6 Illinois Pizza Joints Where Tavern-Cut Squares Have Fed Families For Over 50 Years

Tavern-style pizza has its own official holiday now. It lands every October 22, and I love that a thin, crunchy pie earned a spot on the calendar.

The squares came first for a practical reason. Early tavern pizza was handed out as a free snack, cut small so folks could eat with one hand.

That simple grid stuck around for generations.

Illinois still has family pizzerias that have been cutting pies this way for more than half a century. Some started in the 1930s.

Others fired up their ovens during the Eisenhower years and never looked back.

I can’t think of a better food for a family table. Little kids grab the tiny middle pieces, and the grown-ups argue over the crispy corner bits.

So which old-school spot deserves your next Friday night? The answer might sit closer to home than you think.

1. Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria

Carpet on the walls and turquoise stools should tell you right away that nobody here chases trends. Vito & Nick’s has stayed proudly old school on Chicago’s South Side for generations.

The Barraco family business traces its roots to a tavern in 1920. Pizza joined the menu in 1946, and the cracker-thin crust has been the star ever since.

Your pie arrives square-cut, tavern style, in 12-inch or 14-inch sizes. Fennel-forward sausage is a classic pick, and giardiniera adds a spicy kick for anyone at the table who likes heat.

Feeling adventurous? An Italian beef pizza mashes up two Chicago favorites in one crunchy bite.

There’s also a 10-inch gluten-free crust for family members who need it.

Not into pizza tonight? The menu also covers mostaccioli, ravioli dinners, ribs, and fried chicken.

High chairs are available, which makes it easier to bring the little ones.

Plan ahead before you go, because the Chicago location is cash only and skips delivery. Reservations aren’t accepted, and Friday evenings tend to get busy, so check ahead on hours.

Address: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

2. The Lucca Grill

A pressed tin ceiling hangs over your thin-crust pizza in downtown Bloomington. The Lucca Grill has been serving Italian-American food under it since 1936.

From Chicago, it’s roughly a two-hour run down I-55 into central Illinois. That makes it a handy stop for families heading toward Springfield or St. Louis.

The room leans proudly vintage, with an antique counter that looks straight out of another era. You get history with your dinner at no extra charge.

Pizza here comes on a crisp, cracker-style crust that feels classic in the best way. Pair it with fried ravioli or a plate of chicken Parmesan, and nobody leaves hungry.

Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are on hand for the smallest diners. The vegetarian options run deep too, so picky eaters have choices.

Weekend evenings and Sunday nights tend to draw crowds. Reservations are accepted and recommended for dinner, so booking ahead may save you a wait.

Free parking options nearby make the downtown stop easier with a car full of kids. Hours can shift, especially on Sundays, so check ahead before you make the drive.

Address: 116 E Market St, Bloomington, IL 61701

3. Villa Nova Stickney

Tiny room, giant reputation. Villa Nova has been turning out ultrathin pies in this small suburb just southwest of Chicago since 1955.

Don’t expect anything fancy inside. The setting is no-frills and quiet, which lets the pizza do the talking.

The crust bakes up crispy and thin, almost pub style. A slightly sweet sauce sets it apart, and the sausage has a reputation of its own.

Feeding a crowd? Family-size pizzas handle hungry teens and picky little ones in one order.

Fresh mushrooms and fresh garlic are among the toppings worth considering.

The Villa Nova Supreme piles on more for anyone who wants the works. A BBQ chicken pizza also gives you something different to try.

Family ownership keeps things personal, and high chairs are available. You can dine in, grab takeout, or have it delivered when nobody wants to leave the couch.

Catering is an option for parties and big gatherings too. Mind the schedule, though, since the restaurant closes on Mondays and opens in the afternoon on other days.

Friday and Saturday evenings tend to be the busiest stretch. Reservations aren’t taken, so check ahead on hours and plan accordingly.

Address: 6821 W Pershing Rd, Stickney, IL 60402

4. Aurelio’s Pizza of Homewood

Six hundred and fifty seats. That’s the size of the dining room at the Homewood flagship, billed as the world’s largest pizzeria.

The story started much smaller on August 20, 1959. The first shop sat at 2041 Ridge Road before moving to this bigger home in 1976.

Aurelio’s is often called Chicago’s oldest pizza chain, and Homewood is where it all began. The suburb sits south of the city, an easy trip down I-57 or I-294.

Thin crust is the signature here, sliced into Chicago-style square pieces. Expect a crisp edge with a softer middle, so both crunch lovers and softer-bite fans win.

Thick crust is on the menu if someone insists. Italian beef sandwiches, antipasto salads, and pasta round out the lineup.

Families have plenty to like beyond the food. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a multi-level layout that suits birthday parties and big groups.

Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday and Saturday nights. Check ahead on hours, especially if you’re planning a party.

Address: 18162 Harwood Ave, Homewood, IL 60430

5. Monical’s Pizza

Ranch is fine, but around here, people dunk their crust in salad dressing. Monical’s has built a following on that dipping habit since 1959.

Tolono is a small farm village in Champaign County, just south of Champaign-Urbana. This is the town where the company got its start.

Heading down I-57 from Chicago takes a little over two hours. It’s a natural stop for families visiting the university area or exploring corn country.

The thin crust bakes up cracker crispy, with a sauce worth noticing. Deep-dish is also available for anyone craving a thicker slice.

Kids have their own menu, and high chairs are on hand. The spot also works for birthday celebrations, which takes some pressure off busy parents.

Reservations are accepted, a nice perk for a small-town pizzeria. Free parking is usually easy to find, so no circling the block with cranky kids.

Weekend evenings tend to be the busiest, along with Thursday and Sunday nights. Delivery and takeout are options if you’d rather eat at home.

Hours can change, so check ahead before you drive out. Your crust and that cup of dressing will be worth it.

Address: 102 Vine St, Tolono, IL 61880

6. Candlelite Chicago

Follow the vintage neon sign on Western Avenue, and you’ll find tavern-style pizza that’s been rolling out since 1950. Candlelite brings a dose of retro charm to Chicago’s North Side.

The crust is classic Chicago thin, crisp, and cracker-like. Square-cut pies make sharing simple when the whole family digs in.

Build your own pizza, or go big with the Meat Lovers. Either way, you’re eating a style the restaurant has served for more than seven decades.

Save room for starters, because the cheese curds have earned plenty of attention. Southern fried pickles and onion rings are fun picks for the table too.

Grown-ups who want greens can grab a wedge salad or the house Candlelite salad. Kids get their own menu, plus high chairs for the youngest crew.

The space is spacious and casual, and sports fans will find games on. Reservations are accepted, and curbside pickup makes takeout easy.

Weekday doors open in the late afternoon, while weekends start earlier. Tuesday and Friday evenings tend to be busy, so check ahead on hours.

Address: 7452 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645