Gene & Georgetti's Restaurant
Categories: Italian, Steakhouses [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North500 N Franklin St
(between Grand Ave & Illinois St)
Chicago, IL 60610 (312) 527-3718
50 Reviews for Gene & Georgetti's Restaurant
This is a classic (and classy) joint whose likes are sadly fading from cities nationwide. One does not go here for fancy martinis and finger appetizers. This is the place you go for a 3 hour meal, amazing wine and great coffee & dessert afterwards. While they may not serve the "absolute best" cuts of meat (don't get me wrong, they're fantastic!), they truly take care of you in a way that will keep you coming back. Get your fancy clothes on, sit back, relax and enjoy Old Chicago.
Huge disappointment.
I wanted to love the intimate main dining room, but honestly, when you have a punk rock husband, you can't get the people to stop talking loudly about you at their tables as if we have no ears or are behind glass. Never mind their bejeweled sweaters, spray tans, and use of the ladies' room to discuss the most unsavory topics.
The filet was BORING. Too charred on the outside and absolutely no flavor. Creamed spinach was blah. I actually enjoyed the iceberg salad the most out of the meal.
Seriously, dudes, you can get a better tasting steak MANY places in Chicago. My new favorite being the Gale Street Inn.
Sorry G&G-wanted to love you, but your nosy clientele and lackluster dishes won't have me coming back.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
A true Italian steakhouse. I fell in love with this place many, many years ago and have never had a bad meal or a bad time. I used to rendezvous with a friend here and I'll never forget the sweet old Italian men reading my love letters for me. I sometimes think they told me what I wanted to hear, but none the less, they read the letters and taught me the basics of Italian.
But what is not to love about the food and the hospitality? Only here would Chris O'Donnell be waiting for his car and a regular throw him the car keys thinking he was the valet. Only here would Dennis Farina burst into song with a group of people he didn't know because it was Nonna's 80th compleano. The Prime steaks, dry aged I believe, are really divine. The sides, wonderful. The old school salads, the professional service from gentlemen in waistcoats, priceless.
Many people feel G&G is a special ocaission place, but I assure you, every time you dine at G&G, it is a special ocaission because they make it that way. Grazie tutto!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
My absolute Favorite Italian/steak house restaurant in Chicago! I recommend the spaghetti and meatballs and The porter house steak is also very delicious . I love everything about this place!!! Definitely worth checking out.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This is probably my favorite steak house in Chicago, it has that old school steak house feel unlike Gibsons which felt like a more trendy place in Gold coast of course. The mussels as starters were really nice and then the steaks. I had the filet and it was nice, but the chicago cut (bone in) ribeye was amazing. Probably the second best ribeye I have ever had. It was nice and tender, perfectly cooked. If you are in the mood for an authentic steak house this is the place to go.
Very simple.
I think with this place you have to take it for what it is. A traditional, Italian steak house.
As others have pointed out the atmosphere is very classic, simple, dark, and has some definite mafioso type character.
The salad was iceberg, out of a bag, and was drenched in way too much traditional Italian dressing. I don't like to see this at a steak house.
I had a HUGE beef tenderloin which was cooked to my liking (rare, but with char on the outside). I am EXTREMELY picky about the doneness of my steak and I won't eat it unless it's somewhat cool in the middle, so they get kudos there.
Sides. Mediocre. We had potatoes that were sliced like chips and then fried. They were dry and flavorless. We also ordered a medley of spinach, peppers, and mushrooms for the steak. It was okay, rather bland, and cooked in too much olive oil.
Tiramisu was good.
This is a good place if you're a simple steak and potatoes type of person and not into too much flavor.
This is a bad place if you would like to have your steak with bearnaise sauce, or more innovative sides and dishes that offer more flavor than just plain meat and potatoes.
I'm really not sure what all the fuss is about here. Let me recap: prime beef (good but not different from any other decent Chicago steakhouse), old boys feel (yawn), and mediocre sides (unacceptable for the prices). If you were in a smaller city and your choices are Outback and this, then this place makes sense. For Chicago though, there's no reason to go here with all the other great options around.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Went here with my family over the weekend and the meal at our table of 8 was pretty close to perfect!
