Rafael's Restaurant
520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago
(312) 427-3800
Recent Reviews
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Website and hotel in room information show it is open until 10:30pm. We are guests at the hotel. Left our show across the street a few minutes early to grab a bite to eat. It was 9:25. The lady rudely asked what we needed as we walked in. We said a quick bite to eat. She waved both arms saying no no no. I'm done for the night we arent making food. I asked if something changed as everything states open until 10:30. She said oh we stop serving at 9. Mind you they have sandwiches and salad and other quick food items on the menu. She said you'll have to walk somewhere else to eat. I stopped by the front desk to politely tell them what she said and that maybe they should note that in the info provided to hotel guests. They stated oh they dont serve entrees after 9:30 only sandwiches. I explained that is not what the restaurant said. We walked a few blocks over to get something to eat. When we got back at 10:15, the restaurant workers were still standing inside (its next to the elevator) with a sign in window stating temporarily closed, you can get some food at the bar. The restaurant worker nor front desk let us know you could get food at the bar.
We traveled all day, walked around for awhile, went to a concert with uncomfortable leg room in seats so we were tired, hungry and feet hurt. Not a great way to treat your hotel guests. Others were trying to go to restaurant as well and we're confused. Makes us not want to stay at the hotel either.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Well, the humus plate and quesadillas were not bad, but the chocolate cake was far below average. It looked and tasted like someone who does not bake made it and brought it to a potluck. One thick layer, rather dense, and with a thin Hershey’s syrup-like frosting. We ordered room service and the main food arrived warm and the man who delivered it was nice. Can’t comment on the atmosphere.
Food: 2
Service: 4
Stopped by Rafael’s on a whim and was super impressed! The vibe in here is old-school, but it feels homey, like a spot your grandma would take you to. I ordered the chicken parm and it came out hot, crispy, and smothered in sauce and cheese—just how I like it. The portion size was perfect, and I could barely finish the whole plate. Spent about $20 for the meal with a soda, which was honestly a great deal for how good everything was. Definitely going back to try more from the menu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rafael's Restaurant is the real deal! I hit this spot for dinner last night, and let me tell you, it's like a hidden gem in the heart of the city. The vibe is chill, but the food? Top notch. I got the chicken parm, and my buddy ordered the lasagna—both were straight fire. That sauce? Chef’s kiss. Ended up spending about $45 for the two of us, and honestly, for the quality, that’s a steal. I’m coming back for sure. If you’re in the area and craving some legit Italian, do yourself a favor and swing by Rafael’s.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
An excellent sandwich and drink right before the flight!!!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came here after the marathon for lunch- the food was good but the staff was horrible. The manager yelled at our waiter for seating us before helping someone with a to go order, then they were very rude to a family that was asking if they could ouch tables together.
It does not help that there are no English speakers at this restaurant, which was somewhat annoying as we couldn’t ask our waitress about anything on the menu.
Good for a quick meal but wouldn’t go when it’s crowded.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Caesar Salad
awful customer service. absolutely horrible. employees seem absolutely incompetent
Waited 40 minutes for our food. Burger undercooked and cheesesticks still frozen. Sent back to fix, still no food for me. People in after us had eaten and paid before I received my food. No Aus jus for prime rib and then was cold, prime rib was super dry.. New cheesesticks overcooked so couldn't eat. All in all, I do not suggest eating here.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
I was starving after my flight and trip to the airport and my hotel's restaurant wasn't opened yet. So, I walked down to the street to this establishment. They have great outdoor seating, but I sat inside. The staff were mostly sweet people, and there was some local gossip side convos from the staff. I ordered a burger and fries. It was great. Served with steak fries, my favorite.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Satisfying and reasonably priced. Prime rib French dip sandwich was excellent, and burger was good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Terrible food and service. They serve froze food and spoiled salad.
This is fine, I grabbed a quick Cobb salad with chicken and it was dry and about 75% lettuce. Service was nice and price was reasonable. Wouldn’t go back unless desperate. Right on the main road, not much atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
An excellent sandwich and drink right before the flight. Loved this hotel and stay, not sure why so many people have beef.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Turkey Club Sandwich
Nice bar. Will be back soon
The only good thing about this restaurant is the convenience of it being in the hotel. The food was extremely mediocre ESPECIALLY for its price tag, breakfast that's near $20 is just absurd for pancakes and bacon. Scrambled eggs came out literally dripping and undercooked, not sure how you mess up toast but only one side was toasted. The unfortunate table across from us sat for around 5-10 minutes with no silverware AFTER their food arrived and asked multiple times. Waitress was pleasant but seemed to forget anything that was asked/specifically requested (she didn't use a pad of paper or anything to keep track of orders). I'll recommend avoiding this restaurant unless it's your last resort.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
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