Sunday, May 26, 2024

RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE

Forward
A Taste of Time and Place

Before Yelp, before Zagat, before the word “foodie” was ever uttered in polite company, Chicagoans knew where to eat. They followed the scent of sizzling pierogi down Milwaukee Avenue, chased tamales wrapped in wax paper through Maxwell Street, and whispered about the best chop suey joints tucked behind neon-lit facades. This section is a tribute to that legacy.

“Restaurants by Cuisine” isn’t just a list—it’s a cultural map of Chicago’s edible past. From the hearty stews of Bohemian kitchens to the delicate pastries of Viennese cafés, each entry reveals how immigrant communities shaped the city’s palate. You’ll find stories of family-run diners, long-lost supper clubs, and the rise of regional specialties that turned humble storefronts into culinary landmarks.

Whether you’re tracing your heritage through Hungarian goulash or simply craving a slice of old-world pizza, this guide offers more than menus—it offers memory. So dig in, and let your taste buds time-travel through the neighborhoods that fed a city and flavored its soul.

American

Barbecue

Breakfast

British

Cafeterias

Coffee House

Dinner Theater

East Asia: Chinese, Japanese, Korean

Jewish

Exotic

Fine Dining

French

Fast Food

German

Greek

Hot Dog Joints

Hotel Dining

Italian

Mexican

Middle Eastern

Pizza
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria History. (1971—Present)

Polish

Seafood

Specialty

Soul Food

South Asian: India, Pakistan

Spanish

Steakhouse
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria History. (1971—Present)

Lou Malnati's Deep Dish Pizza



Lou and Jean Malnati founded Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Lincolnwood, IL, on March 17, 1971. The restaurant thrived despite a car crashing through the dining room wall on opening day.

Expansion followed, but the third location in Flossmoor faced logistical challenges (50 miles from Lincolnwood HQ), leading to temporary closure. Lou's son Marc joined Jean, and they overcame obstacles, upholding the family's tradition of excellence.
Lou Malnati's Pizza Slice.


The Malnatis have been dedicated to giving back and hosting annual charity events, including Lou Malnati's Cancer Research Benefit, which has raised over $3.5 million for cancer research. The family's legacy continues to inspire, and their beloved pizzerias remain a beacon of warmth and community.

In the 2000s, Lou Malnati expanded nationwide with its "Priority Pizza" mail-order venture, partnering with iconic Chicago brands. It opened new locations, including its first out-of-state pizzeria in Phoenix in 2016, followed by locations in Indiana and Wisconsin.

With over 3,500 employees, Lou Malnati's is recognized as one of the Chicago Tribune's Top 100 Places to Work and a National Top Workplace. They continue to grow, exploring new markets and providing opportunities for their team to succeed. The spirit of generosity lives on through events like the annual Cancer Research Benefit and Thanksgiving food basket drive.

What Makes Lou Malnati's Special?
Lou Malnati's success comes from its commitment to quality. Every Lou Malnati pizza is handmade from scratch using the finest and freshest ingredients. The Malnati team hand-selects California vine-ripened tomatoes in California yearly for the perfect sweet and tangy taste. The exclusive sausage blend is seasoned to our exact specifications. The fresh mozzarella cheese comes from the same small dairy that has supplied Lou Malnati's for over 40 years. And our family's secret recipe for flaky, buttery crust has been passed down from generation to generation. You'll know with every bite that each pizza was made with care and special attention.



On A Personal Note:
From my dining experiences with dozens of popular and famous Chicagoland Pizza Restaurants, I know that only a few finer Pizzerias have their own sausage recipes to use in their restaurant. Pequod's had a local old Italian man make their recipe. It is the best sausage, better than I've ever had at any other pizza joint. Hands-Down! Who can vouch for my statement?

