Think Cafe

Weve been to Think many times and have had a wonderful dining experience every time. The restaurant is elegant but comfortable, the staff is knowledgeable and gracious, and the food is absolutely delicious. We appreciate their attention to details, from the unique dinnerware and decor to the soft music playing while we dine. And of course theres the food... it is interesting and focused while not being pretentious, well thought out dishes that make dining exciting. The lamb is a wonderful example with a perfect balance between a sharp flavorful sauce that compliments the delicious grilled lamb. We also love their gnioki, little light stuffed dumplings in a decisions roasted red pepper cream sauce. We enjoy celebrating special occasions at Think where everyone is gracious and ready to help us have a wonderful evening, but we also love having a neighborhood spot to stop into for a really good pasta. more

We really wanted to like Think Cafe. It is in the neighborhood and looked like a fine upscale restaurant. In the end though we found it to be uninspiring. The owner screams at employees and customers. We witnessed one explicative laced outburst on our last visit. There is also an attitude that you are lucky to be allowed to eat there rather than an appreciation of your business. The food is alright, but given the competition a couple of blocks around Think, leaves something to be desired. The Peto ala Carciofi (chicken $16.00) was a bit dry. Other reviews have mentioned poor service and this probably stems from having to work in such an unprofessional environment. No one should have to put up with verbal abuse, be they an employee or a guest. Spend your hard earned money elsewhere. Think looks good at first, but the owners are unprofessional and do not deserve our business. There are much better places to eat within a stones throw of Think. Pros: Looks upscale and elegant Cons: Owners abuse employees and customers more

I was there a few nights ago with some friends and I can't say that any of us are going back. Although the service was good, the food left much to be desired. Most of the dishes lacked flavor and I don't think the veal I got was even seasoned. It was bland, but thankfully they had salt on the table. Our server seemed to be overwhelmed but actually handled it pretty well. The wife of the owner talked to us for a while and then just kept talking, we tried to be nice but we really just wanted to enjoy the company we were with. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place at all because there are many other restaurants to spend your money at. more

Wow! Saw this restaurant on Check Please a year ago and finally went for dinner last night. When we arrived on a Saturday night, our table was waiting for us. Our server was polite and prompt. The menu is amazing. Salads are all great and all $5.00. What a deal! Appetizer scallops were amazing and presented on a great plate with different sauces. Lamb Chops and the rib eye steak were cooked to perfection and out of this world, as was the special fish. Desserts were beautifully presented and scrumptious. The chef/owner's wife runs the dining room. She was delightful and inviting. The restaurant is a BYOB with a corkage of just $4.00. What is a bargain in today's world. We are tough reviewers and this place scores perfect. Will return again soon!! Pros: great value, good value, great service more

I don't know how people can write a bad review about this place. I went after 9:30 at night with my girlfriend and we both loved it. We walked in after 9:30 and were seated in about 20 minutes. Mrs. Rodriquez, the owner's wife was very hospitable. I had the linguine and Scallops, the scallops were enormous and very tasteful, followed by the signature Zucotto. Everything was amazing, people that don't give this place a high rating are either head cases or a very small minority of unsatisfied clientel. Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, FOOD Cons: NOTHING more

Recommend the chicken marsala, which was very good. The scallops were a satisfying appetizer, along with the fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The atmosphere was very nice, good for a date. Very pleased with the service. Overall, a good dining experience, will return. Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Service Cons: Crowded more

We had a horrific experience at Think. The pork chop we ordered was sent back 3 times. Finally we gave up as they just couldnt get it right. Do you eat your pork chop seared and raw in the middle? Then to add insult to injury they insisted on charging us for a meal that was inedible. Then it got worse...after we politely brought it up to the manager that it was not appropriate to charge for an inedible meal, the chef/owner came out and yelled at us! Would never return in a million years!!! Better treatment at a McDonalds! Cons: rude service, inedible food, awful experience more

WOW!!! This chic, home like restaurant was well worth the trip! My boyfriend and I dined on cabrese salad, lobster bisque, sirloin steak, mushroom risotto, and canoli and loved every minute of it! The staff was personable and the owners made you feel welcomed. With both great atmosphere and a touch of romance, we would definitely come back here when we visit Chicago! Pros: atmosphere, food, price more

My friends and I went there for birthday dinner. We had a party of 8, a bit on the large side, but nothing any good restaurant could not handle. Unfortunately, the seating was crowed, leaving my friend wedged in between the table and protruding wall. The sever was quite affable, but she would leave for considerable periods of time. The rooms were very loud. I could barely here my friend sitting 8in away from me. The food was also just average. I had the linguine and scallops. While it was creamy, it lacked any punch of flavor. A friend had a chicken dish with artichoke hearts and garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes were quite good. The only bright side--dessert. The zuccotto was magnificent. The white and dark chocolate just melted in your mouth. I would brave the current conditions just to go back for more of this. Pros: Dessert Cons: Crowded, Inconsistent Menu more

(I've raised my rating to "9" based on several additional visits. Think just gets better. The following narrative from February still gives a good feel, though.) The charming and capable Think staff make you feel right at home, and when the food starts to show up, you hope never to leave. We were seated without reservations on a Saturday night but were never made to feel rushed during hour 90-minute meal. A risotto-stuffed calamari appetizer was moist and flavorful, with fresh tomato garnish and a hint of cilantro in the stuffing. The roast pork was less successful (based on the somewhat bland potatoes), but the meat was tender and plentiful. Farfelle with skirt steak and blue cheese was as delicious as you expect. But the show stealer was dessert - warm chocolate cake with a big shingle of ice cream. It made me feel three years old again! Pros: Decor, Dessert, Service Cons: Small dining room, Some inconsistency more