The infamous Al Capone, a name synonymous with organized crime and the Prohibition era in the United States. As the notorious leader of the Chicago Outfit, Capone’s influence extended far beyond the city’s underworld, with his presence felt in many of its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Al Capone’s culinary exploits, exploring the eateries he frequented and the stories behind them.
A Taste of the High Life
During the 1920s and early 1930s, Al Capone was at the height of his power, and his love of fine dining was well-documented. He was known to indulge in the city’s most upscale restaurants, often with his associates and friends in tow. One of his favorite haunts was the Metropole Hotel’s dining room, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. This luxurious establishment offered an exquisite menu, complete with dishes such as oysters Rockefeller, filet mignon, and roasted duck.
Capone’s affinity for the Metropole was more than just about the food; it was also a symbol of his status and influence. He would often host lavish parties and meetings in the hotel’s opulent suites, entertaining guests with champagne toasts and live music. The Metropole’s proximity to City Hall and the Chicago Police Department headquarters also made it a convenient spot for Capone to conduct his, shall we say, “business.”
The Italian Connection
As an Italian-American, Al Capone had a deep appreciation for traditional Italian cuisine. One of his go-to spots was Colosimo’s Restaurant, a popular Italian eatery located in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood. This family-owned restaurant was known for its hearty pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and mouth-watering osso buco.
Colosimo’s was more than just a restaurant to Capone; it was a connection to his heritage and a place where he could relax with friends and family. The restaurant’s owner, James Colosimo, was a fellow Italian-American and a close associate of Capone’s. In fact, Colosimo’s was one of the first restaurants in Chicago to be owned by an Italian immigrant, and it quickly became a staple of the city’s Italian-American community.
A Taste of Authenticity
For a more authentic Italian experience, Capone would often visit Mama Leone’s, a small, family-owned trattoria in the city’s West Town neighborhood. This cozy restaurant was known for its homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and traditional Italian desserts like cannoli and tiramisu.
Mama Leone’s was a favorite among locals and celebrities alike, and Capone was no exception. He would often dine here with his wife, Mae, and their friends, enjoying the warm atmosphere and delicious food. The restaurant’s owner, Mama Leone herself, was a fiery Italian matriarch who would often regale her customers with stories of the old country.
The Speakeasy Scene
During the Prohibition era, Chicago’s speakeasies were the place to be for a night out on the town. These secretive bars and clubs offered a range of illicit activities, from bootlegged liquor to live music and dancing. Al Capone, being the kingpin of Chicago’s underworld, had his finger on the pulse of the speakeasy scene.
One of his favorite speakeasies was The Kit Kat Club, a swanky joint located in the city’s North Side. This club was known for its live jazz music, exotic dancers, and top-shelf liquor. Capone would often host private parties here, entertaining his associates and friends with champagne toasts and lavish feasts.
A Night to Remember
Another popular speakeasy that Capone frequented was The French 75, a sophisticated club located in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood. This club was known for its elegant decor, complete with crystal chandeliers and plush velvet sofas. The French 75 was a favorite among Chicago’s high society, and Capone would often rub shoulders with the city’s elite here.
The French 75 was also famous for its signature cocktail, the French 75, a potent mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. Capone was particularly fond of this drink, and it’s said that he would often order it by the dozen for his friends and associates.
A Hidden Gem
For a more low-key experience, Capone would often visit The Red Head, a small, unassuming speakeasy located in the city’s West Loop neighborhood. This club was known for its live music, delicious food, and extensive selection of bootlegged liquor.
The Red Head was a favorite among locals and celebrities alike, and Capone was no exception. He would often dine here with his friends and associates, enjoying the warm atmosphere and delicious food. The club’s owner, a mysterious woman known only as “The Red Head,” was a close associate of Capone’s and would often host private parties for him and his friends.
A Legacy of Fine Dining
Al Capone’s love of fine dining has left a lasting legacy in Chicago, with many of the restaurants he frequented still open today. While some have changed ownership and menus over the years, they still retain the charm and character that made them so appealing to Capone.
In conclusion, Al Capone’s culinary exploits offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America’s most infamous gangsters. From upscale restaurants to secretive speakeasies, Capone’s love of fine dining was a defining characteristic of his personality and lifestyle. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply a fan of the Prohibition era, exploring Capone’s favorite eateries is a must-do experience in Chicago.
| Restaurant | Location | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Metropole Hotel’s dining room | Downtown Chicago | Upscale American |
| Colosimo’s Restaurant | Little Italy | Italian |
| Mama Leone’s | West Town | Italian |
| The Kit Kat Club | North Side | American |
| The French 75 | Gold Coast | French |
| The Red Head | West Loop | American |
Note: The table above lists some of the restaurants and speakeasies mentioned in the article, along with their locations and cuisines.
