SEPTEMBER 1, 2009 -- Every Mike Ditka-worshiping Chicagoan loves Da Bulls and Da Bears. And according to Bob Wolff, they also go nutty over Da Beef—Italian beef, that is. Wolff says his new East Village restaurant, Wolffy’s Place, will provide an absolutely authentic taste of the Second City.
“Ribs, hot dogs—the Italian beef—this is soul food for people who are from Chicago,” says Wolff. “These are staples for Chicago—the way Mexican food is a staple here. An Italian beef hot dog is almost like a religion.”
Wolffy’s Place is at the downtown corner of Ninth and Market, just blocks from where Wolff just bought a condo unit. His Chicago eatery had a soft opening just over a week ago, and he’s waiting…and waiting… and waiting…for the city to issue him liquor license before doing a grand opening.
Staffed by fedora-wearing servers dressed all in black, the restaurant offers Chicago-style wings, deep dish pizzas and Wolffy’s original hot dog tacos. The meat falls off the bone of the hickory-smoked barbecued ribs.
Wolff, who spends a great deal of time in his restaurant, offers a money-back guarantee on the ribs. “If you eat one rib and don’t like it, I will give you your money back,” he says. “I’ll know if you’re not telling the truth—because you’ll already be eating the second rib.”