The Norwood neighborhood of Chicago, just off I-90 about 12 miles west of the Loop, has become a Little Italy of sorts; I’ve counted around two dozen Italian-centric restaurants, delis, bakeries, markets. Once every couple months I make a run down there and hit two or three of my favorite establishments.
Last Saturday was no exception, I hit Sicilia Bakery for a New Orleans style muffuletta sandwich, some fresh bread and imported cheese, over to Rex Italian Foods, for sausage, meatballs, more cheese, before ending up at Dino’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant. Dino’s has a very extensive menu featuring all of your Italian favorites appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. I’ve only had the pizza and not been back since the “before times.”
So I was delighted to stop in and grab a 16″ thin crust sausage, green olives, and double cheese thin crust pizza, square cut, which we call “tavern style” in Chicago and it’s far more popular than deep dish. About the latter? Some people call that “tourist pizza.” Maybe so.
For my money (and I’m the only vote that matters here) nobody makes a finer tavern style pie in Chicago than Dino’s. Crispy crust on the outside, chewy as you move inland. Their hand-pulled sausage is just superb in taste, texture, and size. Sauce is flavorful but not overpowering. Cheese is the perfect amount and melt-factor.
If I’m on my own, it’ll take me 2-3 days to work through a 16″ pie. In my “salad days” (what?) I could have polished one-off in a single sitting.
The restaurant has a few large seating areas, offers party / event catering and delivery. Six days a week there are specials, listed here, ncluding some AYCE deals.
I’d sure like to hit some of those, but they’d rue the day I sat down for any of them!
Dino’s is just five miles east of O’Hare if you’re stuck with a long layover or are on your way downtown.
In the meantime, here’s your “objet d’ drool.”
Dinos Pizza and Italian Restaurant Chicago Review
Dinos Pizza and Italian Restaurant Chicago Review