Hungry for Pompeii Restaurant flavors? Explore the Pompei restaurant menu with prices, discover Chicagos Pompei on Taylor menu, or check Michigans Pompeii Port Huron menu. Your guide to authentic Italian-American dining!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Pompeii Restaurant
The Historical Charm
Stepping Pompeii Restaurant feels like a delightful journey through time and taste. Established in 1925, this Chicago institution isnt just a restaurant; its a living piece of Italian-American culinary history. Located in the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, its faded neon sign hints at decades of serving hearty, authentic dishes to generations of locals and savvy travellers seeking genuine flavour. Unlike the ancient Roman city, Chicagos Pompeii thrives with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible aroma of simmering sauces.
Why Pompeii Stands Out
In a city teeming with dining options, Pompeii distinguishes itself through its unpretentious authenticity and time-honoured recipes. Forget sterile modern aesthetics; here, you find checkered tablecloths, vintage photographs lining the walls, and a palpable sense of community. It’s the kind of place where waiters remember regulars by name, portions defy modern sensibilities, and every bite feels like a connection to generations of Italian-American cooking tradition.
Detailed Restaurant Guide
Essential Information
- Address: 1531 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Phone: +1 (312) 421-5179 (Reservations recommended, especially weekends)
- Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Average Cost Per Person: $25 – $40 USD (excluding drinks & tip). Excellent value considering portion sizes. Appetizers $8-$15, Pastas $15-$22, Entrees $18-$32.
Getting There
Public Transport Options
Chicagos excellent transit system makes reaching Pompeii straightforward:
- CTA Blue Line: Exit at the UIC-Halsted stop. Walk east on Taylor Street for approximately 10-15 minutes.
- CTA Pink Line: Exit at Polk station. Walk north on Polk, then east on Taylor Street (approx. 8-12 min walk).
- Bus Routes: Routes #7 (Harrison), #60 (Blue Island/26th), and #157 (Streeterville/Taylor) have stops very close to the restaurant.
Driving and Parking
Driving presents more of a challenge in this bustling neighborhood:
- Street Parking: Limited metered spots available on Taylor Street and surrounding streets (Taylor, Racine, Loomis). Be vigilant about signs and pay boxes.
- Parking Lots: Several paid lots operate nearby, particularly west of Ashland Ave.
- Ride Shares: Uber & Lyft are highly recommended for convenience. Drop-off/pick-up directly at the restaurant door is easy.
Culinary Experience
Signature Dishes You Must Try
Pompeiis menu is a celebration of classic Southern Italian comfort food. Dont miss these standouts:
- Spaghetti with Garlic & Oil (Aglio e Olio): Deceptively simple, astonishingly flavourful. Perfectly cooked pasta tossed in high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and parsley ($16).
- Veal Parmesan: A quintessential Italian-American masterpiece. Tender, breaded veal cutlet smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Served with a side of spaghetti ($25).
- Stuffed Artichokes (Carciofi Ripieni): A labour of love. Whole artichokes stuffed with seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, slowly braised until tender. A unique and delicious starter ($14).
- Homemade Ravioli: Pillowy pockets of fresh pasta filled with creamy ricotta or savoury meat, served with your choice of their robust marinara or rich meat sauce ($19).
- Italian Beef Sandwich (Lunch Special): Juicy, thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled high on crusty Italian bread, served “dipped” in au jus with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera ($12).
Top 5 Pompeii Favorites & Prices
| Dish Name | Category | Price | Description Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veal Parmesan | Main Course | $25 | Breaded veal, marinara, mozzarella, spaghetti |
| Stuffed Artichokes | Appetizer | $14 | Breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, slow-braised |
| Spaghetti Aglio e Olio | Pasta | $16 | Olive oil, fresh garlic, red pepper, parsley |
| Homemade Ravioli | Pasta | $19 | Fresh ricotta or meat filling, choice of sauce |
| Italian Beef | Lunch Sandwich | $12 | Thin-sliced beef, au jus, peppers/giardiniera |
Ambiance and Service
Step inside, and youre enveloped in warm, bustling energy. The atmosphere is convivial and unpretentious. Expect classic red-checkered tablecloths, vintage Italian posters, cozy booths, and the constant hum of conversation. Service is efficient and genuinely friendly – staff members often exhibit years of experience, moving with practiced ease through the busy dining rooms. Its not fine dining service; its welcoming, hearty, and focused on ensuring you enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting. Noise levels can be moderate to high, especially during peak dinner hours – its all part of the lively charm.
Exploring the Neighborhood
Must-Visit Nearby Attractions
Pompeiis location in Little Italy puts you within easy reach of fantastic Chicago experiences:
- National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (1431 W Taylor St): Literally steps away. Celebrates iconic Italian-American athletes. Worth a quick peek inside.
- University Village: Home to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) campus. Features modern architecture, green spaces, and a youthful vibe.
- Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (800 S Halsted St): A short walk away. Explore the historic settlement house founded by Nobel laureate Jane Addams.
