This place reminds me of an old diner back to 60s. It could be quite confusing for a first timer. They have three lines for different things. Sandwich and pasta one line, Salad another line, then Pizza and Calzone is another one. What if I want soup? What if I want one piece of pizza and Salad, standing in the line twice?
Ordering at the counter is a challenge thing when I go into a new place AND a long line behind you. Too much pressure. I quickly decided on Mediterranean salad with Cajun chicken and  Minestrone soup.
Although this Mediterranean salad didn't have garbanzo beans but I really like the dressing: light and refreshing. Cajun chicken was tasty and spicy. I love the minestrone soup. Just right density with just right amount of salt. The pasta was not over cooked and veggies were cooked right as well. Both of them were decent lunch items with the right price too.
As it is so close to my work, I will be back to try calzone or some pasta. Anyone knows where I could find some coupon?
Gotta love this place. You can get pasta, pizza, and calzones that not only taste good, but fill you up with their decent size portions.
My personal favorite is getting 2 slices of pizza. I may fall asleep an hour later, but I fall asleep with a smile on my face. haha
They usually run 2 or 3 specials every day and if there isn't a long line waiting to pay, the specials are served up in less than a minute.
So far I have no complaints except the tiny waiting area next to the drink dispenser and utensils. People go in and out so fast you have to make sure to hold onto your tray and your drink or someone is probably going to bump into you and spill it.
I usually go for the pasta, but sometimes I'll get a slice or calzone. Â I always check their daily specials on the website before I go. Â Once a month, on a Tuesday, they will have chicken parmigiana, which is delicious! Â The cajun chicken parm is good too. Â You just have to check the website weekly to see what the specials will be.
When ordering pasta, I recommend trying their majestic sauce, which is similar to a vodka sauce.
I had heard about this place but it took me a while to actually locate it. One day after seeing the wait at the chipotle next door, I stumbled on to this place and its been my favorite lunch place since then.
The place is very affordable and the sizes are big. The thin pizzas and the calzones topped with marinara sauce are my favorites
I work across from the ATT Cafe, so the one in the Sears tower isn't that far from me. My co-workers love this place and I thought that I would give it a shot. I was far from impressed. It reminded me of an old diner, but you can't judge a book by its cover. I got the managers special, grilled chicken with veggies. It was good. It came with a focaccia roll that I didn't eat, but the chicken has herbs on it and the veggies came steamed like I asked. It just would have been nice to have more than one option for lunch.
Sure, if you don't care about what you eat, it's probably not bad, but it's all pizza, calzones, pasta or salads. Salads that are pre-made, so you can't control what dressing you'd like, and were mostly lettuce, dressing and cheese. Everything else  looked like it was smothered in cheese. The name Venice Cafe should have tipped me off that it would all be unhealthy. Oh well.
The food is really bad - I ordered a calzone, Tuna Sandwich, Pizza, etc...all of these items during various visits and the food is ridiculously nasty. Â Most recently, i went there...and I swear I wont go again was my experience w/ the Tuna Sandiwch. Â Nasty frozen right on the grill served on a spongy white bread. Â Nasty...never going here again.
Review Source:This is a 5-star place to me because all the food it good, it comes very fast and it is large enough that I do not have to wait for a table during the lunch rush. This is exactly what I want during lunch and why this is also my go-to place regularly and the menu has plenty of items to support multiple visits without getting boring. Keep it up!
Review Source:Venice Cafe has been my go to place for lunch when I'm in the mood for pasta and simple salads. Â I've tried making my own pasta dish with any of their pasta offerings and their majestic sauce (tomato cream sauce), and I've tried their Manager's Special which is a stir fry of veggies with sliced chicken breast and some Italian seasonings. Â I look forward to try their other offerings of calzones and pizza in the near future.
Overall, good food, good service, okay downtown prices.
I think the Yelp community has failed on this one.
