Photo: FitzMagic/On Tap Sports Net
For the next issue of #OnTapEats, I went to Midlothian to Bartolini to try their deep fried pizza. Bartolini’s was offered by “BIG DUB” and is located at 14420 S. Pulaski Rd. just minutes from I-294 and next to the Secretary of State building.
Bartolini’s has been serving fresh pies, Italian beef and homemade meatballs since 1995 and has even been featured on The Travel channel among other Chicago local shows.
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I started with an appetizer called Round Guy. It’s a combination of their homemade mini meatballs and beer nuggets topped with red sauce and mozzarella. A delicious start to a meal, may I add.
The meatballs have a delicious taste and great texture, and the beer nuggets have a delicious, “crispy on the outside, soft on the inside” vibe. I can almost eat the sauce on its own, it’s so delicious. But why, if you can eat it on top of meatballs and beer nuggets?
To pizza.
I am a simple man with simple pleasures. One of my favorite simple pleasures in life is the first bite of a fresh, hot pizza. I don’t know what it is, but it just hits differently than any other piece you’re about to take out of the pie. And if it doesn’t work the first time, it won’t be a good experience.
Needless to say, my first bite of deep-dish sausage was a firework. Delicious cheese and sausage, deep-fried crispy, buttery crust and then sauce. Sauce can really make or break a pizza, and Bartolini sauce definitely does it. It is a sweeter tasting sauce with a pleasant spicy aftertaste. Bartolini’s is an authentic Chicago style pizza.
In addition to the delicious food, there was a great beer menu (Hailstorm South Side Irish Red for me and California Cider Co. Ace Pineapple Cider for my wife) and a full range of spirits. I don’t know if it’s every night but there was live music on my trip which added to an already enjoyable night.
Final Thoughts
Bartolini has a full catering menu as well as nationwide delivery. And for the really hungry and adventurous, there’s their famous “10-pound meatball sandwich.” Eat a 10-pound sandwich with meatballs, sauce, mozzarella, peppers and turano bread in less than 10 minutes, and it’s free. Maybe next time…
Either way, if you’re in the Midlothian area or just want to get out and try a pizza you haven’t tried yet, Bartolini’s won’t let you down. This is a great place with great food and great atmosphere.
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