Edition: Chicago: Straight Up
Chicago's Taylor Street Neighborhood
Author: By Amber Holst
In Chicago's "Little Italy" or Taylor Street neighborhood, the Italian influence is still strong. If you're staying in the Loop (an easy cab ride away), the area makes a good destination for dinner.
RoSal's Italian Cucina 1154 W. Taylor St. 312-243-2357
RoSal's is a quaint, romantic spot serving homemade big-portion Sicilian specialties. Standouts include the gnocchi in vodka cream sauce and the Joe Baccala (salted cod). The light colored dining room–accented by white Christmas lights (year-round)–creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Rosebud
1500 W. Taylor St., 312-942-1117
Rosebud is known for enormous helpings of pasta, most of which lean toward heavy Italian- American favorites: deep-dish lasagna and fettuccine Alfredo that defines the word rich. A newer location is just off the Magnificent Mile at 720 N. Rush St., 312/266-6444.
Tuscany
1014 W. Taylor St., 312-829-1990
Tuscany, is one of the most reliable Italian restaurants on Taylor Street. The menu features large portions of Tuscan pastas, pizzas, veal, chicken, and a risotto of the day. Specialties include anything cooked on the wood-burning grill and Tuscan sausage dishes. A second location is across from Wrigley Field at 3700 N. Clark St., 773-404-7700.
Al's No.1 Italian Beef
Belly up to the stainless steel counter (sorry, no tables!) and get ready to experience a true Chicago classic: An Italian Beef sandwich. Served either sweet, hot, dipped, or dry, a trip to Taylor Street just isn't complete without indulging in the greasy goodness of these distinctive sandwiches.