I ordered the filet mignon, and it was the BIGGEST filet ive found yet. Yes it was 40 dollars, but I can overlook that when it is the size of a brick. Like another reviewer said here, there was absolutely no seasoning. Is that good or bad? Well it depends on how you like your steak! It was nothing but a big slab of meat and that was just fine with me. Sometimes less is more.
My boyfriend ordered the pork chops, and once again, the two biggest pork chops ive seen side by side on a plate. He ordered them medium, and they appeared to be cooked a tad bit more than that.
My brother had the whitefish, which he said was alittle on the fishy side and I think he was having problems with the skin they left on it. My Mom and her friend had the lasagna, and her friends son had the angel hair with tomato basil sauce. I thought the pasta menu was pricey, everything ranging from $18-20. But the pasta was tasty, and of course, portions that could feed 2 (maybe 3!)
I forget what my dad had, but it came with these cubed potatoes that were like a drug, so addicting I couldnt stop eating them =)
The side of asparagus, for $14, was served family style and was plenty of our whole table. They were cooked to perfection.
Dessert was delicious as well. The service, a team of older Italian gentlemen, was pretty top notch. The bill was scary. Decor takes you right back to the 50's (or what i imagine the 50's to look like) I would recommend this place to people who are looking for a non-pretentious, high quality meal. Its on the pricier side, but the left overs fed us the next day too.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Everyone tends to like their steaks prepared differently, so I'm going to breakdown how I prefer my steak and maybe you will understand why I only give this place 3 stars. (3 stars means that will not return unless someone else is paying).
- Filet Mignon is my favorite cut
- Dry aged preferred
- Lightly seasoned with salt and pepper only as I like the flavor of beef
- Never doused in sauce
- Seared NOT CHARRED as prepared here at G&G's.
- Cooked medium rare, to rare
I ordered their small filet - very nice sized portion. Good quality meat, but the charring ruined it for me. and A1 sauce on the table? Yikes, I suppose that is a quick way to ruin a piece of meat. Might as well just chuck it in the garbage if you like to douse your steak with sauce.
I'd go back for Ruth Chris' filet anyday.
My boyfriend loves this place because the porterhouse is so big that it literally hangs off the side of the oval plate that it is served on. If he takes me there, I will go, but not without suggesting somewhere else first!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
I ate here with a group of 15 for my buddy's college graduation dinner. This place is the epitome of Old School, and you're definitely paying for atmosphere more than anything else. We got a private room with our own bartender and a dedicated waitstaff--all older gentlemen who obviously treat service as a profession and not just a in-between gig. We stayed for several hours and the staff never waivered in their attentiveness or good attitude--we felt very welcome, like members of the club. As far as decor and service go, I can't say enough good stuff.
I didn't have a chance to go over the wine list as I was definitely not going to be the one ordering (or paying!) but the champagne and the cabernet chosen for the table were both excellent. I ordered the full-size strip loin and it was beautiful. I got it rare and it was perfectly done, pink throughout and room temperature in the center. I appreciated the char, rather than sear, although that's a matter of taste. The steak was unseasoned but didn't really need it--G and G must have a pretty good source for their meat. And did I mention the portions are freaking huge? Creamed spinach and garlic mashed potatoes were good, but the asparagus was laughable, not at all fresh tasting (it is way out of season, of course) and served with a frankly revolting canary yellow butter sauce.
The atmosphere and great steaks make this an excellent place for a very special occassion, but I certainly wouldn't head here if all I was looking for was a tasty meal.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Let me tell you about one of the better dining experiences I've ever had.
It was several years ago on a very snowy night. I was still in my early 20's, and a female friend of mine and I went down there for dinner. We put our names in and waited for a table at the very crowded bar. Wishing to have smoking, Tommy, the maitre d', informed us that non-smoking would come sooner, but that he'd find us if a table waited. I didn't give him my name. After a few minutes he showed up behind us, having waded through the waiting crowd to let us know that he had a non-smoking table, but that we could wait for a smoking table if we wanted. We opted to wait for smoking. After a few minutes, he found us again and escorted us to a smoking table.
