Campione’s Taste of Chicago - Mt Juliet — Restaurant in Mount Juliet

Authentic Chicago flavor? More like a masterclass in missing the point.

We dined in and ordered Mama Debbie’s Italian Beef (kissed) with fries, a Chicago Dog, and a Maxwell St. Polish. The “kissed” beef was flavorless and lukewarm — I’ve had more seasoning from hospital food. The fries were hard enough to chip a tooth, and the “kiss” clearly didn’t bless that beef with any flavor.

The Maxwell Polish? A total identity crisis. It came with a pickle spear as a topping, which no true Chicagoan would ever do. It should’ve had grilled onions, yellow mustard, and maybe sport peppers — not a deli garnish sitting on top like an afterthought. Even the Chicago Dog showed up cold, which is pretty ironic considering the owner’s constant bragging about authenticity.

Speaking of the owner — based on how he replies to reviewers, I’m sure he’ll jump in here to tell me I’m wrong, not “really from Chicago,” or that I don’t understand “how Italians talk.” Here’s the thing: authentic food doesn’t need a lecture or a family tree to defend it — it speaks for itself.

And for all the talk about “real Chicago pizza,” maybe focus on serving a hot dog that’s actually hot before telling the world how many toppings you won’t allow on a pizza. Limiting toppings isn’t tradition — it’s just an excuse.

In short: The only thing authentic here is the...

This Is Constructed Criticism

I order in house to take out the wait was long 40 min for some pasta and two meatballs that tasted like it was soaking in water minimal sauce. Cold and the packing leaked through the bag and bottomed out.

The employees could be heard arguing from the kitchen. ( very unprofessional )

I live 8 tenth of a mile to be exact from the location so no reason it should have been cold.

Stop soaking your past in water…

Add more sauce….

Improve your packaging….

Get your staff in check….

I’m Italian and I would not call this authentic not that your pitching that just saying I guess I expected more, this also was our first order and your newly opened so I will try you again in the future to see if there is any improvement.

It’s call...

When I walked into this amazing place, I fell into 1 million tears, you see, it was a year and 13 days ago , that my husband went to heaven. He was born and raised in the Chicago area. And I left Illinois, two months and three days after he passed. So just seeing certain things on the menu reminded me so much of my beloved. I got many hugs from the staff, the love I felt was unmeasurable. I don’t know what their names were, but they know who they are. I will be going back there many many more times it’ll be a new favorite spot of mine. By the way, the Chicago dogs and the Italian beef are to die for. Every bite was a wonderful reminder of my Tommy and had my taste buds, jumping for joy.Thank you so much for making me feel at home and for...