Ciao! Cafe & Wine Lounge 

939 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

312 850 2426

https://cafeciaochicagowinebar.weebly.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/cafeciaochicago 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ChAVr2maxMSUTS89A 

Ciao! Cafe & Wine Lounge

If you're craving a blend of cozy ambiance, live music, curated wine list and indulgent Italian comfort food in Chicago, Ciao! Cafe & Wine Lounge at 939 W Madison St in the West Loop is your destination. A woman-run local gem for over 15 years, it’s the type of place you’ll want to linger in—glass of wine in hand—as guests share stories and the music plays softly in the background.

🥂 The Vibe & Atmosphere - Walk in and you’ll feel it: warm lighting, intimate table arrangements, vintage vinyl spinning on an old-school record player. The ambiance is relaxed, friendly, and perfect whether you’re planning a laid‑back date night or a chilled evening catching up with friends. On weekends, local musicians add a cozy, soulful soundtrack—jazz, bossa nova, acoustic … it all depends on who's playing .

🍽️ What to Eat

• Meatballs: Classic Italian-meets-homestyle deliciousness. Hearty beef and pork meatballs are bathed in a bright, savory homemade marinara that feels like you’re sampling Nonna’s cooking. Each bite is full of rich tomato flavor, fragrant herbs, and cozy comfort.

•  Rigatoni Ala Rigo: One of the cafe's signature pasta dishes. The rigatoni is perfectly al dente, tossed with spicy local Italian sausage and bathed in a luscious tomato cream sauce. Savor every bite—the slight kick from the sausage cuts through the creamy sauce for a harmony of flavors .

• Angel Hair ala Fresco: A celebration of freshness. Delicate angel hair noodles are artfully tossed with vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, garlic, and marinara. Bright, vibrant, and filled with garden-fresh flavor—it’s like a trip to spring on a plate.

🍷 What to Drink - Ciao! offers a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring both South American and European wines that pair beautifully with simple, fresh pasta dishes. Whether you go bold or light, there’s a vino to complement each dish—especially those creamy, sausage-rich pastas.

🎶 Why It Stands Out

• It’s neighborhood‑focused, cozy, and distinctly local—without the tourist vibe.

• Live music on weekends gives it a warm, intimate lounge feel that elevates your evening .

• The rustic Italian menu uses fresh, quality ingredients, emphasizing vibrant, simple flavors rather than heavy elaboration.

• Affordability and intimacy: Pasta dishes are hearty yet wallet-friendly—ideal for a casual dinner that feels special .

💡 Insider Tips

• Dinner only; closed Sundays. Monday–Thursday, open from 4 pm (till 9 pm), with late-night hours on Friday and Saturday.

• Live music typically happens Friday and Saturday nights. Call ahead to check who’s playing.

• Ideal for small groups—snuggle tone seating on cozy couches or tables—perfect for date night or a quiet meet-up.
  
  

🌟 Final Take - Ciao! Cafe & Wine Lounge is a hidden treasure in Chicago’s West Loop. It combines delicious, honest Italian pasta dishes—like their meatballs, Rigatoni Ala Rigo, and Angel Hair ala Fresco—with a warm, community-centered atmosphere and lively local music. If you want a relaxed evening that feels thoughtfully crafted, this charming locale should be your next destination. Don’t just dine—immerse yourself in the Ciao! experience.

Swing by after 4 pm on a weeknight or for late-night on the weekend. Order your pasta, pick out a glass of wine, and soak in the warm vibes and music—there’s no place quite like it in Chicago.