- Maxwell Street Market (800 S Desplaines St – Sundays only): A legendary open-air market (about 15 min walk). Experience incredible street food (especially tacos), vintage finds, and eclectic goods.
- Downtown Chicago Skyline Views: Walk east on Taylor Street towards the Chicago River for impressive skyline vistas, especially beautiful at dusk.
Combining Dining with Sightseeing
- Morning Exploration: Visit the Hull-House Museum or stroll through University Village.
- Lunch at Pompeii: Fuel up with their famous Italian Beef or a pasta lunch special.
- Afternoon Culture: Head to the West Loop (accessible via bus or short taxi) for art galleries or continue exploring Little Italy shops.
- Alternative Evening Plan: Enjoy an early dinner at Pompeii before catching a show at the nearby United Center (home of the Bulls/Blackhawks, short taxi/bus ride) or a concert at Riverside Park.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Maximizing Your Visit
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. Call +1 (312) 421-5179. Smaller groups can sometimes get seated quicker at the counter or bar area.
- Portion Sizes: They are generous. Consider sharing appetizers or entrees if youre not a big eater. Leftovers make a fantastic next-day meal!
- Cash or Card: Credit cards are accepted, but bringing some cash is always helpful, especially for smaller bills/tips.
- Arrive Early: Coming for lunch right when they open (11 AM weekdays, 12 PM Sun) often means quicker seating and a slightly calmer ambiance.
- Parking Savvy: If driving, allow extra time to find parking. Utilizing public transport or ride-shares is often less stressful.
Considerations for Special Needs
- Accessibility: The main entrance is street level. The interior is somewhat cramped with booths and tables. While navigable, it might pose challenges for larger wheelchairs or during peak busy times. Restrooms are located downstairs via a staircase only.
- Dietary Restrictions: While famous for pasta and meat dishes, Pompeii offers several salads and vegetarian pasta options (e.g., Spaghetti Marinara, Cheese Ravioli). Gluten-free options are extremely limited. Always inform your server of allergies – while accommodating, the kitchen handles many allergens.
- Family-Friendly: Very welcoming to families! High chairs are available. The relaxed, bustling atmosphere means kids noise blends in. Portion sizes often allow for kid-sharing or doggy bags.
Pompeii Restaurant Q&A
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Are there restaurants inside Pompeii?
No, there are no operating restaurants within the archaeological site of Pompeii in Italy. Visitors are prohibited from eating inside the ruins to preserve the site. However, immediately outside the main entrances (especially Porta Marina and Piazza Anfiteatro), you will find numerous cafes, snack bars, and restaurants catering to tourists. For a full-service meal near Pompeii, you must exit the archaeological park. -
Who owns Pompeii in Chicago?
Pompeii Restaurant in Chicago (1531 W Taylor St) is owned by the Davino family. Specifically, Jonathan Davino is the current proprietor. The restaurant was originally founded much earlier, in 1925, and has been a family-run institution in Chicagos Little Italy neighborhood for decades under the Davino familys stewardship. -
Pompeii restaurant menu Pompeii Restaurant in Chicago offers a classic Italian-American menu focused on hearty staples. Key categories and signature items include:
- Appetizers: Stuffed Artichokes (Carciofi Ripieni), Fried Calamari, Bruschetta, Antipasto Platter.
- Soups & Salads: Minestrone, Italian Wedding Soup, House Salad.
- Pastas: Spaghetti (Aglio e Olio, Marinara, Meat Sauce), Lasagna, Fettuccine Alfredo, Homemade Ravioli (Ricotta or Meat), Manicotti, Tortellini. Most pastas available as half portions.
- Chicken & Veal Entrees: Chicken Parmesan, Veal Parmesan, Chicken Marsala, Veal Piccata, Chicken Vesuvio.
- Seafood: Shrimp Scampi, Fried Shrimp, Salmon Piccata.
- Beef & Pork: Italian Sausage with Peppers & Onions, Steak Pizzaiola, Pork Chops.
- Sandwiches (Lunch): Italian Beef, Meatball Sandwich, Sausage Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich. Served with fries.
- Pizza: Thin-crust tavern-style pizza (whole pies only, not by the slice).
- Desserts: Tiramisu, Cannoli, Spumoni Ice Cream. Menu items and prices are subject to change; always confirm directly with the restaurant.
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What restaurant does Jonathan Davino own?
Jonathan Davino owns and operates the historic Pompeii Restaurant located at 1531 W Taylor St in Chicagos Little Italy neighborhood. He is part of the family that has been running this iconic establishment for many years, continuing its legacy of serving traditional Italian-American cuisine. He is not publicly known to own other major restaurant brands under his sole name.About the author:I’m Frank, the traveler and foodie behind Italy Travel Guide. For over a decade, I’ve been exploring every corner of Italy—from the canals of Venice to the lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast—sharing the best hidden gems, authentic trattorias, and charming boutique hotels along the way. My passion? Helping you experience Italy like a local, whether that means finding the perfect tiramisu in Florence, navigating Italy’s train system like a pro, or uncovering that tiny family-run vineyard in Tuscany. Join me as we dive la dolce vita, one unforgettable adventure at a time!