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Yelp's Alfresco Elite Affair @ Carlucci
- Good for Kids:
- No
35 reviews for Yelp's Alfresco Elite Affair @ Carlucci
35 reviews in English
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Review from Sean B.
Awesome!
If I knew there'd be this many cool people, and this much cool stuff, and this much great food and drink, I would have come to a Yelp party ages ago!
Highlights: the risotto balls were nearly perfect. The swordfish looked like a shell with tomato sauce at first, but was awesome. The chicken with a mushroom sauce was great. -
Review from Brett D.
Smashing Suburban Success!!
The cat is most definitely outta the bag... burbie events are WHERE IT'S AT! I mean, come on, did you see that line to get your Carlucci mangia on? You Yelpers picked up what I'm putting down in droves and us city folk are smartly fleeing the urban for a fistful of fabulous suburban. Go us!
Not only was this event impeccably assembled, but boasted some of my favorite things and then some!
* Food, Food, Food Galore! 'Twas like being at a wedding, I tell ya! Perfect pizza, crispy calamari, succulent salmon, tasty tortellini, beautiful beets and FRIED CHEESE RISOTTO BALLS. Get them balls in your mouth, Baby! Totally terrific.
* Drinksapalooza! Lovely Santa Maria wines, Magic Hat brews, Firefly sweet tea vodka. Oh yes, it was all there for our thirsty throngs!
* Live Music! Those two guys were rocking it out on their guitars... Tom Petty, The Eagles, The Killers... Dancing, Tambourines, Shakin' It, Oh My!
* To-Die-For Outdoor Space. We rocked that patio and made it a veritable Yelp catwalk. Sexy! Loved being under the stars with my favorite friends and even made a few new ones, too!
* Prizes! 4 night stays at Harrah's and Caesar's Palace? Impressed! Next time let's make sure we rig this so I win.
* Shutterbooth. Props. Pictures. Posing. Perfect.
See? Best party EVER. A good time was surely had by all, and most certainly by yours truly! Many thanks to my favorite pack of party pals, Jelena, Colleen, Johnny and Candice. Let's do it again?!Listed in: Party like a Yelp(rock)star
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Review from Nishan P.
I kissed the hand of a queen.
Stuck a feather in my hair.
Measured the height of Brett's heels.
Oh, you just had to be there.
I drank several drinks.
Ate a ton of food.
The drinks were strong.
The food, so good.
I posed for pictures galore.
Scored a necklace beaded.
Didn't flash to get it,
But was willing if needed.
Many thanks, Ms. Jelena,
The party was fun.
And now, dear reader,
My sorry rhyming in done.Listed in: Why I Yelp
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Review from Renita M.
I love me some Yelp events and this one was no exception.
Despite my blathering about spin classes, we made it right on time (class got out a little early and the Traffic Force was with us) and grabbed our stylin' wrist bands and settled in. The food was a-maz-ing. Great little pizzas, stellar salad, tender fish, and those arancini, oh my god, gooey-cheesy-risotto goodness. Damn.
The drinks were no slouch either, as I enjoyed some sweet tea vodka-lemonade and the biscotti liqueur that Aimee clued me into was the perfect little sweet end to the evening.
Shout-outs also to the Carlucci staff, which did a STELLAR job of keeping up with us, the photo booth guy who indulged us in "how many yelpers can we fit in here" (seven, I think) and all the fun people I met and gabbed with! I got so wrapped up in conversation with a few that I didn't manage to circulate more :)
In short, the CMs rock, Carlucci's staff and food rocked, ShutterBox rocked and Yelpers rock :)Listed in: This is why I love Yelp
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Review from Aimee M.
Another stellar event brought to you by Yelp! Carlucci's was the most gracious host providing us with top notch food and service. Got a chance to catch up with Yelp friends and meet some new folks too!
The food, Oh wow, the food! So plentiful and delicious. My favorite was the Arancini--cheesy rice balls fried up to a sinfully delicious treat. I would have stuck some in my purse to take home but didn't carry a purse with me that night. Note to self: next time you go to a Yelp party, bring your purse.
