Hot Blocks: Little Italy

1154 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

Vesuvio-style dishes--prepared with lemon, garlic and olive oil--figure prominently into the menu of pasta, seafood and meat offerings at this storefront trattoria in the heart of Taylor Street.

1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

Crowds continue to pack this perennial favorite, which serves old-school Italian dishes loaded with garlic. Whether it's serving up baked clams, chicken parm or fettuccine Alfredo, the fare does Ol' Blue Eyes proud.

1358 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

Head to this stylish, velvet curtain-swathed wine bar for a romantic, low-lit nightcap. By-the-glass vinos (and flights) highlight small producers, while live piano on weekends provides energy.

1014 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

Warm and inviting with back-in-the-day decorative touches like copper pans and tomato cans, this homey Northern Italian trattoria--an anchor in the community--tempts diners with its chilled, dessert-filled case and fragrant wafts that emanate from the open kitchen.

1119 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 (map)

An anomaly in the neighborhood, this brasserie is the stuff of Francophiles' dreams. Serving up classics like coq au vin and steak frites with Maitre d'Hotel butter, it's an unexpected--and romantic--neighborhood mainstay.