Honorable Mention: Gino’s East. If you enjoy reading, the walls here provide plenty of material.

10. Pizzeria Uno. The one, the only, the original. Loosen your belts now.

9. Piece. These very non-Chicago-style slices are simply delicious.

8. Home Run Inn. This old neighborhood tavern offers the #1 selling frozen pizza in the city.

7. Coalfire. Don’t worry; your pizza is supposed to come a little burnt.

6. Lou Malnati’s. If you’re going to have deep dish, you might as well get it straight from the man who invented it.

5. Giordano’s. Both the thin-crust and deep-dish are excellent at this spot just off the Magnificent Mile.

4. Pequod’s. The crispy, caramelized deep-dish crust is unforgettable.

3. Art of Pizza. Despite its humble appearance, the great deals here are not to be overlooked.

2. Vito & Nick’s. The décor may not be pretty, but the pizza looks (and tastes) darn good.

1. Aurelio’s. This huge restaurant has been full of loyal regulars for over 30 years.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

The pizzas at Coalfire are made exactly as you would think: in a real coal-burning oven reaching temperatures of over 800 degrees Fahrenheit (427° C). The high heat chars the crust and traps the moisture inside, making it moist and bendable (a la New York). Quality toppings—goat cheese, gorgonzola, fresh basil, prosciutto, calabrese salami, and tons more—are available, though the restaurant suggests a “less is more” approach. Too many toppings could result in soggy dough.

The restaurant has a limited number of tables, so be sure to arrive early for dinner as they do not accept reservations. The deep red walls are just as warm as the namesake flames, though admittedly, the décor is kept to a minimum. If you can help it, try to find a seat farthest from the oven; that hot, hot fire can make the room a little toasty.

With cooler temperatures on their way to Chicago, now may be the perfect time to put a little Coalfire in your belly.

Coalfire ($$): 1321 W Grand Ave; 312-226-COAL (2625)
Sun, Tues – Thurs: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 65
http://www.coalfirechicago.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

No, this isn’t Chicago pizza by any definition; thin and hand-padded, these ‘pies’ are made with minimal toppings. Here, the crust and sauce are the primary ingredients. Slip into a booth and order up one of the award-winning brews while waiting for your red, white, or “plain” pizza.

Down the street from Zen Noodles, red pizzas begin with traditional tomato sauce and mozzarella. Whites are brushed with olive oil, diced garlic, and mozzarella cheese. “Plain” offers a plentiful amount of red sauce along with garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. From there, add your own choice of toppings. It sounds oh-so-simple, but it’s oh-so-good.

There are plenty of appetizers and sandwiches also available, but really, it’s all about the pizza and beer here. And if that isn’t enough of a treat, Thursdays are karaoke nights and Saturdays are live band karaoke nights.

It may not be deep-dish, but I don’t mind being at Piece with myself… and with a few friends.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) PPoHIo (1, 2)

Piece ($): 1927 W North Ave; 773-772-4422
Mon – Wed: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. (Kitchen closes at 10:30 p.m.)
Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. (Kitchen closes at 11:00 p.m.)
Fri: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. (12:30 a.m.)
Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. (12:30 a.m.)
Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. (10:00 p.m.)
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 50, 56, 72 or Blue Line train (Damen)
http://www.piecechicago.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

There are 13 locations in the city and twice as many in the suburbs. Each of them look a little bit different from the rest, but you can usually expect to find red-and-white checkered tablecloths, wood-backed chairs, silver-topped red-pepper and parmesan shakers, and exposed brick. The Rush Street location (just off Michigan Avenue) has two floors and is a popular tourist destination. Admittedly though, it’s been quite a while since I’ve actually been to a Giordano’s restaurant, because I usually just order in.

A surprising rarity among pizzerias, both the thin-crust and deep-dish are excellent here. The thin crusts are cut into squares (none of that New-York triangle business) and come with plenty of cheese. The deep dishes are the heavyweight champs and take a little over a half-hour to bake. And remember, these ‘pies’ are thick and heavy, so it’s not likely you will get through more than one or two slices. Be sure to bring plenty of friends, or you’ll be taking home plenty of leftovers. Not that that’s a bad thing.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) beautifulcataya

Giordano’s ($): 730 N Rush St; 312-951-0747
Sun – Thurs: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 12 midnight
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 3, X4, 10, 26, 66, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151 or Red Line train (Chicago)
http://www.giordanos.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Here, pizza truly is an art—a masterpiece, in fact—in which every detail is enjoyed and appreciated. The canvas is your choice of crust: thin, pan, or (my recommendation) stuffed. The Art’s sauce does more than just hold your preferred ingredients in place; its seasonings actually contribute incredibly to the overall experience.