I have no idea how this place has garnered 4 and 5 star reviews. The food here is unapologetically average and the decor is awful. The food is priced well, and you get huge potions of pasta, but when you need to dump half the shaker of Parmesan on the pasta so it has some flavor, whats the point?
Some reviewer said this was one of his "top 5 places for lunch in the west loop". Clearly he must only go to 5 places, because this place deserves 2.5 stars at best.
I might eat here again, but only on a day when my taste-buds need a rest from good food.
I park in this building for work, so suffice to say I'm in and out frequently.
The Mediterranean salad is pretty awesome mainly due to the creamy oregano & garlic dressing. Â I kind of pick around the olives and sometimes you get a bitter mouthful of greens (frisee is SO wrong) but I'm telling you: The dressing and abundance of feta cheese more than make up for it.
If I'm having a fat day there's nothing I crave more than the meatball sandwich with mozzarella. Â I know that each and every time I eat it I'll have raging heartburn within 20 minutes, but for some reason I'm never deterred. Â Imagine three huge meatballs on top of a soft, grilled roll and absolutely smothered in chunky marinara and melted cheese. Â Yeah. Â It's amazing.
Service? Â Very organized. Â I secretly call this place The Pasta Nazi because if you're in line and you don't know what you want to order the guy behind the counter will not hesitate to yell at you. Â So word to the wise and be prepared. Â There are different lines depending on if you want pasta, pizza, salads or sandwiches so things move along quickly.
Outdoor seating available in the warmer months makes this a choice spot for Lunchin' in the Loop.
i've been here a handful of times for lunch, during the weekdays.
to avoid long lunch lines, early arrival is highly suggested. =)
i've had various types of pastas which were all equally good.
i have never craved for venice cafe's food. it's just in a very convenient location.
but i have to add that their calzones are mighty yummy.
(i know two guys that come here on fridays for calzones. haha)
they are pretty generous with portions, prices are decent and you can always find a seat. Â
they have daily specials that are not a part of their regular menu.
I'm not even supposed to review Venice Cafe. Â I frequent this establishment so often and have been visiting them for so long, it feels a bit unfair to me. Â If someone were to ask me how I felt about my old friend, I'd obviously give them a positive review. Â That's just how it works.
I frequently check the daily specials and plan my lunch schedule around specific dishes. Â The tried and true Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad is a worthy standby. Â It's actually so good, it can and does demand top billing. Â It's worth traveling from one end of the loop to the other for. Â
Trust me on this, pasta salad fans.
ps: Â There's another location inside the Sears Tower. Â Whatchu talkin' bout, Willis?!
I would be lying if i didn't admit my frequent diner card for Venice Cafe is just about full. Â After the tenth stamp/visit you get one free meal. Â Who doesn't love free stuff and the fact the free stuff is great makes it even better. Â
This is a great place for carry out lunch or dinning in with a group from the office. Â They serve made to order pasta, sandwiches (ie, turkey, meatball, beef) pizza and salads. Â The service is quick and the food taste like it had been cooking for hours. Â The last time I was their I ordered the Tuesday special, which was pasta with a meatball and an incredibly good roll.
As a frequent diner I enjoy the daily specials for calzones and pastas, which keep things new and interesting. You can also have a pasta made to order or try an assortment of pizzas and salads. Venice is most crowded from around 11:45 to 1:00, so go earlier or later if you can.
The pizza comes in Chicago and New York (thin) crusts. I usually get a slice of each when I'm having pizza. If you're having a calzone, don't miss out on the sauce.
I'm right around the corner from here. Work that is. I've been here plenty of times and can't complain about the food.
I enjoy the cesar salad, the meatball sandwich with good portions of meat balls :) I also get the oregano salad which is my fav. A small size is perfect. I've bought some breakfast from here and can't complain.
The prices on this items on the menu are decent.
I go here waaay to often to not review this place.
So I've had their soups, pizza, and pastas. Everything is good in my book here. Prices are also decent for downtown fare. It's the perfect spot when I want Italian. It's just not a place that I personally crave.
