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Peanut Park Trattoria
Master Critic Review
Peanut Park Trattoria
8.3
From the Coalfire and Tempesta Market team, this Little Italy trattoria earned Chicago Magazine's Top Restaurants nod with its celebration of Italian classics and handmade pastas. The massive 24-ounce bistecca rivals Chicago's best steakhouses, while the fagioli with gigante beans in garlic-tomato pork broth is Chef Tony Fiasche's personal favorite.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Chicken Parmesan, Fagioli with Gigante Beans
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Taylor Street institution from Coalfire team with Chicago Magazine recognition
Who should go: Those seeking authentic Little Italy with modern execution
When to visit: Rooftop dining in warm weather; Bears game days for specials
What to order: Orecchiette with sausage, bistecca, tiramisu
Insider tip: Named after a historic local park where neighborhood kids played
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taylor Street, generally easier than most Little Italy spots. Nearby UIC campus garage available on weekends. Reviewers note 'easy parking' relative to the neighborhood.
Dress code: Smart casual - the vibe is 'casual yet chic.' Jeans work fine, but the handsome room with green leather banquettes and reclaimed wood floors rewards a little effort.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - main dining room can get loud during peak hours (some reviewers note conversation challenges). Request rooftop for quieter experience.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation. Book via OpenTable; they save bar seats for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically - lunch service Wed-Sun only, starts 11:45am weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Brussels sprouts, multiple pizza options (fungi is popular), house salads, and pasta dishes can be modified. Not a dedicated section but solid options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options with modifications. Staff accommodating but this is a meat-forward Italian menu with Tempesta Market salumi influence.
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - staff knowledgeable about allergens and can customize dishes. No dedicated GF pasta, but they'll work with you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. Reviewers consistently cite it as 'perfect for date nights' - the intimate room with Vespa wall art, cozy banquettes, and espresso martinis (their bestseller) set the mood. Request rooftop in warm weather for extra romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but plan accordingly. They save seats at the bar for walk-ins, and early weeknight dinners (4-5:30pm Tuesday-Thursday) are your best bet. Weekend dinner without a reservation means a 30-45 minute wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Tolerable but not ideal. No children's menu. Pizza and simple pastas work for older kids who can handle a dimly-lit grown-up atmosphere. Better suited for date night than family dinner - try the neighborhood's red-sauce classics for that vibe.
Best For
Better for: Modern Italian execution without stuffiness - fills the gap between old-school Taylor Street red-sauce joints and pricey fine dining. The Coalfire/Tempesta pedigree means superior ingredient sourcing (housemade 'nduja, Tempesta salumi) with neighborhood hospitality.
Skip if: You want heaping family-style portions at value prices. Some reviewers note smaller, refined portions - this isn't the place for bottomless pasta bowls. Also skip if you need a quiet conversation; main room gets lively.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 9pm