Hey all you pizza-lovers! Have you experienced all that Chicago’s pizzerias have to offer? If not, the Mash has you covered.
In our latest taste test, we decided to challenge traditional pizza with funkier, more creative pies. Our curiosity led us to two Chicago pizza spots: Bacci and Ian’s.
Bacci has 18 locations all over the city, while Ian’s is located inWrigleyville. Both establishments are designed to satisfy not only your stomachs, but your wallets as well.
Bacci’s claim to pizza fame comes from its $5 jumbo slice with free pop. The relaxed atmosphere and quick service don’t hurt either.
Ian’s, on the other hand, is more about the experience — the employees are fun, while the pizza is good and affordable. If you’re up for mac ‘n’ cheese pizza, or possibly a taco/pizza combo, then we recommend Ian’s.
But sometimes, you’re just in the mood for a big, greasy slice of cheese or pepperoni, and Bacci is the place to visit. We’ll let you make the decision of which pizza deserves your buck. May the pizza war begin!
* Monica Bator, Whitney Young
* Ian’s Pizzeria
3463 N. Clark St. (773) 525-4580, ianspizza.com
Greeted by energetic people behind the counter, refreshing music and an edition of The Onion, Ian’s will not only satisfy your appetite, but also will please your other senses. Besides the fact that we felt the pizzeria is a great hang-out spot for teens, there’s also a variety of pizza toppings to choose from. Ian’s best-selling slice, the mac ‘n’ cheese, actually tastes like your mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese. The pizzeria’s buffalo chicken is full of spicy goodness, met by mouth-watering blue cheese. For Mexican food lovers, there is the Mexico slice, which combines pieces of tortilla chips with steak meat. Ian’s also is cheap for its location — traditional and signature slices are under $4 each. Overall, the restaurant has great service and an upbeat atmosphere.
* Lyanne Alfaro, Northside
PIZZA PROWLER RATiNGS:
Pizza quality: 4.6
Pizza shop atmosphere: 4.8
PROWLER COMMENTS:
* “You’re greeted by upbeat, somewhat hyperactive cooks … a great hangout for teens.”
* “They took the time to list all of their [pizza] options.”
* “Never will I doubt the power of a slice of pizza after having tasted a slice at Ian’s.”
Bacci Pizzeria
950 W. Addison ST. 773-305-4100, baccipizza.com
We stopped by Bacci Pizzeria, right next to the Red Line stop on Addison. We ordered a cheese slice and a pepperoni slice. And they were huge — we took home leftovers.
I liked Bacci’s toppings, cheese and crust equally well.
While Bacci’s offers a wide variety of toppings, the atmosphere of the place isn’t very lively. It seems like a place where one merely comes to relax after a long day. Bacci’s pizza is definitely satisfying, as the giant slices will leave you wanting no more. Your stomach won’t grumble after a slice.
Overall, Bacci is perfect for anyone wanting to just sit back and enjoy a slice of pizza.
* Lynda Lopez, Prosser
PIZZA PROWLER RATiNGS:
Pizza quality: 3
Pizza shop atmosphere: 2.4
PROWLER COMMENTS:
* “Pizza is good and inexpensive, definitely a great place for hanging out.”
* “Cashier looks like, ‘OK are you ready to order yet?’ Not friendly. Food was good.”
* “The pizza itself feels like it’s been out of the oven for a while. Rubbery-like taste.”
Mash pizza prowlers: Lyanne Alfaro, Northside; Monica Bator, Whitney Young; Zahra Lalani, Northside; Lynda Lopez, Prosser; Erayna Wright, Jones
S’mores pizza at Ian’s Pizzeria
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