Gino's East Pizzeria

This was my first trip to Chicago, and presented with the multitude of Chicago food, I wanted to try deep dish pizza, specifically Gino's East for the sole reason they went there on the Amazing Race (only my favorite tv show ever).

Being Sunday afternoon, we weren't sure what the wait-time would be, but we were able to get seated right away, even though the restaurant was busy. My sister and I ordered the Gino's Supreme: a sausage patty in the bottom, with green peppers, onions, and mushrooms. And, if you are unfamiliar with Chicago-style pizza, the layers are different: toppings and cheese beneath the sauce. It took 45 minutes to bake, so take note, plan enough time, but it was well worth the wait. The cheese was gooey and stringy, just how I like it, and the sauce was sweet. The ingredients of our pizza was a great combination. The best part of it was the crust -- it was almost like cornbread. Being a good 2-2 1/2 inches thick, Chicago pizza definitely requires a fork, if not a knife. (Unless you like making a mess and/or wearing your dinner). My one recommendation: come hungry!!

30 years ago, my Dad had been a regular at the Original Gino’s East, a legendary pizzeria, popular with local Chicagoans and celebrities since its opening in 1966. As my Dad was back in town, we decided to head to Gino’s East so he could remember “the good ol’ days”.

 

Since its opening, the restaurant seems to have expanded and moved to several different locations, however the principle seems to have stayed the same: good, hearty, tasty deep dish pizzas with as much topping as anyone could desire.

 

I went for the Gino’s East Supreme (Italian sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomato) and was amazed by how tasty it was. It was nothing like a pizza I have ever had before. The crust is made out of a ‘secret’ recipe which makes it light and crispy, yet quite thick, and the topping • well that was just in abundance! It was fabulous • each slice weighed about a pound each and after my first slice I was struggling. My Dad managed only 2 • and he can eat A LOT! We ended up taking some back with us and gave the box to a homeless guy • hope he enjoyed it!

 

As for the interior of the restaurant, it is painted black, and is covered in graffiti • over the walls, seats, tables • people are really encouraged to leave a message, or thought. I had to giggle at a few.

 

Overall, I would give this restaurant a 4/5. Make sure you’re starving before you go • and then only order a small!