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Name: Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap
Address: 1073 W Vernon Park Pl, Chicago, IL, 60607
Telephone: (312) 733-3393
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.79

Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap

1073 W Vernon Park Pl, Chicago, IL, 60607

(312) 733-3393
Store is closed

Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap Menu

Appetizers

Bruschetta

Fried Calamari

Mussels - Red Or White

Mussels - Sausage & Peppers

Soup
Salads

Tufano Special

Antipasto

House Salad

Tomato Mozzarella

Tomato & Onion
Pasta

Spaghetti

Shells

Rigatoni

Mostaccioli

Angel Hair

Stuffed Shells

Cheese Tortellini

Cavatelli

Cheese Ravioli

Spinach Ravioli

Meat Ravioli

Rigatoni W/ Mushrooms
Meats

Tufanos Lemon Chicken

Chicken Marsala

Chicken Limone

Chicken Vesuvio

Chicken Picante

Chicken Parmigiana

Pork Chops Peppers Potatoes & Peas

Veal Parmigiana

Veal Marsala

Veal Limone

Veal Vesuvio

Veal Picante
Pasta Specials

Spaghetti Oil & Garlic

Shells & Broccoli

Fettucini Alfredo

Cheese Tortellini Alfredo

Linguini

Mussels

Linguini

Shells Broccoli & Shrimp

Pasta

D & D Special
Additional

Vodka Sauce

Mushroom Gravy

Meatball

Sausage

Healthy Meal suggestions for Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap

Appetizers

Bruschetta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels - Red Or White [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels - Sausage & Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Tufano Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Antipasto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tomato Mozzarella [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tomato & Onion [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta

Spaghetti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shells [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rigatoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mostaccioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Angel Hair [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stuffed Shells [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Tortellini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cavatelli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat Ravioli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rigatoni W/ Mushrooms [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Meats

Tufanos Lemon Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Picante [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Chops Peppers Potatoes & Peas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Marsala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Limone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Vesuvio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Veal Picante [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pasta Specials

Spaghetti Oil & Garlic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shells & Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fettucini Alfredo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Tortellini Alfredo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Linguini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shells Broccoli & Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pasta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

D & D Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Additional

Vodka Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mushroom Gravy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meatball [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sausage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Mark N.

So we start with calamari,It was great,then for entrÃ©e We ordered the "joes" chicken,and clams linguini in white sauce. Linguini was good but nothing special, and "joes chicken"? Men I can cook that myself! Service was great,ambiance was good and valet parking only for $5 which is not bad at all.Downside was cash n check only.
(3)
Brian M.

Oh, so good!! Enjoyed a fantastic lunch with the Bishop, today. Started with one Tufano's Special Salad. Was more than enough for two. Filled with enough salami & cheese to make a sandwich with the D'Amato's bread. My friend ordered the Veal Parmigiana. It was done to perfection. A thick slab of veal, breaded and drowning in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. I had the Lemon Chicken. 8 Pieces of baked then broiled, chicken swimming in olive oil, crushed garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Loved It!!l
(5)
Joseph M.

I have been coming her my whole life. It is my favorite restaurant in the city; it just reminds me of my childhood. It is cash only, so be prepared. As for apps, you gotta try the Calamari and the Tufano's Salad. They are classics. The lemon chicken is legendary and worth eating with your hands on your first date good. The eggplant parm is tender just like grandma used to make; I would recommend getting a side of pasta with it.
(5)
Andrew D.

Meh, this place was just ok. I appreciate the charm. There is no sign for this place and it is pretty difficult to locate. Definitely trying to be a "local gem." However, the food wasn't all that great; just ok. The sausage and peppers were awesome as our appetizer, but my entree, the linguini and clams with white sauce, was too salty. I'm aware clams are salty by nature, but this was a bit overwhelming. I had to order extra Peroni beer to help me deal with it. Further, the service leaves you with something to be desired. They make you pay $5 for valet parking, or else you'll get a $70 parking ticket in the neighborhood's permited streets. Our server was absent throughout most of our meal. When I asked for a menu, she rolled her eyes and told me to look at the chalkboard. I didn't bring my glasses, so it was a pain in the ass for me to read across the room. Once we had ordered, getting the waitress's attention for more beer, extra olive oil, and the bill was nearly impossible. When we stood up and waved to get her attention, surprise surprise: another eye roll! Sorry I'm making you do your job... The place shuts down at 10:30 p.m. Yelp says 11 p.m. They might want to update their Yelp listing, because we began being shooed out and had no clue as to why. Lots of people often consult Yelp for these sorts of matters... I will most likely not return, as there are plenty of better Italian options in the enormous city of Chicago.
(2)
Aaron Jae M.

I stopped in to get the Tufano special salad for carry out so I could eat it in class. For $5 you can't get a better salad. It is huge and packed full of artichoke hearts, grilled red peppers, salami, lettuce, and more. I generally don't feel very full if I eat a salad as my main meal unless it has a lot of meat in it but this salad did the trick. It is not a vegetarian salad since they throw a few cold cuts at the bottom but I'm sure you can order it without them and it would definitely still be filling.
(4)
Mik A.

Great family style Italian. Came on vacation and was recommended by a local Highly recommend.
(5)
Amy H.

I never knew this place was so close to UIC! Being a student there we decided to go as a group to see what's it about. The menu is a chalkboard and a bit pricey for my taste. I just opted for the lemon chicken while my friends got some pasta dish. The lemon chicken was delicious! I think it was a half chicken, which was more than enough for me. The lemons were all around and I could add them to my chicken for my liking. The chicken was tender and I liked the potatoes that came on the side as well. Overall, I would go back just for that dish -- as the pasta my friends got didn't look too appealing.
(3)
Linda G.

What a great place. A neighborhood joint with great Italian food. Regulars hang in the bar and they should. It's their neighborhood. Great Lemon Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan. Great simple Italian Salad instead of kale and baby greens. Let's hope restaurants like this hang around. Too many phony places in the West Loop.
(5)
Lisa C.

Been eating here over 45 years. Food is great, plain and simple. Homemade Italian at it's best. No frills, just a nice family owned business and great food.
(5)
Gail W.

Perfect fried calamari, crisp generously sized house salad, excellent service, good wine selection, efficient valet service, sawdust roasted lemon chicken. So overall, pretty good, but as I told our attentive and helpful waitress, I would not serve this bone dry tough bird to guests in my home. She did offer a substitute, but I couldn't come up with anything I wanted more. Think my disappointment was magnified because I had roasted lemon chicken just a week ago at Greek Islands on Halsted. Juices pouring out of each piece. Flavor in every bite. A real delight and a tough act to follow. Realistically, every restaurant has an occasional kitchen misstep, so having said that, I'll be back anyway.
(4)
Viktor B.

1. Parking There is plenty of parking but it's permit only or valet only . I had to park couple blocks away . 2. Interior Looks like old fashion place nothing special about it . Really loud inside . 3.the menu They don't give the menu it's only written on the board . Really hard to read . Especially in a not really bright room . So ordered something that I could read on a board . Really don't understand why they can't print the menu . Stupid . 4. Food and service It took a long time to wait for food and waitress to write down out order. When they brought my and my girlfriends food first thing flashes across my mind . I can make it at home ( I don't cook ). Pasta from the box , tomato sauce from the can and see food from the can. Their customers should PM me I can supply them with this stuff for half of the price lol . 5.Payment Don't accept credit cards . They don't have a sign anywhere . I tried to be really honest writing this review . And I will not come back .
(1)
Sean B.

Tufano's is awesome! I've been a million times and I appreciate it more and more every time. It's a family owned business hidden near UIC/Little Italy. If you're not paying attention, you'll drive right past it. The servers are very endearing and energetic. Most people know it for the lemon chicken, which is alright, but the best thing to get is the linguine and clams with the red sauce. The ambiance is very charming, especially on warm nights when you can sit out by the fountain. They don't accept anything but cash, but there is an ATM right inside. Additionally, the antipasto salad is fantastic! I'd recommend this place to anyone. It's also a bargain compared to many similar places in Chicago.
(5)
Donna H.

Tufano's is a lovely old school gem. The menu is pure Chicago Italian. The Tufano salad is delish. If you are expecting white tablecloths, this is not for you. Excellent pasta and chicken dishes. The lemon chicken is yummy bruschetta is tasty. Shrimp in garlic and oil was a crowd pleaser.. Definately be back. I must try the eggplant parm. Oh, and it's cash only.
(5)
Ro W.

I don't understand the high praise for this place. Food was incredibly mediocre. I ordered the grilled calamari and it came out rubbery with zero flavor (not to mention there was a piece of plastic that had been mixed in the dish). That being said, my family and I sat across from a table of 5 people. One of the people had a neck tattoo of a hebrew word. Us being a bunch of jews, immediately zoned in on the tat to see what it said. We were all totally shocked because it looked like the word for prostitute. Maybe 30 minutes later when the woman stood up, my mom tapped her shoulder and asked what her tattoo meant (thinking there was no way in hell a girl would have 'prostitute' branded on her neck). The girl responded that it meant audacious. We all went 'ohhhhhh' and told her that for a second one of the letters made it look like the word 'prostitute.' Her husband was laughing saying "uh oh did I marry a prostitute" and the rest of her table was joking. We paid and left the restaurant only to return 20 minutes later after I realized I forgot my purse. Our waitress, comes outside and starts yelling at us. "WHAT YOU DID WAS UNFORGIVABLE TO THAT GIRL..SHAME ON YOU, YOU AND YOU...SHE WAS AN OUT OF TOWNER..YOU SHOULD HE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!! ASHAMED!!" We were all taken a back as the waitress is yelling at us. Long story short: if you want overpriced crappy food and wait staff with sh*ty attitudes..come here.
(1)
Maureen B.

Have enjoyed in the past, but most recent visit just okay. Two in our group ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and both agreed it tasted like watery noodles. My 16 yo son thought the Italian sausage he ordered tasted "funny" so I took a bite...of sawdust. Yuck!! My cavatelli with vodka sauce & a meatball were great! But remember extra charge for vodka sauce ($3.50) and extra charge for meatball ($3.50). My $12 pasta dish is suddenly 20 bux!! Service was lacking for a Sunday late afternoon meal with only 2 tables taken al fresco; Ceara seemed grumpy and put out by our requests ("More water please" & "Can I get a box for that?"), as well as missing throughout most of our meal. We've been here a few times and knew it was $$$ only, but after a busy, fun day it totally slipped our minds. As Ceara hands us the check, she smirks and says "Cash only" and saunters away. We scrambled and between us had the $100+ to cover dinner, but a gentle reminder, as we sat down, would have been appreciated. I really like the place, so I'll be back for more...but one more visit with lackluster service and food and I'll go to one of the many, many other quality Italian restaurants Chicago has to offer.
(3)
Rust C.

In philosophical terms, I have been called a pessimist. I feel like self realization is one of the greatest missteps in the process of human evolution. Believing that humans are anything more than collections of matter on a floating orb is an insult to Biology. This was my thought process prior to visiting Tufano's. The friendly wait staff was very accommodating and helpful to a first timer. My server suggested the Lemon Chicken, i obliged and was tremendously happy I did. The chicken was juicy and the seasoning was complex. The portions were large enough to warrant a take home container - lunch the following day was a reward in itself. The server noticed that I was lost in thought after I had finished my meal (what is Carcosa?) so she gave me some time to myself before giving my check. I will certainly be back on my next trip through the Midwest.
(5)
Choncho R.

The best waitresses ever esp The OLD ones. Younguns are good too. Terese the bartender is a pleasure
(5)
Victoria Y.

Waitress was awesome-food was spectacular....eggplant parm was perfect. We went in with 5 adults 6 kids, found us a table with plenty of room and relaxes atmosphere. Calamari app is a must! Great prices for food & wine. The $5 valet was well worth it-no place to park just made it so much easier.
(5)
Paul T.

Came by with three friends after the Bears game, about 4:00 or so. Seated quickly, service all was fine. Fried calamari was good, and a huge portion. House salad for two was a good suggestion from server as it was plenty for four people. Chicken parmigian was good but not great. Energy in this old-school place was just fine. Two suggestions. Menu on wall on chalkboard seriously inconvenient. Having to walk over to it to try to figure out what to eat is not charming. Better notification of the cash only policy is also needed. Hadn't been there in years and had completely forgotten about that.
(3)
Teresa F.

This place is horrible. The waitress barley came by the table and even forgot to bring our beers we ordered with dinner. When it came time to pay she told us just to pay up front... the thing is there is no up front. My fiance and I wandered around until someone noticed the check in our hand. He went to hand her his card and she said they don't take any cards, cash only. No one told us this, nor is it written anywhere. Maybe it would have been written on the menu if only they had one. You have to look at this horribly written chalk board to see what you can order. The food was sub par for a little Italian place with high prices. You think you'd get home cooked quality food but that's not the case. My fettuccini Alfredo was little more than spaghetti with a ton of laughing cow cheese all over it. My fiance ordered the chicken parm and him being a 100% italian could barley stomach it. The sauce was from a jar and the noodles were gross The chicken tasted like frozen breaded chicken from costco. It was bad... just bad. Not to mention we both feel ill as I'm writing this. Stay away! It's for yuppie idiots who don't know what good italian cooking is. I would have settled for okay, but this place is ridiculously bad. If you want great italian food, stay home and make it yourself. It's not that hard to make. Even if you're a terrible cook you'll do a hell of a lot better than this place. I know it's convenient because it is near the U.I.C. Pavillion but just don't give it a second look.
(1)
Steven U.

It was a cold night in Chitown. Chicago Bears were playing. Wandered into this restaurant. Ordered a bunch of food (veal picante, tufano's lemon chicken, sausage and peppers, tortellini alfredo, and meat ravioli) and shared family style. Food was decent. The staff was great to speak with. Learned about the history of the area/restaurant. This is what I had in my mind as a Chicago restaurant (coming from LA).
(4)
Carmen V.

Let me be honest. I grew up coming to this place. Before Hawks or Bulls games at the UC my dad and I loved this little hole in the wall. Just good home made Italian food. I took my boyfriend there this past Sunday after a long absence, excited to show him the joint but was so very disappointed. He ordered the fettuccine alfredo with chicken. It was horrible. The sauce had no taste and the pasta was way overcooked. Not saying I'm the best chef or anything but I know my way around the kitchen and especially around Italian food. But fine it was one dish, we told our server, they took it off the bill and remedied the situation. He happily finished my linguini with clams which tasted pretty good. Until later that night. It's been two days after the night we went and I have yet to eat anything other than crackers and ginger ale. He has the same issues. Sad to say we probably won't be going back.
(1)
Jackson H.

Best 'Old Chicago' Italian joint you will find in this town with unbeatable prices. Lovely staff who treat me and my guests like royalty every visit. Meatballs are a must try for the first timer. Five stars all day!!
(5)
Stephanie K.

This place is a block and a half from where I live and for some reason I lived here for a year and a half without ever going! It's the neighborhood bar I've been looking for, so you will for sure see me at the bar chatting up one of the awesome bartenders. Haven't tried the food yet, but plan to soon!
(5)
Laura M.

Tufano's is the best I love their food, they make you feel like your at home, my family and friends love it too.
(5)
Katrina B.

Nice low key, family style, great food. Have visited many times. However, they don't have a grip on parking. So frustrating. The street is zoned, but they offer "valet parking", but these guys don't know what they are doing..Cars triple parked down the street, dangerous getting in and out of your car.. Road rage for drivers going either way, trying to get through. Puts a damper on an otherwise nice time.
(1)
Harvey R.

Went as an out of town guest for graduation party to this Zagat Rated institution. The veal limon and eggplant parm were fantastic. The groups' fish and pasta dishes were also enjoyed by all. The atmosphere big city which I like. The only negatives were the antipasto salad (dressing) and cannoli (filling) which did not taste like homemade.
(4)
Angela R.

The kind of place that makes Chicago, Chicago! Authentic, unpretentious staff and food!
(5)
Pamela K.

Hidden in Little Italy, Tufano's is truly a neighborhood favorite. My friends have raved about Tufano's since well, can't even recall. But for a long time. So needless to say, I was excited to finally make it to this "diners, drive-in, and dives", local go-to. It's definitely a Cheers place where truly the regulars are practically family, including my friends. We started with the Tufano's salad which was yummy - what wasn't in this meal of salads. Then, on to calamari. And then my meatball. Well, I tried to get the shells and broccoli but that didn't work out this time. The meatball was filling enough after the rest we had. With its chalkboard menu hangin in the main dining room, basic italian staples, and overall family atmo, I can see how T's can become anyone's regular. I will just have to go back for second and thirds according to my friends, who admit that my experience at T's was atypical. The shells/broccoli is apparently to die for and lemon chicken is the male fav. So, I look forward to going back. Larry B, famous Celtic, stopped by T's a few weeks ago so says the owner so... think you gotta check out what the hubub is about here at T's.
(3)
Lochin S.

just ok. I am judging on overal experience. crowded noisey, hard chair, quick dining kind of place. menu all on the board, lots of chicken and veal. I brought a bottle of wine (corkage $12), it was literally dumped, sloshhing into our tumblers. i was kind of shocked, they would treat my Barolo that way. but thats fine, its that kind of place. would have tasted better in stemware, but we are going with the flow.... salad was mostly iceberg, dressing tasted like wishbone italian. I got ravioli. it was just ok. I really wanted some kind of meat sauce.They have no meat sause. but they do have a meatball. service was fine, no complains, but not my first pick for italian. too many other places to dine. Valet and cash only-
(3)
addy t.

We liked the food here, we liked the cute menu on the wall, we even thought it was comically sassy that our "too-good-to-be-your-waitress" waitress didn't bother telling us about the menu situation until we both looked at each other like idiots wondering what we were suppose to order from. Why come here? The food here is sound authentic italian. I had the always fool proof muscles, red sauce and angle hair(undercook muscles please) The Kangaroo order some chicken with potatoes dish which was equally good. Why not come back? Well bad service for one is not tolerable unless paired with praise worthy food for obscenely cheap prices. The food here is not praise worthy, and the prices are average. Our waitress behaved like we were beggars who didn't deserve her undivided attention. Each time we asked a question about the menu, her responses varied from looks of : you must be idiots, to, god do you really need to know whats in that dish'. We still tipped her well at the end, but that itself was a hassle. Read below This place is cash only Which I don't have a problem with other then there was no sign to state that anywhere, if there was I didn't see it on our visits. The ATM machine is a true insult. Let me get this straight, as a business, you want me to pay extra for the ability to pay you? I'm from LA, cash preferred signs are everywhere, and usually if you pay cash the establishment gives you a break on taxes. Not the case here. You don't want to pay taxes, but the customers have to? No thanks. Last but not least, old timers litter the front entrance and bar area of this place which to me ads to the charm. But it was a rainy night and since we had to valet our car, we tipped the guy $10 to pull the car up. He took the money and continued chatting up his buddy leaving us to stand in the rain till he finished his conversation, only to pull the car out of the lot and leave it parked in the middle of the street, came over and handed us the key. Bottom line, we haven't been back since and won't be back again, nor will either one of us be recommending anyone we know here.
(1)
Tracey H.

I do not get these reviews. At all. This place is not good. Our server was good, and I liked the ice cream...that is about it. Cute ambiance doesn't make up for this food, and it wasn't even that cute. The food is horribly mediocre. I am a sucker for old school places, even when the food is not that great, but this doesn't even come close to a place I could tolerate going to again because the foods was just so sub-par. Their sausage was good, ill give them that. Everything else was just meeeh. If you are food person (yes, all people are "food people," but you catch my drift) then skip it.
(2)
Susan S.

I had occasion to be in the city waiting for the Bills game to end. Decided to go to dinner at Vernon Park Tap. I had heard about it from a couple of sources. Maybe this is one of those places where you really shouldn't have dinner alone. While the good was pretty good, I could easily get the same or better in the burbs for about 30% less. The chicken picante was tender and moist, but somewhat bland. The calamari were tender and well cooked but I found the sauce a little too sweet. For $31.00 not including top, this should have been better.
(3)
c g.

Love it. They pour a good drink. Salads are really fresh. Pasta sauce is Amongst the best.
(4)
Kate T.

This place is mediocre. It caters to it's crowd of easily wowed south siders. If you're a foodie and looking for a good bowl of pasta, avoid this place AND Taylor street in general. Go to Pasta Palazzo instead.
(2)
Mrs. John H.

Great food, Great people and Great location! A warm, inviting and friendly location for a fabulous Italian dinner. We were promptly greeted by the valet and were warmly greeted by the staff of Tufano's upon entering. We were seated quickly despite it being a "Hawks" home game night. The serving staff was prompt, helpful and friendly. We loved the chalkboard menu but advise to ask the servers about the evening specials as they are always fabulous. You must try the chicken soup!!!!! We even took some home with us! Tufano's is quality food at an extremely reasonable price. It is dining with a neighborhood feel and very inviting. Food is delicious and prompt if you have somewhere to be following your meal. Most impressive was the gratitude we felt by the staff for stopping in and the courtesy of the Valet greeting us on our way out to get our car. Even the Valet hoped we enjoyed our meal and visit. Tufano's is wonderful and we highly recommend it! Eileen H.
(5)
Regina W.

The food was on point but the only thing that made my experience less than 5 stars was being greeted by a rude bartender. As there was no sign about seating and there was no host up front, we asked if we seat ourselves. He responded rudely with a, "No. you need patience, and need to wait to be seated." He continued to ignore our group of 7 while we waited awkwardly next to the bar before another waiter noticed us. Because that was our first impression of the place, it was less than enjoyable at first, but the food was delicious and our actual server, Nancy, was a sweetheart.
(3)
Natasha E.

We had the tufano's salad, calamari, stuffed shells and cheese raviolis with vodka sauce. Everything was amazing. A really cute neighborhood place that's been in Chicago for 70 years. Very friendly staff. We had a great time.
(5)
Bradley B.

Guy Fieri's endorsement aside, the lemon chicken is great. Unpretentious and a friendly staff. (Just know that you'll be ordering from a chalkboard.)
(4)
Steve K.

The greatest Italian restaurant in Chicago The lemon chicken the angel hair pasta with shrimp The final salad you can't go wrong you won't be disappointed the staff is amazing they make you feel at home and Joey is awesome
(5)
Lucy C.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of Italian food so the fact that I never object to going to Tufano's says quite a bit. The entire environment is super adorable (menus written on chalkboards and Christmas lights-- awesome) and the staff is great. Parking is a little tricky; you need a permit to park on the street so take advantage of their valet. And omg the tiramisu. Let's be honest. Eating dinner is just an excuse to shamelessly inhale dessert. Cash only.
(3)
Tasha H.

Absolutely fantastic service! All of the servers were extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. a friend took us here for dinner in this little Italy restaurant. This is some of the best service I have had! They checked frequently, cleared the table and brought the next dishes. THEY TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY! The sauce on the dishes omg, yum! chianti (sp) wine was great. Two bottles later. Full and satisfied. They had the space for large parties as well as for a few. It is a loud restaurant. But you cant go wrong. Its a must try! **Friday night clams**
(5)
Sam N.

i had never been here before my visit last week.and I did not know they had such classy joints near UIC :) I came here with friends and we had a nice meal. everything is good or why else would jack nicholson come here when heis not in LA ?
(5)
John S.

Been eating at Tufano's since I was a student at UIC. The food here is great classic Italian. The large chalk boards on the wall serve as a menu so if you don't have good vision this may be a issue. The waitresses here are always very friendly and you can tell the food is homemade. This place also gets crowded before major sporting events so plan accordingly. They also don't take credit cards but have a atm. Over all great food and good prices make Tufano's a great spot!!
(4)
Ben B.

As you roll up to Tufano's you're immediately in love. It's in a quiet neighborhood, tucked away among homes. Christmas lights surround the awnings. Once you enter, you walk through a bar where several (ahem) regulars are re-enacting the Italian version of "Cheers." There looked to be several different rooms to sit in, and we sat in the front of the restaurant, which might as well have been big enclosed porch or sun room. It honestly feels like you're eating in someone's home, which I considered a plus. Instead of menus, you look at the day's offerings on the big chalkboard. I rolled with the chicken parmigiana. Sadly, it fell short for me. Thought they did a killer job with the pasta, though. I love it al dente. Service was cheerful and the prices are right. I want to go back and try another dish... because I really want to love this place.
(3)
Chris M.

Table service is hurried, but friendly. Food is okay to good. Veal is often nicely done. Owner does a good job seating a busy crowd on weekends and BlackHawk game nights. Toothpick-chewing bartender is a punk. (He must be related to the owner because he wouldn't qualify to work anyplace where a GED is a minimum requirement.) Valet parking is handy, but overall, after several visits, we will try the many other options within a mile of Tufano 's.
(2)
Jennifer P.

If you are walking to Tufano's fine. But if you drive, be warned. I have had relatively good experiences inside Tufano's, but outside was HORRIBLE. I usually walk to Tufano's as I work in the area, but the one time I drove there ruined this establishment for me forever. The fat valet is an a$$hole. Not only is he loud and rude, but he'll leave a trail of bread crumbs behind in your car. I found crumbs on the seat and floor of my car in addition to a very disgusting residue of what I can only hope was food on the steering wheel and controls. What would have been a mediocre lunch experience at Tufano's became a pain when I had to clean out my car later that day. Not cool Tufano's. Not cool. If you're going to hire someone who has contact with the public and their cars, please hire someone who is clean and has better customer service skills. Never again. Tufano's has lost a long-time customer.
(1)
Don F.

Close to UIC so no street parking, but valet is free. We tried the eggplant parmigiana and chicken with pinenuts. Both were good, but not great. We let them recommend signature dishes for the place, but we left feeling a bit let down. Do not get me wrong, the dishes were very good, but just did not transcend to very good. Great place to try, but most likely will not return. Too many other good and great dishes out there.
(3)
Mopsie B.

We went here recently and were really impressed with the hospitality. It's very obvious that this is a family run place and it has a very homey, festive feel. That said, there are no menus-- everything is posted on chalkboards. Even though the place seems cozy, it's actually pretty big and there were still a lot of people eating at 8 p.m. on a Thursday. We were seated in the porch area, which also had a large group who stayed long after they had finished eating. They were pretty loud and the volume was enhanced by the room somehow, which made it kind of hard to hear...anything. Anyway, the chalkboard also lists wines by the glass. The food is mostly pastas with some chicken entrees-- pretty basic. I got the special shrimp, broccoli and shells. My husband had angel hair and meatballs. Mine was served in a big, plastic bowl, which was disappointing. The sauce was supposed to be olive oil and garlic but it was pretty much water. The pasta did not seem to be homemade, although I think the sauces were. Our side salad was big enough to split and the dressing was decent but the greens were iceberg lettuce. We skipped dessert and paid before having a drink at the bar. Tufano's does not take credit cards but they do take personal checks or cash and have an ATM in the bar, which you will probably need when you tip the valet. The bar area is very cool- sort of art deco and, we were told, 83 years old! Overall, I would say that most of the food are dishes you could easily cook at home but if you want an old school Little Italy experience at a place that is a bit off the beaten path, Tufano's is a fun place to try.
(3)
juston m.

i think most the people reviewing this place are soley doing it on nostalgia. its obviously a neighborhood, family place. the interior hasn't been revamped in ages. the food just isn't that good. my lingine and clams was tasteless. my friends chicken was oily and thick. the patio is really nice, but the chairs are plastic. and to the service. apparently you need to be a regular. we were ignored for most our trip. the waitress, who looked like the italian paula deen, wasn't even supposed to be our waitress. she got us drinks and an appetier and then we sat. and sat. and sat. we had to ask someone to please take our order. for our wait we got a carafe of boxed wine. thanks. love, juston
(2)
Tom H.

Had a wonderful dinner this evening at Tufano's/ Vernon Park Tap/ VPT. It was a clear sunny evening, just after work, so I sat outside at one of the tables in the enclosed sidewalk area. I started with a cup of nicely flavored chicken vegetable soup, incredibly thick with rice and pieces of shredded chicken, celery, carrots and other delicious veggies. Along with that, I dipped pieces of very good Italian bread into a small pool of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. My main course was sausage and peppers, a seemingly simple dish, but here done perfectly. The three sausages were spiced with fragrant anise and rosemary, charred and smoky from a charcoal brazier, and covered with heaps of nicely grilled slices of green and red bell pepper. Perfection. The cup of soup was $2.50, the sausage and pepper $10.50 and the large tumbler of Chianti $5.50. Total was just under $20, plus tip. Cash only. I've been dining at Tufano's since my university days in the early 1970's. Back then, Joey, the current proprietor, was still just a kid, the place was just a bar with a small back room for dining and the prices were perfect for students: I remember my favorite meal there was the $2.25 cheese-stuffed shells with broccoli, and a carafe of rotgut "Chianti" for about $7. But I can't complain for the slight price increase over the past forty years. Back then, my apartment rent, just a couple blocks from Tufano's, was just $40 per month, pretty much the cheapest rent in all of Chicago, even back then. Now the wines are considerably better, and Tufano's has expanded to a large side room and atrium-type front room (my favorite in cold rainy weather) at the west of the bar area, plus an outside cafe area. It's always been difficult to know what to call this place, as there's never been an exterior sign, even after the 40 years of my patronage, plus who knows how many years before that? The menu is still the chalkboard wall, the food is still good, the folks inside are mostly friends and neighbors, cops and robbers, politicians and judges....and time here seems to stand still.
(5)
Karen N.

Just moved to UIC area, and so glad I found this place. I won't go to Taylor Street Italian joint anymore. This place is totally authentic, no thrills, neighborhood type of place, not even table clothes. But the food is great, price is right, service is easy going and personal, portions large and you can tell many patrons are regulars and really just friends with the wait staff. Spacious setting, you won't be seated 12 inches from the next table. The menu is on the blackboard, lemon chicken, mussels, salad.. all the classics are excellent.
(4)
A. M.

Food: 3 stars Service and Ambience: 4 stars This Italian eatery is a hidden gem. Definitely a neighborhood spot with regulars but welcomes newbies with open arms. I felt like we were at a up north supper club with tons of our closest friends. The ambience is great - casual and relaxed dining at its best. No need to get all dressed up here - shorts and flip flops are totally cool. We arrived fairly early (for us) on Saturday night - around 7:30. They don't take reservations but this place is much larger than it looks from outside. There seems to be about three separate rooms to eat in as well as an outdoor patio. Plenty of spots. We were seated almost immediately. Our waitress was extremely nice. We wanted to take our leisurely time eating and she was cool with that. We ordered as we went and at no point was she pushy or absent. She also followed up on every dish, asking how it was and if we needed anything else. I had better service here than I have had at some steakhouses (I'm looking at you Bavette's). Food and wine were very reasonable priced, especially for the quality and quantity of food. We ordered the Tufano's salad, rigatoni with vodka sauce with meatball and sausage, and gelato. The salad was just ok - salami tasted delicious but it had way too much oil. Despite the pasta not being homemade, it was still AMAZING. The sauce was perfection and the meatball. Oh the meatball. It was HUGE and moist and just everything I ever wanted. As for the gelato, it tasted more like store bought ice cream. We didn't expect a lot - we just wanted something to cleanse our palates and it did just that. I will definitely be back. And saving room so I can finish my whole meatball this time.
(4)
Jon C.

You know what. It was just fine. Good for a pre Blackhawks meal but otherwise not worth the trip. Had chicken piccata and the thing had little sauce and no capers. Forgetaboutit. Veal parm was better and bread was dry. Go to Taylor Street.
(3)
Jake C.

Was there on 11/16/14 at 520 pm with my 5 friends we had planned to order dinner(because food looked amazing) at the bar after our second round of drinks we ask if we could order dinner when the male bartender with the shaved head told us to wait then went to the waitress and said " these douche bags want to order food" we promptly left the this establishment and are never returning. I wish yelp gave negative stars!!
(1)
Alicia J.

My mother picked this place over a bunch of other choices because she saw it on diners, drive ins and dives, and it was a terrible decision. Everything tasted the way it would if I had made it myself from boxed noodles and ragu. The only thing seemingly homemade was the giant solid meatballs, which were sort of the consistency of my dogs wet food. They get two stars instead of one because their canolis were decent; however, canolis are my favorite so its hard for me to hate one. They were probably bought from a better Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.
(2)
Suzanne A.

I visited this establishment yesterday for the second time. The first time was last October. My husband and I went on the recommendation of my dad who had been telling us for years how great this place was. He's been going there for 30 years and still remembers when Nonna did the cooking. The first time we went, we enjoyed it. It was a busy Saturday night and we liked the ambiance. The service was fast and good. The food was pretty tasty. We had a whole different experience yesterday. We went with our three kids. We drove all the way from Schaumburg and arrived at about 4:30 for an early dinner. We were seated at a round table in an empty room. Immediately upon sitting down, I noticed two things: An extremely loud, rattling air conditioner vent on the ceiling, and a very strong lemon cleaner smell in the room. I could tell that the lemon cleaner was coming from the busing service set up that was located 2 feet from our table. Since I didn't want my dinner ruined by that smell, I asked our waitress to move it. She did so only to have another waitress bring it back in ten minutes later. I immediately told her that we had asked for it to be moved, and she said it had to be there so the busboys could put dirty dishes in it (which again is right next to our table!) She told me there was no lemon smell at all, and if there was it was caused by someone who had cleaned the windowsills earlier....???? Now on to the food. It was mediocre. It's a bad sign when it comes to the table ten minutes after you order it. The meat filling in my ravioli wasn't even hot. I tasted my daughter's stuffed shells, and they were pretty good. The meatball was tasty, and the calamari was quite good but everything else was average and I could make it better myself at home. The service? The hostess was friendly and polite. Our waitress was a very nice young lady. She was attentive and prompt. However, the other waitress who was working that room who argued with me about the busing service was very rude and a detriment to the restaurant. AND, the kicker! When we were getting ready to leave, the bus boy was wiping down a table near ours and we smelled lemon cleaner. When he was done wiping the table, he put the rag on the busing station by our table and it reeked like lemon pine sol. So Tufano's, if you're reading this, please tell that waitress where to shove it! It's ridiculous that you would seat customers next to a busing station anyway. Who wants to smell and look at other people's dirty dishes while they're eating?!? The owners of Tufano's are lucky that they have the history of the place to stand on. If you took that away, and they had to get by on the quality of their food and service, they wouldn't last a month! We will not be back, and neither will my father who as I mentioned earlier has been a patron for 30 years!
(2)
Aimee P.

One of Chicago's gem. Definitely one to visit. We ate family style between for people. House salad - cheese blocks... Amazing... Salami... Yummy Clams and eggplant parmesan - friday night clams... Worth it for once a week treat at the restaurant. eggplant parmesan - the best I've had.! Lemon pepper and ravioli - lemon pepper.. Yum.. Ravioli... Great. Tiramisu and Canoli - yuuum. Everything was demigods and not overpowering. Great dinner. Would definitely cooked back to this Chicago spot next time ! Great recommendation to chicagoans and visitors. Service definitely compliments this family owned restaurant ! Definitely a TREAT !!!!!
(5)
Cristina T.

