Built in 1933, a Downtown residence was turned into quirky Italian restaurant in 1975 and has been serving up home-cooked specialties ever since. Chicago Joe's is now celebrating 40 years in business and the achievement will be recognized by the City of Las Vegas and Mayor Carolyn Goodman at their June 17 City Council meeting.
Open for lunch and dinner, Joe's rare longevity included a stint as a favorite among the mob connected. Its central location still attracts a steady stream of neighboring lawyers and legal staff into the compact space lit by year round Christmas decorations and dressed up with lace curtains and red checkered tablecloths.
Italian classics on the menu include stuffed artichokes, baked clams, pasta with snails and eggplant parmigiana and the popular "Chicken Angelo with Pasta," sautéed with artichokes, butter and mushrooms. Second-generation owner Joe Collura bases many of the 40-year favorites on his grandmother's family recipes.