Orsos Restaurant   

1401 N Wells St # 1
Chicago, IL 60610
312-787-6604
www.orsosrestaurant.com

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In Old Town, Italian cuisine has two faces: Topo Gigio and Orso's. While Topo Gigio showcases high-concept cuisine from the northern region, Orso's specializes in familiar, family-style entrees from southern Italy. Since the mid-1950s, fans of this classic eatery have flocked here for the boisterous atmosphere (complete with piano bar), seasoned wait staff and generous portions. But the real attraction is the spacious outdoor patio, which is one of the largest in the city. On warm summer nights, the gorgeous garden is filled with folks breaking bread and munching on meatballs. The traditional, hardwood accents haven't been updated since the early days, but that's the charm for the trendy young professionals who frequent it for after-work drinks or group dinners. Best menu moments include the chicken vesuvio, chicken marsala, the NY strip steak and a number of seafood dishes. The front room piano lounge also caters to a hard-drinking, sports-loving crowd who come to watch the action on several monitors. It's also a popular stopover for groups and couples checking out nearby Zanies Comedy Club or Piper's Alley.