Okay this is a weird place- order at counter- get your own waterBut…- best deep dish I have ever had- staff was super nice- Again best deep dish I have ever had- wife loved her chicken caprese
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Deep Dish Pie
Joaquin Cortes
I want to write you about an experience I had recently with 2 locations on 3/24/2024. Before I do that, I want you to know that I have been a life long fan of Giordano’s deep-dish pizza since I first visited the Oak Park, Illinois location in 1988. My parents and siblings became huge fans of the food and ambiance at this location and subsequently became regulars, going at least 2 times a month. I have subsequently been going to Giordano’s for pizza throughout high school, college and as a married father of 3 wonderful children.I have had some concerns about the Giordano’s located at 1505 S Randall Rd. Algonquin, IL for some time as I’d, on numerous previous visits had found the cleanliness and service standards to be inadequate. Not withstanding and feeling really nostalgic we decided to go to this same location for dinner. When we arrived, we were met by the host and were advised that we could pick a booth and also that due to a staffing shortage, would need to return to the service counter to put in our order. We sat down and checked the menu and I walked to the service counter to put in our order. I was told that, in addition to the staff shortage, there was only Budweiser beer in bottles (and no other beer available) and that the drink fountain was not working and that we would be served in plastic bottles. After some consternation, I paid for the order and sat at the booth. It was shortly thereafter; I advised the young man to cancel our order as we would be departing. The manager arrived and inquired as to why we were canceling and I advised him that I was unhappy due to the staff shortage as well as the lack of beer options and soft drinks. The manager advised me that he would be serving us and that the staff shortage should not be a concern. I advised him that I was not comfortable paying full-service prices for a sub-par experience. I was provided a receipt for my refund and subsequently left for the next location.We arrived at the 320 S Randall Rd. South Elgin, IL location at approximately 7:15 pm. The server was glad to sit us but advised us that we would not be able to order a deep-dish pizza as the location was closing at 8:00 pm. Having no other option and having exhausted all my family’s patience we agreed to sit and order a pizza and some appetizers. At around 7:20 pm, while we were checking the menu I noticed that the server was taking an order and that the order included a deep-dish pizza. I called the young man over and asked him why, if he was about to put their order in for a deep-dish pizza, he couldn’t do it for us? The server became agitated and reminded us that he had advised us that we would not be able to order a deep-dish pizza prior to sitting us. I again asked what the difference would be if he put our order in along with the other table’s. After advising me that the table had come in before me and that that was the reason he was putting their order in, he relented and told us that he would make an exception. Still dissatisfied with the horrible experience at the Algonquin location and finding no measure of satisfaction at the South Elgin location we again, were forced to abandon our dinner.I worked in the service industry for a long time through high school and college and have never seen a customer told he couldn’t order anything off the menu because they would be closing soon. It was always my experience that if a table arrived 10 or even 5 minutes before closing, they would be welcomed and provided the same level of service as if they’d arrived during the dinner rush. My observations of the Algonquin lead me to believe that the location is suffering and has been suffering financially for quite some time. I wonder if the staff shortage is the result of poor management? I also conclude that the service that we received at the South Elgin location was the result of an over-zealous staff that did not want to be at the restaurant too much longer after close. In both instances myself and my family suffered at the hands of Giordano’s.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza
Sue P.
Visited today and was totally unimpressed. Apparently this location will be closing/moving soon. It would be nice of them to mention that they offer very little dine in service right now . Big sign says $2 beers all day every day. No beer - had a list of beers they once had but were all crossed off. No wine even though the bar had bottles on it. Tappers of beer weren't working. No soda fountains - bottled soda. A big dispenser of help yourself water and cups was set out. You had to order and pay at the counter then they'd bring your pizza out to your table! It was like they gave you a place to eat your take out pizza. Pizza was good but the restaurant smelled a bit like sewer gas. They really need to make this a take out only location until the move is made. Very disappointed.
Ashley J.