The spiral pasta with chicken was also very good, as was the calamari, grilled veggies and chicken dish (I don't remember the name). To complement my meal, the Pinot Grigio was perfect. Renita M--girl, thank you for giving me the tip on Biscotti liqueur with some soda. That was an amazing post dinner drink. A little sweet, but so refreshing!
The patio space is absolutely gorgeous and serene, one can forget that the construction on 355 is not too far away. The band gave us some great background music and as the night wore on, folks got up and danced.
Thanks again to our wonderful Yelp CM's and our host Carlucci. Great way to kick off summer!Listed in: Yelp: Bringing people together
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Review from Michelle K.
Naperville, IL
I love love loved my first Chicago-area Elite Event! The food was delicious (can someone please deliver arancini directly into my mouth, k thx), the drinks were lovely and plentiful (yay Magic Hat coming to Chicago!), and the music was rockin'. My sexy +1 and I took some cute pictures in the ShutterBox. It was a perfect night out on the patio!
I didn't really know anyone, which can be intimidating, but I met some really friendly Yelpers who made me feel at home! And thanks to Misty S. for making a point to find me and say hello! :)
Jelena, Johnny, Candice, Colleen, and Carlucci staff: you guys rocked it!Listed in: Yelp Gives Me Free Stuff
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Review from Theresa C.
Naperville, IL
Another awesome night!
The Firefly Sweet Tea vodka was excellent... as always. I live for that stuff! Many thanks to the bartender for the refills.
The food selection was out of this world. I was expecting little finger food things, but it was a whole giant spread of goodies. I was stuffed to the brim when I left night. I have now found my "last meal on death row" food (arancini). They were absolutely delicious, along with everything else.
The company was awesome. I met so many new people, pondered the epic battle of giraffe vs. otter and saw everyone around me win a trip. No, I'm not bitter. Congrats, guys!
One downside was explaining to the 60+ year old guys (man cougars?) on the patio what Yelp did and then them wondering out loud if there was food available.
The Shutterbox guy was cool (and yes, I'll say it ...hot) and nice to explain "how the photo thing worked."
Thanks again Jelena, Candice and Johnny for another ass kicking event!Listed in: It's Yelptastic!
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Review from Nektaria R.
Chicago, IL
What a wonderful event! Great space (totally going back to Carlucci's during the week for $2 appetizers with cocktails) love the patio and the live band was real nice. Loved the calamari and grilled veggies (Hey, they cancel each other out)! The biscotti drink, took a sip and it was divine!
Shutterbooth was so nice to us, even when my gf almost fell through the other side (we were trying for a sexy pose).
Thank you to the wonderful CMs (especially Johnny T. who listened to my crazy bird stories and smiled the whole time - you sir, are very classy).
Oh yeah, and I'm excited about my deck of playing cards and beads - all I had to do was smile pretty... of course I would have preferred the vacation getaway instead, but there's always next time.
Thanks all! Nice seeing everyone, Aimee, Renita, Lisa, Misty, Nishan, Alicia, Candice, Jelena, Colleen, others who's names I'm always forgetting... CYOY! -
Review from Misty S.
I can't get enough of that Firefly Sweet Tea vodka!! Hot dang, that stuff is good.
The food was amazing! They provided plates that made all the plates from other events look like tea cup saucers. Those fried risotto balls (arancini) were something else. Crispy on the outside with a gooey cheesy ricey filling (and a pea).
Live music out in the patio really set a good mood. I felt transported out of the burbs to some exotic secret garden with water fountains and foliage. Mo and I were looking for a place to perch after we got our food and this nice couple stopped us to tell us they were leaving and we could have their table. Score!
I was also determined to find Michelle, whom I said I would seek out in the Talk thread to say Hello since it was her first Chicago suburban event. Then I spotted her and went up to say hello and explained that I was the one from Talk. However, she gave me a blank stare as she explained that she has not been on Talk. Oops...but just minutes later, another Michelle appeared. Mission accomplished.
Shutterbox guy was awesome. He started making duplicates of the pictures for everyone so we could have our own copy. They even provided props in the booth (which I promptly forgot about as soon as I entered).
Side Note: Those old sales men who pretended to be a part of Yelp and scamed a lunch box should be ashamed of themselves. Someone should also tell them it's not proper to stare. Not cool.
