Valley Inn in Palos Hills Serves Up Good Food, Drink and Friendly Faces

Whether you're looking for an affordable lunch that doesn't taste like frugal food, or weekend dinner specials or a late-night drink, can accommodate.

Nestled in a residential area on 107^th Street just a few blocks west of Roberts Road in Palos Hills, the Valley Inn is a true neighborhood bar and grill—an increasingly rare thing in the suburbs.

The Ristucci family has run the establishment since 1973, but taverns of some sort have been housed in the building since 1938.

Although the family has done a number of remodels, including adding a patio and an expanded dining area, it is still recognizable for what it is. The dim lighting, billiard green walls and brass rails above the wooden bar create the cozy ambiance and add to the feel of the neighborhood joint where everybody knows your name.

When Frank and Faye Ristucci purchased the bar in 1973, it served only liquid refreshments, but they quickly added a lunch menu to take advantage of the residential setting.

“Then dinner came, and the menu—after 38 years—has had just about everything on it,” said Dennis Ristucci, son of Frank and Faye, and the current proprietor.

Dennis Ristucci said his father died about two years ago and was involved in the business right up to the end.

“Oh, he stayed very involved,” Ristucci laughed. “I mean that in the best way, too. He was my buddy.”

Ristucci said his mother has stayed involved in the restaurant and stops by when she can, often with many a friendly face at the bar.

“There are a lot of people here that have known (Faye) for years,” said Becky Ristucci, Dennis' wife. “They come in a lot to say hi to her on the days they know she is here.”

The restaurant’s extensive menu is focused mostly on Italian cuisine, with some American fare and pizzas as well. Ristucci said daily lunch specials are too numerous to list, and they change often. But he is most proud of the dinner specials—more than 10—they offer on the weekends.

Food is served until 9 p.m. during the week, 10 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday, with the bar open later.

“The 8 p.m. close on Sunday is from (Frank). Younger kids worked in the dining area and he wanted them to be home with their families at a decent time on Sundays,” Becky said.

Faye added that many of the younger staffers still pick up a shift here and there to this day.

“I met Dennis because my brother worked here and I used to come in to eat,” Becky said. “He was 15, working in the dining area then. He is in his 30s now, but he still fills in behind the bar every now and then when we need someone.”

She said there are a lot repeat employees, in addition to repeat customers.

“It's not uncommon—someone wants to pick up a few extra bucks with some part-time work, they'll come back here and ask. They know the door is always open,” Faye said.

The door is open late on Friday and Saturday as the Valley Inn is one of the few bars in the area open until 4 a.m. on the weekends.

The bar also offers karaoke every Saturday night, as well as occasional live music. In the dining room, there’s a kids menu, and the Valley Inn also does funeral lunches and birthday dinners.

Dennis Ristucci said the place is one of the first bars in the area to offer a halftime buffet during Bears games—a growing trend in the past couple of years.

“We've been doing it for as long as I can remember, and it's not just pizza. It's everything and always changes—roast beef, mostaccioli, you name it,” he said.

So, regardless of the occasion or time of day, drop by the Valley Inn in Palos Hills to have some grub, suds and plenty of conversation.