"A night at Chicago Joe’s feels like you’ve been tasked with visiting your significant other’s grandparents for the holidays. The homey Italian spot resides in a brick bungalow that looks air-dropped straight from Cicero. Christmas lights and wreaths line the main dining area (a.k.a the old living room) and Billie Holiday plays quietly in the background. It’s cozy, subdued, and not a spot for big groups hoping to get liquored up. Instead, take your date here—preferably one who appreciates checkerboard cloths, old creaky furniture, and solid red sauce classics like meat lasagna that arrives at a table in a sizzling skillet." - brant cox