Big ups to Colleen, Jelena, Candice, and Johnny!Listed in: The Best Yelp Events
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Review from LOIS B.
Once again, our planners have done a FABULOUS job of letting us know that we are appreciated.
The food was in abundance and soooooooooooooo tasty. New drinks. Great music. Can I tell you, a number of other patrons asked me how they could become yelpers.
Great ambiance, but the non-yelper with the cigar needed to take a hike.
I'm impressed that NO ONE ended up in the fountain.
Candice and Jelena are you proud of that??? -
Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
Looooved it!!
We had so much fun last night!! Thank you so much to Jelena, Candice, Johnny and Colleen for a great time. And thank you to Carlucci for hosting!
The space was fantastic, and allowed us to sit down, enjoy delicious food, and catch up with friends. I loved the pizza and beet salad. And those fried cheese things were deeeelicious.
We had a super fun time dancing in the photobooth. Can't wait to see the photos!! -
Review from Lisa B.
Raleigh, NC
Great food, great people and great fun! Loved the whole thing. My first event as an elite. It was wonderful. Thank you to Carlucci, Jelena and Candice for everything.
The food was so good. They had these little fried cheese balls (not sure what they're called) that were warm oooey and gooey cheesy goodness. They also had pizza, pasta, fish (didn't try since I don't like fish) and veggies. Everything was fresh and so tasty.
I can't rave enough about how much fun I had. Oh and did I mention the firefly vodka? It is made in Charleston, SC and mixes great with lemonade.
Thank you again for a fabulous event!! -
Review from Angela H.
Things I learned about my mother from taking her to a yelp event:
1. She can drink me under the table
2. She wants me to have my wedding reception at Carlucci and have Frank and Dave sing at the wedding
3. She likes to give double peace signs when she's tipsy. -
Review from Brooke H.
This was my first time at Carlucci, and my first yelp event. I hope every future yelp event is as good as this one, because last night was awesome!
The venue was really nice, the patio is pretty big with a bar and a fountain and a jamming band. It looks really pretty at night too. The inside was nice too. Spacious with big tall ceilings and minimal but classy design. Patrons were dressed in everything from jeans to business suits (I like that).
The staff (everyone from the hostess when I got there ,to the bussers who were cleaning up when I left) were very accommodating and polite. The 2 bartenders I dealt with were cute, witty and prompt, just how a bartender should be. Good job.
The food was pretty unbelievable. I didn't know what I was in for so I had low expectations. I didn't eat everything but here's what I did have: Stuffed Shells, Calamari (super duper tender, mmm) Grilled Veggies, Salmon, Fried balls of cheesy risotto, oh my god. I coulda ate a dozen of those, thankfully I'm on a diet so I refrained and a Caesar salad, just how I like it, crispy, no frills, awesome dressing (how did they keep the lettuce so crispy when it was sitting in that dressing on the buffet line? Magic? Perhaps) anyway everything I had I would order when I go back.
The Shutter-Box photo booth was pretty ridiculous. My throat actually hurts from laughing so much.
Although I didn't win, they were raffling off some pretty sweet prizes such as; trips to Vegas and New Orleans, gift cards, and hotel stays.
Bravo Team Yelp, I'll definitely be hitting future events.Listed in: Elitists Unite!
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Review from nikki c.
Jelena rocks!
The orange haired girl rocks!
Carlucci staff rocks!
firefly vodka is awesome on the rocks!
yay yelp! nice rocks!
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update: i may have lost a shoe here. not sure how or where, but it did get pretty wild for a second or two.
and I do apologize to the wildlife. who knew swans were so sensitive in those areas?
and OMFG was that ryhmes with Mince Maughn???? in the corner all night drinking those pink drinks???!!!??? -
Review from Ericka A.
Suburban events are some of my favorite. It seems the hardcore elite always show up. Us suburbanites have no problem coming into Chicago, but mention someplace like Downers Grove or Naperville and the Chicago bunch are hard pressed to show up. You know what that means? It means more free stuff for me! I'll take it!
In a perfect world we would live as if always at a Suburban Elite Party. Everyone would be gorgeous, you'd never go hungry or thirsty and attractive people would wait on you while you listen to music and hang out with your friends. Tell me this isn't how you want the afterlife to be!
