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Bruna's Ristorante
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
2424 S Oakley Ave1st Fl
(at 24th St)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen
(773) 254-5550
- Nearest Transit:
-
Western-cermak (Pink Line)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for Bruna's Ristorante
Review Highlights
-
"...a wide variety of daily specials and some tasty desserts." In 2 reviews -
"Great wine list." In 3 reviews -
"Really good pasta and nice wine." In 7 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Jamie K.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2011
I just had another outstanding meal here - one of my favorite Italian restaurants. I'm puzzled at the reviews here stating that the owner is rude. I've been coming to Bruna's for years and have never experienced or seen any rudeness from any of the staff. The wait staff are all efficient and polite. You'll never be rushed from the table.
The food is delicous! I usually order either the whitefish or meat ravioli with sausage. Absolutely yummy!
Parking is no problem - I've always found a close parking spot on the street.
I highly recommend Bruna's for a nice dinner. -
Review from Patrick D.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2011
Old school neighborhood Italian at its best. No pretensions here. Great food that you'll eat slowly to enjoy each bite and savor the flavors. Great wine list. Yes, the service is casual, the dining area in the back is not modern hip - didn't I say old school Italian? Do not go for a gobble and run. Plan on taking a while to enjoy the meal and the wine and the company of whoever you're dining with. An excellent place to dine with someone you really like.
By the way, the owner is quite pleasant. -
Review from John B.
Darien, IL
3/23/2011
Went with friends Saturday night. Food was ok at best. Service very slow but atmosphere was cool.
The owner is a huge asshole. None of us will ever return. This place sucks the big one -
Review from Bob D.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2010
I have very mixed feelings about this place. I have very mixed feelings about this strip of mediocrity on Oakley.
My girl and I are doing a bit of research and were ordered to eat as much as possible in Little Italy or whatever they call this area with 6 Italian restaurants, and no parking. Please don't be envious, really.
Our first restaurant was so miserable I refuse to review it, it just wouldn't be fair.
Tonight at Bruna's we brought the children and told my boy he could tell the waiter it was his B-day and get a dessert. I saw a duck with papperdelle on the specials board, that surprised me. Most everything in this strip is red sauce kind of stuff, dated and not even close to authentic Italian, maybe authentic American Italian, but I am not really a big fan.
I ordered the papperdelle, my daughter the clams in white sauce, my boy got spaghetti with EVOO, my girl got chicken vesuvio. We also shared a calamari.
The calamari was a bit haphazard looking, average at best. Served with a few lemon wedges and some cocktail sauce. Yes, cocktail sauce. -1 star.
I asked the waiter, "how is the duck?" he murmured unenthusiastically, "it has egg noodles fresh made with duck sauce from tomatoes sauce." Please, sell me the dish. That's what I was thinking. What I said was, "Is the sauce bolognese or more ragu style?" Hoping to give him an inkling to my comprehension of Italian cuisine, I directed this question curiously. Without even looking at me he answered "yes."
I ordered it anyway, it was very good, surprisingly good. If I dare say so myself, just like I make. This was a huge moment for me because no one makes pasta the way I like any where near the South side.
My son enjoyed his giant bowl of pasta e olio. My daughter was not blown away with her clams, I traded her, as I am known to do when one of my family does not care for their food. She was quite happy with the swap. The clams were fine, maybe a bit briny for her taste and all the pastas at the table were a perfect al dente.
The chicken vesuvio was average, not bad. If you had never had the dish before you may even say great.
The issues I had was the service was robotic, we called the busman "stone face", he made no expressions whatsoever. It was as if he "no a speak a da englaise". He did, because he brought us our leftovers, which we believed to have been tossed.
I asked if they could do anything for my sons B-day, I wasn't looking for a freebee, (although that would have been nice), but I was looking for maybe a recommendation, or sure we can stick a candle in a tiramisu. Our waiter answered, "No" He then opened the menu for me, and showed me the dessert section and walked away. Right on cue as if the cameras were on, the lights went out and the staff of three began singing happy fucking birthday to some old gumbah in the corner. My boy looked at me and said, "I thought they don't have birthday party stuff here?" He took it better than I did. This move turned into a less than ten percent gratuity. A rare act of vengeance on my part.
