Primo Italian American Cuisine - Gurnee

It was my first time at Primo, and I truly think it needs more attention. We came in on a Friday, and were immediately impressed with their menu. Tons of options, but we started off with their Birch cocktails. Cocktails were fun, somewhat exotic, and creative. We did a variety of seafood, steak, and pasta. All were amazing, and the prices are fair for what you get. We were stuffed, but their dessert was too good to pass up. On Friday’s, they have live music at their Parlor which is so pleasant and a nice touch. In addition, it was too hot but we did check out their outdoor patio which has some really good photo opportunities. Overall, a splendid evening, and very convenient right next to Six Flags.

What a shame! So very unprofessional service during the holidays. Let a customer hanging on a New Year’s Eve order. The owner did not take accountability for inconsistent communication in their website and order system. I placed an order for New Year’s Eve dinner. The restaurant said they disclaimed orders where for Christmas. Their confirmation email came to me 2 weeks before Christmas when I placed the order with pick up information for dec 31st. I did not notice the dec 24th date below the ordered dishes in much smaller font. The owner said they called me in Dec 24th to pick up the food. My phone history shows no calls except for 2 numbers from friends. No voice mail. No text message. No email to say ‘we are sorry we cooked your order but it was not picked up’. But what shocked me was the owner main concern was to make sure to say it was my mistake. ‘You made a mistake’ she said. I was the only problem she had. And she ‘could make the order but would have to charge me again because they already cooked the food the week before. In her words ‘it’s about checks and balances’. Yes, it was. I am sure restaurant owners are under tremendous stress and hardship. But that is a sure way to lose more business. Make your customer feel bad about a shared mistake. In my ‘balance’ of Primo: I paid for a New Year’s Eve and had to scramble to find an alternative because I was misinformed and made feel terrible for ruining my family’s plans. She called me to send my husband back to pick up the dinner. Too late. My night was ruined even more as she again took the opportunity to say I made a mistake. Don’t I realize that?! But the mistake of ordering at Primo I’ll make no more.

Atmosphere was nice. I was there for a birthday celebration, there was 12 in our party. Appetizers and drinks were delivered promptly. The crab cakes were awesome, although they were tiny they were full of lump crab with a wonderful mango salsa. The rest of the food was slow cold and bland. I ordered the steamed seafood tower. I was excited when it was delivered but it was very disappointing. The shrimp were seasoned very well and was the only reason I didn't send it back.

Went there for a dinner with my wife and son. Server's were polite and attentive. Had the Alfredo with pork shank. Very good meal. It was my wife's birthday and they brought her dessert with terrific candle. Several other patrons also had birthdays and were given the same. Will definitely go back.

This was my 2nd visit, but I left with the same impression, disappointed . Primo is just okay food at exorbitant prices in a very cool chic venue. They definitely draw a good size evening crowd so it has a buzz but also that means the service is spread thin, and was just okay. I enjoyed the lobster bisque and complimentary garlic bread sticks that they brought out. My NY strip steak was advertised and priced as prime, but the texture was more like choice. I opted for the extra add on mushroom topping, I got a saucecup of warmed small whole mushrooms that were absolutely hideous! When I told my server, she wisked them away without comment, but left them on the bill anyway. The 4 onion rings on top of the steak were just packaged onion rings. The $20 pasta ravioli is definitely not house made, I asked for a carbonara sauce but what arrived looked like liquidy half and half of alfredo packet sauce with peas added. Did I mention they have a nice bar tho?!?