We were all lucky enough to go to Carlucci on a day when the weather cooperated and everything was great. Loved the food, loved the drinks, got in on the photobooth and hung out with some of my favorite Yelpers. The only downside was that we didn't have the patio to ourselves, so seating was a bit limited and there was some confusion with who was Yelp and who wasn't. That's OK. I'm all for making new friends.Listed in: Yelpy McYelperson
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Review from Santiago A.
Chicago, IL
I've never been to this place, Carlucci. I must have driven by 50 times and never noticed it all tucked away. Thank you, Yelp, for the great event that brought me here.
Unfortunately, the Yelp-o-meter only allows for 5-stars... but! I can let you know in the review that a couple stars were earned for free Magic Hat and Magic Hat keychain bottleopeners. A few more for lots of delicious Firefly Vodka Tea... and then again for the sweet spread. Alfresco is always great and so was the weather (you don't get a star for the weather cus that's just luck ^_~).
Add 2 more for the lovely company of Jelena, Johnny, Candice (I know, that's 2-stars for 3 people. sorry, you'll just have to learn to share).
If you add one for the incredibly hot waitress at the bar (even though that wasn't near our event but still good for the overall ambience) that makes... well, you do the math. At any rate, it adds up to a dang good time! -
Review from Erin D.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Fantastic Yelping!!! What an event!
I can't tell you how many risotto balls I ate but it was TOO many, I was finding excuses to mingle around the buffet table so I could keep popping more! Delicious food.
ShutterBox - Hysterical! It was my first and a bit naughty. At one point my husband said "I think we should close the curtain more, people are laughing at us." HA!
I had never been to Carlucci's before...even though I only live 5 MINUTES DOWN THE STREET....no seriously. 5 minutes... From the street you just see this huge tower with "Carlucci" on the side, impressive. So much so I had no idea what exactly it was, it could have been a posh hotel for all I knew. And now that I've been there, I'd eat AND sleep there! I'm sure there was an option somewhere in fine print on the bottom of the menu because this place had killer decor.
-Insane patio; gorgeous fountain, dreamy/beach-style bar. It felt like a warm night at some exotic bar off a waterfront beach. I'm NOT exaggerating.
-The most gorgeous private room that opens up to the patio deck. THIS is where I'm having my next event..."Cheers to...toast to...congrats on..." Have it here.
As the night ended I almost didn't want to go, the patio was jammin' with their Thursday night band and the dance floor was actually crowded with people dancing!
Where am I and can I have another beer?! -
Review from Corin W.
Had a blast and here's why:
The decor was a delight--the fountain, the outdoor night breezes, the sunset and crescent moon--totally shway ambiance!
The band was fantastic. They did some really awesome renditions of some faves.
The food was epic. What an enormous spread! The squid was tender and perfectly fried. Those risotto balls were freakin addictive and I was very impressed by the swordfish brajols: it was an incredibly creative take on something we used to have with beef growing up in my mothers Italian kitchen. I think Carlucci's stuffed them with crab--really good.
The liquor was plentiful! The biscotti flavored liqueur was a delightful surprise!!!
Yelpers were laughing and having fun and interacting.
The staff all seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs. Most of them have been working at Carlucci's for a long time(we asked-- they told us) and they very much LIKE what they do. That makes a HUGE difference in the experience.
At last but not least: the Yelp staff made it completely hassle free, fun and made the whole thing look effortless. Thanks to you guys. It was a great night.Listed in: Why I love Yelp so Much!
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Review from Jennifer T.
Downers Grove, IL
Oh what can I say??? So many things...
The foods were delish!! So many to choose from and they were all complimentary?? Now who says there is no such thing as a FREE Lunch? There is, if you Yelp =). All jokes aside, there was about 8 different appetizers to choose from, but really, the size of those appetizers and the fact that you can go for seconds repeatedly makes those appetizers entres!
My favorite dish was the salmon. It was so flavorful, juicy, tender, hot and big that one piece satisfied all of my cravings. There were also pizza, yummy salads, swordfish, and tasty pasta. Carlucci really had a good variety of foods and they were quite exquisite.
