It opened for business in 1924, making it nearly a quarter of a century older than the People's Republic of China. When most restaurants close, the Chicago eating public just shrugs its collective shoulders and sets its sights on the latest exciting opening in Logan Square. (Continental) As well known for its chicken la kingyes, that chicken la kingas its indoor ice-skating, this razzma-tazz club knew how to throw a party. 1976-1999 // River North (Cantonese) No one has yet equaled its egg rolls, sweet and sour pork, chicken sub gum chow mein, and pan-fried noodles. As a toast to this magazines 40th anniversary, we name the 40 best Chicago restaurants of all time. Stepping into Bruna's Ristorante, the third-oldest Italian restaurant in Chicago, is like an enchanting and hunger-inducing time warp: The place is known for its stuffed shells (with extra sauce), cheesy lasagna, and a Sunday Supper during which the legendary roast chicken is on the menu. For 24 years, the popular brunch spot was bustling with folks every weekend. 10-1! Alexanders Steak House Nov. 18, 1969. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. Massive menu aside Calo has stayed alive and thriving by changing very little about what makes them great even while the neighborhood had transformed around them; recipes passed down from father to son, affordable prices, and an ideal location in the heart of Andersonville. Regulars. The thin doughnut-crepe treat could be pulled off in spirals.Whats taken its place: As far as we can tell, you cant get chimney cakes anywhere in Chicago. The three dining rooms (on two levels) are always really busy, so you should definitely make a reservation. Gladys Holcombs Home Cooking If you can move after eating all of that, head next door to the Empty Bottle for a show. The Berghoff was established in 1898, but you can trace its roots back to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, when Herman Berghoff set up a stand to sell his beers to the crowds. I loved the bustling look and feel of the place, the bagged demi baguettes that greeted you at the table; and when I griped in print about the lack of a coatroom, management quickly added one. Find out where to go, what to eat, where to live, and more. Mantuano was forced out in late 1999 by his money partners, and the space went through a few name changes before closing for good in 2009. Opened: 1952 All of that disappeared the following April, however, when a roof fire in the Plaza del Lago center destroyed Melange and other businesses. (American) Some pretty hotsy-totsy chefs have discovered hamburgers lately, but time was when the half-pounder on dark rye and fried onion loaf at Hackneys had no peers. Old enough that the current owners dont even remember when the restaurant was founded (probably 1969), Sabatinos is a high-end Italian fantasy straight out of the '70s in the best possible way. The bread here is delicious, and so are all the sauces - order the bolognese with housemade rigatoni, or go with their gnocchi in a pesto sauce. Though long gone, the restaurant is still . On any given night its full of friends getting together after work, and couples on casual dates. Started as a small take-out storefront in the early '70s owners Nicoletta and Salvatore Canale gradually built it out into a full-service shop that has been feeding Irving Park classic Italian comforts ever since. 22. (soul food) Long after visits from Martin Luther King Jr. and Aretha Franklin, this landmark spot remained the go-to for corn bread, smothered chicken, grits, and cobbler. They are based on the old Italian culinary celebration of feast days. Subscribe to one or more of our free e-mail newsletters to get instant updates on local news, events, and opportunities in Chicago. The restaurant, which closed down in 1995, held a prime location in West Hollywood near Beverly Hills. Based on "Happy Dan, The Whistling Dog," the classic . From venues, restaurants, and bars to events, festivals, and music weve got you covered. The north side was full of unique restaurants as well. 10. 37. 1980-2007 // Lincoln Park Because you need more red sauce in your life. Then use this visit as inspiration to plan an actual trip to Italy. Expand. We still dream about the pasta neri. Elis Place for Steak (Italian-American) In 1948, Fanny Bianucci said no to $75,000 from Kraft Foods for her salad dressing recipe. 