If it's a first time I'd recommend their pastas over pizza as I do like how fresh it is!
Go off hours as it gets super busy during lunch time. Â
I have been here many times as it is right near where I work. Â I think I almost always have gottan some variety of the calzone which is very tasty, especially wet - meaning with sauce.
I sometimes go with a piece of pizza for a kicker when I am extra hungry but for a normal person the calzone or pizza will suffice... I am just a little fat and also a big eater.
Service is quick, free refills, reasonably priced for lunch, and they clear your table.
The only minus is the breakfast isnt great and pricey for an egg sandwich. Â I miss the white hen right across the street. Â In fact they one time gave me a free sandwich when their credit machine was down and then the next week they were closed. Â Whoops
I am naturally averse to lunch spots where the location at which you place your food order varies by the nature of your order (pasta, sandwich, pizza, salad, etc.). Reason being that I am so indecisive when it comes to food, that I need until the very last second to place an order, when the pressure's on. So I tend to avoid places like Venice Cafe, Caffe Baci, etc. You walk into these places and it's pure pandemonium, especially at Venice.
That being said, I was dragged to Venice once recently by a coworker. I tried my best to pick out what I wanted on the menu beforehand, but once we walked into the place I was so overwhelmed that I lost any semblance of food reason that I had possessed previously.
I was a little bit hungover, so I was looking for something a little greasy but not overtly so. The Lemon Garlic Chicken that I ordered delivered just that. First off, it was a ton of food--nearly a half of a chicken (skin on, ew) and at least four cups of pasta. For $6.95. When I picked up my order I nearly dropped the bag due to the sheer weight of it, and when I got back to the office and saw the food I couldn't believe it. Beware though, the chicken was super messy (think Medieval Times style) so you may not want to tackle this one at your desk.
The food was fine, and did help in resolving my hangover issues. Not my style for lunch, between the huge portions, coma-inducing pasta and annoying setup. But if I were a carbo-loading gym rat ex-frat dude, I would eat here every day.
The calzones are tasty, monstrous, and cheap. Â Also, I really appreciate the fact that they don't skimp on sauce. Â All too many places will give you a calzone with this tiny little cup of marinara that's gone after one bite because the calzone dough is so absorbent.
Minus one star for the ordering process being quite chaotic even when it wasn't all that busy. The counters are (in my opinion) not that well laid out.
I love Venice Café more than I love Sbarro and that's a lot, because Sbarro was such a treat as a kid with a super-Asian mom. It's in the basement of the Sears Tower and serves up cafeteria-style Italian - so not terribly classy. Head up to Spiaggia or Il Mulino if that's what you're looking for.
Venice has giant calzones, a true testament to the statistic that American restaurants serve us 4320289670293 times individual serving sizes. For $6. I'm not about to complain. And just in case their pasta portions weren't enough, they come with a giant garlic-y roll. They're like someone's grandmother (certainly not mine) - "you don't eat enough! So skinny! Only meat and bones - here is some bread to fatten you up too!"
A list of specials greet you as you walk in, and I've yet to be disappointed by Chef Specials. Don't be fooled by the Tortellini specials, they're regular price, and the pasta sauces all cost extra except for the original. If you're "being healthy", grilled veggies? think enough to feed a family of 4. If you become a regular, make use of their punch card: "Receive a stamp on the back of card each time you order...after ten stamps, receive one free entrée!" (Only available with pasta entrées)
Venice have a take-out/pickup register near the front, which is always faster. This is good for all Financial District-ites when you have 5 minutes to grab lunch. If you decide to eat in, they have giant TV's in the back, good for watching "the game" (I'm not really sure what it is, but some version of it is always on).
Venice Cafe, my favorite Italian lunch getaway by far!