The steak isn't for everybody. It's high-quality beef, but their method of cooking involves charring it, which turns many off. Me, I enjoy it immensely. The first thing you notice about the steak is its size: A filet warrants comparisons more to a football in size than the standard, "Oh, it's a filet-sized piece of beef." The sides are traditional but delectable, and the service is top notch -- the servers give the appearance that they've been there for years, and have been there for so long for good reason.
My friend and I knew it was busy that evening, so we opted to vacate the table quickly so someone else waiting could have it. We again retired to the (now much less crowded) bar for an after dinner drink. Tommy (the maitre' d) approached us and asked, "You know, I notice you didn't spend much time at your table... Was everything okay?" I, of course, assured him that we delighted in our meal, and chose to leave the table quickly so as to open it up for another group of presumably anxious diners. Apparently Tommy appreciated our (minor) consideration, and proceeded to join us at the bar. He bought the both of us a drink and ordered up a sampler of desserts: chocolate cake, tiramisu (scrumptious), and others. We then sat with him for several other cocktails while we just talked about his experiences at the restaurant and things in general. A wonderful experience -- all gratis -- and all for a pair who had already paid their bill. Quite telling, that.
One other anecdote: I was here on Valentine's Day with a date, sitting at the bar waiting for a table. An older couple came in and gave gifts -- wrapped presents -- to the two bartenders. I asked about it, and Tommy said, "Well, they've been coming here every weekend for 40 years... They know us so well they bring gifts on holidays." If that doesn't tell you something about what a perhaps anachronistically old-fashioned but high-quality dining experience is supposed to be, you don't get it.
I can understand people being turned off by the charring of the steaks, as well as the close-quarters seating arrangements; it's not for everybody. But this is the place my grandparents came for a good dinner when they were downtown, the place my Dad used to take my Mom, and the place I hope many more generations have to enjoy.
"Classic" is a word that gets tossed around far too cheaply far too often, but this is a place that truly deserves it. Highly, highly recommended.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (4)
Came highly recommended but Gene and Georgetti's didn't really deliver on my expectations.
First bad sign: we had to wait over an hour to be seated for a reservation for two people. I realized after a while that there was a private party upstairs taking up a lot of room and delaying everyone's reservations, but there's really no excuse for overbooking that badly.
Second bad sign: our bartender didn't know how to make an Old Fashioned. He basically just poured bourbon, soda, and grenadine over ice, popped a cherry in it, and served. It tasted as awful as it sounds, but again for this old of an establishment, I was shocked the bartender didn't know that classic recipe.
After waiting for over an hour, they finally seated us in the upstairs area, which didn't really feel like a restaurant but more of a hall where they decided to plop some tables.
Our waiter was good enough, if not overly attentive, but after waiting for so long, I felt like the meal itself was rushed. I had no real complaints about the food, although the cut selection was a little paltry, and I've certainly had better steak before. We ordered the raviolis for an appetizer and were pleasantly surprised.
I wanted to like G&G's because of its history and old-time feel, but kitsch cannot carry a restaurant alone. If I ever return here, I'll probably opt for pasta, since I hear it is good. On the other hand, I know there are better Italian and steak places in the city. And by the way, this place is really, really expensive. I don't know if you'd pay as much at any other steakhouse, and yet it's just mediocre.
G & G's is wildly overrated. I was so excited to take my boyfriend there, as it was one of the few steakhouses in the city he hadn't been to, and I wanted to treat him to a nice big piece of meat since I usually drag him to vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Unfortunately it was a huge disappointment.
It started off with our ordering the Fried Ravioli, which we assumed was cheese (menu doesn't specify) We opened it up to find spinach and what appeared to be veal. We sent it back and still got charged for it even though they were entirely unclear about the menu item.
