RIP to the OG
Beloved Restaurants that Closed
Pour one out for the places that have closed their doors. Here is the restaurant graveyard that I wish didn't have to exist, but alas we can't have beermosas and poutine on a rooftop while overlooking the St. Johns River. Gone are the days of rolling out of bed and into Deerwood Diner. Change is the only constant.
Chicago Pizza at The Landing
Are you ready to try an absolutely decadent pizza that you will dream of for months after eating? Of all the unique places in Jacksonville, and surpassing even tasty chains like Mellow Mushroom, is Chicago Pizza at the Landing.
Best Pizza in Jacksonville
You will find this spot in Downtown Jacksonville – not a place I often visit. There are businesses and hotels mostly, not a lot of inviting nightlife and restaurants. However, Jax Landing is a little area on the river with a handful of places to eat, drink and shop.
The few times I’ve been, the area feels a little abandoned, but something tells me for events it gets bigger. Part of the area is like an indoor mall. You walk around and feel transported. Now I’ve never been to Atlantic City or Jersey Shore, but for some reason when I walk into Chicago Pizza I feel like I’ve traveled to a place like that. I’ve been to Chicago and maybe the decor has a little vibe from that city and could make you reminisce about Navy Pier, but overall I feel like it’s more Northern East Coast, if that’s a thing. Also, there are arcade games which is fun.
The pie at Chicago Pizza comes slathered in cheese and sauce. The red sauce on the pizza is rich, tomato-y with a slight oregano complexity and a hint of sweetness.
Quit your diet, this is a reason to carb hard.
Let’s get to the real attraction. The Pizza. I’ve tried the thin crust and the thick crust and both were phenomenal. To give you an idea of my pizza preferences, I am a believer in Papa John’s. That’s my to-go pizza of choice. Also, I feel like pizza without red sauce is a lie.
The pie at Chicago Pizza comes slathered in cheese and sauce. In fact, in a strange twist, the sauce is actually on top of the cheese. Both times we went classic and ordered the pepperoni. The red sauce on the pizza is rich, tomato-y with a slight oregano complexity and a hint of sweetness. I think it’s covered in mozzarella and maybe some other cheeses, but either way there’s tons and it tastes fresh, a little salty and again, rich with flavor though not overpowering.
Betting those Wings are Killer
I tried their burger too, which was cooked perfectly, fresh and tasty. I haven’t tried their wings and def want to go back for that. When I went with my girlfriends, we split a pitcher of Yuengling and sat in a cozy red booth. The service is a little slow but it’s likely because their preparing the oh-so-fresh-hot-and-amazing-dripping-in-just-enough-grease dough.
So, if you’re looking for a late night spot, are hungry after a concert at the Times-Union, find out that the Irish Place in Jax Landing is closed for the night, just want some perfect pizza, go here.