Svago Cafe in Dyer offers good food in a casual atmosphere

It was a nice Friday night and our first day of the year at over 70 degrees. Jodi and I took a short drive around St. John, Schererville and they Dyer. It was dinner time and our sights were set on trying out the Svago Cafe located in Dyer (1103 Joliet Road). When we first entered it was little confusing to us since there was an order counter and a slight resemblance to a fast food restaurant. But we were soon asked if we wanted a table and then could view the nicely decorated dining room. We later concluded that the design was a great idea serving both to go customers and a lighter lunch crowd at the counter but then the restaurant transformed into a full service restaurant for evening dining. What a great idea. Naturally some of the other "look and feel" remained and although there was a trash area for lunchtime self table cleaning, it really was placed in a way as to not be intrusive to diner guests.

Our server, Cathy as she announced and was displayed on her name tag (something we like to see) was pleasant and attentive. Although we did notice that the way that they split tables between different servers was a bit odd since Cathy was waiting on table all over the dining room and was not focused on a specific serving area. It did lead to some small waits at times, but not enough to be that annoying. Perhaps a different way to assign tables is needed.

Jodi opted for the additional charge Signature House Salad (2.95) and I had a cup of the Lobster Bisque soup. Jodi's salad was fresh and included crisp smoked bacon, fresh cucumber, tomato and red onions served atop gourmet field greens with shaved parmesan cheese on top and a dressing of your choice. She enjoyed her salad. My cup of soup, (2.95 with entree) although flavorful, was a bit thick and I found myself using it more as a dip than eating it as a soup. The delicious bread that accompanied my soup was great dipped in the soup (I know, really not proper table etiquette but it sure tasted good).

Service was prompt and fresh cracked pepper was offered by Cathy. We both enjoyed a glass of wine (name) with our meal and found the pricing reasonable on the extensive wine selection.

Our dinners came out together and hot. Jodi ordered the Jumbo Beef Ravioli. As described on the menu: Pillows of fresh pasta stuffed with beef and covered in garlic marinara sauce topped with basil Parmesan cheese and flame roasted peppers and onions. (10.95)

From Jodi:

I ordered the Garlic Butter Parmesan Shrimp described as Jumbo shrimp stuffed with butter, Parmesan cheese and garlic. Served with bow-tie pasta and garlic pesto Alfredo sauce (12.95). My entree sounded better than it was. My shrimp were tasty and well seasoned, but the pasta itself was bland and sure lacked any garlic taste at all. I left almost all of my pasta on the dish (something that I never do). The shrimp were presented well and with the skins pulled down and around the shrimp. A very nice presentation, but a bit lacking on the seasonings. I would not order it again unless assured that the taste profile was corrected.

Overall our experience was positive and we loved the versatility that the restaurant offered. There is even some entertainment most nights and that information is posted on their website. Click here for the MENU. You will find it offer enough variety to please most diners.

If you go: Casual dress is fine but expect nice dishware, wine glasses and good service. There was plenty of manager/owner types being attentive to the needs of the dining room. Nice music complemented our experience and the decor was very relaxing. We loved the big colorful hanging lights and other complements around the walls. We will certainly go back to try different dishes.