Dolce

Is this place out of business?
I’d like to review the food but I can’t — because I can’t seem to find them when they’re open. I have a TIPPR certificate, but I’ve driven by three times now when they should be open — and weren’t, and the number listed here is disconnected.
I realize that restaurants close — but I wish they would update their customers.

Love this place. I visit it regularly, at least twice a month. Its about a block away, cant beat that. The food is great and reasonably priced. I love the wings and kuya rolls. There’s something about that Sweet & Sour sauce. Ask for extra. Servers Trisha and Kristine are awesome, they are there Fridays. Very friendly and attentive. They always have drink specials, but drinks in general are reasonably priced. Good music too. Dolce I am a fan!

I am such a fan! It’s hard to find a filipino restaurant that has authentic spices. The food was amazing and reminded me of mom’s cooking with a twist. The service was excellent. As my husband said that day, «you should be proud of your culture today,» as he was filling his mouth with tocino and sunnyside eggs. The portions were perfect… of course we could always eat more. I will definitely be coming back. Great job on the new menu!

I begged my husband to take me there for our «date night». I found out about the place on Unilocal then subsequently later received a menu on our door steps. When we first arrived we were not greet by any one (no big deal to us) We picked a table adjacent to the bar and looked for menus (drink or entrée)-My hubby got the entrée menu from the bar (no drink menu available-​weired because the after nine atmosphere was very club-​ish-​low lighting, dj, ect.)
Clearly, there was a party or some gathering (10 ppl) already there with a D.J. The D.J. was not bad at all except there was extreme changes in the volume of the music. At some points in the night it was so loud that my husband (man of few words) was screaming to hold a conversation.
We ordered wings (which was truly worth 4 stars) but the lack of attention, okay drinks made this place a got –to when I am desperate to go out but everywhere else is close.

Eight of us arrive at 7:00 this past Friday. We place our orders by 7:20, appetizers show up around 8:00 and the main courses arrive around 8:40 (after the pasta dishes had been under a heat lamp for 20 minutes). They were out of a number of wines and beers (although we were offered warm 312) and a friend’s Vesuvio sandwich was just dry chicken on bread. Not impressed.
It avoids a one-​star rating only because it was relatively cheap and because of the waitress, who was very aware that something was awry in the kitchen but couldn’t do anything about it. She gave us a $ 20 discount and suggested we fill out the comment card.
Some other reviews here have mentioned this, but it this place has an identity crisis. Is it a fusion restaurant? A lounge? A sports bar? It seems closest to a fusion restaurant, so a few suggestions: fix whatever was going on in the kitchen, fully stock your bar, lose the neon beer signs in the window and show something other than sports (or cartoons) on the TVs.

Overall, an average place. Kuya rolls, chicken wings, Filipino food were average. Italian dishes average. I was contemplating on coming back one day for their weekly specials, but why would I for something that’s just… AVERAGE???

Gave it 3 tries… and still not impressed.
The wait: none… good for the customer, but not very busy.
The atmosphere: trying to be a bistro with the rustic brick wall/​sports bar/​nightclub. Not in a great neighborhood, there’s nothing else around. You drive to the restaurant to eat, but can’t walk down the street to get a coffee or to window shop. It’s located on a main street, but all residential.
The food: thumbs down.
–Had the yakisoba, which I could make at home. Simple dry noodles with the yakisoba flavoring from the asian market.
–The tocino was good. But maybe some garlic fried rice and eggs would’ve made it more complete… because again you could make this at home. The plantains were dry and hard
–The kuya rolls were bad. They tasted like they were defrosted and fried. Again, you could make this at home after you bought the ready made rolls at the asian market.
–The chicken wings were horrible. They tasted again like they were defrosted, placed in a fryer with soy sauce poured on them. Sooooooo bad… So disappointing. They should have marinated the chicken wings.
–The burger was dry. This ain’t no Kuma’s corner
It’s just a weird mish mosh of food. Filipino and Italian and sandwiches. So random. Maybe they should focus on one cuisine and get it right.

I’ve only been to Dolce twice, but I have to say that I’m a fan. I first found out about the restaurant when I was looking for a place to go to for New Year’s Eve. I was looking for a place that served both Filipino and Japanese food and Dolce’s menu looked promising. A little Japanese, a little Filipino, a little Italian– what’s not to like? So I went with the wife and a couple family members. I have to say that the tocino made me want to come back. Melanie V. was spot-​on– the portion was big and the tocino was very tasty. It was definitely worth a second look.
The second time around, I tried the yakisoba that my wife ordered. I’ve never had Yakisoba before but I have to say that it was just as good!
I may need to bring my picky, non-​Asian friends to the restaurant the next time we can’t agree on a place. If the Italian is as good as these two dishes, my friends will most likely come out satisfied as well.

