Francesca's Bryn Mawr Chicago
My neighborhood favorite
I used to live half a block away from Francesca's Bryn Mawr. The host knew my voice when I would call my take out order in several times a week. Several years ago, I moved a bit down the block but still close enough to walk to Francesca's. The friendly service is exactly what makes Francesca's a neighborhood anchor -- the staff rarely turn over. In addition to the staff, my fellow patrons are welcoming to the point they will make you feel like an old friend.
I go to Francesca's for all kind of reasons that include:
1- I do not feel like cooking.
2- I want my parents to meet my new boyfriend.
3- It is my birthday!
4- My parents are in town.
5- Girls night.
6- Dinner before a 5am night of dancing.
This is classic American-Italian fare. I recommend ordering the following: the calamari and/or the asparagus salad to start, and the pollo arrostro alla romano.
Regular tip: order the pollo breast alla romano, this version is a bit more tender. When my momma is in town, she typically orders a pasta special, so be sure to consider the nightly menu specials. There are also regular weekly specials with my favorites being the live jazz on Tuesdays and the half-price wine on Thursday nights.
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
aliveOne
Cozy music bar
aliveOne in Lincoln Park offers rock vibes, local music, a cozy atmosphere, pool, comfy couches, and the perfect spot to unwind or dance the night away.
by
Sophie
Amado
Side Street Saloon
Dive bar with pizza
Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
by
Sophie
Amado
KOVAL Distillery
Craft distillery
KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
by
Sophie
Amado
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
Bar Roma
Authentic Roman cuisine
"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
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
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 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:
