Valley Inn in Palos Hills Serves Up Good Food, Drink and Friendly Faces

Housed in a quaint building with plenty of history, the Ristucci family's restaurant and bar offers a true neighborhood experience.

Whether you're looking for an affordable lunch that doesn't taste like frugal food, or weekend dinner specials or a late-night drink, the Valley Inn can accommodate. Nestled in a residential area on 107th Street just a few blocks west of Roberts Road in Palos Hills, the Valley Inn is a true neighborhood bar and grill—an increasingly rare thing in the suburbs. The Ristucci family has run the establishment since 1973, but taverns of some sort have been housed in the building since 1938. Although the family has done a number of remodels, including adding a patio and an expanded dining area, it is still recognizable for what it is. The dim lighting, billiard green walls and brass rails above the wooden bar create the cozy ambiance and add to …

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The Roving Restaurant Reviewer

Palos Home to Great 'Date Night' Eatery

Good Food: Capri is family friendly, too, with an old-fashioned flair and generous portions.

Don't let the strip mall location fool you. Step into Capri, and you'll find a warm, welcoming restaurant that ranks among my top choices for Italian dining in the Southland. It's not hip or trendy. It's family friendly and the décor is a bit old-fashioned, but it's certainly romantic enough for a date night. Impetuous fools that we are, my wife and I rarely make reservations when we dine out. On the half-dozen Saturday nights we've visited Capri, we've had to wait from 40 minutes to an hour for for a table. But when we're lucky enough to find a seat in the smallish bar area, we're happy to wait. A huge glass of house wine for a nifty $5.50 makes waiting a pleasure. Generous portions at very reasonable prices begin with the wine and extend…

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