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.

Although our family loves to try different restaurants when visiting Chicago, it’s nice to have a reliable “go-to” pizza place to pop into after a long day of shopping or touring.  We went through a Giordano’s phase before being put off somewhat by the constant hordes of tourists.  We also dined regularly for a while at InField’s at the old Marshall Field’s but I think quality has declined since the Macy’s takeover.  Fortunately, I think we may have found a new favorite pizza joint in the form of Pizano’s in the Loop.

Atmosphere-wise, Pizano’s is a cleaner-than-average bar.  Typical Chicago/sports bar memorabilia lines the walls, and the lights are dim.  There are three different places to sit: upstairs restaurant, downstairs restaurant, and upstairs bar.  Upstairs is where the action is at, with downstairs having more of a banquet room feel.  I see little difference between sitting in the restaurant versus the bar as both have table service and a similar atmosphere. 

Every meal at Pizano’s starts off with typical crusty Italian bread and butter.  I imagine they would bring olive oil if asked.  It sometimes comes out warm and is very tasty.

Pizano’s has pastas, sandwiches, and pizza with some miscellaneous items thrown in. I have ordered the homemade gnocchi on both visits, the first time with pesto and pine nuts and the second with marinara sauce.  I prefer the latter type of sauce on gnocchi because the dumplings tend to be so heavy.  These are indeed heavy, but tasty.  My only gripe is that the $14.00 portion is large enough to serve a family of six.  Next time I’m going to try and ask for a half order as I hate to waste food.

There are several different types of pizzas to choose from at Pizano’s, but my family swears by the thin-crust variety.  Even this takes thirty minutes to prepare so order right away if you’re starving.  The sauce is delicious, but I believe the cheese blend really sets these pies apart from their competitors.  Pizza prices range from $11.00 to more than $25.00 depending on size and toppings.  Toppings are pretty standard and include pepperoni, sausage, onion, green pepper, and tomatoes. 

Finally, this is sort of random, but Pizano’s has some of the best fountain soda I’ve ever tried.  It could be because they serve it in huge glasses but I always find myself gulping down gallons when I’m there!  Don’t worry – the beer’s good too.

Although the Loop location is most convenient for us, there are actually three Pizano’s locations.  Head here to find one that’s convenient for you.

Stop 50 is practically legendary among foodies, drawing pizza pilgrims from Northwest Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and the Chicagoland area.  This upscale, family-owned pizza joint serves Naples style pizza, appetizers, and desserts, practically all of which are prepared in its giant wood-fired oven.  Dress appropriately, because the oven really heats up the place! 

I was so busy eating that I neglected to snag any photos of the restaurant itself, but you can see them on the website.  Bring your Garmin, because this itty-bitty restaurant is kind of in the middle of nowhere.  Despite this, the place is always packed, although – little known fact – they do take reservations.  If you call en route, you can usually avoid a ridiculous wait. 

We have visited Stop 50 twice, both times starting out with this “Firecracker” appetizer.  The bowl contains goat cheese mixed with a spicy tomato sauce.  It is pretty spicy, although not unbearable, and surprisingly addictive.  Other appetizer options include roasted vegetables and baked breadsticks.  There are also a couple of salads which we tried the first time around but skipped this trip to save room for PIZZA.

Stop 50’s menu consists primarily of pizzas, which range in price between $12.00 and $15.00.  All the old standbys are there, along with at least one more unusual seasonal special.  This month I believe it is some type of a pear pizza.  Because this is thin crust, I recommend ordering two pizzas for every three people in your group.  If you’re a couple, just get two and take the leftovers home.

Pictured above from left to right:

1) Prosciutto with pistachios, mozzarella, and rosemary: Yum!  This one had just the right combination of seasoning and the ham was delicious. 

2) Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, and basil): Yum!  Simple and delicious.  The tomato sauce was SO good and the pie was loaded with delicious cheese. 

3) Vegetable with mushrooms, red onion, green pepper, zucchini, tomato, mozzarella, and basil:  Not really my thing.  We ordered this one for a health-conscious member of our group, and she liked it.

DO save room for dessert, particularly the “S’mores” prepared in the wood-fired oven.  As you can see, ours was so tasty I couldn’t even get to it to a picture before it was half gone!  I recommend requesting extra marshmallows to sop up all the gooey chocolate. 

Stop 50 is not an inexpensive pizza restaurant, but it is also not a bad deal particularly for a larger group willing to do lots of sharing.  Our meal for four, with wine, was just under $100.00 before tip.