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Every time I eat here I'm amazed that the chef hasn't been approached by some deep-pocketed investors to open his own place. Generally I hate the Kleiner restaurants, they're overdecorated and overbranded (I don't really know why I'd want to buy a Carnivale t-shirt) but Chef Mendez is worth coming for. Insanely flavorful, really top-quality ingredients, and stellar service. Put this food in a hip, sleek setting instead of the Totally 90s! faux-Latin "funky" decor and get rid of the suburban day-tourists and you'd have one of the best restaurants in the city.

Wonderful ambiance for adults/couples. The food was very fresh and cooked perfectly. The fish tacos are EXCELLENT!

The Drinks were Great. The Food was Good, I just didn't like the small portions for the price or maybe we just got the wrong thing, who knows. Don't go there if your trying to get Really Full or take a carry out home. But, if your looking for a Great Atmosphere, Drinks & Good Food then that's the place to be. Also, Valet Parking was only $5. I thought that was Fantastic!

I love Carnivale. Great food, with lots of flavor and an amazing atmosphere. One of my favorites! (The pork shoulder is great)

I was pretty disappointed with the food here. I had the roast pork, it was bland. The prices are high and just not worth it for what you get here.

Do NOT bring a large party. We had a party of 20 and they would only book us at 2 separate tables. If we wanted to guarantee to sit together we had to agree to a $1200 minimum. They worst part was not that we were at 2 tables, but we were at 2 tables that were NOT even next to each other. The other table was about 4 tables away. Then when we told them it was our friends birthday (that's why there was a group of 20) they kindly brought her a dessert with a candle, but then charged us for the dessert that wasn't even that good! If we knew we were going to have to pay for it, we would have selected a better choice. Basically, the food's awesome, but it's not a place for a large group (even though it's a large restaurant).

Everything about Carnivale is exceptional. The restaurant is beautiful and boasts and amazing atmosphere. This place is also very spacious. Most restaurants in the city are small and cramped but Carnivale is huge (think wearhouse). The food is very well made and very creative. I recommend the fried plantains with ropa vieja as an appetizer. The price is also very reasonable, especially since the food is amazing. This place has also become the hot spot around Chicago. Definitely worth checking out.