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Francesco's Hole In The Wall

254 Skokie Blvd
Northbrook, IL 60062-1612
Phone: (847) 272-0155
Citysearch
Price:
$$
Cross Street:
Lake Cook Road
Hours:
Mon, Wed-Thu 11:30am-2:15pm, 5pm-9:15pm, Fri 11:30am-2:15pm, 5pm-10:15pm, Sat 5pm-10:15pm, Sun 4pm-8:45pm

Editorial Review for Francesco's Hole In The Wall – by Alice Van Housen

The Scene
A devoted following of North Shore players and families packs this renegade little restaurant, notorious for reasonable prices, long waits, and no-reservations and cash-only policies. Veteran servers hustle through the tiny room decorated in faux distressed bricks and plastic vegetables; a glitzy photo wall of fame decorates the vestibule.

The Food
The ever-changing, homey Italian menu is written in marker on a wallboard twice daily (lunch and dinner). Miniature spinach pizza is a tangy, earthy starter with a substantial, crisp crust. Among the 20 or so entrees, a trio of fresh ravioli (mushroom, asparagus and spinach) is lightly sauced with chunks of fresh mozzarella and tomato; red snapper Vesuvio with seasonal vegetables is moist inside with a crusty, garlicky exterior; and decadent osso bucco dissolves off the bone into its creamy bed of risotto. Dessert selections (cannoli, cheesecake, etc.) are heavy, but please the kids in the crowd.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Be prepared: Reservations, credit cards and checks are not accepted here.

When to Go

Go early (6pm) on a school night if you hope to get a table right away.

What to Drink

There's a limited list of pedestrian wines and a few beers; a couple of bottles of spirits might be on hand (rocks only, no mixers).

User Reviews for Francesco's Hole In The Wall

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/14/2008 Posted by shark77

I was traveling and this place was recommended to me by others. The moment I walked in I fell in love with it. The menu on the board was excellent and the server had an outstanding menu knowledge. Not pricey at all and the food was excellent. Highly recommend the osso bucco.

Pros: actually felt like a customer, not just another number

Cons: none

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

05/20/2004 Posted by mezgo200

If you know good food, everyone should go to Hole in the Wall. It has a great atmosphere, service and most importantly the best food

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Editor's Review

Cravers of hearty Italian fare cram this tiny, iconoclastic local favorite in the north suburbs.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Know Before You Go

Be prepared: Reservations, credit cards and checks are not accepted here.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • No

Parking

  • Lot

Hours

  • Mon, Wed-Thu 11:30am-2:15pm, 5pm-9:15pm
  • Fri 11:30am-2:15pm, 5pm-10:15pm
  • Sat 5pm-10:15pm
  • Sun 4pm-8:45pm

Payment Types

  • Cash

Cuisines

  • Italian

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Lunch Spot
  • Local Favorites
  • Kid Friendly

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