Came here on a whim last night and was shocked to see how crowded Tufano's was. We waited about 20 minutes for our party of 5 during which I admired all of the celebrity photos on the wall. When we were seated in the dining area, our server immediately made recommendations for appetizers and salads, which we promptly ordered. The calamari was crisp while the garbage salad was loaded with a variety of ingredients. It had been about another 25 minutes until our waitress came back to take our orders. She admitted that she forgot about our table and gave us a round of drinks on the house. I ordered the mussels with pasta and red sauce that were succulent and delicious. The pasta portion was incredibly large, but luckily I had a friend who was willing to help eat my dish. Always having room for dessert, I ordered the spumoni which I also shared with friends at the table. The meal ended up being very reasonable and seeing as its within walking distance to my place, I will definitely be back.
(4)
Mark B.

When checking out the Blackhawks at the UC, stop off and have some decent Italian Food. Old school menu on a blackboard , with daily specials. I am fond of the veal dishes and the prices are reasonable.Valet parking is offered and needed since parking is impossible in the neighborhood.
(4)
Michael L. And Michelle G.

This place sits in the out-skirts of Little Italy, where only an authentic family-owned-for-generations Italian restaurant gem like this should be. The neighborhood is all residential and then there is this restaurant perfectly blended in to the no frills architecture of the bed-rock working class homes that surround it. Inside you enter into the bar with the TV's being the only thing upgraded amidst the charm and warmth of the late 60"s early 70's decor that survives pristine. There since 1930 this place rocks plain walls covered in black and white photos of celebrity visitors in some parts, chalk board menus on the walls of the dining area, formica tables, simple chairs, with an obvious addition to the dining room totally consistent in character but with its own charm. They have an out door area for seating just as simple, delicately lit and adjacent to an open area where kids run and play while waiting for their food or letting you have your coffee. That brings me to the patrons, they are you and me and our parents, and our grandparents, and be they 80 years old in wheel chairs or 6 month olds in a car seat, the staff makes it work and the place bustles with all of us like a big family dinner, often times with Chicago Police officers at the table next to you in full uniform. The menu is Italian standards, plentiful. It brings the same pure simplicity of great red gravy sauce, meat sauces, pasta incarnations, pork chops and peppers, chicken any way, and veal and fish all fresh to order as it has for decades. Packed with tang, oregano and garlic in the unmatched perfection of a true Italian kitchen, Chicago-style, like the good ole days of what used to line Taylor Street and it rightfully survives today. Come any time and there will be table or one soon to be and chill in the charm of the simple tavern-like bright bar area while you wait and enjoy a feeling you will only get here and it is one that you will want over and over.
(4)
Joseph P.

This place was a good place to go to after I got done with my finals at UIC. My parking lot is right across the street from this place. I went in to have a drink and get some appetizers before a long drive home. The food was pretty good. I had the bruschetta and calamari. The bruschetta was spicy and I was happy with it. The calamari was really good. There was so much there that I couldn't finish the whole plate so I took some home and my sister liked it also as a leftover. I like that this place is a ma and pa place and the bartender was real friendly too. The house wine was pretty good and at a fair price.
(4)
Simone T.

Came back here for the first time in YEARS. Down to earth atmosphere with VERY good, hearty food. Still WONDERFUL was the fried calamari appetizer. The Lemon Chicken is a standard, but a great one. A half order alone (with those yummy potatoes) was enough to fill me and provide leftovers! Our waitress was a DOLL. A friend asked for a variation of a shrimp & pasta item and the kitchen was more than happy to oblige. Another friend had the Chicken Parmesan & loved it. Great red sauces for our pastas. Full bar with a great bartender; had a huge, yummy Cosmo. We'll be back again VERY soon! An old tradition revived.
(4)
Rosie S.

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(5)
Liz H.

Service was great, very family oriented and old school italian with a laid back feel. The food was fantastic- everything was delicious and piping hot! Wine that was selected by the waiter was good too. Good vibe, I liked the homage to Hawks and pictures of celebs and Giada and Guy Fieri from Food Network. I will definitely add this place to my list of favorite authentic italian restaurants. I want to come back and check out the outdoor patio...
(5)
Jet F.

Hey, get your butt to Chicago, bring friends and family, find this place and walk into the back and experience some Italian food and atmosphere that will stay with you for years to come. The smells, the menu, the chicken parmesan, the beer selection. When we rolled in, there were three city patrol cars parked there so we knew we hit the jack pot. The servers will treat you better than family and are genuinely glad you came. Two words............VALET PARK
(4)
Jack G.

One of my favorite places to eat in Chicago. Has everything I want in a restaurant. Friendly laid back vibe, great food, great drinks, and you never leave hungry. They have the best pork chops in town. I just love Joey and his entire staff. Oops, that sounded creepy.
(5)
Bob H.

There's a truth about skiing in VT. If you want the glamour go to Stowe, if you want to Ski go to Smuggler's. You can make a similar comparison to italian restaurants in Chicago. There's plenty of high end ones that are great and glamorous, but then you have Tufano's which is great, but very far from glamorous. The service was rough. I know a lot of people like that in a a little neighborhood joint like this, but there it is. And honestly, it's not the kind of 'rough' service you expect where they give you crap and you give them crap and you play off each other - I just honestly felt like the waitress was mad at me that I asked what beer they had because I didn't see it on the menu. There's a way to do snarky service right, and that's not it. I enjoyed my meal, and so did my fiance, but, at least in my opinion, it didn't live up to the hype. It was a really good italian meal, but it just wasn't anything truly special. The fact that it was on Diner's, Drive-In's and Dives does this place a disservice because it raises your expectations to levels it isn't quite going to live up to. Here's the thing though, aside from the service not being quite what I would have liked, it's exactly what you want in a neighborhood restaurant. Good food, fair prices, and a cool atmosphere. Yes, I'll go back, and a little better service takes this to 4 stars.
(3)
Michelle F.

WOW! I didn't know until JUST NOW that this place was featured on DD&D! WAY cool!! I can definitely see why, though! The restaurant was cozy, inviting, and the food was delicious! My friends surprised my husband and I by taking us here on Saturday night around 6. PLENTY of seating--score!! (NOTE: You do have to valet park, here, but it's worth it!) We sat down and immediately were silenced by the chore of picking out what we wanted to eat from the blackboard of awesomeness that was bestowed upon us. No menus in this joint, so bring your glasses! :) Since it was just the first of many of our stops that night, I didn't order any "adult beverages" since I may or may not have been two glasses of wine in already. But I digress! My husband and our two friends ordered drinks, and I hear they were delicious! We started out with the 1/2 calamari and the bruchetta. Both came out piping hot and delicious. It was after that that we ordered, so I was already starting to feel full. My husband and I decided to split the stuffed shells, and I ordered a side salad. My friends got the veal and the lemon chicken. Oh my gosh, the food was amazing. Especially the lemon chicken! You get SO much for what you pay for--and I have seen my friend eat--it is rare that he doesn't finish every last bite, and he had leftovers!! SHOCKING! And we tried the cannoli. YUM!! So for six alcoholic beverages, two appetizers, a side salad, three entrees, and dessert, our total was $100. WHOA! I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Marissa G.

3.5 Good, simple, homemade Italian food with the best atmosphere. It's true, this is no fuss family style cooking and serving, so don't look to be coddled here-- be ready to share a bottle of wine, keep the plates moving and the conversation going. I found the Lemon Chicken less fabulous than what everyone is raving about here though-- What I would go for? The calamari, linguini with clams, anything with their basil marinara sauce, and the cannoli to finish. Cash only. $5 valet parking is fast, courteous and worth it since the street parking is permit only. Enjoy!
(3)
Tyler W.

Food came out cold and seemingly microwaved/pre-prepared. To top it off the waitress was extremely presumptuous and rude. She had the nerve to ask if we wanted our change back!
(1)
Robert M.

I hadn't been to Tufano's for about 3 years. After tonight's meal, I certainly won't wait that long to return. What strikes me most about Tufano's is the genuine hospitality of the place. It's like those family-owned Italian restaurants that we all grew-up with but have sadly disappeared into the world of Olive Gardens or chic "trattorias" that pop-up in Chicago and close after a year-or-two. But I walked-in, and Joey met me with a huge grin and said, "We can get you a table in 15 minutes" before I even asked him. It was busy, as it was a Blackhawks game night, so check their home schedule and plan accordingly. The menu is written on chalkboard, and my party (3) all decided on their garbage salad as a appetizer and their signature lemon chicken for our entrees. The salad was fresh, crisp and included anti-pasti: Italian lunchmeat, cheese and hot peppers. I wish the lunchmeat would have been cut in smaller slices. The lemon chicken is flash-broiled, meaning the skin is lightly charred, but moist. Served with sliced potatoes, it's like nothing you can prepare at home. We also had a side dish of spaghetti with marinara sauce. The sauce was home made and freshly-prepared. Definitely worth a trip back for a pasta meal. For dessert we had ricotta cheesecake that was tasty but a bit dry. But the service was phenomenal. Theresa was our server and we had fun chatting with her throughout dinner. Even the bartender was pleasant and efficient while we waited for our table. Although it was truly crowded, it was fun being surrounded by other middle-class families, neighborhood regulars and sports fans. Definitely worth a trip!
(5)
Clement C.

Very comfortable home-like place, with authentic food and good table wine. We had the pasta with vodka sauce and a bite of our friend's chicken meal. Gotta say, the chicken bite I sampled was great - juicy, flavorful, perfect crisp to savory ratio. Our vodka sauce had the perfect balance of creamy and tangy with green peas. Overall, with about 5glasses of wine, $70 for 4 satisfied people.
(4)
Julie A.

Great, comfortable family feeling place. Actually, I'm shocked I haven't brought my parents here yet. Good food, decent prices, great for large parties!
(4)
Mia B.

Hands down the best Italian food in Chicago! My family and I have been coming here my whole life and can't wait for my birthday dinner next week! Dinner must haves: *Eggplant parm * Calamari *Antipasto * Mussels! * Ravioli's (whatever the special is) Don't forget to bring cash and an empty stomach!
(5)
Basil D.

Tufano's is an utterly amazing restaurant. It is 100% old school. My Sicilian friend (a remarkabe cook) recommended Tufano's which is how I found out about it. The veal is amazing, very tender, big portion, reasonably priced. They are known for their lemon chicken which is very moist, tasty, and flavorful and prepared on the grill. The calamari is a HUGE portion of large, meaty pieces served with lemon wedges and a simple, but good marinara sauce; get the small for three or fewer people, more than three, get the large (yes, the portions are that big!) I also love their eggplant parmesan, it is out of this world. It is tender, juicy with the right amount of meaty slices of eggplant, gooey cheese, and tangy red-sauce which is fresh and not too sweet or sugary. The atmosphere is unassuming, unpretentious, old-style Chicago. The sign outside the hard-to-find side street near UIC is barely visible. The barteners are friendly as well as the long-time Tufano family wait-staff. You always receive a warm Mediterranean welcome. If you want to impress people with your knowledge of Chicago and its out of the way places unscathed by tourists, go to Tufano's. If you want ot go somewhere where you're treated like an old friend, go to Tufano's. It's a friendly neighborhood hang-out. YES, you must bring cash, no credit cards taken. And YES, it's a pain in the ass, but the food is so worth it! YES, you have no choice but to pay for parking or get towed, but YES it is so worth it. Every out of towner I take falls in love with the place. It's a great old-fashioned family joint. Ciao-ciao!
(5)
Lon T.

Great spot for solid Italian before an event at UIC Pavilion. Tried their special veal caprizi over angel hair pasta which was excellent. Big portions didn't leave room for desert but will be back next time I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)
Mark H.

This place is great! Its still family own and operated. The food is amazing and the menu is on boards that line the walls. Also I would make sure to always leave room for dessert and you have to get the Calamari! The location is nice and is right off the UIC campus and its close for Basketball games. Staff is always nice enough and the place is clean what more could you want.
(5)
Sarah Beth B.

I came here for my grad school graduation celebration dinner, and it was perfect!! I have heard GREAT things about this place, and I was not disappointed. First of all, I feel like I could give 3 or 4 stars on the strength of the people watching alone. This place is authentic Chicago, authentic Little Italy. Big family dinners, loud groups of women out on the town-- it was great!! After a brief wait when we got to check out the many framed news articles on the wall, we settled in the back room. Our server was a bit frazzled and stretched a little thin at the late side of a busy friday night, but she was so friendly that it was fine. We started with the basic Tufanos salad, moved onto the Tilapia Vesuvio and Angel Hair with mussels, and finished off with tiramisu and coffee. I cold have eaten every bite of every dish, and pretty nearly did. AWESOME food, just awesome, and exactly what I wanted for a fun, celebratory dinner. Now, Tufanos is NOT fancy. Don't got if you want white table cloths and a romantic setting. This is just good, delicious food in an old-school setting. I'll definitely be back the next time I want affordable, delicious, traditional Little Italy.
(5)
Lauren A.

This was a total disappointment. Not our first trip here but it will be our last. The only reason there is two stars is the speed in which it was served and quatity. That being said.... what good is quantity when the QUALITY was horrible!!! 3 out of our 5 dinners were not eaten. The pork chops- dry, flavorless The D&D vodka sauce with peas- Peas were total mush!, I didnt come for baby food, so firm peas would be appreciated. I have had better SAUCE OUT OF A JAR! We ordered the calamari as well, which has been phenominal in the past. What was there was good, however half the plate was little fried bits. Like a fingernail size. What happened to rings and legs...... Valet had favorites.... walked out waiting in a line, he walks past me with my ticket out, to some guy and didn't acknowledge me.... Will not go back again and won't recommend to anyone! Total loss of quality
(2)
Jasmine L.

Went here last Friday with several friends after hearing about it from 190 North. It's a cute local restaurant tucked within Little Italy. The staff was also friendly, considering it took us a little while to make our decisions. I have mixed feelings about the food though. The calamari and the tiramisu were amazing. I think in retrospect, I should have just ordered calamari as my entree. My chicken alfredo though was very bland and not worth the money. And it costs $6 extra to add chicken and broccoli. It was very disappointing. The prices are rather expensive, but I think I will come again to try something else. Make sure you have cash, though they do have an ATM by the door if you forget.
(3)
Mary M.

Good Pasta dishes. I used to love this place. The only problem i had was the service. Came in with a friend a while ago and the waitress who served us was very rude She made comments about my weight. "You look like you haven't touched a thing! You're so skinny" "Are you sure you're going to eat that, you look like a twig" Do I need to continue? Yes, I'm skinny I thought...one more comment and I'm out. Sure enough...more comments. I decided we had to leave. Not coming back...ever. So unprofessional
(2)
Sarah H.

Authentic, old school Everything we got was superb. Best in Chicago.
(5)
Christina M.

Yummy Calamari! Tufano's is always busy with great cause. They have amazing vodka sauce and I'm a huge fan of their chicken parm. I do always ask for the calamari well done. and they have this rasberry icecream desert that is just amazing.
(4)
B B.

My family's favorite restaurant. Food is consistently good, homemade by someone who knows what they are doing. The "Special Salad" is so good, the best non-entree salad in the city, bar-none. We love the eggplant, chicken piccata, and lemon chicken. The owner has been there for ever, took over from his parents, and now one of his daughters is his top assistant. The staff is friendly and rarely turns over, just down-to-earth people. No reservations so checking to see if the Hawks or Bulls are playing is a must to avoid long wait. This place has a BIG fan base.
(5)
Megan G.

I half expected Ray Liota or Al Pacino to come strolling in during my visit here. Seriously, it's old school. 3.5 stars with definite potential for more. I haven't been there since the smoking ban took effect but upon entering you come through a bar where Ma, Pa and Uncle Tony are hanging out at the bar and everyone has 3 lit cigarettes in their mouth. Cousin Vinnie doesn't know you so he is going to check you out from head to toe as you walk up to the hostess stand. Once you pass through the bar it's smooth sailing from there! Make sure to check out the menu on the chalkboard on your way to your table. It's no nonsense food made just like someone would make for you in their home. The house salad is a must with all its meat and cheese glory. But the vinegar and oil dressing is really where it's at. Save some to dip your bread in! I had chicken parm, a staple for me at any Italian place. If the chicken parm is good then you're alright by me. It was decent. Not the best that I have ever had but good. The alfredo sauce left a little to be desired for me, but I will definitely be back to sample other items. I tried a friend's vodka sauce and it was pretty good. Wine is served in juice glasses and the waitress had her pen in her bun and pulled it out to take the order. It was very charming and I really like the atmosphere. It's not fancy but it's cheap and easy and worth a trip if you are in the area!
(3)
Brad F.

This place is great to come before a game in Chicago. Its quick in and out. There chicken parm is to die for. This place was on diner dives and drive in's, which gives it more kuddos. Come in here, and treat yourself to a quick, delicious, inexpensive meal.
(4)
Leigh R.

I really liked this place. Definitely 'comfort' Italian food, like what my Grandmom makes - my born-in-South-Philly-Italian Grandmom. (I have yet to get used to the midwest accents prouncing Italian food...cal-imari. Funny.) Cash only and they only take reservations for groups over 8 people but they have a lot more space than meets the eye and turn tables quickly. The prices are VERY reasonable. Our tab came to $108 - one app, four entrees, four desserts AND a bottle of wine. Holy hell.
(4)
Brent W.

Big fan of Tufano's. To me, it really epitomizes what old school, basic Italian comfort food is all about, in an atmosphere to match. Love the simple red sauce. Love the homemade pasta. Love the basic menu. Love the calamari. Love the stripped down, no frills look and feel. Love the chalkboard menu and the lifelong servers. Love the history. Love Tufano's.
(4)
bj j.

Well my brother said,as he left town, Tufano's was worth flying in for. It was very good, though on a Friday night the service was slow. My veal picante was moist and tender and the calimari was very well done. The whole ambiance is authentic and the food for the reasonable prices is out of this world. Tufano's is Real Chicago.
(4)
Sharon R.

Friend insisted on taking me here for his belated bday dinner. The calamari was most excellent but the special salad would have been more special if i had been given a choice of dressing. I think the waitress was sum1s grandaughter...i didn't know til i put my leftovers in the to-go container that there was salami and cheese in the bottom of the bowl. I tasted his eggplant parm (the reason 4 the journey). BEST EVER!!! Only problemhere is it suffers like so many other places from the ddd/checkpleasesyndrome...portion size has diminished from de olde days according to my friend.
(4)
Harish N.

Unlike most Italian restaurant chains. Less fatty food. Cash only.
(3)
Matt G.

Are you freaking kidding me??.. I mean seriously.. you must be FREAKIN kidding me!... This IS CHICAGO & Tufano's is for REAL!... Coming up on 80 years!! This family style, unpretentious hole in the wall Italian joint with rich history and real Chicago flavor! A Chicago Little Italy landmark.. you have not experienced the rich Italian heritage of this City if you have not experienced a meal at Tufano's but you better show up hungry. I'll always have a special place in my stomach and heart for Tufano's.
(4)
Tommy M.

I may be a bit biased because my family knows the owners, but I've been going there since I was a kid and I still get excited to go there. It is very old school, they only take cash or check, no credit cards, their menus are on chalkboards on the wall, and they don't even have a sign outside that says the name of the place. The food is always great, although the only meal I was disappointed with was the angel hair pasta with mussels - kinda fishy tasting. This is the only reason they get 4 stars. My little brother is a cop, and he always says if you see cops eating in a restaurant, it has great food. They are always eating on the go, and after a while they know where to go. Every time I go to this place there are police officers in there eating. I really like their antipasto, the calamari is awesome, they have a great vodka sauce, and their eggplant is great too. Don't go there and expect a fancy, swank italian restaurant. Go there for the food!
(4)
Steven K.

Tufano's is what an Italian restaurant should be!
(5)
Ray S.

I was there several weeks ago and I've been there about 10 times or so. The food is always good, with fresh ingredients used to prepare their dishes. I usually order the Veal Parmesan and its always more than enough and what's great is that it's served with pasta. I've noticed a trend with lots of these yuppie joints and that is many of them don't serve pasta with a meat dish which I think is ludicrous. If you grew up in an Italian home or around other Italians and know about authentic Italian cuisine (or as authentic one knows from the old country) is that you damn well know you get pasta with your dish no matter what. I love Tufano's, the people are nice, the food is great and the prices are fair. Also, the booze is never watered down.
(4)
Naomi L.

This place doesn't need a review as they do a great business. I want to write one as it is has such a great vibe. The brushetta, calamari and everything is Super Yummo! Now the staff- in an industry that has a higher turnover than a revolving door at Saks- the staff here are veteran's. They are so nice- really they are- they never seem flustered and they do a TON of business. Like I said a place like this doesn't need Yelp- it has the loyal customer base I have been going for years! As for the credit card 1 star. Accepting credit cards is not the best option for business's that have the business already.
(4)
Brad B.

First off, my 3 star rating is for the food. I know that's what you pay for when you go to a restaurant, but here you get more. First, the food. I had the lemon chicken, which was very good, however, no veggies or side dishes came with it. I think this is true of most everything at Tufano's. The chicken was good, very moist and cooked well, it it was one flavor on the plate and it was not satisfying to the palate. However, the atmosphere is great. I did feel, as many other people did, that this was an old italian eatery, grandmother's cooking like of a place. I will go back to try the pasta, I really think that was my main mistake, going to the lemon chicken, even though it has good reviews on here.
(3)
Karen A.

Hidden Italian gem near Taylor Street. UNPRETENTIOUS. You will not find trendy decor, stylish waitstaff, or even a menu (well its all written up on the blackboard). Nice selection of Italian table vinos and great food to match it up with. The pastas were good as was the house salad ( olives, lettuce, artichokes, asiago, onions..) and the calamari. I had rapini with sausage and it was fantastic. The prices are really fair and resonable. This has an Italian neighborhood feel that many of the Taylor Street joints have lost due to tourists and suburbanite clientele (oh, yea...I am such an urban snob...hehehe). This is old school Italian folks, and it is the real thing for a gooddeal and a delicious meal.
(4)
Lori B.

This is old-school Italian food at its best. First learned about this from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and it lived up to expectations. 5 stars for food, but only 3 for atmosphere. Fried calamari was incredibly tender. The spinach ravioli was wonderful (and huge!). If you're a fan of garlic, you'll love the oil and garlic sauce for pasta. Just don't expect to be presentable the next day because of the garlic hangover. Well worth it though. I'm a huge tiramisu fan and theirs was so airy and delicious. Definitely on of the best I've had. Just make sure you know where you're going because it's out-of-the-way. Cash only, but an ATM in the lobby if you don't have enough.
(4)
Stacey D.

I love Tufanos. My dad used to go with his dad, before it was a "restaurant". (I guess they used to be just a bar, and have a table back in the kitchen, and they'd make a few things for their employees or kids.) Their lemon chicken is phenomenal. My husband likes their garlic and oil pasta, my mom likes their sausage and mostaccioli. They don't have any beer on tap, but they do have several types you can get bottled. Their large party packages are great. Well priced, great selections, and they're very accomodating (though the cork fee is hefty if you want to BYOB). Valet is about $4, little street parking. Cash or check only. I was disappointed by a large event we had there. It was perfect until the end of the night. My husband paid for valet, but then we later found out the valet guy still charged all of our guests to park. Extremely frustrating and embarassing to have dinner guests pay for parking. But -- they were exceptional excepting that small detail.
(5)
Stephen N.

I have not been here for a while and I guess I am getting old. Joey's charming daughter Darcy was the Hostess/Manager on duty. The food was great and the atmosphere even better. Thanks for the many great times
(5)
Juliet H.

This place is amazing. It's a tough spot to find considering they don't have a huge sign. So, drive slow. This is a family owned restaurant and holds the old Chicago scene. In the summer, the outdoor patio is awesome. Since it's in the middle of a neighborhood, it's a place to escape the city for a second and enjoy good food, drinks and company! Their mussel pasta dish is absolutely amazing!! My favorite. Their portions are huge! I always get the house salad and it's usually enough to share between 2-3 people. As for wine, I always order a big jug of their house wine. Tufano's is definitely a bang for the buck. If you're driving, they have valet, you have to valet because it's all permit parking..I think for like $3 or so. They only accept CASH so come prepared. If not, they have an ATM machine too. Enjoy!!
(4)
Patrick L.

If you like poor service and sauce that tastes like it came out of a can, this spot is for you.
(1)
Vivian B.

Um...Yikes. Our friend said he heard great reviews-thanks a lot yelpers-so we went. On the way I started reading the more recent bad reviews. Let me just cut to the chase-and I have good taste I used to work at a great italian restaurant in Naperville for years-calamari could have been fried shoe laces I wouldn' t be able to tell. Nothing was great. The service was actually pretty good and wine prices were pretty decent, but this could not make up for the low quality italian food. They don' t make their own pasta and the few things they have on their menu are decent at best. The ambiance is blue-collar but should not mean blue collar food. I expect better for my home town ChI.
(2)
Jessica G.

not too much else to add. it's what you may expect going to this type of place, the food was pretty awesome
(4)
Bruno A.

A restaurant should strive to make the customer's eating experience more enjoyable. That being said, I don't see why they don't take credit cards. VERY inconvenient and makes me not want to go there ever again. Yes, I got good service and it seems like a place for regulars but the food was mediocre at best. With a little knowledge of canned goods you can make their entire menu better than they can. The decor is homey in that it resembles your grandparents' basement. Nothing extravagant at all. Wood paneling everywhere, autographed photos of celebrities on the wall, most of whom I have no idea who they are. Run by an old school Italian family though you wouldn't know it from the poor excuse for cuisine they serve you. One star for the decor and service.
(1)
Traveling J.

The food is good, the price is right! I don't mind paying with cash. I really love the salad & linguine with mussels. There isn't anythiing on the menu I would say I didn't like. I like that you can go with any sized group & dressed anyway. I have seen more celebrities & athletes here than anywhere else, especially before anything at the UC. The place will be there until the end of time & the same family will own it, a true American & Chicago institution!
(4)
Joey B.

Been going to Tufano's for years. Was delighted when I realized how close I had moved to the joint. The place is pretty low key with amazing food. They are friendly, personable, funny and allow for a very enjoyable experience. My favorite dish has got to be the chicken picante. Light sauce with pine nuts. Not too heavy, but very filling! I'd definitely recommend this place to anybody looking for italian and trying new places!
(5)
Robin W.

Another secret restaurant that is sooOooo awesome! Cash only, best fried calamari, excellent lemon chicken (where they throw whole lemons in with the roasted bird), infested with cops who know how to eat good and cheap! Very low key...not fancy....great for big groups, sharing, talking with your mouth full and having a GREAT time. Headsup..the entire street is permit parking so you are forced to valet. Youre better off parking far and walking.
(4)
Amanda S.

My mom used to get take-out from here all the time, put it on plates, and try to pawn it off as her own, so this is truly home cooking to me! I think I've had 80% of the items on the menu over the last ten years and never been disappointed. Most recently I had the calamari to start, linguine with seafood in a spicy tomato sauce for my entree, and tasted the Italian sausage dinner, with a couple glasses of wine. My other top recommendations would be the lemon chicken, stuffed shells, and the cannoli's! Everything was yum, a TON of food for less than $50 for 2 people.
(4)
Erin M.

I don't think I have much to add to the other reviews, because they are pretty spot on. The people who complain about the food or the atmosphere are really just blowing hot air - because this place is awesome for just having good, homemade Italian food without any of the fluff of a fancy restaurant. Make sure to find directions before you go - cause this place is definitely hidden on a dead end, residential street. And the valet guy will charge you $5 even though the sign doesn't really say it. The food is cheap enough that the valet won't break your bank, though. This is not American-Italian, it's real Italian. Since my BF is Italian, I feel I have rights to say that now. The red sauce/gravy is traditional. The food is perfectly cooked. The servers are Chicago-nice. Don't have a better way to explain it but maybe you guys get what I mean? All in all a great meal. Only weird thing is we were feeling a little neglected because our server gave us our appetizer and didn't show back up for a while. We were also in a rush to get to the Hawks game. But anyway, when she came back to take our dinner order, I told her we were in a bit of a rush and our food came out in about 2 minutes - no exaggerations. So was our chicken parm pre-made? Probably. Did it taste any less for it? Absolutely not. Come here for good, unpretentious food. Have a drink or two or watch the Hawks games with the other regulars. Or make it a quick stop before you go to the United Center! Either way, venture off Taylor street and come to Tufano's, you won't regret it!
(4)
Kathleen C.

I love Tufano's. It is a hidden restaurant near Taylor Street. I have literally been eating at this restaurant since 1995 and it has always been great. And has a little bar in the front that makes waiting for a table a little easier! Inside is nothing special, actually it is really un-special with random tables and chairs spread throughout. And none of the rooms match each other as the front dining room looks like an old porch/sunroom. BUT the food is amazing, decently priced, and the people that come here always have smiles! I ALWAYS get the Tufano's salad which has a bunch of vegetables, cheese and meat in vinager/oil and get the Calamari to start. I really don't need much food after that since I kinda fill up on those. But I continue eating. Although I usually opt for the cheapest menu item since I am full at that point, I have tried many of their pastas and fish and chicken dishes. Good vodka sauce but it costs extra. Shells and brocoli is fantastic but you will have garlic breath for 24 hours. No street parking due to Zones. You can only do valet parking but it is cheap $4. Also, watch out as this place is packed before Bulls and Blackhawks games. (Sadly, there have been many times when I have planned to go only to realize it is a Bulls night and the place will be ridiculously packed.)
(4)
Greg K.

First learned of this hidden spot on Triple D. Finally made it there and it was worth the wait. Low prices, good size servings and the food was fantastic. Not swanky by any stretch, but that's not what this place is about. It's about the food, the ambiance is the food. Enjoyed very much.
(5)
Deanna D.

This is a classic example of a neighborhood joint with no frills. Simple decor. Servers dressed in Tufano's Ts and jeans. Family owned and operated. This place gets a ton of locals (Italians from nearby Taylor St.), which gives it even more of an authentic feel. Tufano's definitely has its quirks - no individual menus (dishes are written on a large chalkboard on the dining room wall), no credit cards (only cash is accepted) - but I thoroughly enjoy this place. The antipasto is outstanding, and the gnocchi is my favorite. Hearty Italian bread is served at every table (you gotta pair it with fresh olive oil), and there's also a cozy bar area perfect for a pre-dinner drink. I definitely recommend this place for a satisfying Italian meal.
(4)
Christopher M.

Great Italian restaurant. It's sort of hidden in little Italy. It's site behind Taylor St. I've been here a couple times with a big group of people. Tried all kinds of food. You have to try the calamari. Very clean, and has class. Prices are VERY reasonable. Highly recommended if you like Italian food (Who doesn't??)
(4)
Jillian S.

A truly hidden gem, and living proof that Old Chicago never changes. Tufano's is a slice of old school Chicago Italian history, and is not to be missed. It doesn't have a sign, and you'd have to know it was there to ever notice that it exists. My mom had last been here with her father 35 years ago and when we visited it yesterday, she said the food was exactly the same. What was excellent then is still excellent now, and oh my goodness, it was really EXCELLENT. The place has been passed down through the same family, so I think that's why everything has remained the same. I opted for a simple spaghetti with olive oil and garlic with italian sausage and it was so delicious. Hubs and my dad both got the chicken parm which was very tender and the best I've tasted. Also make sure you start with the special salad, it's a huge portion and you can have it family style for an appetizer. Make sure you save room for dessert, as the tiramisu is truly to die for.
(5)
Brie A.

For all of the wonderful Italian food you can get in Chicago, I cannot fathom why anyone would make the trek out to Tufano's. The marinara sauce was terribly bland and tasted like it came straight out of a can, the meatball was flavorless and very dry, the calamari came with a side of bizarrely sweet cocktail sauce, and the "famous" lemon chicken was swimming in oil and not flavorful in the least. The house salad was iceberg lettuce. The potatoes were floppy. And my glass of water remained unfilled for the majority of the meal. On the upside, the prices were very affordable, and the bread was delish. Next time I'll go to Quartino.
(2)
Jocelyn A.

I am sad to say my experience at tufanos was a disappointment. Even sadder to me since it is a neighborhood place for me. My bf have had take out for their spaghetti and meatball in the past and thought it was fine, worth going to the actual restaurant especially with all the good reviews. Unfortunately, the evening started with a not so friendly waitress. She wasn't a horrible waitress, she did take our order, but seemed like she didn't want to. As soon as she took our order, she briskly walked away, there was no small talk or anything. I don't need a long conversation, but maybe a hi or our specials tonight are..., she came back to fill our water but not once said anything to us. Maybe she was so busy, she felt like she couldn't spare a moment to say anything but it just felt rude. Now onto the food. We did get warm bread with butter which is a plus. The bread was good, great for mopping up sauce since it is a little denser. And we did get little plates for the olive oil and cheese. But I don't know what was wrong with our oil, but it looked like canola oil that was dyed green and it tasted like it as well. And I know they are they are famous for their lemon chicken but their pastas are also supposed to be very good too, but tonight it just seemed blah. We ordered their ravioli, rigatoni and mushroom, and the spaghetti with red clam sauce. The ravioli wasn't bad, just nothing special. The pasta was cooked perfectly but the cheese was a bland as was the marinara sauce. I guess I just like my sauce with more herbs or flavor. This was just a thin red sauce without any other noticeable ingredients. The rigatoni & mushroom was ok. It was a red mushroom sauce with a ton of mushrooms so that was good and the flavor and portion was nice. But again I don't feel like it was anything special, it was a bunch of canned mushrooms in a red sauce. The spaghetti with red clam sauce was also just ok. The pasta was perfectly al dente and there were lots of clams and none of it sandy, but unfortunately not a lot of sauce. We had to ask for an extra cup of marinara. The flavor was of mild clam and a hint of garlic but we prefer saucy and lots of garlic. So we are giving them 3 stars because the food wasn't bad, just not what we had hoped for and the one waitress that made us feel like we were a bother.
(3)
Burton C.

Loved it! It was a no B.S. good old school Italian joint. Reminded me of New York which is always a plus. Its the place you go with close family and friends to enjoy a good meal. Enough Said.
(5)
Richard U.

Followed other recommendations and had the shells. Superb! Great portions at a great price. Nice neighborhood atmosphere.
(4)
Keith T.

Be ready to valet and don't forget THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. Great italian food in a casual atmosphere. I always get a full carafe of their house red it's pretty good. This place makes me feel like I'm at home in my italian grandmother's kitchen.
(4)
mike l.

wow, reviewers couldn't be more misleading. there is nothing homey or quaint about this local joint. I'd rather eat Italian food from a tire repair shop than this bar. because that's what this really is - a bar that happens to serve italian food. this was really dissapointing, as if you couldn't tell. our waitress really could't give a crap. the portions were not large enough to share nor were they a superb value. we started with the antipasto (soggy & flavorless) and the calamari (actually the best part of the meal). the main dishes came out pretty quck, bring on the mediocrity! the chicken parm was salty & dry. The marina wasn't that bad, but the cheese underneath was pre-sliced mozzarella. next was probably the stinkiest of the stinky: mushrooms & rigatoni. OH WHAT A SHAM. I've got two words (whch I stole from my wife): canned mushrooms. and that was that. Matthew H. meet me at Buona Note in NYC and then you'll experience some real italian.
(2)
Becky Z.

