Ventrella's Caffe: User Reviews

One great cafe!
By e_badger from Rogers Park, November 21, 2009

Overall rating:

This is an excellent cafe, all around. It's got a great, authentic, retro atmosphere - from the music to the furniture to the 50s-era fridge, ceiling fan and rotary phone. The coffee is exquisite, the prices are reasonable, the gelato is first-rate, and the owners is a great guy.

I don't typically write reviews, but this place doesn't get the business it deserves and I want to get the word out. Though, admittedly, I like that it's typically quiet here, I'd be really mad if it went out of business.

Give it a try; you won't be disappointed.

Ravenswood/Lincoln Square's Best Coffe Shop
By Betty from ravenswood, November 21, 2007

Overall rating:

Just moved into the area and this place is fantastic. An owner who can take a joke and give a joke. Delicious simple food. Excellent music. Wonderful coffee. I wish I moved Damen Avenue a year ago. This is the kind of place that makes Chicago great. Independently owned, and unique.

See you there-

This place is the epitome...
By Tess from Chicago, il, August 26, 2007

Overall rating:

This place is the epitome of bad service! Talk about a poor attitude among staff! I ordered a "grande" latte and the owner snapped, "this is not starbucks; do you know how to order real coffee?"

I will never return!

I am pretty much in...
By Bowmangirl from Chicago, IL, August 20, 2007

Overall rating:

I am pretty much in love with this place. Their small menu is fantastic. Everything is incredibly fresh and tasty. The whole place is a throw-back except for speedy FREE wi-fi and a bevy of other modern conveniences. This is the ultimate neighborhood cafe. So glad it happens to be in my hood.

Extremely disappointing. The first...
By Kathryn from Chicago, IL, August 12, 2007

Overall rating:

Extremely disappointing. The first time I went there, I ordered an espresso. The owner had opened the shop late and had just turned on the espresso machine. I was stunned when he served me the first shot - needless to say, it was bitter and cold. It would have been one thing, had I not known the machine had not warmed up properly, but he told me that the first shot probably wouldn't be that good -- yet he served it to me (and charged me for it) anyway. Don't waste your time here if you actually care about the quality of your coffee.

I just had the most...
By J from Chicago, IL, August 11, 2007

Overall rating:

I just had the most disappointing gelato! Ventrella's does not own a gelato cooler, so they write the flavors of the day on the blackboard, and then scoop it out from the refrigerator/freezer. My stracciatella (chocolate chip) tasted faintly of onions. So gross! GET A GELATO COOLER!!!

On a side note, three people were working, I was the only person standing at the counter, and it still took several minutes for someone to ask what I needed.

Good location, great neighborhood, but...
By peter from Evanston, IL, August 6, 2007

Overall rating:

Good location, great neighborhood, but the atmosphere in the shop was not friendly or inviting.

Just like being in Italy....
By Rob from Chicago, IL, August 5, 2007

Overall rating:

Just like being in Italy. In a city of corporate coffee, it is nice to see the little guy doing it right

Kicking myself for not going...
By lisa from Chicago, IL, July 25, 2007

Overall rating:

Kicking myself for not going in earlier. Coffee is excellent and the panini I tried was great too. I think it was the Caprese. Looking forward to coming back again and again. The service I received was excellent.

Staff was stuffy and not...
By Maria from Chicago, il, July 25, 2007

Overall rating:

Staff was stuffy and not friendly at all.