Gino's East

In 1966, two cab drivers and their friend were sick and tired of putting up with Chicago's rush hour traffic, so they decided to get out of the taxi business and open a pizzeria. Now, over 40 years later, Gino's East is a legend in Chicago, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The Original Gino's East on Wells St (just a block away from Hop Haus) is a sight to behold. By the light of chandeliers and candles, you can read the writing on the walls (literally!) while you wait. Every inch of this place is covered in graffiti, all from past customers. It is an incredible feeling to be able to read the restaurant's and its visitors' past. "Jim Was Here," but how many times did he come back? And did the declaration "Linda + Kurt 4 Ever" stand true?

I have one important instruction for those thinking of visiting Gino's East: come hungry. Yeah, the wait may be long (30-45 minutes), but when you see the size and depth of an honest-to-goodness Chicago-style pizza, you'll understand why it took so long to make. And while this deep dish will leave you wanting to devour as much as you can, you'll be lucky if you make it past one or two slices. Oh sure, there's a menu full of pastas, salads, and sandwiches, but really? It's all about the gut-busting pizza here. (You wouldn't go to a steakhouse for the salad, would you?) Popular choices include the Gino's East Supreme (sausage or pepperoni with fresh onions, green peppers, and mushrooms), the Meaty Legend (pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, and Canadian bacon), and Four Cheeses (a combination of mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and romano cheeses, with a garlic butter base).

Whichever one you decide upon, every deep dish is bursting with chunky tomato sauce and is kept together with a golden, buttery (and dreamy?) crust. To give you an idea of what you'll be tackling, the pizza arrives in a 2-inch-thick (5 cm) pan. If you can find an open spot, feel free to leave your own mark on the wall while you wait for this tasty treat. Maybe something along the lines of "I Heart thechicagotraveler.com!" Hee.

Original Gino's East ($$): 633 N Wells St; 312-943-1124

Mon - Thurs: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Fri - Sat: 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sun: 12 noon - 9:00 p.m.

Street parking difficult, pay lots available

Public trans: Bus # 11, 65, 156