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Carnivale: Restaurant Reviews

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607 (The Loop)
(312) 850-5005
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Ranked #136 of 7,336 restaurants in Chicago
Price range: $14 - $40
Cuisines: Cuban, Latin, Mexican, Puerto Rican
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Restaurant details
Good for: Bar scene, Large groups, Special occasions
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Dining
Neighborhood: The Loop
Cross street: Halsted
Transit: Bus: The #8 Halsted at Fulton Market/Lake: 2 minute walk The # 65 Grand Avenue at Desplaines:10 minute walk The # 56 Milwaukee stops at Fulton/Desplaines: 2 minute walk Train: The Blue Line at Milwaukee/Grand: 10 minute walk The Pink Line at Clinton: 5 min walk The Green Line at Clinton: 5 min walk
Description: Carnivale is a reflection of Latin culture and community, as passionate as the people themselves. The soulful cuisine allows you to explore the dishes of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, and Mexico. The kaleidoscope of colors, music and playful décor ignites the sense of being in a Latin house party. Executive Chef Rodolfo Cuadros supports the Green City Market and uses as many local, sustainable ingredients as possible out of concern for the environment and community. Carnivale is the perfect location for your lunch, dinner, birthday, anniversary, wedding or corporate event. Carnivale has hosted exciting events such as Oprah’s “Color Purple” release party, the “Batman: The Dark Night Returns” wrap party and a private event with John Legend. Carnivale is located in Chicago’s West Loop, just off the expressway and close to downtown. It's also a quick CTA ride from Michigan Ave, Navy Pier or the Art Institute of Chicago.
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231 reviews from our community

78% Recommend
    109
    73
    32
    11
    6
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Carnivale
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Akron
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
“Great big party atmosphere”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2013 via mobile

I loved this place for our conference party. The mulit-level, multi room gave you plenty of options to find places to talk, observe, and hang out. The food was decent, a little odd how they slopped the rice dish onto this big slab, I felt like I was feeding at a trough. Overall, it was a cool place to spend a few hours, and the dance floor is in decent shape.

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See 3 more reviews by Dallamjm for Chicago
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chicago, IL
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“Nice lively spot for drinks, appetizers”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 3, 2013

I haven 't really been all that impressed with the food. But, I would recommend it for meeting friends for drinks and appetizers.

  • Visited March 2013
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Food
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See 3 more reviews by ChiGirl1977 for Chicago
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ithaca, New York
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“S & M Pic on Wall”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed February 14, 2013

We came for a family celebration. The food was high quality, but not well-seasoned. The colorful decor was very pleasing until I turned around and noticed I was standing in front of a bondage picture--a woman with ropes encircling her naked butt. So... not so good for families, with very little to recommend it except for the wonderful colors.

  • Visited February 2013
    • 2 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 2 of 5 stars Food
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Ask leslielynn1341 about Carnivale
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Cute place”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2013

Food is mostly a fusion, Not really authentic.
Decoration is really awesome. Not my favorite place, but it is good.
Best Day Saturday night

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See 18 more reviews by Fideo83 for Chicago
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hinsdale, Illinois
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
18 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“High Energy Dining with Latin Flare”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 11, 2013

Come to this place for "bread and circus" as the late ABC7 food critic James Ward used to say.
Lively atmosphere with colorful decor, latin music, and an upscale latin inspired menu. Large selection of mojitos; try the Coconut version. The main dining room is large with a staircase in the back leading to second floor seating. Attentive, friendly wait staff.
The Chicago Restaurant week menu offered a red pepper soup, branzino, and a steak each with lots of flavor. The dessert did not live up to the other courses.
Easily accessible from the expressway( 1block) with neighborhood street parking. Can be crowed on the weekend so be prepared to wait a bit even with a reservation.

  • Visited February 2013
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Food
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See 5 more reviews by Rich G for Chicago
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

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