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 an in depth relative of deep dish — which is the fashion of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s really extra widespread to come across “tavern fashion” pizzerias within the area. These pizzerias serve skinny crust, bar pies which can be sometimes 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 quick 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 immediately there.
What’s Distinctive? The environment 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 ample 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 vitality 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 as if the kind of spot the place regulars spend their weekend afternoons brushing up towards 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 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 accessible as a 12 inch small or a 14 inch massive. 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 attractive 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 professional on this fashion of pizza, it’s not stunning that many locals contemplate it among the many finest. For a primer on tavern fashion pies (together with a number of the different names the fashion goes by), you’ll be able to 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 highway 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 large. Worst case situation, you’ll have leftovers. However I feel it’s additionally completely affordable to complete a whole massive 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 be aware within the neighborhood proper across the restaurant, but it surely’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 an in depth relative of deep dish — which is the fashion of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s really extra widespread to come across “tavern fashion” pizzerias within the …
General Expertise – 7.9
7.9
Abstract : A Chicago establishment serving skinny crust, tavern fashion pies with a facet of nostalgia.