Lou Malnati's Location Opening Dates: 
  1. March 17, 1971: Lincolnwood
  2. November 16, 1971: Elk Grove Village
  3. January 3, 1977: Flossmoor
  4. June 22, 1981: Wilmette
  5. February 1, 1982: Northbrook
  6. October 22, 1985: Schaumburg
  7. May 5, 1986: Chicago – River North
  8. March 1, 1989: Buffalo Grove
  9. September 15, 1992: Mount Prospect
  10. February 14, 1994: Naperville – Downtown
  11. April 12, 1995: Highland Park
  12. November 8, 1995: Chicago – Lawndale
  13. April 15, 1996: Park Ridge
  14. October 1, 1996: Libertyville
  15. June 2, 1997: Elmhurst
  16. May 4, 1998: Palatine
  17. November 24, 1998: Chicago – Lincoln Park
  18. March 5, 1999: Carol Stream
  19. January 22, 2001: Schaumburg – Barrington Road
  20. February 14, 2001: Naperville – South 95th
  21. November 14, 2001: Bloomingdale
  22. May 8, 2003: Evanston
  23. January 13, 2005: Grayslake/Gurnee
  24. June 27, 2005: Western Springs
  25. October 24, 2005: Geneva
  26. April 6, 2007: Lake Zurich
  27. August 29, 2007: Lakewood
  28. August 16, 2007: Chicago – Bucktown/Wicker Park
  29. March 5, 2008: Lake Forest
  30. 2008: Chicago – South Loop
  31. March 26, 2009: Tinley Park
  32. September 30, 2010: Bolingbrook
  33. July 4, 2011: Chicago – Gold Coast
  34. February 28, 2011: Downers Grove
  35. April 12, 2012: Joliet/Shorewood
  36. November 8, 2012: Oak Lawn
  37. June 20, 2013: Elgin
  38. February 10, 2014: Oak Park
  39. September 25, 2014: Palos Heights
  40. October 20, 2014: Chicago – West Loop
  41. May 4, 2015: Chicago – Lincoln Square/North Center
  42. February 17, 2015: Oswego
  43. June 6, 2015: Harwood Heights
  44. August 21, 2015: Buzz Bait Taqueria
  45. November 4, 2015: Cary
  46. February 15, 2016: New Lenox
  47. March 17, 2016: Chicago – Old Irving/Six Corners
  48. 2016: Phoenix, AZ
  49. December 2019: Fox Point, WI
  50. January 2021: Greenfield, WI
  51. August 2022: Brookfield, WI
  52. August 2022: Oak Creek, WI
By Lou Malnati's Pizza Restaurants
Edited by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D. 
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The Legendary Giordano's Restaurant and Pizzeria: A Taste of Chicago's History.





In 1974, a culinary tale unfolded in the heart of Chicago. Two brothers, Efren and Joseph Giordano, arrived from Turin, Italy, carrying precious cargo—their mother's cherished recipe for stuffed pizza. Little did they know that their family's traditional Italian pizza would soon become a staple of Chicago's culinary scene.

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Stuffed Pizza is a Chicago creation.

Mama Giordano's cooking was legendary in her small northern Italian village near Turin, and this recipe originates from there.


Giordano's Deep-Dish Pizza.


Mama Giordano's kitchen in Turin was legendary, and her double-crusted, cheese-filled pizza was its crown jewel. This dish delighted locals and travelers, spreading its fame far and wide. Now, on the bustling streets of Chicago's South Side, the Giordano brothers opened their pizzeria at 6253 South California, hoping to recreate the magic of their mother's creation.
 A Deep-Dish Pizza Slice.




The baking dough and melted cheese aroma filled the air, enticing curious passersby. Each pizza was a tribute to Mama Giordano's legacy, crafted with the finest ingredients and unwavering dedication. Soon, word of this extraordinary pizza spread throughout the city, and Giordano's became a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Mama Giordano's "Italian Easter Pie," a double-crusted, cheese-stuffed masterpiece from Turin, Italy.


Over time, Giordano's and Chicago became inseparable. Their pizza, with its signature double crust and a symphony of flavors, captured the hearts and palates of countless pizza aficionados. The original recipe remained sacrosanct, but the brothers embraced creativity, offering a tantalizing array of toppings to suit every taste. Giordano's became a playground for pizza lovers, from classic pepperoni and sausage to exotic combinations.