The other major issue was the bill, somehow this peasant inspired food with average service in a room that has a slight smell of mold or mildew came to $105.40!!!!!!!!!! WTF. I inspected the bill and found my 6 YO sons pasta and oil cost $14. The calamari was $12, my two Becks were $11 Holy shit. Normally I wil split my meal with my son, but being his birthday and the fact they charge a $5 extra plate fee.
The previous night we had to battle to get some things removed off our bill, and honestly I had no more fight left in me.
While I started eating I wondered, why with such a skillful dish is there no one in this restaurant eating? Well, if a family has to drop $14 for their kid to have a little plate of noodles they will not make it a habit of coming. Also, if you are paying over a hondo for your meal and the staff leaves piles of plates on your table, you are going to rethink your next visit.
Good pasta, but not worth the aggravation. -
Review from Lori M.
1/13/2009
I got-a something special-a for you
ready?
Uno
duo
tre
quatro!
When I was a girl, just about-a eighth-a grade,
Mama used to say, don't-a stay out late,
with the bad-a girls, always shoot-a pool,
Loredana gonna flunk-a school.
Girl, it make-a me sick, all the t'ing I gotta do.
Can't-a getta no kicks, always gotta follow rules
Girl, it make-a me sick, just-a make a lousy bucks,
I gotta feel like a fool.
(and mama used to say all-a time:)
What'sa matta you, hey, you ate at-da Bruna's?
Gotta no respect, whatta you think you do,
Why you looka so sick?
It's-a not so bad, it's-a nice-a place,
Ah, Shaddap You Face.
That's-a my mama. I can remember!
[Big accordion solo!]
Ah ! Play dat again! Really nice
really nice!
Soon-a come-a day, gonna be-a big-a top-chef-star,
Gonna make a movies, buy a nice-a car,
but still-a be myself, I'm-a never change a thing,
always dance and sing.
('cause I remember mama used to say:)
What'sa matta you, hey,
Gotta no respect, whatta you think you do,
Why you looka so sick?
It's-a not so bad, it's-a nice-a place,
Ah, Shaddap You Face & stay outta dis place.
Instead, go across da street to Ignotz Ristorante! -
Review from Rachel H.
10/11/2009
Three little Pilsenites and two former ones who ran away to Michigan (damn them!) decided on Bruna's for a little pre-marathon carb session last night. Apparently everyone else in the world decided to do the same, because Bruna's was all booked up, and me without a reservation. Please, don't tell Emily Post, she'll have my legs broke.
We were greeted by the owner Luciano, and he fit us in with no problem. Even on an unusually busy night, the service was good, friendly, and I love the charm of a place where the regulars feel at home. It makes me jealous of them. More reason to come in on a regular basis? Obviously.
The pretzel breadsticks in the bread basket are delicious and addictive. I had a few... ok five... and then started in on the bread. There are plenty of specials on the menu, though I went with a staple of their menu, the porcini ravioli which was flavorful and rich, and went well with the extra heapings of parmigiana I threw on there. What's my weakness? Cheese! A glass of wine to wash it down? Yes, please! A bite of my roomie's Bruna's rigatoni was also satisfying and another friend's special, the seafood stew smelled great and was packed with all the creatures of the sea. More than one of us joined the clean plate club, and I will be back to renew my membership. -
Review from Laura W.
Aurora, IL
11/2/2007
Have been going there for years!!!
Love the food, love the people and the atmosphere. Please try their chicken limone, chicken saltimboca and ofcourse their chicken bisubio.
Yes, the owner can be an ass, he does have an attitude if you start being a little ass your self (have seen it).
But aside from that, the service is great. I personally like Hermel the waiter who is such a friendly latino man that has worked at Brunas for years!
