Patch Picks: Pizza Party

Though it was originally considered a street food, pizza has become a fine art form around here. We've gathered some of our favorites below. Add your favorites in the comments section, too.

The 40-year-old local favorite boasts of a cornmeal crust that stays strong, even when toppped with loads of fresh ingredients. Start with an order of breaded mushrooms for a prefect Friday night.

, Glenview
At the , in between the tomatoes and cucumbers, seek out Foodstuff's exceptional pizza rolls. For brown bag lunching all week long, you can't beat this foccacia roll topped with sauce and cheese. Slide it into your toaster oven for a mid-day treat, or pair it with a side salad for a fuller dinner.

Jimano's Pizzaria, Glenview
This new neighbor (though there are locations nationwide) offers several specials to please your palate. Especially good are the double dough (strong enough to eat with one hand, I found) and the Italian Beef Crowd Pleaser with sweet peppers. For true Chicagoans, it's the best of both worlds.

, Glenview
The food is delicious, but the service is exceptional - you'll feel like you're being served by Mom herself when you sit down in this favorite at The Glen. There are several southern Italian favorites on the menu, but a pizza and a bottle of wine from this family business will get your weekend started right.

, Northbrook
Ask anyone under 10: is there a better pizza than the one you make yourself? Likely not. At My Pie, young diners create their own thin crust pizza and make a name board that shadows their meal through the pizza oven. When the board gets to the end of the line, they know their pizza is on it's way to the table! (Adults will enjoy the pizza, too, which someone else will artfully prepare for them.)