This Vault In Illinois Holds One Of The World's Most Closely-Guarded Secrets
By Linze Rice|Published March 07, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Over 30 years ago it was revealed that Al Capone’s secret vault in Chicago, Illinois was shockingly empty. The world-famous mobster took many secrets to his grave — apparently a trend that his followers also adhered to. But did you know there is another secret vault in Chicago, one that travelers can actually view and interact with (while also grabbing a bite to eat at a historic city building)? It’s true, and its secrets are beginning to spill.
Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, 33 W. Kinzie St., is a historic building in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, just north of Downtown.
The restaurant is named after beloved Chicago icon Harry Caray, who was an announcer for both the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs baseball teams during his storied career.
Nitti served as the acting boss of the Chicago Outfit gang until he died in 1943. And although he was still worth millions, that money was never found.
A look at the Harry Caray's building from the 1930s shows what it looked like when Nitti was living and conducting business there. While the area around it has changed drastically, 33 W. Kenzie St., is a piece of living history.
But after Harry Caray's moved into the building in 1987, all sorts of interesting secrets began to surface — like a heavy-duty safe. Though it had no money in it, customers sometimes leave a few dollars behind for the next person to find.
Then, in 1998, an electrician realized there was something behind a wall he was working on. It was soon discovered that a series of panels and doors led to an 85-foot room with 16-foot ceilings.
Harry Caray's contacted the Chicago History Museum, which found that in old blueprints of the building there was indeed space created for a vault for Nitti.
During the Prohibition Era, many Chicago mobsters used underground tunnels and secret spaces to conduct business.
A camera through the wall discovered a wooden box that has yet to be retrieved. It's speculated — but not confirmed — that it could be part or all of the fortune Nitti left behind.
While the mystery of what's in the vault remains for one of the world's most infamous mobsters, visitors to Harry Caray's in River North can see some of Nitti's hiding places for themselves, along with historic documents, photographs, and other artifacts. The restaurant also includes Nitti's Supper Club and Speakeasy, an interactive show with musical performances and skits that recreates scenes and characters from Nitti's life. Hurry, these shows book far in advance!
Have you ever seen this incredible secret vault in Chicago, Illinois? What did you find most fascinating? Tell us in the comments! After you start planning your visit to Harry Caray’s, be sure to check out this list of other must-see attractions in Downtown Chicago — or, if you’re looking for other Midwestern mobster ties, take a look at this haunted Iowa hotel that has hosted Al Capone.
See more about Frank Nitti’s incredible secret vault below!