What was Al Capone’s favorite type of cuisine?
Al Capone’s favorite type of cuisine was Italian-American. He was particularly fond of traditional Italian dishes such as pasta, pizza, and risotto. Capone’s love for Italian food was largely influenced by his Italian heritage and upbringing in a predominantly Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York.
Capone’s affinity for Italian cuisine was also reflected in his dining habits. He often frequented Italian restaurants in Chicago, where he would indulge in his favorite dishes. Some of his favorite Italian eateries in Chicago included Bella Napoli, which served traditional Neapolitan-style pizza, and Colosimo’s, a popular Italian restaurant that was owned by his friend and fellow gangster, James Colosimo.
What was the name of Al Capone’s favorite restaurant in Chicago?
Al Capone’s favorite restaurant in Chicago was the Kit Kat Club, a popular nightclub and restaurant that was located in the city’s South Loop neighborhood. The Kit Kat Club was known for its upscale atmosphere and high-quality cuisine, which included a range of American and Italian dishes.
Capone was a regular at the Kit Kat Club, where he would often dine on his favorite dishes, including steak, lobster, and pasta. He was also known to have a special table at the restaurant, which was reserved for him and his associates. The Kit Kat Club was one of Capone’s favorite haunts in Chicago, and he was often seen there, enjoying a meal or a drink with his friends and associates.
Did Al Capone have any favorite chefs or restaurateurs in Chicago?
Yes, Al Capone had a favorite chef in Chicago, whose name was Louis LaPietra. LaPietra was a well-known chef and restaurateur in Chicago, who owned and operated several restaurants in the city, including the Kit Kat Club. Capone was a big fan of LaPietra’s cooking, and he often requested special dishes from him.
LaPietra was also known to have a close relationship with Capone, who would often visit his restaurants and offer him advice on how to improve his business. In return, LaPietra would often provide Capone with special favors, such as free meals and drinks. The relationship between Capone and LaPietra was mutually beneficial, and it helped to establish LaPietra as one of the top chefs in Chicago.
What was the atmosphere like at Al Capone’s favorite restaurants?
The atmosphere at Al Capone’s favorite restaurants in Chicago was often lively and upscale. The Kit Kat Club, for example, was known for its sophisticated atmosphere, which included live music, dancing, and fine dining. The restaurant was a popular spot for Chicago’s elite, and it was often frequented by politicians, businessmen, and other high-society types.
Despite its upscale atmosphere, the Kit Kat Club was also known to be a hub for organized crime activity. Capone and his associates would often meet at the restaurant to discuss business and make deals. The restaurant’s owner, Louis LaPietra, was also known to have ties to organized crime, and he would often provide Capone and his associates with special favors and protection.
Did Al Capone ever get into any trouble at his favorite restaurants?
Yes, Al Capone did get into trouble at his favorite restaurants in Chicago. One notable incident occurred at the Kit Kat Club, where Capone got into a fight with a rival gangster. The fight started when the rival gangster, who was a member of a competing gang, began to cause trouble at the restaurant.
Capone, who was known for his short temper, quickly became involved in the altercation, and a fight ensued. The fight spilled out onto the streets, where it continued until the police arrived. Capone was eventually arrested and charged with assault, but he was later released on bail. The incident was widely reported in the press, and it helped to further cement Capone’s reputation as a notorious gangster.
Are any of Al Capone’s favorite restaurants still open today?
Unfortunately, none of Al Capone’s favorite restaurants in Chicago are still open today. The Kit Kat Club, which was one of Capone’s favorite haunts, closed its doors in the 1930s, shortly after Capone’s arrest and imprisonment. The restaurant’s owner, Louis LaPietra, also passed away in the 1930s, and the building where the restaurant was located was eventually demolished.
However, there are still several restaurants in Chicago that claim to have been favorites of Al Capone. These restaurants often feature menus and decor that are inspired by Capone’s favorite dishes and haunts. Some of these restaurants also offer tours and exhibits that showcase Capone’s history and legacy in Chicago.
Can visitors still see any of the buildings where Al Capone’s favorite restaurants were located?
Yes, visitors to Chicago can still see some of the buildings where Al Capone’s favorite restaurants were located. The building where the Kit Kat Club was located, for example, is still standing today, although it has been renovated and is now home to a different business.
Visitors can also take a guided tour of Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood, which includes several buildings and landmarks that are associated with Al Capone’s life and legacy. The tour includes stops at several of Capone’s favorite haunts, including the Kit Kat Club and other restaurants and nightclubs that he frequented. The tour provides a unique glimpse into Capone’s life and times in Chicago, and it offers a fascinating look at the city’s rich history and culture.