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Armand's [Elmwood Park location gone]

Armand's [Elmwood Park location gone]
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  • Post #31 - May 19th, 2010, 9:23 pm
    Post #31 - May 19th, 2010, 9:23 pm Post #31 - May 19th, 2010, 9:23 pm
    After moving to Elmwood Park a few years ago I tried several different places including Jim & Pete's, Armands, Amato's, Old World and a few others and I always come back to Spizzico. For me it's all about the sauce and the sausage. As a reference point my favorites are Vito & Nick's, Marie's and Q's. Since all of these require a travel commitment it's Spizzico most often. Two weeks ago I tried the new Armand's Express and was unimpressed. Last week made the trip to Q's excellent as usual, and this week I'll be back to Spizzico for a well done half sausage and half Anchovy and Jalapeno.

    They finally have a web site and I believe you can order online. Being next door Johnnies can make pickup a pain.

    Spizzico Pizza and Pasta
    7446 North Ave
    Elmwood Park, IL 60707
    708.583.0002

    http://www.spizzicopizza.com/
    Last edited by Marshall K on May 20th, 2010, 5:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
    "I drink to make other people more interesting."
    Ernest Hemingway
  • Post #32 - May 20th, 2010, 5:08 am
    Post #32 - May 20th, 2010, 5:08 am Post #32 - May 20th, 2010, 5:08 am
    Marshall,

    Thanks for the recommendation. I'm definitely going to give them a try. Glad you also mentioned Q's. We went there several weeks ago and thought it was excellent, but as you say, it's a bit of trip to get there. Spizzico's is definitely more in the neighborhood for me. Thanks!!
  • Post #33 - May 20th, 2010, 8:13 am
    Post #33 - May 20th, 2010, 8:13 am Post #33 - May 20th, 2010, 8:13 am
    Perhaps some sort of Oak Park/Elmwood Park pizza-thon or pizza off is in order?
  • Post #34 - May 21st, 2010, 6:10 am
    Post #34 - May 21st, 2010, 6:10 am Post #34 - May 21st, 2010, 6:10 am
    A pizza thon in the OP/EP area sounds like a good idea. Plenty of offerings. One fine, long term establishment that serves up great thin crust pizza is Bertolli's aka River pizza. They are located near the intersection of Lake and Thatcher. They have been located there since 1963 and since the original Armand's is gone from its old time location, Bertolli's now is the senior representative in this arena.
    Bertolli's has been our default Friday night order for quite some time and will fill the bill while we watch the Hawks tonight.

    I am interested in others view of their offerings and how it stacks up against others in the area.
  • Post #35 - May 21st, 2010, 9:10 am
    Post #35 - May 21st, 2010, 9:10 am Post #35 - May 21st, 2010, 9:10 am
    Salerno's, (at new locations) 7128 Roosevelt Rd, 3250 Grove Ave - 1966
    Freddie's, 16th and 61st Ave - 1968

    River still has the 'oldest' honor

    We are blessed to have some good pizza places in the Tri-Village area (and beyond)...

    Geppetto's, 113 N Oak Park Ave (I like their Monster)
    Giordano's, 1115 Chicago Ave (spinach deep dish)
    Jimmy's, 7411 Madison St

    ... and even Puree's, 1023 Lake St, got some love recently.

    We might have to include Pasta Shoppe, 116 N Oak Park Ave with their boasting of Neapolitan style

    Any love for Edwardo's, 6831 North Ave (Natural) or Leona's, 848 Madison St

    The stalwart Albano's, 5913 W Roosevelt Rd used to be right up there with the now closed Grand Slam and they have a good 'Pizza Puff'.

    Al's (Alessandro's), 6040 W Cermak Rd. Stopped by a few times the last few weeks for dinner. I seem to remember the pizza was only OK.

    How about bar style pizza?

    I was recently impressed with Byron's Hot Dogs‎, 7237 Madison St with their cheap pizza offering. Heard it is now the favorite on the strip.

    In the past I had some good pie from Smiling Joe's, 7737 W Roosevelt Rd but it depends highly on who is at the oven.

    Pushing it a little further...