One month ago, my Philippino American friend found this restaurant for our dinner. When we arrived there around 7pm, it was so empty and I feel a bit worried about their business…
While we were seeing their menu and were told today’s special is buy one pasta and get one free.
I love pasta and I wish I am Italian but this restaurant disappointed me. I ordered Penne Salsiccia which plain spaghetti with tons of pasta sauce and that are not mixed. I feel they poured all of their pasta sauces on top of it and that’s the way they served.
But, I love their fried Plantians… I never had that before but that tastes good!
I feel bad when we paid $ 20 for 2 pastas and 2 sides and tips. At that moment, I feel if they can improve their pasta, they will get more customers. However, right after I got home, I had a diarrhea which turned my sympathy off.

Lookin’ for a lumpia fix? Stop by Dolce for some ‘Kuya Rolls’. (Aww, cute name!) They’re really good here, too — not overly greasy and fried to perfection! They’re served with this tangy, spicy sweet chili sauce. Soo good!
My friend and I split the yakisoba and the tocino. The Yakisoba had lotsa veggies, delish noodles and tasted much like pancit that we’ve had from Filipino places before. The tocino was definitely the highlight, though. It’s a huge portion, so tasty and served with rice and plantains. Amazingly good. (Now, if they could throw in an egg or two on the menu…)
The other items on the menu sounded interesting. They have a mix of Asian, Italian and American. I also noticed sweet potato fries, so I’d come back to try thouse! Drink specials looked good, as well! Service was friendly and my friend and I commented how we felt really cozy and comfy in the restaurant.
Show it some love, Unilocalers! Definitely put it on your ‘must visit’ list!

This rating is based on my nightlife experience as I didn’t try any of the food. I came here for a friend’s birthday party and arrived at around 10:30. I suppose at this time is when they were transitioning from a restaurant to a lounge since there were still a few folks dining in. As the diners started to leave, that’s when they pushed out tables from the center of the floor towards the walls to open up a dance floor.
As the lounge started to come alive with more people, a DJ came on board playing a whole lot of 90’s hip/​hop and R&B. The sound system is not the best and it was so hard trying to converse with friends. We found ourselves screaming to communicate with each other. I didn’t find the whole set up conducive to chilling and having drinks with friends. The drinks were reasonably priced, but the night we went there was only one bartender for the 2 hours we decided to stay. Overall, I wasn’t impressed but feel that the place has some potential with a little bit of work.

I’m confused, but then again, I think the idea is to be a bit confused. My guy said it was an Italian joint, so all the way there I’m thinking «lasagna.»
The idea of the place is definitely interesting, but it’s definitely not Italian. Very much a mix which is cool in theory, just wasn’t what I was expecting and the menu is a bit limited.
I had the steak and it was smothered in onions (I asked for no mushrooms as I’m not a fungus eater). After digging in, I realized it was swamped with onions because the cut of meat left a lot to be desired. The hubs had the salmon and said it was good.
Our server was very cool, lots of fun. The interior is nice, but aids in the confusion a bit. As we were leaving, all the chairs were disappearing and it appeared the joint was evolving into something else.
While not a bad place, not my cup of tea. I wonder if they are trying to be too many things to too many people, but, wish them luck.
I ended up making a pan of lasagna a couple of days later, heh.

This neighborhood spot has so much potential, however due to their location and lack of focus on their menu options causes me to wonder how they will be able to outshine competition.
Five of use walked in on a Friday evening for dinner, and were warmly greeted by the staff. The bartender was also our server — he was attentive, personable, and eager to please. At one point during our meal, he had to pass off our tab to a server (which was fine). The server was aloof and really didn’t want to have anything to do with our table — luckily, the bartender realized that we were not receiving good service and took us back.
Overall, I think the menu lacks focus on it’s concept. There are Spanish, Asian and Filipino dishes placed on the same menu as a caesar salad without anything tying them all together. My friends enjoyed their dishes, which were the eggplant parmesan sandwich, Yakisoba, and Oscar’s Tocino. I ordered the teriyaki salmon cooked medium. The sauce tasted like it was from a bottle, and the salmon was so overcooked and dry that I couldn’t eat it. The server was extremely apologetic and immediately went to get me a new one. When my second salmon arrived, it was well cooked on the outside, and cold and raw on the inside. What concerns me is that the chef does not know how to properly cook or serve a simple salmon dish. We were all disappointed that there are only two dessert options on the menu (Tiramisu or green team ice cream).
I am sad to say that there is nothing about Dolce that is special enough to make me go back.