My classmate and I just passed by and were thinking we needed some food. We were so surprised at the meatball, it was juicy and with blend flavour. Not too much oil. Also the household salad was light with a very affordable price. It is a good place for lunch time.
(4)
Joseph R.

Came here with a group of six after Columbia College graduation. Had a 20 minute wait for an open table. The bar area was casual and the bartender was a real sweetheart! We didn't mind waiting at all since we were celebrating. When we got to our table it was nice to see the type of people that were enjoying the food when we scanned the crowd. A great mix of young and old, white and black. This restaurant appeals to a broad cross section of the population. The bread that they serve before the meal was absolutely fantastic. The crust was chewy but not too much so. The interior was dense but not dry. The salad that we ordered was more than enough for six people. I ordered stuffed shells (an old standby) with the house meat balls. The first bite of my shells was disappointing, the pasta was super soft. I thought to myself "Oh great...
(4)
Jason G.

been eating here since i was a kid in the old neighborhood. great home-stlye italian american food. excellent prices. family-friendly atmosphere. cash only.
(4)
Joe S.

My dentist told me to go here so I did and then did again. So far I've had the spaghetti with giant meatballs and the lemon chicken (share it)...haven't been disappointed. Bring your glasses so you can read the menu off the chalkboard. Friendly and honest servers. Love the atmosphere and location tucked away on a little elbow shaped side street. I want to go back and sit at the bar sometime. Cash only.
(4)
Travis F.

A college buddy and I tried this place when I was in Chicago on business. We went here simply because we both were feeling like Italian and becuase I saw this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Overall, I was a bit disappointed. The food was good, but not great.
(2)
Tony G.

Tufano's is a fun 'local' restaurant. The proprietor (sorry, don't remember his name) is very friendly and welcoming. They do a good job of getting your party seated, even on the busiest of nights. The food is delicious, and the menus are written on chalkboards - which I think is kind of cool. I didn't notice until recently, but I don't think there's a sign outside saying what this place is. It's kind of obvious, though, as it's the only restaurant on the entire street of residences. They don't take plastic, though, so bring your cash. You can get a nice meal and beverage for $20 if you don't get too fancy - and the portions aren't huge, but definitely don't leave me hungry. My only complaint is probably the price of desert. A small(small) lemon ice was $5. Sure, it was served in a real lemon, but $5 is just too much for what you get.
(4)
Yasoob A.

Posted by Yasoob Ahmed | If you want real homemade Italian this is it. The lemon pepper chicken is one of my fav's here. The martini's are good and the wine is even better.
(4)
Patrick C.

Surley staff. Sauce tastes like it came out of a can. What's not to like? Everything. Go to Taylor Street for great Italian food.
(1)
Alexis H.

Go ahead and call me a hater, but I really don't get the hype of this place. A friend and I went last night after her mother insisted that if we were headed to little Italy, Tufano's was the place to go. Well, she was way wrong. We were seated at our table and the bus boy quickly dropped off a bread basket but only a bread basket. No plates, no utensils, no napkins. Just bread. After about 5 minutes or so of waiting, we walked over to another table and snatched up some dining gear. Then we tackled the bread. A whole loaf and 20 minutes later, still no waitress in sight. Finally, we get someone and put in our order, which amazingly is delivered to our table in a record 3 minutes. Obviously, it was not freshly prepared. I had fettuccine alfredo which was awful and had no flavor whatsoever. Even after a hefty portion of Parmesan cheese (of the Kraft variety) and salt & pepper, my meal still tasted like paper. I abandoned it for another serving of bread. My friend's meal was only slightly better: She ordered spinach ravioli (which looked like it came from Sam's Club) with vodka sauce. The cost of her meal: $14! Unbelievable. Hers at least had some flavor, but it was majorly sub-par. I understand this is a family business and I am not expecting Francesca's or Rosebud, but if I'm going to get crappy service and crappy food, I better not have to pay as much as I did. I could have gone to Noodles & Co. and I would have been much happier (which is pretty pathetic if you ask me). My favorite part of the night: Me - "Do you have lemonade?" Waitress - Blank stare accompanied by an awkward silence Me - "...by any chance?" Waitress - Long pause and then, "Like the drink?" Me - "Um, yeeeeah...."
(1)
John Y.

A great neighborhood Italian restaurant with excellent food. Unpretentious, relaxed and festive atmosphere. Always a great eating experience here.... CLOSED......unfortunately!
(5)
eden s.

I love this place. I don't go enough. The chicken piccata is like crack. OMG. so good. Could eat 4 helpings by myself!! The prices are very reasonable, service is good. Place is kind of dingy, but that lends to its charm. Their fried calamari is near perfect and their anti-pasto salad is excellent. Great for a group. Cash only.
(5)
Tena L.

This review will parallel this establishment: quick and simple. The server did not hover over us, but didn't miss a beat. no menus - they have Italian food, ask for it. Chianti the way my grandma served it in 4 oz. juice glasses. Good basic Italian meals offered in half or full portions - not as good as my grandma's. Get the gelato with the Dairy Queen type chocolate shell. Expect tacky Italian decor, kinda like Christmas in my Aunt Zena's basement.
(3)
Katherine R.

My parents have been going here for years so I thought I would see what all the fuss was about. Good place to go before a Bulls game, although there will be a bit of a wait. The service was alright here and the food was okay. I got the lemon chicken, one of their most popular dishes and I wasn't exactly blown away; way too much oil that was actually splashing all over me and the table. Good wine though and what my boyfriend got was pretty good (forgot what it was). We also had the bruschetta and fried calamari which were both good.
(3)
scot o.

old school secret awesome. great food. good prices. great place.
(5)
Nickie A.

Tufano's is a great spot for Italian food- the portion sizes and prices compliment each other and the service is great. The eggplant lasagna is awesome- the eggplant is not fried or heavily sauteed prior to assembly, and just the right amount of cheese. The server even said they usually run out of it because it is so popular. I just wish their gravy had a little more taste to it. The tiramisu was also very good. MMmmmm yummy!
(4)
lew b.

Great place !!! Show off our city to family,or friends ,this place is pure Chicago.The food, antipasto salad the best followed by fried calimari and or mussels.main dishes lemon chicken,any pasta . been coming here for 25 years say no more
(4)
Karen L.

I would give Tufano's a 3.5 stars. Went here for a friend's birthday party, and it really is a great place for a group. This is the epitome of a classic old-school Italian restaurant. It seems that it has been there forever, and also seems to bring in a crowd that has probably been going there forever. (We were probably the youngest people there, besides small children.) This place is cute and cozy, with a great atmosphere! They have their menus posted on chalkboards all over the restaurant, which is really cute. We got the fried calamari for an appetizer, which was very tasty! For my entree I ordered a cavatelli with vodka sauce. I will have to say I was a bit disappointed with the sauce. It tasted a little off to me, and I thought since it was such a traditional Italian place, that their sauce would blow me away. Maybe their red sauce is their specialty. Other people at the table liked their entrees (including chicken parmesan, lemon chicken and a veggie pasta). Tufano's is in the middle of nowhere, so I don't know if I will be going back anytime soon. But I would definitely try it for an authentic Italian feel.
(3)
Peter H.

Awesome Italian food, old school, not the greatest tablecloths, but it is what it is, a little Italian restuarant in Little Italy. Unreal salad, stuffed shells are awesome. Like the menus written on the wall.
(5)
Mark S.

good pastas and great service. bread is awesome and our chianti was tasty.
(4)
Natalie B.

This is one of my favorites. I love that it is hidden on a residential street. The food is always terrific, especially the tortellini with vodka sauce and the calamari. I like the old-school Italian restaurant atmosphere. In a city full of pretentious dining, this is a breath of fresh air.
(5)
Scott W.

Great place to go before an event at the united center. I have been many times and I like the pork chops. The service is good but remember to bring cash.
(4)
Jay D.

Great little place. Best fried calamari in the City of Chicago. Their speciality is the Lemon Chicken, which is quite tasty. Sometimes quirky ambience, but overall tasty, authentic, reasaonably-priced food in a relaxed setting.
(3)
Kalyan M.

I saw this restaurant on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. The food was good. I ordered Lemon Chicken, it was good but a little too oily. The service was very good and fast.
(4)
S to the izzo F.

Tufano's has the best fried Calamari I've ever had. Five stars for this a lone....They make their own, fresh. I love the angel hair and Mussels too, it's Probably one of my all time favorite dishes. The tripe here is fantastic. Chicken Picatta better than great! the Spaghetti Alio is perfect. The Shells, Broccoli, and huge Shrimp... delicious! I do tell them to go easy on the dressing and the lemon chicken everyone raves about is OK. Yet, It's one of my favorite little places to eat. Really good people. really really good food!
(5)
Matthew H.

This has been my all-time favorite place to eat since I was a kid. Really, really good and really, really authentic. Very reasonable, and impeccable service.
(5)
L. R.

I looooove Tufanos. My favorite Italian place in Chicago. The eggplant is wonderful. My kids always enjoy their special Italian dishes as well. In the summer, it's nice to sit outside. I grew up in a neighborhood like this - everyone sitting out in front of their house, so I feel very welcome, not only in the neighborhood, but also in the restaurant. It's very much like home to me.
(4)
Piercy T.

The Tufano's garlic lemon (vesuvio) chicken is a delicacy. One of the better meals in Chcago. Mike needs to retreat to Naperville.
(4)
Matt N.

This is some of the best Italian food I have had while living in Chicago. It's off the beaten path a bit, but make no mistake..it's worth finding. The serivce is lagging a bit and if you are not a regular, you should not expect 5 star treatment. The price is tough to beat and I highly recommend a stop at this restaurant..A+
(4)
cla m.

Prices are reasonable, but this place isn't exactly inviting. The outside seating is nice in the summer. The inside seating requires imagination. The decore is barebones, and outdated. The wait staff is nice enough, valet guys not so much. The vibe: it's very much an insiders joint.
(2)
B B.

Just good down home italian cooking. This isnt Rosebud, they arent going to wow you with strange dishes, great apperance and incredibly expensive dishes. They can customize any dish, the vodka sauce is some of the best ive ever had, and the salads and calamari are awesome. The wine selection is great and cheap. How many other place around here has 25 dollar bottle of good wine? And serve them in "juice" wine glasses. Ask for Gina, great service.
(5)
Christine C.

Went there and felt out of place among a bunch of hockey fans having dinner before a Blackhawks game. Waitress and owner/manager were very welcoming and entertained my three-year old son. Menus are posted on boards, which are a little hard to see, depending on where you are seated. Food is simple, nothing special, nothing I'd crave or return for. They don't even serve meat sauce (to my husband's great disappointment). There are much better Italian places in the city, but I think this place is popular for the nostalgia of the neigborhood.
(3)
Jeni F.

We went to dinner here with my husband's old boss, who is a regular and loves the "old Chicago" feel. The atmosphere was nothing to get excited about, but thats not usually why I go to restaurants. The servers were extraordinarily friendly and the chicken piccata was phenomenal. The calamari was also great but the stuffed shells were a little soggy. Overall, I would definitely return to this place for good, no-nonsense Italian food.
(4)
Michelle B.

We were here for a rehearsal dinner and it started off rocky because the room wasn't ready and we didn't think it would fit everyone. But we were able to squeeze everyone in and the night went up from there. We loved the food here. We had the calamari, salad, sausage and peppers, and a few other pasta dishes. All were delicious. The sausage and peppers was the favorite of our table, they had to bring back another plate full. The desserts were just as tastey - I'd go back just for the tiramisu alone. The service was good, they seemed flustered at first and plates were piling up on the table, but once they got a couple bus boys to clean things off things started to run smoothly. They kept the wine and drinks flowing and in the end it was a perfect rehearsal dinner! I'd like to go back for dinner on a regular night and I already know my order - sausage and peppers, pasta, and tiramisu for dessert!
(4)
Pat F.

Classic American Italian! Their eggplant parmesean to die for. Check this place out for lunch or dinner but remember to bring cash.
(4)
Maureen S.

The service and the ambiance in this place is very nice. Very relaxed and casual. I came here after seeing Guy Fieri's Food Network show (Diners Drive in...) featured the restaurant. I was very excited about the food since he looked like he was really enjoying them in his show. Guy Fieri should get an Oscar award for the "ooohhh and aahh and so good!" he said about the food. Because the food was bland! I ordered the veal parmigiana and my boyfriend ordered the spaghetti with italian sausage. For appetizers we got the calamari- good breading but very chewy. Will not go back.
(2)
Elizabeth C.

I've been coming here for about nine years now. I love it, sitting at the bar is a hoot. I would never go there on a date though, for me it's fun to go with big groups of friends and family.
(5)
Megan L.

Tufano's has great old school, home-style Italian food. You're not going to get some fancy-shmancy sauces with pine nuts on top, this is the type of food my grandmother would make - and yeah, she's Italian. Tufano's has been in the neighborhood and owned by the same family for four decades that I know of... a restaurant doesn't stick around for almost half a century if it's not good. Even if you're not a regular or from the neighborhood, they treat you like you are - they make you feel at home. Sure, the place has gotten bigger over the years, but the chalkboard menus are still on the walls and the food has remained consistently great. At heart it remains the little hole-in-the wall it was back in the day.
(5)
Stacy T.

Perfectly fried calamari, delicious crisp house salad, and a heaping bowls of pasta the likes of which your grandma would serve...well if your grandma was a kick as I-talian. This place is a casual family run restaurant with a truly homey feel. The clientele and staff are warm and friendly and the food is yummy. As Steve Carrell from The Office would say right before his Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run For The Cure ....time for the "CARB-O Load."
(5)
Mexicutioner s.

Thanx for a one of a kind experience last night. This place is tucked away in a quiet little street away from the more well known Italian places along Taylor street. What a great place to put a couple shots into some ones head, highly recommended for any Italian hit men. Besides the cute location the service was a blast but not your traditional type of service. Our waitress treated us like family and was as sweet as apple pie but also took hours to finish our meal, as long as the Chianti was flowing we didn't much care that we ordered our entree an hour after sitting down. When we looked bored she brought us a salad to munch on, when we ran out of wine another bottle came quickly. The food was solid Italian, no frills just good pasta with great sauces. My meatball and stuffed shells had great flavor , the sauce tasted fresh, no no one had any complaints with their entrees. After another hour or so our waitress decided to let us order desserts, my fellow diners ordered some ice cream covered in a chocolate shell which looked great, my partner and I split the tiramisu which was the only part that disappointed, but alas I'm usually disappointed by the tiramisu. Doesn't anyone use mascarpone cheese any more!!!!!!! It makes me so mad!1!1!!1 good thing I have an electrocution scheduled for later in the week to relieve some stress. At least they had some grappa to wash it all down with at the end. to some it up 6 people had 4 bottle of wine, calamari, salad, entrees, shared deserts, 20% tip, 2.5 hours of of fun for 50 bucks a person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep it up tufanos! we will be back. The mexicutioners judgment is pardoned from a death sentence but I may have to chop off a digit for sub par tiramisu
(4)
Digital M.

No sign. No glitz. No Glam. Been coming here for years with a date or a buddy. Excellent pasta and homemade soup where the chicken is right off the bone. The calamari melts in your mouth. I say that not to be cliche' because it really does. Everything is fantastic at this spot and yes although you may not know the owners, managers, waitstaff, and bartenders by name they will make you feel like you are in their home. Plus, you'll impress people by just knowing that this place exists. Free Valet Parking
(4)
Mike I.

A good restaurant that reminds me of eating at my grandparent's house as a kid. Home cooked Italian food...nothing pretentious or "pretty". Friendly service. We always order their antipasto salad with all the italian meats in it. The pork chops served with roasted peppers, potatoes and peas, while sounding boring (peas!?), are delicious! I do have to dock them a star for not accepting credit cards...who carries cash on them anymore with the invention of the debit card?! Get with the 90s!
(3)
fred h.

Old school Italian family joint. Nothing fancy, just good home-style food. Menu is on a huge 6x6 chalkboard - not sure how often it changes. The service is super - im thinking most of the waitresses have been there for a while....some of them a long while. They're all terrific. The food is pretty good - I particularly enjoyed the sausage and pepper plate, lemon chicken. Calamari was excellent. Meatballs pretty good too. They threw together some "paa'sta' and braa'kli' because the waitress thought we didn't have enough noodles and veggies. Portions were huge - be prepared to take the lefovers home and eat on it for a couple days. All in all, a very good night.
(4)
Kristen S.

One of my family's favorites. Very homey, very hearty and very cheap. The service is always as if they were letting you into their own home. I cannot say enough. Gotta try the calimari and your favorite pasta. There's a reason why this place has so many loyal customers- check it out for yourself!
(5)
Mike M.

Tufano's would have to be at the top of my list of italian restaurants in Chicago. great homestyle pasta. i almost always get ravioli but end up grabbing from the dishes of the people i'm with for some variety. their fried calamari is top notch and near perfect every time. i like to hang out at the bar for a few drinks, before heading to the dining room to eat. my family likes to come here after day white sox games and before blackhawk games for food. love this place.
(4)
Barnaby W.

My friends and I came to Trufano's because of some high recommendation from a local we met at a bar the previous night. He likened this establishment to something you'd see on the Sopranos. I didn't know if eating here involved getting whacked or made, but our group took a chance. The entrance leads into the bar area and a wall plastered with photos of the owner posed with notable celebrities (Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Guy Fieri (who featured Tufano's on his food network show), and hockey players with missing front teeth. The server was friendly and brought out some recommended dishes for us since we were obviously out-of-towners. The Tufano Salad was delicious and full of lettuce, olives, red onions, feta cheese, and salami slices. We had penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, lemon chicken with pine nuts (yum!), and eggplant parmisan. The final bill was a bit pricey, but a wonderful experience nonetheless. The staff were really wonderful people.
(4)
John I.

When I saw the name of this place, I assumed that it was a Chicago location of a restaurant in the suburb of Vernon Park. I guess I don't get out enough, because there is no suburb called Vernon Park. In fact, there's no park named Vernon Park in Chicago. There is, however, a Vernon Park Street that runs into UIC. Maybe there had been a park before the university eminent domained the place? Enough speculating; let's eat. Six of us arrived without a reservation on a Saturday night, after having another place misplace our reservation. Joann jumped into action, finding us a nice round table (perfect for everyone to converse with everyone--the Chinese are onto this; I'm glad Tufano's is too). We waited less than ten minutes, probably closer to five, and she came back a few times to make sure we felt taken care of. It turns out that Joann is a part of the family that has owned this place for 85 years. How wonderful that the second (or third?) generation still hustles to make sure their guests are having a good time at the party. Soon after we sat down, Bobbie was there for a drink order. Since this place has that old-school, Frank Sinatra type of vibe, I went for a tasty dry martini, which came in the appropriate iconic, conical glass. She also set us up with the recommended salad: the Tufano for four, plenty for 6. Funny how a few slices of salami and some cheese can make a salad that much tastier. Warm, crusty bread was soon on the table, with both packets of whipped butter and a cruet of olive oil. Nothing extraordinary about the bread, except that its warmth and crustiness made it delicious. Two of us had one of the house specials, the eggplant parmesan. It was a Viennese torte of savory goodness: stacked high with fluffy layers, with the right amount of cheese, tasty tomato sauce and no oily mess like many places. One of the best I've had, and I do like my eggplant parmesan. Like my beloved chile rellenos, a lot of people make them, but only a few achieve excellence. Others in our group got lemon chicken, one whose lips, between smacks, wished he had gotten a whole instead of a half. Six spoons and my friends' traditional passing of the desserts ended the evening: lemon sorbet, cannoli and tiramisu, all very tasty. I also had an espresso, which was the only weak part of the meal. Just strong coffee with no crema. Normally I would dock a star because they only take cash--it's 2015, people! But then again, I'm not going to admonish an 85-year-old for being set in his ways. Especially when he still lives on a quiet street and hasn't abandoned a neighborhood in which most of the Italians have moved away. I happened to chat for a few minutes with Joann on the way out. Very personable, even at the end of the evening. It was like being in someone's kitchen, rather than a restaurant from which she was looking forward to getting home.
(5)
Matthew M.

I had an excellent lunch with my wife and son at Tufanos the other day. All food was great. The filling in the shells were light and not heavy, great for a summer day. The Lemon Chicken was one of the best chicken dishes I have had at any restaurant. I left my Samsung tablet at the table when we left. The waitress turned it in and since I did not come back for it, the staff contacted me about it. That is over and above customer service. Tufanos gets 5 stars for food and customer service.
(5)
Tammy M.

Tufano's is an amazing Chicago find. Just a short trip from the downtown area, it is easy to get to by bus or cab. There is valet parking for $5 if you drive there. If anyone has ever tried to park in downtown Chicago, you know that this is an amazing deal. Normal valet parking costs downtown are about $10-12, and street parking is. Not. Real. (Residential streets require permits to park. This is not a new concept.) There is sometimes a wait if you go for dinner on the weekend, but we have always been seated fairly quickly. Service is always great. The staff are friendly and helpful, and we have never been short on water, drinks, and bread. The menu is written on chalkboards throughout the restaurant, but you don't really need it-- just ask the server or read some of the reviews! Mussels with red sauce- The best thing ever! Forget the mussels, it's all about that sauce. Just spoon up that delicious, garlicky goodness, soak your bread into it, and enter heaven. (Once, they were out of mussels and we nearly cried. We asked for just the sauce and they kindly, wonderfully obliged our odd request. Bless you, Tufano's!) Other things that were good: pasta with vodka sauce, chicken/veal parmesan, chicken/veal picante, spaghetti with olive oil and garlic, tortellini alfredo. The marinara sauce is a bit on the sweet side for me, but I bet kids would like that.
(5)
Jeff C.

Chicago Institution. Get the Lemon Chicken. Get the eggplant. Bring cash. One thing I wish they would do is brine their chicken, or get some pastured chicken. At all Italian restaurants, chicken can be a little dry.
(3)
Kevin G.

Excellent food / very reasonable prices /free valet. My wife was here over 20 yrs ago and remembered it being very good and wanted to take my daughter and I. I had the eggplant plate and it was the best I ever had. The food was better than high priced fancy places that I actually hate wasting money on. I live 40 minutes west into the suburbs from the restaurant and I would go back in a heart beat just to run out for dinner. 4 of us and we didn't hold back on ordering food ,was well under $100.00 with tip. If you like Italian food you must at least try it. Oh yeah, service was a little slow but friendly. Don't go there when your in a hurry. Just saying. :)
(5)
Andy M.

Also known as Vernon street tap this place rocks! If you want good simple food you are in the right place. The place reminds me of eating at my nana's house in a lot in both the food and atmosphere. Stuffed shells are my favorite!
(5)
Bobblehead B.

Just a great old school Chicago Italian place. Wonderful food. Great staff. The place has been there forever. There are knuckleheads here giving the place one star and complaining about parking and the menu on a chalkboard. The restaurant is in a RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. They have VALET PARKING. Tufano's has ALWAYS been there. The lack of parking is nothing new. Is looking at the chalkboard so damned difficult? Do you really need a menu? Are people incapable of asking the wait staff questions? If you really need a parking lot and a menu, go to an Olive Garden in a mall.
(5)
Beebe G.

love this place. awesome calamari! the antipasta salad (not the special just the regular) -- get it, eat it! rigatoni with mushroom sauce and all the pastas they have on the board as well as their other entrees -- get it while you can, whenever you're there and bon appetito!
(4)
Whitney B.

With so many great Italian restaurants on nearby Taylor Street, please don't waste your time here. The food was horrible. The marinara sauce tasted like bad high school cafeteria food and the bread was as stale as the day is long. The wine selection was small and definitely over-priced for the particular schlock they sell. It definitely has a "neighborhood" vibe and you could tell there were a lot of regulars there. Perhaps they save the good food for them? The only saving grace is that we were given a gift certificate to eat there - otherwise I would have been wicked pissed I spent my own hard earned money at Tufano's. Definitely take a pass on this one.
(1)
Jennie T.

This is a hard-to-find gem in on the outskirts of University Village. It's close to UIC, and I imagine that unless you're from this neighborhood, you'd have trouble locating it. I really enjoyed their calamari. I've also ordered spaghetti here twice -- I usually don't order spaghetti because most places mess it up horribly. Great food at great prices. I mean, would you expect any less? They're right next to Little Italy and Greektown. Oh, and remember to bring cash. They're cash-only.
(4)
Carol K.

"Where am I going?", I ask my friend who has been to Tufano's before, knows it's around here "somewhere" and has us driving in circles until I enter the address in my phone and after a couple of turns find the restaurant. Well no wonder I couldn't find this place. It's hidden on a side street off of Racine and is the quintessential neighborhood place. I don't think anything has ever changed since it opened. A couple of important things to note: if you drive- you must valet your car ($5). All the parking along the street is permit only and there is a lot across the street that the restaurant uses (owns?) for parking the cars. The second thing? Bring CASH. For they do not take plastic. As you pull open the door- you find yourself in a badly lit bar. It's not dark- it's bright- so bright we sat and wondered where all the light was coming from. The TV's had the hockey game on and a group of "regulars" sat around the place.The bartender was pleasant and quick to pour us a drink. We were one of only a couple of tables on the night we were there but it was late and on a Wednesday night. We split a couple of dishes (the house salad quite good with meats and cheeses) and the lemon chicken. For dessert, we were on a cannoli kick so we ordered a cannoli. The cannoli was a little "peanuty" for my taste- I prefer pistachios on mine and not peanuts. Cheap food, cheap beer and a "dive like" atmosphere adds up to an "A OK" experience. Just put on your sunglasses as you go through the bar as all that light is a bit blinding.
(3)
Bethany G.

Went here last Friday waiting for a Craig's lister to show up with a ticket to a show for the uic pavilion right next door. While waiting 4 hours for him to show up, Paulie the bartender set me up with beers, mussels, calamari linguini, and talked to me as much as he could. The man next to me said "if this guy doesn't show up, we got you covered." I didn't know who he was and didn't believe him but...finally after hour 4 of waiting alone I knew I was being stood up. Paulie and the other gentleman (who I soon found out was Joe, the owner) would not take ANY money from me. not a tip, not a single cent. They felt so sorry for me and treated me like family. It was my first time there and they made what could've been a bad experience into a wonderful one. Awesome food, great hospitality, super quick service. It just goes to show there are still good people left in this world. Leave it up to Little Italy! Definitely showed this girl some real Chicago love. I can't express my gratitude enough. Wish I could make it up to them. None of them asked me to write this review, I'm doing this to show Chicagoans what a great family owned restaurant this is.
(5)
Scott B.

I go out of my way to get to Tufano's when i am in Chicago! The service is top-shelf. If it isn't on the menu, just let them know what what you like and they'll take care of you. Truly a neighborhood restaurant that makes you feel at home. If you are looking for REAL Italiian, look no further!!
(5)
Samantha R.

Went with a friend for a casual Italian dinner, and it was great! Exactly what I was looking for. Good neighborhood place with real food. Fried calamari was amazing!! I had the spaghetti and meatball was good and makes me want to go back to try other things. It was better as leftovers the next day!
(4)
Mike L.

Took my Step dad for lunch on Thursday and he hasn't been here for over 30 years - he lives out of town now so I saved teh best for last. He loved it!! And so did I of course. Joey and his sister have managed to keep up the exact same flavors in all the food their grandparents cooked up years ago. When I was a kid we used to go there when it was just the bar in front, which is still there, and the dining room was in the back - which is now the enlarged kitchen, it was 1 room, no windows, an air condioner in the wall, always packed, and always incredible food served family style. The lines were down the street just to get in. Most places that are taken over by family members usually go to hell - not Tufano! They still have the Best Lemon Chicken, meatballs, Salad, cheese ravioli, red gravy and tons of other pastas and specials like Sausage and Peppers, and Joey's special Tomato Basil sauce - MMMMMMMMMMM! I am so glad it is the same as when I was a kid thanks to the DiBuono family!
(5)
Melanie S.

Probably my second favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago after La Gondola. I've been coming here since I was a student at UIC which was long before they expanded into several rooms and an outdoor dining area. It's not particularly polished and certainly not trendy, but no one comes here looking for that. They're here for good, basic old-school Italian fare. I always start with the special salad, which is easily one of my all-time favorite salads. It's chock full of roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, fontinella and provolone cheeses, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bathed in a delicious dressing. I've never come here and not ordered this salad. They have your typical Italian dishes, but my favorites are the stuffed shells, eggplant parmagiana, pork chops and peppers, and chicken picante. The chicken picante has an amazing sauce and is slathered with toasted pine nuts, and while nothing ever has enough pine nuts for me, but this dish comes close. Desserts are nothing special. On a warm day, I recommend walking a few blocks to Mario's for an Italian ice, which is a perfect way to end a fabulous meal at Tufano's. Portions are ample, food is very good, valet parking is reasonable (and indeed your only option) and it's a neighborhood staple. Cash only.
(4)
Apothecarylord X.

Read many of the reviews and after watching the short on Chicagos Best, I thought we should give it a try. Party of three had three seperate dishes,veal Vesuvio, which the waitress messed up and brought chicken Vesuvio ,chicken picante, and chicken lemon.None the less ,they all tasted the same. In all cases the chicken was boiled ,not broiled ,and put over angel hair pasta, straight out of the chicken broth. The bruschetta appetizer was diced tomatoes sprinkled with balsamic vinegar, this Restraunt is truly not one of chicagos best.There are many other fantastic Italian restraunts in a "food town" such as Chicago this is just not one of them.
(1)
Elizabeth S.

Absolutely love this great Italian restaurant. Went with a large party of 11, seated quickly on a Saturday night. Service excellent. Food delicious, tons of choices. Always get Calamari (yummmm), refreshing house salad, and veal Marsala . Family loves the Parmesan dishes which are awesome!! Only drawback is its really loud and hard to converse some times. Definitely a repeat soon.
(5)
Irene H.

Went here for the first time the other day. I hadn't noticed this place was even there, and I've attended UIC for years. It's kind of hidden, but worth it. They offer valet parking for $5, which was really worthless because the car got parked literally right across the street. The food was great, ordered veal parmesan, and chicken picante, both which were very good, traditional Italian food. There wasn't anything extra ordinary about them, but it was a solid meal. The portions were huge, ended up having left overs, and it wasn't too expensive for the price paid. Service on the other hand was complicated. It wasn't bad per say, but it just wasn't there. The waitress was great when she was at our table, but she just didn't seem to even be in the restaurant when we needed her. She was slow but on top of her game if that makes sense.
(4)
Stacy B.

We've been here a number of times and it is easy, casual, delicious dining. This place is a bit off the beaten path, but the valet makes it super easy if you're driving. The ambiance is fun and great for a date or family dining. Big portions and very consistent. Old school Italian and can't go wrong here!
(4)
Jeff G.

probably 3.5. classic neighborhood joint. food is good and homemade, but all of the red sauces for the different dishes are the same. my wife got the cheese ravioli and said it lacked character.
(3)
Les O.

A friend suggested and I let him order. Eggplant was sublime. Chicken picante great. You know what was the best...the broccoli believe it or not. 4.5. 5 would have been easy choice if they had better bread.
(4)
Melanie C.

I don't think I would be in a hurry to rush back. If the staff doesn't know you, you are treated like an outsider. They will not go out of their way at all to make you feel at home, because they are too busy chatting with the people they do know. The night we were there, we got there before the rest of our party, so we sat at the bar. The bar tender could have been any less attentive. He was off talking with "more important" people the entire time. Once the rest of the party arrived, we were seated outside. The waitress took our drink orders and then came back for our food. The menu and waitress both didn't really explain a lot. There was no going over any of it, so for those of us, "the outsiders", we didn't know much. This was the first time in my life I have ever ordered Eggplant Parm, and that was all I got. No pasta? Really? I was finished eating before some people even started. My boyfriend also ordered Sausage and Peppers. Yep, that was it. Nowhere on the menu did it say our meals were a la cart. We might have asked about it if our waitress ever came back to check on our meal. We also ordered another round of drinks that she also forgot to bring back to us. Then we had to sit and wait to pay our bill. Not a fan, and probably won't ever go back.
(2)
Adam F.

This is the kind of place that makes this neighborhood special. Authentic food and authentic atmosphere.
(5)
Laila C.

I didn't like it. The antipasto was boring, the calamari was standard, the ravioli was bland. The lemon chicken was alright but it just tasted like roast chicken, didn't taste any lemons and the potatoes were SUPER flavorless. The eggplant parm is one of their top sellers and that was fine....but if that's their top seller than they've got some real problems. I can't imagine why in the world they deserve a James Beard award...and it kind of makes me really doubt Guy Fieri's taste buds.
(2)
Andrew D.

Got several people telling me this place is great but terrible service. Well they got it half right. The service is terrible. Wine comes in 50 cent glasses, you sit forever waiting for the waitress, I got my salad served at the same time as the entre and it was inedible. Bottom line I can make Italian food better and faster and serve it with a smile. Tip to owners, get better wait staff cuz my 20% tip would have never happened if my wife wasn't present. I should have asked for 20% off my bill. 2nd FYI- ask for extra sauce cuz my spaghetti and meat balls were naked.
(2)
Pinaki S.

This is the type of place that you can only find in an old, Italian neighborhood. It's your neighborhood eatery with giant portions (they'll recommend the half portions, which are actually half priced?!) because they are sooo huge! We all stood and looked at the chalkboard menus-- this was a pretty hilarious and awkward. The food is terrific (stuffed shells was tasty) and if you need a side of meat, the meatball they give you is bigger than your fist. Pretty inexpensive too... the four of us pigged out on $48 w/ tip. (Good for lunch!)
(5)
Joe P.

Great hidden gem on Taylor Street. Shells and broccoli are a great choice and make sure whatever you get you ask for a side of vesuvio potatoes.
(5)
First L.

So I stand in front of Michelangelo's David and try to come up with something new to say...same thing about Tuffano's. Both are classics. Well known by true aficionados. And both have Italian meat balls... ...and sausage(s). At Tuffano's, ahem, my favorite is a salad and soup for lunch. Dinner varies with the season, but a sausage along side a bowl of gnocchi with olive oil and garlic is my usual. Take cash, but Joey has an ATM now. Valet parking mandatory here because it is zoned parking. Tip the valet well, just to be safe. Oh, yeah, one other thing, don't f**k with the waitresses. They are either Family or able to kill with a look. Or both. Seriously.
(5)
Joseph P.

It's the real thing, no nonsense. Good old fashioned Italian red sauce. Fried Calamari, eggplant parmesan, iceberg lettuce salad, bread, olive oil, Chianti, and lots more. What else could you want? Oh, I know. Valet parking? No problem.
(4)
Cheryl S.

My in-laws brought me and my hubby here the other night, and as I told them, I felt like I was eating in a place that Tony Soprano would hang out in! This is a huge plus, not only because I love the Sopranos but also because I knew I'd be getting some yummy old-school Italian food. I ordered the shells with broccoli and the dish was simple but tasty; shells and broccoli in olive oil with garlic. My husband ordered the lemon chicken which came wtih homemade chips on top, and was also excellent. Our waitress was friendly and speedy, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Is there better Italin in the city? Yes, but this place is worth checking out.
(4)
Leah B.

AWESOME!! My husband and I went there for dinner after a White Sox game at the recommendation of a guy that sat in front of us. The meal was amazing!! They have free valet parking which was a added bonus. We started with a salad which was enough for 2 to share. The salami in the salad ws awesome. Everyone in the place was ordering the Calamari and raving about it but we did not try it. My husband had the chicken parmesean and I had angel hair pasta with a meatball. The food was flavorful and nice size portion. We also sharred the Tarimisu at the waitresses suggestion and it was heavenly. The entire meal including tax and tips (Waitress and valet) was $40 and I had enough pasta leftover for lunch the nect day. The food was great and I felt a good value. The service was good as well.
(5)
Tanya S.

A casual nice family style restaurant. Food flavors were spot on. I enjoyed the Tufano salad, Picante Chicken and Tiramisu. Prices were good as well. We came on a Sat night with baby and friends and baby didn't quite like the tables were slightly higher than we're used to with the high chair, but she's small and was in a bit of a tiffy mood that evening. We'll come back when she's a little bigger. Despite all that, it was so lively there, that I doubt anyone other than our table noticed baby.
(4)
Ted W.

I was here last night for Mother's day and had an amazing meal. We started with a big salad and order of calamari. Both were great. I had the veal parmesan and had a bite of the veal marsala and both were great. I preferred the veal parmesan since it came with pasta while the veal marsala didn't ;) They were big portions with most of the table having leftovers to take home so we passed on dessert this time but I've had dessert there in the past and it's been good. I do wish they took reservations for parties smaller than 10. The restaurant wasn't crowded yesterday but I've been there before on a weekend night and have had to wait for a table. My other complaint/warning is that all the parking there is zoned so you have no choice than to pay for valet. Not the end of the world, but I feel like I'm getting scammed when the whole block is empty. I realize this isn't really the restaurant's fault though.
(4)
Natalie G.

Baked lemon chicken is amazing! Very affordable, great discreet location.
(5)
Dan P.

Tufano's is a Chicago institution like Twin Anchors that just keeps me coming back over decades. Unpretentious with a delightful, basic menu (Spiaggia isn't threatened - ergo 4 stars) and friendly service in a setting where time stands still (stuck in the 1950's). I particularly like lunch during the summer when the UIC student population is close to zero the patio is a pleasant option. Judy is a standout waitress that can help you select dishes. No credit cards, but great value.
(4)
Eva M.

Real Italian food, perfect pasta for a great price! It is a casual place.
(5)
Stephanie B.

Classic Italian food. Delicious and simple. Drinks are well priced-especially for Chicago, and food is also very reasonably priced.
(5)
Brad S.

Wow was this so good the food the atmosphere, everything. Sitting outside with the fountain bubbling away is a summer treat that alone should have people lined up out the door. I hope this newly found (for me) gem never changes.
(4)
Vanessa R.

The tortellini goes great with a Peroni :-)
(4)
Craig B.

Best Eggplant Parmesan in Chicago! And Judy was a phenomenal waitress!
(5)
Leon H.

Very casual, like eating at home . . . The food is GREAT, the price is VERY low and the portions are HUGH . . . Great Family Spot
(5)
Valerie M.

This is so cute! Great pasta. Large portions.
(4)
Jeff L.

TUFANO'S! Love this place. This is one of my favorite places in Chicago to enjoy a great Italian meal, and what's better is that the prices are spot on! I have taken countless friends here and the consensus has been the same - WE WILL BE BACK. Their salads are delicious. The sauces are amazing. Some of my favorites are the linguine with red clam sauce and the lasagna. Only downside is that parking is a pain in the butt - however they offer valet service for $5 and it is very easy.
(5)
Kimberly S.

Tasty food, definitely get the Chicken Piccata
(4)
Kathleen O.

Went here with some friends on Friday and it was DELICIOUS! It is very loud and busy and a fun atmosphere. Very casual and the food is to die. The sauce was all so good and the pasta very fresh. We had the special salad to start (share) and it was loaded with veggies, cheese and meats. Also had the calamari and the bruchetta. We all had different pastas or meat dishes for dinner and NO one left hungry. The lemon chicken lived up to the hype and the vodka sauce was amazing. Menu is on the chalkboard and they ONLY accept cash, but they have an ATM in the bar :) YUM!
(4)
Michael P.

Just thought I'd try to bump up this Chicago institution's ratings a bit and try to clear out some nitpicky reviews. This ain't fine dining, it's good food, fast, and get out. It's a neighborhood joint. Nothing more. Not every restaurant has to be like first class, Trump or whatever, I don't know. Here's the crabby part: "It appeared as though they boiled the shells ahead of time, had the filling done ahead of time and just assembled it together upon ordering." That's exactly what they did, and that's why you go there. To get decent food, fast. That's also what they do at most restaurants that give you decent food, fast (see e.g., any Greektown spot). You want fine dining and hand crafted, individually blessed-by-the-chef pasta go somewhere else. "Finally, the house salad, which was drowning in salad dressing was 99% iceberg lettuce." You know, when I asked the waitress BEFORE I ordered it, she told me that the house salad was mostly lettuce. So I ordered the other salad that she ALSO described to me when I asked her. And FYI, dip your bread in the salad dressing (oil and red vinegar ... Mmmmmmmmm dipped bread Mmmmmmm). Parking there is a scam - there isn't supposed to be zone in front of non-residential. God forbid anyone actually try to find out why it's zone in front of a parking lot. Someone greasing the Alderman's palm? Noooooooo, not in this city.... But $5 for valet anywhere in the Chi sounds pretty good, dontcha think? Yes, I am crabby tonight (too much sugar - my sister made a frosting cake ...) Anyhoo, baked eggplant - six flags. Tilapia Vesuvio - six flags. Salad - six flags. More flags, more fun.
(5)
Melissa B.

Love everything about this place! My favorites are the lemon chicken, chicken picante and eggplant! And of course the Tufano salad and calamari. Great place to take people if they are visiting Chicago! Cheap!! Cash only!
(5)
Amy D.

I saw this restaurant of Diners Drive in and Dives, and it looked so amzing on Tv. First off it was really hard to find, and it was extremely loud on the inside. On their tv special it was presented that the owners greet everyone and they know people by what they order but i didnt think the custumer service was that great. Now lets get to the food, i had the veal parm, and it was good, but it came with pasta, totally unnesessary, i was full from the meat allown. My sister had the cavatelli, and she liked it. Overall it was alright.
(2)
Mabel M.

I want to like Tufano's, but the service is awful. I have never felt more uncomfortable and rushed in a restaurant in my life. The staff is not friendly and acts as if they are doing you a favor by allowing you to spend money in their restautrant. There are too many good Italian restaurants in Chicago to waste your time here.
(1)
Michelle E.

I just went to Tufano's last week for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Even though I didn't get to choose what I ate (we had a family style set meal) I still had high expectations after all of the great yelp reviews! I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I found several of our dishes to be pretty boring. I mean, classic Italian cooking is very simple. Simple but FLAVORFUL. This was boring and bland. For example, my sister was fawning over the eggplant parmesan. I found it to be mush covered in tomato sauce. Not good. The sausage and peppers were ok, but the piece of sausage I had tasted like it had been cooked a few hours too long, it was almost HARD. We also had mostaccioli and chicken Vesuvio, both fine, but not great. There were a few standouts. The calamari was pretty good. A nice mix of the rings and the tentacle parts, which I love! Not greasy, also a plus. The antipasto salad was good if you like your salad to be full of "stuff" and not alot of lettuce. The bowl was lined with thin slices of cheese and salami, and then filled with goodies like MORE cheese, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts and giant black olives. Simply dressed with oil and vinegar, and not drowning in it either! I liked it, but there were about 2 pieces of actual lettuce in there! I will say that the service was fantastic! We were in the private room in back, and the ladies taking care of us were SASSY! One of the ladies even gave my cousin a well-deserved smack on the head for being a smart alec! I'd say that's worth a star! The wine and beers were flowing and the food came out quickly and efficiently. This place is cash only, but for a special event like this, with a group of 30+ people, they were happy to accept a cheque. I'm willing to give Tufano's another chance, because I'd love to try some of the dishes that people have been raving about. We were there on a Friday night, and the place was jam-packed the entire time we were there, so they gotta be doing something right! Oh, and for all you food snobs out there who are wondering what the fuss is about, Tufano's actually won a JAMES BEARD America's Classics Award in 2008. They have the medal framed in the bar area! Hey, if it's good enough for JB, it's good enough for me!
(3)
laela l.

So maybe I'm a little small-town Midwest, but I wish that I got a salad and olive oil for the bread with my meal. At home, I get both of those things with a huge portion (enough for a second meal) for the same price. Didn't get that here. The spinach ravioli was absolutely delicious, not heavy at all. And the waitstaff was incredibly friendly. It doesn't try to be upscale, just your momma's type of place :)
(3)
Jim W.

Is this considered Little Italy? My first foray to this 'hood. Tufano's is definitely an old school Italian joint. They take cash only, heavy emphasis on the bar with large portions for food prepared family-style, intended for sharing. Came here with the company, fairly early, and there were tons of kids running around after their bball practice with their dads or something. The place is homely and reminds me a lot of Gold Spike in North Beach in San Francisco. The sausage is easily the best thing here. Maybe the best I've ever had prepared on a plate not in a bun - it's definitely an orgasm in the mouth! Some of the other good items were the fried calamari, the huge homemade meatballs, and the chicken. Pasta and tossed salad were more mundane. I'd definitely come back if I wanted a taste of Italy. Only difficult thing is getting a cab to leave here afterwards...so get a ride.
(4)
Kevin A.

I HEARD 'DIS GUY' AT LEAST THREE TIMES Ergo, I proclaim this place is authentic Italian. Tufano's has been on my bookmark list forever and I finally decided to give them a try. I'm glad I did. It's an old school, no nonsense Italian place with stiff drinks, hefty portions, and tons of character. I'd take this place over any of the Rosebuds any day. I really wanted to get eggplant parmigiana, but they said they don't make it on Friday!?! Instead I opted for the massive, rib-sticking spaghetti and meatballs and their famous lemon chicken which was good, but not life-changing. Don't forget to bring cash to pay your bill, binoculars to read the chalkboard, and an completely empty stomach.
(4)
Carletta F.

Do NOT eat here. Very poor quality food, and slow service. The restaurant is packed leading you to believe it's great Italian. My sisters tortellini Alfredo came out extremely soupy and the stuffed shells made my boyfriend vomit an hour after we ate. What happened to this place?
(1)
Deanna R.

My husband and I have been here a couple of times now and the food is always phenomenal. We went there tonight with a friend who had never been there before. I had the meat ravioli and it was delicious. Their red sauce is the best I've ever had. It's simple and classic. My only disappointment was that our waitress didn't spend probably more than 45 seconds at our table the entire time we were there. Granted, they were busy, but still...to me she could have had a bit more personality and taken her time with taking our order. The last time we were here the service was top notch. We'll definitely go back. :)
(4)
jillian d.

Neighborhood place. Definition = Blackhawk's viewing at the bar.... check. House vino in homey glasses...check. Homemade dishes.... check. Menu on the chalkboard... check. Friendly but slightly rough around the edges and business-oriented staff.... check. Delicious? check. Don't overdress or expect white tablecloth service. I mean that in a good way. Bam! Oh, and they only take cash.
(4)
Haley M.

This IS Chicago style Italian food. Simple, not over the top, delicious basic Italian food. If you are looking for over-priced, over-seasoned & otherwise overdone "Italian" cuisine with fancy patronizing waitstaff...keep walking. We had the Caprese Salad, stuffed shells and the lemon chicken. All were perfect! The salad was especially delicious. My boyfriend and I loved everything from the food to the service to the atmosphere and we will definitely go back.
(5)
Claire Y.

A solid Italian fare at large portions and reasonable prices. I just had a fantastic, calorie-packed lunch, sitting outside in the patio by the fountain, soaking in the mid-September sun. Fried calamari, chicken parm with pasta, and tiramisu (!!!). What more can I ask for? Oh, right, a post-lunch nap (in a Utopian world). Service was fast and friendly. I wasn't too thrilled about one of the bus-boys staring down at my chest every time he refilled my water, but - hey - life goes on. Most certainly would love to return for another summery day lunch or dinner in the patio. Cash or personal check only.
(4)
Nellie K.

My husband surprised me because he knows I love Italian food. I grew up in an Italian neighborhood and am used to really good flavorful Italian cooking. He thought we could try Tufano's. 1. The bus boy dropped off our bread which was o.k., the olive oil was not all that tasty, the cheese was not a good quality parmesan but of the Kraft variety kind. 2. I was going to get a small side salad and wanted creamy garlic. No other dressings other than vinegar and oil. 3. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce was minimal, No matter how much fake parmesan cheese I put on the spaghetti it still tasted bland. One meatball served on top which was only o.k. 4. The valet told us when we were leaving, "you can just give me five dollars." How about telling us how much the valet parking is and then let us decide what we want to tip. We usually tip for good service. 5. No kid's menu. Most Italian restaurants I have been to offer a small kid's menu. 6. The side of sausage my husband had was not that good. The only positive was: my husband had the lemon chicken dinner and he said that was good. Also our waitress(had blond hair in ponytail) was very very nice. 7. Also the cannoli was not all that good. It almost tasted or looked liked chopped peanuts on the ends of the cannoli. The taste was off. If you want good Italian food try Nonno Pino's on Northwest Highway in Chicago. It has fresh grated cheese, good bread, fresh good dishes. We had our daughter's baptism party there recently and our family loved the food. Good service and good prices. Particularly if you are having a party. Complementary valet parking with any parties booked there. Seriously everything is delicious there. Unfortunately we blew money on Tufano's-it was a complete waste. Nonno Pino's is in the Edison Park neighborhood of Chicago and next time when we want Italian we will stick with good Italian food not Tufano's.
(1)
Kurt P.

This is a nice, unpretentious neighborhood joint for good italian food. This is the type of place that reminds you why you live in and love Chicago. The lemon chicken deserving of all the hype. Also, they have great anitpasti here. Cash only, and you have to valet your car.
(5)
Keith C.

Erica, Jack and I went for dinner, 7 pm on a friday, plenty of good seating, no wait. I ordered the stuffed shells, and added a piece of saugage. I loved it, the filing was very tasty, lots of flavor, the pasta was a good. The sauce was outstanding, very homemade taste, and the sausage was something straight out of my aunts kitchen. Erica had chicken parm, and enjoyed it, not the best she has ever had, but there was none left when the plate was taken. She is very picky about her sauces, and she was dipping away like a fiend, so you know it was right. Price is about 10-12 a plate, very reasonable. We will be back, want to try the different sauces.
(5)
Paul B.

Tufano's is growing to fast for their own good. The personal service is not what I remember it to be. We barely saw our server - a party of eight - and she wasn't what you would call helpful. The other servers took care of us and were nice to us. The salad was awesome - as it always is. When you line a bowl with meat and cheese - you can't lose. The ingredients are fresh. She said "I'll get you the salad for four and it will feed all eight of you," and it did. I got the shells and broccoli. It took a while to eat because the broccoli wasn't cooked all the way. Looking around - I could see that things were changing from the Tufano's I remember. Small portions were the order of the day. Kind of embarrassed because I insisted on Tufano's and promised a memorable meal. The people I was with had to use all of the hot giardiniera on the table and then the red pepper flakes to give the food some life. I think they are just growing too fast and forgetting about what and who made them so popular. I will try again - because this is the first bad experience - but I am a little wary.
(3)
Ilir P.

Shells, Broccoli, & Shrimp $16.00 Chicken Parmigiana w/ Pasta $11.50 Very good food at a decent price. Old school look to the place. Menu is on a black board.
(4)
Michael R.

I love Tuffano's! The food here is so authentic and good. My favorite meal here is the Chicken Picante for my meal, fried calamari and the Tuffano's salad as my appetizers. Tiramasu or Cannolli for dessert of course. Every time we are here we are greeted by freindly staff, an old chicago feel and great service and excellent food! I even proposed to my wife at this restaurant and it is often our choice on valentine's day. I highly recommend Tuffano's. You won't be disappointed. Although, I believe they may still be cash only.
(5)
Jimmy V.

Worse italian place I have ever been. I ordered the chicken marsalla it came with no pasta. I had to wait over 30 mnts for the food, my server should have been a BOUNCER she was not nice at all. There is nothing special about this place or the food. DONT WAIST YOUR TIME AND MONEY. AND BY THE WAY THEY DON'T TAKE CREDIT CARD. IT MUST BE CASH. THEY DO HAVE AM ATM MACHINEN INSIDE THAT CHARGES 2.75 PER TRANSACTIONS
(1)
Larry A.

Service, drinks, and best of all food the best Italian in the city relaxing atmosphere with a great menu, waiters are very good as well
(5)
Ayako M.

I came here with my very Italian friend for an authentic Italian experience and I was not disappointed. The place is so ...down home and comfortable. The service is incredibly friendly and the menu is written on a black chalkboard. With a huge selection of traditional Italian dishes you won't be at a loss for what to order. If I had an old Italian grandma cook me Sunday dinner, I think this is what it would taste like. Word of warning; however, if you plan a night of drinking, don't eat here....you will be so full after you leave you won't be able to choke down more than two beers and catching a buzz will be impossible! Or maybe that's just me....
(4)
Tim P.

My wife and I decided to try Tufano's on a recent visit to Chicago and thought it was solid Italian restaurant in a great residential area west of the loop. It's a comfortable, down-home neighborhood pasta bowl with very good food at reasonable prices, no frills, and nice but perfunctory service. It's not Spiaggia and isn't pretending to be, and if you go there thinking it's going to be Spiaggia, you're going to be disappointed. This was the place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives but yet, there didn't appear to be a whole lot of pretense about that or "resting on its laurels." My wife thought her stuffed shells were very good and really enjoyed the "gravy". I thoroughly enjoyed the roasted lemon chicken (if not the potatoes that are served with them) that was featured on Triple-D and would order it again without hesitation. We thought the calamari appetizer was okay, but wouldn't rush to order it again. We'd opt for the Tufano special salad instead, which looked really good and appeared popular based on the number of other tables eating it. All in all, we'd definitely eat at Tufano's again the next time we're in Chicago and craving well-prepared, affordable homemade Italian fare. One last thing: if you're taking the L to Tufano's, I'd recommend using the Racine stop on the Blue Line instead of the UIC-Halsted stop frequently referenced on Yelp and other sites. Vernon Park Place dead-ends east off of S. Racine Avenue and our walk from the train to the restaurant was uneventful. On the other hand, getting off at Halsted requires taking a circuitous route through the UIC campus.
(4)
Marg B.

Delicious food! Muscles and chicken picante were superb!!! Real Italian cooking. A MUST for all!
(4)
Mark B.

Excellent food with a more diverse menu than you might think. Great family business. Currently Gen 3, and there's a good chance Gen 4 will take over. Veal Parm outstanding.
(4)
maurice s.

This is probably the worst Italian restaurant in the city. I've never been to the Olive Garden, but I suspect that the food is a lot like this. Pros: It's a divey neighborhood joint with good bread. This scores points with me, but that's it. There are no other pros. Cons: The food was terrible and the waitress was terrible--friendly, but terrible. There is no street or lot parking. Valet only. Example of terrible food: This is a "red sauce" Italian restaurant, so you'd expect them to be able to make a competent red sauce. Most basic thing in the world. No Italian person could mess this up, right? Their red sauce is literally some chopped up garlic simmered in canned tomato sauce and then dumped on some noodles. No oil, no herbs, nothing. Worst pasta I ever had. Example of terrible service: We ordered drinks and appetizers, then ordered the entrees. The appetizers came out with the entrees. The drinks came out AFTER we were more than half-way finished with our entrees and about 5 minutes before the check. If you like this place, please do yourself a favor and try one of the other, vastly superior options in the neighborhood: RoSals, Genneros, even Tuscany. You're really missing out.
(1)
SAW W.

I discovered this place on the food network channel's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". When I went today it was nothing out of the ordinary. They have valet parking which is nice and the interior was nice. The menu is written on a chalkboard. They brought out regular French bread and butter to start. The waitress was not helpful with suggesting any favorites or specials. My boyfriend and I ordered chicken marsala and cheese filled tortellini with marinara sauce. The chicken was tender and had great flavor from the mushrooms but the pasta was kind of bland. We came specifically to try the marinara sauce which was featured on TV but it was nothing special. My boyfriend actually had to add salt in an attempt to get more flavor. For dessert we got the gelato and again it was ordinary. It tasted like Neapolitan ice cream mixed together with pistachios added. The prices were very reasonable. The atmosphere was romantic and serene. Overall it was a nice place but nothing special in my opinion. ***I just wanted to add that when I ate my leftovers for lunch the following day, it was much better. I guess the flavors needed time to soak inside!
(3)
Claudia D.

CASH ONLY Street parking ONLY with a Zone Permit---Valet available This family-owned business has been in the neighborhood since the 1930s. We live in the neighborhood and this is one of our favorite places for reliable Southern Italian food and wine at affordable prices. You can place half-orders for items. The wait staff is very friendly and helpful if you have questions (including giving advice on whether an item can be ordered as half size). You can have your food served family-style or as individual orders. The bread is so good. They are always closed on Mondays. Hawks games, Bears games, and White Sox games can result in VERY BIG crowds. No reservations are possible unless you make prior arrangements with the owners for a VERY LARGE group (20 or more). You just go and wait in line until a table big enough for your party opens up. The menu is on chalkboards scattered through the restaurant and changes daily. Some of our favorites include: Rapini and sausage Chicken Piccata Lemon Chicken (whole or half chicken) Tilapia Vesuvio Broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper Mussels and angel hair (choice of sauce) Broccoli and Bow Tie Pasta (choice of sauce) Lasagna Eggplant Parmesan Fried Calamari Quercceta Chianti Tomato and Onion Salad Raspberry Tartuffo Tortellini Alfredo Linguini and Red Devil Shrimp Veal Marsala Pasta with Red Sauce and Sausage Linguini with Calamari (choice of sauce) Chicken Limone Stuffed Shells Fettucini Alfredo Ravioli Canoli Spumoni
(5)
Sasha F.

Everything I order from here is amazing. The calamari, the angel hair- wine pasta with muscles, the dessert, and the Italian sausage with peppers. It's family owned and you can tell. Sometimes the older waitress can come off dry but the owner, bartender and young waitstaff is great.
(4)
Paula C.

Wonderful home-cooked food and great, friendly service. A Chicago icon. You must go!
(5)
Kristin C.

My favorite neighborhood, Italian Chicago joint! This is definitely a hidden gem in the city yet well known by everyone who loves good, home cooked Italian food. I found out about the place through my grandparents who have been coming since Mama Tufano herself cooked in the same location for regulars back then such as Sinatra- and the restaurant was actually her home! Who doesn't love a restaurant with that much history? Joey (the owner) and the staff also take great pride in their culinary creations, and I can honestly say everything I've had is worth coming back for. My all-time favorite menu item is the Lemon Chicken (with extra potatoes that are cut like cottage fries and served crispy), which is broiled to perfection yet the chicken remains ever so juicy. They make a killer fettuccine Alfredo that I believe is one of the most perfect adaptions of the dish- truly authentic yet not as heavy as any other Alfredo dish I've had at other restaurants. My husband loves the Pork Chops and Italian Sausage. Chicken Lemone is also frequently ordered by my family, which are chicken breasts over angel hair pasta tossed in a light lemon sauce. When we don't feel like being carnivores the angel hair w/ mussels or Tilapia win out. And you can't go wrong with the Spaghetti- they have great red sauce too! Be sure to try the Calamari and Tufanos Salad for appetizers! And if you are really hungry order a side of cavetelii with your meal :) One thing to note is the affordability of the place- some dishes are under $10 but most between $10-$20, and the portions are HUGE and will keep you coming back, if not make you a regular. They tend to be really busy before hawks/bulls games too.
(5)
Melissa A.

My husband and I heard wonderful reviews about this restaurant from our friends, but since we are from LA we thought the restaurant was located far away. We finally searched it out and boy are we glad we did! We have been to 100+ restaurants in Chicago, some of them considered the best restaurants in Chicago. Tufano's Vernon Park Tap is a hidden gem. The food was absolutely delicious, the place was unpretentious and the service was good. I ordered the angel hair with steamed mussels in a red sauce, my husband ordered the stuffed shells and we shared the special salad. The tiramisu was absolutely to die for - the best I've had! I would recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family. We are moving back to LA at the end of this month but another visit to Tufano's is definitely a must before we leave.
(5)
Daniel C.

This has to be the most over-rated business of any kind in the city. They do not serve any type of lettuce other than tasteless and nutrition-free iceberg. Their signature dish..pasta shells with broccoli...is a limp and insipid blob. The wait staff...with the exception of one lovely blonde haired lady....is rude and uncaring. The valet staff are a bunch of 'Soprano' wannabees that need a revelation that the old days of Little Italy tough guy mafioso bullcrap is dead. I've tried to like this place because I live about 100' away from it and because of it's great 80 year history. Unfortunately, it just plain sucks.
(1)
Jacob G.

The food at Tufano's is just ok to me. It's nothing special. There are several other places in the area that have much better food, such as Rosebud, Tuscany, and Francesca's.
(3)
Ceal P.

Came here with some friends by recommendation. I would have given more stars if the food was better, but the tradition and sticking to the old-school italian style is definitely why this place has been so well recognized. It's definitely a dive of a restaurant -- hasn't been renovated ever probably but still hangs on to a lot of charm. the food is as classic italian as it gets. wine comes cheap which is how it should come. understated decor and definitely not a white tablecloth, romantic dinner restaurant. more diner meets italian food. for food go for the tufano's house salad which is your classic oil/vinegar dressing filled with olives, artichoke hearts, capicola, huge slices of mozzarella and provolone -- pretty tasty. for dinner, i had the rigtoni/mushrooms alla vodka. underseasoned and mushrooms were undercooked, sliced too big and could have at least been bella (just white buttons). definitely have had much better. but i probably ordered the wrong thing -- i think they're known for their lemon chicken. others in the group had the mussels with angel hair which i tried some and the mussels were perfectly cooked. the pasta was sitting in a large bowel of broth/water, again underseasoned. i also had a taste of the veal parmesian which was good but not great. we had 2 half carafes of their house chianti which i thought was the best part of the meal -- cheap cheap!! 4 stars for sticking to tradition 3 stars for food i rounded down.
(3)
Emily Y.

There are reasons why restaurants stick around for eighty plus years - they are damn good at what they do and they don't try to be something they're not. Tufano's isn't fancy - no white table cloths, service can be surly - but they dish up some of the best darn Italian food in this city. I took my fiance here for his birthday last weekend (after we couldn't get in at RoSal's - definitely should have made a reservation there). Tufano's was his choice - I had never been there and upon walking in, had my doubts. I'm guessing the decor hasn't changed since the seventies, possibly earlier, but the bar was packed, and we were promised a table in twenty minutes. Good enough for me. Two drinks, one beer and one wine, were under ten bucks total. Even better for me. Although the decor leaves something to be desired, the atmosphere of this place is fun. The menus are written on giant chalkboards hung on the walls, and the place is noisy and full of life. Many of the patrons seemed to be "regulars" and joked around with the staff. It's the kind of place that feels like a bit of history, one you can imagine your grandparents eating at when they were young. The food is fantastic, and pretty darn cheap. I had a vodka pasta that was so scrumptious, I'm still thinking about that sauce. I have a hunch the pasta was homemade, but I'm not positive. Nick had the chicken piccante, which was two giant breaded chicken breasts in a nice light sauce and sprinkled with pine nuts. We shared our two dishes, which made for a scrumptious meal (with leftovers!). For an app we had fried calamari, which I think takes the prize for best calamari I've had. Perfect breading, very large and meaty. We ended the meal with tiramisu and cappucino. Very good tiramisu, but not quite the best we've had (that prize belongs to RoSal's). I will be back, for sure, probably with out of town guests. This place is so very Chicago, and so very good. Next time you're craving Italian, go here!
(5)
Antonio M.

An excellent restaurant and a tradtion in the neighborhood. Don't miss the lemon chicken or the Tiramisu! For warm weather, the outdoor area is a nice and relaxing place to enjoy the restaurant, especially with the restaurant's nicely tucked away location.
(5)
Mary T.

I came here for dinner before catching the Windy City Rollers. Since Tufano's is across the parking lot from the UIC Pavillion I thought this would be a great spot to meet. However, I must say I was a little nervous taking a group of 10 to one of my favorite places for a few reasons: (1) I wanted everyone to enjoy the place just as much as me and my family do and (2) I didn't want any high-maintenance shenanigans from my group, my parents are friends with the owner and I'd die of embarrassment. My worrying was for naught, Tufano's even broke policy and seated our table even though some of our party (read me - oops) was late. Fortunately, everything was perfect and my friends were very happy with their meal, but I quickly learned there are a few tips every first-time diner should know: 1) Cash or check only! For reals. If you forget they have an ATM in the bar area, just don't whip out a credit or debit and expect them to take it. 2) If you drive be prepared to valet, but don't worry it's cheap (under $5 last time I checked) - everything is zoned so don't bother looking for something else. 3) There are no paper menus, everything is on the chalkboards throughout the place and maybe on the back of your server's shirt. 4) If you get salad I recommend the Special Salad over the other one. Either way order less than the number of people at your table; I was running late and my friends ordered for 10 - it could've fed 15. 5) They don't do meat sauce. Since I'm a veggie I never noticed, but they will give you a meatball bigger than your fist instead. Bottom line: We had a fantastic dinner and I didn't hear any complaints. If you're looking for simple, tasty, no nonsense Italian food this is your place; if you're looking something a little frouffy move on.
(4)
Lindsay L.

Tufano's proves that good italian food in ridiculously large portions doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is fun. The calamari is a standout. But everything I tried on the table was delicious. Cash only.
(4)
April W.

i love the idea of this place. the food is all homemade and good, just slightly under seasoned, but that may just be me. The service is great and the food is authentic.
(3)
Allyson C.

Very cool place to go for Italian food near the Little Italy area. It's just what you would expect after reading Yelp reviews...nothing fancy but just what you want anyway. Our waitress was so cute. As first timers she wanted to know all about us. My friend & I tried way too many things (and walked the 2 miles home as pennance) but everything we had was excellent. My favorites were the antipasto salad and the eggplant parm. Lots of good wine choices that are really inexpensive! Next time I go I want to try the much-hyped lemon chicken. I saw it come out and it looked pretty amazing. Like everyone else says...they only take cash.
(4)
Sarah D.

If I could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of my life this would be the place. We had our rehearsal dinner here and it made me wish it was big enough to have the wedding reception at the restaurant. I used to eat here once a week and wish I still did. There are no menus... It is written on a chalk board on the wall. Usually I get a half order of pasta with red sauce and a half order of pasta with alfredo sauce. The lemon chicken is amazing and a great way to start the meal is with the the Tufanos salad. You can not street park unless you have zone five parking.
(5)
Deanna S.

We enjoyed a nice group dinner here with friends. The food was actually pretty good, the wine flowed freely and at the end of the night, it was very inexpensive. I had pre-ordered the eggplant parmigian, which I'm not normally a big fan of, and let me just say it was damn good. There wasn't too much so I didn't feel so stuffed.
(5)
Erica S.

Beautiful place. Great little banquet room for private parties. I loved the sausage & peppers. The lemon chicken was really tasty too. Cant wait to go back!!
(4)
Rachel H.

Sorry - didn't get it. At all. Pasta tasted worse than something I can make at home (and I am no chef). It was really flavorless and way too plain. For the record I had penne with broccoli and requested the "famous" tomato sauce. My bowl was also half water because they hadn't drained the broccoli enough. For what it's worth, the calamari was good. You also have to valet because the street is all permit all the time, so it turns out to be a much pricier dinner for really sub par food.
(2)
Brian P.

Tufano's has been a family favorite of mine for many years. It never really was MY favorite but I will admit it's starting to grow on me. Came here the other night (Valentine's Day) with a group of 11 people. They happily accepted our last minute reservation and seated us without any delay. We were in the back room that was full of large groups and plenty of small kids. Despite those challenges, I would have to say our waitress did a great job keeping up with everything considering she had the whole room to herself! Food was spot-on tonight. You have to be able to appreciate the simpleness of fine Italian cooking to understand why the food is so good. I never really thought much of their red sauce, as I thought it tasted like crushed tomatoes poured out of a can. Now, I can appreciate the subtleness of just the right combination of simple ingredients. This time around for me was the Stuffed shells with a side of Italian sausage. I can already say I'll probably have the same next time! Best part of all (aside from partaking in the action of a lady crashing into our table on her motorized wheelchair, then crashing into the railing outside as she was leaving...really lady, you should have had a designated driver) was the final bill. As I said before, there were 11 of us...3 kids, 8 adults. While a couple of us ordered half-portions, and another couple of us shared full-orders, the total bill was something like $205. Plus, we had two bottles of wine, 3 orders of calamari, two large family style salads, and 2 desserts. Seriously, if you're looking for decent food at a great value, Tufano's is the place! I will happily return and will be recommending you to others. One downside....$5 valet, really, they literally drive the car into the lot right across the street. A little much I think.
(4)
Julia C.

Great Italian food for a great price. My family as been coming here all my life and they never disappoint. Love the special salad and any special they offer. Love the casual vibe but yet intimate feel this place has. You can't say you are from Chicago if you haven't eaten here. I will be back again and again.
(4)
Jon C.

Always great and prices are so CHEAP. Food is awesome. Shells, Tufano's salad, and chicken Marsala are my favorites are.
(5)
Grant N.

Two words- *LEMON CHICKEN*, enough said!
(5)
Dusty K.

I've been coming to Tufano's ever since we met the owner, Joe, a few years back. I love his restaurant. It has a lot of classic italian favorites at cheap prices. Also, the unlimited supply of warm bread and olive oil hits the spot everytime. I've had quite a few items from the menu...the lemon chicken, stuffed shells, spinach ravioli, all are very good. Just remember to bring cash as credit cards aren't accepted. On a side note, I recently saw Tufano's on Diner's Drive-in's and Dive's on the food network with Guy Fieri. It's hard to consider an Italian place either of those but I'm glad Joe is getting the recognition he deserves.
(4)
Jim T.

This is Italian food of the pizza hut variety. If you go here expecting something unique and interesting you will be sorely disappointed. If you are looking for a relaxed, unassuming atmosphere to eat some stereotypical and basic Italian food then you will be happy here. The calamari is good, so is the vodka sauce, but it's not anything I would remember the place for. Not sure how the place stays in business, but it apparently has a following. I doubt this family restaurant will last through the next generation with its current operations. Life is too short for mediocre restaurants and I don't have the patience or desire to give this place another chance. I'd consider giving it another star (or at least a 1/2 star) if they accepted credit cards, very old school.
(2)
Anthony M.

Tufano's has been in this place forever. While the area has some great Italian places, I find myself always coming back here. Everybody is very happy to see you and very helpful in finding food. It has a little bit more authenic food, but everybody can find their favorites. One of my top Italian resturants in Chicago! WARNING: They do not take credit cards which is a little odd
(4)
christine a.

