A Nod To Traverso's, Barraco's Keeps 'Old School Vibes' At Orland Spot

ORLAND PARK, IL — Fans of a well-known Italian and pizza restaurant with South Side roots will have another south suburban spot to grab a square piece of its popular thin crust. The setting might look a bit familiar, too, as the owners of the beloved spot in the Orland Park restaurant scene kept a bit of what made the location special.

Barraco's has opened its second Orland Park location and its eighth overall, in the space formerly known as Traverso's, 15601 S. Harlem Ave. In making the space their own, the Barraco family paid homage to the shuttered business. Traverso's closed in December 2021 after nearly 50 years in operation.

"We kept the old-school, Traverso’s aesthetic," said Vince Barraco, "and we added some of the Barraco touch."

Customers can expect brick archways and tile with a cobblestone feel throughout, with stained-glass accents. Renovated bathrooms and new seating have been added. An outdoor dining area is nearly complete, featuring a granite bar and TVs, Barraco said. Customers might also occasionally recognize a familiar face—the Barraco family has remained close with John Traverso, "just a great guy" who has offered to sing for customers whenever he's invited, Barraco said.

"We’re very excited," Barraco told Patch. "We’ve got a lot of support through Orland Park, the customers, the Village itself.

"We’re just ecstatic."

The business announced its opening this week via social media.

"Barraco's 156 now open," the business shared on Facebook Tuesday, June 13. "Our family can't wait to serve yours."

The restaurant is the second location in Orland Park for the family business, which has restaurants in Evergreen Park, Crestwood, Mt. Greenwood, Chicago, and Beverly. Barraco's has been in business in Chicago and the south suburbs since 1980, according to their website.

Fans celebrated the opening, some saying, "love seeing the Barraco's legend continue!" Others said they have been anxiously waiting for this.

Their pizza's reputation precedes them, Barraco said.

"Light, thin and crispy," he said, of the restaurant's thin crust. "That’s what we’re known for."

Nearly 90 percent of the restaurant's sales are the thin crust creation, cut into characteristic squares.

The restaurant also offers a full menu including Italian dishes, pastas, steak, chicken, pork, burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.

The new Orland Park location offers dine-in, carryout, delivery, a sports bar, banquet and event space. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. An official ribbon cutting is set for Monday, June 26, at 4 p.m.