Tavern Fashion Pies On Chicago’s South Facet

Throughout a brief journey to Chicago final summer season, I reviewed a pan pizza spot on the North Facet of the town. Whereas pan pizza is a detailed 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 usually 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 immediately 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 conserving tabs). Previous Fashion beer posters and decorations are plentiful 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 instances. 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 as if the kind of spot the place regulars spend their weekend afternoons brushing up towards vacationers who’re simply passing by way of.

What To Eat? The menu boats 17 appetizers, along with pastas, sandwiches, and entrees like jumbo shrimp and fried rooster. However let’s be trustworthy — you’re right here for the pizza. There are two sorts — a cheese pie and a sausage pie. Every is on the market 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 an everyday cheese pie. It was crispy and attractive and arduous 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 skilled on this fashion of pizza, it’s not stunning that many locals contemplate it among the many greatest. For a primer on tavern fashion pies (together with a few of the different names the fashion goes by), you may 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 street to withdraw funds). The small 12 inch pies are solely $2 cheaper than the big 14 inch pies, so it’s value it to go massive. Worst case situation, you’ll have leftovers. However I feel it’s additionally completely affordable to complete a whole giant 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. Whilst you’re there, take a look at a few of the previous household pictures that adorn the eating room wall. There isn’t a lot else of word within the neighborhood proper across the restaurant, nevertheless it’s value taking a visit there solely to expertise this Chicago establishment.