Eating in the rain seems impractical, but the idea is more than possible at Trattoria Peppino. A vast awning, sprawled over a spacious outdoor patio, sets the stage for what this Elmwood Park Italian eatery has to offer.
The restaurant decor screams nothing interesting, but the Peppino name is all that's really necessary, anyway. "Our reputation alone will bring you around," says Joe Rocco, who's owned the restaurant for 15 of its 20 years in business. "I got a couple who comes in every weekend from Bucktown just to eat," says server Theresa Mairson. Perhaps it's the spot's simple concept that attracts repeat customers: moderate prices in a casual family setting.
For a true Peppino experience, start off with the Peppino Puffs: shredded zucchini mixed with an assortment of cheeses cooked into a puffy ball that tastes somewhat like cheese bread. Afterward, flip through the menu and run through miles and miles of pasta options. Pasta is the Peppino specialty and every dish is affordable, ranging from $6.50-$12.99. Rocco's favorite is the Baby Shell Besciamella: mini shells in a homemade red cream cheese sauce (Mairson goes for the fusilli with sausage). If pasta is not your thing, the restaurant also specializes in sandwiches, all appropriately named after historically famous Italians.
Come in for take-out or place your order at the counter and eat inside between noon and 4 p.m.. Full service begins at 5 p.m. Trattoria Peppino also caters and hosts banquets.
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