The Difference Between Pan Pizza and Deep-Dish Pizza
Many Chicagoland pizza joints add tomato sauce to their deep-dish or pan pizzas, but the way the restaurant layers the toppings does not matter. 

Pan Pizza is made with thick dough placed on the bottom and wall of a well-seasoned pan, while deep-dish pizza is made with thin to medium dough all around the bottom and wall of the pan. 
A Pan Pizza Slice.


Deep-Dish Pizza, if you like more bread, look for a Pan Pizza restaurant. Imagine the deep-dish pizza as a 'pie,' with a thinner dough on the bottom and sides.
An Average Looking Deep Dish Pizza Slice.


Today, Giordano's Pizzeria is a culinary institution with locations nationwide. The legacy of Efren and Joseph Giordano lives on, inspiring generations of pizza makers and delighting countless customers. Their story is a testament to the power of family, tradition, and the simple joy of a perfectly crafted pizza.

Giordano's has expanded to over 65 locations in eight states, and its commitment to quality and tradition has earned it a place in the hearts of foodies everywhere. From classic pepperoni and sausage to more adventurous options, there's something for everyone at Giordano's.

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All Deep Dish Pizzas

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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Saturday, May 25, 2024

The Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago. (1970-2013)

The Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.


John Athans started the place in the early 1970s, and his son Tony Athans helped, but John retired and closed the restaurant after 43 years. 

Athan's father, John, remembers the day he and his wife opened the restaurant when an ice cream soda cost 15¢ and an order of ham and eggs cost 35¢. John Athans immigrated to the U.S. from Greece in 1952.

He worked for a lunch counter at a local pharmacy for a few years until he saved up enough money to open his own restaurant on Lincoln Avenue. The inspiration for the name "Lincoln" came from its location. 

In 1970, he and his staff moved into the 250-seat restaurant they operated.

John Athans and his wife, Loula, tried to split the work equally. He managed the kitchen. She was responsible for the restaurant's front end and customer service. Their four sons would bus tables and serve customers.

Loula Athans was the life of the restaurant. Tony said she actively tried getting to know employees and customers, sometimes inviting people to her house for Christmas or Thanksgiving meals.

"It's a lot of hard work, and the rewards are not the same as in the old days." Tony Athans

Tony Athans graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1985 and, after working for a few other restaurants, decided to return home and help his parents run the Lincoln.

He revamped the menu using his newly acquired professional training. He made the Civil War theme more prominent, adding dishes like the Honest Abe burger and the Robert E. Lee omelet to the menu. More Lincoln memorabilia accumulated on the restaurant's walls.
Customers started joking about getting the John Wilkes Booth or asking to sit near the "Penny Wall," dotted with about 7,500 pennies, as another salute to Lincoln.

Although the Lincoln Restaurant has retained its charm over the years, customers' changing dining preferences and increasing competition from larger restaurant chains have made it harder for the small family-run business to operate, Tony Athans said. Fewer people come in on weekdays now, whereas before, the restaurant was busy throughout the week.




 The Robert E. Lee Omelet.

In recent years, the diner's challenges have included a foreclosure case regarding the building. Tony declined to comment about the litigation in detail but said the time was right to close the restaurant.
John Athans with customers.


Loula Athans died in July 2011 after battling pancreatic cancer, and things haven't been the same since. "There's a void. ... You're here at work; you put in the hours, but something is missing," Tony said.

He also wanted his 82-year-old father to enjoy his later years without worrying about the restaurant.

Since the Athans officially announced the closing of the Lincoln Restaurant, there has been an outpouring of support from the community. "When we first announced it, I thought people might stay away. It's been the exact opposite," Tony Athans said.

