Restaurant Review: Pizza Lobo
Logan Square has a brand new pizza joint to check out the next time you savor a slice. Pizza Lobo, located at 3000 West Fullerton Avenue, offers mouth-watering pies with a New York-style crust and beer and cocktails. The best part? Despite the pandemic, patrons can eat here thanks to the 4,000 square-foot patio at the recently opened restaurant.
I recently checked out this new joint with friends on a warm August night. I was pleasantly surprised at the pizza offerings that stood in stark contrast to the typical delivery fare I’ve been living off since March. The sixteen-inch pizzas on the menu are varied and definitely worth repeat visits to knock more off of my pizza bucket list.
The Armatric’ Yo-Self is a delight for the taste buds. The pizza, topped with red sauce, Calabrian chili, roasted tomato, garlic, pancetta, and pecorino, was a showstopper and justified the $29 price tag. Between my friends and I, there was nothing left on the pan. We unanimously agreed this dish was a must-have for any occasion in the future when our appetites demanded pizza.
The rest of the pizzas on the menu include the eye-opening Brussels sprout highlighted by charred lemon honey, white sauce, pancetta, and pecorino for $27. The provolone and ‘nduja pie features pink sauce, smoked provolone, ‘nduja, and bay leaf ricotta (definitely my choice the next time I visit, which I can see happening before this review is posted) for $28. The spicy broccoli rabe is undoubtedly off the beaten track with garlic jam, fresh mozzarella, and creamy pesto, which will run you $25.
If you’re in the mood for something of your own creation, Pizza Lobo lets you build your own pizza. The 10-inch option is $11, and the 16-inch regular size is $20. Each choice comes with a foundation of hand-grated mozzarella and toppings of your choice, including Anaheim peppers, roasted tomato, obvious favorites like pepperoni and sausage, and much more. Toppings range in price from $1 to $3.
It’s not all pies at Pizza Lobo. The menu offers starters such as fried cauliflower with gremolata, Calabrian chile honey, fennel pollen aioli for $8, wings with house buffalo and bleu cheese dressing for $10, and chopped antipasti featuring truffled buttermilk dressing and bitter greens for $14.
Craft beer, wine, and cocktails round out the drink menu. Fans of 3 Floyds will enjoy the Gumballhead wheat ale and Zombie Dust and Alpha King pale ales on tap. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the double chocolate Fernet cookie or the creamy buttermilk Speculoos ice cream for $5 each.
My friends and I sat outside in the 4,000 square-foot patio, which was the perfect setting to enjoy the good eats at Pizza Lobo. The indoor dining room remains closed due to COVID-19, so be sure to take advantage of the patio while the weather permits.
Pizza Lobo is a welcome new addition to Logan Square’s restaurant scene with vibrant ingredients that create a spectacular menu featuring pizza that tastes and thinks outside of the box. This new establishment is open Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 pm.
ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
