Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder by Natalie Tuckerman
Thinking about visiting Chicago soon? Well if so, you have to stop by the famous pizza restaurant, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. Not only is the pizza just different, but it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you have to try. The restaurant is located at 2121 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL.
A little history on the restaurant is that it was founded in 1972, and they are most known for their “pizza pot pies.” Crazy enough, prior to the restaurant being started, just across the street is the location of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This was the murder of seven rival gang members of Al Capone. Although the building burned down in 1971, it was rebuilt by Albert Beaver, a local attorney, and this is when he created the pizza pot pie! The restaurant has kept and still continues to use the same recipe since 1972.
By now you are probably wondering what this “pizza pot pie” is. Well, its entirely made from scratch with a triple raised Sicilian bread, baked upside down, then brought to the table and flipped over right in front of the customer. It almost gives the customer a dairy queen blizzard effectThe pizza pot pie consists of plum tomato sauce, made from Boston Butts, button mushrooms, and cheese within. The pizza must not be altered (unless choosing the vegetarian option), however it can come in a half-pound size, or a one-pound for the pizza lovers.
A local of Chicago says that, “Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company is to die for… it’s a Chicago staple, everytime I bring someone into town I have to bring them here. The small atmosphere gives it a home type feel and the pizza is excellent no matter how many times I go there, It is definitely a must try for anyone visiting the Windy City.”
Next time you’re in Chicago, make sure you visit this restaurant! It is very underground and a great way to experience Chicago outside of the popular tourist attractions.
A little history on the restaurant is that it was founded in 1972, and they are most known for their “pizza pot pies.” Crazy enough, prior to the restaurant being started, just across the street is the location of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This was the murder of seven rival gang members of Al Capone. Although the building burned down in 1971, it was rebuilt by Albert Beaver, a local attorney, and this is when he created the pizza pot pie! The restaurant has kept and still continues to use the same recipe since 1972.
By now you are probably wondering what this “pizza pot pie” is. Well, its entirely made from scratch with a triple raised Sicilian bread, baked upside down, then brought to the table and flipped over right in front of the customer. It almost gives the customer a dairy queen blizzard effectThe pizza pot pie consists of plum tomato sauce, made from Boston Butts, button mushrooms, and cheese within. The pizza must not be altered (unless choosing the vegetarian option), however it can come in a half-pound size, or a one-pound for the pizza lovers.
A local of Chicago says that, “Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company is to die for… it’s a Chicago staple, everytime I bring someone into town I have to bring them here. The small atmosphere gives it a home type feel and the pizza is excellent no matter how many times I go there, It is definitely a must try for anyone visiting the Windy City.”
Next time you’re in Chicago, make sure you visit this restaurant! It is very underground and a great way to experience Chicago outside of the popular tourist attractions.