Sheila Sachs has eaten at the restaurant for about 30 years. Since 2001, Sachs and her friends have hosted an annual breakfast at the restaurant to commemorate President Lincoln's birthday. She's trying to get the group together to celebrate Lincoln's birthday several weeks early. It's their way of saying goodbye to the restaurant. "It's the Lincoln on Lincoln in the Land of Lincoln. You can't do it anywhere else," Sachs said.

"The Lincoln is like a second family," Tony said, looking around the restaurant. It's almost like a family member has passed. Now, you can no longer see the regular customers who come in simultaneously; many people eat the same thing. It's going to be tough."
The Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.
The Lincoln Restaurant closed on December 30, 2013, after a 43-year run.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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Monday, May 20, 2024

C.D. Peacock, Chicago. Fine Jewelry & Watches — 1837─Present

Elijah Peacock was an English immigrant who, along with his wife, Rebecca Haylock, moved to Chicago in February 1837. Shortly after arriving, he opened the "House of Peacock" at 155½ Lake Street, a fine jewelry and watch shop. It was the first registered business in Illinois and is recognized as the oldest existing retailer in Chicago.

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The Panic of 1837: The Panic sparked a nationwide depression in March 1837,  lasting into the mid-1840s, but it couldn’t stop the House of Peacock’s success or Chicago’s growth. This would be the first of many hardships that the House of Peacock and Chicago found themselves in and would overcome together. Families migrated west as the East Coast felt the depression especially hard. 
 
What a Brillant Marking Piece for Chicago & Illinois !!! 

The Town of Chicago (inc. August 12, 1833) was granted a charter, becoming the City of Chicago, on March 4, 1837. C.D. Peacock is older than Chicago and is the oldest continuously operating business in (2024) Chicago. It predates the city's official incorporation on March 4, 1837, and has witnessed Chicago's transformation from a frontier outpost to a bustling city.
Charles Daniel Peacock (C. D. Peacock)
C.D. Peacock lived at 1713 W. Indiana Avenue, which is now in the 38 hundred block of West Indiana Avenue.

By 1843, Chicago was rich in transportation and fertile ground. The city was a hub for business, and Elijah Peacock was one of six jewelers. As Chicago grew in size and numbers, so did Peacock's. 

In 1843, the House of Peacock moved around the corner to 195 Lake Street and Wells.

People were drawn to the city with each transportation upgrade, especially the addition of the Indiana and Michigan Canal and the thousands of miles of railways connecting Chicago to the rest of the country. 

In fact, legend has it that Elijah was an early investor in the canal, making the business boom possible. A few years after he opened shop, Elijah acquired prime land in that area from a gambler who "paid" his debts with a deed to the land, which was only thought to be worth very little at the time. Eventually, the value of land close to the canal skyrocketed, and Elijah sold it to fund the canal, paving the way for the store's and Chicago's growth.

Once again, the economic landscape shifted. In 1849, the House of Peacock moved to 199 Randolph Street. Then again in 1854, to 205 Randolph Street.

The House of Peacock specialized in selling and repairing watches and carried a small jewelry line. Elijah passed on his trade to his son, Charles, who eventually took over the business when his father retired after the Chicago Fire in 1871. 

After the fire, the House of Peacock quickly reopened for business. In 1873, Peacock moved to 98 State Street at the corner of Monroe Street. The next move was to 86 West Madison Street.

Under Charles' management, the firm changed its name to C.D. Peacock and expanded its offerings and locations, opening at 118-120 S. State Street at Adams Street.






While Elijah Peacock primarily focused on selling and repairing watches, evidence suggests he also introduced some jewelry items to his customers. Historical accounts mention that he brought "deluxe jeweled necklaces" for the elite women of Chicago and sold fine silver dining sets.

In 1889, Elijah's son, Charles Daniel (C.D.), took control of the business and changed The House of Peacock to the name and luxury brand we now know as C.D. Peacock. He had been very involved in the industry since he was a young boy, having grown up around the best jewelers and watchmakers.

However, it's unclear whether Elijah designed these items or simply curated them for his store. His son, Charles Daniel Peacock, expanded the jewelry selection significantly, and the company became known for its exquisite jewelry collections.

