Art Of Pizza Inc

Among the big purveyors of the deep dish in Chicago, some prefer a heavier crust (like Gino's), some like saltier pizza (Giordano's), while others want a fire-singed crust (do they still use that at Uno's? I have no idea.) The point is, everyone has a pizza joint they like, and another they hate. No one hates this place.

Sure, it shares a strip-mall with a laundromat and I nearly got hit on my bike by someone jetting out of their parking lot going onto Ashland. It's a busy area, but this place is the shining oasis in the middle of a retail desert in west Lakeview. The decor leaves a bit to be desired, but that's not what you're hear for. The pizza itself has a slightly buttery crust with a deliciously seasoned sauce that's just chunky enough. The amount of cheese is decent without making you feel like there's a brick of dairy in your small intestine after two slices. For toppings, there's slightly spicy sausage and veggies that are sliced to the perfect consistency. Somehow, these dudes have managed to make a pizza that unites, not divides us. And for this deed, they get the 5 stars.

I know that this is quite a claim, and several pizza joints around Chicago say that they are the best. But nothing--NOTHING--beats the flaky, buttery crust and delicious ingredients that Art of Pizza uses. The decor is pretty sparse and brightly lit--not exactly date material. I've also heard that their delivery service is lacking. However, for a night out with friends, this place is amazing. Do yourself a service and check it out.