Chicago is known for many things – the Chicago Cubs are their now famous World Series win, deep-dish pizza and the eighth-tallest building in the world, the Sears Tower (now known as Willis Tower). It also has a long history with some of the most notorious gangsters in the world – Al Capone, Bugs Moran, Frank McErlane, and Giacomo “Big Jim” Colosimo, just to name a few.

The era of prohibition is gone and the mob hits documented in the Chicago history books, but if you’re fascinated with these thugs, there are several restaurants still open so you can dine where they did.

Green Door Tavern: If a door of a restaurant was painted green during prohibition it meant that it was a speakeasy (a place where you could find alcohol). This restaurant, established in 1921, is said to have had many guest racketeers visit who drank and dined together. Even their website says “unsavory characters welcome.” Enjoy a ‘bootlegger burger,’ mad with American cheese, apple-wood smoked bacon, an over easy egg and whiskey ketchup or a mouth-watering fried Nutella sandwich. The weekend brunch is a great opportunity to enjoy some good eats and a morning cocktail. http://greendoorchicago.com

Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder Co.: Located on Clark Street in Chicago, this restaurant sits across from where the notorious “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place on February 14, 1929. It is also said that the building served as a ‘lookout post for hoodlum henchmen of the Valentine gunners.’ While you dine and think about its history, make sure you try their famous Pizza Pot Pie or their oven grinder, an Italian loaf stuffed with select Italian meats, cheeses, peppers, etc. basted with freshly seasoned garlic oil. Note: they only take cash here. http://chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com/

Fox’s Restaurant: Tom Fox Sr. once shared his story about how Al Capone’s sister made one of his restaurants happen. It is said that a deli was owned by now-deceased Mafalda Capone Maritote, and they would sometimes swap takeout orders with Maritote. When they wanted out, but Fox wasn’t sure that he could handle all that business, she said, “Don’t worry, I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse.’” Well Fox has thrived since then and this Irish American restaurant, with several locations around Chicago, is a must-visit and a must-taste. http://www.foxsrestaurant.com

If you’re looking for a more interactive dining experience, check out Tommy Guns Garage, a show that combines great food with a flashback to the prohibition era. http://www.tommygunsgarage.com/

Jody’s Travel Inc