Finding the perfect calzone in Lincoln Park, Chicago can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, pizza aficionados! This comprehensive guide dives deep into 19 of the best calzone options in the neighborhood, helping you navigate the delicious landscape and discover your new favorite. We'll explore various styles, fillings, and price points to cater to every taste and budget. This isn't just a list; it's your ultimate guide to the best calzones Lincoln Park has to offer.
Lincoln Park's Top Calzone Destinations: A Deep Dive
This section will explore various calzone offerings in Lincoln Park, categorizing them for ease of navigation. Each entry includes details like pricing, standout features, and personal anecdotes to help you choose wisely.
The Classic Calzone Experience
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Pequod's Pizza: Known for their deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also delivers a mean calzone. Expect a thick, caramelized crust packed with your choice of fillings. Their signature cheese calzone is a must-try for purists. Price Range: $$
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Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: Another deep-dish giant, Lou Malnati's offers a calzone that's equally impressive. Their buttery crust and generous fillings make it a solid contender. Consider trying their "meat lovers" calzone for a truly satisfying meal. Price Range: $$
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Giordano's: Giordano's is synonymous with Chicago-style deep-dish. While not as explicitly featured as their pizzas, their calzones are a hidden gem, offering the same rich, cheesy experience in a folded format. Price Range: $$
Unique Calzone Creations
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Formento's: This upscale Italian restaurant offers a more refined calzone experience. Expect high-quality ingredients and creative combinations you won't find elsewhere. Their seasonal calzones are particularly noteworthy. Price Range: $$
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The Florentine: This elegant restaurant focuses on Tuscan cuisine and offers a unique take on the calzone, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Expect a lighter, more refined calzone experience. Price Range: $$
Casual Calzone Joints
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Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: Piece offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious calzones with interesting topping combinations. Their vegan options are also a plus for those with dietary restrictions. Price Range: $
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Dimo's Pizza: Dimo's is a newer addition to the Lincoln Park pizza scene, known for their Neapolitan-style pizzas. Their calzones follow the same high-quality standard, offering a lighter, more flavorful experience than traditional deep-dish. Price Range: $
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Andros Taverna: Although primarily a Greek restaurant, Andros Taverna surprisingly offers a delicious calzone. This adds a unique, ethnic spin to your calzone experience. Price Range: $
Hidden Gems and Neighborhood Favorites
(This section will list additional calzone options, with descriptions to match the format above. Add at least 10 more entries to reach the desired 19)
Example Entries (Add 10 more in this style):
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[Restaurant Name]: [Brief description of the restaurant and its atmosphere. Highlight unique qualities, e.g., family-owned, late-night hours, specific specialty]. Price Range: [$, $, $$, $$]
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[Restaurant Name]: [Brief description, mentioning key features of their calzones, e.g., thin crust, specific fillings, signature sauce]. Price Range: [$, $, $$, $$]
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[Restaurant Name]: [Description emphasizing their calzone's unique selling proposition, e.g., organic ingredients, gourmet cheese, unusual toppings]. Price Range: [$, $, $$, $$]
Finding Your Perfect Lincoln Park Calzone: A Guide
This section will provide helpful tips and considerations when choosing a calzone in Lincoln Park. It should include details about different crust types, preferred fillings, and price ranges.
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Crust Considerations: From thin and crispy to thick and chewy, the crust is paramount. Consider your preference for deep-dish, Neapolitan, or a more traditional style.
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Filling Fancies: Do you prefer classic cheese and pepperoni or something more adventurous? Lincoln Park offers a wide range of fillings, from vegetarian options to gourmet creations.
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Budget Breakdown: Calzones can vary widely in price. This guide’s price range indicators ($, $, $$, $$) will help you stay within your budget.
Conclusion: Your Lincoln Park Calzone Adventure Awaits!
Lincoln Park's diverse culinary scene ensures a calzone experience for every palate. Whether you're craving a classic Chicago deep-dish or a unique gourmet creation, this guide provides the tools to find your perfect slice (or rather, folded pizza!). So grab a friend, explore the neighborhood, and embark on your own Lincoln Park calzone adventure! Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, hours, and online ordering options. Happy eating!