It still suprises me how authentic their food is, even though it's hard to categorize them as "authentic Italian" dining. Venice has excellent choices for lunch, which include my favs the mostocolli with Italian sausage, huge chicken salads (cajun or regular), the bow tie pasta with majestic sauce and even their pizza and calzones are off the chain! Sometime they have a stuffed tortellini dish that is flippin unreal! And come hungry, because they serve you a lot of food. Top everything off with a fresh baked bread roll and unlimited drinks from the soda fountain of truth, and you got yourself one happy fella that can get through any work day!
I think we are going there today, I can't wait!!
I'm going to go against the grain here and say that Venice Cafe ain't all that. Â
As someone who is perpetually watching what they eat, I appreciate places that give me healthy options. Â And the Venice Cafe has a couple of tasty looking salads. Â The big problem for me is that they pre-mix their salads, meaning you get a ton of dressing on it whether you like it or not. Â I'm one of those weird people who actually likes how vegetables taste, so I don't care for a salad slathered in dressing. Â
The other problem I have is with their menu - it's just not always clear. Â I was in the line for pasta and sandwiches, and I ordered something that appeared to be a sandwich - it was listed amongst other sandwiches and said it had chicken breast, tomato, and green pepper. Â Turns out it was a pasta dish, which was so not what I wanted. Â
Good service, lots of seating, good carb-y food, but not so great food choices if you're looking to keep it healthy.
Love Italian food? Â Go to Venice!
I frequently visit Venice for lunch with co-workers and haven't had a bad visit yet. Â Lunch can get crazy busy, so make sure to show up a little early. Â I really like the Cajun chicken creaser salad, but if you like pasta, I suggest the tortellini with majestic sauce. Â My only complaint is that I wish they stayed open later.
This is my first time so I usually give a restaurant more than one chance to redeem themselves since I have hit one of those times they miss.
Perhaps I should've tried a different dish than the one that had caught my eye upon glancing over the menu. Â Most restaurants tend to lose the flavor of the dish along the way while cooking it and this place isn't an exception to the rule. Â
So with that in mind, the rest of my experience with this restaurant is certainly on the positive. Â
The service was fast and the staff seemed so friendly as they had spoken to the customer seeming quite sincere about it.  What I was amazed about one of the staff members is that they were able to listen  to the order through the hustle and bustle of the kitchen near by while the patrons were chattering away as well. Â
The pasta was cooked when ordered though the remainder of what I ordered was on a heating tray understandably. Â The dish was served with a huge garlic bread roll which was nicely coiled with the endings near the center rather than the outside which made it quite interesting as to chose where to start since I like to start at the ends than the middle. Â
The place had a somewhat feel of an olden day downtown somewhat after the days of the black and white pictured Chicago landscape. Â But at the same time, there was an ambiance of a modern feel to it with the arrangements of the furnishings and sorts. Â
What may have came off as organized in the designed appears confusing to those who are newcomers to the location. Â The separation of menu sections also meant a separation of lines where if you wish to place an order for one specific item, you must segregate yourself from the others who are ordering from a different section. Â
In terms of the price, I would say it is fair especially given the quantity that is given and the location. Â I didn't feel like I was ripped off or felt that it was lacking for the price I had paid looking at what I was given at the time of purchase. Â
On a scale where quantity is one end and quality is at the other where both hit the perfect balance, I would say that this is leaning more towards quality rather than quantity.
I certainly look forward to giving this restaurant a second try with a different dish. Â
On a side note, it is certainly interesting to see such a location reward their loyal customers who comes in time after time again with a loyalty card similar to that of subway that is long gone except for a different location. Â
If I come back a second time and it is much better than the first time, I may return for a third to measure their consistency to see if they can reproduce or improve upon their success.
My review will be adjusted of course when I make a second return in the future.