My boyfriend and I go there for special occasions since it does have that romantic atmosphere. :)
Good Luck -
Review from Kay J.
Schererville, IN
1/29/2009
Bruna's has the best food in the neighborhood. The warm bread is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
A large glass of decent Chianti was only $7 and my fettuccine Alfredo was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered spaghetti with garlic and a side of marinara sauce - looked delish!
The salad was excellent - spring greens with a light house Italian dressing.
We skipped dessert - too full! but will try to save room for next time.
This is my first choice in this neighborhood. -
Review from carmen b.
Saint John, IN
6/20/2010
Hello FOOD SNOB here.
While attending the Italian Fest here last night my Brother-in-law came down from Palatine to meet us. He brought his pretty little 9 year old daughter. Who by the way has a love for STEAK. She calls herself a Carnivour. You would not believe it by looking at her but she can really down a Steak. So to satisfy her craving we went to Bruna's.
Seems like this is your older style Italian Restaurants from the 50's , with the Bar area in front with a few tables, and the dinning area in the back. The woman who greeted us at the door was very helpful when I asked her if my niece could get a good steak here. Now the old man who sat us was a little different. He was OK but he seemed a little Grouchy that night as we tried talking to him.
After my brother-in- law seen the price of the Steak at $35 he tried talking his daughter in to eating something else. But I was glad to split the Steak with her, since there was plenty more food outside at the Fest. The Steak was O K but I expected a little better for the price. They did split the plate for my niece and I which was nice.
My Ribollita Soup was excellent. I tasted the Linguine in white clam sauce which I thought was very good. I finished my wife's Lasangia which was a little Greasy and too Rich for me.
All in all my pretty little niece had her Steak and she was happy as we enjoyed the rest of the festival. -
Review from Scott H.
8/23/2010
A: Bruna's
Q: Most likely place to meet Tony Soprano south of Taylor Street
I love the vibe of this place. Frankly, the food could be pretty awful and I'd still have a soft spot for this old-school Italian spot. The front bar is wonderful with the host greeting you immediately and offering chianti suggestions. The dining room is dimly lit and familial with tables packed pretty close (but not uncomfortably close) together. Pastas are always excellent, salad very good and coffee and tiramisu outstanding. I always leave as fat and happy as I had hoped. -
Review from Kendrah R.
Philadelphia, PA
1/6/2010
The bread sticks were fantastic and then it stopped there. Salad - meh? Pasta sauce had no flavor. Not worth the $60 we paid for a salad, two pastas, and one glass of cheap wine. The service was not great. Forgot to bring the glass of wine and when we asked for it a second time the waiter has an "if you insist" attitude. There were only two parties eating in the restaurant. Not like it was slammed.
When I want good Italian food, I'll go to Sabatino's, Bocca, or Rosal's. -
Review from Hasket M.
Chicago, IL
7/14/2010
If my Grandma opened a restaurant based on having dinner at her house it would most likely be Bruna's.
A wonderful interior reminiscent of a by-gone era. I was constantly asked if I was enjoying myself and my water was always refilled whether it was necessary or not. The food was OK. It wasn't the best Italian I've ever had and I could nitpick it but there was a sense it had come from an old family recipe and was made in someone's small kitchen which means it has heart so I was alright with it until the bill came and I realized how much Grandma thinks she has the right to charge. -
Review from Mark S.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2006
First- this neighborhood's loaded with old school Italian spots. If you've never been down here, you're missing out on the historic "heart of little Italy." It's completely marooned from what most think of as little Italy on Taylor street, like an island of Italian in the middle of a Mexican ocean. You can literally smell the garlic when you get close!
Bruna's is my favorite down here. I like the old school decor, I like the scary guy sitting up front calling the shots, I like the food, waiters and they have really good house wine! Hard to go too far wrong picking one of these places down here as yours, this one's mine. -
Review from Lyn J.
Darien, IL
3/21/2011
Rude owner. Slower than slow service. Average food. Pricey for what you get. Location inconvenient. Don't do it!