1987-present // Lincoln Park However, t. he couple stated that rent and bills were part of the reason for closing but also event cancelations and school closures made it difficult to operate. By Ashok Selvam August 26, 2022. With its proximity to various theaters, Trattoria was ideal for an elegant dinner and a show. background-color: transparent !important; Don Roths Blackhawk Heres where to find it. It started on Franklin Street in 1991,and between the crispy pizzas and the rosemary-perfumed porchetta, there was nothing not to like. (Far Eastern) This over-the-top tiki bar and restaurant out-tikid the competition with its Polynesian fare and exotic cocktails so potent, management set a two-zombie-drink limit. Among the Gordon chefs whose creative food I enjoyed were John Terzcak, Kornick, Ron Blazek, Michael Smith, Stewart Parsons and Don Yamauchi.) Its hard for places like Ginos North. There's a group page on Facebook called "Chicago Restaurants 86 But Not Forgotten." Bella Italia Beppi's Restaurant Buca di Beppo Carrabba's Italian Grill Cibo Espresso Drago restaurants East Side Mario's Fazoli's Frankie & Benny's Italian Tomato Kissa Tanto Locanda Locatelli Manganaro's Marea Modern Apizza Mosconi Murano Numero 28 The Old Spaghetti Factory Olive Garden Osteria del Mondo Pasta Pomodoro Pastamania Patsy's 2020 Chicago magazine / A Chicago Tribune Media Group website. This Yelper's account has been closed. In fact, nowadays most of Restaurant Row is full of trendy new places, fast-casual chain restaurants, and the McDonalds that takes up half a block. 31. (Contemporary) This treasure has delighted for three decades simply because Yoshi Katsumuras gentle fusion continues to sparkle and his wife, Nobuko, continues to charm. The whole restaurant is in a refurbished house, and youll be eating in a living room complete with a fireplace, and family photos on the mantel. Alinea By winter 2018, Oliver's restaurant group appeared to be in free-fall: The chef closed 12 more Italian restaurants along with his year barely one-year-old steakhouse. Staples like ropa vieja, honey-roasted pork chops and ceviche were served alongside finely crafted mojitos by a friendly (and, we'll say it, impossibly attractive) staff; weekend brunch featured chilaquiles and a terrific chorizo benedict.What's taken its place: Though Logan Square is a trek to sate North Center Cuban cravings, D'Noche, Cafe Con Leche's nighttime alter ego, offers a solid approximation of Caf 28's menu and ambience.Charlie Trotter'sWhat it was:Charlie Trotter's was one of the most iconic restaurants Chicago has ever had. The decor was all over the map (including a cunning street map that seamlessly linked Chicago to London and Paris), using mixed floor materials, abrupt color shifts on the walls, and art that included a picture of Charlie Brown rendered as a Romanesque bust. Italian connoisseur will love Bacchanalia as soon as they step in the door. Dinners would begin with warm, crusty bread, accompanied by a spreadable blend of olives, sun-dried tomatoes and capers. (Chicago Tribune ). (deli food) Where cops, aldermen, yuppies, old-timers, and multi- cultis have always stood shoulder to shoulder for massive potato pancakes and pastrami sandwiches. 36. She once had the opportunity to direct Peter Dinklage during a voiceover session for a :30 TV commercial. Opened: 1931 548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 943-3222 (Viennese) In the heart of the theatre district, the steadfastly Old World Henricis was known for fine coffee, delectable pastries, and its advertising slogan: No Orchestral Din. 35. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. The restaurant business as I know it is gone and will not return for years. Fat Willy's Rib Shack Masa Azul (closed until the "pandemic wanes") Ludlow Liquors (closed until further notice) Scofflaw (closed until April) Longman & Eagle (until 2021) The Whale (Reopening March 3rd) Good Fortune Dante's Pizzeria Paladar Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar Norwood Park Congas Mo Dailey's Old Town Two Lights Seafood And Oyster An American food lover from Tampa, FL tried Daffodils Restaurant. Desserts included the opera-inspired Tosca's Kiss and the Otello, and the dining rooms were decorated with vintage opera posters American opera companies in one room, international companies in the other. "The 2020 struggle is real and it's taking us with it," the owners wrote in an Instagram post. } Carsons Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse River North Here at UrbanMatter, we pride ourselves on leading the charge when it comes to Chicago entertainment. east to west and 4 mi. After 53 years in business, the Ohio House closed in 2013 when it lost its lease.What's taken its place: A second Leghorn Chicken location will open in the former Ohio House digs later this year, but those searching for affordable diner fare will find it at the Cozy Corner Diner and Pancake House in Logan Square.OknoWhat it was: One of restaurateur Terry Alexanders first restaurants (see also: Tizi Melloul, The Violet Hour, The Publican, Nico Osteria), Okno opened in