“Art’s Special” consists of sausage, onion, mushroom, and green peppers—a standard for every pizzeria—but carnivores will want to sink their fangs into the “Meaty Delight” with sausage, bacon, ground beef, pepperoni, and sliced beef. Herbivores aren’t left out though; their ‘pie’ contains mushroom, onion, green pepper, tomato, broccoli, and spinach. And for my fellow b5ers, the Southwestern has barbecue sauce, ground beef, onion, and bacon, while the Hawaiian bears pineapple, Canadian bacon, and green pepper. Or of course, you can always create your own from the over 20 toppings available.

If you don’t have time to stop and dine, you’re welcome to grab a slice on the go for under $3. There are other great specials throughout the week, including Tuesday’s Italian meatball sandwich for $2 and Thursday’s full slab barbecue rib dinner for just $10.

Just remember, the frame may not be pretty, but it can still hold a fine piece of Art of Pizza.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex, The Pizza Review

Art of Pizza ($): 3033 N Ashland Ave; 773-327-5600
Sun – Thurs: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 11, 77

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

T-shirt-and-jeans types (many of them students at nearby DePaul University) enter beneath the blue awning and enjoy a contemporary setting with exposed brick and a casual atmosphere. Your mouth will water instantly upon arrival, as the smells of delicious pizza fill the room. You can tide yourself over with appetizers like chicken wings, breaded mushrooms, and jalapeño poppers.

Pequod’s makes both thin and (thick) pan pizzas. My preference is definitely the deep dish. The pizza is baked in a parmesan-lined cast iron pan, creating a crispy can’t-get-enough caramelized crust that counters beautifully with the hot, soft, gooey cheese. And whether you get it stuffed with spinach, spicy sausage, or plenty of pepperoni, I can assure you, it will be some of the best you’ve ever had.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) R.Rasmussen

Pequod’s Pizza ($): 2207 N Clybourn Ave; 773-327-1512
Mon – Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 12 midnight
Street parking
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 74
http://www.pequodspizza.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

You’ll know this isn’t any ordinary pizza place when you see the floor-to-ceiling wine wall behind the bar. Groups of friends and romantic couples fill the striped booths and the pizza bar surrounding the wood-burning oven. The atmosphere is business-casual, so while you’ll want to don more than t-shirt and jeans, leave the neckties and high heels at home.

The menu at La Madia (just around the corner from Blue Water Grill) features about a dozen contemporary thin-crust pizzas, all paired with a suggested wine. Go simple with a classic margherita, or all out with triple pepperoni, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and white truffle oil. The dough topped with house-made fennel sausage, sweet peppers, and Vidalia onions is an impressive dish. There are a number of non-pizza options as well, including slow wood-roasted pork, butter-poached shrimp, and papardelle promodoro. And while specific wines are suggested for some entrees, you are welcome to choose from the over 200 vintages available.

In Italy, la madia is a piece of kitchen furniture, a cupboard with a covered trough on top for making bread. When your cupboards are bare, check out the upscale fare at La Madia.

Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Carlos Zaragoza

La Madia ($$): 59 W Grand Ave; 312-329-0400
Sun – Thurs: 11:15 a.m. – 11:15 p.m.
Fri – Sat: 11:15 a.m. – 12 midnight
Street parking difficult; valet available
Public trans: Bus # 29, 36, 65 or Red Line train (Grand)
http://www.dinelamadia.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

I know what you’re thinking… a strip mall? But get that doubting thought right out of your head. As soon as you walk in, you’re transported to a charming dining room filled with the smells of Italian authenticity. The small room bears only six tables (5 four-tops and 1 table for two), so be sure to call ahead and make reservations.

I have to admit, our visit did not start out well. We made a reservation for 7 p.m. but a table was not yet ready when we arrived so we waited patiently. When a table finally did become available, the staff gave it to another party… who had showed up after we did. Um… excuse me? Trying to show patience, we waited as another table was being cleared. Unfortunately, a friend of the restaurant’s family showed up, and as we were standing within earshot, one of the young waitresses suggested out loud that the host “bump somebody [on the reservations list] down” so they could give a table to their friend. Needless to say, we were a bit annoyed. A word of advice to the staff: you may want to give table preference to those customers who are actually going to pay for their meal.

Once we were seated though, the experience was incredible. We nibbled on piping hot bread dipped in cheese and olive oil until our immense plate of antipasti arrived (Genoa salami, imported mortadella, provolone cheese, fresh-cut tomatoes and cucumbers, and kalamata olives), served on a bed of iceberg lettuce with vinaigrette. It was a good thing there were three of us; we may not have finished it otherwise. At another table, I saw an appetizing platter of fresh black mussels in marinara sauce.

