Bar Lupo

Chicago
Italian Restaurant
$$$$

PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Bar Lupo is a modern pub in River North with a punk rock Italian aesthetic. The neighborhood hangout features Italian-American fare, rock music, and art on display from local and Italian artists. The vintage furniture in the lounge is mismatched, and the walls are adorned by murals and light installations reminiscent of Roman street art. The menu is abbreviated and innovative, with a focus on house-made pastas and breads. Other signatures include potatoes Bolognese (think Italian poutine), stuffed crispy meatballs, and chicken parm (served “on the plate or between the buns”). The beverage list features 50 wine labels, eight local and Italian bees, and classic and contemporary cocktails with an Italian bent -- start your meal with a Negroni and finish with the Caffe Corretto, an espresso-and-shot service with your choice of spirit (though everyone knows espresso is best served with a amaro… when in Rome).

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