Long before tavern-style pizza became the popular choice, Washington Gardens had already built a loyal following for its simple yet perfect thin-crust pie. Established in 1932 by the Scornavacco family in Highwood, Washington Gardens is believed to be the first restaurant in Lake County to serve pizza.
In 1982, the founder’s grandson continued the tradition by opening Alex’s Washington Gardens just a few blocks from the family’s original location, which has since become an iconic destination still serving tavern-style pies true to the original recipe.
Now, nearly 93 years later, a part of the pie is coming to Lincoln Park. WG Pizzas, a spin-off of Washington Gardens, has been operating as a ghost kitchen in Avondale for the past year and is now launching its first brick-and-mortar location.
WG Pizzas features pies made with nearly the same recipe as its sister restaurant, Alex’s Washington Gardens, but with a few modern twists.
The menu features a variety of options, ranging from the more traditional like Margherita, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and plain cheese, which are the most popular of their pies—to more creative selections, such as Italian beef and hot giardiniera, barbecue chicken, black and white, and pepperoni, honey, and red pepper flakes.
With 22 different toppings available, such as roasted red peppers, black and green olives, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and pineapple, diners can also customize and create their favorite combinations.
As a BYOB spot, guests will be welcome to bring their own beer, wine, and canned cocktails when it opens for dining in.
WG Pizzas Guest Chef Pizza Series
WG Pizzas will continue the popular monthly Guest Chef Pizza Series, which it began earlier this year. The series showcases inventive, chef-driven pizzas featured at both WG Pizzas and Alex’s Washington Gardens.
For June, the featured pizza will be the Links Steak + Ale Pizza created by Michael Quinlan, the owner of Links Taproom & Brewery.
The Links Steak + Ale Pizza includes Links Steak + Ale Sausage (made with sirloin, bacon, horseradish, and beer), caramelized onions, horseradish-infused ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh dill.
Where is WG Pizzas located?
Address: 2819 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Currently, guests can order delivery or carry out via DoorDash and Uber Eats. Dine in is expected to open sometime in June.
In other news: This Chicago Cafe Went Viral After Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler Visited—It Now Has a Line Out the Door