Entering Trivoli Tavern is like stepping into a cocktail scene from Mad Men—all moody lighting, rich red tones, and those fabulous fringed table lamps that make you feel like you should be sipping an Old Fashioned while exchanging witty banter. The vibe is vintage, the music is classic, and the menu is filled with elevated comfort food that makes you want to settle in for the long haul.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve visited Trivoli more times than I can count—cocktails, happy hours, full-blown feasts—you name it, I’ve done it here. And for good reason. Their Spicy Orecchiette has the perfect kick, and the Whole Branzino is a showstopper. But this particular visit was a late lunch/brunch situation on a frigid Chicago day with my friend, Cynthia. We started with a Sparkling Brut Rosé, because bubbles make everything better, and worked our way through Avocado Toast and a crispy, golden Fried Chicken that was pure comfort on a plate, and plenty left over for three more meals at home!

But today, we need to talk about the real star of the show: Pigs in a Blanket—aka, the bite-sized wonders that make me temporarily abandon my “no mystery meat” rule.

A Love Letter to Trivoli’s Pigs in a Blanket

Let’s be real: sausages can be a bit of a culinary enigma. I usually like to know exactly what I’m eating, and anything that falls into the “assorted meats” category makes me pause. But when these little beauties arrive at the table, all bets are off.

Picture this: slightly sweet Vienna pork sausage, snugly wrapped in a buttery, golden puff pastry that’s basically a croissant in disguise. The pastry is flaky perfection—shattering slightly as you bite in, leaving just enough on your fingers to make you consider licking them (no judgment here). But the real magic happens when you dip one into the grainy mustard—a tangy, slightly spicy contrast that cuts through the richness and brings everything together. It’s the kind of bite that makes you do a little happy dance in your seat.

I have ordered these every single time I’ve been to Trivoli, and without fail, they taste better with each visit. I’ve also introduced many friends to their deliciousness, watching their skepticism dissolve into pure bliss after the first bite. If you’re looking for the ultimate #FabDishFriday, this is it. And. worthy of note is that these are not actually bite-sized, they are huge and can standalone as a full meal.

But Where Did Pigs in a Blanket Actually Come From?

Now, let’s take a brief detour into food history, because curiosity got the best of me. I grew up in England, where these were simply called sausage rolls—a staple at every buffet, birthday party, and holiday gathering. So naturally, I assumed the Brits invented them. Turns out, I was mostly right. According to the great and all-knowing Google, the concept of sausage wrapped in pastry originated in Britain, only to be adopted by the U.S. and given the slightly more whimsical name of Pigs in a Blanket.

Did I fact-check this extensively? No. Am I choosing to believe it because it supports my narrative? Absolutely.

The Verdict

At $15.99, Trivoli’s Pigs in a Blanket are worth every penny. Whether you’re here for cocktails, brunch, or just an excuse to eat something buttery and delicious, these need to be on your table. Order them. Dip generously. Enjoy.