My favorite part about the atmosphere was the live entertainment outside on the patio/garden. There was even a cool water fountain in the middle of it all! It really felt like we were in our own world. People were really dancing, talking and seemingly having a great time. I would have never known about this outdoor experience otherwise. I would definitely come back to this place someday and take advantage of their summer air/live music again.
This was my first time attending a Yelp's Elite event. I was so impressed! It really made me feel like I was a VIP at something. I honestly had never thought you could get special treatments for just reviewing businesses and foods. I would have done that anyways because it gives me a voice in the community. But the fact that Yelp is more than just an online reviewer's haven, that Yelp take its time to really get the community together and appreciate its reviewers really speaks to me.
So a big thank you to you Yelp, and Jelena, you are awesome!!Listed in: Yelp's Nights of Delights
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Review from Al D.
Chicago, IL
Carlucci's was another great Yelp event with a really strong turnout.
Showed up a bit on the late side, but I was really impressed with Carlucci's since I've never been to it before (even though I've been past it hundreds of times).
Amazing food, great beer, and the entertainment was great. We really enjoyed watching tipsy cougars (patrons of the restaurant, not Yelp) dance around to the band on the patio. -
Review from David G.
Chicago, IL
Great time.. It was my second Yelp event. These events are all about trying new great things and meeting new great people.
There was a large variety of food... something for everyone, even Salmon, thank you!! I was expecting appetizers, but the food included several main dishes- sword fish, salmon, chicken, pastas, etc. I think I tried at least one of everything and loved most of it.
Drinks. The Magic Hat was good... I even had wine, even though I know zip about ti, and loved it. Too bad I don't know how to hold the glass. I even tried the biscotti liquer with soda... wow that was sweet, and who knew you could drink your biscotti.
Overall a great time, the patio area was cool, and my +1 actually won a trip to Vegas (Caesar's Palace) thanks to Harrahs Casino. New rule... +1's are obligated to take their yelp elites on any trip they won during a yelp event. -
Review from Mai T.
OH MY GOSH
Yelp, let me l-
Yelp did it again, so i'ma let the beat rock
oh myy...
Carlucci got me like, ooh myy gosh i'm soo in love
i found you finally, you make me wanna say
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
oh-my-gosh
Yes, Usher has got it right again with his hit song OH MY GOSH!
What an EXTRAORDINARY event Yelp has hosted this time. What great food and service Carlucci has provided. Yes, I received the email informing us on what is going to happen and what is expected on our end (have fun and tip the bartenders because it's HOT!).
I brought a friend of mine that I had recently recrutied, Dena, and she had a blast. We came there a little early since we didn't want to get lost driving into a place that we are not familiar with. We came there and couldn't check-in yet, no problem. Carlucci's extravagant outdoor seating area was made to be so appealing. We found a bench seat that overlooked the entire outdoor area and were able to catch the beautiful water fountain placed in the center. We noticed that there was a "live band" set-up in another corner and immediately thought that this was going to be a great night.
We sign in, met some ladies from Harrah's that were giving away prizes such as free dinner for two and even a grand prize of a trip to Vegas!! I had a very good conversation with Jean Tibbott, from Harrah's and she was curious about what Yelp is all about.
After all of this talking, we grabbed something to eat. I was informed that we would have appetizer-like items there so prepare to not get full. No Problem! Then you see the buffet line of GORGEOUS food!!! If this were appetizers that they were serving us....OH MY GOSH!! It was amazing, every bit of it. We ate and met some great people and learned a lot of things, such as the greatness of the droid platform, and the crapness of the att service that's now going 4G. Thanks to Bernie, Kevin, Gigi, and Vicki for a great night in mingling with us (now I want to find you!)
All in all, it was a great night and it was sure a night that Dena and I both needed. Thanks Yelp for making my Thursday night! -
Review from Theo S.
Chicago, IL
Great event!
The calamari in Carlucci was a thicker cut that I think I have had anywhere else. It still sticks out in my mind as being the best ever.
I never really thought that iced tea and vodka were a match made in heaven, but more of a liquor surprise when all the mixer is gone. Thankfully, I was happily proved wrong and expanded my horizons to try that mixture again.
Great people and good times. I will have to go to Carlucci and sit on the patio for a dinner in the future! -
Review from Angela U.
