As the dingy little pizza joint that could, Gigio's has kept sprawling legions of fans in tow for decades—and with good reason. Since the early '60s, this North Side spot has provided many a youngster with their first taste of pizza, an experience that has haunted generations of slice-loving Chicagoans. While these children get a fantastic first memory of the pie, they also inherit a lifetime of disappointment with all other pizza joints.

In a quest for the perfect slice of New York pizza here, in the holy land of deep dish, this Uptown mainstay gets sky-high marks. After catching a show at the nearby Aragon or Riviera theaters, those in the know flock to Gigio's to dutifully spend their transit fare on the best late-night slice around. Huge, floppy and foldable, each piece delivers that phantom balance of zesty sauce and greasy cheese that NY-aficionados yearn for.

The menu here is pretty straightforward; pizzas range from twelve to eighteen inches, come with that perfect cheese and sauce base and you get to choose the toppings. Loyal customers swear by a simple cheese or the house's well-seasoned sausage, but more adventuresome types can opt for anchovies, jalapenos or shrimp.

Complete with mismatched marquee letters, a hideous mustard-yellow facade weighs down this Broadway storefront. Eating in can be a little dicey, as the "dining room" is sweltering hot, cramped and—in true New York style—grimy as hell. Grabbing carry-out is a better option if you're in the neighborhood and just looking for that perfect slice. If you're at home, Gigio's speedy delivery reaches a wider area that most small pizzerias, and ordering in will get you a free bottle of RC cola.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe