Help with location in Chicago

[Vornholt]

I'm hoping someone can lend a hand in identifying a small Italian restaurant I spotted in Chicago about three years ago. I know it was in the general area of, but not directly on, Michigan Ave,and was tucked into the corner of a lot, underneath what I think was a large department store building. I was on the far side of the intersection and on a mission elsewhere. I never did spot a sign, and did not have a chance to get back to that area.

It was nicely laid out, from what I could see. Outdoor tables, lights overhead, etc.

I apologize for the incredible vagueness of the description, but hopefully someone can help.

I appreciate any help.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

It wasn't Volare, was it? On east Grand Avenue & N. St Clair St.? When you look down from the E. Illinois St. upper level, this, to me, looks like the dodgiest, most steotypical Mafia hangout in the world. There was always a constant supply of dodgy looking black SUV's outside.

Click for bigger pic:

 

[Tomasso]

this, to me, looks like the dodgiest, most steotypical Mafia hangout in the world.

I think that"s the vibe they were going for but it"s actually a big hang for docs from NW and newsies from NBC.

 

[Vornholt]

No. that's definitely not it. What I remember was literally under one corner of a rather tall building.

I'm thinking of browsing through google maps and check close-ups in street view. Maybe I can run across it that way.

 

[Harp]

I'm hoping someone can lend a hand in identifying a small Italian restaurant I spotted in Chicago about three years ago. I know it was in the general area of, but not directly on, Michigan Ave,and was tucked into the corner of a lot...

North or south of the river?
Try Boni Vino on Van Buren Street near the Exchange for the best spaghetti and pizza.

 

[Vornholt]

North of the river, and west of Michigan.

I'll have a look at Boni Vino. Any opinions on Maggiano's?

 

[Tomasso]

Maggianos is a family style Italian restaurant chain. No bad but there are better joints of that ilk in town; The Vernon Park Tap for one. My favorite Italian restaurant in town is Spiaggia but it's fine dining so not really comparable to the others mentioned

 

[ChiTownScion]

Toscano, or Bruna's, down around 24th and Oakley. Great old neighborhood.