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Review from D.R. A.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2010
I love this place! I have being coming here off and on since 1980. Luciano, the owner is warm and welcoming, and the food is extraordinary.
I've tried the other places on the block, and although they were OK, they could not compare with Bruna's. Bravo Bruna's! -
Review from Marla S.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011
I don't understand how Bruna's got so many good reviews. We had a horrible experience. Our first waiter was hard to understand and not very helpful. He couldn't look me in the eye (always a bad sign). Our meals were mediocre at best and pricey for what we got. My chicken cacciatore was over cooked. Our second waiter was clearing the table and practically threw our plates around spilling some contents on my friends lap. This was done out of anger but I don't know why. Stay away!
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Review from Myles A.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2011
As an Italian I feel comfortable saying that this reminds me of my mother's/grandmother's food.
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Review from rhea w.
Chicago, IL
10/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
this place is like walking into the 1950's in an authentic, and non interesting way.
its old, has outdated decor, and food that is priced about 5 dollars a plate more than its worth.
the waitresses are good at their job, but have no personality.
quite frankly, if my mother hadn't requested this place as her good byr dinner spot, i'd never have returned after the last time- that was the time with the pasta primavera with nearly no veggies.
this time i hated the slow service, and sitting next to the bathroom despite the place being empty -
Review from C. V.
Minocqua, WI
6/26/2009
After my girlfriend highly recommended Bruna's to me a few years ago, it became my absolute favorite Italian restaurant in the city! The waitstaff is so attentive and friendly, the food is excellent...out of all the times my "significant other" and I have been there, only once were we a little disappointed in our main courses but every restaurant will have their off night from time to time so we let it slide. We took a friend of ours here last summer - he's a chef - who visits NYC often to see family and always eats his way through his trips there and he even said Bruna's food is "right up there alongside the best Italian joints in NYC".
Luciano, the owner, once you get to know him a little bit, is a very warm, amiable and funny person! He always has stories to share from his past and he seems to really care for his employees (which would explain why they have been there for so many years!).
I love to eat in the bar area due to the beautiful barback they have and all the items on the walls depicting places in Italy - it has a lot more charisma than the rear dining room, though that has its own personality, too - kind of like someone's home that hasn't been updated in years - but here, not updating it works!
The immediate neighborhood is so quaint and friendly - even in the wintertime though the warmer months are even moreso! I highly recommend eating here while attending the big Italian Festival which we accidentally discovered four or so years ago which takes place every Father's Day weekend - it's a lot of fun! But always, Bruna's is the high point when we attend the festival! -
Review from Jodi M.
Chicago, IL
11/17/2011
What a great little treasure in Pilsen!! If you are looking for home cooked, fresh ingredients this is the spot!! Close to the United Center if you had tickets to an event I would definitely plan dinner at Bruna's first!! The owner and his wife are entertaining and accomodating all in one. Little secret....if you go in for lunch..you might just get an Italian lesson! Check it out! They have been in business for years..and the quality of food and the service are definitely why!! Daily specials are always delicious and their wine list is quite impressive!
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Review from Karen L.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2006
Classic, true Italian food. It is good food in an atmosphere that makes you think you are in Italy. It is not fancy, it is not trendy...it is just an old-school Italian place that serves good food. I tried the gnocchi with meat sauce and the eggplant parmesan. They were both excellent! (And I try those dishes almost everywhere!) It is in a neighborhood that I am not too familiar with (the heart of Chicago), but I would definitely go back because it just feels like you are in another city.
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Review from Adam K.
6/30/2010
Phenomenal, in the old Italian neighborhood, chk it out, owner is str8 real deal italiano
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Review from John M.
