Petterino’s
Wherein the gentlemen explore Petterino’s in the heart of Chicago’s Theater District.
A revolving door ushers guests into a tightly packed mix of the after-work crowd and the pre-theater crowd, sitting and standing around the bar, intermittently dodging servers.
The service was solid, both at the bar beforehand and at our table later in the evening, John did an excellent job. Though the fresh artichoke heart fritters were a little on the bland side, the shrimp de jonghe jumped off the plate. I can heartily recommend the pepper steak. The creamed spinach and a variety of potatoes were all well prepared. The fillet was a little on the petit side at 7oz, but I can’t speak to its flavor.
We’ve been doing this for a few years now. Specials, marked sometimes in red, bold, starred, or set aside in boxes, tend to be the choicest options, the signature dishes. I seek them out as if to ask “What can you do to impress me?” and they have answered to my extreme satisfaction – until Petterino’s bistro steak.
Mr. Glick spoke first, but three of us ordered it, largely on the basis of the ‘special’ nature of the dish. It was disappointing. Tough. Probably the worst piece of meat the three of us had had thus far.
Now, it’s important to note that the manager did the right thing – the bistro steaks were taken care of. And it’s important to note that this was explained as beef shoulder before we ordered it – again, the service and staff were excellent – but making a controversial (“love it or hate it”) dish stand out like this seems like a mistake.
Mr. Ray proposed that those who do not comment on posts in a timely manner (i.e., within two weeks of each review post) split the bar tab before the following steak night. Mr. Glick suggested that this might introduce a chilling effect, so it was further noted that this penalty will be assessed in your absence. Motion seconded and carried.
Rick Ray’s birthday last night. Glick walked free. Again.
Onward to 2010!
Filed under: General
I had suspicions about Petterino’s from the start. In the heart of the theatre district and in the Goodman theatre building – it had tourist exploitation written all over it. The reality was not too far off. Petterino’s provides a steakhouse like atmosphere with pleasant service, however lacking in menu variety and quality. $19.95 multi-course meals are a strong menu push, playing to the western suburbanite crowd. The steak selection was limited and didn’t feature your usual prime cuts.
For my part I think the 18oz bone in rib eye was the best play. It was cooked well and had good flavor, however was not exactly a thick cut of meat. The house specialty, a blue cheese crusted ‘shoulder’ cut, was horrific. I can probably classify it as the toughest piece of meat I have ever attempted to chew. As you would imagine, these cuts were removed from the bill – like I said, there was attentive service.
The sides were average, nothing to remember and nothing to necessarily lambast. However if you bite into a fried artichoke expecting shrimp, you may feel some disappointment. Our table was advised the a la carte sides were “large” and a few would suffice. In truth, they were about half the size of a la carte side dishes – prompting us to place a second order during our meal.
Overall I would say there is a decent atmosphere, courteous wait staff (although recommendations and perception of size don’t exactly hit the mark) and sub par steaks. When my Aunt comes to town for a show I’m happy to recommend Petterino’s for the convenience. I’ll also advise her not to expect much else…..
Rating: 5.5
A great holiday atmosphere with holly and good cheer to spread. My pepper loin steak was well cooked and nicely prepared.
I too was suspect of the crowd, in that I might have been at a mall in Hoffman Estates.
Glick’s rant was worth the price of admission.
I say, lay in your post or be lambasted and promptly dismissed.
Rating:6
My feelings on where the bistro steak ranks amongst our many great meals is well documented. The good news is that whomever picks the next place will have an easy bar to step over.
Let’s rock the batting order reshuffle.
There is no doubt that I was stretching to find a new steakhouse to add to our (mostly) distinguished list. Unfortunately, it was too big a stretch.
There’s no question that Petterino’s belongs on the bottom of the heap as far as our Steak Night restaurants go. That is not to say that we all didn’t have a fantastic time in spite of the food. Our waiter, while not as attentive as some would have liked, was pleasant, cordial and very well mannered.
The atmosphere was nice however it set our expectations far too high. Walls are adorned by caricatures of celebrities, some of which are signed. Red tones throughout.
Drinks started flowing upon Hans’ arrival at 6:15 and didn’t stop… The problems began when the food was served. Brad Ray put it best when he described it as what you would expect from a catering service. I would add “in the middle of the backwoods of Northern Wisconsin.” The cuts of meat were all smaller than each of us have become accustomed to at all previous outings.
Bottom line: Petterino’s does not belong on a list of “Steakhouses” and I wouldn’t recommend it to folks on their way to the Goodman.
Despite the propaganda of everyone’s favorite financial analyst everyone but said analyst was able to attend steak night.
One glance at the menu and it was clear that Petterino’s was not a top-flight steak house. I believe the bone in rib eye was the only prime cut on the menu. Many of the steaks were only $20; you get what you pay for.
I ordered the bone in rib eye, which was tasty and probably the best option on the menu. However when compared to similar steaks at other steak houses it doesn’t compare, not in size, preparation or overall enjoyability. I don’t think enjoyability is a real word but if Bud Light can use drinkability in their ads then I can use enjoyability in my steak house reviews.
The sides didn’t stand out but not bad either. The shrimp de jonghe was phenomenal (please use your best Jim Rome voice when saying). Nothing wrong with the service but I’m not sure it deserves all the kudos we are giving it either. He was way off on the size of the sides and really sold the bistro steak.
On to the bistro steak debacle. The cute blond manager came over and apologized for the terrible bistro steaks and they were removed from the bill. A gesture that was both appropriate and appreciated. However I can’t help but think that deep down the group hoped that after she apologized she was going to offer to bring someone into the back and blow them to make up for it. A gesture that would be both inappropriate and appreciated. Alas the fellatio apology did not happen.
The woman at the table behind us eves dropped on the conversation for the entire night and I’m sure were entertained and appalled by what they heard.
A motion was made to require posting to the website after meals. This is the second time this motion passed, the first time it was enforced as much as traveling in the NBA. This time the posting motion should be enforced because the term quorum was used when discussing and that sounds very official.
Hans drove some of us home and let a fart of epic proportions go in the car.
Jevon is up in January and has already set the expectations so high that we are all sure to be disappointed.
Just following the new rules…good to see some of you had a nice time. I am in New York for the next steak night…the fun will resume in February.
Where to begin… Roddy says he will be meeting me at the bar at 615pm only to arrive just before 7pm because he was “detained” by his new ladyfriend. As a result I spent some time prior to the groups arrival examining the crowd and the menu. My apprehensions began at this point and were solidly reinforced once we took our table. Nonetheless it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening as always. I was unaware there are multiple uses for tube socks beyond putting them on your feet and have kid ray to thank for that. The bistro steak has been well documented as a colossal failure, I feel this is short changing the horrific steak that was served up to 3 of us. It had the consistency of a boot and was topped with a bleu cheese cardboard coaster.
Rating = 0.0 Petterinos shall be awarded no points and may god have mercy on your sole.