"Chicago-style" Italian?

Hello, fellow LTH-ers,

My friend is coming into town from Denver on Sunday, and has asked that we take her somewhere for "Chicago-style Mafia Italian." Please don't flame me - I'm sure she means no offense to the people of Italy or Italian Americans! But I'm hoping this gives a more specific idea of what she is looking for (i.e. not Terra Gusto).

Mr. 2025 and I would love something with good food and service, too. We are in Logan Square, but have a car and can travel.

Thanks so much!

rachel

My go to place for a request such as that is usually Gianotti's in Schiller Park. Better than good Ameri-Italian red sauce and Northern Italian style dishes with plenty of stereotype watching. Manga!

Gianotti's
4926 North River Road
Schiller Park, IL
847-678-2800

A few possibilities:

Rosebud on Taylor
1500 W. Taylor Street

Club Lago
331 W Superior St

Genarro's
1352 W Taylor St

How about Sabatino's? The first time I set foot in the place, I got that "Chicago-Italian" vibe.

Sabatino's Restaurant & Lounge
4441 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 283-8331

rosebud on tayor seems like it would fit the bill to me

baby ray wrote:rosebud on tayor seems like it would fit the bill to me

I agree. Perhaps you can sit beside the great, big oil painting of Sinatra? I haven't been in a few years, but always enjoyed the chopped salad and the amazing papparadelle.

I think there are lovers and haters of Bruna's on this board, but I really like the place--especially if we can snag one of the coveted front tables in the bar.

I also like the vibe at Bertucci's.

for vibe and twinkling lights - Italian Village!

I second the recommendation of Gianotti's. They make a fantastic version of Melrose Peppers, a traditional Chicago Italian dish, there. If you're there during the day go a couple of doors down to Fratelli and get some of the best fresh roasted $5 a pound coffee that your money can buy.

How about La Scarola? You can order some sausage and peppers and saddle up next to some fat guys with pinkie rings.

721 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 243-1740

Second the La Scarola.

Hehe. That describes my mother's side of the family to a "T." Have you guys had good experiences at La Scarola? My friend went and had a terrible experience (waited 1.5 hours despite reservation, rude staff, drink spilled on her jacket...).

How about La Scarola? You can order some sausage and peppers and saddle up next to some fat guys with pinkie rings.

Tufano's on Vernon Park. Fit's the description to a "T" IMHO.

Has anybody eaten at Ignotz Ristorante? This may be a contender.

2421 S Oakley Ave

www.ignotzschicago.com/

I'm not a fan of Ignotz, although I think someone on the Bruna's thread mentioned loving it. Bruna's is across the street, and has a much better atmosphere (though maybe not the fat-guy-with-pinkie-ring you seek; it's more of a family-run, mom and pop feel). The Bruna's thread also makes some good points about the hits and misses on their menu.

Has anybody eaten at Ignotz Ristorante? This may be a contender.

2421 S Oakley Ave

http://www.ignotzschicago.com/

I have been trying to figure out the name of Ignotz for years, after going there and for the life of me not being able to remember the name or the general location. Thanks for the help.

Great choice as the neighborhood has the old Italian feel, before you even step foot in the restaurant. Has not been gentrified anywhere near as much as Little Italy has become.

I second the Tufano's Vernon Park Tap motion.

Club Lucky, Bella Note, Natalino's. Bucktown and West Town.

Have you guys had good experiences at La Scarola?

I love the place. Yes, it gets crowded and loud. Yes, the service can be a little lacking at times. But I dig the rustic vibe of the place... it's definitely lively. I also really enjoy the food. I've had some of the best grilled octopus in the city here, and I'm a sucker for the Pasta Lorenzo. La Scarola is typically where I bring out of towners, and I've always received positive feedback. It's in my top 3: La Scarola, Bruna's, and Merlo.

You can find a good link to 2 classic "Chicago-style" Italian's here: Scarola vs Sabatino's

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=20480&hilit=la+scarola

second both Bella Notte and la Scarola

A vote for Sabatino's...tuxedo-clad waiters, potent cocktails, and flaming desserts are an essential element of the experience your friend is looking for. It's very accessible to Logan Square (you could walk from the Irving Park El, even), and I think the price:quality ratio is particularly impressive.

I don't care for the food or the ambiance at Genarro's.

ab wrote:Club Lago
331 W Superior St

Had lunch at Lago today. I must admit any time I use the bathroom I feel like I'm in the restaurant from the Godfather, so I think it fits the bill there.

I wouldn't call it a destination restaurant, but it's a good choice for basic Italian in River North. They have excellent bread. One of my colleagues ate at least two "loaves" himself, and I think more like two-and-a-half. I had a decent Chicken Marsala.

Note that their lunch menu varies daily and can be found online at http://clublago.com/

I'll "third" Gianotti's.

Make sure to get the grilled baby octopus appetizer if it is still on the menu.

ParisCat wrote:I second the Tufano's Vernon Park Tap motion.

Ill give that a third if you order the Eggplant parmesan!

Club Lago.

Fantastic oil painting of Mayor Daley Sr. hanging over the bar.

cito wrote:I'll "third" Gianotti's.

Make sure to get the grilled baby octopus appetizer if it is still on the menu.

Lunch at Gianotti's was excellent. My co-worker had a great plate of tender braised neck bones served over farfalle. I had the incredibly tasty and two meal sized serving of Melrose Peppers.

I had lunch today at Ignotz.

Everything needed salt. Super odd to me because I am not a fan of salty, that said I do believe in balance.

The roasted garlic was a lovely touch for the bread.