We ordered take out from Dolce months back; hopefully they’ve improved since then.
I called in my ordered and they told me it will be ready in 20 minutes. I showed up 30 minutes later and my food was not ready. So I waited by the bar while someone went in back to check on my food. You’d think that the bartender would take this time to write up my bill n ring me up, but no… she isn’t that efficient! She’d rather just stand there and talk to the two people at the bar.
About 10 minutes later the guy came back up to the bar with my food. That’s when the very slow bartender decided to write up my bill, but of course she didn’t know the price of anything so she had to look at the menu. Which is fine, but now it’s been over 40 minutes since I called when my food was suppose to be ready in 20.
When I got home I was hoping the food would make up for the service. Oh gosh, was I wrong! Everything we ordered tasted like it was from the frozen section of the grocery store and just reheated. Even the Kuya rolls. Don’t get me wrong, the Kuya rolls were good, but I definitely had better. We also got a burger that tasted like Bubba burgers from Jewel… actually Bubba burgers are better!
Then came the steak. My boyfriend and I cook a lot, so we expect a lot when we order/​eat out. We don’t want anything that we can make ourselves, so please don’t serve me a steak that is bland!
Eating at Dolce left me wishing we cooked our own dinner that night. What a waste of money and time!

Went here because we had a
coupon and it was close… glad we didn’t travel too far for this one– we will not be returning.
Started off with a couple different margaritas– the blue margarita wasn’t that bad but the house marg was really watered down and both margs were rimmed with wayyy too much salt.
Also tried the john daily (basically an arnold palmer with vodka)– they use sweet tea and very sweet lemonade which just made it too sweet all togeher.
Started off with the Kuya Rolls. they looked and tasted like something you kept in your freezer for a long time then tossed in the microwave.
My boyfriend had Penne Salsiccia and again it was so basic, bland and boring that he didn’t even want to finish it (and that’s saying a lot). Any 5 year old could have made something equivalent.
I had the Eggplant Parm Sandwich and it was ok. My meal was prob the best of anything. It came with sweet potato fries that were ok but not seasoned at all– once we added a little s and p they were better but quite a few of them were rather raw so that grossed me out and again, another plate left unfinished.
The service was ok– we could tell this was a new rest. and we had a new server because at first he stopped by every minute or so asking if we were ok and then after we got our food and we actually DID want something, he was nowhere to be found.
I know this business is still pretty new but they need to brush things up all around.

I will go back someday, but I expected it to be even more impressive. The interior gives a really high expectation because it is very nice.
All I’ve read about are these darn Kuya Rolls… and guess what? They’re very very «OK» in my subjective opinon. The Kuya rolls are really skinny (think tacquitos, but much much shorter) and filled with only pork. That’s it… pork. The dipping sauce, however was the star of that show. Delish.
As for myself, I went out on a limb and ordered an Italian dish: Eggplant Parmesan with penne (the menu is quite limited yet diverse). The marinara sauce was really good — what a shocker! My companion ordered the Yakisoba — turned out to be an excellent choice as far as flavor.
From a distance I noticed people eating rolls with chopsticks and when I asked my server about it, he told me that I had to specifically ASK for the sushi menu… SAY WHAT!!! That’s a new one. I’ll have to wonder how the sushi is until I make it back again someday…

I came here with my husband during a weekday for dinner. It was a laid back place that you were not rushed to get out of there. The interior was exposed brick, they had a huge screen TV, and the music was decent. For appetizers, we had their kuya egg rolls which are like crispy finger «meat» rolls, yummy! I enjoyed our Asian dinner, the portion was just enough, not too big. We ended up ordering the grill pork chops with brown rice and veggies. The prices were decent so we ordered more drinks:)

They had different sports showing on their plasma screen and a huge steel bar. We were able to find street parking. The one thing you need to know is that the restrooms were downstairs and there is a long flight of stairs.
We ended up going back for their NYE party and it was so much fun. It wasn’t too crowded and we were able to find a table to sit. And they had a decent buffet line that was kept full way into the night, hot and fresh. We couldn’t stop eating their kuya egg rolls along with their fried rice!
Overall, if you want to go to a place that has different choices: Japanese, Italian, or Filipino food then check this place out. If you’re not in a hurry and enjoy a laid back atmosphere, then this is a place to be.

