Georgio's has all the right ingredients
Friday night is pizza night at my house and while that usually means delivery, we changed up the routine the other week and met friends at the new Georgio's Chicago Pizzeria and Pub in South Barrington.
Georgio's first opened in Crystal Lake in 2002 and quickly won fans who voted it the best pizza in McHenry County. The South Barrington spot, located amid the shops at the Arboretum of South Barrington, opened earlier this year.
Any second thoughts I had about showing up at a new restaurant with three kids in tow were quickly laid to rest when I noticed many tables filled with toddlers to preteens. The restaurant was loud, sure, but at least on our visit the younger diners kept busy coloring on the kids menus or playing hand-held games. The restaurant's high ceilings, brick walls and Chicago mural give the space an urban feel while keeping the atmosphere warm and comfortable.
The servers here know how to take care of families — drinks with lids and free refills, prompt attention, noticing when a glass of beer is almost empty and whisking away salad plates — and that goes a long way toward happy diners.
Great food goes a long way toward happy diners too, and on that point Georgio's scores as well. From starters to drinks to dessert, nothing failed to please.
The dough nuggets, for instance, were an instant hit. These buttery chunks of fried pizza dough seasoned with Parmesan should be classified as addictive. Even though we knew plenty more carb-loaded fare was headed our way, we couldn't stop eating them and the basket was so full it seemed like we barely touched them.
The mozzarella sticks were far from anemic logs poured from a freezer bag. These evenly seasoned treats come with a choice of marinara or homemade ranch dressing (opt for the ranch!). Other appetizers include spinach and artichoke dip, fried calamari and a zippy bruschetta that we enjoyed at the peak of tomato season.
Don't expect too many surprises from the dinner menu; amid the standard sandwiches and entree salads you'll find a nice mix of barbecue-sauced chicken salad tossed with black beans, corn and cilantro-infused ranch, and an Angus beef burger served on a pretzel bun (also available as minis on the appetizer menu).
The Italian beef sandwich is as good as any you'll find in the Loop; the mound of tender meat was just this side of pink and served with a heavily herbed, not too salty jus. All sandwiches come with crisp fries or onion straws.
We passed on the oh-so-tempting Italian pastas — we'll try the sausage and vodka sauce and spinach and cheese lasagna next time — in favor of the all-American mac and cheese. Georgio's amps up its Monterey Jack and cheddar version with grilled chicken, red peppers and a breadcrumb topping. Don't feel pressured to eat the whole delicious dish; it reheats nicely the next day.
We'd have been remiss if we didn't try the pizza; all toppings are available on a crispy thin crust, hearty deep dish or gluten-free thin crust. Georgio's signature pies are the Papa Georgio's combo of sausage, bacon, pepperoni, mushroom, onion and green pepper; the five-meat Second City and the vegetarian-friendly Mama Primavera that pleased our table with its balanced blend of spinach, tomatoes, onion, mushrooms and green peppers.
Dessert, which kids always have room for, shouldn't be missed. Mount St. Georgio is a shareable dish of chewy chocolate cookie topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. This, unfortunately, doesn't pack well into a doggy bag.
The beverage menu is quite admirable — after all pub is part of the name — with a great selection of craft beers (several brewed locally) and fruity cocktails. A sleek bar area offers space for waiting for a table or settling in for the evening with friends.
Ÿ Restaurant reviews are based on one anonymous visit. The Daily Herald does not review restaurants it cannot recommend.
Georgio's Chicago Pizzeria and Pub
100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington (at the Arboretum of South Barrington shops), (847) 844-1988; georgiospizza.com
<b>Cuisine: </b>Pizza, pasta and sandwiches
<b>Setting: </b>Brick-walled room with downtown feel and open kitchen
<b>Entrees: </b>$8.99 to $11.99
<b>Hours: </b>Noon to 9 p.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (bar open till 1 a.m. weekdays; 2 a.m. weekends)