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Carnivale Reviews List
Carnivale
Carnivale is a reflection of Latin culture and community, as passionate as the people themselves. The soulful cuisine allows you to explore the dishes of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, and Mexico. The kaleidoscope of colors, music and playful décor ignites the sense of being in a Latin house party. Executive Chef Rodolfo Cuadros supports the Green City Market and uses as many local, sustainable ingredients as possible out of concern for the environment and community. Carnivale is the perfect location for your lunch, dinner, birthday, anniversary, wedding or corporate event. Carnivale has hosted exciting events such as Oprah’s “Color Purple” release party, the “Batman: The Dark Night Returns” wrap party and a private event with John Legend. Carnivale is located in Chicago’s West Loop, just off the expressway and close to downtown. It's also a quick CTA ride from Michigan Ave, Navy Pier or the Art Institute of Chicago.
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531 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Rating Breakdown 531 reviews
5 stars
(257)
4 stars
(192)
3 stars
(65)
2 stars
(15)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(333)
- special occasion(311)
- fit for foodies(240)
- hot spot(231)
- vibrant bar scene(185)
- romantic(127)
Carnivale Reviews List
Review 1 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a fun, easy going place with delicious food and great service. The pork ribs and tamales were amazing. I would definitely come back,"
Dined on 6/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Carnivale - My top 5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This restaurant is in my top 5 favorites for certain! I would not miss an opportunity to dine here, and I will be returning. Always delicious, and the atmosphere is lively."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A good night out for a special event."
Dined on 10/12/2012
2006
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Review 4 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
pretty good- but not great
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wonderful ambience- service was good- menu looks fabulous but the food just isnt. Its good- its a fun place- I just wanted the tastes to be WOW. The live music was great!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
1st Time diner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was fantastic. Our server was friendly and not over bearing and annoying by coming up every 2 minutes. When we needed him he was there (Kevin, I think his name was) and came back with food and drinks very quickly. I will absolutely be back."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Bright decor, bright food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The decor is very bright and very circus like.
The food is great, we had the meat and cheese tasting plate to start which was very good.
Mains are a selection of meats, fish and a few exotic choices.
Deserts are decadent, the special is the cotton candy and popcorn"
The food is great, we had the meat and cheese tasting plate to start which was very good.
Mains are a selection of meats, fish and a few exotic choices.
Deserts are decadent, the special is the cotton candy and popcorn"
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 7 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Fun atmosphere, energetic, busy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Overall it was good; seems like a fun, casual bar scene. They were extremely busy and my party of two was seated 15 minutes late, so I'd suggest you expect some wait time. The guacamole was excellent as well as the taco appetizer which was recommended by the server; the Arepa entree was mostly bland and I wouldn't order it again."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 8 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
AMAZING
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I absolutely loved it, anyone who hasn't been yet is crazy!!"
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Festive and Fun!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We go to Carnivale as much for the festive atmosphere as we do for the food! It's always lively, the service is predictably excellent (the servers are very personable, know the details of how the food is prepared, and provide helpful suggestions), and the food is unique (and delicious!)."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene
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Review 10 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always my favorite FUN place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Tons of great food, although a bit expensive but a fun place to take groups."
Dined on 4/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 11 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was absolutely unbelievably tasty and the service was impeccable! The server was extremely nice and very educated on the products/services/history of Carnivale! Also, it was very nice to have the managers checking in to make sure everything was going smoothly throughout the night. The ambiance is also amazing! The beautiful decorations and bright colored walls made some great backgrounds for our pictures! I had a great time and wonderful birthday at Carnivale. I will DEFINITELY come back and will recommend this place to everyone/anyone I know! Thanks!"
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 12 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great As Usual with a slight change
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I usually get the ropa vieja appetizer and I was surprised to fins that they'd changed the look of them to mini tacos. They were still good though. I also got the arrachera and it was delicious. My friend got the scallops. She didn't like the potato/polenta-like startch that they were served on but she didn't describe why, so I can't tell ya! But all of my food was delicious."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 13 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Less than impressive food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beautiful restaurant but less than impressive food. Terrible beer selection."
Dined on 8/17/2012
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 14 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Date place and a half
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Carnivale is outstanding Latin food in a vibrant atmosphere. They have something for everyone. Delicious drinks, exceptional food, wonderful service. I've been several times before, and I will keep going back."
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 15 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
excellent meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I made a reservation online which was very easy. When my group got there, we were promptly seated. The server was very nice and understanding of my dietary needs. The food was amazing, the drinks were delicious. I also appreciated the cotton candy dessert that was given to me for my bday. I would come back again for any special occasion or group dinner. Thank you!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view, special occasion
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Review 16 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very Special Place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went to celebrate my birthday here, and everything was just perfect.
Service is great, the atmosphere is great and comfortable. Friendly staff and perfect food cooking.
I would recommend this place to anybody."
Service is great, the atmosphere is great and comfortable. Friendly staff and perfect food cooking.
I would recommend this place to anybody."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 17 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
every time a great experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"carnivale full of color, with gentle service and awesome food! we love it !!! they dont have kids menu BUT the chef fixed an amazing mac and cheese for my 4 years old! thanks a lot!!!"
