Pompei on Taylor Street Has Been Feeding Little Italy for 117 Years — and It's Still Going Strong
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/University Village Little Italy ·
While the Taylor Street Little Italy Festa wraps up its final weekend, there's no better moment to celebrate the institution that has quietly outlasted nearly every chapter of this neighborhood's history: Pompei. Established in 1909 by the Davino family at 1531 W. Taylor St., Pompei has been serving Little Italy for an extraordinary 117 years — making it one of the oldest continuously operating family-founded restaurants in all of Chicago.
The fast-casual, family-friendly Italian staple is a daily anchor for neighbors, UIC students, and visitors alike, offering hearty slices, signature baked pasta, and that unmistakable old-neighborhood energy that no amount of trendy dining can replicate. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch between classes or sitting down for a full dinner after the Festa, Pompei delivers the kind of consistent, unpretentious Italian cooking that has made Taylor Street famous across generations. And with a second Pompei Bakery location on Western Avenue, the family's footprint in the community runs even deeper.
In a neighborhood that continues to evolve, Pompei is a living reminder of what Little Italy is built on: family, food, and staying power. Have you been a Pompei regular for years, or is it on your must-visit list? Share your go-to order and tag @SocialhoodChicago with #LittleItalyChicago — let's give this 117-year-old legend the flowers it deserves!
Sources:
1. https://www.pompeiusa.com/
2. https://www.facebook.com/PompeiTaylor/
3. https://www.choosechicago.com/neighborhoods/little-italy-university-village/