Next came the horror of horrors. The waiter walked over and brought....A1 Steak Sauce!!! I don't even eat meat, and I know it is hugely taboo to put A1 on any steak unless it's completely flavorless. Keep in mind, a steak at G & G's doesn't run cheap. Then my boyfriend found out why they put the A1 on the table. The filet was completely unseasoned - literally just a slab of meat on the plate and bland to say the least. Not to mention, he ordered his steak medium well, and it came very pink and practically mooing on the plate. When he pointed this out to the waiter, he admitted it was undercooked, but didn't take anything off of our bill.
The two stars are for the delicious Angel Hair Arrabiata I ordered and the atmosphere. The sauce was an excellent, traditional Italian recipe with the perfect amount of spiciness. We brought the leftovers home, and my boyfriend ate it that evening after he was still starving from the apparently inedible, mooing $40 steak.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Gene & Georgetti's is where men who sweat and yell together in the CME Group exchange rooms go to eat steaks and other manly things served by men, at long tables reminiscent of the benches of thanes in Hrothgar's mead-hall -- long tables where men boast of hard fighting over pork bellies and orange futures.
About 95% of the diners were men, and probably traders, which made it pretty loud on a Thursday night, at least on the second floor. That was part of the charm.
Our server was fast and efficient with a professional server attitude, but he also had a discernible personality. The dedicated water refillers stalked the room as though the water in the glasses would explode if it were less than 3/4 full.
The food was very good overall, with a straightforward, no-frills presentation. The experience was like eating at my Italian aunt's house (without the traders). The salads were iceberg lettuce with big chunks of tomato and a few lemon slices. Those who got the bleu cheese dressing liked it but would have preferred more cheese and less dressing. The Lyonnaise Potatoes were semi-crispy slices with the right consistency (not too gooey, not too crispy), and those who had the Fresh Broiled Mushrooms (mushroom slices on a platter) thought they were good.
Three people at the table ordered the Broiled Small Filet Mignon, and considering how large the small filets were, what does the regular filet look like? But as much as my dining partners enjoyed their steaks, they were all envious of my fantastic Angel Hair Arrabiata, which covered the whole oblong dish (I'll get three more meals out of a $17 dinner).
The Russian River pinot was lovely, like drinking silk, and the cappuccino was very good. We did not order dessert, but I would have tried the carrot cake or chocolate mousse cake.
I should note that the first floor was smoky. Also, they have coat closets on the second floor, so you don't have to leave your coat by the smoky bar on the first floor. Finally, speaking of smoke, there are no sprinklers, at least on the second floor, so maybe you should sit by a window.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
This is a must try if you live or are visiting the Chicago area. Gene & Georgetti's was established in1941. It is definitely a great Italian steak house . It looks like a prequel to The Sopranos should be filmed here...."How the Mob began way back when"
Their steaks are high quality and prepared perfectly! The spaghetti and meatballs is classic Italian food. I know a few Italian's that
say it is as close to their Mama's as it can get. They have a wide variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts to choose from. They also have wine and cocktails.
They have a huge following with locals and tourists for a good reason. It is filled with old school charm that you don't come by very often these days.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (4)
If you go to a steakhouse and order a steak medium rare and it's not medium rare, it's all over. I don't care if the restaurant has been a Chicago institution since 1941, or if Lucille Ball used to be a regular, or that in all other respects the restaurant is a great place to eat. Steak is simply seared flesh. The ONLY thing that they have to do is make sure that it is seared as ordered.
And because G&G delivered a medium filet when I requested a medium rare, G&G only gets 3 stars. It doesn't get 3 stars because the lobster tail was $79 (at that price, I was half expecting it to sing Under the Sea to my friend who ordered it). Nor for the crappy side of potatoes that comes with the steak. Nor for the watery creamed spinach. All of that is forgivable. But overcooking my steak is simply unacceptable when the house specialty is steak.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
This steak house has a lot of old style class. It's a great place to eat and have good talk with other food fleabag friends. When you think of Who has eaten here and all the no nonsense, it's a 10!
All cuts of beef are excellent. My preference is the T-Bone. also the creamed spinach and steamed Broccoli is excellent. Try to avoid the weekends unless you like waiting. However; the Bar is really Old School GOOD so I will revise, Waiting is a good thing at G & G's.
