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Classic red-sauce joints
Bruna's Ristorante is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

1. Bruna's Ristorante

7.1
2424 S Oakley Ave (24th Pl), Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Pilsen · 9 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: They specialize in rustic dishes from Siena. Tucked between the chicken Vesuvio and the stuffed shells are a ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms and a spirited rendition of penne alla puttanesca. Read more.

Caponie's Trattoria is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

2. Caponie's Trattoria

7419 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Pizzeria · Northwest Side · 15 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: While it may not be doing anything new, its brand of Italian classics is impeccably executed. Thin-crust Margherita pizzas explode with the flavors of basil, garlic and fresh mozzarella.

Club Lago is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

3. Club Lago

7.7
331 W Superior St (at N Orleans St), Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · River North · 29 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Despite a renovation, it's still the same. Regress to old habits: massive portions of lasagna, soft roast beef, carafes of watery Chianti and—this is crucial—some pasta with Lago’s meat sauce. Read more.

Club Lucky is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

4. Club Lucky

9.0
1824 W Wabansia Ave (at N Honore St), Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Bucktown · 62 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: The place is always packed, thanks to a dependable Italian menu with standouts like grilled calamari and escarole with sausage and beans. If you’re kidphobic, go late for signature martinis. Read more.

Natalino's is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

5. Natalino's

1523 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · West Town · 7 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Try the thin eggplant rolled around a mound of tri-color ravioli pocket filled with lobster. For dessert: an enormous pile of mascarpone that’s dotted with broken cannoli shells to scoop it all up. Read more.

Sabatino's Restaurant Chicago is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

6. Sabatino's Restaurant Chicago

4441 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Old Irving Park · 42 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime Out Chicago: Couples should snag a booth, the perfect spot for sipping a bottle of Chianti and enjoying signature cheesy garlic bread. Ricotta-filled manicotti and gnocchi in meat sauce won’t disappoint. Read more.