Frankie's Ristorante, Tinley Park

Didn't see a post about this place yet, and since I rarely post, I thought I should put in a good word for this place.
Frankie's is located in a plaza on the corner of La Grange Rd (Rt 45) & 171st st in Tinley Park. It's a new plaza, but when the space originally opened, it was a Greek restaurant/bar called Opa's, which didn't last more than 6-8 months, if I remember right. I never went there, so I can't comment on the original restaurant. This place opened maybe six months ago, and despite the fact that I almost live within walking distance, I didn't get out there until just last Wednesday.

Part of my delayed response in trying it out is that they are only open evenings, from 4-10 or 4-11 most evenings, I think.

I came by myself that night. First impression: nice-looking place, white tablecloths, decorated for Christmas, so it has a very homey, intimate feel. They had a duo of singers there that night (apparently, they have entertainment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). It was almost like walking into a private dinner club; the bar was full of people socializing, but it wasn't overly loud, either.

The food was decent ... I started out with a asparagus salad that had chopped asparagus, artichokes, tomatoes, with a balsamic dressing and slices of ricotta. I personally didn't like the ricotta on the salad; it would have done better with a sharper, more aged Italian cheese, in my opinion. They have a risotto of the day, and that day's was a veal risotto with truffle oil. The dish would have been just "OK" in my mind if it hadn't been for the addition of the truffle oil, which went really well with the veal flavor. It came out on a huge plate - way more than I ever could have eaten. My husband got my leftovers when I came back home and he ate the rest, favorably.

They had a very ambitious list of specials, particularly for a weeknight. I'm curious to go back and try some other dishes.

The wine list was OK -- they had a few options by the bottle that seemed interesting, but being that I was by myself, I had a cocktail instead, which was, again, OK. Prices were not super cheap, but not outrageous. Most entrees were between $16-22, if I remember right.

As a suburbanite with Francesca's [Vicinato in Palos Park] as my go-to Italian place, this appears to be an excellent (and closer) alternative. I will report back if we get a chance to go again soon. Has anyone else in the south suburbs visited here?

Frankie's Ristorante
9501 W 171st Street
Tinley Park, IL 60477
708-226-9996

My husband and I have been to Frankie's twice. Once as a couple and once with a group. We enjoyed the atmosphere and hospitality of the owner and staff. The food was OK. The service was less desirable the night we recommended it to our group of friends.

We have also dined at Francesca's in Palos and have enjoyed it however our favorite italian cusine in the area is Rocco's Little Italy on 159th Street just east of 80th Ave.

My wife and I dine fairly regularly here (about once every six weeks) and have always had good service. My wife loves the lasagna and chicken Parmesan while I usually have one of the daily specials. The seafood risotto is excellent but very rich. It has become extremely popular so reservations are a must.

We really enjoyed our dinner at Frankie’s when we came a few months ago to celebrate a birthday. The pasta was perfect (I had the pasta with vodka sauce and my boyfriend had the lasagna) and the tiramisu was delicious. I’d highly recommend it.

**On a side note, a friend of mine tends bar here occasionally, which is why it was chosen.

mlc wrote:We have also dined at Francesca's in Palos and have enjoyed it however our favorite italian cusine in the area is Rocco's Little Italy on 159th Street just east of 80th Ave.

Rocco's is great, easily our favorite Italian place in the south/southwest suburbs.

We've yet to try Frankie's so I'm glad to hear it's getting some positive reviews.