Last night in Chicago with Gretchen and we walked up to Pizano’s on State Street.  This Pizano’s is one of the hidden gems of Chicago - it’s a neighborhood bar that serves excellent salads, desserts, and one of the best pizzas in Chicago.  

This is what Buca models themselves after - friendly people, crowded bar, lines out the door and great food.  Sinatra music plays all night.  The only difference is that instead of generic ‘Italian’, the walls are plastered with Chicago greats - stars from the Bulls, the Cubs, the White Sox and the Blackhawks crowd all the walls along with classic movies star and kitschy lights. 

My first pizza at Pizano’s was a Mark’s Special - tomato and garlic.  Ever since, I have always made sure to order tomatoes because no other Chicago restaurant serves better tomato on the pizza than Pizano’s.  If you are in Chicago, it’s an out of the way place that you won’t regret visiting.