Had never been to Vito & Nick’s, due to distance from the northern suburbs and even for the past few years, the north side of Chicago. Was solo a couple weeks ago on a Sunday night and didn’t care about the drive, since I needed to finally try it. Chicago tavern style is my favorite style of pizza, maybe because this is the pizza I grew up eating.
Sat at the bar, which I think was a big mistake since the bartender didn’t want to tend, and it wasn’t crowded. Can’t remember the last time I has such indifferent service sitting at an uncrowded bar. Started with a bourbon. Only two bourbon choices, Jim Beam and Jim Beam Black, and no prices. Jim Beam on the rocks. MAYBE there was a shot in the tiny glass filled with ice past the lip of the glass. Switched to a draft Old Style after this. When I got the bill the JB was $9, $7 for the shot and $2 for the glass. JB goes for $18 for a handle, whatever.
When I placed my order, I requested ‘well done’. I knew by his indifference that he didn’t bother giving that direction. Sure enough, it arrives and it was visibly not well done, but it was a LONG wait in an uncrowded restaurant and I don’t like to send things back. Soggy crust on ALL of the middle pieces and nothing near carmelized edges in Steve’s photo’s. The crust was too thick for tavern pizza and not having any depth of flavor.
If I lived closer, I might try again, but sit at a table and be firm about a thinner crust and well done. Since it’s a haul for me, an easy pass for a mediocre pizza