RESTAURANT REVIEW – Frasca Pizzeria And Wine Bar

Located at 3356 North Paulina in Lakeview, Frasca recently celebrated 10 years in the neighborhood. According to the owner, Josh Rutherford, “We designed the Frasca as a gathering place… the community has truly endeared itself to us.”

Frasca is a warm and inviting location. One of my favorites is the impressive farmer’s table menu which includes charcuterie and delicious bruschetta. They are best known for their brick oven pizzas which are thin crust and made from market-fresh toppings. Don’t stop at the wines though. Their Italian fare is delicious. For the brunch set, the menu still has the pizzas and a wide range of Italian breakfast favorites. Being a family-friendly location, there are kids menus for all meals and a special kids brunch menu. The wine menu is pretty extensive and the staff knows their wine. For those who are not into wine, the beer menu is also quite delicious. The average cost per person without spirits is $11-30.

They have a semi-private area for small parties, which is available during any time the restaurant is open. During the summer months, the inviting outdoor seating gives you a sense of being at a local café anywhere in the world.

Frasca is open Mon through Thursday from 4:30-10:00pm, Friday from 4:30-11:00pm, Saturday from 10:00am-11:00pm, and Sunday from 10:00am-9:00 pm. Be sure to call ahead on holiday weekends to make sure they are not closed. And since it is located right off the Paulina Brown Line stop, there’s no reason not to head to this local gem.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO