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Ranalli's is one of Chicago's great old reliable pizza restaurants. Back in the days when rents were still affordable in Lincoln Park, I lived a few blocks from this place and came by frequently,...
Ranalli's is one of Chicago's great old reliable pizza restaurants. Back in the days when rents were still affordable in Lincoln Park, I lived a few blocks from this place and came by frequently, especially when the weather was warm. It was always pleasant to sit under the trees and munch on their good thin crust pizza.
Now they have locations all over the place, but you know they wouldn't be so successful if they weren't doing something right.
Thin crust pizza was what they did right then and probably still is. They also make good sandwiches, and if you are a beer drinker, they have a pretty amazing selection here.
The website refers to their location on Clark, but its the same food.
http://www.ranallisonclark.com/
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Leona's are now all over the Chicago area; and deservedly. I have had many a good meal at this location, the store on Sheffield, and delivery too.
They make great pizza, but the rest of the...
Leona's are now all over the Chicago area; and deservedly. I have had many a good meal at this location, the store on Sheffield, and delivery too.
They make great pizza, but the rest of the menu is good too. Because they do such a large volume of business and because they are so successful, they usually produce good results.
But sometimes the service is a bit slow, and they don't bat 1000 either. But hey, their average is better than most.
There is an Italian American family that started all this, and their loving Spirit still infuses their operation. Gotta mention the graphics on their materials too; great!
http://leonas.com/
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Leona's are now all over the Chicago area; and deservedly. I have had many a good meal at this location, the store on Sheffield, and delivery too.
They make great pizza, but the rest of the...
Leona's are now all over the Chicago area; and deservedly. I have had many a good meal at this location, the store on Sheffield, and delivery too.
They make great pizza, but the rest of the menu is good too. Because they do such a large volume of business and because they are so successful, they usually produce good results.
But sometimes the service is a bit slow, and they don't bat 1000 either. But hey, their average is better than most.
There is an Italian American family that started all this, and their loving Spirit still infuses their operation. Gotta mention the graphics on their materials too; great!
http://leonas.com/
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Folks are passionate about pizza in Chicago, and everyone has their favorite place that they swear by. This is mine.
As is evidenced by the fact that these guys now have branches all over the...
Folks are passionate about pizza in Chicago, and everyone has their favorite place that they swear by. This is mine.
As is evidenced by the fact that these guys now have branches all over the place, they must be doing something right; lots of folks agree with me.
I used to frequent this place on Belmont when I lived in the 'hood, but I have tried other locations too and they do seem to have the virtue of consistent quality.
Stuffed spinach is my own favorite, but I'm sure you have yours too if you are a pizza eater.
When you see folks walking around with too much extra insulation, the too easy availability of this kind of food is partly to blame.
http://www.giordanos.com/
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One of the perks of being a Chicago Cab driver is that you sometimes get nice tips, unusual tips. Back when this place was on Orleans I picked up a party coming from here and when they left they...
One of the perks of being a Chicago Cab driver is that you sometimes get nice tips, unusual tips. Back when this place was on Orleans I picked up a party coming from here and when they left they offered me their left over pizza which they had brought with them from their visit here.
Since I am almost always hungry, I was thankful for the treat. Being a native Chicagoan, I was curious about this interloper from California. The pizza sample I had was spicy chicken. It was delicious!
These guys put all kinds of unusual ingredients on pizza, and everything is thin crust. Goat cheese on pizza? Tandoori Chicken?
Of course their success can be measured by the fact that now these ingredients no longer shock and surprise. Been there, done that, right?
http://www.cpk.com/
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Being cool in Hyde Park has always been important, and I'm talking attitude here, not temperature. Mellow Yellow is cool, as the name implies.
Of course using a '60s song by Donavan as your...
Being cool in Hyde Park has always been important, and I'm talking attitude here, not temperature. Mellow Yellow is cool, as the name implies.
Of course using a '60s song by Donavan as your restaurant title gives away the target market for this place: Hyde Park boomers. They are found in abundance here, in addition to younger folk.
The place is known for its chili, and deservedly. Especially in cold weather, it is a treat. They have several varieties, all good. They also make some righteous crepes.
Check 'em out.
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This place has been in Greek town forever. It has classic Greek food at very reasonable prices. Dinner entries are in the $8-15 range. The menu goes on forever.
I love lamb and that is what I...
This place has been in Greek town forever. It has classic Greek food at very reasonable prices. Dinner entries are in the $8-15 range. The menu goes on forever.
I love lamb and that is what I usually order when I go here. They know how to make right. It is great; with rice is most delicious. They also do great sea food; red snapper, calamari, etc.
You can be sure someone is going to be ordering flaming saganaki if you don't yourself, so you get to shout "Opa!"
I remember the last time I was in here there was a table of college age boys next to us. They order the lamb's head, hoping no doubt to gross folks out. It worked.
Such fun.
http://www.theparthenon.com/
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Over the years I have seen many plays at Victory Gardens. This is one of the places that if you are an aspiring Chicago playwright, you can get your play read and even performed.
You climb the...
Over the years I have seen many plays at Victory Gardens. This is one of the places that if you are an aspiring Chicago playwright, you can get your play read and even performed.
You climb the stairs to enter a surprisingly intimate space. Sitting down, prepare yourself to be immersed in the magic of theater, Chicago style.
Now they are growing and I see on their website that they are talking about taking over the Biograph down the street. More power to 'em!
http://www.victorygardens.org/default.asp
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Begun in a church basement in Highland Park, this legendary Chicago Theatre company is a classic
American success story.
John Malcovich, Laurie Metcalf, John Mahoney, Joan Allen, Gary Sinese,...
Begun in a church basement in Highland Park, this legendary Chicago Theatre company is a classic
American success story.
John Malcovich, Laurie Metcalf, John Mahoney, Joan Allen, Gary Sinese, many of the names are now a permanent part of American theatre history.
So come and be enchanted by the real thing, Chicago style theatre that is visceral and real, that grabs you by the short hairs and doesn't let go until you cry "Amen!"
http://www.steppenwolf.org/
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If you are only going to visit one Chicago theater when visiting, this would be a good choice. Second City has produced more actors and comedians than anyplace; come and see the new batch starting...
If you are only going to visit one Chicago theater when visiting, this would be a good choice. Second City has produced more actors and comedians than anyplace; come and see the new batch starting out here.
Bill Murray, the late John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Alan Arkin, Mike Myers, the list of Second City alums is long and distinguished.
And it somehow manages to maintain its vitality, now having survived serveral changes in ownership, managment, etc.
It is exciting to sit at the cramped tables and hear the piano player start up and watch the actors come out on a naked stage with minimal props.
Next thing you know you are falling off your seat laughing and trying to remember the great lines so you can tell your friends.
http://secondcity.com/
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