Ordered online. We ordered our pizza with olives, pepperoni, and fresh garlic. The pizza was good. Had a buttery crust. We had the italian beef and giardinera arancini and wings with buffalo sauce. Food was ready ready when I picked it up. The arancini was flavorful and had a kick to it. The Buffalo wings were really good, best I have had from a pizza place.
Desi Dil
Still Chicago number one deep dish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deep Dish Sausage Pizza
Eric Johnson
This place used to be so great. However now it's basically self serve . Took my family here and was told upon being seated that when we were ready to order to walk up to the counter and order. Ok strike 1 for me. But I went to the counter to order. I ordered ice water with lemon for my wife and daughter and was interrupted by the guy behind the counter saying you can get the water yourself just around the corner. Strike 2 . I asked the guy what the hell is going on. He says management is just making some changes around here. I said well you guys are going to lose business cancel our order . So sad this used to be a great place that we enjoyed.
SpeedKnight13
We ordered a large deep dish from here. We felt our arteries clogging up every bite we took from the slice. We left the restaurant with cheese flowing through our hearts due to the ungodly amount of cheese in your deep dish. 90% cheese, the other 10 is the other ingredients. (Large deep dish pepperoni pizza)
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
Eric F.
I could easily give this place five stars for its' perfect and delicious stuffed sausage and cheese pizza - but unfortunately my girlfriend insisted on ordering the fried calamari rings as an appetizer, and those tasteless rubber bands of foulness ruined the entire meal for both me and her. Yuck! And I mean it sincerely: YUCK! That said - let's focus on the overall experience. As I mentioned, the pizza here is good, if you like stuffed pizza, which I happen to love. My girlfriend is more of a 'deep-dish' girl, so her go-to place is ALWAYS Lou Malnati's. Lou's is certainly good, although I prefer Uno's in Chicago. But since moving back to Chicagoland last June she has taken me to Lou Malnati's no less than six times, even though I have all but begged to go to someplace else, with Giordano's at the top my plea every time. However, she has the car, and she has the cash, so I am her little piggy squealing bitch-boy, lucky to be taken out to lunch Wherever she wants to go. So as you can imagine, this first long-awaited visit to Giordano's had a lot riding on it. We arrived at an off-hour (around 3 PM) so the place was not by any means full of customers. The moment we entered my gal ran to the bathroom leaving me to order at the counter and chat-it-up with the girl behind it. She informed me that her pizza store was in the process of moving from it's present location in the dying strip-mall that we were all now in, to the much better location across the highway, right next-door to the busy Trader Joe's. Even I could see that this would be a decisive move. However, as she informed me, this meant that her store was severely understaffed, and that there was no table service, and also that certain items from the menu were temporarily unavailable, like fountain sodas, fish, and fresh salads. No problem for me. I ordered two cans of diet coke and one Large Stuffed Sausage Pizza. Then I picked a table and sat down, beginning our 45 minute wait. Moments later I saw my girlfriend emerge from the restroom, go to the counter, and order something. "Not Calamari. Please. Not Calamari" I mumbled to myself over and over again. Then she plopped down across from me and said "I ordered some Calamari. I'm hungry". How could I argue with that. The calamari arrived 5 minutes late, clearly pulled from a frost coated freezer, brush clean of its icky flavored snow coating, and chucked into the dirty oil in the kitchens rarely used deep fryer. And those terrible qualities gave our rubbery calamari the only flavor it had, refrigerator burn and old oil. My girlfriend, who loved calamari so much that she'd eat it out of the ass of a hippo, even asked for a to-go container after only a few bites and a disgusted face. "Take this home" she said, handing the box full of calamari-monsters to me" - "Let's not waste money. I paid for that." My stomach churned, because I knew I'd eat it later, out of guilt. Luckily, when the pizza came it was delicious. And I even got to take a few slices of it home. But late in the night, before I went to bed, I nuked the bone-dry, shriveled calamari rings as a snack. And as bad as they were in the restaurant, after microwaving them - they were worse.