The fact that Venice is in my building makes it oh so tempting, especially in the winter when I'm not willing to brave the snow/cold. Â I recommend trying the pasta special of the day as it's usually the best thing on the menu. Â The line gets quite long if you go around noon, but we usually just head down early (above 10-15 til) in order to beat the rush. Â
I LOVE the majestic sauce (alfredo/marinara combo) with the bow tie pasta. Â Lasagna is also delicious and no matter what pasta you order, it's more than enough to take home for dinner. Â I usually stay away from the salad line as none of these options are very good. Â There's also a seperate line for pizza/calzones, but the pasta is just so good that I can't pass it up.
Typically don't dine in, but I can imagine it's hard to get a table. Â You get a roll with your pasta order, so sometimes its quite a heavy/huge lunch. Â But, it's great for a winter warm-up meal.
Don't go to Venice unless you are starving or have a huge craving for fast food italian. Big servings - I usually save 1/2 of my meal for dinner or lunch the next day. Calzones with sauce are jus to die for - oh calorie counters stay away!!!
Good food and really quick service given they make pasta as u order - don't let the line outside the door scare u away... greek salad has too much dressing on it - my one gripe is that their salads could be much better.
Lordy, I've embarrassed myself on more than one occasion here with my naked display of primal gluttony. Ooh, not a pretty image that comes to mind. They make fresh pasta, homemade tomato basil sauce, and the herb garlic roll...oh goodness. I'm going into carb overload just thinking about it. It's heaven...with a side of meatballs.
A total bargain. Good for hanging out with a group of friends from work. Definitely not an everyday thing because this food can lead to a seriously deadly afternoon food coma. What a blow to productivity when the whole team has been exposed to the starchy goodness of Venice Cafe.
Bloating and lethargy aside, the only downside that comes to mind: two incompetent crooks tried (and failed) to hijack my purse here, taking advantage of the crazy busy environment so WORD...be aware.
All I can say is I LOVE this place for a quick take-out hot lunch! Â My favorite is the eggplant parmesan dinner, which comes with angel hair pasta and one of their special BIG FAT garlic/herb rolls. Â They don't bread or fry the eggplant, which is how I like it. Â Service is quick, prices are good and lunch is always fantastic. Â Everything looks very tasty sitting there for the right person to pick it.
Maybe someday I'll try the calzones, but I'm stickin' with the eggplant for now.
Pasta salads are good too, but lots of little bits of onion is kind of a turnoff for me.
This is going to be one of my regualr lunch spots for now on. Â I work close to this location and with the fast service and yummy food, I will sure to be back. Â I ordered the pasta and it was made to order and it was a big portion and was yummy, however when I saw my friend get the calzone, that is what I will be getting next. Â My friends also rave about the Cajun Chicken Pasta salad and I will have to try that too. Â
I have also gotten salads catered from here, upon pick up, everything was ready to go and didn't have to wait.
Update:
I started thinking that their Cajun Chicken Pasta Salad can't be that hard to make so I gave it a shot and it turned out just as good in my opinion. Â
Boil up on box of the tri colored rotini pasta then cool in ice bath & drain well.
Season up 2 chicken breasts with McCormick's Cajun seasoning, S&P and fry that up then chopped it up.
Finely dice up some celery & half a bell pepper (Venice uses red but I use whatever is cheapest, green yellow or red).
In a big bowl, put in about 1/3 cups (maybe more, I just eyeball it) of olive oil and whisk in 1 heaping tbsp of the cajun seasoning, then toss in the cooled pasta, chicken, celery, & pepper. Â Season with S&P to taste.
For me, Venice Cafe has dual personalities. Â On one hand, she's a nice lady who provides me with a large plate of pasta which leaves me feeling satisfied, healthy and ready to go for the rest of the day. Â However, more often than not, she's a naughty #&@!$ who seduces me with one of the tastiest calzones around. Â The dough, the sauce...oh the sauce, it tastes so good when it hits your lips... Â After one of these bad boys I'm even more satisfied, but lack any sense of healthiness and am definitely not ready to go for the rest of the day. Â But it's worth it. Â Ohhhhh, it's worth it.