RL over and out-
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Uhhhhh mah goodness... where is the pepto? My stomach is full of not your average meat ravioli. NO. I just ate a bunch of meatballs stuffed inside big ass pasta pockets. Talk about phat pockets, these babies will have you draggin' your feet.
Please believe I was skeptical about ordering the "Garbage Salad" but my worries dissappeared into my happy tastebuds once I tried my first bite! An antipasto of greens, cheeses, peppers, olives, and a bunch of other stuff I couldn't figure out. BOMB!
The service was great. Our waiter was an older Italian man that treated us like his grandkids. The spot was packed with families and parties--looking straight outta a mobster flick or the Sopranos.
This place is no joke. Great portions. Leftovers tasted even better than at dinner!!!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Hmmm....what can I say. Old school style restaurant. I kinda feel like a wise guy there. If you like pasta, chicken and fish then you will like this place. If you like steak well you will never want to leave!!! The staff is great...doesnt bother you like other restaurants. They actually let you eat your food in peace but still manage to be there when they are needed....Helps when your Uncle is the Chef and your dad is Tony D. the waiter of choice!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (1)
Talk about old rustic Chicago charm. This place is always crowed and reservation is highly recommended. The bar is a great place to hang out until you are seated. You get the feeling that an old mob boss god father is going to walk and get is usual table in the corner. The place is crowed, busy, and loud...not an ideal place for an intimate dinner for two. However, great place to take the boys to. Great steak is what they are known for, if you are lucky enough to see their steak locker where everything is aged a little bit longer before serving. It has that old Italian family charm where they make everyone feel like you're apart of the family. My suggestions are: the filet, NY strip, porter house, chops...or just any cut.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
An old school restaurant, with old school cuisine. That's what it is, and if you don't like it, don't go there. I have been there quite a few times and am usually satisfied, however, they do tend to overcook their steaks a little....at least the chef at lunch does, which is the only time I've been. Delicious bread basket. Huge portions. Great people watching.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Hands down an old-school Italian & Steak house. Smokey bar, excellent service and a very intimate setting, upstairs and down. A group of 10 of us went by this last weekend and were treated like guests in their home. The steaks were made perfectly to order, the sizes were larger than our stomachs and the side dishes we fresh, hearty and very enjoyable. I'm proud there's places still like this in Chicago. If you want santized, go to Smith & Wolensky's!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
G&G feels straight out of the Soprano's or Goodfellas with its aura of red vinyl mixed with cigar smoke, but tastes like it's out of, uh, something different that tastes good; pick like a food network show or something :P Everything here is huge, from the massive steaks, to the uncharacterstically included sides of potatoes (figure about 5 huge spuds sliced up per person), to many of the patrons! Their veal parmesan is quite possibly the single best entree in all of Chicago, and like everything else at G&G will fill up two people as my frequent carryout companion can attest to.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (3)
Simply the best! If you want the Chicago experience, then look no further. The decor resembles the days of yesterday with the paneling and what not. The bar downstairs is crowded, the restaurant is up a flight of stairs. This was a house once upon a time. Upstairs the quarters are tight, but yet kind of cozy. On to the food. Appetizers of home breaded onion rings, Fried Calamari, and Italian Sausage along with copious amounts of the house bread.
When I judge a Steakhouse, I can always tell the quality of the place by how the presentation of the food is displayed. On the plate, just meat! nothing else, no Kale, no Lettuce, no Parsley, simply meat since it is the showcase. I had the Lamb Chops. Cooked medium rare, the order was 4 humongous Chops seasoned like nothing I ever had, cooked brilliantly, and served as is. Mangia Baby!!! that's what I'm talking about. Perfect food, served with an order of Italian fried potatoes and an order of cream spinach with smoked apple wood bacon. Never ever had I had Lamb Chops so magnificent. My date had the Fillet Mignon and that to was stellar.
