Aurelio's Pizza

Jennifer Olvera

Citysearch

The Scene
This dark pizza joint packs 'em in from wall to paneled license plate-adorned wall. Kids of all ages beg elders for change for video games, while grown-ups chat at white-and-red-checked tables over carafes of wine and pitchers of beer. A hum of conversation and the wafting scent of melting cheese prevail throughout the stained-glass decorated space.

The Food
Touted as the best pizza in Chicago by loyalists, Aurelio's scores with pies boasting a flaky, buttery crust, pleasantly sweet sauce and a tangy blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Toppings range from basics like sweet, savory Italian sausage to more unorthodox fare like chicken with Alfredo sauce. The massive chopped antipasto salad, a mix of ham, mozzarella, pepperoni, green and black olives, roasted red peppers and pepperoncini in zesty Italian vinaigrette, is large enough to make a meal. Bargain pasta selections include fettuccine topped with a smooth, sweet marinara sauce.