Other notes: lines for pasta are just plain ridiculous at lunch. Â If you want pasta, go early, late or call in for carry out. Â They do have a punch card for pasta (Buy 10 get 1 free?).
Venice Cafe is best enjoyed if/when you have a big appetite to satisfy - for a pretty reasonable price, you can get a good pasta dish in portions that seem more appropriate for a filling dinner rather than lunch. Â Most of their pasta specials are freshly cooked rather than pre-made & sitting out under a heat lamp for hours.
This could be a 5-star place, if not for the chaos - at peak times you'll likely wait quite a while in line for your food, and their dining area - though fairly spacious - tends to be very busy & full.
A friend and I went here for lunch. Â It was very cheap and good -- at the time. Â We both got salads and the iced tea. Â I figured that this would be a good place to go again.
Fast forward 2 hours later: We both felt like a steamroller went over our stomachs. Â I was practically keeled over my computer, as that was how much pain I was in. Â Considering the fact that the only thing I had prior to lunch was coffee and a bagel, I have to assume that the stomach pain that both my friend and I felt had to have come from the food here.
I really like Venice Cafe's new location......very big, a large tv (usually showing sports though), and plentiful seating. Â
I would not suggest the pasta dishes. Â I've ordered them two times and the 2nd time I asked myself, "why did you do this again?" Â HAHA, kind of like when I dined at plush....the 3rd and the 4th time. Â However, w/ plush, my boyfriend and I decided, we would rather starve than spend another dime on food there. Â [see Plush review]
the pizza at Venice Cafe is delicious!! Â I consider it comparable to sbarro. Â Love it. Â I think I can eat a (thin) slice in under 3 mins. Â =)
One of my top 5 places for lunch in the west loop. Â I first went to the Wacker location (across from Sears Tower) about 9 years ago and been happy with the excellent dishes, proportions and quick service. Â I was glad they opened the Monroe location and nothing changed about the food or service.
Almost always a great selection for lunch with the "Chef's special" and enough to take home for dinner or lunch the next day. Â
I've never been disappointed by any of the pizza, calzone, pasta or salad selections. Â There are so many choices, especially when you can build your own pasta dish. Â I'm a big fan of the Spinich Lasagne with Basial Tomato sauce.
Because this is such a great cafe, it will be busy from just before noon until well after one. Â It is fairly easy to get a table for two to four people but anymore becomes an issue.
I have no doubt that Venice cafe has excellent pizza, but I always have to order the Tortellini of the day with Majestic sauce(they mix the alfredo and red sauces together). Â The tortellini is great, and the serving size is perfect! Â Each pasta dish comes with a fresh roll that is delicious! Â I have had the calzones before, and they are great, but they're too big for me to eat for lunch. Â I like the way they keep the line moving, too. Â Though it's not as quick and efficient as it was at their location across from the Sears Tower. Â
It can be tough to get a seat if you go during a busy time. Â This is one of those places where one of my pet peeves presents itself. Â The suburbanites, if they can find the place, get in line then send a member of their party to sit down and 'save' a seat. Â In the meantime, it takes 15 minutes for their friend to get through the line. Â By the time the 'saver' gets his meal brough to him by his friend, another party could have eaten their meal at that table and been done. Â If everyone would just sit when they get their food and not before, places like this would be a lot less crazy.
I was so excited when they opened this location right across the street from my office. It's a great spot for a last-minute lunch. But expect long lines and crowded tables if you go after 12...it's not only the best place for lunch in this area, it's one of maybe 5!
What I really love about Venice is their catering service. George is the BEST caterer/manager to work with. He is prompt, reliable and very nice. I can call for food for 30 the same day as the meeting and know it will be there 10 minutes ahead of schedule.
My group loves when I order from Venice. I work with a lot of East Coasters who appreciate a good New York style pizza, and Venice never disappoints. If you dine in, I recommend the tortellini of the day (chicken or cheese usually) in Majestic Sauce...it's half alfredo, half marinara. YUMMY!!
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