xi xa
Went here cause I have always lived Giordanos, called ahead because my mother in law is handicapped and wanted to see if they could hold down a table to accommodate her, they said no reservations first come first serve, sorry…. That was weird enough we get there and you have to order from the front counter and they wouldn’t even do a split payment, i didn’t come out to pay for a party of 8 of course we were splitting up the check they said no exceptions, we just left and walked out, the vibe was off from the get go. Would never go here again this place was very unwelcoming
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Betty V
Weird place… you have to order in the front… you have to pour your own water from a clear container in the dining room… it seems this Giordano’s is not following franchise protocol by having you order at the front like it’s a take out place yet charging dining room prices… weird they couldnt come take your order despite their being no one at the restaurant. Also at every other Giordanos they mix the Caesar salad for you.. the meatball sub appeared to have frozen meatballs and bottled corona beers were 8 dollars each…Seems they are lacking in service and quality to save a buck so now the empty parking lot on a Saturday makes sense…
This place just needs to close their doors. They can’t afford servers or drinks. The service and having to go up to the counter to order while I’m coming to sit down and eat with my family is ridiculous. I would have went to a fast food place for this service. And the food quality has dropped significantly! No longer a family restaurant. We won’t be back to this location.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Yessica Leon
I was disappointed by the serving size of the Alfredo I could gotten more on Olive Garden for the same price ? idk if it’s normal for only half of the container to be full but it was disappointing for the
Food: 1
Haley Routhe
You order your own food and your own drinks at the front desk after being sat down. 8 drinks and 3 bowls of soup cost over $64 for my family. I’m sorry but no thanks. I’m not at a Walmart with self checkout and self ordering.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
JoAnn Oneal
Best deep dish pizza around!Calamari with thinly sliced banana peppers and lemon was delicious. Everything cooked to perfection. George provided friendly, excellent service. Can't wait till our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marlo L
I was suprised dining in had to seat your self, grab your own menu's. Once you decide get up and order at the counter. You get a dirty look if you forgot a topping and they have to add it. For a total of $128.00 for food 2 appetizers,two pizza's, and 4 plastic bottles of Pepsi. Dining felt like you work there and had to wait an hour for your food! Not enjoyable at all.
Okay this is a weird place- order at counter- get your own waterBut…- best deep dish I have ever had- staff was super nice- Again best deep dish I have ever had- wife loved her chicken caprese
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Deep Dish Pie
I want to write you about an experience I had recently with 2 locations on 3/24/2024. Before I do that, I want you to know that I have been a life long fan of Giordano’s deep-dish pizza since I first visited the Oak Park, Illinois location in 1988. My parents and siblings became huge fans of the food and ambiance at this location and subsequently became regulars, going at least 2 times a month. I have subsequently been going to Giordano’s for pizza throughout high school, college and as a married father of 3 wonderful children.I have had some concerns about the Giordano’s located at 1505 S Randall Rd. Algonquin, IL for some time as I’d, on numerous previous visits had found the cleanliness and service standards to be inadequate. Not withstanding and feeling really nostalgic we decided to go to this same location for dinner. When we arrived, we were met by the host and were advised that we could pick a booth and also that due to a staffing shortage, would need to return to the service counter to put in our order. We sat down and checked the menu and I walked to the service counter to put in our order. I was told that, in addition to the staff shortage, there was only Budweiser beer in bottles (and no other beer available) and that the drink fountain was not working and that we would be served in plastic bottles. After some consternation, I paid for the order and sat at the booth. It was shortly thereafter; I advised the young