Wicker Park in 1997 where Standard Bar & Grill is now. An upstairs salon displayed chef portraits of Jean Joho, Jean Banchet, Paul Bocuse, Roland Licccioni, and other friends and mentors. Their epicenter was Earwax, a vegetarian caf with sometimes-decent art on the walls and perturbed art-school students behind the counter. No. (French) Well, maybe faux French, but the flower-bedecked courtyard was incredibly popular with the Ladies Who Lunch long before the phrase was coined. ("86" is restaurant shorthand for a dish no longer available that night.) While other long running Italian spots might stand behind their adherence to a dozen recognizable dishes Calo carries the torch for another kind of mostly gone restaurant, a place where the steak and the ribs are as much of a draw as the great pizza or veal saltimbocca. Like a bonus level in a video game, theres a pocket neighborhood inside Pilsen called the Heart Of Italy. But there's no one in Chicago who so embodies a restaurant the way Sohn embodies Hot Doug's.Ina'sWhat it was: Ina Pinkney ran Ina's, a charming breakfast restaurant in the West Loop, for 12 years before closing it last New Year's Eve. With its big glass-backed bar complete and greco-roman statue its a throwback to the gaudy delight of the '60s and '70s, not to mention the pizzas crafter is Peggy Gelsomino, an 80-plus-year-old grandmother who still makes all of the crusts by hand. No, not the four-star restaurant by Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser, which is still very much alive. Le Titi de Paris chef/owner Pierre Pollin, center, stands with maitre d' Marcel Flori, left, and captain Claude Marcel, in 2002 as the restaurant was entering its 30th year. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Yes, you read that correctly. Now its sold online, along with her famous spaghetti sauce. A sparse no-frills stalwart of Little Italy -- that is still-cash only despite this being the year of our lord 2016 -- Tufanos wins accolades for not only its wonderfully stubborn old-school vibe but also for the fact that it may be the only place in Chicago where you can get a decent plate of pasta for the same price as a Venti double-whip mocha and a cookie.The service has a brusque proficiency, the dishes are a single shade of red, and the place is worked by up to four members of the same family that once had four generations in the kitchen. The opening chef in 1978 was the late Yoshi Katsumura (who would go on to open Yoshi's Cafe in Wrigleyville), followed by Kevin Shikami (a Food & Wine best new chef in 1991). 1984-present // Gold Coast If you happen to not like eating around small children, go to Riccardo. 1957 The Hot Shoppes company operates . 17. (Chicago Tribune ). 39. We're far too young to have firsthand experience, but we still dream of sitting on the chrome stools in the pink neon glow every time we watch Risky Business, when Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay enjoy a bite after some slo-mo CTA shagging.What's taken its place: Still seeking a gastrointestinal lube job at 4am with a side of nostalgia? Torchio Italian Restaurants Restaurants (14) Website 6 YEARS IN BUSINESS (312) 643-0135 738 N Wells St Chicago, IL 60654 0.3 miles 7. Housed in a restored bank building, the split-level dining room offered soaring ceilings and bright-white walls, and the bar, located in an open loft, let imbibers watch the goings-on below. Trotter's incredible legacy has stretched all across the city, as alumni of his kitchen have opened some of the best restaurants in Chicago. We already have this email. Owner Joel Findlay was a brilliant chef, particularly when it came to fish, and his wife and partner, Catherine Findlay, created so many outstanding desserts that you'd have at least 15 to choose among every evening. (steaks) At the epicenter of Rush Street action, this always-packed prime meat scene follows the ultimate Chicago steak-house paradigm to a T. 19. Its straightforward (with just olive oil and prosciutto), but magically delicious. Buck's Buongiorno Cafe The Burger Philosophy Butter Butter Butterfield 8 Buzz Bait Taqueria Byron's Hot Dogs C-House Cab's Wine Bar Bistro Cafe Absinthe Cafe Amano Cafe Apollo Cafe Bernard Cafe Bionda Cafe Bolero Caf Cancale Cafe Le Coq Cafe Laguardia Cafe Las Bellas Artes Cafe Luciano Caf Marie-Jeanne Cafe Matou Cafe Pyrenees Cafe Scruffy 33. 