    The venerable Home Run Inn‎, 4254 W 31st St and rumored to have stolen their recipe Falco's, 5643 W Cermak Rd.

    Not to mention...

    Jim & Pete's, 7806 W North Ave
    Amato's, 1737 N Harlem Ave
    "Very good... but not my favorite." ~ Johnny Depp as Roux the Gypsy in Chocolat
  • Post #36 - May 21st, 2010, 11:28 am
    Post #36 - May 21st, 2010, 11:28 am Post #36 - May 21st, 2010, 11:28 am
    Panther in the Den wrote:In the past I had some good pie from Smiling Joe's, 7737 W Roosevelt Rd but it depends highly on who is at the oven.

    They sure didn't make me smile.
    What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about?
  • Post #37 - May 22nd, 2010, 4:44 pm
    Post #37 - May 22nd, 2010, 4:44 pm Post #37 - May 22nd, 2010, 4:44 pm
    Eating a Spizzico thin crust right now... not impressed... overcooked, almost too crispy -- but more important, it's lacking in flavor. I'd put it on par with Armand's (which underwhelmed). Maybe Bertolli's will be the ticket....
  • Post #38 - May 24th, 2010, 7:43 pm
    Post #38 - May 24th, 2010, 7:43 pm Post #38 - May 24th, 2010, 7:43 pm
    rehorn wrote:Eating a Spizzico thin crust right now... not impressed... overcooked, almost too crispy -- but more important, it's lacking in flavor. I'd put it on par with Armand's (which underwhelmed). Maybe Bertolli's will be the ticket....


    I am totally in agreement with you. I had a pizza from here Sat and I would have to say it was as if they forgot to use any seasoning, there was nothing right about it. I didn't even eat it. I am hoping that this was an anomaly but I fear it may not be.
    "I drink to make other people more interesting."
    Ernest Hemingway
  • Post #39 - May 24th, 2010, 9:25 pm
    Post #39 - May 24th, 2010, 9:25 pm Post #39 - May 24th, 2010, 9:25 pm
    Armand's Express unfortunately didn't do it for us this weekend - pleasant phone service and quick to our door, but $36 for one large mushroom and pepperoni thin crust pizza and one tiny "Pizza Nova" delivered.

    While better than Salerno's, the mushrooms were canned (and are listed on the menu as "fresh mushrooms," making me wonder about "Armand's own" sausage at a place this size), the underside of the crust was underdone, and the thick layer cheese on top was broiled into a lacy net with crunchy, cheddary edges, making it seem more like a toasted cheese sandwich or saganaki on dough than a balanced pizza. It was at least flavorful.

    The Pizza Nova ("very authentic, very Italian!") was $10 for a minuscule disc of the same base materials rolled thinner, brushed with olive oil and cooked in the same oven for an identical level of doneness, and is in no way recommendable (get your fresh basil on the regular pie instead).

    Armand's thin is worth a second look for us - ordered full distance, and with light cheese - and I will try their sausage next time. It's nice to know of the option, even if it doesn't seem to be the V&N / Aurelio's / Metro / all-night Freddy's silver bullet we crave.
  • Post #40 - May 24th, 2010, 11:06 pm
    Post #40 - May 24th, 2010, 11:06 pm Post #40 - May 24th, 2010, 11:06 pm
    Santander wrote:The Pizza Nova ("very authentic, very Italian!") was $10 for a minuscule disc of the same base materials rolled thinner, brushed with olive oil and cooked in the same oven for an identical level of doneness, and is in no way recommendable (get your fresh basil on the regular pie instead).

    Try Caponies on Harlem for this. I get their margherita thing with boconcini, tomato, garlic, etc., cooked in their wood oven. They are quite tasty.

    I second the feelings about Spizzico. Their pizza is a big disappointment, which is a shame, because I like most of their entrees, sandwiches, salads, etc.
    What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about?
  • Post #41 - May 25th, 2010, 7:29 am
    Post #41 - May 25th, 2010, 7:29 am Post #41 - May 25th, 2010, 7:29 am
    Another option is Antico Forno, which really isn't a take-out pizza place, but they do an OK pizza in their wood burning oven. With that oven, it should be better than it is, but in this area, it's a decent option. Make reservations on a Fri/Sat night.

