Seemor
Calo RistoranteB+Worth Trying
5343 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
· Italian restaurant, Bar, Delivery Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (2608 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Old-school Italian-American staple with big portions, lively vibe, and standout pastas; service and consistency can be uneven, and pricing skews high on dinner mains.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Calo Ristorante earns its grade through strong food quality highlighted by standout seafood pastas and ravioli and personable, attentive service that create genuine neighborhood warmth. However, quality variation across visits and certain mains prevents a higher standing, and recent mixed reviews suggest some decline in reliability. It's a reliable choice for hearty Italian-American comfort dining with old-school charm, though not among the region's premier destinations.
Restaurant Summary
This Andersonville mainstay leans welcoming and nostalgic, with old-school charm and a lively hum that ramps up on weekends. Many diners call out personable servers who keep glasses filled and package leftovers with care. One guest summed it up: "Big plates, friendly faces, and a neighborhood buzz." While most experiences feel warm, a few mention curt hosting at the door, so reservations help. The kitchen plays classic Italian-American hits with a premium streak: lobster ravioli, seafood pastas, and truffle-kissed sauces. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: comforting red-sauce favorites with some upscale seafood and steak detours rather than chefly theatrics. Highlights include the rich Ravioli di Aragosta and garlicky Linguini Frutti di Mare; weak spots pop up with Chicken Alfredo or the rare overcooked seafood platter. Families do well here thanks to familiar pastas and pizza at approachable price points. Kids can graze on Margherita pizza, plain pastas, or chicken parm-style plates; portions run large, so sharing is easy. No explicit kids menu is listed, but the menu breadth covers most young eaters without strain.
At a Glance
- Hearty portions and crowd-pleasing pastas with neighborhood warmth
- Standout lobster and mushroom ravioli dishes praised repeatedly
- Service tone at host stand can be brusque; pacing sometimes rushed
- Inconsistency across visits and certain mains (Alfredo, some seafood)
- Premium dinner entrees push the bill beyond casual expectations
What Sets It Apart
- long_running_since_1963
- large_portions_tradition
- broad_menu_with_seafood_focus
What People Love
- Generous portions that feel celebratory
- Rich, satisfying sauces on ravioli and seafood
- Friendly, proactive servers who guide choices
- Cozy, classic vibe that feels like a neighborhood institution
Points of Concern
- Host stand interactions can feel curt; ask for back-room seating if sensitive to drafts
- Pacing may be fast at peak times; request coursing to slow it down
- Mains like Chicken Alfredo can be bland; choose signature pastas for best results
- Review patterns show mixed consistency across visits; stick to well-reviewed dishes
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For value, share a pizza and a pasta ($16-$27.50) and add a salad ($7.50-$15.50)
- Seafood lovers: Vongole ($23.50) or Linguini Frutti di Mare ($19.50) over market-price platters
Perfect For
- Comforting pasta night with leftovers
- Relaxed date in a cozy, lively room
- Family dinners where everyone finds something
- Group celebrations without downtown fuss
Location Insights
Area: Vibrant, walkable neighborhood with a local, community feel; mix of bars, boutiques, and long-running eateries.
Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic; occasional late-night bustle typical of lively corridors.
Nearby: Near Andersonville retail strip, proximity to bars and shops; short drive from Wrigleyville.
EdgewaterEdgewater is a culturally rich neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a growing dining scene featuring eclectic restaurants, casual eateries, and bars. The area is known for its lakefront access, historic architecture, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
AndersonvilleAndersonville is a distinct micro-neighborhood within Edgewater known for its independent shops, Swedish heritage, and a thriving local food scene emphasizing artisanal and locally sourced offerings. It has a friendly, neighborhood feel with a focus on community events and sustainability.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–21:30
Tuesday12:00–21:30
Wednesday12:00–21:30
Thursday12:00–21:30
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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