Bar Roma Chicago
Authentic Roman cuisine
Bar Roma is my favorite restaurant in Chicago's Andersonville area, hands down. This is kind of a big deal because Italian food is definitely not my favorite cuisine (Vietnamese is my top choice, followed by Mexican, in case you were wondering).
So why is it Bar Roma so awesome?
(1) Handmade pasta, meatballs, sauces, bread! Everything is fresh and packed with flavor, (2) vegetarian friendly! The Cacio Pepe is to die for!, (3) on-the-house fresh bread served with olive oil and parmesan, (4) original salad dishes with bright, fresh flavors, (5) Happy Hour 5-6:30 pm EVERYDAY! $6 wine and ½ price appetizers (6) ½ price wine bottles on Monday (6) incredible service, (7) excellent ambiance, (8) mouth-watering charcuterie (Anitpasto Misto), (9) "Impossible" meatballs—spinach and mushroom pomodoro (Verdura), (10) LIMONCELLO!
When Bar Roma first opened, I was little hesitant because I’ve never been a huge meatball fanatic and I was afraid the menu might be a too rich for my palate. Their menu completely changed my opinion about the potential of Italian food. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ever tried there! A major plus about Bar Roma is the people running it. Almost every time my wife and I go, one of the owners, Julia, always says hello and follows up on previous conversations (she remembers!).
Bar Roma is perfect for a date or large group. It’s tourist-free but can be packed with locals so consider making a reservation if you want to be safe.
About this spot
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago
Wormhole
Time-traveling coffee shop
Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...
by
Sophie
Amado
Dearborn Denim
Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans
"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!
by
Erin
Stevens
Chicago Magic Lounge
Serious magic... & cocktails
"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!
by
Erin
Stevens
Lickity Split
Perfect treats!
"Lickity Split" in Chicago is my idea of perfect. If your favorite dessert is ice cream, as it is mine, you absolutely have to come get a 'concrete'...
by
Claire
Conway
Hopleaf
Beer enthusiast's delight
"Hopleaf" in Chicago started out as a tiny, dark tavern reminiscent of Belgium. They now also have a patio & restaurant, but beer still is the focus...
by
Erin
Stevens
Int'l Museum Surgical Science
Medicine then & now
"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Cornelia Arts Building
Local artist studios
"Cornelia Arts Building" in Chicago is a converted industrial studio right by the train tracks -- it's been decades ahead of this art trend...
by
Erin
Stevens
Sacred Art
Local art lover's paradise
"Sacred Art" is a 100% local art shop with paintings, jewelry, ceramics, dioramas, photography and more. I love how the owners are almost always there...
by
Erin
Stevens
Marty's Martini Bar
MAR-teeny-tiny bar
"Marty's Martini Bar" in Chicago is the kind of bar where you know you're among adults. The atmosphere's great but what's even greater are the drinks...
by
Erin
Stevens
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Specialty ice cream shop
"Cone Gourmet Ice Cream" is a Chicago boutique ice cream parlor with truly unique flavors, known for its soft serve, hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches...
by
Sydney
Epstein
La Scarola
Cozy local Italian favorite
"La Scarola" Chicago: a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant with some of the most flavorful & filling authentic fare in the city. Fancy some limoncello?
by
Sydney
Epstein
Sultan's Market
Quick-serve Middle Eastern
"Sultan's Market" in Chicago is a Middle-Eastern counter-serve restaurant which is the epitome of quality cheap eats. Trust me, it's really authentic too.
by
Sydney
Epstein
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Chicago?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Chicago
Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago
As featured on:
