Throughout a brief journey to Chicago final summer season, I reviewed a pan pizza spot on the North Aspect of town. Whereas pan pizza is a detailed relative of deep dish — which is the fashion of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s truly extra widespread to come across “tavern fashion” pizzerias within the area. These pizzerias serve skinny crust, bar pies which can be usually lower right into a grid of small squares. And there’s no place extra synonymous with the fashion than Vito & Nick’s (8433 South Pulaski Street) only a brief drive from Halfway Airport. So upon arriving in Chicago for a latest 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 screen TVs behind the bar for these conserving tabs). Previous Type beer posters and decorations are plentiful and a jukebox from the mid twentieth century is situated by the doorway. Whereas the restaurant was at possibly 25% capability on a Friday afternoon, I can solely think about the power at prime meal occasions. Tavern fashion pies (mine was lower into 30 slices) are supposed to encourage clients to linger — and order extra beer. And Vito and Nick’s looks like the kind of spot the place regulars spend their weekend afternoons brushing up in opposition to vacationers who’re simply passing via.
What To Eat? The menu boats 17 appetizers, along with pastas, sandwiches, and entrees like jumbo shrimp and fried rooster. However let’s be sincere — you’re right here for the pizza. There are two sorts — a cheese pie and a sausage pie. Every is accessible as a 12 inch small or a 14 inch giant. You may add any of 17 topping to both pie — from shrimp to egg — however I saved it easy with a daily cheese pie. It was crispy and engaging and exhausting to cease consuming since every “slice” suits in your mouth. It’s a snacking pie. It’s not heavy. And whereas I’m not an knowledgeable on this fashion of pizza, it’s not stunning that many locals think about it among the many finest. For a primer on tavern fashion pies (together with a few of the different names the fashion 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 massive 14 inch pies, so it’s price it to go massive. Worst case situation, you’ll have leftovers. However I believe it’s additionally completely cheap to complete a complete giant pie by your self. The restaurant is open each day beginning at 11AM (midday on Sundays), which is conducive to lingering over a beer and soccer recreation. When you’re there, try a few of the outdated household photographs that adorn the eating room wall. There isn’t a lot else of observe 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 season, I reviewed a pan pizza spot on the North Aspect of town. Whereas pan pizza is a detailed relative of deep dish — which is the fashion of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s truly extra widespread to come across “tavern fashion” pizzerias within the …
Total Expertise – 7.9
7.9
Abstract : A Chicago establishment serving skinny crust, tavern fashion pies with a aspect of nostalgia.