Chicago, IL
1/10/2007
A classic, vintage Italian ristorante where one may go to see or be seen, depending on his/her status within the community. The place seethes of mafioso-laden testosterone- Gold chains exposing impressive chest hair is not uncommon. The waiters are kind of lame, lacking personality. The back dining room is creepy, so try to get a table up front by the bar if you can. Once seated, go for the crostini appetizer (delicious), and share some daily specials because they will taste the freshest. I had a spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce and it was yummy. I also enjoy their spaghetti and meatballs.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Nana h.
Chicago, IL
6/4/2008
omg, i cant believe i forgot about my eggplant parm left overs in the fridge. I would totally eat that for lunch instead of the salad i brought :(
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Review from Jolene H.
3/10/2007
Make it 3.5.
The only reason why we went to Bruna's was that it was the only place on that street opened for lunch on Saturday.
Save for 2 lonely men drinking at the bar, me and my partner were the only ones in the restaurant.
But we weren't dissappointed. We ordered the clams as a starter. He had prawns over capellini and I had the lagsana.
Let me tell you, they were gone after 30 minutes. Wolfed down. I mean it wasn't orgasmic fantastic but they surpassed my expectations. Then came the tiramisu, which was light, and soaked in brandy. yum.
I guess it helped being the only ones in the place. The cook only had us to worry about. We got great service, too. (better be!)The only thing I didn't like- its weak pino gricio, and oh, a very grumpy owner who didn't trust his staff- he kept asking- gruff voice here- "Have they paid, what did they pay with- cash? Where's the cash?" Picture middle-aged ex mafia type. -
Review from Dawn B.
Spokane, WA
6/21/2007
I really wanted to like this place, but I have to say, the customer service is some of the worst in the city. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was at about quarter capacity so it's not like they were swamped. I can't comment on the food because the service was so bad we ended up leaving before we placed our order. To be polite I told the host we were leaving and why. He seemed upset, but never once apologized. He tried to talk us into staying but by that point I was so annoyed that I just knew it wasn't a good idea. Why would I drop $75 on a meal that I couldn't enjoy because the waitress had a total stick up her ass? That's insane. The breadsticks were good though and the wine list looked impressive.
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Review from josey A.
IL
4/24/2007
This is an awesome old school italian joint. The food is great...the service is very friendly in a semi-mobster way. This is a really cool neighborhood, too. Even with all of the restaurants to choose from in this city, I return here over and over.
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Review from None of Y.
Chicago, IL
6/22/2009
The food here is not worth the rudeness that you suffer. I've eaten here several times over the years and continue to overlook the terrible service and rude behavior which literally greets you at the door. I will no longer do so.
There are gazillion Italian restaurants in Chicago, if you wanted to be treated with some dignity then Bruna's should not be the choice for you. -
Review from Ned S.
Boston, MA
3/11/2009
hell, the producers of TV's 'life on mars" would kill to film in these surroundings!
run by native italian Luciano Silvestri and his wife, Burna's is fine old-time Italian...like boston's north end used to have. excellent traditional dishes with huge portions at great prices.
do you really need more details? i think you already know them, but here goes:
-kitschy linoleum floor throughout AND white table cloths
-where the kitchen ends and the dining room begins is not clearly discernible ARE loaves and loaves of fresh bread sitting on that table nearby
-friendly and solid service
-fine wine cheap
-an georgous seafood salad that would even amaze a Peruvian used to the best cerviche.
there's even a cloth towel machine in the bathroom the likes of which I haven't seen in decades.
70's atmosphere or no...you just come and manga! -
Review from Martha Z.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2009
I like the charm of Bruna's much better then Ignotz or Bacchanalia. I feel like I'm stepping into some old time movie set of an Audrey Hepburn movie. I have never seen this place completely packed and I think that also adds to the charm of it. The service is friendly, with a bit of the la dolce vita philosophy that you will find at every restaurant in Italy. I usually opt for pasta and seafood, and the ingredients always taste fresh, fresh fresh! They also feature a wide variety of daily specials and some tasty desserts. Order a bottle of wine, a bowl of your favorite pasta and mangia!