This place always blows me away, why? because they know their business, they know their product, and they keep things the way they were 50 years ago. Why fix something if it ain't broken. I did a super chunky Red Italian wine from the Piedmont region, I cannot remember the name, however it is the "only" wine from the famed region. Again, I cannot emphasize enough that if you want a truly "old school" dinning experience, this is the place. Reminds me of Capone, kinda cool. Check it out, I give it 10/10.
Dessert, the Bourbon Bread Pudding was awesome, thick and creamy and enough for two to share. The coffee was served in 70's style china that was awesome. I just love an original and this is one of the last of a dying breed.
It's kind of like good fellas, You, the music, the ambiance and friends. Nothing in life in my books say life more than "Good Wine, Good Food, and Good Loving"
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Cool (4)
Frank S. and Lucille B. may have frequented Gene & Georgetti's. For that alone, G & G, the acclaimed oldest steakhouse in Chicago, is one of my all-time favorites This is the kinda place where you think everyone has a story, but the bartenders are the only ones doing the talking. The downstairs main dining room is best, and the downstairs back room is better than the upstairs. We love the fresh mozzarella and tomato salad, and we usually stick with steak and pasta for dinner. It's delicious, but maybe not the best you've ever had. Order a bottle of red and some fries for the table. It is a dining experience. Don't be surprised if the bartender gives you his card on the way out!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
This place is fantastic!!! Like everyone says this place is really an old fashion steakhouse. The steaks are huge and delicious. My fillet mignon just melted in my mouth. The broccoli was delicious too!!!! The service was excellent even though it was a full house that night they still treated us very well. And after 3 bottles of wine we were just having a ball with everyone there!!!!! YEAH for G & G's!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (3)
This is the best steak house in the city! Tourists might be put off by the wait staff, since they are focused on your food and not entertaining you. They refill your drink w/out you even noticing. The steaks are amazing and worth every penny. Mario (head chef) will cook it exactly to your liking. You might even run into a celebrity or two.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
My first time in Chicago, I was seeking out some great places to eat. I think I did my research on Chowhound first and this is where I was told was the best steak in the city. It was alright. It wasn't anything to write home about. We split a steak and some pasta, but we weren't really impressed by the food. I will say the service was outstanding. We had a really attentive waiter. Next time I'm in Chicago, I'll probably try a different steakhouse.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
May this place never change so that someday, after all the new-school steak joints with 'deconstructed' salads and cleverly-named drink menus have become passe, we can look back and remember why we fell in love with steakhouses in the first place. The food is good, not great, but walking inside is like walking back in Chicago history and damnit, it's places like Gene & Georgettis that made this city great.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
This is one Italian/Steak house everyone should eat at at least once! It's Old School. It's a Chicago Institution! It's been here for decades. I've heard so many great stories about this place! The people who gather here know that the steaks here are some of the best in Chicago! G&G are supper loyal to their customers. They have great service for all but if they know you here, forget about it! They will take your RSVP over any super star! And the food is all great. Forget the wine list here and drink up! I Love Gene and Georgetti's!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Cool (4)
Not impressed. I came here for a work lunch. We tried the calamari (dry and tasteless), fried ravioli (weird ground meat and spinach filling that crumbled apart), and shrimp de jonghe (swimming in a 1/2" pool of oil and unrecognizable mush). I ordered the veal scalloppine, which tasted like they used watered down Ragu and added sliced mushrooms. I must not have ordered the right thing since everybody else has reviewed the filet . The waiters gave our table two large plates of sliced, fried potatoes that were too crunchy to cut with my knife and tasted plain. It just seems like everything comes dry, and the only way they try to hide that is to throw it in sauce. My coworkers ordered carrot cake and the tuxedo chocolate mousse cake, and they seemed to enjoy that more than their entrees. Prices average $15-25 for lunch, $25-45 for dinner. This restaurant is designed like a 1930s house - red carpeted, fireplaces, and bookshelves. Service was great, but I probably won't come back here again.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I went there with my mom. This is the first place I went to that had employees that had been there for years. I like the atmosphere better. I have been to Gibsons, Sullivans and others but the sound level my mom prefers.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Can I just wax poetic about the steaks here at Gene and Georgetti's? Just the thought of eating in the same locale where Frank Sinatra once dined sends shivers down my spine, but the food deserves accolades on its own. I definitely love the coziness and the customer service is out of this world. I definitely recommend this to out of towners that want a real Old World meets New World experience. YUM.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I think it's too bad that the first review that pops up is utterly negative. Let me tell you about the REAL experience I had while there with my self-proclaimed food connoisseur and steak-eating boyfriend.