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 18 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Never Disappoints
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was my second time at the restaurant and it was my boyfriends (who is a "new foodie") first and we were both very impressed! The food is outstanding, we got the Ropa Vieja for appetizer.... I've had this before and wanted my boyfriend to try, it's amazing and the braised beef just melts in your mouth. He ordered the Paella and I ordered the Pernil (braised pork shoulder) and both meals were delicious. I have to say the yuca puree in the pernil dinner was outstanding and completely made the dish! Great food and we had a nice time!"
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 19 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Carnivale review
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Four of us dined at Carnivale for my birthday Saturday evening. The food was outstanding! The service was disappointing to say the least. We ordered a selection of cheese and spanish meats as an app but they did not come together which was the point.. When we told him, he didnt even know that we had not got it and then it took a good 10 minutes before it arrived but we were already done with the cheese. At a point he came back to our table to ask if we were ready to order dinner, when we had already ordered. I think we waited 40 minutes for our food, and a good 15 minutes for dessert. The coffee came way before the dessert and again we were done with the coffee when the dessert finally came. I think we were there 3 hours in all."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 20 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and ambience were great. Carnivale is a very happy place to be. However, our waitress could have been nicer. Her attitude did not match Carnivale's. Yet, overall, it was a great experience."
Dined on 6/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nice ambience with good food and very good service"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 22 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Close to united center
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were going to the Stones concert and one of our guests lives in Mexico and another Brazil.so I thought let's give them a taste of home. We weren't disappointed. Food was very good as we're the drinks. Bill was reasonable. We'll be back again."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: hot spot, special occasion
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Review 23 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a good time at Carnivale
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We returned for another evening of great food and excellent food! I want to give the staff an extra thank you for their thoughtfulness when I misplaced my cell phone on Sunday evening. I was so happy when Andrea called Monday (Memorial Day) to tell me my phone had been found. My husband and I will be back soon!"
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
1st timer
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I enjoyed the ambiance - the decor was refreshing and stimulating; the chicken was quite succulent and flavorful; however, the lamb rack was somewhat paultry - could have had more meat or included a few extra bones given the price of this dish. Also, temperature wise, the food could have been served hotter. The Melantini is a delicious martini but I did not care for the other martini drinks."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 25 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good vibe
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Carnivale was a great chose for that night. Friends came form Germany, and they were amazed of the place and the food. I would like to thank you guys, for getting the nice seats (second floor, at the end of the stairs on the balcony), it was awesome. This is the second time I’ve been there in two months; in both occasions we got a nice seats. Thanks a lot!"
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 26 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
No bread service!!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Italians love some bread with their dinner, please kind that in mind."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 27 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
best value
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Every dish was great. Timely service. Very strong caipirinhas. Vibrant atmosphere. Our waitresses was part of the good experience we had."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 28 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nice experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food , music and service , I will recommend it to my friends !!"
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 29 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always GREAT
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our new "special occasion" spot. Always GREAT!!! Was really wanting my usual but strayed away and was not disappointed in the least. Ended with organic strawberry cotton candy and a chocolate cigar was a playful treat. Most definitely recommended!"
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 30 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Favorite restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the ropa vieja appetizer and the arrachera entree. Carnivale has a beautiful dining room, vibrant and colorfu. It's worth going there just to see the main dining room! When my friend from Brooklyn comes to town, her first request coming from the airport is to go straight to Carnivale."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 31 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Latin Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I travel to Chicago three or four times a year and always try to get to Carnivale. Vibrant atmosphere, great drinks and wonderful blend of Latin food from various cultural areas. A very special and unique place to eat. Expect a fairly noisy restaurant during peak hours, they always have music and the cathedral ceilings add to the volume - but that's also what makes it a great experience."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 32 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unique!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I have been going to Carnivale for a while, usually on special occasions with visitors out of town. This is a great example of what Chicago is all about... Unique, colorful, diverse, trendy... way apart from typical franchasize or chain restaurant.
Take your visitor or dates to Carnivale, they'll have a good impression... Friendly staff, live music. One off my favorite places."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 33 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was my first visit and it was great. The atmosphere
was great and the food was wonderful. I will
return!"
was great and the food was wonderful. I will
return!"
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, hot spot
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Review 34 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love it!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of our favorite restaurants for special occasions. Their steak with chimichurri is to die for and it's got a great atmosphere. We also ordered the Big Top desert plate for the table which is always a fun time. Find me someone who doesn’t love bright pink cotton candy, dare ya!"
Dined on 9/01/2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 35 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for a reunion!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I had a reunion with a couple of friends at Carnivale and it was the perfect choice! Great food, though when I asked the waiter why the "Ropa Vieja" dish was completely different from the last time I ordered that dish, he said there is a new chef there which wanted to make the dish a different style, not a good choice to change that dish so drastically in my opinion. A year ago when I had the "Ropa Vieja" the dish was much better. It is a Cuban dish, that now tastes Mexican because it was put in a hard shell taco. I love Mexican food, but expect my Cuban dish to taste you know...Cuban. The music was great and it was very nice and intimate."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 36 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Wondeful Food, Non-existent Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined at Carnivale this past Saturday with some mixed results. The hostess was initially very rude upon arrival. They had seated a fair amount of people just before we checked in, and she she quite annoyed when we asked how long it would be before we were seated for our reservation.
