Spaghetti Warehouse Review: Chicago, Illinois

If you enjoy a hearty meal of pasta, bread, and soup or salad, you will love the Spaghetti Warehouse in Chicago, Illinois--or at any if their locations, actually. The Spaghetti Warehouse has 21 locations in nine different states, and they are still growing. I visited this authentic Italian restaurant during my previous trip to Chicago this summer.

Despite its name, the Spaghetti Warehouse is actually a very nice place to dine. You will almost get the feeling that you are in a fancy restaurant, despite the relaxed atmosphere. So take a seat and put in your order.

History of the Spaghetti Warehouse

The first Spaghetti Warehouse opened in 1972 in the old warehouse district of downtown Dallas. Created by Victor Petta Jr., their recipes were made from scratch and handed down through generations of the Petta family. Chef Victor actually invented their patented system for cooking pasta to create perfect al dente pasta every time.

Spaghetti Warehouse Menu

All entrees are served with fresh sourdough bread and your choice of bottomless soup or salad. I decided on the Four Cheese Manicotti, which is simply three big pasta tubes stuffed with a creamy blend of Italian cheeses and topped with house-made tomato and alfredo sauces. I enjoyed the bread, but the salad was to die for. Then there was the pasta. In my opinion, the sauce was a bit too sweet and the pasta was definitely not al dente--it was a little too hard.

The service wasn't exactly the best, either. I couldn't finish my manicotti, so I decided to order some more salad. I waited and waited before I was able to catch the waiter. Finally, my salad arrived and I was able to enjoy the rest of my meal.

Spaghetti Warehouse Prices

The prices are comparable to those you would find at the Olive Garden or any other Italian restaurant. My entree cost $10.99, plus the cost of my drink. When you get free bread and a bottomless bowl of soup or salad with your main course, you are definitely getting your money's worth.

Would I return? Despite the undercooked noodles, I will probably go back sometime if I am in the area of a Spaghetti Warehouse. I likely wouldn't order the Four Cheese Manicotti again, but would like to try another item on their menu. And I most definitely will not pass up their salad next time.

Spaghetti Warehouse

4440 Ogden Ave
Aurora, IL 60504

101 Busse Rd
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Visit their website.