a food junkie's restaurant reviews

Chicago, IL: Piece | September 18, 2009

I bet you’ve heard all the hype about Chicago being famous for its pizza.  From Georgio’s to Lou Malnati’s to any other deep dish establishment out there that is supposedly “Chicago’s best!”  Now, I’m not much of a deep dish pizza fan.  I have tried Lou Malnati’s three times and all three times the pizza has been too cheesy and watery…is your pizza supposed to drip liquid?

Because I’ve been missing NY so much, my friend thought it’d be a good idea to introduce me to a pizza establishment called Piece.  Opened by a New Haven, CT guy (close enough to NY), this guy’s pizza is absolutely delicious.  Thin crusted, right out of the hot oven, melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  I normally swing for the plain pizza which consists of an abundant amount of garlic cooked together with olive oil and parmesan cheese in a red tomato sauce…hold the mozzarella cheese, please.  But you can choose a traditional red base or a white base and top it with anything from clams to mashed potatoes to standard tomatoes.  The portions are HUGE (no joke, it’s quite the sight to see)…the medium portion can feed 2-3 people and put them all in a food coma.  In addition to the pizza, this place also offers wacky desserts like chocolate pizza, one of THE best guacamole combinations, and a wide selection of beers (some of which they brew in house).

Price is about average – $14 for a medium pizza but look to increase that with additional toppings.  Guacamole and chips is a bit pricey at $8 but so worth it after you taste the seasoned chunks of avocado melting in your mouth.

You can find, what I think, is the best pizza place in Chicago in Wicker Park (1927 W. North Ave).  After you put yourself in a semi food coma, you can explore the boutique stores of Wicker Park and maybe grab another beer at the local beer.  This place will always have a “piece” of my heart.

piecechicago.com