man to cancel our order as we would be departing. The manager arrived and inquired as to why we were canceling and I advised him that I was unhappy due to the staff shortage as well as the lack of beer options and soft drinks. The manager advised me that he would be serving us and that the staff shortage should not be a concern. I advised him that I was not comfortable paying full-service prices for a sub-par experience. I was provided a receipt for my refund and subsequently left for the next location.We arrived at the 320 S Randall Rd. South Elgin, IL location at approximately 7:15 pm. The server was glad to sit us but advised us that we would not be able to order a deep-dish pizza as the location was closing at 8:00 pm. Having no other option and having exhausted all my family’s patience we agreed to sit and order a pizza and some appetizers. At around 7:20 pm, while we were checking the menu I noticed that the server was taking an order and that the order included a deep-dish pizza. I called the young man over and asked him why, if he was about to put their order in for a deep-dish pizza, he couldn’t do it for us? The server became agitated and reminded us that he had advised us that we would not be able to order a deep-dish pizza prior to sitting us. I again asked what the difference would be if he put our order in along with the other table’s. After advising me that the table had come in before me and that that was the reason he was putting their order in, he relented and told us that he would make an exception. Still dissatisfied with the horrible experience at the Algonquin location and finding no measure of satisfaction at the South Elgin location we again, were forced to abandon our dinner.I worked in the service industry for a long time through high school and college and have never seen a customer told he couldn’t order anything off the menu because they would be closing soon. It was always my experience that if a table arrived 10 or even 5 minutes before closing, they would be welcomed and provided the same level of service as if they’d arrived during the dinner rush. My observations of the Algonquin lead me to believe that the location is suffering and has been suffering financially for quite some time. I wonder if the staff shortage is the result of poor management? I also conclude that the service that we received at the South Elgin location was the result of an over-zealous staff that did not want to be at the restaurant too much longer after close. In both instances myself and my family suffered at the hands of Giordano’s.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Deep Dish Pepperoni Pizza
Visited today and was totally unimpressed. Apparently this location will be closing/moving soon. It would be nice of them to mention that they offer very little dine in service right now . Big sign says $2 beers all day every day. No beer - had a list of beers they once had but were all crossed off. No wine even though the bar had bottles on it. Tappers of beer weren't working. No soda fountains - bottled soda. A big dispenser of help yourself water and cups was set out. You had to order and pay at the counter then they'd bring your pizza out to your table! It was like they gave you a place to eat your take out pizza. Pizza was good but the restaurant smelled a bit like sewer gas. They really need to make this a take out only location until the move is made. Very disappointed.
Ordered online. We ordered our pizza with olives, pepperoni, and fresh garlic. The pizza was good. Had a buttery crust. We had the italian beef and giardinera arancini and wings with buffalo sauce. Food was ready ready when I picked it up. The arancini was flavorful and had a kick to it. The Buffalo wings were really good, best I have had from a pizza place.
Still Chicago number one deep dish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Deep Dish Sausage Pizza
This place used to be so great. However now it's basically self serve . Took my family here and was told upon being seated that when we were ready to order to walk up to the counter and order. Ok strike 1 for me. But I went to the counter to order. I ordered ice water with lemon for my wife and daughter and was interrupted by the guy behind the counter saying you can get the water yourself just around the corner. Strike 2 . I asked the guy what the hell is going on. He says management is just making some changes around here. I said well you guys are going to lose business cancel our order . So sad this used to be a great place that we enjoyed.