1981-present // Highland Park From neighborhood joints to large popular chains, heres a quick roundup of popular Chicago restaurants that are closing in 2020 due to COVID-19. Its loud and crowded and the main dining room is huge, with lots of tables and big leather booths. This bar is well-known by DePaul University students who frequent here on the weekends, and god knows also the weeknights. Rohr passed away in 1999, leaving a wonderful legacy. It was such a hit, in fact, that Gilbert opened another location in Lincoln Park in 2009. Its a neighborhood spot with white tablecloths, old photos of celebrities on the wall, giant plates of pasta, and veal scallopini thats the size of a mattress. Donetto, the Tuscan-Italian restaurant from Indigo Road Hospitality group, has closed on Brady Avenue. By Ashok Selvam September 9, 2022. 8. . .goog-tooltip, The domed, dark Crescent Room, home to many a bachelorette and birthday party, featured low tables, pillow seating and multicolored Moroccan lamps hanging from the ceiling. Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox. Alicias produced work for global companies like Jeep, Chrysler, and Esurance. Sorry. But, oh, that country bird chicken sandwich (fried chicken topped with Gouda, pimento mayo and shaved onion). 1938-present // Gold Coast "Great Pizza". This establishment has been available to Chicago residents for seven years. Head to Viaggio when you want to keep it simple with a neighborhood institution. Some say thats when she peaked. The owners shared on Instagram that, With the current pandemic, as well as the enormous cost of operating a business in Chicago we are unable to stay open for business any longer., Lakeview residents will have to get their seafood fix somewhere else. And on and on. north to south, entirely mountainous, and is famous for its thermal gardens created by its volcanic activity. (American) The Spinning Bowl salad: A waiter would lay out 21 ingredients and narrate the drama as he gently tossed and spun them. A dining patron from US tried Stallone's in South Ozone Park. Although it was damaged by an explosion a few years back, the current owners, grandchildren of the original founder, made sure the restoration maintained the same red-leather simple charm, and of course the approachable attitude and great Martinis never went away to begin with. Ambria If there were more justice in the world, Savarin would be around still. (Contemporary American) Paul Kahan put American food through a modern lens and unleashed a sleeping giant. 300 W. Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60654, Phone: 312-836-0900 Our experts' top picks for a long weekend getaway for couples: From Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Austin, From Pittsburgh, East Coast Honeymoon, From Santa Barbara, Birmingham, From Denver 7. The owner penned a Facebook post explaining, COVID-19 made me realize the most important things in life. Not much seems to have changed here since 1930, and people still come for the neighborhood atmosphere, plus signature dishes like the stuffed shells or sausage and peppers. 23. Urbis Orbis served as a social center where the artists and musicians moving in to the area could linger all day over a cappuccino (unlike at the neighborhood's old-school, low-rent diners) and put on performances at night. (Contemporary) In 1987, a young whippersnapper named Charlie Trotter turned an old brownstone into a temple of modern dining. (Franco-Asian) Jimmy Rohr greeted guests at the door, kept the lights low, and played strictly opera music, which made for the most civilized dinner in town. The Eccentric, a Rich Melman creation with you-know-who as its most visible partner, opened in 1989 with Michael Kornick as chef (succeeded by Jody Denton) and had a very respectable six-year run in River North. Rosebud on Rush 1,387 reviews Open Now Italian $$ - $$$ "Wonderful Lunch!" "Excellent Cuisine" Order online 12. When diving into the city's Italian heritage, you dont need new twists or human-sized portions, you want a plate of chicken parm that will feed you for three days. (American barbecue) Ribs moved into a swanky dining room in Skokie, everyone wore plastic bibs, and licking your fingers in public became not only acceptablebut fashionable. Aruns .css-gdccrc{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-condensed);font-weight:700;font-size:1rem;line-height:0.9;letter-spacing:0.08em;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-left:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-right:var(--chakra-space-0);margin-bottom:var(--chakra-space-0);text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 20rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:0.9;}}@media screen and (min-width: 23.4375rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:0.9;}}@media screen and (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-gdccrc{line-height:1;}}Adrian Kane.css-1a7ccww{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-body);font-weight:400;margin:var(--chakra-space-0);padding:var(--chakra-space-0);font-size:0.6875rem;letter-spacing:0.1em;line-height:1;text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 