Category: Italian

Since it opened in 2006, the Mercury Cafe has hosted many poetry, art and music events. Located in West Town at Chicago and Greenview in an old brick house, the Mercury offers great coffee, food and a fun meeting spot for you and your friends.

Come for lunch, dinner, coffee or one of the open mics. Mercury’s Italian style menu features coffee, sandwiches, salads and yummy pastries. Well-roasted coffee comes in espresso, macchiato and lattes ($2.85) or mochas ($3.35) with iced coffee in summer. Most sandwiches include chewy ciabatta rolls. My favorites are the Veggie Medici with pesto, provolone, artichoke hearts, lettuce and tomato and the Sorta Italian with salty, savory prosciutto, salami, pesto, basil and sun-dried tomato. The Caprese salad is the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil ($5.45) and the roast beef salad is a meal in itself. The inexpensive prices remain the same for lunch or dinner; you and your friends can have half a sandwich and soup $6.10 or half a sandwich and a salad or $6.35. Splurge and split a lamington, chocolate and coconut-covered yellow cake with raspberry jam or try a scone, brownie or cupcake. Loose-leaf tea flavors include rosehips, ginger and Chinese gunpowder green. Chocolate, Tahitian vanilla and hazelnut gelato complete the menu. Tahitian vanilla, with flecks of vanilla bean, is my favorite

The Mercury’s large, open layout with tables and couches and chairs lends itself to hanging out for hours. Groups and clubs sometimes meet up at the tables behind the library shelf in the back. You can take or leave library books from paperback fiction to revolutionary history and social commentaries. Each month new local art is for sale on the walls.

There are three regular open mics at Mercury Café. Poets meet here on the third and last Fridays of the month and an open mic for music, poetry, comedy and all types of performers takes place on the first Wednesday of each month. All open mics begin at 7pm and end at 9pm. Look for art openings and music acts on Mercury’s calendar. Many clubs meet here, including language groups and political meet-ups. The Mercury’s groups are good places to meet friends with similar musical and cultural interests.

You can also bring laptops and take advantage of Marcury Café’s free wireless Internet. If you and your coworkers want to order from the Mercury, call 312-455-9924 for bike delivery to any location between Damen, Lake, Halsted and North Avenue between 11am and 3pm.

Love, love, LOVE Buona Terra! I went here on a date for Valentine's Day a couple years back, and have happily made it one of my favorite local places! The food is good and very traditional, the atmosphere is relaxed, the wait staff are really on top of their game, the bar and wine choices are respectable, and hey - no sticker shock when you leave! And yes, bless them for having the smarts to space out the tables apart from the next guy while dining – I appreciate that! They even sett up more tables outside when it's warm out, al fresco dining in such a pretty neighborhood is a wonderful experience in and of itself.

What sets this place apart from many other Italian restaurants in the city is they do not put the bulk of their emphasis on pizza. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't even make any pies! The consistently busy buzz is pretty evident of how good this place is in every sense of the word, so making a reservation is a pretty smart idea. If you have never been here before, be sure to make your first visit on a Thursday for their prixe fixe. Thursday is an amazing deal - $20 for an appetizer, entree and a dessert! And yes, many of the specials are fair game!

One of the biggest winners here is veal stuffed ravioli in a brandy cream sauce, though the chicken alla provinciana is another winner. I don't care for the gnocci though; the sauce is good, but the Gnocchi itself is pretty blahzee. What usually wins me over is the bread service and appetizers – if they're good, then the rest of the night is usually set – and this place does not disappoint! They serve this incredible cheesy, garlicy bread that you really should ask seconds on, and the fried calamari is probably the only non greasy variety I have ever seen. And for you dessert lovers, try the Gelato or Tiramisu... simply divine!

If I must make a point of contention is the parking around here is a bit tight, but you will probably find something within a couple blocks, so hit the side streets. Also, be prepared to be waiting by the door for an hour anytime after 7pm if you didn't make reservations, because this place does get busy. Even so, you might be able to score a spot at the bar.

Now this place has nowhere near the best pizza in Chicago or Italian cuisine for that matter, but for the cost and ambiance, it sure is a great place to take a date! You almost literally walk through a time capsule here, where every aspect of this restaurant is very late 60s / early 70s mobster scene. One has to wonder if ole boy Quentin had scoped this place out when he was looking for a place to film the bar scenes in Pulp Fiction! In fact, I believe the juke box even has some Marvin on the play list!

