Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria

*** (3 stars)

This place is popular due to its close proximity to Northwestern. I have to admit that Chicago deep dish pizza isn’t my favorite style: I don’t like crust that tastes like saltine crackers, and I prefer the pizza to be more about the sauce and toppings than about dough. So I find nothing noteworthy about Lou Malnati’s pizza. It’s a plus that they offer a gluten free variety, which I haven’t tasted, but might be better.

I will say that the service is friendly and efficient, especially considering how busy they are. Frankly I think the best pizza in Evanston is the one we order delivered from Sarpino’s.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
1850 Sherman Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 328-5400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lou-malnatis-pizzeria-evanston

Cheesie’s Pub & Grub

**** (4 stars)

Sometimes you just want a grilled cheese sandwich. And when you do, you’re not looking for health food. That’s a good thing, because mine was perfect–which is to say redolent with the butter the bread was grilled in. Yum.

And since we’re binging, I have to say that the fires are the best in Evanston–and I’m including Five Guys (yuck) and Edzo’s (meh) in that assessment. They’re my favorite kind, battered and fried to a crispy outside crunch, yes fluffy in the middle, and perfectly seasoned.

Sandwich, fries and a drink for $8. What’s not to like? My waistline is just glad the place isn’t any closer to home.

Cheesie’s Pub & Grub
622 Davis St
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 868-8686
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cheesies-pub-and-grub-evanston

Flippers Pizzeria

**** (4 stars)

This Flipper’s is a bit nicer than some of the others, and the food is identical. Pizza and salads are good, but my favorites are the calzones. Try them with extra ricotta. Service is prompt, although the kitchen can be slow at lunch time. The lunch prices are incredibly low for a complete meal with a drink.

Flippers Pizzeria
7339 W Sand Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-2213
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-pizzeria-orlando-11

Flippers Pizzeria

**** (4 stars)

This is an older Flipper’s location, so it’s a bit seedy, but not in an off-putting way. It actually encourages us to eat lunch at one of the tables out on the sidewalk, which are far enough from Kirkman to be quite pleasant. Service is super friendly, and you can’t beat the incredible lunch deals, which include a drink and a generous pizza, calzone or salad.

Flippers Pizzeria
4774 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811
(407) 521-0607
http://www.yelp.com/biz/flippers-pizzeria-orlando-12

Bella Tuscany Ristorante Italiano

**** (4 stars)

This is the best of the three restaurants that have occupied the same spot. Layered eggplant parmesan was delicious, as was the smoked salmon appetizer. The flatbreads are better than the pizza, and aren’t really flatbreads, just a thinner crusted pizza. Interesting wines by the glass. Service is well intentioned. I still hate the lighting in this otherwise beautiful space, as it glares. All the fixtures should be lowered or the globes painted black.

Bella Tuscany Ristorante Italiano
13424 Summerport Village Pkwy
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 656-2355
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bella-tuscany-ristorante-italiano-windermere

Union Pizzeria

**** (4 stars)

This place serves thin crust pizza with an almost burnt crust, which is my favorite style. Unfortunately they are very inflexible about ingredients, so your only option is to order something and have them leave stuff off. Good selection of beers, and the Caesar salad is excellent. The really neat thing about the place is that SPACE, the world’s best intimate live performance venue is attached. You can have a pizza before the show, or even take it back with you and eat it on one of the cocktail tables while watching the show. Because SPACE is such a great audio environment, it attracts the top small acts. SPACE plus Union Pizza and a nice stout is a definite win.

Union Pizzeria
1245 Chicago Ave
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 475-2400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/union-pizzeria-evanston

Sarpino’s Pizza

**** (4 stars)

This might not be the fastest delivery place in the world, but the pizza is excellent. I’ll admit it, I’m not a fan of Chicago style pizza, with its thick, saltine tasting pie crust. Sarpino’s offers a thin crust pizza, and an extra done option that makes it slightly crispy. The toppings are tasty and in the correct proportions. We like the basil pesto pizza and the veggie pizza. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for delivery. Check online for deals like two for ones.

Sarpino’s Pizza
2428 Main St
Evanston, IL 60202
(847) 869-5555
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarpinos-pizza-evanston

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza

***** (5 stars)

Okay, I admit it. I’m now addicted to the cauliflower pizza, and had to upgrade my star rating to five. “That’s not pizza!” says my cauliflower-hating wife, but whatever it is, it’s scrumptious. Charred crust, and perfectly rich garlicky olive-oil roasted cauliflower. Yum.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
8031 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-9466
http://www.yelp.com/biz/anthonys-coal-fired-pizza-orlando