When I first moved to the Chicago area, years ago, several people told me that Gino’s pizza was “the place to go for pizza”. The Chicago Pizzeria was located just off of Michigan Avenue and Superior Street, in the City of Chicago.
When I finally got to go, it was a unique and memorable experience. The Italian style pizzeria had a cozy feel, filled with happy diners. There were names scribbled in the wood and stucco walls.
That was my one and only visit to the flagship pizza restaurant, but it is etched in my mind.
Since then, there have been several Gino’s East restaurants opened in the suburbs. Even though they may not quite match the ambiance of the flagship pizzeria, they still do have an excellent atmosphere and great pizza.
Gino’s East of Chicago, is a standout in a city that is famous for pizza. The pizzeria was opened by two taxi drivers, and a friend, over 40 years ago. It “became an instant legend among Chicagoans, national celebrities and visitors from around the world.”
Gino’s East of Chicago, located in Lake Zurich, Illinois, was my most recent Gino’s experience.
Gino’s East in Lake Zurich is located at 561 W. Main Street. It is near the intersection of Route 12 and Highway 22, on the southeast corner on the intersection, located behind a bank.
The restaurant has plentiful parking and an easily accessed entry. On the evening of our midweek visit, the restaurant was not busy. In fact, there were only a few occupied tables, and business seemed a little slow.
We were escorted to a generously sized wood booth. The wood surfaces of the restaurant were clean and shining.
The server came to the table almost immediately and greeted us with a warm, friendly smile. He asked if we wanted a drink and we each ordered a glass of red wine.
The Gino’s East menu features “Our Legendary Deep Dish Pizza“. The featured pizzas include: cheese, cheese and Gino’s famous sausage, cheese and pepperoni, Gino’s East Supreme, Bacon cheeseburger, four cheese, meaty legend, vegetarian and spinach. Gino’s is famous for their excellent deep dish style pizza, with the thick crust and rich sauce and cheese.
Gino’s also offers thin crust pizza, which is what we ordered. The choices of thin crust pizzas include: cheese, cheese and crumbled sausage, cheese and pepperoni, Gino’s East Supreme, Meaty Legend, BBQ legend, four cheese, vegetarian and spinach. Deep Dish Pizzas range in price from $9.95 to $20.95. Additional ingredients available at an extra charge.
We ordered a cheese and pepperoni thin crust pizza. The freshly prepared, large pizza had a tasty, golden brown crust, an excellent sauce and was finished off with a thick layer of cheese. The piping hot pizza was finished off with a generous layer of pepperoni. Everything about the pizza tasted good. Thin Crust Pizzas range in price from $9.95 to $20.45. Additional ingredients available for an additional charge.
Gino’s offers more than pizza. There are many Italian dishes, as well. Gino’s offers a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, Stromboli, pasta and dessert. There is a Kid’s menu available.
Gino’s East of Chicago has two downtown locations. There are also restaurant at O’Hare Plaza, Lakeview area of Chicago, Orland Park, Rolling Meadows, St. Charles, Neville, Lake Zurich, Libertyville and Wheaton. All locations are in the Chicago area of Illinois.
Gino’s East of Chicago, whether in the city or in the suburbs, offers great Chicago style pizza, and an authentic Chicago style atmosphere. The food tastes good and is hearty and filling Italian style fare.
The Corporate contact information fro Gino’s East Restaurant Corp is: 600 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60662. Phone number is 312-463-1210.
Location addresses and phone numbers are listed on their website (featuredfoods.com)
Resources:
featuredfoods.com