Honestly, I was being polite giving this place one star. I am really not quite sure why this place is getting such great reviews. The red sauce had a high acidic content and the stuffed shells were like nothing I have ever had before. It appeared as though they boiled the shells ahead of time, had the filling done ahead of time and just assembled it together upon ordering. Finally, the house salad, which was drowning in salad dressing was 99% iceberg lettuce. Will never go back!
(1)
Jennifer G.

This is a classic Italian restaurant at its finest. What makes it even better is the prices. We had 1/2 orders of their famous chicken and sides of pasta ($2.50). They were all fantastic. Not much to say that everyone else has not already said. Can't wait to get back to try some of the gems we saw coming out of the kitchen. We had major food envy.
(4)
John I.

When I saw the name of this place, I assumed that it was a Chicago location of a restaurant in the suburb of Vernon Park. I guess I don't get out enough, because there is no suburb called Vernon Park. In fact, there's no park named Vernon Park in Chicago. There is, however, a Vernon Park Street that runs into UIC. Maybe there had been a park before the university eminent domained the place? Enough speculating; let's eat. Six of us arrived without a reservation on a Saturday night, after having another place misplace our reservation. Joann jumped into action, finding us a nice round table (perfect for everyone to converse with everyone--the Chinese are onto this; I'm glad Tufano's is too). We waited less than ten minutes, probably closer to five, and she came back a few times to make sure we felt taken care of. It turns out that Joann is a part of the family that has owned this place for 85 years. How wonderful that the second (or third?) generation still hustles to make sure their guests are having a good time at the party. Soon after we sat down, Bobbie was there for a drink order. Since this place has that old-school, Frank Sinatra type of vibe, I went for a tasty dry martini, which came in the appropriate iconic, conical glass. She also set us up with the recommended salad: the Tufano for four, plenty for 6. Funny how a few slices of salami and some cheese can make a salad that much tastier. Warm, crusty bread was soon on the table, with both packets of whipped butter and a cruet of olive oil. Nothing extraordinary about the bread, except that its warmth and crustiness made it delicious. Two of us had one of the house specials, the eggplant parmesan. It was a Viennese torte of savory goodness: stacked high with fluffy layers, with the right amount of cheese, tasty tomato sauce and no oily mess like many places. One of the best I've had, and I do like my eggplant parmesan. Like my beloved chile rellenos, a lot of people make them, but only a few achieve excellence. Others in our group got lemon chicken, one whose lips, between smacks, wished he had gotten a whole instead of a half. Six spoons and my friends' traditional passing of the desserts ended the evening: lemon sorbet, cannoli and tiramisu, all very tasty. I also had an espresso, which was the only weak part of the meal. Just strong coffee with no crema. Normally I would dock a star because they only take cash--it's 2015, people! But then again, I'm not going to admonish an 85-year-old for being set in his ways. Especially when he still lives on a quiet street and hasn't abandoned a neighborhood in which most of the Italians have moved away. I happened to chat for a few minutes with Joann on the way out. Very personable, even at the end of the evening. It was like being in someone's kitchen, rather than a restaurant from which she was looking forward to getting home.
(5)
Matthew M.

I had an excellent lunch with my wife and son at Tufanos the other day. All food was great. The filling in the shells were light and not heavy, great for a summer day. The Lemon Chicken was one of the best chicken dishes I have had at any restaurant. I left my Samsung tablet at the table when we left. The waitress turned it in and since I did not come back for it, the staff contacted me about it. That is over and above customer service. Tufanos gets 5 stars for food and customer service.
(5)
Tammy M.

Tufano's is an amazing Chicago find. Just a short trip from the downtown area, it is easy to get to by bus or cab. There is valet parking for $5 if you drive there. If anyone has ever tried to park in downtown Chicago, you know that this is an amazing deal. Normal valet parking costs downtown are about $10-12, and street parking is. Not. Real. (Residential streets require permits to park. This is not a new concept.) There is sometimes a wait if you go for dinner on the weekend, but we have always been seated fairly quickly. Service is always great. The staff are friendly and helpful, and we have never been short on water, drinks, and bread. The menu is written on chalkboards throughout the restaurant, but you don't really need it-- just ask the server or read some of the reviews! Mussels with red sauce- The best thing ever! Forget the mussels, it's all about that sauce. Just spoon up that delicious, garlicky goodness, soak your bread into it, and enter heaven. (Once, they were out of mussels and we nearly cried. We asked for just the sauce and they kindly, wonderfully obliged our odd request. Bless you, Tufano's!) Other things that were good: pasta with vodka sauce, chicken/veal parmesan, chicken/veal picante, spaghetti with olive oil and garlic, tortellini alfredo. The marinara sauce is a bit on the sweet side for me, but I bet kids would like that.
(5)
Jeff C.

Chicago Institution. Get the Lemon Chicken. Get the eggplant. Bring cash. One thing I wish they would do is brine their chicken, or get some pastured chicken. At all Italian restaurants, chicken can be a little dry.
(3)
Kevin G.

Excellent food / very reasonable prices /free valet. My wife was here over 20 yrs ago and remembered it being very good and wanted to take my daughter and I. I had the eggplant plate and it was the best I ever had. The food was better than high priced fancy places that I actually hate wasting money on. I live 40 minutes west into the suburbs from the restaurant and I would go back in a heart beat just to run out for dinner. 4 of us and we didn't hold back on ordering food ,was well under $100.00 with tip. If you like Italian food you must at least try it. Oh yeah, service was a little slow but friendly. Don't go there when your in a hurry. Just saying. :)
(5)
Andy M.

Also known as Vernon street tap this place rocks! If you want good simple food you are in the right place. The place reminds me of eating at my nana's house in a lot in both the food and atmosphere. Stuffed shells are my favorite!
(5)
Bobblehead B.

Just a great old school Chicago Italian place. Wonderful food. Great staff. The place has been there forever. There are knuckleheads here giving the place one star and complaining about parking and the menu on a chalkboard. The restaurant is in a RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. They have VALET PARKING. Tufano's has ALWAYS been there. The lack of parking is nothing new. Is looking at the chalkboard so damned difficult? Do you really need a menu? Are people incapable of asking the wait staff questions? If you really need a parking lot and a menu, go to an Olive Garden in a mall.
(5)
Mark N.

So we start with calamari,It was great,then for entrÃ©e We ordered the "joes" chicken,and clams linguini in white sauce. Linguini was good but nothing special, and "joes chicken"? Men I can cook that myself! Service was great,ambiance was good and valet parking only for $5 which is not bad at all.Downside was cash n check only.
(3)
Brian M.

Oh, so good!! Enjoyed a fantastic lunch with the Bishop, today. Started with one Tufano's Special Salad. Was more than enough for two. Filled with enough salami & cheese to make a sandwich with the D'Amato's bread. My friend ordered the Veal Parmigiana. It was done to perfection. A thick slab of veal, breaded and drowning in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. I had the Lemon Chicken. 8 Pieces of baked then broiled, chicken swimming in olive oil, crushed garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Loved It!!l
(5)
Joseph M.

I have been coming her my whole life. It is my favorite restaurant in the city; it just reminds me of my childhood. It is cash only, so be prepared. As for apps, you gotta try the Calamari and the Tufano's Salad. They are classics. The lemon chicken is legendary and worth eating with your hands on your first date good. The eggplant parm is tender just like grandma used to make; I would recommend getting a side of pasta with it.
(5)
Andrew D.

Meh, this place was just ok. I appreciate the charm. There is no sign for this place and it is pretty difficult to locate. Definitely trying to be a "local gem." However, the food wasn't all that great; just ok. The sausage and peppers were awesome as our appetizer, but my entree, the linguini and clams with white sauce, was too salty. I'm aware clams are salty by nature, but this was a bit overwhelming. I had to order extra Peroni beer to help me deal with it. Further, the service leaves you with something to be desired. They make you pay $5 for valet parking, or else you'll get a $70 parking ticket in the neighborhood's permited streets. Our server was absent throughout most of our meal. When I asked for a menu, she rolled her eyes and told me to look at the chalkboard. I didn't bring my glasses, so it was a pain in the ass for me to read across the room. Once we had ordered, getting the waitress's attention for more beer, extra olive oil, and the bill was nearly impossible. When we stood up and waved to get her attention, surprise surprise: another eye roll! Sorry I'm making you do your job... The place shuts down at 10:30 p.m. Yelp says 11 p.m. They might want to update their Yelp listing, because we began being shooed out and had no clue as to why. Lots of people often consult Yelp for these sorts of matters... I will most likely not return, as there are plenty of better Italian options in the enormous city of Chicago.
(2)
Aaron Jae M.

I stopped in to get the Tufano special salad for carry out so I could eat it in class. For $5 you can't get a better salad. It is huge and packed full of artichoke hearts, grilled red peppers, salami, lettuce, and more. I generally don't feel very full if I eat a salad as my main meal unless it has a lot of meat in it but this salad did the trick. It is not a vegetarian salad since they throw a few cold cuts at the bottom but I'm sure you can order it without them and it would definitely still be filling.
(4)
Mik A.

Great family style Italian. Came on vacation and was recommended by a local Highly recommend.
(5)
Amy H.

I never knew this place was so close to UIC! Being a student there we decided to go as a group to see what's it about. The menu is a chalkboard and a bit pricey for my taste. I just opted for the lemon chicken while my friends got some pasta dish. The lemon chicken was delicious! I think it was a half chicken, which was more than enough for me. The lemons were all around and I could add them to my chicken for my liking. The chicken was tender and I liked the potatoes that came on the side as well. Overall, I would go back just for that dish -- as the pasta my friends got didn't look too appealing.
(3)
Linda G.

What a great place. A neighborhood joint with great Italian food. Regulars hang in the bar and they should. It's their neighborhood. Great Lemon Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan. Great simple Italian Salad instead of kale and baby greens. Let's hope restaurants like this hang around. Too many phony places in the West Loop.
(5)
Lisa C.

Been eating here over 45 years. Food is great, plain and simple. Homemade Italian at it's best. No frills, just a nice family owned business and great food.
(5)
Gail W.

Perfect fried calamari, crisp generously sized house salad, excellent service, good wine selection, efficient valet service, sawdust roasted lemon chicken. So overall, pretty good, but as I told our attentive and helpful waitress, I would not serve this bone dry tough bird to guests in my home. She did offer a substitute, but I couldn't come up with anything I wanted more. Think my disappointment was magnified because I had roasted lemon chicken just a week ago at Greek Islands on Halsted. Juices pouring out of each piece. Flavor in every bite. A real delight and a tough act to follow. Realistically, every restaurant has an occasional kitchen misstep, so having said that, I'll be back anyway.
(4)
Viktor B.

1. Parking There is plenty of parking but it's permit only or valet only . I had to park couple blocks away . 2. Interior Looks like old fashion place nothing special about it . Really loud inside . 3.the menu They don't give the menu it's only written on the board . Really hard to read . Especially in a not really bright room . So ordered something that I could read on a board . Really don't understand why they can't print the menu . Stupid . 4. Food and service It took a long time to wait for food and waitress to write down out order. When they brought my and my girlfriends food first thing flashes across my mind . I can make it at home ( I don't cook ). Pasta from the box , tomato sauce from the can and see food from the can. Their customers should PM me I can supply them with this stuff for half of the price lol . 5.Payment Don't accept credit cards . They don't have a sign anywhere . I tried to be really honest writing this review . And I will not come back .
(1)
Sean B.

Tufano's is awesome! I've been a million times and I appreciate it more and more every time. It's a family owned business hidden near UIC/Little Italy. If you're not paying attention, you'll drive right past it. The servers are very endearing and energetic. Most people know it for the lemon chicken, which is alright, but the best thing to get is the linguine and clams with the red sauce. The ambiance is very charming, especially on warm nights when you can sit out by the fountain. They don't accept anything but cash, but there is an ATM right inside. Additionally, the antipasto salad is fantastic! I'd recommend this place to anyone. It's also a bargain compared to many similar places in Chicago.
(5)
Donna H.

Tufano's is a lovely old school gem. The menu is pure Chicago Italian. The Tufano salad is delish. If you are expecting white tablecloths, this is not for you. Excellent pasta and chicken dishes. The lemon chicken is yummy bruschetta is tasty. Shrimp in garlic and oil was a crowd pleaser.. Definately be back. I must try the eggplant parm. Oh, and it's cash only.
(5)
Ro W.

I don't understand the high praise for this place. Food was incredibly mediocre. I ordered the grilled calamari and it came out rubbery with zero flavor (not to mention there was a piece of plastic that had been mixed in the dish). That being said, my family and I sat across from a table of 5 people. One of the people had a neck tattoo of a hebrew word. Us being a bunch of jews, immediately zoned in on the tat to see what it said. We were all totally shocked because it looked like the word for prostitute. Maybe 30 minutes later when the woman stood up, my mom tapped her shoulder and asked what her tattoo meant (thinking there was no way in hell a girl would have 'prostitute' branded on her neck). The girl responded that it meant audacious. We all went 'ohhhhhh' and told her that for a second one of the letters made it look like the word 'prostitute.' Her husband was laughing saying "uh oh did I marry a prostitute" and the rest of her table was joking. We paid and left the restaurant only to return 20 minutes later after I realized I forgot my purse. Our waitress, comes outside and starts yelling at us. "WHAT YOU DID WAS UNFORGIVABLE TO THAT GIRL..SHAME ON YOU, YOU AND YOU...SHE WAS AN OUT OF TOWNER..YOU SHOULD HE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!! ASHAMED!!" We were all taken a back as the waitress is yelling at us. Long story short: if you want overpriced crappy food and wait staff with sh*ty attitudes..come here.
(1)
Paul T.

Came by with three friends after the Bears game, about 4:00 or so. Seated quickly, service all was fine. Fried calamari was good, and a huge portion. House salad for two was a good suggestion from server as it was plenty for four people. Chicken parmigian was good but not great. Energy in this old-school place was just fine. Two suggestions. Menu on wall on chalkboard seriously inconvenient. Having to walk over to it to try to figure out what to eat is not charming. Better notification of the cash only policy is also needed. Hadn't been there in years and had completely forgotten about that.
(3)
Maureen B.

Have enjoyed in the past, but most recent visit just okay. Two in our group ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and both agreed it tasted like watery noodles. My 16 yo son thought the Italian sausage he ordered tasted "funny" so I took a bite...of sawdust. Yuck!! My cavatelli with vodka sauce & a meatball were great! But remember extra charge for vodka sauce ($3.50) and extra charge for meatball ($3.50). My $12 pasta dish is suddenly 20 bux!! Service was lacking for a Sunday late afternoon meal with only 2 tables taken al fresco; Ceara seemed grumpy and put out by our requests ("More water please" & "Can I get a box for that?"), as well as missing throughout most of our meal. We've been here a few times and knew it was $$$ only, but after a busy, fun day it totally slipped our minds. As Ceara hands us the check, she smirks and says "Cash only" and saunters away. We scrambled and between us had the $100+ to cover dinner, but a gentle reminder, as we sat down, would have been appreciated. I really like the place, so I'll be back for more...but one more visit with lackluster service and food and I'll go to one of the many, many other quality Italian restaurants Chicago has to offer.
(3)
Rust C.

In philosophical terms, I have been called a pessimist. I feel like self realization is one of the greatest missteps in the process of human evolution. Believing that humans are anything more than collections of matter on a floating orb is an insult to Biology. This was my thought process prior to visiting Tufano's. The friendly wait staff was very accommodating and helpful to a first timer. My server suggested the Lemon Chicken, i obliged and was tremendously happy I did. The chicken was juicy and the seasoning was complex. The portions were large enough to warrant a take home container - lunch the following day was a reward in itself. The server noticed that I was lost in thought after I had finished my meal (what is Carcosa?) so she gave me some time to myself before giving my check. I will certainly be back on my next trip through the Midwest.
(5)
Choncho R.

The best waitresses ever esp The OLD ones. Younguns are good too. Terese the bartender is a pleasure
(5)
Victoria Y.

Waitress was awesome-food was spectacular....eggplant parm was perfect. We went in with 5 adults 6 kids, found us a table with plenty of room and relaxes atmosphere. Calamari app is a must! Great prices for food & wine. The $5 valet was well worth it-no place to park just made it so much easier.
(5)
Stephanie K.

This place is a block and a half from where I live and for some reason I lived here for a year and a half without ever going! It's the neighborhood bar I've been looking for, so you will for sure see me at the bar chatting up one of the awesome bartenders. Haven't tried the food yet, but plan to soon!
(5)
Laura M.

Tufano's is the best I love their food, they make you feel like your at home, my family and friends love it too.
(5)
Teresa F.

This place is horrible. The waitress barley came by the table and even forgot to bring our beers we ordered with dinner. When it came time to pay she told us just to pay up front... the thing is there is no up front. My fiance and I wandered around until someone noticed the check in our hand. He went to hand her his card and she said they don't take any cards, cash only. No one told us this, nor is it written anywhere. Maybe it would have been written on the menu if only they had one. You have to look at this horribly written chalk board to see what you can order. The food was sub par for a little Italian place with high prices. You think you'd get home cooked quality food but that's not the case. My fettuccini Alfredo was little more than spaghetti with a ton of laughing cow cheese all over it. My fiance ordered the chicken parm and him being a 100% italian could barley stomach it. The sauce was from a jar and the noodles were gross The chicken tasted like frozen breaded chicken from costco. It was bad... just bad. Not to mention we both feel ill as I'm writing this. Stay away! It's for yuppie idiots who don't know what good italian cooking is. I would have settled for okay, but this place is ridiculously bad. If you want great italian food, stay home and make it yourself. It's not that hard to make. Even if you're a terrible cook you'll do a hell of a lot better than this place. I know it's convenient because it is near the U.I.C. Pavillion but just don't give it a second look.
(1)
Steven U.

It was a cold night in Chitown. Chicago Bears were playing. Wandered into this restaurant. Ordered a bunch of food (veal picante, tufano's lemon chicken, sausage and peppers, tortellini alfredo, and meat ravioli) and shared family style. Food was decent. The staff was great to speak with. Learned about the history of the area/restaurant. This is what I had in my mind as a Chicago restaurant (coming from LA).
(4)
Carmen V.

Let me be honest. I grew up coming to this place. Before Hawks or Bulls games at the UC my dad and I loved this little hole in the wall. Just good home made Italian food. I took my boyfriend there this past Sunday after a long absence, excited to show him the joint but was so very disappointed. He ordered the fettuccine alfredo with chicken. It was horrible. The sauce had no taste and the pasta was way overcooked. Not saying I'm the best chef or anything but I know my way around the kitchen and especially around Italian food. But fine it was one dish, we told our server, they took it off the bill and remedied the situation. He happily finished my linguini with clams which tasted pretty good. Until later that night. It's been two days after the night we went and I have yet to eat anything other than crackers and ginger ale. He has the same issues. Sad to say we probably won't be going back.
(1)
Jackson H.

Best 'Old Chicago' Italian joint you will find in this town with unbeatable prices. Lovely staff who treat me and my guests like royalty every visit. Meatballs are a must try for the first timer. Five stars all day!!
(5)
Katrina B.

Nice low key, family style, great food. Have visited many times. However, they don't have a grip on parking. So frustrating. The street is zoned, but they offer "valet parking", but these guys don't know what they are doing..Cars triple parked down the street, dangerous getting in and out of your car.. Road rage for drivers going either way, trying to get through. Puts a damper on an otherwise nice time.
(1)
Harvey R.

Went as an out of town guest for graduation party to this Zagat Rated institution. The veal limon and eggplant parm were fantastic. The groups' fish and pasta dishes were also enjoyed by all. The atmosphere big city which I like. The only negatives were the antipasto salad (dressing) and cannoli (filling) which did not taste like homemade.
(4)
Angela R.

The kind of place that makes Chicago, Chicago! Authentic, unpretentious staff and food!
(5)
Pamela K.

Hidden in Little Italy, Tufano's is truly a neighborhood favorite. My friends have raved about Tufano's since well, can't even recall. But for a long time. So needless to say, I was excited to finally make it to this "diners, drive-in, and dives", local go-to. It's definitely a Cheers place where truly the regulars are practically family, including my friends. We started with the Tufano's salad which was yummy - what wasn't in this meal of salads. Then, on to calamari. And then my meatball. Well, I tried to get the shells and broccoli but that didn't work out this time. The meatball was filling enough after the rest we had. With its chalkboard menu hangin in the main dining room, basic italian staples, and overall family atmo, I can see how T's can become anyone's regular. I will just have to go back for second and thirds according to my friends, who admit that my experience at T's was atypical. The shells/broccoli is apparently to die for and lemon chicken is the male fav. So, I look forward to going back. Larry B, famous Celtic, stopped by T's a few weeks ago so says the owner so... think you gotta check out what the hubub is about here at T's.
(3)
Lochin S.

just ok. I am judging on overal experience. crowded noisey, hard chair, quick dining kind of place. menu all on the board, lots of chicken and veal. I brought a bottle of wine (corkage $12), it was literally dumped, sloshhing into our tumblers. i was kind of shocked, they would treat my Barolo that way. but thats fine, its that kind of place. would have tasted better in stemware, but we are going with the flow.... salad was mostly iceberg, dressing tasted like wishbone italian. I got ravioli. it was just ok. I really wanted some kind of meat sauce.They have no meat sause. but they do have a meatball. service was fine, no complains, but not my first pick for italian. too many other places to dine. Valet and cash only-
(3)
addy t.

We liked the food here, we liked the cute menu on the wall, we even thought it was comically sassy that our "too-good-to-be-your-waitress" waitress didn't bother telling us about the menu situation until we both looked at each other like idiots wondering what we were suppose to order from. Why come here? The food here is sound authentic italian. I had the always fool proof muscles, red sauce and angle hair(undercook muscles please) The Kangaroo order some chicken with potatoes dish which was equally good. Why not come back? Well bad service for one is not tolerable unless paired with praise worthy food for obscenely cheap prices. The food here is not praise worthy, and the prices are average. Our waitress behaved like we were beggars who didn't deserve her undivided attention. Each time we asked a question about the menu, her responses varied from looks of : you must be idiots, to, god do you really need to know whats in that dish'. We still tipped her well at the end, but that itself was a hassle. Read below This place is cash only Which I don't have a problem with other then there was no sign to state that anywhere, if there was I didn't see it on our visits. The ATM machine is a true insult. Let me get this straight, as a business, you want me to pay extra for the ability to pay you? I'm from LA, cash preferred signs are everywhere, and usually if you pay cash the establishment gives you a break on taxes. Not the case here. You don't want to pay taxes, but the customers have to? No thanks. Last but not least, old timers litter the front entrance and bar area of this place which to me ads to the charm. But it was a rainy night and since we had to valet our car, we tipped the guy $10 to pull the car up. He took the money and continued chatting up his buddy leaving us to stand in the rain till he finished his conversation, only to pull the car out of the lot and leave it parked in the middle of the street, came over and handed us the key. Bottom line, we haven't been back since and won't be back again, nor will either one of us be recommending anyone we know here.
(1)
Tracey H.

I do not get these reviews. At all. This place is not good. Our server was good, and I liked the ice cream...that is about it. Cute ambiance doesn't make up for this food, and it wasn't even that cute. The food is horribly mediocre. I am a sucker for old school places, even when the food is not that great, but this doesn't even come close to a place I could tolerate going to again because the foods was just so sub-par. Their sausage was good, ill give them that. Everything else was just meeeh. If you are food person (yes, all people are "food people," but you catch my drift) then skip it.
(2)
Susan S.

I had occasion to be in the city waiting for the Bills game to end. Decided to go to dinner at Vernon Park Tap. I had heard about it from a couple of sources. Maybe this is one of those places where you really shouldn't have dinner alone. While the good was pretty good, I could easily get the same or better in the burbs for about 30% less. The chicken picante was tender and moist, but somewhat bland. The calamari were tender and well cooked but I found the sauce a little too sweet. For $31.00 not including top, this should have been better.
(3)
c g.

Love it. They pour a good drink. Salads are really fresh. Pasta sauce is Amongst the best.
(4)
Kate T.

This place is mediocre. It caters to it's crowd of easily wowed south siders. If you're a foodie and looking for a good bowl of pasta, avoid this place AND Taylor street in general. Go to Pasta Palazzo instead.
(2)
Mrs. John H.

Great food, Great people and Great location! A warm, inviting and friendly location for a fabulous Italian dinner. We were promptly greeted by the valet and were warmly greeted by the staff of Tufano's upon entering. We were seated quickly despite it being a "Hawks" home game night. The serving staff was prompt, helpful and friendly. We loved the chalkboard menu but advise to ask the servers about the evening specials as they are always fabulous. You must try the chicken soup!!!!! We even took some home with us! Tufano's is quality food at an extremely reasonable price. It is dining with a neighborhood feel and very inviting. Food is delicious and prompt if you have somewhere to be following your meal. Most impressive was the gratitude we felt by the staff for stopping in and the courtesy of the Valet greeting us on our way out to get our car. Even the Valet hoped we enjoyed our meal and visit. Tufano's is wonderful and we highly recommend it! Eileen H.
(5)
Regina W.

The food was on point but the only thing that made my experience less than 5 stars was being greeted by a rude bartender. As there was no sign about seating and there was no host up front, we asked if we seat ourselves. He responded rudely with a, "No. you need patience, and need to wait to be seated." He continued to ignore our group of 7 while we waited awkwardly next to the bar before another waiter noticed us. Because that was our first impression of the place, it was less than enjoyable at first, but the food was delicious and our actual server, Nancy, was a sweetheart.
(3)
Natasha E.

We had the tufano's salad, calamari, stuffed shells and cheese raviolis with vodka sauce. Everything was amazing. A really cute neighborhood place that's been in Chicago for 70 years. Very friendly staff. We had a great time.
(5)
Bradley B.

Guy Fieri's endorsement aside, the lemon chicken is great. Unpretentious and a friendly staff. (Just know that you'll be ordering from a chalkboard.)
(4)
Steve K.

The greatest Italian restaurant in Chicago The lemon chicken the angel hair pasta with shrimp The final salad you can't go wrong you won't be disappointed the staff is amazing they make you feel at home and Joey is awesome
(5)
Lucy C.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of Italian food so the fact that I never object to going to Tufano's says quite a bit. The entire environment is super adorable (menus written on chalkboards and Christmas lights-- awesome) and the staff is great. Parking is a little tricky; you need a permit to park on the street so take advantage of their valet. And omg the tiramisu. Let's be honest. Eating dinner is just an excuse to shamelessly inhale dessert. Cash only.
(3)
Tasha H.

Absolutely fantastic service! All of the servers were extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. a friend took us here for dinner in this little Italy restaurant. This is some of the best service I have had! They checked frequently, cleared the table and brought the next dishes. THEY TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY! The sauce on the dishes omg, yum! chianti (sp) wine was great. Two bottles later. Full and satisfied. They had the space for large parties as well as for a few. It is a loud restaurant. But you cant go wrong. Its a must try! **Friday night clams**
(5)
Sam N.

i had never been here before my visit last week.and I did not know they had such classy joints near UIC :) I came here with friends and we had a nice meal. everything is good or why else would jack nicholson come here when heis not in LA ?
(5)
John S.

Been eating at Tufano's since I was a student at UIC. The food here is great classic Italian. The large chalk boards on the wall serve as a menu so if you don't have good vision this may be a issue. The waitresses here are always very friendly and you can tell the food is homemade. This place also gets crowded before major sporting events so plan accordingly. They also don't take credit cards but have a atm. Over all great food and good prices make Tufano's a great spot!!
(4)
Ben B.

As you roll up to Tufano's you're immediately in love. It's in a quiet neighborhood, tucked away among homes. Christmas lights surround the awnings. Once you enter, you walk through a bar where several (ahem) regulars are re-enacting the Italian version of "Cheers." There looked to be several different rooms to sit in, and we sat in the front of the restaurant, which might as well have been big enclosed porch or sun room. It honestly feels like you're eating in someone's home, which I considered a plus. Instead of menus, you look at the day's offerings on the big chalkboard. I rolled with the chicken parmigiana. Sadly, it fell short for me. Thought they did a killer job with the pasta, though. I love it al dente. Service was cheerful and the prices are right. I want to go back and try another dish... because I really want to love this place.
(3)
Chris M.

Table service is hurried, but friendly. Food is okay to good. Veal is often nicely done. Owner does a good job seating a busy crowd on weekends and BlackHawk game nights. Toothpick-chewing bartender is a punk. (He must be related to the owner because he wouldn't qualify to work anyplace where a GED is a minimum requirement.) Valet parking is handy, but overall, after several visits, we will try the many other options within a mile of Tufano 's.
(2)
Jennifer P.

If you are walking to Tufano's fine. But if you drive, be warned. I have had relatively good experiences inside Tufano's, but outside was HORRIBLE. I usually walk to Tufano's as I work in the area, but the one time I drove there ruined this establishment for me forever. The fat valet is an a$$hole. Not only is he loud and rude, but he'll leave a trail of bread crumbs behind in your car. I found crumbs on the seat and floor of my car in addition to a very disgusting residue of what I can only hope was food on the steering wheel and controls. What would have been a mediocre lunch experience at Tufano's became a pain when I had to clean out my car later that day. Not cool Tufano's. Not cool. If you're going to hire someone who has contact with the public and their cars, please hire someone who is clean and has better customer service skills. Never again. Tufano's has lost a long-time customer.
(1)
Don F.

Close to UIC so no street parking, but valet is free. We tried the eggplant parmigiana and chicken with pinenuts. Both were good, but not great. We let them recommend signature dishes for the place, but we left feeling a bit let down. Do not get me wrong, the dishes were very good, but just did not transcend to very good. Great place to try, but most likely will not return. Too many other good and great dishes out there.
(3)
Mopsie B.

We went here recently and were really impressed with the hospitality. It's very obvious that this is a family run place and it has a very homey, festive feel. That said, there are no menus-- everything is posted on chalkboards. Even though the place seems cozy, it's actually pretty big and there were still a lot of people eating at 8 p.m. on a Thursday. We were seated in the porch area, which also had a large group who stayed long after they had finished eating. They were pretty loud and the volume was enhanced by the room somehow, which made it kind of hard to hear...anything. Anyway, the chalkboard also lists wines by the glass. The food is mostly pastas with some chicken entrees-- pretty basic. I got the special shrimp, broccoli and shells. My husband had angel hair and meatballs. Mine was served in a big, plastic bowl, which was disappointing. The sauce was supposed to be olive oil and garlic but it was pretty much water. The pasta did not seem to be homemade, although I think the sauces were. Our side salad was big enough to split and the dressing was decent but the greens were iceberg lettuce. We skipped dessert and paid before having a drink at the bar. Tufano's does not take credit cards but they do take personal checks or cash and have an ATM in the bar, which you will probably need when you tip the valet. The bar area is very cool- sort of art deco and, we were told, 83 years old! Overall, I would say that most of the food are dishes you could easily cook at home but if you want an old school Little Italy experience at a place that is a bit off the beaten path, Tufano's is a fun place to try.
(3)
juston m.

i think most the people reviewing this place are soley doing it on nostalgia. its obviously a neighborhood, family place. the interior hasn't been revamped in ages. the food just isn't that good. my lingine and clams was tasteless. my friends chicken was oily and thick. the patio is really nice, but the chairs are plastic. and to the service. apparently you need to be a regular. we were ignored for most our trip. the waitress, who looked like the italian paula deen, wasn't even supposed to be our waitress. she got us drinks and an appetier and then we sat. and sat. and sat. we had to ask someone to please take our order. for our wait we got a carafe of boxed wine. thanks. love, juston
(2)
Tom H.

Had a wonderful dinner this evening at Tufano's/ Vernon Park Tap/ VPT. It was a clear sunny evening, just after work, so I sat outside at one of the tables in the enclosed sidewalk area. I started with a cup of nicely flavored chicken vegetable soup, incredibly thick with rice and pieces of shredded chicken, celery, carrots and other delicious veggies. Along with that, I dipped pieces of very good Italian bread into a small pool of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. My main course was sausage and peppers, a seemingly simple dish, but here done perfectly. The three sausages were spiced with fragrant anise and rosemary, charred and smoky from a charcoal brazier, and covered with heaps of nicely grilled slices of green and red bell pepper. Perfection. The cup of soup was $2.50, the sausage and pepper $10.50 and the large tumbler of Chianti $5.50. Total was just under $20, plus tip. Cash only. I've been dining at Tufano's since my university days in the early 1970's. Back then, Joey, the current proprietor, was still just a kid, the place was just a bar with a small back room for dining and the prices were perfect for students: I remember my favorite meal there was the $2.25 cheese-stuffed shells with broccoli, and a carafe of rotgut "Chianti" for about $7. But I can't complain for the slight price increase over the past forty years. Back then, my apartment rent, just a couple blocks from Tufano's, was just $40 per month, pretty much the cheapest rent in all of Chicago, even back then. Now the wines are considerably better, and Tufano's has expanded to a large side room and atrium-type front room (my favorite in cold rainy weather) at the west of the bar area, plus an outside cafe area. It's always been difficult to know what to call this place, as there's never been an exterior sign, even after the 40 years of my patronage, plus who knows how many years before that? The menu is still the chalkboard wall, the food is still good, the folks inside are mostly friends and neighbors, cops and robbers, politicians and judges....and time here seems to stand still.
(5)
Karen N.

Just moved to UIC area, and so glad I found this place. I won't go to Taylor Street Italian joint anymore. This place is totally authentic, no thrills, neighborhood type of place, not even table clothes. But the food is great, price is right, service is easy going and personal, portions large and you can tell many patrons are regulars and really just friends with the wait staff. Spacious setting, you won't be seated 12 inches from the next table. The menu is on the blackboard, lemon chicken, mussels, salad.. all the classics are excellent.
(4)
A. M.

Food: 3 stars Service and Ambience: 4 stars This Italian eatery is a hidden gem. Definitely a neighborhood spot with regulars but welcomes newbies with open arms. I felt like we were at a up north supper club with tons of our closest friends. The ambience is great - casual and relaxed dining at its best. No need to get all dressed up here - shorts and flip flops are totally cool. We arrived fairly early (for us) on Saturday night - around 7:30. They don't take reservations but this place is much larger than it looks from outside. There seems to be about three separate rooms to eat in as well as an outdoor patio. Plenty of spots. We were seated almost immediately. Our waitress was extremely nice. We wanted to take our leisurely time eating and she was cool with that. We ordered as we went and at no point was she pushy or absent. She also followed up on every dish, asking how it was and if we needed anything else. I had better service here than I have had at some steakhouses (I'm looking at you Bavette's). Food and wine were very reasonable priced, especially for the quality and quantity of food. We ordered the Tufano's salad, rigatoni with vodka sauce with meatball and sausage, and gelato. The salad was just ok - salami tasted delicious but it had way too much oil. Despite the pasta not being homemade, it was still AMAZING. The sauce was perfection and the meatball. Oh the meatball. It was HUGE and moist and just everything I ever wanted. As for the gelato, it tasted more like store bought ice cream. We didn't expect a lot - we just wanted something to cleanse our palates and it did just that. I will definitely be back. And saving room so I can finish my whole meatball this time.
(4)
Jon C.

