I’m a little surprised that I haven’t yet blogged about the Chicago area institution that is Giordano’s. After all, it’s been around for decades and my family has been dinning there at least a few times a year since I was probably fifteen or so.
There are Giordano’s locations scattered all over the city and its suburbs. We nearly always visit the Prudential Plaza branch (directly off Michigan) but have also stopped in for a pie at the Randolph Street location and, most recently, the Oak Brook location. All the branches have a similar feel and equally delicious food, although the Oak Brook site did seem a little newer and less “authentic” than the downtown ones.
Here’s an interior shot. Giordano’s has pretty traditional “pizza joint” decor, with red and white checkered table cloths and a mixture of tables and booths.
We usually start our meal with an appetizer, which we sometimes regret by the time the pizza comes! These are the mozzarella sticks, which have an excellent texture. For a larger group we tend to order the combo platter which comes with fried mushrooms, zucchini, and mozzarella sticks. A slightly healthier alternative is the antipasto salad which comes with a variety of meats, cheeses, onions, and olives. Most appetizer items cost $7-$10 and all are very sharable.
Now, for the main event – PIZZA! There are several types available, but you want the stuffed variety. Although we often play around with toppings at other pizza places, here we usually get extra cheese and that’s it. After all, you can’t improve upon perfection. Expect to pay about $15-$30 per pie, depending on size and toppings.
Giordano’s pizzas take at least 30-40 minutes, but the end result is well worth it – ooey, gooey cheese, firm yet flaky crust, and flavorful tomato sauce topping it all off. A single piece may fill you up, but I usually try for two. DELICIOUS!!! No wonder Giardano’s is a Chicago institution!
If these pictures have somehow failed to sell you on Giordano’s, you can read my in-depth rave about the restaurant here.