We ordered a large deep dish from here. We felt our arteries clogging up every bite we took from the slice. We left the restaurant with cheese flowing through our hearts due to the ungodly amount of cheese in your deep dish. 90% cheese, the other 10 is the other ingredients. (Large deep dish pepperoni pizza)
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 3
I could easily give this place five stars for its' perfect and delicious stuffed sausage and cheese pizza - but unfortunately my girlfriend insisted on ordering the fried calamari rings as an appetizer, and those tasteless rubber bands of foulness ruined the entire meal for both me and her. Yuck! And I mean it sincerely: YUCK! That said - let's focus on the overall experience. As I mentioned, the pizza here is good, if you like stuffed pizza, which I happen to love. My girlfriend is more of a 'deep-dish' girl, so her go-to place is ALWAYS Lou Malnati's. Lou's is certainly good, although I prefer Uno's in Chicago. But since moving back to Chicagoland last June she has taken me to Lou Malnati's no less than six times, even though I have all but begged to go to someplace else, with Giordano's at the top my plea every time. However, she has the car, and she has the cash, so I am her little piggy squealing bitch-boy, lucky to be taken out to lunch Wherever she wants to go. So as you can imagine, this first long-awaited visit to Giordano's had a lot riding on it. We arrived at an off-hour (around 3 PM) so the place was not by any means full of customers. The moment we entered my gal ran to the bathroom leaving me to order at the counter and chat-it-up with the girl behind it. She informed me that her pizza store was in the process of moving from it's present location in the dying strip-mall that we were all now in, to the much better location across the highway, right next-door to the busy Trader Joe's. Even I could see that this would be a decisive move. However, as she informed me, this meant that her store was severely understaffed, and that there was no table service, and also that certain items from the menu were temporarily unavailable, like fountain sodas, fish, and fresh salads. No problem for me. I ordered two cans of diet coke and one Large Stuffed Sausage Pizza. Then I picked a table and sat down, beginning our 45 minute wait. Moments later I saw my girlfriend emerge from the restroom, go to the counter, and order something. "Not Calamari. Please. Not Calamari" I mumbled to myself over and over again. Then she plopped down across from me and said "I ordered some Calamari. I'm hungry". How could I argue with that. The calamari arrived 5 minutes late, clearly pulled from a frost coated freezer, brush clean of its icky flavored snow coating, and chucked into the dirty oil in the kitchens rarely used deep fryer. And those terrible qualities gave our rubbery calamari the only flavor it had, refrigerator burn and old oil. My girlfriend, who loved calamari so much that she'd eat it out of the ass of a hippo, even asked for a to-go container after only a few bites and a disgusted face. "Take this home" she said, handing the box full of calamari-monsters to me" - "Let's not waste money. I paid for that." My stomach churned, because I knew I'd eat it later, out of guilt. Luckily, when the pizza came it was delicious. And I even got to take a few slices of it home. But late in the night, before I went to bed, I nuked the bone-dry, shriveled calamari rings as a snack. And as bad as they were in the restaurant, after microwaving them - they were worse.
Went here cause I have always lived Giordanos, called ahead because my mother in law is handicapped and wanted to see if they could hold down a table to accommodate her, they said no reservations first come first serve, sorry…. That was weird enough we get there and you have to order from the front counter and they wouldn’t even do a split payment, i didn’t come out to pay for a party of 8 of course we were splitting up the check they said no exceptions, we just left and walked out, the vibe was off from the get go. Would never go here again this place was very unwelcoming
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Weird place… you have to order in the front… you have to pour your own water from a clear container in the dining room… it seems this Giordano’s is not following franchise protocol by having you order at the front like it’s a take out place yet charging dining room prices… weird they couldnt come take your order despite their being no one at the restaurant. Also at every other Giordanos they mix the Caesar salad for you.. the meatball sub appeared to have frozen meatballs and bottled corona beers were 8 dollars each…Seems they are lacking in service and quality to save a buck so now the empty parking lot on a Saturday makes sense…
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
This place just needs to close their doors. They can’t afford servers or drinks. The service and having to go up to the counter to order while I’m coming to sit down and eat with my family is ridiculous. I would have went to a fast food place for this service. And the food quality has dropped significantly! No longer a family restaurant. We won’t be back to this location.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I was disappointed by the serving size of the Alfredo I could gotten more on Olive Garden for the same price ? idk if it’s normal for only half of the container to be full but it was disappointing for the
Food: 1
You order your own food and your own drinks at the front desk after being sat down. 8 drinks and 3 bowls of soup cost over $64 for my family. I’m sorry but no thanks. I’m not at a Walmart with self checkout and self ordering.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Best deep dish pizza around!Calamari with thinly sliced banana peppers and lemon was delicious. Everything cooked to perfection. George provided friendly, excellent service. Can't wait till our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was suprised dining in had to seat your self, grab your own menu's. Once you decide get up and order at the counter. You get a dirty look if you forgot a topping and they have to add it. For a total of $128.00 for food 2 appetizers,two pizza's, and 4 plastic bottles of Pepsi. Dining felt like you work there and had to wait an hour for your food! Not enjoyable at all.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1