When I think “Chicago pizza,” I imagine a thick slice of deep dish with gooey mozzarella cheese dripping down the sides, drowned in a pool of red sauce. I think of pizza so large, so greasy, so filling that I can’t even finish a slice (which is unusual for me as a pizza lover). But Homeslice is far from the thick, buttery crusted food Chicagoans have come to love. Located in Lincoln Park, Homeslice is not your mother’s pizza restaurant. In fact, you might be embarrassed to walk in with your mother since no one eating there is older than 35. This is a place for a night of pizza and beer with friends, when you feel like going out but not clubbing, when you want a nice dinner but don’t want to burn a hole in your wallet. More elevated and trendy than the average pizza joint, Homeslice has everything: fun cocktails, Instagram-worthy decor, and so many different types of pizza, it might take you an hour to decide which to get!
Walking in, the neon sign by the hostess stand immediately caught my eye: “I could give up pizza, but I’m not a quitter.” These words are enough to uplift any group of millennials looking for a fun night filled with pizza and drinks. The entire space is an Instagram playground: the rustic wooden tables, the hanging fairy lights on the ceiling, and the outdoor patio that’s open even on a rainy day (don’t worry, it’s covered). Not to mention the delightfully playful drinks. I ordered a “Pomarita:” tequila, pomegranate, lime, soda, and jalapeño completed with a pink flamingo straw (I snapped plenty of pictures before I took a sip). The bright pink drink was refreshing and cheery, transporting me away from the rainy Chicago weather of that night.
Now, let’s get to what you’re all waiting for: the pizza. My friends and I naturally all ordered our own individual pizzas, but it took us quite a while to decide. If you thought pizza only ranged from pepperoni to Hawaiian, you will soon be proven wrong. The menu is divided into three sections: veggie, meat, and chicken, and each section has over eight options. Our decisions were so difficult because they all sounded equally delightful. But don’t worry, if none of these appeal to you, feel free to build your own. And, of course, like any millennial establishment there are vegan and gluten free options. I ordered the “Da Duba,” which includes toppings of roma tomatoes, artichoke hearts, roasted garlic, fresh basil, and a garlic & olive oil base. It was far from the typical cheese pizza, but it was certainly delicious. The garlicy, cheese-filled pie satisfied my carb craving without leaving me with a stomach ache. I left the restaurant feeling full and satisfied.
Homeslice is transforming the pizza and beer experience into something a bit more glamorous. A night at this trendy restaurant is the perfect elevated “chill” hangout. Even if you’re not a millennial, you can still enjoy a quality pizza in the company of 20-somethings. But, before you dig into a slice, remember the phone always eats first!