merlo...
By Christopher from Chicago , IL, August 17, 2007

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What an outstanding experience. Merlo perfectly executes its brand of Northern Italian Bolognese cooking. The dishes aren't complicated but the fresh, pure ingredients make them standouts. Try the artichoke tart appetizer, the traditional bolognese sauce, and the sublime veal ragu.