It's safe to say that Elijah Peacock played a crucial role in introducing fine jewelry and Swiss-made watches to the Chicago market, even if he wasn't necessarily the designer behind the pieces. He laid the foundation for C.D. Peacock's later success as a prominent jewelry retailer.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

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Saturday, May 18, 2024

Nightlife and Entertainment Clubs in Mid-20th Century Chicago.

Chicago nightlife proliferated in the wake of the 1871 Chicago Fire and again in conjunction with the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. During this period, the ragtime dance craze attracted exposition patrons to the entertainment area on the Near South Side. This infamous district, known as the Levee, was shut down in 1914 during Mayor Harrison's reform administration, and nightlife establishments moved out into other areas of the city. Since the early decades of the twentieth century, nightclubs have been concentrated in three areas: the Loop (on Randolph Street), the Near North Side (Rush Street), and the South Side (State Street and Garfield Boulevard).

In the 1920s and 1930s, Hotels used nightclubs catering to a general audience, featuring dancing to big bands, floor shows, and live radio broadcasts, like at the Camellia House Restaurant in the Drake Hotel. 
The Camellia House





These included the Stevens Hotel's Boulevard Room, the Palmer House Hotel's Empire Room, and the Sherman Hotel's College Inn–Panther Room. Freestanding nightclubs such as Friar's Inn (343 South Wabash), Don Roth's Blackhawk Restaurant (139 North Wabash), and Chez Paree (610 Fairbanks Court) were also located in or near the Loop.
Don Roth's Blackhawk Restaurant, Injunbar, and Wine Library.



Located at State Street near Garfield Boulevard on the South Side, the Club DeLisa was the largest and most important nightclub in the African American community from the 1930s through the 1950s. At the Club DeLisa, Chicagoans could hear performers such as Count Basie and Joe Williams.

Opening in 1907 on the far North Side, the Green Mill (4802 Broadway) remains Chicago's longest continuously operating nightclub. Performers such as singer/comedian Joe E. Lewis and vocalists Ruth Etting, Billie Holiday, and Anita O'Day appeared there in the early stages of their careers. A hang-out for Al Capone and mobsters. Rumors claim underground tunnels were used to sneak in and out of the club.

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Al Capone, a big fan of jazz music, gave many now-famous jazz musicians their start in Chicago. He also helped to promote and support Negro jazz musicians in Chicago. Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Jelly Roll Morton, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, King Oliver and his Creole Jazz Band, and Nat King Cole all came of age in clubs owned, partnered, or controlled by Al Capone.

One of the most exotic and colorful suburban nightclubs was the Villa Venice, 2855 Milwaukee Road, Wheeling, Illinois.




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Sam Giancana, the notorious Chicago Outfit boss from 1957 to 1966, was deeply involved in the Villa Venice, a lavish supper club located in Wheeling, Illinois. Although he officially used the alias "Mr. Flood," it was widely known that the establishment was under his control. The Villa Venice, which opened in 1962, served as a front for illegal gambling operations, generating substantial profits for Giancana and the Outfit. However, it was also a popular entertainment venue, hosting renowned performers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., collectively known as the "The Rat Pack" from left to right: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra from an appearance at the Villa Venice in Wheeling, Illinois, owned by Sam Giancana, boss of the Chicago Outfit.

"The Rat Pack" from left to right: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Frank Sinatra appearing at the Villa Venice.


The mobster and gambler clientele favored Parisian-style (casual chic) reviews with nude chorus lines. Giancana supported appearances by jazz artists such as Eddie South and Milt Hinton.

In the western suburb of Lyons, Mangam's Chateau (7850 Ogden Avenue) offered popular entertainment, including outdoor dancing and a dinner package.
Mangam's Chateau Restaurant, Lyons, ILL.


In the southwest suburb of Evergreen Park, the Martinique (2500 West 95th Street) was a popular restaurant and floor show venue for the far South Side.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
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Three Arts Club was formed to be a social center and a "safe and congenial" home for women studying arts in Chicago.

