Crust
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 235-5511
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Damen Avenue
- Directions:
- Bus: 50 to Damen
- Hours:
- Sun-Wed 11am-10pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-1am
Editorial Review for Crust – by Alice Van Housen
The Scene
Hip crowds jam into the casual-futuristic setting of the Midwest's first certified organic restaurant, waiting for a table made of recycled tires. Past the entrance and wood-burning pizza oven, the dining room sports white brick walls, molded red chairs and stools, exposed ductwork and acoustic ceiling panels (it's still noisy). There's sidewalk seating in front, a huge patio in back. Servers know their stuff.
The Food
Traditional-to-global salads, sandwiches and pizzas feature local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Classic caprese and Asian seaweed salad dressed in miso-plum vinaigrette are notable starters. Small, thin-crust flatbreads with crisp edges and soft centers are served on wood pizza peels. Familiar Italian sausage competes with creamy "Clambake" (clams, bechamel sauce and fresh mozzarella) and a less compelling "Mexicali" (shrimp, Chihuahua cheese, cilantro and pico de gallo). Limited desserts (carrot cake, vegan chocolate cake) from the Bleeding Heart organic bakery are good for you, but not that good.
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Insider Tips
When to GoEarly early early, they don't take reservations---or try it for lunch.
Where to SitAvoid the tables near the small bar, which gets hectic with would-be diners and servers navigating the crowd.
What to DrinkOrganic microbrews and nice wines by the glass are outshone by exquisite infused vodkas, straight or in martinis (honorable mention for the watermelon margarita).
User Reviews for Crust
03/24/2008 Posted by Marta633
As long as you are not being seated by the rudest host that greats you with an attitude you will be fine. I go there often, pretty much every week, know waitresses and bartenders. But one week was surprised by the behavior of a new host that I didn't see before. In an empty restaurant he tried to squeeze me with 2 friends of mine at the table for 2, when I asked him to maybe put 2 tables together for us (which have been done before when restaurant is empty) that the restaurant is empty and that it's only 5pm, so there is no way it will get crowded in the next hour, he told us that he expect a "dinner rush" in 15 min and that if our pizzas won't fit on the table he can cut it for us to put it on smaller plates! I could not believe such disrespect to a customer and we left. Needless to say that passing Crust 2 hours later we saw that it's still empty. Good! He probably scared all customers away! Really hope he will be gone otherwise this place will go out of business and I really like it!
Pros: Godd pizza
Cons: The host at the door has to leave
12/18/2007 Posted by jk15
This place came with a normal dinning atmosphere while other organic/vegetarian etc. places seem colorful/artsy/kitschy. Had a Bellini and a brunch "flattata" which had egg, cheese, spinach and artichoke atop their wood-fired flatbread. Absolutely delicous! Staff was friendly enough but the room felt cold and I wished I had a blanket.. Will go back for sure!!
Pros: No pesticides or GMO's in your meal
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