A Tour of Little Italy
By Jennifer Olvera, Contributor
Bordered by the Kennedy and Eisenhower expressways, Roosevelt Road and Polk Street, this heavily populated, super-diverse neighborhood is undergoing significant change, but it remains true to its Italian roots. From landmarks to historial bites on Taylor Street, we take you to the heart of Little Italy.
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Mario's Italian Lemonade
1068 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
Slushy, refreshing ice—especially the version made from lemonade—has brought generations of Chicagoans to this seasonal, red white and green wood stand since it opened in the 1950s. When summer heat hits its peak, long lines do little to deter loyal customers. -
The Rosebud
1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
Crowds continue to pack this perennial favorite, which serves Old-School Italian dishes loaded with garlic. Whether it’s serving up baked clams, chicken Parm or fettuccine Alfredo, the fare does Blue Eyes proud. -
Chez Joel
1119 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
An anomaly in the neighborhood, this brasserie is the stuff of Francophiles’ dreams. Serving up classics like coq au vin and steak frites with Maitre d’Hotel butter, it’s an unexpected—and romantic—neighborhood mainstay. -
Tuscany
1014 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
Warm, inviting and back-in-the-day in feel with decorative touches like copper pans and tomato cans, this homey Northern Italian trattoria—an anchor in the community—tempts diners with its chilled, dessert-filled case and wafts that emanate from the open kitchen. -
Francesca's On Taylor
1400 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
The fourth of many successors in the ever-growing city and suburban chain, this lively outpost with warm wood trim, black and white photography and butcher-papered, white linen tables continues to draw diners in search of fab salads, toothsome pasta creations and melt-in-the-mouth veal medallions in brandied sauce. -
Beviamo Wine Bar
1358 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
Head to this stylish, velvet curtain-swathed wine bar for a romantic, low-lit nightcap. By-the-glass vinos (and flights) highlight small producers, while live piano on weekends provides energy. -
RoSal's Italian Kitchen
1154 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL
Heavy, garlic-infused pastas and meat dishes keep generations coming back to this family-owned cucina.
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Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
800 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL
Situated in a centuries old Victorian mansion that’s owned and operated by the University of Illinois at Chicago, this historic landmark once offered childcare facilities for working moms and was responsible for creating an employment bureau, art gallery, libraries, English and citizenship classes and theater, music and art classes. Now, the museum is loaded with artifacts, photography and furniture from the period, with the mission of highlighting the work of those who supported this model of urban reform. -
Arrigo Park
801 S Loomis St, Chicago, IL
This park--once called Vernon Park--dates back to 1857. Although it fell into disrepair, it later underwent extensive renovations. Now, it pays homage to Italian-American advocate and State Representative Victor Arrigo and sports sculptor Moses Ezekiel's Christopher Columbus bronze statue, which was first exhibited in the Italian Pavilion at the World’s Columbian Exposition.
