Restaurant Review: Chicago Joe's, Las Vegas

Way-away from the strip, in a little brick house on 4th Street, this locals hangout is a great change of pace from the Vegas glitz and excess. Just basic Italian food, well prepared and served in a comfy, quaint room by super-friendly staff. Garlic bread with or without cheese ("with" - thanks), spicy mussels marinara, veal and peppers, eggplant parmesan - the list goes on.

Prices are great - entrees are in the $15 area - a heck of a deal for the huge plates of traditional Italian fare. We fell in love with the linguini with clams - a great example of a simple dish that many places seem to get wrong. Perfectly cooked linguine was slick with garlicky oil and herbs and just enough white wine sauce. A generous portion of tender, pristine clams glistened from their shells. Nothing to do but just tuck in and enjoy every bite.

Go for a weekday lunch and join the throngs of local professionals with their ties slung over their shoulders in futile attempts to avoid drips from the incredible sandwiches - choose from meatball, sausage or rib eye, with "the works" of sautéed green peppers, onions and mushrooms. Delicious!

There's absolutely nothing high minded about this place - unassuming location, exterior, interior, and good old-fashioned food. This is the kind of restaurant that either appeals to you immediately, or it doesn't. You know who you are! See you there! (june 2005)

Chicago Joe's
820 S. 4th St.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
Tel: 702/382-5637
www.chicagojoesrestaurant.com