37.5rem){.css-1a7ccww{font-size:0.75rem;letter-spacing:0.12em;}}August 19, 2022. . Henry Bianco's Special "Fiesta" Dinners have won acclaim from columnists, welded a loyal clientele. We canvassed the country, and from corporate behemoths like Olive Garden to family-run chains like The Old Spaghetti Factory, we've tracked down the 14 best casual, non-pizza Italian chains. Yoshis Caf It was hypnotic. (steaks, Italian) If the walls of this 1870 edifice could talk, they would spill decades of political deals cut over perfectly char-crusted aged prime steaks. What was the name of the restaurant located at 6930 south shore on the main floor in the 1970s. Phil's 50: Chicago's top restaurants rated, reviewed, mapped , 25 Chicago restaurants earn Michelin stars in 2017 , Craving: Italian -- a month of Chicago's best pastas, antipasti, pizza, secondi and more . Dj vu! That is an acceptable risk I cannot take. Restaurant Piccolo Mondo Amsterdam. (Continental) Home of the three-hour lunch for columnists, models, and moguls: Irv Kupcinet described Fritzels as Chicagos version of Toots Shors. Not like Fronteras, we hadnt. Tortello is a counter-service spot in Wicker Park specializing in handmade pasta. for review only 21 INTRODUCTION Our favorite places for a meal in the neighborhood. Opened: 1981 On April 23, the owners said on their Facebook page, Unfortunately, with the current situation, we cannot say for certain when or where we will see you again, but, rest assured, we WILL see you all again.. More than 100 years later, The Berghoff's status as a Chicago icon was cemented with an America . . No, too corny. I narrowed my list to 15 restaurants, which wasn't easy. 2701 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 832-9999 Visit Website The lobster ravioli is stellar at Sapori Trattoria. We still miss the cloches and the gorgeous dessert cart. Spiaggia Potato Head toys, while taking in nightly entertainment like drag shows and cabarets. Shes been on both the agency and client-side of the business, helping build brands from the ground up. .prisna-gwt-align-left { Best of all was brunch, an assortment of American dishes served dim-sum style from wheeled carts a gimmick that would inspire restaurants such as State Bird Provisions in San Francisco. Topo Gigio is a family-friendly spot surrounded by sports bars in Old Town, and its perfect for any occasion when groups want to share bottles of wine and giant plates of pasta. No different from Chez Paul or Jacques (which made the cut for its lovely garden). (1982 -1995) Cooker's Red Hots / 469 Lake Cook Rd. (Continental) Cognoscenti flocked to Louis Szathmrys quirky storefrontno menu and mismatched everything for beef Wellington and an inexplicable BYO policy. With over 90,000 establishments offering Italian-style dishes here in America, there are endless options to consider when craving the flavorful, savory tastes of "The Boot." In order to help find the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, Stacker looked at the rankings and ratings provided by Foursquare , which considers user check-ins . River North folks will have to find a new watering hole Montys Tap is officially closed. 5. By Elanor Bock, and Nicole Bruce. Owners Jesus Quiroz and Mercedes Cruz were forced to close their Pilsen-based restaurant in 2020. While the old residents may have moved on Brunas absolutely has not, many of the menu items are older than most of the other restaurants in Chicago. top: 0 !important; Tufanos has no menus (everything is just on a chalkboard), and its full of regulars, so you may be concerned youve stumbled into someones family get-together instead of a restaurant. Location: 737-200. In its heyday, the chain had more than 1,000 locations, which served fried clams and a whopping 28 ice cream flavors. Starbucks Introduces New Pistachio Cream Cold Brew. La Villa is the embodiment of the small family-run pizza and pasta neighborhood restaurants that used to dominate the Italian landscape. 9 - THE LADY AND THE TRAMP (1955) The place: Tony's Restaurant is the setting for the most romantic spaghetti share in movie history. The food was spicy, the music loud (vinyl only, played on a console stereo), the tablecloths reptilian. I skipped the obvious choices (Ambria, Charlie Trotter's, Le Francais), recent closings (mk, Tru) and places that I never got to experience personally (The Bakery, Barney's Market Club, Henrici's, Mister Kelly's). Bill Ammons, also the pastry chef, patrolled the Lincoln Park dining room with a ready wit, delivered in a gentle drawl. Related: Restaurants and Bars Owned by Celebrities It looks like a typical neighborhood corner bar, because, well, it is. This also happens to be one of the only restaurants