You know what. It was just fine. Good for a pre Blackhawks meal but otherwise not worth the trip. Had chicken piccata and the thing had little sauce and no capers. Forgetaboutit. Veal parm was better and bread was dry. Go to Taylor Street.
(3)
Jake C.

Was there on 11/16/14 at 520 pm with my 5 friends we had planned to order dinner(because food looked amazing) at the bar after our second round of drinks we ask if we could order dinner when the male bartender with the shaved head told us to wait then went to the waitress and said " these douche bags want to order food" we promptly left the this establishment and are never returning. I wish yelp gave negative stars!!
(1)
Alicia J.

My mother picked this place over a bunch of other choices because she saw it on diners, drive ins and dives, and it was a terrible decision. Everything tasted the way it would if I had made it myself from boxed noodles and ragu. The only thing seemingly homemade was the giant solid meatballs, which were sort of the consistency of my dogs wet food. They get two stars instead of one because their canolis were decent; however, canolis are my favorite so its hard for me to hate one. They were probably bought from a better Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.
(2)
Suzanne A.

I visited this establishment yesterday for the second time. The first time was last October. My husband and I went on the recommendation of my dad who had been telling us for years how great this place was. He's been going there for 30 years and still remembers when Nonna did the cooking. The first time we went, we enjoyed it. It was a busy Saturday night and we liked the ambiance. The service was fast and good. The food was pretty tasty. We had a whole different experience yesterday. We went with our three kids. We drove all the way from Schaumburg and arrived at about 4:30 for an early dinner. We were seated at a round table in an empty room. Immediately upon sitting down, I noticed two things: An extremely loud, rattling air conditioner vent on the ceiling, and a very strong lemon cleaner smell in the room. I could tell that the lemon cleaner was coming from the busing service set up that was located 2 feet from our table. Since I didn't want my dinner ruined by that smell, I asked our waitress to move it. She did so only to have another waitress bring it back in ten minutes later. I immediately told her that we had asked for it to be moved, and she said it had to be there so the busboys could put dirty dishes in it (which again is right next to our table!) She told me there was no lemon smell at all, and if there was it was caused by someone who had cleaned the windowsills earlier....???? Now on to the food. It was mediocre. It's a bad sign when it comes to the table ten minutes after you order it. The meat filling in my ravioli wasn't even hot. I tasted my daughter's stuffed shells, and they were pretty good. The meatball was tasty, and the calamari was quite good but everything else was average and I could make it better myself at home. The service? The hostess was friendly and polite. Our waitress was a very nice young lady. She was attentive and prompt. However, the other waitress who was working that room who argued with me about the busing service was very rude and a detriment to the restaurant. AND, the kicker! When we were getting ready to leave, the bus boy was wiping down a table near ours and we smelled lemon cleaner. When he was done wiping the table, he put the rag on the busing station by our table and it reeked like lemon pine sol. So Tufano's, if you're reading this, please tell that waitress where to shove it! It's ridiculous that you would seat customers next to a busing station anyway. Who wants to smell and look at other people's dirty dishes while they're eating?!? The owners of Tufano's are lucky that they have the history of the place to stand on. If you took that away, and they had to get by on the quality of their food and service, they wouldn't last a month! We will not be back, and neither will my father who as I mentioned earlier has been a patron for 30 years!
(2)
Aimee P.

One of Chicago's gem. Definitely one to visit. We ate family style between for people. House salad - cheese blocks... Amazing... Salami... Yummy Clams and eggplant parmesan - friday night clams... Worth it for once a week treat at the restaurant. eggplant parmesan - the best I've had.! Lemon pepper and ravioli - lemon pepper.. Yum.. Ravioli... Great. Tiramisu and Canoli - yuuum. Everything was demigods and not overpowering. Great dinner. Would definitely cooked back to this Chicago spot next time ! Great recommendation to chicagoans and visitors. Service definitely compliments this family owned restaurant ! Definitely a TREAT !!!!!
(5)
Cristina T.

Came here on a whim last night and was shocked to see how crowded Tufano's was. We waited about 20 minutes for our party of 5 during which I admired all of the celebrity photos on the wall. When we were seated in the dining area, our server immediately made recommendations for appetizers and salads, which we promptly ordered. The calamari was crisp while the garbage salad was loaded with a variety of ingredients. It had been about another 25 minutes until our waitress came back to take our orders. She admitted that she forgot about our table and gave us a round of drinks on the house. I ordered the mussels with pasta and red sauce that were succulent and delicious. The pasta portion was incredibly large, but luckily I had a friend who was willing to help eat my dish. Always having room for dessert, I ordered the spumoni which I also shared with friends at the table. The meal ended up being very reasonable and seeing as its within walking distance to my place, I will definitely be back.
(4)
Mark B.

When checking out the Blackhawks at the UC, stop off and have some decent Italian Food. Old school menu on a blackboard , with daily specials. I am fond of the veal dishes and the prices are reasonable.Valet parking is offered and needed since parking is impossible in the neighborhood.
(4)
Michael L. And Michelle G.

This place sits in the out-skirts of Little Italy, where only an authentic family-owned-for-generations Italian restaurant gem like this should be. The neighborhood is all residential and then there is this restaurant perfectly blended in to the no frills architecture of the bed-rock working class homes that surround it. Inside you enter into the bar with the TV's being the only thing upgraded amidst the charm and warmth of the late 60"s early 70's decor that survives pristine. There since 1930 this place rocks plain walls covered in black and white photos of celebrity visitors in some parts, chalk board menus on the walls of the dining area, formica tables, simple chairs, with an obvious addition to the dining room totally consistent in character but with its own charm. They have an out door area for seating just as simple, delicately lit and adjacent to an open area where kids run and play while waiting for their food or letting you have your coffee. That brings me to the patrons, they are you and me and our parents, and our grandparents, and be they 80 years old in wheel chairs or 6 month olds in a car seat, the staff makes it work and the place bustles with all of us like a big family dinner, often times with Chicago Police officers at the table next to you in full uniform. The menu is Italian standards, plentiful. It brings the same pure simplicity of great red gravy sauce, meat sauces, pasta incarnations, pork chops and peppers, chicken any way, and veal and fish all fresh to order as it has for decades. Packed with tang, oregano and garlic in the unmatched perfection of a true Italian kitchen, Chicago-style, like the good ole days of what used to line Taylor Street and it rightfully survives today. Come any time and there will be table or one soon to be and chill in the charm of the simple tavern-like bright bar area while you wait and enjoy a feeling you will only get here and it is one that you will want over and over.
(4)
Joseph P.

This place was a good place to go to after I got done with my finals at UIC. My parking lot is right across the street from this place. I went in to have a drink and get some appetizers before a long drive home. The food was pretty good. I had the bruschetta and calamari. The bruschetta was spicy and I was happy with it. The calamari was really good. There was so much there that I couldn't finish the whole plate so I took some home and my sister liked it also as a leftover. I like that this place is a ma and pa place and the bartender was real friendly too. The house wine was pretty good and at a fair price.
(4)
Simone T.

Came back here for the first time in YEARS. Down to earth atmosphere with VERY good, hearty food. Still WONDERFUL was the fried calamari appetizer. The Lemon Chicken is a standard, but a great one. A half order alone (with those yummy potatoes) was enough to fill me and provide leftovers! Our waitress was a DOLL. A friend asked for a variation of a shrimp & pasta item and the kitchen was more than happy to oblige. Another friend had the Chicken Parmesan & loved it. Great red sauces for our pastas. Full bar with a great bartender; had a huge, yummy Cosmo. We'll be back again VERY soon! An old tradition revived.
(4)
Rosie S.

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(5)
Liz H.

Service was great, very family oriented and old school italian with a laid back feel. The food was fantastic- everything was delicious and piping hot! Wine that was selected by the waiter was good too. Good vibe, I liked the homage to Hawks and pictures of celebs and Giada and Guy Fieri from Food Network. I will definitely add this place to my list of favorite authentic italian restaurants. I want to come back and check out the outdoor patio...
(5)
Jet F.

Hey, get your butt to Chicago, bring friends and family, find this place and walk into the back and experience some Italian food and atmosphere that will stay with you for years to come. The smells, the menu, the chicken parmesan, the beer selection. When we rolled in, there were three city patrol cars parked there so we knew we hit the jack pot. The servers will treat you better than family and are genuinely glad you came. Two words............VALET PARK
(4)
Jack G.

One of my favorite places to eat in Chicago. Has everything I want in a restaurant. Friendly laid back vibe, great food, great drinks, and you never leave hungry. They have the best pork chops in town. I just love Joey and his entire staff. Oops, that sounded creepy.
(5)
Bob H.

There's a truth about skiing in VT. If you want the glamour go to Stowe, if you want to Ski go to Smuggler's. You can make a similar comparison to italian restaurants in Chicago. There's plenty of high end ones that are great and glamorous, but then you have Tufano's which is great, but very far from glamorous. The service was rough. I know a lot of people like that in a a little neighborhood joint like this, but there it is. And honestly, it's not the kind of 'rough' service you expect where they give you crap and you give them crap and you play off each other - I just honestly felt like the waitress was mad at me that I asked what beer they had because I didn't see it on the menu. There's a way to do snarky service right, and that's not it. I enjoyed my meal, and so did my fiance, but, at least in my opinion, it didn't live up to the hype. It was a really good italian meal, but it just wasn't anything truly special. The fact that it was on Diner's, Drive-In's and Dives does this place a disservice because it raises your expectations to levels it isn't quite going to live up to. Here's the thing though, aside from the service not being quite what I would have liked, it's exactly what you want in a neighborhood restaurant. Good food, fair prices, and a cool atmosphere. Yes, I'll go back, and a little better service takes this to 4 stars.
(3)
Michelle F.

WOW! I didn't know until JUST NOW that this place was featured on DD&D! WAY cool!! I can definitely see why, though! The restaurant was cozy, inviting, and the food was delicious! My friends surprised my husband and I by taking us here on Saturday night around 6. PLENTY of seating--score!! (NOTE: You do have to valet park, here, but it's worth it!) We sat down and immediately were silenced by the chore of picking out what we wanted to eat from the blackboard of awesomeness that was bestowed upon us. No menus in this joint, so bring your glasses! :) Since it was just the first of many of our stops that night, I didn't order any "adult beverages" since I may or may not have been two glasses of wine in already. But I digress! My husband and our two friends ordered drinks, and I hear they were delicious! We started out with the 1/2 calamari and the bruchetta. Both came out piping hot and delicious. It was after that that we ordered, so I was already starting to feel full. My husband and I decided to split the stuffed shells, and I ordered a side salad. My friends got the veal and the lemon chicken. Oh my gosh, the food was amazing. Especially the lemon chicken! You get SO much for what you pay for--and I have seen my friend eat--it is rare that he doesn't finish every last bite, and he had leftovers!! SHOCKING! And we tried the cannoli. YUM!! So for six alcoholic beverages, two appetizers, a side salad, three entrees, and dessert, our total was $100. WHOA! I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Marissa G.

3.5 Good, simple, homemade Italian food with the best atmosphere. It's true, this is no fuss family style cooking and serving, so don't look to be coddled here-- be ready to share a bottle of wine, keep the plates moving and the conversation going. I found the Lemon Chicken less fabulous than what everyone is raving about here though-- What I would go for? The calamari, linguini with clams, anything with their basil marinara sauce, and the cannoli to finish. Cash only. $5 valet parking is fast, courteous and worth it since the street parking is permit only. Enjoy!
(3)
Tyler W.

Food came out cold and seemingly microwaved/pre-prepared. To top it off the waitress was extremely presumptuous and rude. She had the nerve to ask if we wanted our change back!
(1)
Robert M.

I hadn't been to Tufano's for about 3 years. After tonight's meal, I certainly won't wait that long to return. What strikes me most about Tufano's is the genuine hospitality of the place. It's like those family-owned Italian restaurants that we all grew-up with but have sadly disappeared into the world of Olive Gardens or chic "trattorias" that pop-up in Chicago and close after a year-or-two. But I walked-in, and Joey met me with a huge grin and said, "We can get you a table in 15 minutes" before I even asked him. It was busy, as it was a Blackhawks game night, so check their home schedule and plan accordingly. The menu is written on chalkboard, and my party (3) all decided on their garbage salad as a appetizer and their signature lemon chicken for our entrees. The salad was fresh, crisp and included anti-pasti: Italian lunchmeat, cheese and hot peppers. I wish the lunchmeat would have been cut in smaller slices. The lemon chicken is flash-broiled, meaning the skin is lightly charred, but moist. Served with sliced potatoes, it's like nothing you can prepare at home. We also had a side dish of spaghetti with marinara sauce. The sauce was home made and freshly-prepared. Definitely worth a trip back for a pasta meal. For dessert we had ricotta cheesecake that was tasty but a bit dry. But the service was phenomenal. Theresa was our server and we had fun chatting with her throughout dinner. Even the bartender was pleasant and efficient while we waited for our table. Although it was truly crowded, it was fun being surrounded by other middle-class families, neighborhood regulars and sports fans. Definitely worth a trip!
(5)
Clement C.

Very comfortable home-like place, with authentic food and good table wine. We had the pasta with vodka sauce and a bite of our friend's chicken meal. Gotta say, the chicken bite I sampled was great - juicy, flavorful, perfect crisp to savory ratio. Our vodka sauce had the perfect balance of creamy and tangy with green peas. Overall, with about 5glasses of wine, $70 for 4 satisfied people.
(4)
Julie A.

Great, comfortable family feeling place. Actually, I'm shocked I haven't brought my parents here yet. Good food, decent prices, great for large parties!
(4)
Mia B.

Hands down the best Italian food in Chicago! My family and I have been coming here my whole life and can't wait for my birthday dinner next week! Dinner must haves: *Eggplant parm * Calamari *Antipasto * Mussels! * Ravioli's (whatever the special is) Don't forget to bring cash and an empty stomach!
(5)
Basil D.

Tufano's is an utterly amazing restaurant. It is 100% old school. My Sicilian friend (a remarkabe cook) recommended Tufano's which is how I found out about it. The veal is amazing, very tender, big portion, reasonably priced. They are known for their lemon chicken which is very moist, tasty, and flavorful and prepared on the grill. The calamari is a HUGE portion of large, meaty pieces served with lemon wedges and a simple, but good marinara sauce; get the small for three or fewer people, more than three, get the large (yes, the portions are that big!) I also love their eggplant parmesan, it is out of this world. It is tender, juicy with the right amount of meaty slices of eggplant, gooey cheese, and tangy red-sauce which is fresh and not too sweet or sugary. The atmosphere is unassuming, unpretentious, old-style Chicago. The sign outside the hard-to-find side street near UIC is barely visible. The barteners are friendly as well as the long-time Tufano family wait-staff. You always receive a warm Mediterranean welcome. If you want to impress people with your knowledge of Chicago and its out of the way places unscathed by tourists, go to Tufano's. If you want ot go somewhere where you're treated like an old friend, go to Tufano's. It's a friendly neighborhood hang-out. YES, you must bring cash, no credit cards taken. And YES, it's a pain in the ass, but the food is so worth it! YES, you have no choice but to pay for parking or get towed, but YES it is so worth it. Every out of towner I take falls in love with the place. It's a great old-fashioned family joint. Ciao-ciao!
(5)
Lon T.

Great spot for solid Italian before an event at UIC Pavilion. Tried their special veal caprizi over angel hair pasta which was excellent. Big portions didn't leave room for desert but will be back next time I'm in the neighborhood.
(4)
Mark H.

This place is great! Its still family own and operated. The food is amazing and the menu is on boards that line the walls. Also I would make sure to always leave room for dessert and you have to get the Calamari! The location is nice and is right off the UIC campus and its close for Basketball games. Staff is always nice enough and the place is clean what more could you want.
(5)
Sarah Beth B.

I came here for my grad school graduation celebration dinner, and it was perfect!! I have heard GREAT things about this place, and I was not disappointed. First of all, I feel like I could give 3 or 4 stars on the strength of the people watching alone. This place is authentic Chicago, authentic Little Italy. Big family dinners, loud groups of women out on the town-- it was great!! After a brief wait when we got to check out the many framed news articles on the wall, we settled in the back room. Our server was a bit frazzled and stretched a little thin at the late side of a busy friday night, but she was so friendly that it was fine. We started with the basic Tufanos salad, moved onto the Tilapia Vesuvio and Angel Hair with mussels, and finished off with tiramisu and coffee. I cold have eaten every bite of every dish, and pretty nearly did. AWESOME food, just awesome, and exactly what I wanted for a fun, celebratory dinner. Now, Tufanos is NOT fancy. Don't got if you want white table cloths and a romantic setting. This is just good, delicious food in an old-school setting. I'll definitely be back the next time I want affordable, delicious, traditional Little Italy.
(5)
Lauren A.

This was a total disappointment. Not our first trip here but it will be our last. The only reason there is two stars is the speed in which it was served and quatity. That being said.... what good is quantity when the QUALITY was horrible!!! 3 out of our 5 dinners were not eaten. The pork chops- dry, flavorless The D&D vodka sauce with peas- Peas were total mush!, I didnt come for baby food, so firm peas would be appreciated. I have had better SAUCE OUT OF A JAR! We ordered the calamari as well, which has been phenominal in the past. What was there was good, however half the plate was little fried bits. Like a fingernail size. What happened to rings and legs...... Valet had favorites.... walked out waiting in a line, he walks past me with my ticket out, to some guy and didn't acknowledge me.... Will not go back again and won't recommend to anyone! Total loss of quality
(2)
Jasmine L.

Went here last Friday with several friends after hearing about it from 190 North. It's a cute local restaurant tucked within Little Italy. The staff was also friendly, considering it took us a little while to make our decisions. I have mixed feelings about the food though. The calamari and the tiramisu were amazing. I think in retrospect, I should have just ordered calamari as my entree. My chicken alfredo though was very bland and not worth the money. And it costs $6 extra to add chicken and broccoli. It was very disappointing. The prices are rather expensive, but I think I will come again to try something else. Make sure you have cash, though they do have an ATM by the door if you forget.
(3)
Mary M.

Good Pasta dishes. I used to love this place. The only problem i had was the service. Came in with a friend a while ago and the waitress who served us was very rude She made comments about my weight. "You look like you haven't touched a thing! You're so skinny" "Are you sure you're going to eat that, you look like a twig" Do I need to continue? Yes, I'm skinny I thought...one more comment and I'm out. Sure enough...more comments. I decided we had to leave. Not coming back...ever. So unprofessional
(2)
Sarah H.

Authentic, old school Everything we got was superb. Best in Chicago.
(5)
Christina M.

Yummy Calamari! Tufano's is always busy with great cause. They have amazing vodka sauce and I'm a huge fan of their chicken parm. I do always ask for the calamari well done. and they have this rasberry icecream desert that is just amazing.
(4)
B B.

My family's favorite restaurant. Food is consistently good, homemade by someone who knows what they are doing. The "Special Salad" is so good, the best non-entree salad in the city, bar-none. We love the eggplant, chicken piccata, and lemon chicken. The owner has been there for ever, took over from his parents, and now one of his daughters is his top assistant. The staff is friendly and rarely turns over, just down-to-earth people. No reservations so checking to see if the Hawks or Bulls are playing is a must to avoid long wait. This place has a BIG fan base.
(5)
Carol K.

"Where am I going?", I ask my friend who has been to Tufano's before, knows it's around here "somewhere" and has us driving in circles until I enter the address in my phone and after a couple of turns find the restaurant. Well no wonder I couldn't find this place. It's hidden on a side street off of Racine and is the quintessential neighborhood place. I don't think anything has ever changed since it opened. A couple of important things to note: if you drive- you must valet your car ($5). All the parking along the street is permit only and there is a lot across the street that the restaurant uses (owns?) for parking the cars. The second thing? Bring CASH. For they do not take plastic. As you pull open the door- you find yourself in a badly lit bar. It's not dark- it's bright- so bright we sat and wondered where all the light was coming from. The TV's had the hockey game on and a group of "regulars" sat around the place.The bartender was pleasant and quick to pour us a drink. We were one of only a couple of tables on the night we were there but it was late and on a Wednesday night. We split a couple of dishes (the house salad quite good with meats and cheeses) and the lemon chicken. For dessert, we were on a cannoli kick so we ordered a cannoli. The cannoli was a little "peanuty" for my taste- I prefer pistachios on mine and not peanuts. Cheap food, cheap beer and a "dive like" atmosphere adds up to an "A OK" experience. Just put on your sunglasses as you go through the bar as all that light is a bit blinding.
(3)
Bethany G.

Went here last Friday waiting for a Craig's lister to show up with a ticket to a show for the uic pavilion right next door. While waiting 4 hours for him to show up, Paulie the bartender set me up with beers, mussels, calamari linguini, and talked to me as much as he could. The man next to me said "if this guy doesn't show up, we got you covered." I didn't know who he was and didn't believe him but...finally after hour 4 of waiting alone I knew I was being stood up. Paulie and the other gentleman (who I soon found out was Joe, the owner) would not take ANY money from me. not a tip, not a single cent. They felt so sorry for me and treated me like family. It was my first time there and they made what could've been a bad experience into a wonderful one. Awesome food, great hospitality, super quick service. It just goes to show there are still good people left in this world. Leave it up to Little Italy! Definitely showed this girl some real Chicago love. I can't express my gratitude enough. Wish I could make it up to them. None of them asked me to write this review, I'm doing this to show Chicagoans what a great family owned restaurant this is.
(5)
Scott B.

I go out of my way to get to Tufano's when i am in Chicago! The service is top-shelf. If it isn't on the menu, just let them know what what you like and they'll take care of you. Truly a neighborhood restaurant that makes you feel at home. If you are looking for REAL Italiian, look no further!!
(5)
Samantha R.

Went with a friend for a casual Italian dinner, and it was great! Exactly what I was looking for. Good neighborhood place with real food. Fried calamari was amazing!! I had the spaghetti and meatball was good and makes me want to go back to try other things. It was better as leftovers the next day!
(4)
Mike L.

Took my Step dad for lunch on Thursday and he hasn't been here for over 30 years - he lives out of town now so I saved teh best for last. He loved it!! And so did I of course. Joey and his sister have managed to keep up the exact same flavors in all the food their grandparents cooked up years ago. When I was a kid we used to go there when it was just the bar in front, which is still there, and the dining room was in the back - which is now the enlarged kitchen, it was 1 room, no windows, an air condioner in the wall, always packed, and always incredible food served family style. The lines were down the street just to get in. Most places that are taken over by family members usually go to hell - not Tufano! They still have the Best Lemon Chicken, meatballs, Salad, cheese ravioli, red gravy and tons of other pastas and specials like Sausage and Peppers, and Joey's special Tomato Basil sauce - MMMMMMMMMMM! I am so glad it is the same as when I was a kid thanks to the DiBuono family!
(5)
Melanie S.

Probably my second favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago after La Gondola. I've been coming here since I was a student at UIC which was long before they expanded into several rooms and an outdoor dining area. It's not particularly polished and certainly not trendy, but no one comes here looking for that. They're here for good, basic old-school Italian fare. I always start with the special salad, which is easily one of my all-time favorite salads. It's chock full of roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, fontinella and provolone cheeses, cucumbers, tomatoes, and bathed in a delicious dressing. I've never come here and not ordered this salad. They have your typical Italian dishes, but my favorites are the stuffed shells, eggplant parmagiana, pork chops and peppers, and chicken picante. The chicken picante has an amazing sauce and is slathered with toasted pine nuts, and while nothing ever has enough pine nuts for me, but this dish comes close. Desserts are nothing special. On a warm day, I recommend walking a few blocks to Mario's for an Italian ice, which is a perfect way to end a fabulous meal at Tufano's. Portions are ample, food is very good, valet parking is reasonable (and indeed your only option) and it's a neighborhood staple. Cash only.
(4)
Apothecarylord X.

Read many of the reviews and after watching the short on Chicagos Best, I thought we should give it a try. Party of three had three seperate dishes,veal Vesuvio, which the waitress messed up and brought chicken Vesuvio ,chicken picante, and chicken lemon.None the less ,they all tasted the same. In all cases the chicken was boiled ,not broiled ,and put over angel hair pasta, straight out of the chicken broth. The bruschetta appetizer was diced tomatoes sprinkled with balsamic vinegar, this Restraunt is truly not one of chicagos best.There are many other fantastic Italian restraunts in a "food town" such as Chicago this is just not one of them.
(1)
Elizabeth S.

Absolutely love this great Italian restaurant. Went with a large party of 11, seated quickly on a Saturday night. Service excellent. Food delicious, tons of choices. Always get Calamari (yummmm), refreshing house salad, and veal Marsala . Family loves the Parmesan dishes which are awesome!! Only drawback is its really loud and hard to converse some times. Definitely a repeat soon.
(5)
Jennie T.

This is a hard-to-find gem in on the outskirts of University Village. It's close to UIC, and I imagine that unless you're from this neighborhood, you'd have trouble locating it. I really enjoyed their calamari. I've also ordered spaghetti here twice -- I usually don't order spaghetti because most places mess it up horribly. Great food at great prices. I mean, would you expect any less? They're right next to Little Italy and Greektown. Oh, and remember to bring cash. They're cash-only.
(4)
Irene H.

Went here for the first time the other day. I hadn't noticed this place was even there, and I've attended UIC for years. It's kind of hidden, but worth it. They offer valet parking for $5, which was really worthless because the car got parked literally right across the street. The food was great, ordered veal parmesan, and chicken picante, both which were very good, traditional Italian food. There wasn't anything extra ordinary about them, but it was a solid meal. The portions were huge, ended up having left overs, and it wasn't too expensive for the price paid. Service on the other hand was complicated. It wasn't bad per say, but it just wasn't there. The waitress was great when she was at our table, but she just didn't seem to even be in the restaurant when we needed her. She was slow but on top of her game if that makes sense.
(4)
Stacy B.

We've been here a number of times and it is easy, casual, delicious dining. This place is a bit off the beaten path, but the valet makes it super easy if you're driving. The ambiance is fun and great for a date or family dining. Big portions and very consistent. Old school Italian and can't go wrong here!
(4)
Jeff G.

probably 3.5. classic neighborhood joint. food is good and homemade, but all of the red sauces for the different dishes are the same. my wife got the cheese ravioli and said it lacked character.
(3)
Les O.

A friend suggested and I let him order. Eggplant was sublime. Chicken picante great. You know what was the best...the broccoli believe it or not. 4.5. 5 would have been easy choice if they had better bread.
(4)
First L.

So I stand in front of Michelangelo's David and try to come up with something new to say...same thing about Tuffano's. Both are classics. Well known by true aficionados. And both have Italian meat balls... ...and sausage(s). At Tuffano's, ahem, my favorite is a salad and soup for lunch. Dinner varies with the season, but a sausage along side a bowl of gnocchi with olive oil and garlic is my usual. Take cash, but Joey has an ATM now. Valet parking mandatory here because it is zoned parking. Tip the valet well, just to be safe. Oh, yeah, one other thing, don't f**k with the waitresses. They are either Family or able to kill with a look. Or both. Seriously.
(5)
Joseph P.

It's the real thing, no nonsense. Good old fashioned Italian red sauce. Fried Calamari, eggplant parmesan, iceberg lettuce salad, bread, olive oil, Chianti, and lots more. What else could you want? Oh, I know. Valet parking? No problem.
(4)
Melanie C.

I don't think I would be in a hurry to rush back. If the staff doesn't know you, you are treated like an outsider. They will not go out of their way at all to make you feel at home, because they are too busy chatting with the people they do know. The night we were there, we got there before the rest of our party, so we sat at the bar. The bar tender could have been any less attentive. He was off talking with "more important" people the entire time. Once the rest of the party arrived, we were seated outside. The waitress took our drink orders and then came back for our food. The menu and waitress both didn't really explain a lot. There was no going over any of it, so for those of us, "the outsiders", we didn't know much. This was the first time in my life I have ever ordered Eggplant Parm, and that was all I got. No pasta? Really? I was finished eating before some people even started. My boyfriend also ordered Sausage and Peppers. Yep, that was it. Nowhere on the menu did it say our meals were a la cart. We might have asked about it if our waitress ever came back to check on our meal. We also ordered another round of drinks that she also forgot to bring back to us. Then we had to sit and wait to pay our bill. Not a fan, and probably won't ever go back.
(2)
Adam F.

This is the kind of place that makes this neighborhood special. Authentic food and authentic atmosphere.
(5)
Laila C.

I didn't like it. The antipasto was boring, the calamari was standard, the ravioli was bland. The lemon chicken was alright but it just tasted like roast chicken, didn't taste any lemons and the potatoes were SUPER flavorless. The eggplant parm is one of their top sellers and that was fine....but if that's their top seller than they've got some real problems. I can't imagine why in the world they deserve a James Beard award...and it kind of makes me really doubt Guy Fieri's taste buds.
(2)
Andrew D.

Got several people telling me this place is great but terrible service. Well they got it half right. The service is terrible. Wine comes in 50 cent glasses, you sit forever waiting for the waitress, I got my salad served at the same time as the entre and it was inedible. Bottom line I can make Italian food better and faster and serve it with a smile. Tip to owners, get better wait staff cuz my 20% tip would have never happened if my wife wasn't present. I should have asked for 20% off my bill. 2nd FYI- ask for extra sauce cuz my spaghetti and meat balls were naked.
(2)
Pinaki S.

This is the type of place that you can only find in an old, Italian neighborhood. It's your neighborhood eatery with giant portions (they'll recommend the half portions, which are actually half priced?!) because they are sooo huge! We all stood and looked at the chalkboard menus-- this was a pretty hilarious and awkward. The food is terrific (stuffed shells was tasty) and if you need a side of meat, the meatball they give you is bigger than your fist. Pretty inexpensive too... the four of us pigged out on $48 w/ tip. (Good for lunch!)
(5)
Joe P.

Great hidden gem on Taylor Street. Shells and broccoli are a great choice and make sure whatever you get you ask for a side of vesuvio potatoes.
(5)
Cheryl S.

My in-laws brought me and my hubby here the other night, and as I told them, I felt like I was eating in a place that Tony Soprano would hang out in! This is a huge plus, not only because I love the Sopranos but also because I knew I'd be getting some yummy old-school Italian food. I ordered the shells with broccoli and the dish was simple but tasty; shells and broccoli in olive oil with garlic. My husband ordered the lemon chicken which came wtih homemade chips on top, and was also excellent. Our waitress was friendly and speedy, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Is there better Italin in the city? Yes, but this place is worth checking out.
(4)
Leah B.

AWESOME!! My husband and I went there for dinner after a White Sox game at the recommendation of a guy that sat in front of us. The meal was amazing!! They have free valet parking which was a added bonus. We started with a salad which was enough for 2 to share. The salami in the salad ws awesome. Everyone in the place was ordering the Calamari and raving about it but we did not try it. My husband had the chicken parmesean and I had angel hair pasta with a meatball. The food was flavorful and nice size portion. We also sharred the Tarimisu at the waitresses suggestion and it was heavenly. The entire meal including tax and tips (Waitress and valet) was $40 and I had enough pasta leftover for lunch the nect day. The food was great and I felt a good value. The service was good as well.
(5)
Tanya S.

A casual nice family style restaurant. Food flavors were spot on. I enjoyed the Tufano salad, Picante Chicken and Tiramisu. Prices were good as well. We came on a Sat night with baby and friends and baby didn't quite like the tables were slightly higher than we're used to with the high chair, but she's small and was in a bit of a tiffy mood that evening. We'll come back when she's a little bigger. Despite all that, it was so lively there, that I doubt anyone other than our table noticed baby.
(4)
Ted W.

I was here last night for Mother's day and had an amazing meal. We started with a big salad and order of calamari. Both were great. I had the veal parmesan and had a bite of the veal marsala and both were great. I preferred the veal parmesan since it came with pasta while the veal marsala didn't ;) They were big portions with most of the table having leftovers to take home so we passed on dessert this time but I've had dessert there in the past and it's been good. I do wish they took reservations for parties smaller than 10. The restaurant wasn't crowded yesterday but I've been there before on a weekend night and have had to wait for a table. My other complaint/warning is that all the parking there is zoned so you have no choice than to pay for valet. Not the end of the world, but I feel like I'm getting scammed when the whole block is empty. I realize this isn't really the restaurant's fault though.
(4)
Natalie G.

Baked lemon chicken is amazing! Very affordable, great discreet location.
(5)
Dan P.

Tufano's is a Chicago institution like Twin Anchors that just keeps me coming back over decades. Unpretentious with a delightful, basic menu (Spiaggia isn't threatened - ergo 4 stars) and friendly service in a setting where time stands still (stuck in the 1950's). I particularly like lunch during the summer when the UIC student population is close to zero the patio is a pleasant option. Judy is a standout waitress that can help you select dishes. No credit cards, but great value.
(4)
Eva M.

Real Italian food, perfect pasta for a great price! It is a casual place.
(5)
Stephanie B.

Classic Italian food. Delicious and simple. Drinks are well priced-especially for Chicago, and food is also very reasonably priced.
(5)
Brad S.

Wow was this so good the food the atmosphere, everything. Sitting outside with the fountain bubbling away is a summer treat that alone should have people lined up out the door. I hope this newly found (for me) gem never changes.
(4)
Vanessa R.

The tortellini goes great with a Peroni :-)
(4)
Craig B.

Best Eggplant Parmesan in Chicago! And Judy was a phenomenal waitress!
(5)
Leon H.

Very casual, like eating at home . . . The food is GREAT, the price is VERY low and the portions are HUGH . . . Great Family Spot
(5)
Valerie M.

This is so cute! Great pasta. Large portions.
(4)
Jeff L.

TUFANO'S! Love this place. This is one of my favorite places in Chicago to enjoy a great Italian meal, and what's better is that the prices are spot on! I have taken countless friends here and the consensus has been the same - WE WILL BE BACK. Their salads are delicious. The sauces are amazing. Some of my favorites are the linguine with red clam sauce and the lasagna. Only downside is that parking is a pain in the butt - however they offer valet service for $5 and it is very easy.
(5)
Kimberly S.

Tasty food, definitely get the Chicken Piccata
(4)
Kathleen O.

Went here with some friends on Friday and it was DELICIOUS! It is very loud and busy and a fun atmosphere. Very casual and the food is to die. The sauce was all so good and the pasta very fresh. We had the special salad to start (share) and it was loaded with veggies, cheese and meats. Also had the calamari and the bruchetta. We all had different pastas or meat dishes for dinner and NO one left hungry. The lemon chicken lived up to the hype and the vodka sauce was amazing. Menu is on the chalkboard and they ONLY accept cash, but they have an ATM in the bar :) YUM!
(4)
Michael P.

