CRITIC REVIEWS
“Frank Sinatra would approve” of this Irving Park “institution”, where “excellent”, “old-school” Italian fare is served in “huge portions” by a bow tie–wearing staff that treats you “like family”; the “intimate”, “retro” dining room takes you “back in time”, and frequent live music further ensures it’s “always a hoot.”
- ZAGAT [full review link]
“With its strolling musicians, dimly lit chandelier lighting, and tuxedoed waiters and waitresses, Sabatino's has a death grip on the Old School Italian vibe that used to signify a fancy meal and entertainment. However, with little more than hazy Rat Pack associations and Goodfellas assumptions, twenty-somethings like myself must have a hard time differentiating between a chain like Maggiano's that affects a red sauce joint and a place like Sabatino's, which has simply kept up the act for longer.”
- SERIOUS EATS [full review link]
“Tuxedo-clad hosts, strolling musicians, no-nonsense pours at the convivial bar—Sabatino’s old-school Italian-American appeal is universal, as evidenced by the happy throngs. Warm, crusty loaves and addictive pizza bread come to the table in a blink of an eye”
- CHICAGO READER [full review link]
“A classic Italian restaurant with a piano bar and musicians complimenting the authentic cuisine eaten in a dimly lit dining room.”
- CHECK PLEASE [full review link]
“Few restaurants hold the unexpected magic of a time machine, but step inside this North Side Italian gem and the spell is set. Sabatino’s has all the retro charm that today’s hip Italian spots can’t seem to echo—servers are outfitted in tuxedos, the tables are set with fresh flowers and thick leather menus and violinists serenade diners in the candlelight.”
- TIME OUT CHICAGO [full review link]
“Sabatino's is very much old-school. This is definitely not the kind of place you stumble upon - it's a destination and many people make the trek because it's that good.”
- 10BEST [full review link]
“Modernity be damned, Sabatino’s is a timeless supper club rife with retro ambiance. Tuxedo-clad servers roam the room alongside live musicians while guests start each meal with complimentary, addictive pizza bread. Menu highlights include Shrimp de Jonghe, veal saltimbocca, and baked Alaska that’s flambéed tableside. On Wednesdays, the lobster special is the real deal.”
- CHICAGO EATER [full review link]
“Sabatino’s is a high-end Italian fantasy straight out of the '70s in the best possible way. This classic supper club is owned by two brothers who landed the joint after coming over from Italy and spending years in the kitchen at the Italian Village. The plates of meat and sauce are simple, straightforward, and, according to them or the legion of regulars, taste exactly the way they did 35 years ago.”
- THRILLIST [full review link]
“Dimly lit with flowers on every table, this Italian-American restaurant has been the perfect date restaurant for about 25 years. Diners might have their steak or seafood entrees complemented by the serenade of strolling musicians in the main room or piano music in the bar area.”
- METROMIX CHICAGO [full review link]
“A GREAT old school Italian restaurant in Old Irving Park with great service, as well. Everything is outstanding on the menu as well as the specials. Some of my favorites are the Pork Chops, Salmon, Halibut and any Pasta dish. You are also offered soup AND salad with every entree. The complimentary Pizza Bread is to die for.”
- LIKED A LOCAL GUIDE [full review link]