User Reviews for Bacaro

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Mar 30, 2008 by Dominic from Champaign
Overall Rating: 9
Food:[9] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[9]

• Amazing food. Fast, courteous service.
• Needs more intimate seating. Cold air vent was right under chair.

“My partner and I were there for the first time and had a lovely dinner and highly recommend this restaurant. It was Saturday night and I was half expecting a long wait between drinks and courses but the waitress was very timely and courteous and answered all my silly questions like "How does one eat stinging nettles?" My starter was a white-bean & stinging nettle soup and it was very delicious but it absolutely paled in comparison to my partner's salmon starter which I cannot recall the exact name of but it was tangy and delicious! I was not as disappointed with my blue prawns and scallops. However, the saffron sauce broth was one of the most subtle and delicious flavors I have ever tasted. For dessert we had banana bread pudding and a chocolate tart get the tart I have never had French press coffee but while I was waiting for some sugar I tasted it with my usual half-a-cow's worth of cream and decided that I didn't need any sugar so it was very good. As for the atmosphere, I felt a little on display but it was kind of fun and I got over it quickly. The restaurant is not a "family" restaurant by any stretch and I hope it remains so. Screaming kids are no fun anywhere. This is some place you should go with someone special to enjoy a meal you will likely remember for a long time. We will definitely be back.”

2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Jul 22, 2007 by Em from Champaign
Overall Rating: 9
Food:[9] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[8]

• The freshest, tastiest, highest quality food in Champaign.
• Sometimes the music just doesn't fit the rest of the experience.

“I've eaten at Bacaro many times and it's not because I've got bottomless pockets. It's because the food is outstanding. Sure, on the first visit I was a little intimidated by what seemed like a stark environment. The staff was educated and friendly, quickly alleviated any awkwardness and assisted me in choosing a wine. Once I tasted the food, the minimalist decor made sense. This place is not about distracting your eyes with quirky furnishings -- the food is what you see. And it's beautiful. Presentation, however, is not the food's only outstanding quality. This restaurant has brought an entirely fresh approach to dining in Champaign-Urbana, both literally and figuratively. The ingredients are chosen for their quality and freshness, and then presented to you in ways that compliment their finest attributes. The menu changes frequently enough that a loyal diner cannot possibly get bored. And, if you don't consider yourself an adventurous eater, you can find comfort in the very perfect simplicity of some of the offerings. The risotto of the day, for instance, is always prepared to perfection. This is not an unapproachable menu. And, yet, it can still be exciting and surprising in the way simple ingredients are so tastefully combined. Those who don't give Bacaro a chance because it seems "snooty" are missing out. Sure, it's pricey. But good food, prepared well, is like art. A canvas covered in paint isn't worth much, but if you admire it and enjoy it, you take it home with you. You can spend slightly less at Radio Maria or the Great Impasta, but you are not getting the best food for your money. If you haven't tried this restaurant yet, give it a chance. Go in open-minded and come out very pleased.”

3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Jun 11, 2006 by Rich from Chicago
Overall Rating: 1
Food:[1] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[4]

• Nice wine list.
• Obnoxious staff.

“I had an awful experience at Bacaro--so bad that I wrote a letter to the owner (abridged version below). He failed to respond. In many years of frequent dining at comparable or nicer restaurants at home in Chicago, I have never been treated as poorly as I was at Bacaro. Be wary. ***Letter to Bacaro dated May 19, 2006***Dear Mr. Morrow: I am writing regarding an unpleasant experience at Bacaro. We arrived around 8:30 p.m. and were told that it would be 30-45 minutes for a table. Accordingly, we agreed to wait. After ordering a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino while waiting, a first staffer informed us that there may not be a table available for us. This is the first time I have ever had a restaurant of Bacaro caliber suggest that we go elsewhere after previously agreeing to allow us to wait for a table. We were caught particularly off guard because we had just ordered a nice bottle of wine and it was still an hour or two before Bacaro's posted closing time. About 20 minutes later, a second staffer made the same comment to us. I began to feel like there was something wrong with us. But we stayed because we still wanted to try your cuisine and we had a bottle to drink until the bottle disappeared. It was returned to us after we asked about it. As every bartender and sommelier knows, this is pretty bad form especially when it was clear that the staff had no intention or desire to refill our glasses for us. Soon after (around 9:00 p.m.), a four-topper became available behind us. We assumed it was for customers with reservations, but no one ever sat there while were in the restaurant. Moreover, as the night continued, the crowd began to dissipate and other tables were unoccupied. After an hour-long snub, we got the point. I asked for the check and to speak to a manager. The first staffer rudely asked what the problem was. This ultimately prompted an unpleasant exchange. Instead of escalating the exchange into a fruitless shouting match, I am bringing this matter to your attention in the hope that you will explain the problem.”

27 of 33 people found this review helpful.