    Antico Forno
    7308 W North Ave
    (between 73rd Ave & Bonnie Brae)
    Elmwood Park, IL 60707

    (708) 456-2445
    i used to milk cows
  • Post #42 - May 25th, 2010, 9:48 pm
    Post #42 - May 25th, 2010, 9:48 pm Post #42 - May 25th, 2010, 9:48 pm
    teatpuller wrote:Another option is Antico Forno, which really isn't a take-out pizza place, but they do an OK pizza in their wood burning oven. With that oven, it should be better than it is, but in this area, it's a decent option. Make reservations on a Fri/Sat night.

    Antico Forno
    7308 W North Ave
    (between 73rd Ave & Bonnie Brae)
    Elmwood Park, IL 60707

    (708) 456-2445


    I've been meaning to try this place it is owned by the people that owned Trattoria Gemelli in Brookfield.
    "I drink to make other people more interesting."
    Ernest Hemingway
  • Post #43 - May 26th, 2010, 7:38 am
    Post #43 - May 26th, 2010, 7:38 am Post #43 - May 26th, 2010, 7:38 am
    Marshall K wrote:
    teatpuller wrote:Another option is Antico Forno, which really isn't a take-out pizza place, but they do an OK pizza in their wood burning oven. With that oven, it should be better than it is, but in this area, it's a decent option. Make reservations on a Fri/Sat night.

    Antico Forno
    7308 W North Ave
    (between 73rd Ave & Bonnie Brae)
    Elmwood Park, IL 60707

    (708) 456-2445


    I've been meaning to try this place it is owned by the people that owned Trattoria Gemelli in Brookfield.


    Me too, but for some reason this place just isn't on my radar even though I live only 4 blocks away from it. I just don't go down that strech of North Ave, actually I avoid it like the plague.

    I've only heard good things about this place, I'm going to have a make a point of it to get over there.
  • Post #44 - May 26th, 2010, 6:18 pm
    Post #44 - May 26th, 2010, 6:18 pm Post #44 - May 26th, 2010, 6:18 pm
    We were there a week or two after it opened. We had a pizza, a pasta and a salad split between the two of us. Nice service and we enjoyed our food but the place was packed and very, very loud. The tables are also very close, although that may have been due to a large group seated near us.
  • Post #45 - May 31st, 2010, 6:11 pm
    Post #45 - May 31st, 2010, 6:11 pm Post #45 - May 31st, 2010, 6:11 pm
    Just finished eating a half-cheese, half ricotta/garlic/tomato pizza from Bertolli's. I liked it, and I'd order from them again. It didn't have us reaching for the salt to add some necessary flavor and seasoning to it, and it was cooked just right. It seems to have almost a Saltine-like crust that isn't my personal favorite, but it works, nonetheless. Overall, it was tasty -- not awesome -- but good.
  • Post #46 - June 17th, 2010, 6:51 pm
    Post #46 - June 17th, 2010, 6:51 pm Post #46 - June 17th, 2010, 6:51 pm
    Had a half cheese, half mushroom and onion pizza from Albano's tonight. Crust was good -- crispy and supported the toppings and sauce well. I thought there was nothing special about the ingredients, though: The mozzarella tasted a touch "cheap," for lack of a better word, and the sauce was ok but kind of basic and cheap tasting, too. I thought it was a decent pizza overall, definitely nothing special, and probably behind Bertolli's in my recent tastings (which have included Bertolli's, Spizzico's, Armand's, and now Albano's). I should also mention, as I believe I did upthread, that Homemade Pizza Company makes a tasty pizza that you have to cook yourself. A couple I've liked include the Georgia (chicken sausage, poblano peppers, ricotta) and Fresh Herb (herbs, olive oil, chevre). Not sure whether to include HPC in the more classic delivery category, but if I were to, I'd put it towards the top with Bertolli's -- with the understanding that it's a bit of different style and concept. I'm still holding out for a really great pizza pie around here, but until then, I think I'll continue to order from Bertolli's for now. And, when I'm in the mood for a "funkier" combo or set of ingredients, I'd probably go with Homemade Pizza Co.
  • Post #47 - June 25th, 2010, 7:42 pm
    Post #47 - June 25th, 2010, 7:42 pm Post #47 - June 25th, 2010, 7:42 pm
    Continuing the project: Jimmy's Place had the best showing of area places for us tonight; I have had the pie at the restaurant (with a lot of Old Style) but didn't even realize they delivered. A generous large pizza with fresh sliced mushrooms and spicy pepperoni delivered for just under $20; good quality cheese, not overly greasy, and a nice balance of spices and sauce (which is thin, so it was fine that it was not overused). The best part was the crust, really crackery and flavorful, even charred nicely in some spots. I'd rank this delivery entry above Armand's.
  • Post #48 - April 23rd, 2012, 5:04 pm
    Post #48 - April 23rd, 2012, 5:04 pm Post #48 - April 23rd, 2012, 5:04 pm
    Armand's now has an outpost on Western Ave in Chicago (in a space formerly occupied by O'Fame pizza):

    Armand's
    4159 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL
    http://armandspizzeriaexpress.com/western/index.html
  • Post #49 - September 26th, 2014, 7:28 am
    Post #49 - September 26th, 2014, 7:28 am Post #49 - September 26th, 2014, 7:28 am
    Armand's Pizzeria will open Armand's Victory Tap, a full-service restaurant/bar at Butterfield Road and Highland Avenue in Lombard, on Thanksgiving Day.

    Armand's Pizza opened its first location in 1956 in the western suburb of Elmwood Park and soon became known for its thin, cornmeal-dusted pizza cut in squares.

    http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/ ... in-lombard
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #50 - September 27th, 2014, 8:19 am
    Post #50 - September 27th, 2014, 8:19 am Post #50 - September 27th, 2014, 8:19 am
    I noticed the other day that the one in Naperville on 75th Street had closed.
  • Post #51 - September 29th, 2014, 4:19 pm
    Post #51 - September 29th, 2014, 4:19 pm Post #51 - September 29th, 2014, 4:19 pm
    It's great to see a new, full service Armand's opening up in Lombard. The carry out location in the Edison Park neighborhood of Chicago doesn't seem to be doing that well. It's mostly carry out, but there is a nice dine in area if you want to eat in. There's plenty of room, too. I'm usually in there with my wife and our kids. Good stuff. But the place is usually kind of empty, and I think they have aleady changed owners. I've never had a bad pizza from there- it's always excellent. Their sausage is still homemade and, in my humble opinion, every bit as good as the original on Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park. I truly miss the original location for many reasons- great memories for many decades and great food. The Edison Park location obviously lacks the old world Elmwood Park atmosphere that we all grew up with, but the pizza is still very good.
  • Post #52 - June 25th, 2015, 8:54 am
    Post #52 - June 25th, 2015, 8:54 am Post #52 - June 25th, 2015, 8:54 am
    Wicker Park location reopened - http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150625 ... -back-life
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #53 - April 28th, 2016, 6:49 am
    Post #53 - April 28th, 2016, 6:49 am Post #53 - April 28th, 2016, 6:49 am
    Armand's Pizzeria, a Northwest Side staple since its founding 60 years ago in Elmwood Park, is setting up shop in the storefront previously occupied by City Tavern, 1416 S. Michigan Ave.

    https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2016042 ... ity-tavern
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #54 - January 8th, 2020, 1:17 pm
    Post #54 - January 8th, 2020, 1:17 pm Post #54 - January 8th, 2020, 1:17 pm
    The shuttered Eastman Egg location on Wacker just North of Madison has reopened as another outpost of Armand's Pizza. My only experience with them has been at Victory Tap on S. Michigan. Okay-ish red sauce place. Had a competent eggplant parm on a chewy (very good) roll.
  • Post #55 - January 30th, 2025, 3:36 pm
    Post #55 - January 30th, 2025, 3:36 pm Post #55 - January 30th, 2025, 3:36 pm
    The Original Yardstick Pizza at Armand’s Pizzeria

    https://chicagoreader.com/food/reader-b ... -pizzeria/
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard

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