Throughout a brief journey to Chicago final summer time, I reviewed a pan pizza spot on the North Facet of the town. Whereas pan pizza is a detailed relative of deep dish — which is the type of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s truly extra frequent to come across “tavern type” pizzerias within the area. These pizzerias serve skinny crust, bar pies which are usually minimize right into a grid of small squares. And there’s no place extra synonymous with the type than Vito & Nick’s (8433 South Pulaski Highway) only a brief drive from Halfway Airport. So upon arriving in Chicago for a current weekend getaway, I hopped in my rental automobile on the airport and headed instantly there.
What’s Distinctive? The ambiance at Vito & Nick’s is unparalleled. The tavern has been serving pies for greater than 100 years and has been in its present location since 1965. It doesn’t really feel like a lot has been up to date since (though there are flat display TVs behind the bar for these holding tabs). Outdated Fashion beer posters and decorations are considerable and a jukebox from the mid twentieth century is positioned by the doorway. Whereas the restaurant was at perhaps 25% capability on a Friday afternoon, I can solely think about the vitality at prime meal instances. Tavern type pies (mine was minimize into 30 slices) are supposed to encourage prospects to linger — and order extra beer. And Vito and Nick’s looks as if the kind of spot the place regulars spend their weekend afternoons brushing up in opposition to vacationers who’re simply passing by means of.
What To Eat? The menu boats 17 appetizers, along with pastas, sandwiches, and entrees like jumbo shrimp and fried hen. However let’s be sincere — you’re right here for the pizza. There are two varieties — a cheese pie and a sausage pie. Every is obtainable as a 12 inch small or a 14 inch giant. You’ll be able to add any of 17 topping to both pie — from shrimp to egg — however I stored it easy with an everyday cheese pie. It was crispy and engaging and exhausting to cease consuming since every “slice” matches in your mouth. It’s a snacking pie. It’s not heavy. And whereas I’m not an skilled on this type of pizza, it’s not stunning that many locals think about it among the many finest. For a primer on tavern type pies (together with a number of the different names the type goes by), you may try this nice Substack from Brian Erst.
What To Know Earlier than You Go? Vito and Nick’s is money solely. And there’s no ATM on premises (I needed to drive to a liquor retailer down the street to withdraw funds). The small 12 inch pies are solely $2 cheaper than the big 14 inch pies, so it’s price it to go massive. Worst case state of affairs, you’ll have leftovers. However I feel it’s additionally completely cheap to complete a whole giant pie by your self. The restaurant is open day by day beginning at 11AM (midday on Sundays), which is conducive to lingering over a beer and soccer recreation. When you’re there, try a number of the outdated household pictures that adorn the eating room wall. There isn’t a lot else of word within the neighborhood proper across the restaurant, however it’s price taking a visit there solely to expertise this Chicago establishment.
Throughout a brief journey to Chicago final summer time, I reviewed a pan pizza spot on the North Facet of the town. Whereas pan pizza is a detailed relative of deep dish — which is the type of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s truly extra frequent to come across “tavern type” pizzerias within the …
General Expertise – 7.9
7.9
Abstract : A Chicago establishment serving skinny crust, tavern type pies with a facet of nostalgia.
