The Feed: Pizza

Sometimes you get a craving for one type of food, and it almost doesn't matter where you get it. The Feed takes a look at local restaurants that all serve a single food in common with one another. This week The Feed takes a closer look at pizza in Northbrook.



Operating since 1961, this pizza place is the matter of some debate on the internet. Some commenters refer to it as a "working man's paradise," for the low prices, while others express outright anger at what they consider to be a sub par pie. Despite the flame wars, Northbrook residents do seem to agree that the specials here are hard to beat. A weekday pizza lunch buffet is less than $6 for all you can eat slices, and single slices of deep dish pizza are just $2 on Fridays. 



Mario's is another one of those small pizzeria mainstays that does it all. In addition to pies, Mario's serves up sandwiches (it's said that they have an amazing Italian beef), salads, appetizers and even a few Mexican offerings. During lunch, the place swells with students from nearby Glenbrook North. There are a number of pizza options here, such as extra thin and thin as well as the Sicilian and pan style, making Mario's a great choice if you want something a little different.



The specials are what's truly special here at Piero's. The Northbrook branch of this local chain has been in operation for nearly 10 years, but Piero's has been serving interesting pizza all over the north shore for three times that. Lauded for their spessa, or thick and bready pan pizza, Piero's offers a true alternative to the thin crust options around town. The pizzas here aren't large - the biggest size tops out at 14 inches - but the dense pan and stuffed options are, most find, more than big enough.



Barnaby's is that storied of pizza places: the local option that has earned a place in legend and become a beloved part of the community. Regulars tend to harbor a decades long affinity for this place. Another pizza place with a wide ranging menu in a town of the same, . The thin crust pizza is the star of the show here, creating addicts with each bite. Some customers describe the texture of the crust as 'bird seed,' or 'kitty litter,' in feel, and somehow, it's far more appetizing than those descriptions could ever make it sound.



The newest entry into Northbrook's pizza scene, Village Inn is expanding and capitalizing on it's two decades of success in nearby downtown Skokie. The aggressively large menu here runs the gamut, offering burgers, chicken dinners, wraps, salads and more. Opinions on the pies here run from average to raves, with the thin crust pizza receiving the most accolades for the sweet sauce and the way the kitchen absolutely loads on the toppings. The Northbrook location offers catering and is getting in on the takeout 'pizza ready to cook' scene.