The Chicago Traveler

In 1959, Joe Aurelio Jr. opened a small, four-table restaurant in Homewood, IL. However, despite several expansions, growing into a business seating over 150 people, loyal customers would still form lines around the block, all waiting for some of that delicious Aurelio's Pizza. In an effort to accommodate more of his patrons, Joe purchased a nearby 12,000-square-foot (1115-square-meter) warehouse to relocate his business in 1977. But even with the world's largest pizzeria of the time, people still lined up and waited as long as necessary just for a taste of Aurelio's cuisine. Now, there are 43 locations in six states throughout the country.

To this day, southsiders will tell you that Aurelio's has the best pizza. Period. And the fact that the flagship restaurant in Homewood, IL is always packed with happy customers is evidence supporting this ongoing debate. From 2 to 92, people of all ages sit at the red-and-white-checkered tables and order up thin-crust pizzas of all sizes and ingredients, which range from your basic sausage and pepperoni to the untraditional hot peppers or chicken with Alfredo sauce. Many regulars swear by the 'Super Six-sausage, cheese, green peppers, ham, pepperoni, and mushrooms. And while it is often overlooked, Mama Aurelio's stuffed pizza is just as scrumptious as its thin-crust counterpart.

Oh sure, they have Italian beefs, meatball sandwiches, subs, salads, and pasta, but seriously' who goes to a pizzeria for anything but the 'pie-

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Navin75

Aurelio's Pizza ($): 18162 Harwood Ave (Homewood); 708-798-8050
Sun: 2:00 p.m. ' 9:00 p.m.
Mon ' Thurs: 11:30 a.m. ' 9:30 p.m.
Fri: 11:30 a.m. ' 10:30 p.m.
Sat: 4:00 p.m. ' 10:30 p.m.
Free parking lot
http://www.aureliospizza.com/