Nestled in Chicago's historic Gold Coast neighborhood, the Three Arts Club is a testament to the city's vibrant cultural heritage and commitment to fostering artistic talent. Founded in 1912, the Three Arts Club was established as a haven for young women pursuing careers in the "three arts" of music, drama, and painting.
1300 North Dearborn Street: In 1915, the club moved to a new, larger building at this address. The building, designed by architects Holabird & Roche, could house up to 92 women. This remained the Three Arts Club's location until it closed in 2004. Today, the building at 1300 North Dearborn Street is owned by Restoration Hardware Chicago and houses an art gallery and the Three Arts Café.


The first Three Arts Club residence at 1614 North LaSalle Street had a restaurant and rooms to house sixteen women. In 1914, the club commissioned its building, designed by architects Holabird & Roche. The new three-story building opened in 1915 at 1300 N. Dearborn Street, at the intersection of Goethe and Dearborn, with 92 residence rooms. It was designated a Chicago Landmark on June 10, 1981.

Over 13,000 women stayed in the club throughout its history.

The Chicago chapter, modeled after the Three Arts Club of New York, aimed to provide aspiring female artists with affordable, safe housing, collaborative spaces, and a supportive network of mentors and peers. The club's founders recognized the unique challenges faced by women in the early 20th century, particularly those seeking to break into male-dominated creative fields. The Three Arts Club empowered countless women to pursue their artistic dreams by offering a safe and nurturing environment.

The club's elegant Renaissance Revival building, designed by architect Holabird & Roche, featured dormitory-style rooms, a spacious dining hall, a library, and various studios for artistic practice. Over the years, the Three Arts Club became a bustling hub of creativity, hosting recitals, exhibitions, and theatrical performances. It also served as a social center where members could gather for lectures, workshops, and other cultural events.

Three Arts Club continuously provided residential space for women artists until 2004, when the last residents moved out. In 2007, the building was sold to developers, and the net proceeds were invested in an operating fund to seed and grow a new nonprofit, 3Arts.

Throughout its history, the Three Arts Club has welcomed diverse, talented women, including musicians, dancers, actors, painters, sculptors, and writers. Notable residents included Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lorraine Hansberry, renowned dancer Ruth Page, and acclaimed actress Geraldine Page. The club's impact extended beyond its walls as alumnae succeeded in various artistic disciplines, contributing to Chicago's rich cultural landscape and inspiring female artists.

In the late 20th century, the Three Arts Club faced financial difficulties and dwindling membership. It ceased operations as a residential club in 2004, but its legacy lived on through a new nonprofit organization, 3Arts, which continues to support women artists in Chicago.

In 2007, the Three Arts Club building was sold to developers, and in 2015, Restoration Hardware transformed it into a luxury retail store and restaurant. While the building's original purpose has shifted, its architectural grandeur and historical significance remain. Today, the Three Arts Club stands as a reminder of Chicago's vibrant artistic heritage and its unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and empowering women.

The Three Arts Club of Chicago, as a residential club and organization supporting women artists, no longer exists. 3Arts is a newer nonprofit organization that supports artists working in the Chicago metropolitan area's performing, teaching, and visual arts. https://www.3arts.org/

3AP (3Arts Projects) is a unique crowdfunding platform with a built-in match that helps Chicago artists finance new creative work. Currently, they have  200 Projects, $1,228,253 raised, and $301,378 matched.

Today, Restoration Hardware Chicago owns the Three Arts Club building, which has an art gallery and restaurant (3 Arts Club Café) at 1300 N. Dearborn Street. The original dormitory floor boundary lines, dining hall, and kitchen remain.

The Former Three Arts Club Building sold for $44.7 million on October 28, 2021. The Gold Coast landmark houses Restoration Hardware and its 3 Arts Club Cafe, which will remain there under a long-term lease. Chicago trader Don Wilson's real estate company has sold the historic Gold Coast building that houses Restoration Hardware and its 3 Arts Club Cafe.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale. Ph.D.
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