The Corner Bar in the neighborhood- Italian style

[rating=5]When you grow up in Chicago ( or any big city) most of us had a corner bar or tap in the area. This was the hangout for your dad or uncle, who after a hard day at work, needed a drink and some “unwind time”. As the suburbs took hold, the corner bar disappeared and in its place was a restaurant in a strip mall or perhaps a free standing building in front of a strip mall. I love the city bars. Many of them have survived it all and during that time, the ones that had great food and poured a solid drink became well known.

Back in 1952, a corner bar/restaurant opened its doors on the corner of Superior and Orleans. That area was very industrial back then. Just a few blocks west of the location was a company called Montgomery Wards- both a retail store and their national headquarters. Gus and Ida Lazzerini opened their bar/restaurant to serve the many who worked there as well as those who  worked in and around the warehouse district that at that time was called “The Smokey Hollow District”.

As the years went on, the area changed and the new name or should I say nickname was  SuHu ( very much like SoHo). In 1980 the restaurant which was truly named Club Lago was taken over by son-in-law Francesco Nardini. The area changed, the customers changed and yes, the owners changed, but always a part of the original family. Now the restaurant/bar is run by GianCarlo and Guido Nardinis with the same love and caring that Gus and Ida brought to the kitchen over 70 years ago.

Tonight Frank, Jane and I went to this corner bar in a neighborhood that has changed drastically. The sign is the same, Club Lago Restaurant & Lounge- they do banquets and their Italian food is supreme. There is an old saying “never judge a book by its cover” and I often use it to make a statement about dining out. The restaurant looks like a corner bar in the neighborhood- okay, a Cheers with great food. The people dining there tonight were for the most part regulars, familiar with the menu and the staff. They were having fun and enjoying great dining experiences.

Giancarlo was our host and our server Natalie was divine. Most of you know that I ask the server to be in the story, but she refused. She is not into social media, just great service, and that she does!

We enjoyed our Old Fashioned/ and appetizers that were divine. The baked clams were wonderful and the fried calamari divine. Both of these can be small order or large depending on appetite and size of party.

For our entree’s we enjoyed three main dishes, one veal, one chicken and the other a pasta.  The veal parmigiana was tender and tasty.  The Bracioline All’gro, to die for and the amazing Pasta Galassin had a certain zest that took our breath away. This was a perfect mix for us to share. GianCarlo also had Natalie bring us a few other pasta to give us some additional flavors. The Chicken Parmesan was the tenderest I have ever eaten and the veal was a slice of heaven.

Of course they have a selection of home made soups and salads and a number of vegetarian dinners as well. They are a family restaurant offering a family experience

We had a few leftovers for Frank to take home for lunch tomorrow and Natalie said “you cannot leave without our special cannoli “( four mini cannoli’s) a perfect end to a perfect dining experience.

Club Lago is located at 331 West Superior Street ( at the Southeast corner of Orleans) and the phone number is 312-951-6028

The hours are Monday-Thursdays 11 am- 10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays  11 am-11 p.m.

Sundays – CLOSED

website www.clublago.com

As I said earlier, while this may appear to be “just a corner bar”, I must say that the food is as good as you will be served in the finest Italian restaurant anywhere! Anytime! Enjoy!

Note: the reason that the photos are ‘pinkish” is that our booth was right under a window that was below the sign, with its bright red lights to attract those coming. They were terrific and far from pink!