Carmine's on McGregor

Carmine's on McGregor Square offers the same dining concept and convivial ambience as the original Carmine's on Penn in the West Wash Park neighborhood, but with a chic, upscale aesthetic. Cozy corners and murals that transform Italian masterpieces into contemporary design elements provide just the right vibe–"intimate and hip without a trace of "old school" to be found. But tradition is front and center in the family-style presentation and the menu, which includes classics such as carbonara and chicken parmigiana, alongside less expected items. The community Caesar salad, for example, is served for two or four, and many other dishes are for the table rather than individuals. Not to worry, you can take leftovers home for a second feast. Carmine's has excellent cocktail and wine lists for before and during dinner, and liqueurs, including house-made limoncello, for after-dinner sipping. Leave room for the brown-butter cookie gelato sandwich.