Ventrella's Caffe
3.8
- Neighborhood: Ravenswood
- 4947 N. Damen Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60625
- 773-506-0708
Simple but fresh is the motto at this Italian-American cafe where you can get housemade, small-batch gelato in addition to imported Italian coffee and heartier fare like panini – four choices rotate in every day – and housemade soups. Plus, you no longer need to go to the West side for Italian foodstuff; Ventrella's brings in goods like pastries and breads from authentic Italian grocers.
Inside the 1920s building you'll find the original tin roof and wood floors, refurbished by owner James Ventrella before opening in early July 2006, plus a vintage Italian cooler and furniture from the '30s and '40s, like the old-fashioned pastry counter. Extra-friendly service and a great atmosphere make this the perfect place to hold a party or relax and enjoy a light meal (finished with an scoop of the irresistible gelato, of course.)
Inside the 1920s building you'll find the original tin roof and wood floors, refurbished by owner James Ventrella before opening in early July 2006, plus a vintage Italian cooler and furniture from the '30s and '40s, like the old-fashioned pastry counter. Extra-friendly service and a great atmosphere make this the perfect place to hold a party or relax and enjoy a light meal (finished with an scoop of the irresistible gelato, of course.)
Getting There
- Parking:
- Free Lot and Street. Free Lot: behind restaurant.
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: Damen bus. Brown Line Train: Damen stop, 4 blocks away.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 10 a.m.-8 p.m., daily (summer hours)
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary and Italian
- Meals Served:
- Dessert, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $ (Under $9)
- Smoking:
- No
- Restaurant Style:
- Snack Shop
- Audience:
- Families
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Live Music:
- Yes. Occasionally
- Features:
- No catering.
- Facilities:
- Private Party and Banquet Facilities. Can have private event in the cafe, call for details.
- Worth Noting:
- New on the scene.
- Specialties:
- Housemade gelato, biscotti, soup and panini; Italian coffee (Lavazza) and pastries.
- Payment Methods:
- Mastercard and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- No. In the works.
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- For 22
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"This place is the epitome..."
By Tess from Chicago, il, August 26, 2007
This place is the epitome of bad service! Talk about a poor attitude among staff! I ordered a "grande" latte and the owner snapped, "this is not s...
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"I am pretty much in..."
By Bowmangirl from Chicago, IL, August 20, 2007
I am pretty much in love with this place. Their small menu is fantastic. Everything is incredibly fresh and tasty. The whole place is a throw-ba...
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"Extremely disappointing. The first..."
By Kathryn from Chicago, IL, August 12, 2007
Extremely disappointing. The first time I went there, I ordered an espresso. The owner had opened the shop late and had just turned on the espress...
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