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Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery

701 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
$
Italian

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Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery 8.4
Bridgeport
Fabulous Freddies is a counter-service Italian-American spot in Bridgeport known for Italian beef, massive sandwiches, pizza slices, and Italian ice at budget-friendly prices. Sox fans, families, and neighborhood regulars pack the picnic tables for quick, filling meals before and after games.
Must-Try Dishes: Italian Beef Sandwich, Breaded Steak Sandwich, Homemade Italian Ice
Scores:
Value: 8.8 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume Italian beef and sandwich counter with big portions and low prices.
Who should go: Fans and families wanting fast, filling Italian-American comfort food.
When to visit: Before weekday Sox games or early evenings to avoid longest lines.
What to order: Italian beef with hot peppers, breaded steak sandwich, Italian ice.
Insider tip: Split a king-size sandwich and add extra giardiniera on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally available but can be tight before and after Sox games. No valet.
Dress code: Very casual β€” jerseys, tees, and game-day attire are common.
Noise level: Lively and bustling during peak hours; conversation is easy at off-times but can be loud on game days.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes at peak, longer on home game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; brief lines during school and work lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable β€” cheese pizza, salads, and a few meatless sandwiches/sides.
Vegan options: Very limited β€” Italian ice is the most reliable option; most mains include dairy or breaded items.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or pasta; a few salads and non-breaded items may work but there is cross-contact risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, no-frills meal β€” it’s counter-service, fast, and lively rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes β€” it’s first-come, first-served picnic-table seating. Expect to share tables or wait briefly during rushes and game days.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes β€” casual seating, big portions, and familiar comfort foods make it easy for kids and teens. Best earlier in the evening before game-day surges.
Best For
Better for: Big portions, budget pricing, and fast counter-service Italian beef and sandwiches compared with sit-down Italian restaurants.
Skip if: You want a quiet, date-night setting, table service, or extensive vegetarian/healthy options.
Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery 8.3
Bridgeport
Fabulous Freddies runs an all-day Bridgeport counter where Italian beef, thin-crust slices, and Lasagna & Meatballs come out fast and generously portioned. High-volume reviews praise it as a go-to for affordable red-sauce plates and sandwiches before or after neighborhood errands or games.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna & Meatballs, Italian Beef Sandwich with Hot Giardiniera, Thin-Crust Sausage Pizza
Scores:
Value: 9 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume counter spot where lasagna plates share space with Italian beef.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals wanting fast, filling Italian-American comfort.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner to avoid heavy drive-thru traffic.
What to order: Lasagna & Meatballs, Italian beef, thin-crust sausage slice.
Insider tip: Check the daily board or socials for rotating pasta and lasagna specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot plus nearby street parking; drive-thru can back up during peaks
Dress code: Casual β€” jerseys, hoodies, and everyday wear are common
Noise level: Moderate β€” counter-service bustle but conversation is still manageable
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on drive-thru and pickup rush
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, occasional short line during school and work lunch hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options β€” cheese pizza, salads, and occasional meatless pasta specials
Vegan options: Very limited β€” most items include cheese or dairy
Gluten-free options: Limited β€” no dedicated gluten-free pasta or bread, but salads are workable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than a first date β€” it’s counter-service, fast, and focused on hearty portions over ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes β€” seating is first-come, first-served and turns over quickly; many guests order takeout or drive-thru.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes β€” family-friendly with roomy booths, kid-appealing pasta and pizza, and quick service; best for ages 5+ during meal hours.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling red-sauce plates and Italian beef at budget pricing with fast turnaround and neighborhood convenience
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down restaurant with full table service, craft cocktails, or a quieter, date-night atmosphere