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 an in depth relative of deep dish — which is the fashion of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s truly extra frequent to come across “tavern fashion” pizzerias within the area. These pizzerias serve skinny crust, bar pies which are sometimes reduce 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 straight 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 protecting tabs). Outdated Model beer posters and decorations are ample and a jukebox from the mid twentieth century is positioned by the doorway.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 reduce 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 by.
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 varieties — a cheese pie and a sausage pie. Every is accessible 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 a daily cheese pie. It was crispy and engaging and onerous 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 shocking 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 take a look at 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 value it to go huge. Worst case situation, 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 each day beginning at 11AM (midday on Sundays), which is conducive to lingering over a beer and soccer recreation. Whilst you’re there, take a look at a number of the previous household photographs that adorn the eating room wall. There isn’t a lot else of word within the neighborhood proper across the restaurant, but it surely’s value 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 an in depth relative of deep dish — which is the fashion of pizza mostly related to Chicago — it’s truly extra frequent 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 facet of nostalgia.