Frank Sinatra, known for his remarkable singing style and fantastic performances, was a big fan of Chicago. He made frequent visits to the city, and one of his favorite activities while in town was to explore and enjoy the various eateries that Chicago was known for. So where did Sinatra eat in Chicago?
One of Sinatra’s most famous haunts in Chicago was Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, which has been in the city since the 1920s. The establishment is still open today, and it has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. This restaurant was once one of Sinatra’s favorites, and he would often come here for dinner. The menu features classic Italian dishes, including pizza, pasta, and seafood, as well as some more modern items. The prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is always friendly.
Another restaurant frequented by Sinatra was The Pump Room, located in the Ambassador East Hotel. This restaurant was known for its expensive, elegant cuisine. The restaurant was frequented by many celebrities, so it’s no surprise that Sinatra chose this spot. The Pump Room offers a variety of steak and seafood dishes, as well as salads, sandwiches, and soups. The prices are a bit on the higher side, but the atmosphere is upscale and the food is definitely worth it.
Sinatra also was known to frequent the famous Italian restaurant, Gene & Georgetti. This restaurant has been around since 1941 and is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city. The restaurant has a variety of Italian dishes, from classic lasagna and ravioli to more modern dishes like Italian nachos and farfalle. The prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is casual and fun.
No matter where he was in Chicago, Sinatra was sure to try out the local eateries. He enjoyed good food, good company, and a good time, and he left his mark on the city’s food scene in many ways. If you’re ever in Chicago, why not take a page from Sinatra’s book and try out some of these great spots?
Exploring the Most Popular Eateries Frank Sinatra Visited in Chicago
Frank Sinatra was one of the most iconic entertainers of all time, and he had a great appreciation for the food and culture of Chicago. In the Windy City, Sinatra had a long list of favorite restaurants and eateries, and here we explore some of the most popular places he visited.
Sinatra’s favorite spot in the city was The Pump Room, located in the Ambassador East Hotel. This was a popular spot among celebrities, and while the restaurant is still open today, the building is now the Public Hotel. At The Pump Room, Sinatra enjoyed classic dishes such as steak and lobster, as well as live music. He was also known to order a bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey and let the staff choose the side dishes. Other famous visitors to The Pump Room include Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, and Jack Lemmon.
Another of Sinatra’s favorites was the Italian restaurant, Riccardo’s. Owned by the Chicago restaurateur Riccardo Erizo, this restaurant was one of the first to introduce Italian food to the city. Sinatra was a regular at Riccardo’s, ordering dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, veal parmesan, and lasagna. The restaurant is still open today, and serves classic Italian dishes as well as modern favorites.
Sinatra was also a fan of The Walnut Room, a restaurant located in the Marshall Field’s department store. The restaurant was known for its chicken pot pie, and it was one of Sinatra’s favorite dishes. He was also fond of the restaurant’s signature dish, the walnut-encrusted lamb chops. The Walnut Room is still open today, and it is just as popular as it was during Sinatra’s day.
Finally, Sinatra was a regular at the famous Italian restaurant Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap. The restaurant, which has been open since 1941, is known for its homemade Italian dishes and its unique atmosphere. Sinatra was known to order the steak pizzaiola, and he was often seen enjoying the restaurant’s famous house-made wine. Tufano’s is still open today, and it is just as popular as it ever was.
These are just a few of the restaurants that Frank Sinatra visited in Chicago, and there are many more that he enjoyed. If you’re looking to experience some of Sinatra’s favorite eats, these eateries are a great place to start.
Here is a list of the most popular eateries Frank Sinatra visited in Chicago:
| Restaurant | Location | Special Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| The Pump Room | Ambassador East Hotel | Steak and Lobster |
| Riccardo’s | Chicago | Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veal Parmesan, Lasagna |
| The Walnut Room | Marshall Field’s Department Store | Chicken Pot Pie, Walnut-Encrusted Lamb Chops |
| Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap | Chicago | Steak Pizzaiola |
Uncovering the Hidden Gems Where Old Blue Eyes Ate in Chicago
If you’re a fan of the legendary crooner, Frank Sinatra, and you’re in the mood to explore Chicago’s finest haunts, then you won’t want to miss out on uncovering “The Hidden Gems Where Old Blue Eyes Ate” in the Windy City.
Sinatra was a regular at a number of iconic restaurants and bars around the city, including the legendary Pump Room, the swanky Bank Club, and the upscale Italian eatery, Riccardo’s.
The Pump Room, which was founded in 1938, was a favorite hangout of the Rat Pack, and has seen its share of famous faces, including Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna, and the great Frank Sinatra himself. The menu is a mix of classic American and French cuisine, and the restaurant is known for its iconic neon sign outside, which reads “Frank, Liz, and the Rat Pack Dined Here”.
The Bank Club is another Sinatra-approved spot, located in the iconic Banking District of the city. The venue serves up classic American fare and cocktails, and the décor consists of a mix of classic and modern elements. Sinatra is said to have enjoyed a few of the bar’s signature martinis while taking in the view of the Chicago skyline.
If Italian cuisine is more your style, check out Riccardo’s. This upscale Italian restaurant, opened in 1965, was a regular haunt of Sinatra’s. The menu features a mix of classic Italian dishes and modern twists, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.
| Restaurant | Price |
|---|---|
| The Pump Room | $$-$$$ |
| The Bank Club | $-$$ |
| Riccardo’s | $$-$$$ |
So, if you’re looking to channel your inner Rat Packer, then make sure to check out these Sinatra-approved hidden gems in Chicago.
He was a frequent patron of the Pump Room, a restaurant in the Ambassador East hotel.
Yes, Sinatra was very fond of Chicago and visited the city often.
Yes, Sinatra performed in Chicago on numerous occasions.
Yes, he was a regular at the Pump Room, as well as frequenting numerous other restaurants in the city.
Sinatra was known to enjoy Italian food when eating in Chicago.
Besides eating out, Sinatra also attended shows, casinos, and other entertainment venues in Chicago.
Yes, Sinatra would stay in Chicago for several days or even weeks at a time.
Sinatra appreciated Chicago’s nightlife and found the city to be a great place to visit and spend time.
Sinatra met a variety of people in Chicago, including musicians, actors, and other celebrities.
Yes, Sinatra often spoke positively about Chicago and praised its many attractions.