Lucca Grill

Fred and John Baldini founded Lucca Grill in 1936. They named the restaurant for their hometown, Lucca, Italy. It offered Italian-inspired cookery and was known for its oysters. After World War II, the Baldini’s installed the first pizza oven in town!

It was around that time that Fred’s sons, John and “Tot,” took over the restaurant. John Baldini became chair of the county Democratic Party. Lucca then became the unofficial party headquarters. Chicago-based politicians driving Route 66 to the state capitol would stop in for a friendly word. John had become one of Illinois’ leading “slate-makers.”

Lucca's offers thin-crust pizza, house-made sauces, and a vintage tavern atmosphere. The restaurant has much of its historic character. There are traditional tin ceilings and an antique mahogany bar. The Lucca Grill presents a family-friendly atmosphere; one that echoes the days when road trippers packed downtown streets.