Chicago, IL
This was our first suburban event, and it rocked.
Thank you so much. This was a great opportunity to mingle with other Yelpers and try Carlucci's food at the same time.
Plenty of food and drinks, and lots of photo ops.
Yeah Jelena, Johnny and the rest of the Yelp team! -
Review from Christina R.
Forest Park, IL
Seriously, that Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka is dangerously good!
Thank you Yelp for another brilliant affair. It so pays to be elite! I loved the patio at Carlucci's, the fountain and the perfect weather, and Frank and Dave were so much fun I noticed the regular customers were joining our party to dance.
The Santa Maria wines were lovely, the pinot grigio was very refreshing on a summer night and the pinot noir had wonderful flavor, a perfect pairing with rich Italian food. The biscotti cocktail was a sweet aperitif.
The calamari was perfectly cooked, and I had seconds of the chicken alfredo and roasted veggies, yum!
Can't wait to go back for Angela H's wedding reception! ;-) -
Review from Tommy M.
This was my first suburban event and I had a great time. It was cool to see some of the city folks come out to the burbs!
Food was awesome, and I really dig Magic Hat beer, whew!
People seemed to have enjoyed the music....but, I'll keep my opinion to myself on that one. -
Review from Steven M.
This is one of the best Yelp event's that I have been to. The Food was great and it was nice to meet all the Yelpers! The server at the wine bar was the nicest and most friendly host I have ever come across. She had to stand there in the sun for the duration with a smile on her face. She also came and collected our plates when the other servers just walked by. She was awsome! The guy at the vodka tea bar was gone more than he was there. I made my own drinks twice as well as serve other Yelpers. But the night was a smash hit. Woo Hoo to all that were involved in putting this event togther.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Don M.
This was a great evening. Great food, service , music and sitting outside enjoying th evening along with fellow yelpers. The food was real good especially the Arancini--cheesy rice balls, ooh I could ate them all. I know Aimee whom I met was enjoying them also. Great event and what a way to kick off my bday weekend.
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Review from Sarah B.
This was my first Yelp event too! And it was awesome! The appetizers were delicious and totally enough to create a yummy dinner. The Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka was fantastic as well as the Magic Hat beer. The bartender was extremely friendly too, so it made getting the drinks that much more fun. The other Yelpers and +1's were also very friendly, and our table went in the photo booth for a fun photo shoot. I've already RSVP'd to the next one and look forward to many more events. :-)
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Review from Joe R.
Westmont, IL
This was my first event as a Yelp Elite and I was very glad I was able to make it out. While the food (very tasty) and drinks (you can't beat Firefly Sweet Tea vodka on a summer night) were both top-notch, I found the best part to be the mingling with other Yelpers, Elites and all the Plus-1's in the crowd. I'm definitely looking forward to future events!
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Review from Katie K.
Darien, IL
I had a great time at Carlucci! The food was so good. The risotto balls were delicious, and I couldn't get enough of the pasta in the garlic cream sauce. The drinks were delicious, and had my share of Magic Hat 9. The weather was perfect to enjoy everything on the outdoor patio. Oh, I almost forgot that the staff was very attentive and made sure that we were well taken care of. Thanks Yelp and Carlucci!
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Review from Alfred C.
Hoffman Estates, IL
My very first Yelp event and I enjoyed every minute of it! I never things like this existed-free food & drinks, live music, dancing, and tons of prizes and giveaways. Carlucci was such a nice place. Their food was great, especially the salmon. I would definitely go back there for dinner and check out their full menu. Great time and good company makes a happy me.
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Review from Valerie B.
Homer Glen, IL
I am officially a Yelp event virgin no more. What a FANTASTIC night. Wonderful patio. We even made some new friends and scored a prime patio table. Great music, great food, and the wine and Magic Hat beer were delicious. My +1 was duly impressed. Diverse crowd made the event so fun!
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Review from Bernie D.
This place was awesome. The atmosphere was outstanding, with ample seating, outdoor patio, and one of the nicest restaurants in the area. The food was fantastic and was full spread. The firefly vodka, and beer selection was great. It was good to meet other yelpers and hang out for a couple hours.