on this list with a burrata dish worth going out of your way for. 1987-present The 16 Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago Right Now These are the best trattorias, red sauce joints, and fully loaded Italian delis in Chicago. This Lincoln Park Italian restaurant is popular for a reasonit has great pastas and attentive service. The address remains in the Lettuce Entertain You family; the space now houses Il Porcellino, Ramen-San and the rooftop Studio Paris nightclub. The name was a contraction of "tutto a posto," roughly meaning "all is as it should be" (we might translate it to "it's all good" today), and the Mediterranean restaurant with the Italian name was the brainchild of Tony Mantuano, who created it in between his two terms running Spiaggia (where he's running things today). Its small and usually crowded, and a good choice if you happen to have small children with you. Opened: 1965 Trio was the brainchild of proprietor and sommelier Henry Adaniya, who recruited the redoubtable chef team of Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, and the combination of skill, creativity and utter professionalism was marvelous to behold. 13. Deerfield, IL. You want crowded, sauce-covered tables, checkerboard cloth, and waiters who pre-date color TV. Come here with a group, and prepare to float away on a sea of martinis and red sauce. Helping it keep its old-school Italian cred are an awning in the colors of the Italian flag, the restaurant's lineage scrawled in the cement out front, and a staff that's five generations deep. But what sometimes seemed like capricious ingredient pairings always made sense on the plate. 1. Opened: 1977 Jacques .goog-tooltip:hover { What follows is. I miss the Wilmette original more than the Northfield sequel, but mostly, I miss Jarvis' food. Bianchi's Italian in Marana, 3620 W. Tangerine Road, is the second Bianchi's location, and is now closed. Bread service has become optional at many restaurants these days, but back in the late '90s, bread was a statement at this New York import, which closed in 2002. } (German) Natty waiters have handled hot corned beef sandwiches, Wienerschnitzel, and house-made root beer with pride and aplomb for 112 years. Opened: 1927 Watch the restaurants Facebook page for the next appearance. It was a riot, and if you were lucky, you'd catch a glimpse of Winfrey herself; 1989-Me was enthralled. Topolobampo French cuisine, sometimes with Japanese accents, was the menu's stock in trade, opera music played discreetly overhead and, due to Rohr's severe allergies, Jimmy's Place was the first Chicago restaurant with an outright ban on smoking (along with perfumes and scents; Rohr often said the overly cologned male customers were most problematic). For 23 years running, all hail the chef. It took Jarvis nearly a year to reopen, this time in larger digs in nearby Northfield (the opening wine list included "fire-sale reds," which had water-damaged labels), but Melange finally was back, along with those oysters. The Berghoff When the owners of two of Chicago's most beloved independent neighborhood restaurants, pizza-slinging Coalfire and sandwich-centric Tempesta Market, join forces for a classic-inspired Italian. !" 11. Come along for the ride! Acclaimed restaurants serving refined pasta dishes and rustic Tuscan roasts dot almost every neighborhood. Old Glory flies atop Chuck Cavallini's restaurant, 3835 W. 147th St., Midlothian. Savarin was the 1998 restaurant chef Hogan did open, a gorgeous space with walls treated to resemble green leather, ornate chandeliers and linen-draped tables. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba! Order any of the pastas (the pappardelle with bolognese is delicious), and an entree like the osso bucco. Follow him @MR_spina. The rest of us have finally caught up. Light on the tongue pizzas, terrific pasta dishes and clever desserts helped Sole Mio to a very nice, nine-year run that ended in 1997. Currently, Alicia is working as a copywriter at a Chicago-based startup. Patrons could order martinis and Jell-o shots at a bar decorated with tinsel, nude murals and Mr. Vintage menus from some of Chicago's dearly departed restaurants, including The Eccdentric, Gordon and The Cottage, help tell the tale of what made them so great. Vito & Nick's (8433 S. Pulaski Rd.) 1946-circa 2003 // Bronzeville No wonder it felt like an affront when MTV turned the building into the first Chicago Real World house in 2001, even though Urbis had closed three years earlier; it was a sign of the next wave of gentrification coming with condos. Glimpse of Winfrey herself ; 1989-Me was enthralled and big leather booths vegetarian caf with sometimes-decent on... 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