BombaWHAT? or Yeah, I'll Eat All of the Menu Please

"Old Chicago". It's something that tourists always ask about. Especially when it comes to food. I'm starting to think Old Chicago may be just really good stuff that's more that 15 years old and is a little dirty.  I think most of the places people suggest though are totally tourist traps or are a caricature of a former self. Don't get me wrong, many restaurants with that Chicago feel are great, but if you want a real gem, you should really go see Joe and Claudette at J&C Bombacigno's. (558 W. Van Buren) before this place ever goes out of business.  Bombacigno's is just around the corner from Lou Mitchell's (which really falls into the tourist trap-old chicago category). I had the pleasure of working nearby for a few years between Manny's Deli and J&Cs. It is a miracle that I still have arteries that function.  I would not recommend going from one location to the other in one day . . . or one week . . well, maybe one week.

J&C is absolutely mouth wateringly delicious and the menu is huge, but since it's written on the chalkboard behind the counter it makes it feel a bit easier to make a decision. It is the kind of place you go to and get all over your shirt. You will be smiling and wanting more. "Oh, did I order the right thing? Oh no. What about the beef, should I haven gotten that?!" Relax! You can go to this place more than once. Especially if you work in the loop. Now, I would probably recommend you go off times. It does get a bit crowded. There is first floor seating. You can hover over someone while your partner gets the order going. Just breath on them and make them feel incredibly uncomfortable until they get the picture. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I bump into you? My bad." 

There is also seating on the second floor. You are essentially taken your life into your hands walking up those stairs, but they've lasted this long soooooo. . . The decor is, dusty. There are a bunch of chachcas on the wall behind a bar that is not used anymore. The service can be slow, but the food is worth it. 

What I get: 

Ok, so there's like 25 things on the menu. I'm not sure anything is really a bad order so it will depend on your mood and how likely the people you are with are willing to share. My wife gets a little tight at this place so I ask her to grab some napkins or something while I steel from her basket. A few things for sure to order though. Someone in your group should honestly get a caesar salad. I know, that's not typical for me to say. In fact, I would never say that anywhere else. And additionally, I'm pretty sure I'm actually allergic to lettuce. But, the caesar salad comes with these big slices of parm cheese, a fresh piece of bread and butter (nothing special there), the famous cold noodle salad, and some fantastic dressing. I end up dipping the bread in the dressing and making inappropriate faces. That pasta can really be eaten on its own but I love how they make put it on the salad. I mean, how awesome is that!? It makes you forget about the lettuce. Angel hair with romano, basil, garlic and olive oil.
If you've heard of this place, you will already know about the cottage fries. Thick cut fries that will make you feel like you should be on a diet. I love it when they stick together.  How many can I shove in my mouth at one time you ask? A lot probably. I will end up dipping those as well because I can't help myself. Oh, those are good. 

Main dishes. The meatball sub is insane. The bread really is perfect. I think that's a key component to any of these types of places. I don't want to cut up the roof of my mouth on your bread! Why do restaurants think that's a good thing. I don't get it!  No, this bread is soft and easy to eat.  I sound like a Jewish grandmother; "Can you cook those carrots a little longer? They aren't quite disintegrated yet".  The eggplant sammy is also amazing. In general, anything with a sauce will make your knees shake. Don't wear a bib, but also don't be surprised if you spluge sauce all over yourself. You will inevitably have a "how'd that get there" moment.  The beef is also a must and if you're a sausage person you can get the whole Chicago combo thing, which may actually be tasty but in theory is gross.  I can't believe a place like this exists and people still go to subway. Seriously! Do you really think you're eating healthy at subway!? Ugh. No excuse people. Subway needs to go away. That smell is killing me. 

What She Gets:

I already told you. She gets the caesar salad! She does this purely to have an excuse to get the cottage fries. Classic lunch approach.

What They Get:

They don't. My kids never come down here. We don't live near the loop and it's not open late. Lunch place for sure. I'm sure if you brought your kids here though, they'd love it. I wouldn't be writing about it if that wasn't true. 

Wrapping up, you MUST go here. I honestly don't know how long it will last and if Joe and Claudette are passing this place down to there son or what. Order more than you think you will eat. If you don't, you may not taste it all and who knows when you'll get back!!!! I like the meatball, the caesar, the eggplant and the fries. And don't forget the pasta salad. But that's just me. Get whatever you want. That's just my usual. 

The unassuming entry.

What is that junk? I don't know, but it does add some character.

I know. It's a salad, but look closely.

Meatball and Cottage Fries. Don't touch my fries. Yes, I'll have some of yours though.

The Meatball. I am showing one sandwich here for safety. I could eat 3 of these easy.

A small line is always there. Do not be deterred. In this picture I'm getting uncomfortably
close to that couple chowing down in the foreground in order to eventually force them to turn over their seats.