This one-star rating is specific to the lunch hour and my most recent experience here. I have been a customer of Nando’s in the West Loop on multiple occasions, dining in and ordering online. This time I placed an order online at 12:15 PM to be picked up at 12:45 PM. I have placed the exact same order on previous occasions and have had no issue for the most part. This time my experience was significantly worse.
I go into the store at 12:43 PM and am greeted by a hostess, albeit friendly, who asks me if I’ll be dining or takeout. I state takeout, so she told me that I should wait to the side where they’ll call my name. She never asked me for my name, but it seemed like the process was a name would be shouted once an order was ready. On previous occasions, I have gone up to cash register area and my order is usually already ready.
At 12:50 pm, no one has called my name, so I find the closest employee to figure out if they have my order because usually one of the perks of ordering online is that it’ll be ready by the time selected. Someone interjects, I’m later told this is the manager Joshua, and asks me for my name. I give my name. He looks at the tickets that are in progress and tells me there are 14 orders ahead of me. I tell him I placed an online order more than 30 minutes ago, to which he responds, you’ve only been waiting 11 minutes because we’ve only received this order at 12:39, and more or less states that it’s not his problem. I try to show him the email confirmation I received of the order at 12:17, but he’s completely disengaged at this point.
I’m not sure what I did to warrant the rude and dismissive response, but objectively, I placed the order to avoid having to wait with the expectation that my $16 bowl would be ready at the selected time. I’m not sure how I’m responsible for their delayed POS system, but I would have been willing to overlook the delay if I had a decent customer experience, such as even indicating how much longer it would take. There are many corporate offices in the area, so it’s silly to presume people are able to wait for an unspecified time, during lunch especially, when they placed a takeout order online ahead of time.
The straw that broke the camel’s back is what I received after waiting almost an additional 15 minutes. Again, I have had this bowl before from this location. The one I received today did not reflect the $16 cost. On top of that, I was provided no silverware, which I couldn’t tell until after I returned to my office because the bag was stapled. I had to go hunting for a fork, which sounds easy enough, but my office avoids plastic ware. All-in-all, made me wish I ordered from...
Read moreLocated in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, Nando's PERi-PERi captivates diners with its unique blend of rustic charm and industrial chic. The moment you enter the restaurant, you're greeted by exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and sleek metal fixtures, creating a welcoming yet edgy atmosphere that's perfect for a casual meal or a lively gathering with friends. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but admire the stylish décor, which seamlessly blends elements of old-world charm with modern sophistication. The soft glow of Edison bulbs casts a warm ambiance over the space, while quirky art installations and vibrant murals add pops of color and personality to the surroundings. Perusing the menu, I was immediately drawn to the Mango & Lime Wings—a tantalizing combination of tender chicken wings tossed in a tangy mango and lime sauce. I decided for the six-piece serving, eager to indulge in the sauciest treats that Nando's had to offer. Each bite was a burst of flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the mango and zing from the lime, all complemented by the smoky heat of the PERi-PERi seasoning. To accompany my wings, I couldn't resist ordering a side of mac and cheese—a comforting classic with a Nando's twist. The creamy cheese sauce was velvety smooth, enveloping each al dente pasta shell in a blanket of indulgence. It was the perfect pairing for the bold flavors of the Mango & Lime Wings, adding an extra layer of richness to the meal. As I savored each mouthwatering bite, I couldn't help but appreciate the attention to detail and commitment to quality that Nando's embodies. From the thoughtfully curated décor to the innovative menu offerings, every aspect of the dining experience was a testament to the restaurant's dedication to excellence. Nando's PERi-PERi was nothing short of delightful. With its inviting atmosphere, flavorful cuisine, and impeccable service, it's no wonder that Nando's has become a beloved fixture in the West Loop dining scene. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, a meal at Nando's is sure to leave you...
Read moreMmm moist chicken
My co-worker and I were looking for for a a place to eat and this place stood out to me. We walked inside and the place was pretty empty. The host seated us and gave us menus. We were told to go up to the register to order. I ordered the thigh and mighty sandwich, chicken liver, Portuguese rice, garlic bread with a blood and mango lemonade which was $28+tip which was way too much for what we received. I eventually learned that there's no real waiter service either, it's pretty much Chipotle or McDonald's except they bring your food to you, only stopping by every 30 minutes to either pick up empty plates or ask you how is everything before disappearing in a gust of wind so not sure about tipping in a place like this. Oh, and there's lots of vegetarian options on the menu.
Aside from the lemonade and rice, the food was fantastic. I'd recommend the plain chicken liver to anyone. The chicken itself was so flavorful and juicy to the point where if I bit down into my sandwich the chicken popped out the back like a bar of soap. Portion size was disappointing. The chicken liver and rice was $9 and came in small bowls with literally only a couple spoonfuls of each. The rice was rather bland as well which added insult to injury. $13 for the sandwich and two pieces of garlic bread...No drink, this is five guys prices now. I had to buy a drink which was another 3.25. Blood orange was ok, I'd have loved it to be sweeter, it tasted like it was watered down.
Looking at it, $16 for a combo that could somewhat fill you up is too steep for lunch and is most likely the reason this place wasn't getting much lunch action.
Overall, great food, but pretty high prices considering what you're getting. If they came up with some sort of discounted lunch menu I'm sure they'd pack the...
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