Just thought I'd try to bump up this Chicago institution's ratings a bit and try to clear out some nitpicky reviews. This ain't fine dining, it's good food, fast, and get out. It's a neighborhood joint. Nothing more. Not every restaurant has to be like first class, Trump or whatever, I don't know. Here's the crabby part: "It appeared as though they boiled the shells ahead of time, had the filling done ahead of time and just assembled it together upon ordering." That's exactly what they did, and that's why you go there. To get decent food, fast. That's also what they do at most restaurants that give you decent food, fast (see e.g., any Greektown spot). You want fine dining and hand crafted, individually blessed-by-the-chef pasta go somewhere else. "Finally, the house salad, which was drowning in salad dressing was 99% iceberg lettuce." You know, when I asked the waitress BEFORE I ordered it, she told me that the house salad was mostly lettuce. So I ordered the other salad that she ALSO described to me when I asked her. And FYI, dip your bread in the salad dressing (oil and red vinegar ... Mmmmmmmmm dipped bread Mmmmmmm). Parking there is a scam - there isn't supposed to be zone in front of non-residential. God forbid anyone actually try to find out why it's zone in front of a parking lot. Someone greasing the Alderman's palm? Noooooooo, not in this city.... But $5 for valet anywhere in the Chi sounds pretty good, dontcha think? Yes, I am crabby tonight (too much sugar - my sister made a frosting cake ...) Anyhoo, baked eggplant - six flags. Tilapia Vesuvio - six flags. Salad - six flags. More flags, more fun.
(5)
Melissa B.

Love everything about this place! My favorites are the lemon chicken, chicken picante and eggplant! And of course the Tufano salad and calamari. Great place to take people if they are visiting Chicago! Cheap!! Cash only!
(5)
Nellie K.

My husband surprised me because he knows I love Italian food. I grew up in an Italian neighborhood and am used to really good flavorful Italian cooking. He thought we could try Tufano's. 1. The bus boy dropped off our bread which was o.k., the olive oil was not all that tasty, the cheese was not a good quality parmesan but of the Kraft variety kind. 2. I was going to get a small side salad and wanted creamy garlic. No other dressings other than vinegar and oil. 3. I ordered the spaghetti and meatballs. The sauce was minimal, No matter how much fake parmesan cheese I put on the spaghetti it still tasted bland. One meatball served on top which was only o.k. 4. The valet told us when we were leaving, "you can just give me five dollars." How about telling us how much the valet parking is and then let us decide what we want to tip. We usually tip for good service. 5. No kid's menu. Most Italian restaurants I have been to offer a small kid's menu. 6. The side of sausage my husband had was not that good. The only positive was: my husband had the lemon chicken dinner and he said that was good. Also our waitress(had blond hair in ponytail) was very very nice. 7. Also the cannoli was not all that good. It almost tasted or looked liked chopped peanuts on the ends of the cannoli. The taste was off. If you want good Italian food try Nonno Pino's on Northwest Highway in Chicago. It has fresh grated cheese, good bread, fresh good dishes. We had our daughter's baptism party there recently and our family loved the food. Good service and good prices. Particularly if you are having a party. Complementary valet parking with any parties booked there. Seriously everything is delicious there. Unfortunately we blew money on Tufano's-it was a complete waste. Nonno Pino's is in the Edison Park neighborhood of Chicago and next time when we want Italian we will stick with good Italian food not Tufano's.
(1)
Kurt P.

This is a nice, unpretentious neighborhood joint for good italian food. This is the type of place that reminds you why you live in and love Chicago. The lemon chicken deserving of all the hype. Also, they have great anitpasti here. Cash only, and you have to valet your car.
(5)
Keith C.

Erica, Jack and I went for dinner, 7 pm on a friday, plenty of good seating, no wait. I ordered the stuffed shells, and added a piece of saugage. I loved it, the filing was very tasty, lots of flavor, the pasta was a good. The sauce was outstanding, very homemade taste, and the sausage was something straight out of my aunts kitchen. Erica had chicken parm, and enjoyed it, not the best she has ever had, but there was none left when the plate was taken. She is very picky about her sauces, and she was dipping away like a fiend, so you know it was right. Price is about 10-12 a plate, very reasonable. We will be back, want to try the different sauces.
(5)
Paul B.

Tufano's is growing to fast for their own good. The personal service is not what I remember it to be. We barely saw our server - a party of eight - and she wasn't what you would call helpful. The other servers took care of us and were nice to us. The salad was awesome - as it always is. When you line a bowl with meat and cheese - you can't lose. The ingredients are fresh. She said "I'll get you the salad for four and it will feed all eight of you," and it did. I got the shells and broccoli. It took a while to eat because the broccoli wasn't cooked all the way. Looking around - I could see that things were changing from the Tufano's I remember. Small portions were the order of the day. Kind of embarrassed because I insisted on Tufano's and promised a memorable meal. The people I was with had to use all of the hot giardiniera on the table and then the red pepper flakes to give the food some life. I think they are just growing too fast and forgetting about what and who made them so popular. I will try again - because this is the first bad experience - but I am a little wary.
(3)
Ilir P.

Shells, Broccoli, & Shrimp $16.00 Chicken Parmigiana w/ Pasta $11.50 Very good food at a decent price. Old school look to the place. Menu is on a black board.
(4)
Michael R.

I love Tuffano's! The food here is so authentic and good. My favorite meal here is the Chicken Picante for my meal, fried calamari and the Tuffano's salad as my appetizers. Tiramasu or Cannolli for dessert of course. Every time we are here we are greeted by freindly staff, an old chicago feel and great service and excellent food! I even proposed to my wife at this restaurant and it is often our choice on valentine's day. I highly recommend Tuffano's. You won't be disappointed. Although, I believe they may still be cash only.
(5)
Jimmy V.

Worse italian place I have ever been. I ordered the chicken marsalla it came with no pasta. I had to wait over 30 mnts for the food, my server should have been a BOUNCER she was not nice at all. There is nothing special about this place or the food. DONT WAIST YOUR TIME AND MONEY. AND BY THE WAY THEY DON'T TAKE CREDIT CARD. IT MUST BE CASH. THEY DO HAVE AM ATM MACHINEN INSIDE THAT CHARGES 2.75 PER TRANSACTIONS
(1)
Larry A.

Service, drinks, and best of all food the best Italian in the city relaxing atmosphere with a great menu, waiters are very good as well
(5)
Ayako M.

I came here with my very Italian friend for an authentic Italian experience and I was not disappointed. The place is so ...down home and comfortable. The service is incredibly friendly and the menu is written on a black chalkboard. With a huge selection of traditional Italian dishes you won't be at a loss for what to order. If I had an old Italian grandma cook me Sunday dinner, I think this is what it would taste like. Word of warning; however, if you plan a night of drinking, don't eat here....you will be so full after you leave you won't be able to choke down more than two beers and catching a buzz will be impossible! Or maybe that's just me....
(4)
Tim P.

My wife and I decided to try Tufano's on a recent visit to Chicago and thought it was solid Italian restaurant in a great residential area west of the loop. It's a comfortable, down-home neighborhood pasta bowl with very good food at reasonable prices, no frills, and nice but perfunctory service. It's not Spiaggia and isn't pretending to be, and if you go there thinking it's going to be Spiaggia, you're going to be disappointed. This was the place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives but yet, there didn't appear to be a whole lot of pretense about that or "resting on its laurels." My wife thought her stuffed shells were very good and really enjoyed the "gravy". I thoroughly enjoyed the roasted lemon chicken (if not the potatoes that are served with them) that was featured on Triple-D and would order it again without hesitation. We thought the calamari appetizer was okay, but wouldn't rush to order it again. We'd opt for the Tufano special salad instead, which looked really good and appeared popular based on the number of other tables eating it. All in all, we'd definitely eat at Tufano's again the next time we're in Chicago and craving well-prepared, affordable homemade Italian fare. One last thing: if you're taking the L to Tufano's, I'd recommend using the Racine stop on the Blue Line instead of the UIC-Halsted stop frequently referenced on Yelp and other sites. Vernon Park Place dead-ends east off of S. Racine Avenue and our walk from the train to the restaurant was uneventful. On the other hand, getting off at Halsted requires taking a circuitous route through the UIC campus.
(4)
Marg B.

Delicious food! Muscles and chicken picante were superb!!! Real Italian cooking. A MUST for all!
(4)
Mark B.

Excellent food with a more diverse menu than you might think. Great family business. Currently Gen 3, and there's a good chance Gen 4 will take over. Veal Parm outstanding.
(4)
maurice s.

This is probably the worst Italian restaurant in the city. I've never been to the Olive Garden, but I suspect that the food is a lot like this. Pros: It's a divey neighborhood joint with good bread. This scores points with me, but that's it. There are no other pros. Cons: The food was terrible and the waitress was terrible--friendly, but terrible. There is no street or lot parking. Valet only. Example of terrible food: This is a "red sauce" Italian restaurant, so you'd expect them to be able to make a competent red sauce. Most basic thing in the world. No Italian person could mess this up, right? Their red sauce is literally some chopped up garlic simmered in canned tomato sauce and then dumped on some noodles. No oil, no herbs, nothing. Worst pasta I ever had. Example of terrible service: We ordered drinks and appetizers, then ordered the entrees. The appetizers came out with the entrees. The drinks came out AFTER we were more than half-way finished with our entrees and about 5 minutes before the check. If you like this place, please do yourself a favor and try one of the other, vastly superior options in the neighborhood: RoSals, Genneros, even Tuscany. You're really missing out.
(1)
SAW W.

I discovered this place on the food network channel's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives". When I went today it was nothing out of the ordinary. They have valet parking which is nice and the interior was nice. The menu is written on a chalkboard. They brought out regular French bread and butter to start. The waitress was not helpful with suggesting any favorites or specials. My boyfriend and I ordered chicken marsala and cheese filled tortellini with marinara sauce. The chicken was tender and had great flavor from the mushrooms but the pasta was kind of bland. We came specifically to try the marinara sauce which was featured on TV but it was nothing special. My boyfriend actually had to add salt in an attempt to get more flavor. For dessert we got the gelato and again it was ordinary. It tasted like Neapolitan ice cream mixed together with pistachios added. The prices were very reasonable. The atmosphere was romantic and serene. Overall it was a nice place but nothing special in my opinion. ***I just wanted to add that when I ate my leftovers for lunch the following day, it was much better. I guess the flavors needed time to soak inside!
(3)
Claudia D.

CASH ONLY Street parking ONLY with a Zone Permit---Valet available This family-owned business has been in the neighborhood since the 1930s. We live in the neighborhood and this is one of our favorite places for reliable Southern Italian food and wine at affordable prices. You can place half-orders for items. The wait staff is very friendly and helpful if you have questions (including giving advice on whether an item can be ordered as half size). You can have your food served family-style or as individual orders. The bread is so good. They are always closed on Mondays. Hawks games, Bears games, and White Sox games can result in VERY BIG crowds. No reservations are possible unless you make prior arrangements with the owners for a VERY LARGE group (20 or more). You just go and wait in line until a table big enough for your party opens up. The menu is on chalkboards scattered through the restaurant and changes daily. Some of our favorites include: Rapini and sausage Chicken Piccata Lemon Chicken (whole or half chicken) Tilapia Vesuvio Broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper Mussels and angel hair (choice of sauce) Broccoli and Bow Tie Pasta (choice of sauce) Lasagna Eggplant Parmesan Fried Calamari Quercceta Chianti Tomato and Onion Salad Raspberry Tartuffo Tortellini Alfredo Linguini and Red Devil Shrimp Veal Marsala Pasta with Red Sauce and Sausage Linguini with Calamari (choice of sauce) Chicken Limone Stuffed Shells Fettucini Alfredo Ravioli Canoli Spumoni
(5)
Sasha F.

Everything I order from here is amazing. The calamari, the angel hair- wine pasta with muscles, the dessert, and the Italian sausage with peppers. It's family owned and you can tell. Sometimes the older waitress can come off dry but the owner, bartender and young waitstaff is great.
(4)
jillian d.

Neighborhood place. Definition = Blackhawk's viewing at the bar.... check. House vino in homey glasses...check. Homemade dishes.... check. Menu on the chalkboard... check. Friendly but slightly rough around the edges and business-oriented staff.... check. Delicious? check. Don't overdress or expect white tablecloth service. I mean that in a good way. Bam! Oh, and they only take cash.
(4)
Haley M.

This IS Chicago style Italian food. Simple, not over the top, delicious basic Italian food. If you are looking for over-priced, over-seasoned & otherwise overdone "Italian" cuisine with fancy patronizing waitstaff...keep walking. We had the Caprese Salad, stuffed shells and the lemon chicken. All were perfect! The salad was especially delicious. My boyfriend and I loved everything from the food to the service to the atmosphere and we will definitely go back.
(5)
Claire Y.

A solid Italian fare at large portions and reasonable prices. I just had a fantastic, calorie-packed lunch, sitting outside in the patio by the fountain, soaking in the mid-September sun. Fried calamari, chicken parm with pasta, and tiramisu (!!!). What more can I ask for? Oh, right, a post-lunch nap (in a Utopian world). Service was fast and friendly. I wasn't too thrilled about one of the bus-boys staring down at my chest every time he refilled my water, but - hey - life goes on. Most certainly would love to return for another summery day lunch or dinner in the patio. Cash or personal check only.
(4)
Paula C.

Wonderful home-cooked food and great, friendly service. A Chicago icon. You must go!
(5)
Amy D.

I saw this restaurant of Diners Drive in and Dives, and it looked so amzing on Tv. First off it was really hard to find, and it was extremely loud on the inside. On their tv special it was presented that the owners greet everyone and they know people by what they order but i didnt think the custumer service was that great. Now lets get to the food, i had the veal parm, and it was good, but it came with pasta, totally unnesessary, i was full from the meat allown. My sister had the cavatelli, and she liked it. Overall it was alright.
(2)
Mabel M.

I want to like Tufano's, but the service is awful. I have never felt more uncomfortable and rushed in a restaurant in my life. The staff is not friendly and acts as if they are doing you a favor by allowing you to spend money in their restautrant. There are too many good Italian restaurants in Chicago to waste your time here.
(1)
Michelle E.

I just went to Tufano's last week for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Even though I didn't get to choose what I ate (we had a family style set meal) I still had high expectations after all of the great yelp reviews! I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I found several of our dishes to be pretty boring. I mean, classic Italian cooking is very simple. Simple but FLAVORFUL. This was boring and bland. For example, my sister was fawning over the eggplant parmesan. I found it to be mush covered in tomato sauce. Not good. The sausage and peppers were ok, but the piece of sausage I had tasted like it had been cooked a few hours too long, it was almost HARD. We also had mostaccioli and chicken Vesuvio, both fine, but not great. There were a few standouts. The calamari was pretty good. A nice mix of the rings and the tentacle parts, which I love! Not greasy, also a plus. The antipasto salad was good if you like your salad to be full of "stuff" and not alot of lettuce. The bowl was lined with thin slices of cheese and salami, and then filled with goodies like MORE cheese, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts and giant black olives. Simply dressed with oil and vinegar, and not drowning in it either! I liked it, but there were about 2 pieces of actual lettuce in there! I will say that the service was fantastic! We were in the private room in back, and the ladies taking care of us were SASSY! One of the ladies even gave my cousin a well-deserved smack on the head for being a smart alec! I'd say that's worth a star! The wine and beers were flowing and the food came out quickly and efficiently. This place is cash only, but for a special event like this, with a group of 30+ people, they were happy to accept a cheque. I'm willing to give Tufano's another chance, because I'd love to try some of the dishes that people have been raving about. We were there on a Friday night, and the place was jam-packed the entire time we were there, so they gotta be doing something right! Oh, and for all you food snobs out there who are wondering what the fuss is about, Tufano's actually won a JAMES BEARD America's Classics Award in 2008. They have the medal framed in the bar area! Hey, if it's good enough for JB, it's good enough for me!
(3)
laela l.

So maybe I'm a little small-town Midwest, but I wish that I got a salad and olive oil for the bread with my meal. At home, I get both of those things with a huge portion (enough for a second meal) for the same price. Didn't get that here. The spinach ravioli was absolutely delicious, not heavy at all. And the waitstaff was incredibly friendly. It doesn't try to be upscale, just your momma's type of place :)
(3)
Jim W.

Is this considered Little Italy? My first foray to this 'hood. Tufano's is definitely an old school Italian joint. They take cash only, heavy emphasis on the bar with large portions for food prepared family-style, intended for sharing. Came here with the company, fairly early, and there were tons of kids running around after their bball practice with their dads or something. The place is homely and reminds me a lot of Gold Spike in North Beach in San Francisco. The sausage is easily the best thing here. Maybe the best I've ever had prepared on a plate not in a bun - it's definitely an orgasm in the mouth! Some of the other good items were the fried calamari, the huge homemade meatballs, and the chicken. Pasta and tossed salad were more mundane. I'd definitely come back if I wanted a taste of Italy. Only difficult thing is getting a cab to leave here afterwards...so get a ride.
(4)
Kevin A.

I HEARD 'DIS GUY' AT LEAST THREE TIMES Ergo, I proclaim this place is authentic Italian. Tufano's has been on my bookmark list forever and I finally decided to give them a try. I'm glad I did. It's an old school, no nonsense Italian place with stiff drinks, hefty portions, and tons of character. I'd take this place over any of the Rosebuds any day. I really wanted to get eggplant parmigiana, but they said they don't make it on Friday!?! Instead I opted for the massive, rib-sticking spaghetti and meatballs and their famous lemon chicken which was good, but not life-changing. Don't forget to bring cash to pay your bill, binoculars to read the chalkboard, and an completely empty stomach.
(4)
Kristin C.

My favorite neighborhood, Italian Chicago joint! This is definitely a hidden gem in the city yet well known by everyone who loves good, home cooked Italian food. I found out about the place through my grandparents who have been coming since Mama Tufano herself cooked in the same location for regulars back then such as Sinatra- and the restaurant was actually her home! Who doesn't love a restaurant with that much history? Joey (the owner) and the staff also take great pride in their culinary creations, and I can honestly say everything I've had is worth coming back for. My all-time favorite menu item is the Lemon Chicken (with extra potatoes that are cut like cottage fries and served crispy), which is broiled to perfection yet the chicken remains ever so juicy. They make a killer fettuccine Alfredo that I believe is one of the most perfect adaptions of the dish- truly authentic yet not as heavy as any other Alfredo dish I've had at other restaurants. My husband loves the Pork Chops and Italian Sausage. Chicken Lemone is also frequently ordered by my family, which are chicken breasts over angel hair pasta tossed in a light lemon sauce. When we don't feel like being carnivores the angel hair w/ mussels or Tilapia win out. And you can't go wrong with the Spaghetti- they have great red sauce too! Be sure to try the Calamari and Tufanos Salad for appetizers! And if you are really hungry order a side of cavetelii with your meal :) One thing to note is the affordability of the place- some dishes are under $10 but most between $10-$20, and the portions are HUGE and will keep you coming back, if not make you a regular. They tend to be really busy before hawks/bulls games too.
(5)
Melissa A.

My husband and I heard wonderful reviews about this restaurant from our friends, but since we are from LA we thought the restaurant was located far away. We finally searched it out and boy are we glad we did! We have been to 100+ restaurants in Chicago, some of them considered the best restaurants in Chicago. Tufano's Vernon Park Tap is a hidden gem. The food was absolutely delicious, the place was unpretentious and the service was good. I ordered the angel hair with steamed mussels in a red sauce, my husband ordered the stuffed shells and we shared the special salad. The tiramisu was absolutely to die for - the best I've had! I would recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family. We are moving back to LA at the end of this month but another visit to Tufano's is definitely a must before we leave.
(5)
Ceal P.

Came here with some friends by recommendation. I would have given more stars if the food was better, but the tradition and sticking to the old-school italian style is definitely why this place has been so well recognized. It's definitely a dive of a restaurant -- hasn't been renovated ever probably but still hangs on to a lot of charm. the food is as classic italian as it gets. wine comes cheap which is how it should come. understated decor and definitely not a white tablecloth, romantic dinner restaurant. more diner meets italian food. for food go for the tufano's house salad which is your classic oil/vinegar dressing filled with olives, artichoke hearts, capicola, huge slices of mozzarella and provolone -- pretty tasty. for dinner, i had the rigtoni/mushrooms alla vodka. underseasoned and mushrooms were undercooked, sliced too big and could have at least been bella (just white buttons). definitely have had much better. but i probably ordered the wrong thing -- i think they're known for their lemon chicken. others in the group had the mussels with angel hair which i tried some and the mussels were perfectly cooked. the pasta was sitting in a large bowel of broth/water, again underseasoned. i also had a taste of the veal parmesian which was good but not great. we had 2 half carafes of their house chianti which i thought was the best part of the meal -- cheap cheap!! 4 stars for sticking to tradition 3 stars for food i rounded down.
(3)
Emily Y.

There are reasons why restaurants stick around for eighty plus years - they are damn good at what they do and they don't try to be something they're not. Tufano's isn't fancy - no white table cloths, service can be surly - but they dish up some of the best darn Italian food in this city. I took my fiance here for his birthday last weekend (after we couldn't get in at RoSal's - definitely should have made a reservation there). Tufano's was his choice - I had never been there and upon walking in, had my doubts. I'm guessing the decor hasn't changed since the seventies, possibly earlier, but the bar was packed, and we were promised a table in twenty minutes. Good enough for me. Two drinks, one beer and one wine, were under ten bucks total. Even better for me. Although the decor leaves something to be desired, the atmosphere of this place is fun. The menus are written on giant chalkboards hung on the walls, and the place is noisy and full of life. Many of the patrons seemed to be "regulars" and joked around with the staff. It's the kind of place that feels like a bit of history, one you can imagine your grandparents eating at when they were young. The food is fantastic, and pretty darn cheap. I had a vodka pasta that was so scrumptious, I'm still thinking about that sauce. I have a hunch the pasta was homemade, but I'm not positive. Nick had the chicken piccante, which was two giant breaded chicken breasts in a nice light sauce and sprinkled with pine nuts. We shared our two dishes, which made for a scrumptious meal (with leftovers!). For an app we had fried calamari, which I think takes the prize for best calamari I've had. Perfect breading, very large and meaty. We ended the meal with tiramisu and cappucino. Very good tiramisu, but not quite the best we've had (that prize belongs to RoSal's). I will be back, for sure, probably with out of town guests. This place is so very Chicago, and so very good. Next time you're craving Italian, go here!
(5)
Carletta F.

Do NOT eat here. Very poor quality food, and slow service. The restaurant is packed leading you to believe it's great Italian. My sisters tortellini Alfredo came out extremely soupy and the stuffed shells made my boyfriend vomit an hour after we ate. What happened to this place?
(1)
Deanna R.

My husband and I have been here a couple of times now and the food is always phenomenal. We went there tonight with a friend who had never been there before. I had the meat ravioli and it was delicious. Their red sauce is the best I've ever had. It's simple and classic. My only disappointment was that our waitress didn't spend probably more than 45 seconds at our table the entire time we were there. Granted, they were busy, but still...to me she could have had a bit more personality and taken her time with taking our order. The last time we were here the service was top notch. We'll definitely go back. :)
(4)
Daniel C.

This has to be the most over-rated business of any kind in the city. They do not serve any type of lettuce other than tasteless and nutrition-free iceberg. Their signature dish..pasta shells with broccoli...is a limp and insipid blob. The wait staff...with the exception of one lovely blonde haired lady....is rude and uncaring. The valet staff are a bunch of 'Soprano' wannabees that need a revelation that the old days of Little Italy tough guy mafioso bullcrap is dead. I've tried to like this place because I live about 100' away from it and because of it's great 80 year history. Unfortunately, it just plain sucks.
(1)
Jacob G.

The food at Tufano's is just ok to me. It's nothing special. There are several other places in the area that have much better food, such as Rosebud, Tuscany, and Francesca's.
(3)
Antonio M.

An excellent restaurant and a tradtion in the neighborhood. Don't miss the lemon chicken or the Tiramisu! For warm weather, the outdoor area is a nice and relaxing place to enjoy the restaurant, especially with the restaurant's nicely tucked away location.
(5)
Sarah D.

If I could only eat at one restaurant for the rest of my life this would be the place. We had our rehearsal dinner here and it made me wish it was big enough to have the wedding reception at the restaurant. I used to eat here once a week and wish I still did. There are no menus... It is written on a chalk board on the wall. Usually I get a half order of pasta with red sauce and a half order of pasta with alfredo sauce. The lemon chicken is amazing and a great way to start the meal is with the the Tufanos salad. You can not street park unless you have zone five parking.
(5)
Deanna S.

We enjoyed a nice group dinner here with friends. The food was actually pretty good, the wine flowed freely and at the end of the night, it was very inexpensive. I had pre-ordered the eggplant parmigian, which I'm not normally a big fan of, and let me just say it was damn good. There wasn't too much so I didn't feel so stuffed.
(5)
Mary T.

I came here for dinner before catching the Windy City Rollers. Since Tufano's is across the parking lot from the UIC Pavillion I thought this would be a great spot to meet. However, I must say I was a little nervous taking a group of 10 to one of my favorite places for a few reasons: (1) I wanted everyone to enjoy the place just as much as me and my family do and (2) I didn't want any high-maintenance shenanigans from my group, my parents are friends with the owner and I'd die of embarrassment. My worrying was for naught, Tufano's even broke policy and seated our table even though some of our party (read me - oops) was late. Fortunately, everything was perfect and my friends were very happy with their meal, but I quickly learned there are a few tips every first-time diner should know: 1) Cash or check only! For reals. If you forget they have an ATM in the bar area, just don't whip out a credit or debit and expect them to take it. 2) If you drive be prepared to valet, but don't worry it's cheap (under $5 last time I checked) - everything is zoned so don't bother looking for something else. 3) There are no paper menus, everything is on the chalkboards throughout the place and maybe on the back of your server's shirt. 4) If you get salad I recommend the Special Salad over the other one. Either way order less than the number of people at your table; I was running late and my friends ordered for 10 - it could've fed 15. 5) They don't do meat sauce. Since I'm a veggie I never noticed, but they will give you a meatball bigger than your fist instead. Bottom line: We had a fantastic dinner and I didn't hear any complaints. If you're looking for simple, tasty, no nonsense Italian food this is your place; if you're looking something a little frouffy move on.
(4)
Lindsay L.

Tufano's proves that good italian food in ridiculously large portions doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and the atmosphere is fun. The calamari is a standout. But everything I tried on the table was delicious. Cash only.
(4)
April W.

i love the idea of this place. the food is all homemade and good, just slightly under seasoned, but that may just be me. The service is great and the food is authentic.
(3)
Allyson C.

Very cool place to go for Italian food near the Little Italy area. It's just what you would expect after reading Yelp reviews...nothing fancy but just what you want anyway. Our waitress was so cute. As first timers she wanted to know all about us. My friend & I tried way too many things (and walked the 2 miles home as pennance) but everything we had was excellent. My favorites were the antipasto salad and the eggplant parm. Lots of good wine choices that are really inexpensive! Next time I go I want to try the much-hyped lemon chicken. I saw it come out and it looked pretty amazing. Like everyone else says...they only take cash.
(4)
Erica S.

Beautiful place. Great little banquet room for private parties. I loved the sausage & peppers. The lemon chicken was really tasty too. Cant wait to go back!!
(4)
Rachel H.

Sorry - didn't get it. At all. Pasta tasted worse than something I can make at home (and I am no chef). It was really flavorless and way too plain. For the record I had penne with broccoli and requested the "famous" tomato sauce. My bowl was also half water because they hadn't drained the broccoli enough. For what it's worth, the calamari was good. You also have to valet because the street is all permit all the time, so it turns out to be a much pricier dinner for really sub par food.
(2)
Brian P.

Tufano's has been a family favorite of mine for many years. It never really was MY favorite but I will admit it's starting to grow on me. Came here the other night (Valentine's Day) with a group of 11 people. They happily accepted our last minute reservation and seated us without any delay. We were in the back room that was full of large groups and plenty of small kids. Despite those challenges, I would have to say our waitress did a great job keeping up with everything considering she had the whole room to herself! Food was spot-on tonight. You have to be able to appreciate the simpleness of fine Italian cooking to understand why the food is so good. I never really thought much of their red sauce, as I thought it tasted like crushed tomatoes poured out of a can. Now, I can appreciate the subtleness of just the right combination of simple ingredients. This time around for me was the Stuffed shells with a side of Italian sausage. I can already say I'll probably have the same next time! Best part of all (aside from partaking in the action of a lady crashing into our table on her motorized wheelchair, then crashing into the railing outside as she was leaving...really lady, you should have had a designated driver) was the final bill. As I said before, there were 11 of us...3 kids, 8 adults. While a couple of us ordered half-portions, and another couple of us shared full-orders, the total bill was something like $205. Plus, we had two bottles of wine, 3 orders of calamari, two large family style salads, and 2 desserts. Seriously, if you're looking for decent food at a great value, Tufano's is the place! I will happily return and will be recommending you to others. One downside....$5 valet, really, they literally drive the car into the lot right across the street. A little much I think.
(4)
Julia C.

Great Italian food for a great price. My family as been coming here all my life and they never disappoint. Love the special salad and any special they offer. Love the casual vibe but yet intimate feel this place has. You can't say you are from Chicago if you haven't eaten here. I will be back again and again.
(4)
Jon C.

Always great and prices are so CHEAP. Food is awesome. Shells, Tufano's salad, and chicken Marsala are my favorites are.
(5)
Grant N.

Two words- *LEMON CHICKEN*, enough said!
(5)
Dusty K.

I've been coming to Tufano's ever since we met the owner, Joe, a few years back. I love his restaurant. It has a lot of classic italian favorites at cheap prices. Also, the unlimited supply of warm bread and olive oil hits the spot everytime. I've had quite a few items from the menu...the lemon chicken, stuffed shells, spinach ravioli, all are very good. Just remember to bring cash as credit cards aren't accepted. On a side note, I recently saw Tufano's on Diner's Drive-in's and Dive's on the food network with Guy Fieri. It's hard to consider an Italian place either of those but I'm glad Joe is getting the recognition he deserves.
(4)
Jim T.

This is Italian food of the pizza hut variety. If you go here expecting something unique and interesting you will be sorely disappointed. If you are looking for a relaxed, unassuming atmosphere to eat some stereotypical and basic Italian food then you will be happy here. The calamari is good, so is the vodka sauce, but it's not anything I would remember the place for. Not sure how the place stays in business, but it apparently has a following. I doubt this family restaurant will last through the next generation with its current operations. Life is too short for mediocre restaurants and I don't have the patience or desire to give this place another chance. I'd consider giving it another star (or at least a 1/2 star) if they accepted credit cards, very old school.
(2)
Anthony M.

Tufano's has been in this place forever. While the area has some great Italian places, I find myself always coming back here. Everybody is very happy to see you and very helpful in finding food. It has a little bit more authenic food, but everybody can find their favorites. One of my top Italian resturants in Chicago! WARNING: They do not take credit cards which is a little odd
(4)
christine a.

Honestly, I was being polite giving this place one star. I am really not quite sure why this place is getting such great reviews. The red sauce had a high acidic content and the stuffed shells were like nothing I have ever had before. It appeared as though they boiled the shells ahead of time, had the filling done ahead of time and just assembled it together upon ordering. Finally, the house salad, which was drowning in salad dressing was 99% iceberg lettuce. Will never go back!
(1)
Jennifer G.

This is a classic Italian restaurant at its finest. What makes it even better is the prices. We had 1/2 orders of their famous chicken and sides of pasta ($2.50). They were all fantastic. Not much to say that everyone else has not already said. Can't wait to get back to try some of the gems we saw coming out of the kitchen. We had major food envy.
(4)
Megan G.

I half expected Ray Liota or Al Pacino to come strolling in during my visit here. Seriously, it's old school. 3.5 stars with definite potential for more. I haven't been there since the smoking ban took effect but upon entering you come through a bar where Ma, Pa and Uncle Tony are hanging out at the bar and everyone has 3 lit cigarettes in their mouth. Cousin Vinnie doesn't know you so he is going to check you out from head to toe as you walk up to the hostess stand. Once you pass through the bar it's smooth sailing from there! Make sure to check out the menu on the chalkboard on your way to your table. It's no nonsense food made just like someone would make for you in their home. The house salad is a must with all its meat and cheese glory. But the vinegar and oil dressing is really where it's at. Save some to dip your bread in! I had chicken parm, a staple for me at any Italian place. If the chicken parm is good then you're alright by me. It was decent. Not the best that I have ever had but good. The alfredo sauce left a little to be desired for me, but I will definitely be back to sample other items. I tried a friend's vodka sauce and it was pretty good. Wine is served in juice glasses and the waitress had her pen in her bun and pulled it out to take the order. It was very charming and I really like the atmosphere. It's not fancy but it's cheap and easy and worth a trip if you are in the area!
(3)
Brad F.

This place is great to come before a game in Chicago. Its quick in and out. There chicken parm is to die for. This place was on diner dives and drive in's, which gives it more kuddos. Come in here, and treat yourself to a quick, delicious, inexpensive meal.
(4)
Leigh R.

I really liked this place. Definitely 'comfort' Italian food, like what my Grandmom makes - my born-in-South-Philly-Italian Grandmom. (I have yet to get used to the midwest accents prouncing Italian food...cal-imari. Funny.) Cash only and they only take reservations for groups over 8 people but they have a lot more space than meets the eye and turn tables quickly. The prices are VERY reasonable. Our tab came to $108 - one app, four entrees, four desserts AND a bottle of wine. Holy hell.
(4)
Brent W.

Big fan of Tufano's. To me, it really epitomizes what old school, basic Italian comfort food is all about, in an atmosphere to match. Love the simple red sauce. Love the homemade pasta. Love the basic menu. Love the calamari. Love the stripped down, no frills look and feel. Love the chalkboard menu and the lifelong servers. Love the history. Love Tufano's.
(4)
bj j.

Well my brother said,as he left town, Tufano's was worth flying in for. It was very good, though on a Friday night the service was slow. My veal picante was moist and tender and the calimari was very well done. The whole ambiance is authentic and the food for the reasonable prices is out of this world. Tufano's is Real Chicago.
(4)
Sharon R.

Friend insisted on taking me here for his belated bday dinner. The calamari was most excellent but the special salad would have been more special if i had been given a choice of dressing. I think the waitress was sum1s grandaughter...i didn't know til i put my leftovers in the to-go container that there was salami and cheese in the bottom of the bowl. I tasted his eggplant parm (the reason 4 the journey). BEST EVER!!! Only problemhere is it suffers like so many other places from the ddd/checkpleasesyndrome...portion size has diminished from de olde days according to my friend.
(4)
Harish N.

Unlike most Italian restaurant chains. Less fatty food. Cash only.
(3)
Matt G.

Are you freaking kidding me??.. I mean seriously.. you must be FREAKIN kidding me!... This IS CHICAGO & Tufano's is for REAL!... Coming up on 80 years!! This family style, unpretentious hole in the wall Italian joint with rich history and real Chicago flavor! A Chicago Little Italy landmark.. you have not experienced the rich Italian heritage of this City if you have not experienced a meal at Tufano's but you better show up hungry. I'll always have a special place in my stomach and heart for Tufano's.
(4)
Tommy M.