Upon being seated, our server quickly took our drink order. This would be one of the few times that we would see her all night. I must admit that our busboy was wonderful. Had it not been for the fact that we were having a great conversations with friends, we probably would have walked out. With that being said, the food was wonderful. Since Chicago has so many fantastic restaurants, we will not be coming back anytime soon simply because of the service."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 37 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome place!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very cool and hip spot. Great for groups or anyone looking for a fun and unique dining experience. The decor is really different and really adds to the ambience. The food was out of this world. I had the churrasco and it was cooked to perfection. I am from New Jersey and was in Chicago to celebrate my 30th birthday. Carnivale was the perfect spot for my birthday dinner. I was extremely pleased with the service as well. Just an overall great restaurant!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, hot spot
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Review 38 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Vents in the back of the house
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was with a party of three other people for my boyfriends birthday over the weekend. We were looking forward to our first dining experience at the restaurant. Let me start by saying that due to the vent blasting out cold air above us, all of our food turned cold shortly after it came to the table. I had asked when we sat down if the vent could be closed. The waiter said that they would adjust the temp. Well, that never happened. I ordered the Fideo and had to send it back because the pasta was incredibly over salted. They brought me another portion of the same dish. However, it was still too salty. Let's just say we were all disappointed. I'll think twice before going back."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 39 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good, but I was expecting more
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took my wife for a pre-anniversary dinner, and from what we were told, Carnivale was supposed to be this incredible dining experience. My wife and I walked away like...meh..Don't get me wrong, the ambience of the place is off the charts, and its festive atmosphere is evident the moment you walk in. I think our experience failed to live up to the hype. The food was very well seasoned and tasted fine, but I was displeased at the smaller portion size compared to the amount of $$$$ we paid. I would go again, but only as an invited guest of someone."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 40 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not a fan
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We made our reservations for a party of three at 8:30. We were given a pager and told we would be seated shortly after arriving right at 8:30. We had to wait 30 minutes before we were seated and the night went down hill from there. Our server was horrible. He screwed up three different times and never apologized once. We were clearly not his top priority. The three of us each got a different one of their speciality drinks and each one was definitely not great and certainly not worth $10 a piece. The only redeeming quality was the food. I have zero complaints there. There are plenty of great places to dine in this city and Carnivale isn't one of them."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 41 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding service!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had our waitress chose our 4 course meal with wine pairings. Outstanding from beginning to end; highly recommended!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went here for my fiancee and I's anniversary. Had an amazing experience and dinner. Started with the calimari which was a great twist on a classic app. We both had the arrachera for dinner. It was cooked perfectly and the rice and beans perfectly complimented the skirt steak. They even brought us out a complimentary cotton candy and carmel corn dessert for our celebration! I would highly recommend this place and meal to anyone and everyone."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 43 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Mother's Day Brunch
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Loved the menu options. The Bloody Maria was awesome. Great ambience/music. Service on point, too!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 44 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It's a Carnivale
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The space is very large and pretty loud. The service was spotty. We sat down and waited for our waiter to come by for a good long time. When the waiter came, he was courteous. We ordered appetizers and drinks. These came out almost immediately. I then had to flag him down to order another drink and our entrees. The entrees came out almost as quickly. We weren't even finished with the appetizers when the entress arrived. The pacing was very poor and that coupled with the hostess asking "Where are you visiting from?" made it feel like this is a burn and churn tourist focused restaurant."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 45 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Poor Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service I experienced on mother's day was very poor. My waitress was rude & extremely unattentive. I was frustrated and dis satisfied."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 46 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
fun
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"interesting, energetic, colorful, fun"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 47 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Carnivale is a fun, colorful and energetic restaurant with a vibrant bar area. Their mojitos and appetizers were yummy. We had the shrimp cheviche with an cucumber avocado sorbet which was interesting and the ropas. Their short ribs were a bit of a disappointment as they were served as a big square of meat and no bone in sight. The scallops were good but the creamed corn that they were served over was gummy. Service was just okay, when we asked for descriptions of the side dishes our waitress seemed put out to describe them. Would go back for drinks and appetizers but would skip ordering entrees."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene
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Review 48 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
brunch at Carnivale
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We spent a fantastic Mother's Day at Carnivale. We all wish the breakfast menu had more options but what we had was fantastic (eggs benedict, quiche, fish tacos, ceviche, steak and eggs). Menu not suitable for kids (though they tried) everything is rather fancy for basic eaters. .cocktails were great and bruch affordable. Valet only 5.00. Service was a bit slow but efficient. Great big room and colorfully fun! We all agreed it was a great choice. Room was a bit chilly."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 49 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Something New
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely loved this new place. The food was amazing and the place it's self was very modern and great. Overall we had a great time and hopefully will be back soon!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 50 for Carnivale
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Impresses finicky out of town guest
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"hosted a business dinner and my out of town guests were very very impressed with everything from the ambience to the food - very successful evening all around."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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