Sarno’s Restaurant & Lounge

Not fancy, but delicious breakfast. This little joint counts as a hole in the wall. No special décor, but very clean. Service is exquisite – attentive and friendly. They refill your water and keep their eyes on you to make sure you have what you need. I love their Denver omelet, loaded with ham and veggies. Although it’s just an old little holdout, I like the atmosphere. I enjoy going for breakfast most of all. The chicken parmesan sandwich was just meh. Breakfast and lunch only, M-​F. You order at the counter usually, and they bring it to you.

I will keep it short and sweet for this place. Been eating here for the past 3 yrs. Best sandwich place in town. I’ve had almost everything on their menu and never been disappointed, (except the chili) which they replaced for some awesome broccoli soup when they saw I didn’t eat it, didn’t even have to ask!!!
Friendly staff, with a little of the old school Italian feel to it. Great Quality Food, Always Consistent. As long as their open and I’m in the area I will be there. Keep it up! Keep it open!

Another one of my regular spots. I have not tried anything I did not like. Pasta, Meatloaf, Wraps, Pizza, Burgers, it’s all delicious! They even have homemade potato chips! If you are looking for the closest thing to a home cooked meal that delivers a great lunch trust me and call them!

SPECIAL DELIVERY
I didn’t actually get to see the restaurant or step foot in it. Our lunch was ordered and delivered. I only tried one food item but I would really love to try more in the future. This place has been in business for 60 years, so they must be doing something right. They also serve breakfast till 3:30pm. Now that is what I am talking about. No wonder why people say it’s the #1 breakfast joint in Cicero. Breakfast past 10am makes people happy.
I had the chicken Parmesan sandwich. It comes on French bread. The breaded chicken is dipped in a red sauce with melted cheese on top. I added hot Giardinera to the sandwich but they sent a container and didn’t actually throw it on. I kind of wish they would have just put it on, so it would have had a chance to mix & mingle in the car ride over. The sandwich was good and I would order it again.
Speaking of special deliveries the parking lot has a little gangster history. Allegedly Al Capone gunned down the Illinois States Attorney William McSwiggin on April 27, 1926. This restaurant use to be called the Pony Inn and was a speakeasy. After the murder the public was outraged but as investigators dug in deep many questions appeared. Why would the states attorney be going to a speakeasy? Why was he riding in a vehicle driven by known bootleggers? Those bootleggers were brothers Myles and «Klondike» Bill O’Donnell and they were attempting to move in on Al Capone’s territory. Probably not a wise decision.
After they parked in the lot and McSwiggin was getting out of the vehicle, a Cadillac rolled in and opened fire with machine guns. McSwiggin along with Red Duff & Jim Doherty never had a chance. The bootlegger brothers who probably were the intended targets escaped any harm and walked away alive.
Capone denied any involvement in the murders. Police later determined that Al Capone was one of the gunmen in that Cadillac. Ironically Capone had just had a meeting with McSwiggin days earlier. This was an appropriate time to say McSwiggins was «In the wrong place at the wrong time.»
I find it ironic that the IL States Attorney was named McSwiggins and he was going to drink in an illegal bar. Think about it and you will probably laugh later. Durning my next drink I’m toasting to McSwiggins.
This little joint has seen a lot over the years. Luckily the mobsters are all gone cause I wouldn’t want a side dish of death. I was really happy with my chicken Parmesan sandwich and would highly recommend it. Also keep an eye out for Cadillacs in the parking lot because you just never know. You don’t want to be part of the saying, «History repeats itself!»

This is the site of the old Pony Inn where, in the roaring twenties, States Attorney McSwiggen was shot down in the parking lot by Capone killers… anyway, this s a pretty good place to eat, inexpensive and fast… I liked it.

Great Italian Giambotta with garlic bread. Great soup with most of the meals as well. They make a good veal parmigiana, and Cajun wrap with fresh potato chips.

Wow… has it been 3 years since I’ve updated on Sarno’s? My previous review was when I was new at my job. Time flies! Sarno’s has become one of our lunchtime staples! I really enjoy their salads when I want to try to stay healthy. Their pasta is to die for (my fave? the ravioli in marinara with spinach). I really appreciate that their delivery service is always super punctual too. Plus, they have breakfast? Whhaaaat? One of my coworkers always orders a late breakfast for lunch. You have to call them, because I think they serve pretty early, but it looks closed on the outside. I asked and they said you can just call and they will answer. Great local family business! Support Sarno’s!

I love me some short order! We went here for a quick lunch after meeting with a client and they did everything well. I could not find a thing to complain about.
The service was great. everyone was very friendly and they had our food ready very quickly. They brought it out to us at our table and came to check on us to refill our sodas and to see if we needed anything. This was a great little touch.
I just ordered a two hot dog special with fries. The fries were outstanding and the hot dogs hit the spot. The prices were very reasonable also. I will be back the next time I am in the area! This place is solid.

I’ve tried most of the menu and have yet to find an item that is not tasty.
Just had the chicken ceasar salad. Yum. The croutons were so buttery and fried, the dressing was just right, and the chicken was cooked perfection.
Cheese pizza hits the spot, but the sausage, pepperoni all fill the need to.
Just wish they were open for dinner when the family was home, so we could get food from here for dinner.

i’m writing this review to avoid ordering sarno’s for lunch. why? sarno’s is right by my office, but is reserved strictly for days that i come to work hungover.
3 words: greasy but delightful. their paninis are pretty bomb, their fries are not bad, and i found only their ranch dressing to be lacking. but you will want to wash your face after you eat their food.
they have some weekly pasta/​hot dog/​burger type specials, and all the dudes that work there are friendly. plus breakfast all the time!
must. resist. ordering. now.

Just figured I’d update this – actually just confirm that I still agree with what I said a couple of years ago.
This is a old fashoned neighborhood restaurant with breakfast and lunch service. They have daily specials, and a good selection of sandwichs, pasta, pizza, salads, and stuff like that.
After you’ve been there a couple of times they know your name! Reasonable prices. Popular with cops and city workers.