The food is pretty decent, but again, nothing to write home about; it’s certainly not egg noodles and ketchup like Henry Hill complained about in Goodfellas! They do a pretty good job with the steaks, and the mozzarella sticks are huge and pretty tasty. And if you’re looking for a classic drink concoction, that’s what they do best around here, so feel free to go with the flow and go totally retro - good and strong! If you want something more on the modern side of things, the bar staff are very accommodating and will take their time to make sure they mix your drink to your specifications.

What diners go for is the very charming, laid back and dim atmosphere, where the service is by far superior than just about any other Italian place in the city. Each patron is made to feel like an old friend that has been coming here for years, offering up just the right amount of service. And those big, round booths in the bar area serve as the perfect spots for getting in some PDA time!

If you decide to keep it at home for the night, this place does a great job with their delivery service. The prices are pretty reasonable, the portions very large, and the drivers are pretty fast. An added bonus is their drivers will stop and pick up beer and cigarettes for you, so if the weather is pretty lousy or you don’t want to lose the moment by having to get up and hit the liquor store, that bit of info is a gem within itself. Also, keep this place in mind for parties, since Congress sells a Stadium Pizza that’s bigger than two large ones for a really low price!

While the bulk of their business stems from their banquets and pizza delivery, La Villa does an excellent job at serving up wonderful, authentic Italian dishes, and the only thing inflated is their portions.

This dimly lit restaurant, complete with a full bar and tucked away, high backed booths sets the tone for a casual night out, more on the quiet side on later week nights. White linen table cloths and napkins adorn the well used tables and booths, lit by small candles, accompanied by quality olive oil for bread, setting the tone for something a little more special. Though the d?cor is very much a 70s throwback and could use a little sprucing up, there is a certain little bit of charm here that really doesn't seem to require they act all that fast on a total gut rehab.

Even when the adjacent banquet hall is booked up solid, the service is quick but not pressured, and everything prepared is fresh and home made. The basket of hot bread and focaccia is simply divine, the minestrone soup has a lot of flavor, and the pasta dishes are top notch. Their vast menu of steaks, ribs, chops and seafood are all grilled to perfection, and the small, fresh salad bar is quaint yet very tasty.

Of course, it's their pizza that made them a local favorite, and this is just the sort of place folks enjoy dining out for a pie. Sausage lovers will especially love their home made variety, and the sauce is right on time, even for picky Chicagoans who love their saucy pizzas! A decent selection of wines and brews are available, and the bar staff do a fine job of mixing just about anything guests could ask for.

It's little wonder folks have made this charming Italian restaurant part of their regular routine. La Villa makes folks feel right at home and even know their regulars on a first name basis. Just be sure to dine there after 7pm to ensure the families have already cleared out.

Looking to take in a night of classic Italian food and follow it up with the best mixed drinks in town? Want it all wrapped up in a swanky supper club lounge that The Chairman would approve of? Then head to Club Lucky - serving up the absolute best martinis in town, right alongside some wonderful food at gastronomical portions!

Located off the area's main streets, this former speak easy embraces its heyday by keeping it real, mixing up fantastic concoctions like their Killer Martinis, garnished with either bleu cheese or anchovy stuffed olives made right there at home. This noisy, dimly lit 50's era establishment would make Tony Soprano proud, and is just as welcoming to the eclectic locals and politicians alike. While the upbeat scene may make some folks wary of pushy, in and out service, they can be rest assured knowing that taking their time to enjoy their drinks with pleasant company is perfectly fine.

For those deciding to go ahead and order up some food, the Sicilian menu is sure to please. The grilled calamari always needs to be boxed up due to its large servings, but comes in at a close second to their pasta, steaks and chops. The d?cor begs folks to enjoy twirling that enormous plate of spaghetti they offer, complimented of course with a nice Chianti as the likes of Sinatra croon through the air. And yes, heavenly tiramisu is featured on their dessert menu and is always a favorite!

So yes, Club Lucky is a must do, perhaps before taking in a show at the nearby Double Door or while on the hunt for a late night bar!

Tucked away in a neighborhood just beginning to see revitalization is A Tavola, a small menu Italian bistro that people regularly travel to far and wide for its fresh ingredients and its romantic flair. Upscale for its area but casual in comparison, A Tavola is a restaurant where love and care are put into every dish, focusing on perfection with a few items over mediocrity on a large variety.

