Deep-dish pizza is ubiquitous throughout the Chicagoland Area. However, sometimes pizza that is lighter on the cheese and filled with other non-cheesy flavors is desired by customers. Some alternatives include Neapolitan-Style and New York-Style pizzas, both of which are rarities around Chicago. Thus, when it’s found, it’s worth talking about. Garibaldi’s Italian Eatery is a New York-Style pizza joint that both New Yorkers and Chicagoans can appreciate with its ‘50s diner décor, ample selection of tasty appetizers and of course its signature thin and foldable slice.
Before my slice, I enjoyed the classic seasoned fries, garlic bread and mozzarella cheese sticks. They were all guilty albeit delectable fried pleasures that teased the appetite before the main course arrived. The seasoned fries were savory and crispy. The garlic bread was golden brown and toasty. The mozzarella cheese sticks were the perfect balance of crunchy and gooey. All three appetizers were very affordable, and each would run the customer between three and eight dollars.
My main course was the pizza. The impeccably cooked crust, flavorful sauce and mouthwatering cheese brought me feelings of nostalgia from traveling to New York City on family vacation. If Chicagoans have never tried New York-Style pizza in New York City, going to Garibaldi’s Pizzeria is the next best option.
An extra-large pizza costs $20.99, but the Monday and Tuesday special offers two extra-large pizzas for $27.99. This is an absolute bargain for a family looking to enjoy tasty pizzas.
The food was not the only thing to appreciate on this excursion as the décor included ‘50s-themed diner colors and styles, wallpaper depicting vinyl record album covers and rock music playing lightly in the background. It is a family-friendly restaurant. It also offers the option to purchase beer on tap at the counter. As long as New York-Style pizza is a rarity around Chicago, Garibaldi’s is definitely the best option for it.
As a longtime suburban dweller, Garibaldi’s was the number one pizzeria in my hometown neighborhood when I was growing up. As an adult, I am glad it still exists, and I hope to take my kids there someday. The original location of Garibaldi’s was at the old Town & Country Mall on Palatine Road and Arlington Heights Road over twenty years ago, and they have been at the current location on Arlington Heights Road and Rand Road for at least the past decade. Part of my nostalgic feelings for that Italian eatery stems from my classmates’ birthday parties and my brother’s birthday party having taken place there. It definitely holds a special place in the hearts of those who were raised in Arlington Heights.