There is a diamond in the rough on North Kedzie Avenue!
My husband and I decided to give Dolce a try for our weekly date night. We were expecting and Italian restaurant, with some Filipino dishes mixed in. When we walked in, we felt like it was more of an upscale bar, less of an Italian dining cucino.
It all started with a glass of house Pinot Grigio for $ 5. Then, we ordered an appetizer of buffalo wings. The wings were amazing– served super hot, and dripping with sauce, just like I like them! Our entrees came out after that, and we ordered Waku Steak and Penne Vodka Pasta. The steak had grilled onions and caramelized mushrooms, and was sliced thin, cooked to perfection. The Penne Vodka had a lot of garlic, and the sauce was incredible, but the pasta cooked a tiny bit too long. We ordered dessert to go… and it was a delicious lemon-​lime cheesecake! I was so excited about this place, I came home and immediately Unilocaled it.
They have Sushi Sunday specials, and we will definitely be coming back to this neighborhood spot for drinks, appies, or wine and dessert again. If you mention Unilocal,you get $ 2 off your bill.
We really had a great time tonight at this spot. Ryan, the owner, made it a memorable night out for us. Thanks, Dolce, see you soon!

I’m seated at a table in the middle of the restaurant with a friend and 5 new people I met that day. Behind me — a large Filipino family is eating with their kids running around. In front of me — a couple of ladies are eating dinner with a bottle of wine. To my right — the bar is filled with guys in Bears jerseys, downing beers and wings.
So we’ve got fine dining, family dining, group dining, and bar food.
As for the menu… we had plate of lumpia shanghai (Filipino eggrolls, listed as Kuya Rolls) and sushi on our table. The ladies had Italian.
So we’ve got Filipino, Japanese, Italian, and American food.
Can a restaurant/​bar manage all these identities and still come out as a good place? Based off Dolce, I think so. Looking around at each distinct group, everyone was having a good time. The food was great, though we did stick with appetizers (which were on special that Sunday night). And the employees/​owners were really personable, and felt less like people serving us and more like people we wanted to join us at our table.
I kind of fear for their future since they’re located in a semi-​desolate location, but if I ever find myself with the time to take an hour el ride, I’d definitely consider returning here.

Oompia Lumpia
Doopia Doo
I have another riddle for you
Well, I actually don’t. But I couldn’t resist talking about Pinoy food without the bad pun. Sorry. And, in the spirit of openness, I am friends with a good friend of the owner. That said…
THIS PLACE IS GOOD, Y’ALL! I came here for the soft opening and I liked it right away. First off, it’s in Irving Park. When’s the last time you came to Irving Park? I love patronizing places in non RiverBucker Park North. That was the first awesome. I was able to find ample, easy, non metered parking. That was the second awesome. A man who reminded me of the Simpsons’ Crazy Cat Lady started yelling in my direction when I parked. That wasn’t awesome… but had nothing to do with Dolce.
The inside — easily, the third awesome. There’s hard wood, exposed brick and an open floor plan. As the place settles in, I’d like to see more done with seating options. There are a lot of two tops around the perimeter and a lot of unused space. As I think this could be a group destination, I’d like to see more seating geared towards parties of five or so. But, this is a hiccup. I was here for the food. (But, before the food, I hustled some friends in a Filipino card game. That was the fourth awesome.)
The food (fifth awesome) is centered around Filipino, Japanese and Italian food. Right now, all three types of food are served separately. As Dolce gets its sea legs, I’d like to see some fusion in the dishes. More on that later. Since it’s BYO until the liquor license thing works out (read: pay the alderman), I came prepared with a South African rose’. It was the perfect match to my Asian pork-​y dinner. For appetizer, I had the lumpia. As I said in my Isla Pilipina review, I could eat lumpia whilst writhing in condiments for all the world to see. It’s delicious. And it’s delicious here. My main course was the Tocino. In.Credible. It’s crispy, sweet, savory, tender, amazingly flavorful pork. I don’t know how they get one pig to be so many things, but I applaud them for the result. The Tocino was served with rice and small, dressed salad. Delicious. Dessert was creamy green tea ice cream and that was a hit as well.
As delicious as the food is, I suggest switching it up some and fusing some of the dishes. For example, serve the Tocino with ginger-​infused rice. Maybe the lumpia could be served with some sort of marinara/​pepper-​type sauce instead of the traditional sweet and sour. And the green tea ice cream? That could be green tea gelato. All I’m saying is you have three great cuisines to pick from. Why not try switching it up and playing with flavors? My consulting fee is in the mail.
The sixth awesome — the crowd. Wow! There were some smokin’ hot folks walking around. Usually, I only say that when Jerome is holding my mirror, but I have to give props where they’re deserved. Food tastes better when you eat it around sexy folks. It’s a fact. It’s why you see my life-​sized cutout in so many Michelin rated restaurants. Don’t hate. I’m just sayin’.
And I’m sayin’ you should get a bottle of your favorite wine, head to Irving Park with some friends, look grown & sexy and prepare to spend an evening eating great food in a great space. Just don’t be distracted by the disarmingly attractive man you see in the corner. I’m not really there. It’s just my cardboard cut out. Mmmm, doesn’t that food taste better already? That’s the seventh awesome.