Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria

EricS.

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From humble beginnings in a Chicago saloon, this South Side pizzeria continues, now in its fifth generation, as a family affair.

vitonicks-originalgalsVito & Nick’s Pizzeria (vitoandnick.com) has its roots in a saloon, Vito’s Tavern, that Sicilian immigrant Vito Barraco started in the early 1920s. He added food to the menu—sandwiches and spaghetti at first—in 1939. Finally, after son Nick returned home from WWII, Vito’s wife, Mary, whipped up their first pizza recipe in 1949, and Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria was born. The Barracos found immediate success through word-of-mouth advertising, which Vito helped build through his support of local neighborhood organizations.

Today, after decades of success, two Vito & Nick’s locations still exist, both still family-run: The original (on Chicago’s South Side) is operated by Rose, Vito’s granddaughter, and her son Nick; the second (in Lemont, Illinois) is run by Vito’s other grandchildren, and even Rose’s granddaughter Taylor helps out with the pizzeria. “Today, we have our fifth generation working in the business, and I am very proud of this,” Rose says.

Chicagoans also cherish their long history with Vito & Nick’s. “Before my father passed, I asked him how many generations he had seen in his life in the business, and he told me that at least five to six generations have passed through our doors,” says Rose. “(Back in 2009), one of our oldest customers came in with her family to celebrate her 98th birthday, and she had six generations attending her party.”

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Rose credits the longevity of the business to a top-notch product and a lot of hard work. “Our pizza recipe has never changed in 68 years, and all of our items are made fresh daily,” she says. With her lifelong experience in the pizza industry, she advises fellow pizzeria operators, “Do your homework, know what you are getting into, and follow your heart. Be prepared to work many hours every day!” –Tracy Morin

vitoandnick.com

11 Comments

  1. Joan CerulliReply
    August 20, 2015 at 11:30 am

    What a great legend. You can be so proud to be a part of it. It is the best Pizza in the world. Your Dad was very special.

  2. Peg trucksisReply
    August 21, 2015 at 3:39 pm

    This home away from home is like a sanctuary to myself and my family. I smile just thinking about it!

  3. GeriReply
    August 22, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Best pizza ever…been going to Nick & Vitos since I was 17 & still enjoying it at 67.
    Congrats!!

  4. GaryReply
    August 19, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    The best Pizza in Chicago land……

  5. JeffReply
    August 19, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    I am 56 and have spent my life here

  6. GinnyReply
    August 20, 2017 at 1:09 am

    Hope Lee is doing fine. I was home in May and they said she was. I still have 3 Vito and nicks pizza in my sc freezer.

  7. BarbReply
    August 20, 2017 at 4:47 am

    Is that Lee as one of the waitresses?

  8. Bruce JohanssonReply
    August 22, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    You’re the pizza I compare all others to. I especially love the sweet sausage and crispy crust.

    • NickReply
      August 25, 2018 at 7:59 am

      Yes … 3rd from the left!!!

  9. Vito MascialeReply
    April 11, 2018 at 3:50 am

    My name is Vito and I have a brother named Nick! This is definitely on my bucket list to go there and try it out! It has to be great just by the name! Our last name is Masciale! Look it up we’re living legends! By the way! We were not named after this joint! Representing Bari/Bitonto, Italy! Forza Italia!! Gtfoh!!!

  10. Karen JohnsonReply
    August 25, 2018 at 9:27 pm

    The Best Tasting Thin Crust Pizza in The World.If you haven’t tried it You must

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