Bartolini's in Midlothian

I've discovered a new place in an odd location in a strip mall in the south suburb of Midlothian. I had driven past it so many times and never knew about it's existence, but some buzz went out about Bartolini's when they started serving breakfast a few weeks ago. I wasn't expecting much but I got WAY more than expected. Even one of the owners, Chris Bartolini, comes out to talk to each of his patrons at the restaurant - I have been there only four times, and each time is pure CONSISTENCY, food appears pretty to the eye (they put extra effort into it, they never just throw it on a plate). I dare to say that it's the best breakfast I've had in Chicagoland next to Chuck's in Burbank.

They have a large bar area and moderately sized dining area, it is a very clean place, it is based on Italian-American, and they feature some GREAT pizza (not sure where to place it, it's not Chicagp style but it's not quite traditional italian brick oven, it holds it's own...). Pasta, sandwiches, and even a MEATBALL challenge eating contest.

First visit several weeks ago: Eggs benedict. Out of this world, perfectly poached eggs, english muffins tasted like they came fresh-baked right out of the oven, hollandaise sauce that tasted like it should and wasn't smothered to death all over the plate by any means. FRESH and pleasing to the eye and more so to the taste. Easy to cut, eat, chew... the perfect eggs benedict I've ever experienced. Hash browns are fresh sliced potatoes, with just the right amount of crunch on the surface layer. I also ordered biscuits and gravy - very rich and heavy, and the sausage gravy is home made and was different than any sausage gravy I've tasted.

following visits: Beer nuggets (deep fried pizzaa dough with garlic butter and parmesan), White pizza (alfredo sauce, broccoli, roasted red pepper, garlic, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella.)

3 meats pizza - sausage, pepperoni, meatball. The meatballs really made the pizza happen, it was so good I ate all the leftovers for breakfast. A medium is a pretty big pizza compared to most places. It's not thin, but it's not super thick, it's somewhere in between.

*food porn warning* Peanut butter and banana french toast with chocolate sauce ala mode. I went in the morning and said hey... only live once... it doesn't sound right. But I went for it. Fluffy and moist french toast with peanut butter in between the slices, I can't recall if the banana slices were in the toast or between the slices (once I got a taste of it, I was shoveling it down like I was eating for the first time). Scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, chocolate syrup and powdered sugar. I have a photo of it somewhere, it was BEAUTIFUL. They really make sure everything LOOKS good.... they put heart and soul into the food here...

Next quest is the meatball sandwich, the elvis burger.... I think this place deserves credit. The only two places I have found breakfast in "elite" status is Chuck's and Butterfields in Wheaton and Naperville. Butterfields gets 3rd, Chuck's get's 2nd.... BARTOLINI's gets FIRST place for breakfast.

Still working my way through the menu, but I encourage a visit to this south suburban gem just down the road from Hog Wild. Sit in the bar area if you want more privacy and you can sit around a lot longer. Dining area has families sometimes so there could be little children running around.

Breakfast is table service, lunch/dinner is order at the front and have a seat and they bring it out to your table.

I'm in love with this place this is one of my new favorite spots, so south siders and visitors take note!! This place is a foodie spot hiding in the shadows.... for now....

Bartolini's
http://www.bartolinis.com
14420 S. Pulaski Road
Midlothian, IL. 60445
708-396-2333

Tues-Wed-Thurs 7:00am-9:00pm
Fri 7:00am-10:00pm
Sat 8:00am-10:00pm
Sun 8:00am-7pm
Casual Dining Room Closed Mondays

Bartolini's is indeed awesome. The quality of the food is what always impresses me. The pasta entrees, pizzas, and sandwiches are all great. Now, they have the best breakfasts I'e ever had. Everything is perfect!
Nicest guys in the world besides