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DeNuccis
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
DeNuccis
8.2
This 2023 addition from Ballyhoo Hospitality brings old-school Italian-American charm to a corner spot in Lincoln Park. The kitchen delivers crowd-pleasers like chicken parm with thick-cut breading and handmade tagliatelle bolognese in a space filled with big red booths and neighborhood energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Cutlet Parmesan, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Prosciutto Arancini
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fresh take on Italian-American classics with modern hospitality
Who should go: Families, couples, and groups seeking hearty portions
When to visit: Lunch on weekends for easier seating
What to order: Garlic Knots, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Lumache Arrabiata
Insider tip: Reservations are tough—book a week ahead or arrive early for bar seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available (lifesaver for prime time). Street parking is permit-only residential—take CTA, bike, or rideshare
Dress code: Smart casual with NYC Italian vibes. Jeans fine, but the big red booths and brass fixtures invite you to dress a notch up
Noise level: Lively and bustling—high ceilings amplify the energy. Expect a spirited atmosphere, not whisper-quiet romance
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation. Bar seating may open up faster
Weekday lunch: No lunch Mon-Fri. Weekend brunch/lunch (Sat-Sun from 11:30am) is easier to score
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pasta options, salads, and sides. Staff will split plates for sharing
Vegan options: Limited—a few pastas and salads can be modified. Ask server about dairy/egg omissions
Gluten-free options: Yes—dedicated GF Sicilian-style pizza plus several pastas with GF option. Menu clearly marks allergens with 'can be omitted' notes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely—big red booths create intimacy despite the buzzy room. The 7pm-7:30pm window is peak energy where you'll feel part of the scene. Just know it's lively, not quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky. Expect 30+ minute waits on weekends. Best bet: arrive when doors open (4:30pm weekdays, 11:30am weekends) or grab bar seating and wait for a table to turn.
Is it kid-friendly? Very much so—dedicated kids' menu, family-friendly vibe, and servers who genuinely accommodate families. The meatballs are a guaranteed kid win. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Big, satisfying portions of Italian-American comfort food with professional Ballyhoo hospitality. Better patio than most competitors (~100 seats). More accessible than fine-dining Italian without sacrificing quality.
Skip if: You want authentic regional Italian over red-sauce classics, need a quiet conversation spot, or hate waiting for tables. Also skip if your group is 8+; limited large-party seating at this location.
DeNuccis
8.3
Opened in 2023 by Ballyhoo Hospitality across from Gemini, DeNuccis is a loud, vintage-inspired red-sauce spot with big booths, pizzas, and crowd-pleasing pastas. It reads as a modern neighborhood Italian-American joint where generous portions, spritzes, and an upbeat soundtrack make it a natural fit for casual date nights and double dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Vodka, Artichoke Vesuvio, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A newer, throwback-feeling Italian-American dining room where rigatoni vodka, cutlet platters, and pizzas land in a space built for lingering.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting upbeat, modern red-sauce energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend nights for full buzz or earlier weeknights for easier conversation.
What to order: Artichoke Vesuvio, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Chicken Parmigiana.
Insider tip: If the patio is open, it’s one of the easier ways to get a lively but not deafening date-night table in nice weather.
Hours
Monday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday4:30pm - 9:30pm
Friday4:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 10:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 9:30pm