As a Chicagoan, it is only fitting that pizza is a part of our diets. Who can resist a delicious pie with different toppings, a crispy crust, and gooey cheese? Talk about indulgence! In Chicago, we are known for our signature deep-dish pizza. But if you are not in the mood for deep-dish, there are other options around the city like Coalfire Pizza.
Coalfire Pizza is a great place to try unique pizzas. With selections like béchamel, spicy honey, and whipped ricotta…adventurous eaters can rejoice! If you want to be creative and stray from traditional toppings like pepperoni or sausage, there are options to build your own pizza. The pizzas are super thin, so be prepared to eat more than a slice!
{Ambiance}
Coalfire Pizza’s West Town location is rather small, so don’t be angry if you have to wait, especially if you have a large party. The restaurant does not take reservations at either locations so make sure your party is complete or you won’t be put on the waiting list.
Coalfire Pizza is casual and affordable so it is great option for families. It is also a great place to catch up with friends over a drink. Please note, they only serve wine and beer at the establishment. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. It is easy to befriend them.
{Food}
I was at Coalfire with a couple of friends and we ordered a plethora of food. Amongst the three of us, we ordered three pizzas and a salad. We don’t regret a bite! It was so utterly delicious.
We started off with…
The Apple & Endive Salad (escarole, frisee, roasted riddichio, tossed in black pepper vinaigrette, with sliced gala apples, faro, blue cheese and walnuts).
The salad was so fresh and such a great start to our meal. I particularly enjoyed the refreshing crunch of the endive and the creaminess of the blue cheese. What a wonderful combination! The gala apples added a much-welcomed sweetness to the salad as well. It is a very great salad to stimulate your palettes.
Apple & Endive Salad at Coalfire Pizza // Photo: @vansventures
We ordered three different pizzas. They were as follows:
Pepperoni and Whipped Ricotta (fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, thick-cut pepperoni, whipped ricotta and garlic).
This pizza was the most photogenic of the three pizzas due to the mounds of whipped ricotta on top. The cheese looked so sexy. It makes you want to dive right into the pizza and indulge! Personally, I did not enjoy this pizza as much as the others. It is a clever idea but not very unique in taste. The ricotta was overpowering and the pizza had a blander flavor profile.
Whipped Ricotta Pizza at Coalfire Pizza // Photo: @vansventures
Honey and Salami (fresh mozzarella, sauce, Creminelli picante salami, drizzled with spicy honey).
This was a very unique pizza because of the honey…but it worked! The sweetness of the honey gave the pizza a fun spin. I didn’t think the honey would work on a pizza, but it did! The only thing I did not like was that the honey drips everywhere when you are eating it. Make sure to make a makeshift bib for yourself if you are going to have more than a slice of this. Now I know what I need to do next time I visit.
Honey and Salami at Coalfire Pizza // Photo: @vansventures
Our third pizza was the ‘Nduja and Béchamel (béchamel, ‘nduja, fresh mozzarella, escarole and chili flakes). This was my favorite of the three. I tend to lean towards more savory and spicy foods and this one hit the spot. The chili flakes and the ‘nduja (spicy pork sausage from Italy) was spicy. I love heat in my food! The béchamel (white sauce) was creamy and complimented the spicy bits of the pizza. Who can resist?
‘Nduja and Bechamel Pizza from Coalfire Pizza // Photo: @vansventures
The pizzas all had crispy crusts that were no bigger than half an inch to one inch. They are perfect to nibble on. Not a crust person? Well, you don’t have to feel bad about wasting food since the crust is so thin. Personally, I think you should always finish everything! Since the pizzas are thin, it’s easy to eat 3-4 slices per person. Make sure to go with an empty stomach so you can explore more options!
{Experience}
My overall experience at Coalfire was good. With friendly service and fantastic food, I would say it has a “pizza” my heart. Our server was nice, though a little impatient since I was waiting for the rest of my party for a little while. We placed our orders and received the food very quickly. It was a good place to catch up with friends and enjoy a different take on the traditional Chicago pizza. They are also have a location in Southport so make sure you take advantage of that if you live closer to downtown.
I know there are a lot of pizza places around to choose from, but this place should not be missed! They offer fresh ingredients and different combinations, which are worth the trip. The service was quick and speedy. Although, a little too speedy at times. They took away my plate before I could use it but it didn’t stop me from digging in. They eventually brought me another plate when they realized I didn’t have a place to eat my salad. The pizza never made it because it was devoured right off the pan. Overall, it was a very relaxed atmosphere and enjoyable.
FAB TIP: Both locations are closed on Mondays.
{Location}
Coalfire Pizza
West Town|| 1321 W Grand Ave, Chicago IL || P: (312) 226-2625
Lakeview|| 3707 N Southport Ave, Chicago IL || P: (773) 477-2625
{Price}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
Have you been to Coalfire? What do you think? Is there another pizza joint that does thin pizzas well? I would love to hear your recommendations and try it out!
Until the next venture!
With Love,
Van
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
