Just carious, whats with all the Italian Social clubs all along Harlem ave? Are they mobed up in any way what so ever? About 7 months ago I walked into one thinking it was a little restaurant, as soon as I entered I knew right away it was not a restaurant, there was about 20 guys in there. They all looked like they just came off the set of Sopranos. I took one step in and paused and was like holy shit, and I then immediately did a about face and got the hell outa there.

Where was this?

Was it a bakery?

next store to Riveria

Yep. I know exactly where you're taking about

Most of the major Outfit guys will avoid social clubs today aside from the 26th Street guys who still hang out in the neighborhood...Riveria attracts a lot of old Italian guys who sit outside and while they may dress or act the part, they aren't the part. I'm sure a few are bookies or whatnot, but you won't find Jimmy I or any of the major figures hanging there.

As recently as 2007 before the Boomerang Club closed on Grand Avenue you could see Christy Spina's motorcycle parked out front and knew he was taking meetings there. Now they use his restaurants.

I know where the one next to the Riviera is, but what other clubs are you talking about on Harlem...in Elmwood or Chicago itself?

Laramie bakery and deli. Haven't been there in years, not what I'd call a mob hangout Did paisans hang out there, sure. So I fit in.

What about the one in Stone Park, Casa Italia? Although I doubt many of them were like the one the Hook had on the south side.

The Hook's is still there, a stone's throw from his mansion

There used to be one on Lake Street in Melrose Park. I'm not sure if that's still there

Any idea where it was close to? I would assume Melrose has at least a few left.

There's still a ton of social clubs in Chicagoland. Probably more than any other city. Don't think there's even many in NYC anymore.

I just googled it and its called FLowers of Italy. I remember it being in a sea of Mexican stores and restaurants. That place and Scudiero's were lingering reminders of old Melrose Park

@ EricKumerow "What about the one in Stone Park, Casa Italia? Although I doubt many of them were like the one the Hook had on the south side." I don't Think that place is mobbed up at all or even really considered a social club. I belong to the Italian American War Veterans post 1 out of Berwyn and we have used Casa Italia in Stone Park for are monthly meetings.

Dago, check your pm (red flashing envelope near the top of your screen)

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