Located in Andersonville, Bar Roma serves Italian cuisine from renowned Chef Alfredo Ramos along with craft cocktails and wine in a fun, energetic space.
It takes more than exquisite cooking to make a memorable meal. We at Bar Roma believe a vibrant atmosphere in the right location, personal and attentive service and great company are what separates a delicious dinner from an unforgettable experience.
A welcome addition to Andersonville’s ever-evolving dining scene. Bar Roma specializes in meatballs, house made pasta and wood-fired dishes highlighting the cuisine of Rome, Italy. Our spacious bar welcomes guests for creative, Italian-focused craft cocktails and notable wines curated by local industry innovators. In addition to dinner nightly, we offer private events, and on or offsite catering.
Phone
(773) 942-7572
Location
5101 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Hours
Sunday: 4:00pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday through Thursday:
4:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday:
4:00pm - 10:00pm
happy hour
Tuesday through Sunday:
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Available in the tavern area and on the patio only!
Reservations not accepted for Happy Hour.
Gift cards are now available at Bar Roma!
THE TEAM
Julia zhu
Julia Zhu, founder of Bar Roma, is a former Senior Vice President in Citibank’s Commercial Banking Group and a past partner at Oysy Sushi in Chicago. Born in Shanghai, she began her U.S. career as a news anchor and reporter for Mid-American Chinese TV and has built a reputation as a true renaissance woman.
Julia is also a film and TV producer, actress, and model represented by Stewart Talent. She made history as the first Asian American appointed to the Illinois Commission on the Status of Women and was named one of Today’s Chicago Woman’s “100 Women Making a Difference.” Her documentary Second Spring earned a Silver Hugo Award at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival. She has also served on the Chicago Public Library Board, appointed by Mayors Daley and Emanuel.
As Managing Partner of Bar Roma, Julia brings her long-held vision of creating a welcoming neighborhood restaurant with great food, service, and value. She embraces the restaurant’s Italian concept with humor and pride, often sharing the cultural connection between Chinese noodles and Italian pasta, and remains grateful for the strong support from the Andersonville community.
CHEF fred ramos
Chef Partner Alfredo Ramos earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Culinary Arts from Kendall College, where he also served as a teaching assistant in the school’s fine dining restaurant and prepared cuisine for wine classes led by Master Sommelier Bob Bansberg. He began his professional career at Maggiano’s Little Italy, helping open the Schaumburg location.
At just 21, Ramos became Chef de Cuisine at the acclaimed Printer’s Row Restaurant in Chicago. Under the mentorship of Executive Chef Michael Foley, he expanded his culinary perspective through travels to France, Napa Valley, New York, and Boston, and competed twice in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition. He was also recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 sous chefs by Bertolli Olive Oil.
Ramos later served as Executive Chef at several prominent Chicago establishments, including Union League Club, Gioco, Room 21, Angelina’s Ristorante, and Labriola. In 2016, he co-opened Bar Roma in Andersonville with Julia Zhu and Howard Davis. The restaurant quickly gained acclaim as a Zagat “Must Try,” with Ramos known for his house-made pastas, signature meatballs, and elevated, seasonal Roman-inspired menus.
Andre Trejo
André (they/them), Manager at Bar Roma with eight years of hospitality experience across both front- and back-of-house operations. Beginning their career as a line cook and later advancing to kitchen manager, André developed a strong appreciation for the full journey behind every dish—from the work of farmers and producers to the coordination between kitchen and service teams.
Born and raised in Mexico City, André is bilingual and brings a people-centered approach to hospitality, grounded in the belief that food is a powerful way to connect. They have completed coursework in Kendall College’s Wine Professional Level 1 program, further strengthening their knowledge of beverage and guest experience.
André values the collaboration and attention to detail required to create seamless, memorable dining experiences. Outside of work, they enjoy spending time outdoors with their two dogs, traveling, and sharing life with their partner and chosen family.
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