Entrées at our table included the tortellini panna (with imported prosciutto, mushrooms, and pecorino Romano in a light cream sauce), chicken vesuvio (half of a large chicken fried and baked with olive oil, fresh garlic, and rosemary, served with vesuvio potatoes), and a signature dish—the rigatoni boscaiola (with cream tomato sauce, fresh mushrooms and sage, and sautéed Italian sausage). The waitresses and even the owner came to check on us several times so we were never left without bread or beverage. With incredible flavors and fresh ingredients, the three of us ate as much as we could and then some, to the point where we didn’t think we’d be able to move out of our chairs.

But just when we’d had our fill, the restaurant treated our birthday girl to a good-sized piece of homemade tiramisu, complete with “Happy Birthday” spelled out on the plate in chocolate. Mom-in-law was elated. I was happy too because she shared!

With stuffed bellies, we were barely able to walk to our car. It is no wonder the restaurant has received several awards and recommendations, along with a visit from Rachel Ray as part of her Tasty Travels series.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) polomex (1, 2, 3)

La Gondola ($$): 2914 N Ashland Ave; 773-248-4433
Daily: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Free parking lot
Public trans: Bus # 9, X9, 76
http://www.lagondolachicago.com/

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Admission is free, but the food and drinks aren’t. Tickets come in strips of 11 for $7. Entrees can cost anywhere from 5-10 tickets, depending on the size of the portion. Every booth also offers a “taste portion,” a smaller serving of one of the menu items, which only requires 2-3 tickets. Personally, I try to get more of these smaller options, so my handful of tickets lasts a little longer, and then I get larger portions of my favorite foods.

While the Taste is well-known for its fried foods and people stuffing themselves with irresistible delicious dishes, the city wanted to provide visitors with plenty of healthy options also. So, new to this year, every restaurant that applied had to list at least one healthy item on their planned menu. The result? Plan on seeing items like whole wheat spinach and basil pizza from Father & Son (Booth 37), organic barbecue tofu skewers from A Natural Harvest (Booth 60), and vegan sweet potato pie from Soul Vegetarian East (Booth 2). Mind you, the judgments here were a bit lax and were taken “in context”. Hence the potato chips at Billy Goat Inn (Booth 6) are “healthy” (potatoes are a vegetable, right?) when compared with the rest of their menu: steak sandwiches and cheeseburgers. Bakeries like Eli’s Cheesecake and JR Dessert Bakery had a bit of a difficulty also, but they included sugar-free desserts or items with fresh fruit.

This year’s Taste will be healthy for the planet as well. The cooking oil used during the ten-day festival will be recycled into bio-diesel fuel. This is especially good news as gas prices continue to rise.

Finally, like every year, there are big names lined up for musical performances: Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Plain White T’s, Joss Stone, Fantasia, and Bonnie Raitt, just to name a few.

Grant Park, free concerts, and more food than you could imagine: there’s no better way to celebrate summer in Chicago.

Photo credit: Peter Fuchs (c/o Flickr), City of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago: 200 S Columbus Dr; 312-744-3315
June 27 – July 6: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Ticket sales end one half-hour before closing time.)
*July 3-4: closes at 9:30 p.m., July 6: closes at 6:00 p.m.
Pay lots available in the area
Public trans: Bus # 1, 2, 3, 4, X4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 26, X28, 29, 36, 62, 126, 127, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 151
Orange/Purple/Pink/Green/Brown Line train (Adams)
Red/Blue Line train (Monroe, Jackson)
Metra Electric Line (Van Buren)
http://www.tasteofchicago.us/
(Coolers, dogs, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.)

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

• At the Daley Plaza, the Thai Festival Chicago 2008 presents dance performances, Thai boxing demonstrations, food, fashion, and more. (June 19-20)

• Watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in the Crosstown Classic. (June 27-29)

• Beverly Arts Center dance instructor Chris Nasadowski hosts Bringin’ It from the Streets III, a showcase of amateur and professional tap, hip-hop, and modern dance troupes. (June 20)

• Tracy Morgan will be performing stand-up at the Vic Theatre in Lakeview. (June 21)

• The 13^th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Parade and Emancipation Celebration commemorates the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas. The parade runs along 79^th Street from South Chicago Avenue to Rainbow Beach Park. (June 21)

• Lincoln Park parties at Chicago Summerfest with live music, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, beer, and fine art. (June 21-22)

• The second annual Pizza Fest features an assortment of “pies,” from deep dish to thin to stuffed. There will also be live music, wine tastings, a pizza-eating contest, a “best pizza” contest, dough tossing, and a cornhole tournament. (June 21-22)

• Downtown gets their groove on too at the seventh annual River North SummerFest at Erie Park. Enjoy food from local restaurants, live music, pet activities, kids’ activities, a farmer’s market, and more. (June 22)

• The 32^nd annual Taste of Greece on LaSalle Street offers Greek food (of course), beer, wine, live music, a silent auction, raffles, and more. (June 20-22)

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) drivenbyboredom, Navin75

Post from: The Chicago Traveler