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Review from Rachel I.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2009
I love this restaurant. I love Luigi's sauce... a creamy tomato sauce. I've never had a bad meal. The service is never rushed (if you're in a rush, don't go here) and I think the owner is delightful. I had brought family from Italy there (they wanted to see an Italian restaurant in the states) and they thought it to be very authentic. I'm a big fan of the mussels appetizer with the spicy marinara and I always try to save room for dessert. The desserts often look like someone's grandma made them and they are quite delicious too. They have a very cozy atmosphere and it is a lovely place for a date or dinner with family.
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Review from Jedd J.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2009
Had a great experience at a fun little out-of-the-way place, yet not too far from downtown. Who knew the third oldest italian restaurant in Chicago was over there? I'll definitely be back!
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Review from Colt E.
Pasadena, CA
12/31/2009
I didn't have the problems with service here that other reviewers have mentioned. The staff was not overly friendly, but were polite and helpful. The food was okay, but not special and a bit overpriced. It's nice to get some good traditional italian food in a relaxed setting though and this is the spot for that.
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Review from Katie G.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2010
Love this place. It is like eating in your Grandmother's House. The service is always great - very friendly waitstaff. The food is pretty classic Italian. I have always enjoyed their pastas and seafood. Excellent desserts as well. Worth the short drive to Pilsen for a more authentic "Little Italy" experience.
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Review from Maggie C.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2010
Simply put, Bruna's is the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. The restaurant itself is very cozy and the waitstaff is friendly.
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Review from Loreen B.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2009
Sat at the bar and had a casual dinner. The service was good. It was an Italian Festival weekend and it just got too cold to stay outside an listen to the entertainment...Rick Saucedo. Really good pasta and nice wine.
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Review from scot o.
Honolulu, HI
5/31/2010
old school italian in chicagos s.w. italian village. you feel like you might witness a mob hit while you're dining. great food. reasonable prices. awesome front dining area by the bar. great back room. owners are usually there, and they are friendly and cool to talk to. valet parking. there are alot of good places in the neighborhood, but i think bruna's is the best. it's been there since the 30's, i think.
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Review from Bobby D.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2010
Still a great place to eat when in the S.Oakley Little Italy section. Very old school Italian restaurant, With it's back partition as the dining facility. The breadsticks are great. The escarole soup is too. The pesto pasta dishes are great. The linguine with white clam sauce is great too. The Tiramisu is a great treat too. However, I wish that the propeitor wasn't as grumpy, THAT'S where it gets denied an extra star.
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Review from Jill H.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2010
this awesome restaurant has been a favorite for years.
it has actually been open since 1933, by Bruna herself!!
though i dont make it over as often as i'd like, the waiters (who seem to have worked there forever!) always recognize me. i have a feeling i could come in after a 5 year absence and they still would remember me!
great service all around. attentive and very welcoming.
the food is classic and always tastes delicious and freshly prepared.
the steamed mussels (i always order with a white wine garlic sauce- not on the menu) consistently are tied for #1 best mussels in chicago. the homemade minestrone soup is wonderful and warming. the tomato-based sauces always seem so vibrant and fresh, and the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. i always must splurge on the homemade tiramisu, too- yum! after a hundred times dining here, i once had a veal chop that was kind of dry and mediocre, but every other dish ive had here has been excellent.
the wine list has some real gems, and there are some really great & reasonably priced italian reds that i believe are bottled especially for the restaurant. i just wish the wine glasses werent always so full of water spots!
the front bar is super cool and old school, like something out of a mobster movie- so full of character!
the ambiance in the main dining room in the back?........well, it does have a certain charm- charm from the late 1970's that is! think vinyl backed metal chairs from 20 years ago. but surprisingly enough, white tablecloths! with the smooth jazz radio station playing in the background.
slightly bizarre, but distinctly lovable nonetheless.
anyways, this is the type of place where a good vibe, great food & wine and enthralling conversation just seem to flow, and things like decor just dont matter.
this longtime standby is a must try- i guarantee you wont be disappointed!
4 1/2 stars