Things tend to come in lucky threes at A Tavola, and those in the know go make their reservations for a week day and head on out to this transformed row house. Their specialty is their buttery, chewy Gnocchi, wonderfully complemented with crunchy sage leaves. Of course, other rotating selections come in as close seconds, like the Short Ribs and whatever fresh fish swims in that evening. A fine assortment of Italian wines side well with any dish offered and, while quite varied in price, are all excellent selections in their own right. Desserts are included in their rotation, with patron emphasis placed upon the Flourless Chocolate Cake and the Panna Cotta! However, Chicagoans should especially be noted about their smaller portion sizes and are encouraged to order an appetizer as well as an entree for each guest.

Comfort and familiarity are key ingredients to this small locale, making each guest feel both welcome and right at home, many regulars of whom are greeted on a first name basis. Soft music soothes away the problems of the day while adding a subtle hint of elegance to the ambiance. The windows are nice and large, and the tables are spread apart just enough to allow intimacy without pompousness. A popular spot in summer, the bold and daring have the wait staff help them cut through the kitchen and are rewarded with a starlit sky while dining in their backyard patio.

One aspect that truly delights its patrons are the cooking classes held, usually twice a month. Couples wearing their kitchen best can get to know each other during a unique, enjoyable experience, learning how to create an authentic Italian dish of which they get to enjoy afterwards! Reservations for these Monday night classes are strongly recommended due to its popularity.

Next time you find yourself walking down North Avenue in Wicker Park, make sure you stop at Santullo's Eatery. Its outer appearance doesn’t quite hint at all the yummy goodness that can be found inside, which is why you have to check it out for yourself.

When you first walk in, delicious smells reach your nose and you realize that you’re suddenly really hungry. You’ll notice, too, the stylish but casual way that this place has been decorated. You have your choice of dark cherry-colored booths or high tables with chairs. Black and white photographs of people from generations gone hang high on the walls, and you can often hear quaint old-fashioned tunes while you eat. Tarnished wood floors add to the vintage feel.

But what’s most important is the food. Not only does Santullo’s serve classic sandwiches on fresh baked bread, but they also have homemade soups, salads, beer and wine, and sides like potato or pasta salad prepared daily! And who could forget their pizza; Santullo’s does, after all, boast “a slice of New York in Wicker Park.” They offer daily specials by the slice, too, and even a pizza “happy hour” Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm. A personal favorite is “Thee Hipster,” an amazing combination of fire roasted red pepper and goat cheese. Get a slice and you’ll be surprised by how it barely fits on the plate. For dessert, try the homemade Tiramisu or their signature “Big Apple.” And if by some chance you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, you can order one of Santullo’s 20-inch classics and have it delivered.

Best of all, Santullo’s Eatery is open until 3:00 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. That means you’ll be able to satisfy a late night craving without having to leave the bar early. Next time you’re in the area, stop in and have a slice. Your stomach will thank you.

If your date happens to be the antiquing type who simply adores authentic turn of the century, functional light fixtures, statuaries, moldings, beveled glass and paintings and also happens to love a good Chicago pizza, then Gulliver's on the far north side is a must!

Hearts flutter and jaws lie agape simply walking in the door, as the ambiance is absolutely breathtaking, many layers thick in stunning beauty. The owner boasts as having the largest such collection in the country, making the wait for a nice, thick pizza seem to fly right on by. The wooden bench tables adds to the flair, the delicate lighting is set just right and the HUGE outdoor garden makes for a beautiful, romantic evening.

Fresh, inventive and exhaustive toppings abound like artichoke hearts and eggplant are complimented with a perfect sauce, thick with tomatoes. The crust is thick, hearty and yes, crusty, and in true Chicago fashion, they don’t hold back on the cheese!

For those looking for something different, Gulliver’s offers a huge selection of authentic Italian entrees even staunch foodie critics rave about, and their steaks are cooked to perfection, with Mexican and even Chinese fare thrown in for a surprise bonus. Even their appetizers think big in terms of variety, like their avocado egg rolls. No stone has been left unturned, be it in its museum-quality decor, the expansive menu or in the pride and love put into the food.

So, while Chicagoans have a plethora of pizza places to choose from, all boasting to be the best, it’s Gulliver’s overall experience that makes it the best place for food and dining.