Vito & Nicks is
.What are your go-to tavern spots aside from Vito & Nicks? I posted some Chicago spots earlier incase you missed it...If you're ever in the Chicago area, here's a quick guide to some of my favorite places based on Pizza type.
Lou Malnati's - Deep Dish
I grew up on Lou Malnatis but there's no bias here. The sauce, the cheese, the crust all work together to create the perfect Chicago Deep Dish Pizza.
Tip: Throw in the extra change for the Butter Crust. The Fried Calamari is also worth a try.
Pequod's - Pan Pizza
Some may argue it's Chicago Deep Dish but it's more of a Pan Style Pizza. It's like a combo of Detroit Style and Deep Dish. The Focaccia like dough is thick and airy and has a delicious Caramelized Crust.
Vito & Nick's - Chicago Tavern Style
Vito & Nick's has always been a Taven Style staple in Chicago. They started the Chicago Taven Style Pizza back in the 40's. Most Tavern Style Pizzas in the city have too thick of a doughy crust. I prefer their cracker thin crust. It looks unassuming, but it's all in the sauce & thin crust flavor with this one.
Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream - #2 Tavern Style
This is a new spot that opened up in the Bridgeport area by a group of young, layed back folks that have gained a lot of momentum due to their attention to detail and quality ingredients. They don't mess around. The Taven style is cracker thin with exceptional char.
Pizza Fried Chicken Ice Cream - Sicilian
Not too many Sicilian joints in Chicago. PFCI takes the cake regardless. The dough is perfectly airy & yet crunchy and the sauce & toppings complement that with just the right balance.
Union Squared - Detroit Style
More & more Detroit Style spots are starting to pop up around the city. This would have never been acceptable in the 80's or 90's lol. So far my top pick is Union Squared. Light, fluffy, great sauce, and the caramelized crusts hits.
Jimmy's Pizza Cafe - New York Style
More NY Pizza spots are popping up in Chicago as well. I've tried most & so far Jimmy's holds the crown. Owners are from New York and have made a name for themselves here with their NY pies. If the Foster spot is too far North, they just purchased a building in Wrigglyville but the opening date is still unknown.
Spacca Napoli - Neapolitan
I've been on a Neapolitan run for the past year. I still have a couple more places to try but Spacca Napoli is at the top of the heap. If you find yourself here your going to want to try the Pistachio Pizza. It's more of a low key choice but the flavors are life changing.
Honorable Mentions...
Home Run Inn
Napoli Per Tutti
Panino's Pizzeria
Fat Chris's Pizza and Such
Bob's Pizza
Coalfire
Piece Brewery
Giordano's is meh. Never was a fan. They put that extra layer of crust on top of the cheese like it's a lasagna. And the outer crust is way too thick. The cheese tastes okay but they use too much. No bueno.
Yes.
Double pepperoni every time. If I get the right manager on the phone he’ll do a medium dough ball for a small pizza. Extra thiccccc.they didn't skimp on the roni that's for sure!
walkingBred
solid list bro you hit some great spots for sure 
Lol Lou's def is the goat of deep, pause again. If I remember correctly we went to a Suburban location for Lou's & a downtown location for Giordano's. Giordano's can't be confused or mistaken for any other deep dish given it's enormous crust lol.
Def will let you know next time I go. Yeah I found that out too after my 2nd visit. Most out of towners define Chicago's pizza scene based off of the cities deep dish variants when infact deep dish really isn't genuine ChiTown identity. I wish I could try the sausage but I can only eat halal meat.
checks mcgee
Have you tried Epic Burger? And Bang Bang Pies on N California Ave? I rave about Bang Bang Pies. Their food is heavenly & abzolutely on another tier.
When I was there we found a halal Giordano's on yelp. But they had such horrendous reviews that we didn't even bother trying it.
to everyone on the Lou’s and yes the loyalist and au cheval are goated burger wise. Throw in the BnG burger from Bop n Grill and you have my top 3. If you want a fire *** fast burger go to Red Hot Ranch or The Region.
I've had Palermo's & Pat's. I like the cracker thin at Pat's. Still haven't tried Phil's tho. Been meaning to for a while.
As far as tavern style,
Palermo’s, Roseangela’s, Phil’s, Pat’s, Milanos, off top for that thin, crispy vibe. You can put down like 20 slices haha
I gotta try Bop N Grill.
I need them to open more carryout locations.
Come through man. Everything is open. Just mask up, get vaxxed if you aren't already. They have a vaccine mandate here if you want to sit & dine-in. Lmk I'll give you some spots. We have the best pizza & bagels aroundHaven’t been to either
I think those are more so chains
I wanna go to NYC low key just for the pizza and bagels lol
It's all in our tap water.
