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Little Italy

Little Italy is within the Near West Side community area. The neighborhood used to be a large area in the 19th and 20th century but is now a small fraction of what it was once. It blankets 12 blocks on Taylor Street and the nearby area and is known for its family restaurants, tempting aromas of deep dish pizza and unique neighborhood groceries.

The area adds a suitable dash of gritty urbanism and multicultural vibe while providing authentic Italian cuisine. Famous restaurants include names such as Rosebud, Pompei and Francesca's. At The Rosebud (312-942-1117), at 500 W Taylor St., hearty pasta dishes have become local legends. Expect to pay $30 for a formal meal in a comfortable setting for lunch or dinner. Or you can enjoy traditional wood oven pizza at the Tuscany (312-829-1990) where Bill Clinton and Al Gore have also enjoyed dining.

To see more of the Italian-American culture, you may want to go over to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the nearby Joe DiMaggio Plaza. In summer, the slushy lemonades at the traditional Mario's Italian Lemonade get more refreshing. Al's No. 1 Italian Beef, Conte di Savoia Italian grocer and deli, Scafuri's bakery are also some of the local favorites.

Two famous landmarks of this area include Catholic churches of Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and Holy Guardian Angel founded by Mother Cabrini. Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (312-413-5353) located at University of Illinois at Chicago, honors Jane Addams and her work in Chicago, and her influence on civil rights and women's suffrage in 1880s.

On the south side of the city, there is a community of Northern Italian immigrants on 24th and Oakley called Heart of Italy. This neighborhood hosts the annual Festa Pasta Vino, the largest Italian food and wine festival that is a must-attend affair.

The most popular hotels in the neighborhood are the Hotel Blake, the Hotel Allegro Chicago and the Best Western Grant Park.