Quartino

Quartino

626 N State St.

Chicago, IL‎ 60610

(312) 698-5000‎

Type: Italian/Wine Bar

Fancy Shmancy Factor: 3.5/5

Price: small plates $7-10, pastas $9-10, pizzas $10-12, specialty dishes $14-21, wine (1/4 bottle) $4-20

Quality for Price: 3/5

Ambiance: Old World Italian, lively, romantic, versatile

Other: Restaurant industry employees discount (25%)

We haven't actually eaten at Quartino yet. Unfortunately, when we met another couple here for late night drinks on a Thursday night, we had already had dinner and had barely enough room in our bellies for cocktails. But after watching a friend's husband eat Beef Carpaccio and Grilled Organic Veal Skirt Steak, we decided we would be back. Soon. Yet we were so impressed with the menu and ambiance of this Italian wine bar that we had to review it now.

When we walked into Quartino, it was bustling with noise and movement but we managed to find a hightop table in the back of the bar and inexplicably, did not struggle to hear or understand each other over the music and other customers. The entire restaurant had a feeling of being "alive" and we picked up on this excitement immediately, especially when we checked out the wine list. The wine selection is extensive and accomodating to all price ranges. In fact, we brought home a Quartino postcard which reads: "Where wine is cheaper than water." But between the wine selection and the other cocktails (try the refreshing Aperol Spritz), why would you even consider ordering water?

Besides the wine list, the menu contains an impressive selection of pizzas, pastas, and small plates. There is even an entirely separate Salumeria menu to choose from. Don't know what Salumeria means? That's okay, neither did we! Basically, the Salumeria menu allows you to step away from fancy prepared dishes toward cured meats and cheeses without losing an ounce of class. Whether you choose to eat like you're in a fancy restaurant or a deli, you'll be blown away with the ambiance and character of the place. The dim lighting and beautiful plate preparation makes this an ideal place for just about any date. First dates, double dates, anniversary dates...you'll find the perfect amount of Italian romance vibe you're looking for.

We'll be sure to update again once we've actually consumed the food at Quartino. Warning: it will probably be pretty horrific since we'll likely split at least two small plates, a soup or salad (or both), a couple entrees (perhaps a pasta and a specialty dish), and a couple wine carafes. Disgustingly, we'll excuse our gorging by saying that we've both had long weeks or we are doing our part to help boost the economy and we'll decide that if we can still button our pants, clearly we should keep going and get gelato or pastries (again, or both).

We'll post all the details of our gluttonous adventure once we awake from our inevitable food comas.