It was the bf's 26th birthday, and he wanted steak. Originally we were going to go to the Chop House, but he wanted something unique, something authentic, something quintessentially Chicago, so we hit up G&G, which has been there since 1941 and was a hangout spot for such celebs as Lucille Ball. The sign lighting the corner establishment is classy and classic, and as you walk in to the small restaurant, you're greeted by men with long aprons and get-ups that hearkened the chef's jacket. The bar area was NOT smoky (and this coming from the girl who can't go to bars because the smoke makes it impossible to breathe, see or talk) and the crowd was classic Chicago -- businessmen, large fellows in corner booths talking quietly over beef; old couples gnawing at salmon and bread; and in the corner, a father and son noshing on some pasta. And the waiters? Not a single one under the age of 45 or 50!
Our waiter was ... wow ... he was amazing. He chatted, he made us feel comfortable and welcome. We ordered a bottle of wine, got the bread (which was DELISH), and asked our cuisine questions. I ordered the Salmon Vesuvio and the bf got the large Filet Mignon. The dinner salads we got served with the House Italian, which was delicious and flavorful. We noshed on bread and chatted as the restaurant filled up with older couples and regulars.
The food came and good LORD. Talk about huge portions. A piece of salmon that took up the ENTIRE, very large plate was placed in front of me, covered with slightly overcooked potatoes. The bf's filet was huge, absolutely thick and the seasoning was subtle, allowing the true taste of the cut to come through. We had the house cottage potatoes (what were like very thinly sliced potatoes cooked a la potato wedge) and also got a side of the garlic potatoes. It was a hefty meal, that was followed up by a slice of cheesecake for the bf's birthday and some coffees. I had to be ROLLED out of the restaurant!
My thoughts about the food? The thing about G&G's is that it's been around since 1941, and I have no doubt in my mind that they cook the food and use the same recipes they have for the past 66 years. The food, as such, is not chock full of crazy Emeril spices or preservatives. It's fresh, but the fish is fish and the potatoes are potatoes. Even the garlic potatoes' flavor and taste were extremely subtle. If you're used to eating stuff that's chock full of flavor, you might not like G&G's, but the thing is, food is meant to have that natural flavor, not the add-ins and spices that make it edible sometimes. The fish was delicious, and was probably one of the best pieces of fish I've ever seen. And the steak? Oy. It was juicy, cooked perfectly, and on a plate all its own was a sight to see. The cheesecake was some of the best I've had, too.
But I think it was the service that made this the great experience that it was. It felt classy and like we were sitting at a corner table for two (even though we were in the entryway to the second dining room). It was a truly memorable dining experience with some delicious, classic food that Chicagoans of all stripes have been downing for more than 60 years.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
I came here with a bunch of friends for a birthday. This place has been around forever. I think the bar has been raised, a lot, in the last ten years. Gene and Georgetti's hasn't kept pace with the other steak houses in Chicago. The cuts are average and the appetizers were poor in my opinion. I also didn't care for the ambiance. It's got that old school Italian vibe.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
This is definitely a guy's restaurant, so being a girl, I really don't like the atmosphere all that much. But, they have the best veal parmesan in the city. It's the only dish I have ever ordered here, and I don't think I will ever order anything else!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
G&G's is the best.Make sure you have the garbage salad with a side of blue cheese.The Chicken Joe or Filet Joe is awesome.And if you get a chance to go for lunch, make sure you get the Prime Rib.The best deal in the city My'guy. Ask for Juan or JJ tell'm Jimmy Sent ya....
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (2)
A mans steak house. Good steak is usually an individuals preference and this is my favorite.
Less fru fru than steak houses on rush street.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool