On Tap Eats: Bartolini's – Chicago-Style Pizza in the South Burbs
For the next edition of #OnTapEats, I traveled to Midlothian to Bartolini’s to try their deep-dish pizza. Bartolini’s was suggested by “BIG DUB” and is located at 14420 S. Pulaski Rd. just a few minutes off of I-294 and right next to the Secretary of State facility.
Bartolini’s has been serving up fresh pies, Italian beef, and homemade meatballs since 1995 and has even been featured on The Travel Channel among other local Chicagoland shows.
The Goods
I started with an appetizer called “The Round Guy.” This is a combo of their homemade mini meatballs and beer nuggets smothered in red gravy and mozzarella. A delicious beginning to the meal, might I add.
The meatball has a delicious flavor and great texture and the beer nuggets have a tasty, “crispy outside, soft inside” vibe going on. I could almost eat the sauce all by itself, it’s so good. But why would when you can have it on top of meatballs and beer nuggets?
On to the pizza.
I’m a simple man with simple pleasures. One of my favorite simple pleasures in life is taking that first bite out of a fresh hot pizza. I don’t know what it is, but it just hits differently than any other bite you’re going to take out of the pie. And if it doesn’t hit on the first bite, it’s not going to be a good experience.
Needless to say, my first bite out of the deep dish sausage was a banger. The delicious cheese and sausage, the crispy, buttery deep-dish crust, and then there’s the sauce. The sauce can truly make or break a pizza and Bartolini’s sauce definitely makes it. It’s a sweeter-tasting sauce with a nice tangy finish. Bartolini's is true Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
Adding to the delicious meal was a great beer menu (Hailstorm South Side Irish Red for me and a California Cider Co. Ace Pineapple Cider for my wife) and a full set of spirit options. I don’t know if this is every night, but there was live music on my trip which added to an already enjoyable night out.
Final Thoughts
Bartolini’s has a full catering menu and also ships nationwide. And, for the really hungry and adventurous, they have their famous “10 Pound Meatball Sandwich Challenge.” Eat a 10-pound sandwich full of meatballs, gravy, mozzarella, peppers, and Turano bread in under 10 minutes and it’s free. Maybe next time…
Anyways, if you’re in the Midlothian area or are just looking to get out and try a pizza you haven’t tried before, Bartolini’s will not let you down. It’s a great place with great food and a great atmosphere.
#OnTapEats
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