Petterinos

"When: Mon-Fri 8pm-10pm The Deal: Only available at the bar $9 Wines and Cocktails, $6 Beer, $5-off Appetizers and Pizza Petterino's proximity to the Nederlander Theater makes this Italian spot decorated with autographed photos of actors perfect for a pre-show dinner. But it’s also a solid option for a nighttime snack and drink if you end up stranded in the Loop. Maybe you’re just getting off after cramming work at the office. Or, maybe you need a place to hang after your visiting relatives force you to take them on a nighttime Bean visit. Whatever the case, you can find solace in some affordable drinks and saucy meatballs." - john ringor

"Petterino’s is steps away from both the Nederlander and the Goodman, so it’s convenient if you’re seeing a rap battle between the Founding Fathers or A Christmas Carol for the eighth time. This busy Italian spot is aware of its main audience—playbills, autographed photos of local actors, and caricatures decorate the walls. The food won’t make you break into song, but it’s satisfying—from cheesy chicken parm with housemade spaghetti to tender meatballs topped with parmesan slivers. Plus, you can get a discount at the bar if you show your ticket." - adrian kane, john ringor

"This busy Italian spot in the Loop is most useful when grabbing a meal before or after seeing some theater. Petterino's is less than a block away from the Nederlander and the Goodman, and with playbills and autographed photos of local actors decorating the walls, it's fully aware of its main audience. The menu has red sauce classics like chicken parm and spaghetti and meatballs, along with specials such as sweet corn arancini—you won't feel compelled to monologue about the food, but it's all pretty good. If you're sitting at the bar, make sure to show your ticket for a discount. " - John Ringor

"Petterino’s, the Loop restaurant that evokes a bygone age of theatergoing, with its red leather booths and walls covered with caricatures of celebrities who dined there over the years, reopened last week after an 18-month pandemic hiatus, with a new owner, new chef, and an interior restoration. The menu has also been revamped. Chef Ozzy Amelotti, who cooked at downtown mainstay Italian Village, has upgraded classic dishes. The restaurant now features a new U-shaped bar, a 'nano wall', a new wooden floor, and a tin ceiling. The basement has been converted into a small theater by Windy City Playhouse." - aimee.levitt

"Petterino’s, reopening just in time for the new theater season, evokes a more swanky era of theatergoing, when men wore suits, women wore furs, and everyone ate steaks and drank martinis while lounging in red leather banquettes. During the pandemic, ownership transferred from Lettuce Entertain You to the Good Plate Hospitality Group, but the restaurant will still serve steaks, seafood, Italian classics, and offer pre- and post-theater specials." - Ashok Selvam, aimee.levitt