Vernon Park Tap Restaurant

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Nothing trendy about this casual, family-run restaurant off Taylor Street--just honest, authentic Southern Italian cuisine.. The Scene
Equal parts Italian restaurant and neighborhood watering hole, Tufanos is unpretentious and comfortable, with three spacious, modest dining rooms. About the only thing of interest on the walls is the menu, handwritten on a couple of blackboards.

The Food
A half-order of calamari fills a large platter; lightly breaded and not-too-chewy. Tufanos' salad overflows with tomatoes, black olives, artichoke hearts, thick cucumber slices, salami, and mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. Doggie bag-size portions of pasta dishes like shells and broccoli and rigatoni with mushrooms arrive in heaping bowls; stuffed shells and chicken and seafood specials are also available. A separate blackboard lists a dozen wines available by the bottle, all reasonably priced. For dessert, choose from chocolate mousse cake, an assortment of Italian ices or satisfyingly rich, fluffy tiramisu.

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johnnyspacone

Joined 9 years ago

Great food. Great value.. Tufano's is one of the best representations of truly authentic Italian food and an incedible value. For years, Tufano's has always had a reputation of fresh, homestyle cooking and generous portions, and Tufano's still lives up to that reputation.

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scopes

Joined 10 years ago

One of the best!. Tufano's is consistently one of the best restuarants you'll eat at. Things start out wonderfully as I believe they make the best salad in the city! My favorites are the Mussels in red sauce or the Chicken Vesuvio. Make sure you leave some room for a canoli. If the quality was enought to convince you, the prices are remarkably reasonable... I will say that the waitstaff uniforms (jeans & polos) need to get a little more upscale, also the plastic baskets with wax paper for the bread is tacky. Other than that the atmosphere is historic and very nice.

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brian60045

Joined 11 years ago

Tufano's is great!. Plain and simple: Just great Italian food! Location is easy and convenient whenever you're in the city.

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calder138

Joined 11 years ago

Still great after all these years. Tufano's has a history in this city.A family tradition step down from father to son. the food is outstanding and a laid back atmosphere.

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paule123

Joined 11 years ago

Little Italy gem. We went on a Friday night, party of 5. We were seated right away, outside on the patio. Our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Everybody knows everybody here!

We enjoyed the Lemon Chicken and Veal Marsala. The antipasto salad for the group was garden fresh and wonderful!

The only problem is finding this place - it's on a short street that is near impossible to get to. Approach from the Racine & Vernon Park side only - most maps are incorrect on the through streets around there.

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flashman

Joined 11 years ago

Hey Joey!. Where else can you dine with the Mayor, the Mob, the Blackhawks, top visiting coaches,the beat cop, the college kids and the neighborhood regulars and be served by a waitress named Bubbles?

Great Lemon Chicken and "Special Salad" and Strawberry Pop for the kids.