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Located in Andersonville, Bar Roma serves Italian cuisine from renowned Chef Alfredo Ramos along with craft cocktails and wine in a fun, energetic space.

It takes more than exquisite cooking to make a memorable meal. We at Bar Roma believe a vibrant atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service and great company are what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience.

A welcome addition to Andersonville’s ever-evolving dining scene. Bar Roma specializes in meatballs, house made pasta and wood-fired dishes highlighting the cuisine of Rome, Italy. Our spacious bar welcomes guests for creative, Italian-focused craft cocktails and notable wines curated by local industry innovators. In addition to dinner nightly, we offer private events, and on or offsite catering.

Phone

(773) 942-7572

Location

5101 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640

Hours

Sunday: 4:00pm - 8:30pm

Tuesday through Thursday:
4:00pm - 9:00pm

Friday & Saturday:
4:00pm - 10:00pm

happy hour

Tuesday through Sunday:
4:00pm - 6:00pm

Available in the tavern area and on the patio only!
Reservations not accepted for Happy Hour.

Gift cards are now available at Bar Roma!

the team

Julia zhu

Bar Roma is the brainchild of Julia Zhu, a retired Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking Group at Citibank, who was a one-time partner at Oysy Sushi in Chicago. Born in Shanghai, China, Julia began her career in Chicago as a news anchor and reporter for Mid-American Chinese TV. Julia is known as a renaissance woman.

She is a film/TV producer, and an actress/model represented by Stewart Talent in Chicago. She was the first Asian-American to serve on the Commission on the Status of Women in Illinois, and was named as one of 100 Women Making Differences in 1999 by Today’s Chicago Woman magazine. She received the Silver Hugo Award as Executive Producer for the feature documentary “Second Spring” at the Chicago International Film Festival 2008. She served on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Public Library by the appointments of Mayors Daley and Emanuel.

It has been her dream to open a neighborhood place with good food and service, and affordable prices. People always ask her why a Chinese lady opened an Italian restaurant - the answer is simple “It’s in my DNA.” She loves telling customers about the Chinese origins of spaghetti, and how Marco Polo brought it back to Italy. As the Managing Partner of Bar Roma, she enjoys working with a team of talented people, and feels grateful that Bar Roma has been embraced by the Andersonville neighborhood since its opening day.

Chef Alfredo Ramos

Chef Partner, Alfredo Ramos graduated from the Culinary School of Kendall College with a Bachelors degree in International Culinary Arts. Ramos was a teaching assistant at Kendall in the fine dining restaurant and prepared food for wine classes taught by Master Sommelier Bob Bansberg.

He worked at Maggiano’s Little Italy and helped open its location in Schaumburg. At age 21, young talented Alfredo became the Chef de Cuisine at highly acclaimed Printer’s Row Restaurant in Chicago. Executive Chef and owner Michael Foley was a great mentor to Alfredo, and sent Alfredo to France, Napa Valley, N.Y. and Boston to explore new great restaurants. While at Printer’s Row, Alfredo competed twice in the Bocuse d’Or World Culinary Competition. Ramos was nominated a top 10 sous chef in the nation by Bertolli Olive Oil. After Printer’s Row, Alfredo was the Executive Chef at Chicago restaurants Union League Club, Gioco, Room 21, Angelina's Ristorante and Labriola.

In 2016, Chef Ramos helped open Bar Roma in Andersonville with owners Julia Zhu and Howard Davis. It was an instant success named as a “Must Try” Italian restaurant in Chicago by Zagat. His menu specializes in house-made pastas, a variety of meatballs, and other Roman inspired dishes. Chef Ramos showcases unique and elevated seasonal menus throughout the year at Bar Roma.

Manager Jorge Vargas

Jorge Vargas, a Chicago native from Roger's Park, began his journey in hospitality at Nicholas Senn High School. A motivating teacher encouraged him to join Gallery 37, a prestigious art program focusing on culinary arts. Jorge committed to the three year training that included a professional chef and CPS culinary instructor. He thrived, experiencing a variety of foods and cultures from around the world. Eager to learn more, Jorge accepted his first job at JB Deli in Andersonville.

While enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University, Jorge worked in a variety of restaurant roles, from prepping and dishwashing to serving and managing. He also interned at a non-profit as a health education coordinator which led to a full-time position at the Core Center. Jorge graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Justice and Women and Gender Studies.

After many years in health care, Jorge chose to further develop his skills in hospitality. He spent six years at The Bristol, returned to JB Deli and then began his management role at Bar Roma. Jorge currently resides in West Ridge with his two cats, Fennel and Melissa. He is currently completing his Master's degree in Healthcare Administration.

Catering menu

Private Events

PRIVATE DINING/BUYOUTS

Bar Roma can accommodate up to 120 guests for private seated events, with the choice of family-style dining or buffet. Both the main dining room and the tavern will be available for your special occasion. We have hosted many events, from bridal showers to birthday parties, and we are happy to tailor our venue to best suit your needs.

Available Tuesday - Sunday
Seats 100-120. Also available for Brunch Service.

SEMI-PRIVATE DINING

We can comfortably accommodate up to 45 guests in a semi-private area in the main dining room (with regular dining service also in place). Bar Roma's forum area, set in the back section of our tavern, provides an intimate and warm dining experience for up to 16 guests.

Available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
Seats 30-45 (main dining room); Seats 12-16 (forum). Also available for Brunch Service.