Edition: Summer Times
Chicago Classic Dining
Author: Theresa Page
Tried & True Favorites
Classic, Chicago-style restaurants.
We recommend you head to these local legends for a real taste of Chicago.
These eateries have withstood the test of time - the youngster of the group opened in 1942- quite a feat in the competitive restaurant business.
TWIN ANCHORS RESTAURANT & TAVERN
You might recognize this Old Town spot; it was a transformed into O'Reilly's Italian Restaurant restaurant in the romantic comedy "Return to Me," starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver (directed by Windy City native Bonnie Hunt). Although it's been a favorite with the locals since 1932, numerous celebrities have dined here through the years, including Frank Sinatra. Slow-cooked baby back ribs with sides like pepper-jack creamed spinach are a must-try, but the menu also offers dishes like fried chicken and an old-school fish fry. 1655 N. Sedgwick St., 312-266-1616.
ITALIAN VILLAGE
This Loop landmark ranks as one of the oldest restaurants in the city -it opened in 1927. The central location makes it popular with State Street shoppers, Loop workers and theatergoers (it's a few blocks from multiple theaters). The sprawling complex features three restaurants under one roof: La Cantina, an Italian steak and seafood house with a wine cellar theme; the more casual Village is reminiscent of an Italian hamlet and offers a menu of pizza, pasta and Italian entrees; and the upscale Jordan Moser-designed Vivere, which offers contemporary Italian fare from all regions of Italy. 71 W. Monroe St., 312-332-7005.
HOME RUN INN
This South Lawndale neighborhood pizzeria got its start as a small tavern in 1923 - owners named it as a nod to the stray "home run" ball that smashed through the window soon after they purchased the place. Home Run eventually added pizza in 1947; it was an immediate hit with patrons. The pizzeria's menu now includes salads, pasta, and more, but the family-recipe pizza still reigns. This is the original address (the tavern has expanded to a full-service restaurant) with other outposts in the city and suburbs. 4254 W. 31st St., 773-247-9696.
MANNY'S COFFEE SHOP & DELI
The crowd at this bustling breakfast - and - lunch institution generally includes a diverse mix of regular Joe's and nine-to-fivers (its located just south of the Loop). Locals keep coming back to this cafeteria-style lunchroom, which has been serving up deli-diner fare since 1942, for the generous portions and reasonable prices. Favorites include the overstuffed corned beef, pastrami and brisket sandwiches, but choices run the gamut from matzo ball soup and chopped liver to meatloaf and beef stew. 1141 S. Jefferson St., 312- 939-2855.
ORIGINAL RAINBOW CONE
This Beverly spot debuted in 1926, and it still packs 'em in for ice cream, especially in the summer months. The signature five-flavor cone is loaded with layers of chocolate, pistachio, Palmer House (a cherry-nut blend) and strawberry ice creams, plus a layer of orange sherbet; the layering gives the cone a colorful rainbow look. There's now an outpost in the Park Grill Cafe in Millennium Park, but locals still flock to the original South Side location to get a cone. 9233 S. Western Ave., 312-521-7275; Millennium Park, 11 N. Michigan Ave., 312-521-7525.
GENE AND GEORGETTI
This family-owned Italian steak house has been serving up oversized portions of steaks, chops and Italian specialties since 1941 in River North, long before it was a trendy neighborhood. With its close proximity to the Merchandise Mart, you're likely to spot business types hobnobbing with the restaurant's many loyal regulars, and you might even see a famous face-many celebrities have eaten here and they have the photos to prove it. Prime beef choices include a T-bone and a bone-in ribeye, or opt for Italian fare like linguine with red clam sauce or chicken Vesuvio. 500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718.
Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603
One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.
Twin Anchors
1655 N. Sedgwick St., Chicago, IL 60614
This old-school tavern has been serving up legendary ribs to celebs like Frank Sinatra since 1932.
Home Run Inn
4254 W. 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60623
This Chicago favorite has been around since 1947.
Manny's Coffee Shop and Deli
1141 S. Jefferson, Chicago, IL 60607
This cafeteria and deli has been open since 1942, and gives customers that like-family feel.
Gene & Georgetti
500 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
Chicago's oldest steakhouse dating back to 1941, this is a classic, Italian-style steakhouse.
Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606
Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria.
Republic Pan-Asian Restaurant & Lounge
58 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611
Asian, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Polynesian styles of food.