I may be a bit biased because my family knows the owners, but I've been going there since I was a kid and I still get excited to go there. It is very old school, they only take cash or check, no credit cards, their menus are on chalkboards on the wall, and they don't even have a sign outside that says the name of the place. The food is always great, although the only meal I was disappointed with was the angel hair pasta with mussels - kinda fishy tasting. This is the only reason they get 4 stars. My little brother is a cop, and he always says if you see cops eating in a restaurant, it has great food. They are always eating on the go, and after a while they know where to go. Every time I go to this place there are police officers in there eating. I really like their antipasto, the calamari is awesome, they have a great vodka sauce, and their eggplant is great too. Don't go there and expect a fancy, swank italian restaurant. Go there for the food!
(4)
Steven K.

Tufano's is what an Italian restaurant should be!
(5)
Ray S.

I was there several weeks ago and I've been there about 10 times or so. The food is always good, with fresh ingredients used to prepare their dishes. I usually order the Veal Parmesan and its always more than enough and what's great is that it's served with pasta. I've noticed a trend with lots of these yuppie joints and that is many of them don't serve pasta with a meat dish which I think is ludicrous. If you grew up in an Italian home or around other Italians and know about authentic Italian cuisine (or as authentic one knows from the old country) is that you damn well know you get pasta with your dish no matter what. I love Tufano's, the people are nice, the food is great and the prices are fair. Also, the booze is never watered down.
(4)
Naomi L.

This place doesn't need a review as they do a great business. I want to write one as it is has such a great vibe. The brushetta, calamari and everything is Super Yummo! Now the staff- in an industry that has a higher turnover than a revolving door at Saks- the staff here are veteran's. They are so nice- really they are- they never seem flustered and they do a TON of business. Like I said a place like this doesn't need Yelp- it has the loyal customer base I have been going for years! As for the credit card 1 star. Accepting credit cards is not the best option for business's that have the business already.
(4)
Brad B.

First off, my 3 star rating is for the food. I know that's what you pay for when you go to a restaurant, but here you get more. First, the food. I had the lemon chicken, which was very good, however, no veggies or side dishes came with it. I think this is true of most everything at Tufano's. The chicken was good, very moist and cooked well, it it was one flavor on the plate and it was not satisfying to the palate. However, the atmosphere is great. I did feel, as many other people did, that this was an old italian eatery, grandmother's cooking like of a place. I will go back to try the pasta, I really think that was my main mistake, going to the lemon chicken, even though it has good reviews on here.
(3)
Karen A.

Hidden Italian gem near Taylor Street. UNPRETENTIOUS. You will not find trendy decor, stylish waitstaff, or even a menu (well its all written up on the blackboard). Nice selection of Italian table vinos and great food to match it up with. The pastas were good as was the house salad ( olives, lettuce, artichokes, asiago, onions..) and the calamari. I had rapini with sausage and it was fantastic. The prices are really fair and resonable. This has an Italian neighborhood feel that many of the Taylor Street joints have lost due to tourists and suburbanite clientele (oh, yea...I am such an urban snob...hehehe). This is old school Italian folks, and it is the real thing for a gooddeal and a delicious meal.
(4)
Lori B.

This is old-school Italian food at its best. First learned about this from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives and it lived up to expectations. 5 stars for food, but only 3 for atmosphere. Fried calamari was incredibly tender. The spinach ravioli was wonderful (and huge!). If you're a fan of garlic, you'll love the oil and garlic sauce for pasta. Just don't expect to be presentable the next day because of the garlic hangover. Well worth it though. I'm a huge tiramisu fan and theirs was so airy and delicious. Definitely on of the best I've had. Just make sure you know where you're going because it's out-of-the-way. Cash only, but an ATM in the lobby if you don't have enough.
(4)
Stacey D.

I love Tufanos. My dad used to go with his dad, before it was a "restaurant". (I guess they used to be just a bar, and have a table back in the kitchen, and they'd make a few things for their employees or kids.) Their lemon chicken is phenomenal. My husband likes their garlic and oil pasta, my mom likes their sausage and mostaccioli. They don't have any beer on tap, but they do have several types you can get bottled. Their large party packages are great. Well priced, great selections, and they're very accomodating (though the cork fee is hefty if you want to BYOB). Valet is about $4, little street parking. Cash or check only. I was disappointed by a large event we had there. It was perfect until the end of the night. My husband paid for valet, but then we later found out the valet guy still charged all of our guests to park. Extremely frustrating and embarassing to have dinner guests pay for parking. But -- they were exceptional excepting that small detail.
(5)
Stephen N.

I have not been here for a while and I guess I am getting old. Joey's charming daughter Darcy was the Hostess/Manager on duty. The food was great and the atmosphere even better. Thanks for the many great times
(5)
Juliet H.

This place is amazing. It's a tough spot to find considering they don't have a huge sign. So, drive slow. This is a family owned restaurant and holds the old Chicago scene. In the summer, the outdoor patio is awesome. Since it's in the middle of a neighborhood, it's a place to escape the city for a second and enjoy good food, drinks and company! Their mussel pasta dish is absolutely amazing!! My favorite. Their portions are huge! I always get the house salad and it's usually enough to share between 2-3 people. As for wine, I always order a big jug of their house wine. Tufano's is definitely a bang for the buck. If you're driving, they have valet, you have to valet because it's all permit parking..I think for like $3 or so. They only accept CASH so come prepared. If not, they have an ATM machine too. Enjoy!!
(4)
Patrick L.

If you like poor service and sauce that tastes like it came out of a can, this spot is for you.
(1)
Vivian B.

Um...Yikes. Our friend said he heard great reviews-thanks a lot yelpers-so we went. On the way I started reading the more recent bad reviews. Let me just cut to the chase-and I have good taste I used to work at a great italian restaurant in Naperville for years-calamari could have been fried shoe laces I wouldn' t be able to tell. Nothing was great. The service was actually pretty good and wine prices were pretty decent, but this could not make up for the low quality italian food. They don' t make their own pasta and the few things they have on their menu are decent at best. The ambiance is blue-collar but should not mean blue collar food. I expect better for my home town ChI.
(2)
Jessica G.

not too much else to add. it's what you may expect going to this type of place, the food was pretty awesome
(4)
Bruno A.

A restaurant should strive to make the customer's eating experience more enjoyable. That being said, I don't see why they don't take credit cards. VERY inconvenient and makes me not want to go there ever again. Yes, I got good service and it seems like a place for regulars but the food was mediocre at best. With a little knowledge of canned goods you can make their entire menu better than they can. The decor is homey in that it resembles your grandparents' basement. Nothing extravagant at all. Wood paneling everywhere, autographed photos of celebrities on the wall, most of whom I have no idea who they are. Run by an old school Italian family though you wouldn't know it from the poor excuse for cuisine they serve you. One star for the decor and service.
(1)
Traveling J.

The food is good, the price is right! I don't mind paying with cash. I really love the salad & linguine with mussels. There isn't anythiing on the menu I would say I didn't like. I like that you can go with any sized group & dressed anyway. I have seen more celebrities & athletes here than anywhere else, especially before anything at the UC. The place will be there until the end of time & the same family will own it, a true American & Chicago institution!
(4)
Joey B.

Been going to Tufano's for years. Was delighted when I realized how close I had moved to the joint. The place is pretty low key with amazing food. They are friendly, personable, funny and allow for a very enjoyable experience. My favorite dish has got to be the chicken picante. Light sauce with pine nuts. Not too heavy, but very filling! I'd definitely recommend this place to anybody looking for italian and trying new places!
(5)
Robin W.

Another secret restaurant that is sooOooo awesome! Cash only, best fried calamari, excellent lemon chicken (where they throw whole lemons in with the roasted bird), infested with cops who know how to eat good and cheap! Very low key...not fancy....great for big groups, sharing, talking with your mouth full and having a GREAT time. Headsup..the entire street is permit parking so you are forced to valet. Youre better off parking far and walking.
(4)
Amanda S.

My mom used to get take-out from here all the time, put it on plates, and try to pawn it off as her own, so this is truly home cooking to me! I think I've had 80% of the items on the menu over the last ten years and never been disappointed. Most recently I had the calamari to start, linguine with seafood in a spicy tomato sauce for my entree, and tasted the Italian sausage dinner, with a couple glasses of wine. My other top recommendations would be the lemon chicken, stuffed shells, and the cannoli's! Everything was yum, a TON of food for less than $50 for 2 people.
(4)
Erin M.

I don't think I have much to add to the other reviews, because they are pretty spot on. The people who complain about the food or the atmosphere are really just blowing hot air - because this place is awesome for just having good, homemade Italian food without any of the fluff of a fancy restaurant. Make sure to find directions before you go - cause this place is definitely hidden on a dead end, residential street. And the valet guy will charge you $5 even though the sign doesn't really say it. The food is cheap enough that the valet won't break your bank, though. This is not American-Italian, it's real Italian. Since my BF is Italian, I feel I have rights to say that now. The red sauce/gravy is traditional. The food is perfectly cooked. The servers are Chicago-nice. Don't have a better way to explain it but maybe you guys get what I mean? All in all a great meal. Only weird thing is we were feeling a little neglected because our server gave us our appetizer and didn't show back up for a while. We were also in a rush to get to the Hawks game. But anyway, when she came back to take our dinner order, I told her we were in a bit of a rush and our food came out in about 2 minutes - no exaggerations. So was our chicken parm pre-made? Probably. Did it taste any less for it? Absolutely not. Come here for good, unpretentious food. Have a drink or two or watch the Hawks games with the other regulars. Or make it a quick stop before you go to the United Center! Either way, venture off Taylor street and come to Tufano's, you won't regret it!
(4)
Kathleen C.

I love Tufano's. It is a hidden restaurant near Taylor Street. I have literally been eating at this restaurant since 1995 and it has always been great. And has a little bar in the front that makes waiting for a table a little easier! Inside is nothing special, actually it is really un-special with random tables and chairs spread throughout. And none of the rooms match each other as the front dining room looks like an old porch/sunroom. BUT the food is amazing, decently priced, and the people that come here always have smiles! I ALWAYS get the Tufano's salad which has a bunch of vegetables, cheese and meat in vinager/oil and get the Calamari to start. I really don't need much food after that since I kinda fill up on those. But I continue eating. Although I usually opt for the cheapest menu item since I am full at that point, I have tried many of their pastas and fish and chicken dishes. Good vodka sauce but it costs extra. Shells and brocoli is fantastic but you will have garlic breath for 24 hours. No street parking due to Zones. You can only do valet parking but it is cheap $4. Also, watch out as this place is packed before Bulls and Blackhawks games. (Sadly, there have been many times when I have planned to go only to realize it is a Bulls night and the place will be ridiculously packed.)
(4)
Greg K.

First learned of this hidden spot on Triple D. Finally made it there and it was worth the wait. Low prices, good size servings and the food was fantastic. Not swanky by any stretch, but that's not what this place is about. It's about the food, the ambiance is the food. Enjoyed very much.
(5)
Deanna D.

This is a classic example of a neighborhood joint with no frills. Simple decor. Servers dressed in Tufano's Ts and jeans. Family owned and operated. This place gets a ton of locals (Italians from nearby Taylor St.), which gives it even more of an authentic feel. Tufano's definitely has its quirks - no individual menus (dishes are written on a large chalkboard on the dining room wall), no credit cards (only cash is accepted) - but I thoroughly enjoy this place. The antipasto is outstanding, and the gnocchi is my favorite. Hearty Italian bread is served at every table (you gotta pair it with fresh olive oil), and there's also a cozy bar area perfect for a pre-dinner drink. I definitely recommend this place for a satisfying Italian meal.
(4)
Christopher M.

Great Italian restaurant. It's sort of hidden in little Italy. It's site behind Taylor St. I've been here a couple times with a big group of people. Tried all kinds of food. You have to try the calamari. Very clean, and has class. Prices are VERY reasonable. Highly recommended if you like Italian food (Who doesn't??)
(4)
Jillian S.

A truly hidden gem, and living proof that Old Chicago never changes. Tufano's is a slice of old school Chicago Italian history, and is not to be missed. It doesn't have a sign, and you'd have to know it was there to ever notice that it exists. My mom had last been here with her father 35 years ago and when we visited it yesterday, she said the food was exactly the same. What was excellent then is still excellent now, and oh my goodness, it was really EXCELLENT. The place has been passed down through the same family, so I think that's why everything has remained the same. I opted for a simple spaghetti with olive oil and garlic with italian sausage and it was so delicious. Hubs and my dad both got the chicken parm which was very tender and the best I've tasted. Also make sure you start with the special salad, it's a huge portion and you can have it family style for an appetizer. Make sure you save room for dessert, as the tiramisu is truly to die for.
(5)
Brie A.

For all of the wonderful Italian food you can get in Chicago, I cannot fathom why anyone would make the trek out to Tufano's. The marinara sauce was terribly bland and tasted like it came straight out of a can, the meatball was flavorless and very dry, the calamari came with a side of bizarrely sweet cocktail sauce, and the "famous" lemon chicken was swimming in oil and not flavorful in the least. The house salad was iceberg lettuce. The potatoes were floppy. And my glass of water remained unfilled for the majority of the meal. On the upside, the prices were very affordable, and the bread was delish. Next time I'll go to Quartino.
(2)
Jocelyn A.

I am sad to say my experience at tufanos was a disappointment. Even sadder to me since it is a neighborhood place for me. My bf have had take out for their spaghetti and meatball in the past and thought it was fine, worth going to the actual restaurant especially with all the good reviews. Unfortunately, the evening started with a not so friendly waitress. She wasn't a horrible waitress, she did take our order, but seemed like she didn't want to. As soon as she took our order, she briskly walked away, there was no small talk or anything. I don't need a long conversation, but maybe a hi or our specials tonight are..., she came back to fill our water but not once said anything to us. Maybe she was so busy, she felt like she couldn't spare a moment to say anything but it just felt rude. Now onto the food. We did get warm bread with butter which is a plus. The bread was good, great for mopping up sauce since it is a little denser. And we did get little plates for the olive oil and cheese. But I don't know what was wrong with our oil, but it looked like canola oil that was dyed green and it tasted like it as well. And I know they are they are famous for their lemon chicken but their pastas are also supposed to be very good too, but tonight it just seemed blah. We ordered their ravioli, rigatoni and mushroom, and the spaghetti with red clam sauce. The ravioli wasn't bad, just nothing special. The pasta was cooked perfectly but the cheese was a bland as was the marinara sauce. I guess I just like my sauce with more herbs or flavor. This was just a thin red sauce without any other noticeable ingredients. The rigatoni & mushroom was ok. It was a red mushroom sauce with a ton of mushrooms so that was good and the flavor and portion was nice. But again I don't feel like it was anything special, it was a bunch of canned mushrooms in a red sauce. The spaghetti with red clam sauce was also just ok. The pasta was perfectly al dente and there were lots of clams and none of it sandy, but unfortunately not a lot of sauce. We had to ask for an extra cup of marinara. The flavor was of mild clam and a hint of garlic but we prefer saucy and lots of garlic. So we are giving them 3 stars because the food wasn't bad, just not what we had hoped for and the one waitress that made us feel like we were a bother.
(3)
Burton C.

Loved it! It was a no B.S. good old school Italian joint. Reminded me of New York which is always a plus. Its the place you go with close family and friends to enjoy a good meal. Enough Said.
(5)
Richard U.

Followed other recommendations and had the shells. Superb! Great portions at a great price. Nice neighborhood atmosphere.
(4)
Keith T.

Be ready to valet and don't forget THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. Great italian food in a casual atmosphere. I always get a full carafe of their house red it's pretty good. This place makes me feel like I'm at home in my italian grandmother's kitchen.
(4)
mike l.

wow, reviewers couldn't be more misleading. there is nothing homey or quaint about this local joint. I'd rather eat Italian food from a tire repair shop than this bar. because that's what this really is - a bar that happens to serve italian food. this was really dissapointing, as if you couldn't tell. our waitress really could't give a crap. the portions were not large enough to share nor were they a superb value. we started with the antipasto (soggy & flavorless) and the calamari (actually the best part of the meal). the main dishes came out pretty quck, bring on the mediocrity! the chicken parm was salty & dry. The marina wasn't that bad, but the cheese underneath was pre-sliced mozzarella. next was probably the stinkiest of the stinky: mushrooms & rigatoni. OH WHAT A SHAM. I've got two words (whch I stole from my wife): canned mushrooms. and that was that. Matthew H. meet me at Buona Note in NYC and then you'll experience some real italian.
(2)
Becky Z.

My classmate and I just passed by and were thinking we needed some food. We were so surprised at the meatball, it was juicy and with blend flavour. Not too much oil. Also the household salad was light with a very affordable price. It is a good place for lunch time.
(4)
Joseph R.

Came here with a group of six after Columbia College graduation. Had a 20 minute wait for an open table. The bar area was casual and the bartender was a real sweetheart! We didn't mind waiting at all since we were celebrating. When we got to our table it was nice to see the type of people that were enjoying the food when we scanned the crowd. A great mix of young and old, white and black. This restaurant appeals to a broad cross section of the population. The bread that they serve before the meal was absolutely fantastic. The crust was chewy but not too much so. The interior was dense but not dry. The salad that we ordered was more than enough for six people. I ordered stuffed shells (an old standby) with the house meat balls. The first bite of my shells was disappointing, the pasta was super soft. I thought to myself "Oh great...
(4)
Jason G.

been eating here since i was a kid in the old neighborhood. great home-stlye italian american food. excellent prices. family-friendly atmosphere. cash only.
(4)
Joe S.

My dentist told me to go here so I did and then did again. So far I've had the spaghetti with giant meatballs and the lemon chicken (share it)...haven't been disappointed. Bring your glasses so you can read the menu off the chalkboard. Friendly and honest servers. Love the atmosphere and location tucked away on a little elbow shaped side street. I want to go back and sit at the bar sometime. Cash only.
(4)
Travis F.

A college buddy and I tried this place when I was in Chicago on business. We went here simply because we both were feeling like Italian and becuase I saw this place on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Overall, I was a bit disappointed. The food was good, but not great.
(2)
Tony G.

Tufano's is a fun 'local' restaurant. The proprietor (sorry, don't remember his name) is very friendly and welcoming. They do a good job of getting your party seated, even on the busiest of nights. The food is delicious, and the menus are written on chalkboards - which I think is kind of cool. I didn't notice until recently, but I don't think there's a sign outside saying what this place is. It's kind of obvious, though, as it's the only restaurant on the entire street of residences. They don't take plastic, though, so bring your cash. You can get a nice meal and beverage for $20 if you don't get too fancy - and the portions aren't huge, but definitely don't leave me hungry. My only complaint is probably the price of desert. A small(small) lemon ice was $5. Sure, it was served in a real lemon, but $5 is just too much for what you get.
(4)
Yasoob A.

Posted by Yasoob Ahmed | If you want real homemade Italian this is it. The lemon pepper chicken is one of my fav's here. The martini's are good and the wine is even better.
(4)
Patrick C.

Surley staff. Sauce tastes like it came out of a can. What's not to like? Everything. Go to Taylor Street for great Italian food.
(1)
Alexis H.

Go ahead and call me a hater, but I really don't get the hype of this place. A friend and I went last night after her mother insisted that if we were headed to little Italy, Tufano's was the place to go. Well, she was way wrong. We were seated at our table and the bus boy quickly dropped off a bread basket but only a bread basket. No plates, no utensils, no napkins. Just bread. After about 5 minutes or so of waiting, we walked over to another table and snatched up some dining gear. Then we tackled the bread. A whole loaf and 20 minutes later, still no waitress in sight. Finally, we get someone and put in our order, which amazingly is delivered to our table in a record 3 minutes. Obviously, it was not freshly prepared. I had fettuccine alfredo which was awful and had no flavor whatsoever. Even after a hefty portion of Parmesan cheese (of the Kraft variety) and salt & pepper, my meal still tasted like paper. I abandoned it for another serving of bread. My friend's meal was only slightly better: She ordered spinach ravioli (which looked like it came from Sam's Club) with vodka sauce. The cost of her meal: $14! Unbelievable. Hers at least had some flavor, but it was majorly sub-par. I understand this is a family business and I am not expecting Francesca's or Rosebud, but if I'm going to get crappy service and crappy food, I better not have to pay as much as I did. I could have gone to Noodles & Co. and I would have been much happier (which is pretty pathetic if you ask me). My favorite part of the night: Me - "Do you have lemonade?" Waitress - Blank stare accompanied by an awkward silence Me - "...by any chance?" Waitress - Long pause and then, "Like the drink?" Me - "Um, yeeeeah...."
(1)
John Y.

A great neighborhood Italian restaurant with excellent food. Unpretentious, relaxed and festive atmosphere. Always a great eating experience here.... CLOSED......unfortunately!
(5)
eden s.

I love this place. I don't go enough. The chicken piccata is like crack. OMG. so good. Could eat 4 helpings by myself!! The prices are very reasonable, service is good. Place is kind of dingy, but that lends to its charm. Their fried calamari is near perfect and their anti-pasto salad is excellent. Great for a group. Cash only.
(5)
Tena L.

This review will parallel this establishment: quick and simple. The server did not hover over us, but didn't miss a beat. no menus - they have Italian food, ask for it. Chianti the way my grandma served it in 4 oz. juice glasses. Good basic Italian meals offered in half or full portions - not as good as my grandma's. Get the gelato with the Dairy Queen type chocolate shell. Expect tacky Italian decor, kinda like Christmas in my Aunt Zena's basement.
(3)
Jeni F.

We went to dinner here with my husband's old boss, who is a regular and loves the "old Chicago" feel. The atmosphere was nothing to get excited about, but thats not usually why I go to restaurants. The servers were extraordinarily friendly and the chicken piccata was phenomenal. The calamari was also great but the stuffed shells were a little soggy. Overall, I would definitely return to this place for good, no-nonsense Italian food.
(4)
Michelle B.

We were here for a rehearsal dinner and it started off rocky because the room wasn't ready and we didn't think it would fit everyone. But we were able to squeeze everyone in and the night went up from there. We loved the food here. We had the calamari, salad, sausage and peppers, and a few other pasta dishes. All were delicious. The sausage and peppers was the favorite of our table, they had to bring back another plate full. The desserts were just as tastey - I'd go back just for the tiramisu alone. The service was good, they seemed flustered at first and plates were piling up on the table, but once they got a couple bus boys to clean things off things started to run smoothly. They kept the wine and drinks flowing and in the end it was a perfect rehearsal dinner! I'd like to go back for dinner on a regular night and I already know my order - sausage and peppers, pasta, and tiramisu for dessert!
(4)
Pat F.

Classic American Italian! Their eggplant parmesean to die for. Check this place out for lunch or dinner but remember to bring cash.
(4)
Maureen S.

The service and the ambiance in this place is very nice. Very relaxed and casual. I came here after seeing Guy Fieri's Food Network show (Diners Drive in...) featured the restaurant. I was very excited about the food since he looked like he was really enjoying them in his show. Guy Fieri should get an Oscar award for the "ooohhh and aahh and so good!" he said about the food. Because the food was bland! I ordered the veal parmigiana and my boyfriend ordered the spaghetti with italian sausage. For appetizers we got the calamari- good breading but very chewy. Will not go back.
(2)
Elizabeth C.

I've been coming here for about nine years now. I love it, sitting at the bar is a hoot. I would never go there on a date though, for me it's fun to go with big groups of friends and family.
(5)
Megan L.

Tufano's has great old school, home-style Italian food. You're not going to get some fancy-shmancy sauces with pine nuts on top, this is the type of food my grandmother would make - and yeah, she's Italian. Tufano's has been in the neighborhood and owned by the same family for four decades that I know of... a restaurant doesn't stick around for almost half a century if it's not good. Even if you're not a regular or from the neighborhood, they treat you like you are - they make you feel at home. Sure, the place has gotten bigger over the years, but the chalkboard menus are still on the walls and the food has remained consistently great. At heart it remains the little hole-in-the wall it was back in the day.
(5)
Stacy T.

Perfectly fried calamari, delicious crisp house salad, and a heaping bowls of pasta the likes of which your grandma would serve...well if your grandma was a kick as I-talian. This place is a casual family run restaurant with a truly homey feel. The clientele and staff are warm and friendly and the food is yummy. As Steve Carrell from The Office would say right before his Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run For The Cure ....time for the "CARB-O Load."
(5)
Mexicutioner s.

Thanx for a one of a kind experience last night. This place is tucked away in a quiet little street away from the more well known Italian places along Taylor street. What a great place to put a couple shots into some ones head, highly recommended for any Italian hit men. Besides the cute location the service was a blast but not your traditional type of service. Our waitress treated us like family and was as sweet as apple pie but also took hours to finish our meal, as long as the Chianti was flowing we didn't much care that we ordered our entree an hour after sitting down. When we looked bored she brought us a salad to munch on, when we ran out of wine another bottle came quickly. The food was solid Italian, no frills just good pasta with great sauces. My meatball and stuffed shells had great flavor , the sauce tasted fresh, no no one had any complaints with their entrees. After another hour or so our waitress decided to let us order desserts, my fellow diners ordered some ice cream covered in a chocolate shell which looked great, my partner and I split the tiramisu which was the only part that disappointed, but alas I'm usually disappointed by the tiramisu. Doesn't anyone use mascarpone cheese any more!!!!!!! It makes me so mad!1!1!!1 good thing I have an electrocution scheduled for later in the week to relieve some stress. At least they had some grappa to wash it all down with at the end. to some it up 6 people had 4 bottle of wine, calamari, salad, entrees, shared deserts, 20% tip, 2.5 hours of of fun for 50 bucks a person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! keep it up tufanos! we will be back. The mexicutioners judgment is pardoned from a death sentence but I may have to chop off a digit for sub par tiramisu
(4)
Digital M.

No sign. No glitz. No Glam. Been coming here for years with a date or a buddy. Excellent pasta and homemade soup where the chicken is right off the bone. The calamari melts in your mouth. I say that not to be cliche' because it really does. Everything is fantastic at this spot and yes although you may not know the owners, managers, waitstaff, and bartenders by name they will make you feel like you are in their home. Plus, you'll impress people by just knowing that this place exists. Free Valet Parking
(4)
Mike I.

A good restaurant that reminds me of eating at my grandparent's house as a kid. Home cooked Italian food...nothing pretentious or "pretty". Friendly service. We always order their antipasto salad with all the italian meats in it. The pork chops served with roasted peppers, potatoes and peas, while sounding boring (peas!?), are delicious! I do have to dock them a star for not accepting credit cards...who carries cash on them anymore with the invention of the debit card?! Get with the 90s!
(3)
fred h.

Old school Italian family joint. Nothing fancy, just good home-style food. Menu is on a huge 6x6 chalkboard - not sure how often it changes. The service is super - im thinking most of the waitresses have been there for a while....some of them a long while. They're all terrific. The food is pretty good - I particularly enjoyed the sausage and pepper plate, lemon chicken. Calamari was excellent. Meatballs pretty good too. They threw together some "paa'sta' and braa'kli' because the waitress thought we didn't have enough noodles and veggies. Portions were huge - be prepared to take the lefovers home and eat on it for a couple days. All in all, a very good night.
(4)
Kristen S.

One of my family's favorites. Very homey, very hearty and very cheap. The service is always as if they were letting you into their own home. I cannot say enough. Gotta try the calimari and your favorite pasta. There's a reason why this place has so many loyal customers- check it out for yourself!
(5)
Mike M.

Tufano's would have to be at the top of my list of italian restaurants in Chicago. great homestyle pasta. i almost always get ravioli but end up grabbing from the dishes of the people i'm with for some variety. their fried calamari is top notch and near perfect every time. i like to hang out at the bar for a few drinks, before heading to the dining room to eat. my family likes to come here after day white sox games and before blackhawk games for food. love this place.
(4)
Barnaby W.

My friends and I came to Trufano's because of some high recommendation from a local we met at a bar the previous night. He likened this establishment to something you'd see on the Sopranos. I didn't know if eating here involved getting whacked or made, but our group took a chance. The entrance leads into the bar area and a wall plastered with photos of the owner posed with notable celebrities (Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Guy Fieri (who featured Tufano's on his food network show), and hockey players with missing front teeth. The server was friendly and brought out some recommended dishes for us since we were obviously out-of-towners. The Tufano Salad was delicious and full of lettuce, olives, red onions, feta cheese, and salami slices. We had penne pasta in a creamy tomato sauce, lemon chicken with pine nuts (yum!), and eggplant parmisan. The final bill was a bit pricey, but a wonderful experience nonetheless. The staff were really wonderful people.
(4)
Katherine R.

My parents have been going here for years so I thought I would see what all the fuss was about. Good place to go before a Bulls game, although there will be a bit of a wait. The service was alright here and the food was okay. I got the lemon chicken, one of their most popular dishes and I wasn't exactly blown away; way too much oil that was actually splashing all over me and the table. Good wine though and what my boyfriend got was pretty good (forgot what it was). We also had the bruschetta and fried calamari which were both good.
(3)
scot o.

old school secret awesome. great food. good prices. great place.
(5)
Nickie A.

Tufano's is a great spot for Italian food- the portion sizes and prices compliment each other and the service is great. The eggplant lasagna is awesome- the eggplant is not fried or heavily sauteed prior to assembly, and just the right amount of cheese. The server even said they usually run out of it because it is so popular. I just wish their gravy had a little more taste to it. The tiramisu was also very good. MMmmmm yummy!
(4)
lew b.

Great place !!! Show off our city to family,or friends ,this place is pure Chicago.The food, antipasto salad the best followed by fried calimari and or mussels.main dishes lemon chicken,any pasta . been coming here for 25 years say no more
(4)
Karen L.

I would give Tufano's a 3.5 stars. Went here for a friend's birthday party, and it really is a great place for a group. This is the epitome of a classic old-school Italian restaurant. It seems that it has been there forever, and also seems to bring in a crowd that has probably been going there forever. (We were probably the youngest people there, besides small children.) This place is cute and cozy, with a great atmosphere! They have their menus posted on chalkboards all over the restaurant, which is really cute. We got the fried calamari for an appetizer, which was very tasty! For my entree I ordered a cavatelli with vodka sauce. I will have to say I was a bit disappointed with the sauce. It tasted a little off to me, and I thought since it was such a traditional Italian place, that their sauce would blow me away. Maybe their red sauce is their specialty. Other people at the table liked their entrees (including chicken parmesan, lemon chicken and a veggie pasta). Tufano's is in the middle of nowhere, so I don't know if I will be going back anytime soon. But I would definitely try it for an authentic Italian feel.
(3)
Peter H.

Awesome Italian food, old school, not the greatest tablecloths, but it is what it is, a little Italian restuarant in Little Italy. Unreal salad, stuffed shells are awesome. Like the menus written on the wall.
(5)
Mark S.

good pastas and great service. bread is awesome and our chianti was tasty.
(4)
Natalie B.

This is one of my favorites. I love that it is hidden on a residential street. The food is always terrific, especially the tortellini with vodka sauce and the calamari. I like the old-school Italian restaurant atmosphere. In a city full of pretentious dining, this is a breath of fresh air.
(5)
Scott W.

Great place to go before an event at the united center. I have been many times and I like the pork chops. The service is good but remember to bring cash.
(4)
Jay D.

Great little place. Best fried calamari in the City of Chicago. Their speciality is the Lemon Chicken, which is quite tasty. Sometimes quirky ambience, but overall tasty, authentic, reasaonably-priced food in a relaxed setting.
(3)
Kalyan M.

I saw this restaurant on Diners Drive-ins and Dives. The food was good. I ordered Lemon Chicken, it was good but a little too oily. The service was very good and fast.
(4)
S to the izzo F.

Tufano's has the best fried Calamari I've ever had. Five stars for this a lone....They make their own, fresh. I love the angel hair and Mussels too, it's Probably one of my all time favorite dishes. The tripe here is fantastic. Chicken Picatta better than great! the Spaghetti Alio is perfect. The Shells, Broccoli, and huge Shrimp... delicious! I do tell them to go easy on the dressing and the lemon chicken everyone raves about is OK. Yet, It's one of my favorite little places to eat. Really good people. really really good food!
(5)
Matthew H.

This has been my all-time favorite place to eat since I was a kid. Really, really good and really, really authentic. Very reasonable, and impeccable service.
(5)
L. R.

I looooove Tufanos. My favorite Italian place in Chicago. The eggplant is wonderful. My kids always enjoy their special Italian dishes as well. In the summer, it's nice to sit outside. I grew up in a neighborhood like this - everyone sitting out in front of their house, so I feel very welcome, not only in the neighborhood, but also in the restaurant. It's very much like home to me.
(4)
Piercy T.

The Tufano's garlic lemon (vesuvio) chicken is a delicacy. One of the better meals in Chcago. Mike needs to retreat to Naperville.
(4)
Matt N.

This is some of the best Italian food I have had while living in Chicago. It's off the beaten path a bit, but make no mistake..it's worth finding. The serivce is lagging a bit and if you are not a regular, you should not expect 5 star treatment. The price is tough to beat and I highly recommend a stop at this restaurant..A+
(4)
cla m.

Prices are reasonable, but this place isn't exactly inviting. The outside seating is nice in the summer. The inside seating requires imagination. The decore is barebones, and outdated. The wait staff is nice enough, valet guys not so much. The vibe: it's very much an insiders joint.
(2)
B B.

Just good down home italian cooking. This isnt Rosebud, they arent going to wow you with strange dishes, great apperance and incredibly expensive dishes. They can customize any dish, the vodka sauce is some of the best ive ever had, and the salads and calamari are awesome. The wine selection is great and cheap. How many other place around here has 25 dollar bottle of good wine? And serve them in "juice" wine glasses. Ask for Gina, great service.
(5)
Christine C.

Went there and felt out of place among a bunch of hockey fans having dinner before a Blackhawks game. Waitress and owner/manager were very welcoming and entertained my three-year old son. Menus are posted on boards, which are a little hard to see, depending on where you are seated. Food is simple, nothing special, nothing I'd crave or return for. They don't even serve meat sauce (to my husband's great disappointment). There are much better Italian places in the city, but I think this place is popular for the nostalgia of the neigborhood.
(3)
Beebe G.

love this place. awesome calamari! the antipasta salad (not the special just the regular) -- get it, eat it! rigatoni with mushroom sauce and all the pastas they have on the board as well as their other entrees -- get it while you can, whenever you're there and bon appetito!
(4)
Whitney B.

With so many great Italian restaurants on nearby Taylor Street, please don't waste your time here. The food was horrible. The marinara sauce tasted like bad high school cafeteria food and the bread was as stale as the day is long. The wine selection was small and definitely over-priced for the particular schlock they sell. It definitely has a "neighborhood" vibe and you could tell there were a lot of regulars there. Perhaps they save the good food for them? The only saving grace is that we were given a gift certificate to eat there - otherwise I would have been wicked pissed I spent my own hard earned money at Tufano's. Definitely take a pass on this one.
(1)

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Address : 1073 W Vernon Park Pl
Chicago, IL, 60607
Phone (312) 733-3393
Website https://tufanosrestaurant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

Italian Cuisine

The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.

Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.

If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.

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Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap

1073 W Vernon Park Pl, Chicago, IL, 60607

Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap Menu

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Appetizers

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