PILSEN — Eight months after announcing plans to open in Pilsen, The Original Gino's East plans to open its 21st Street location Friday.
Known for its Chicago-style deep dish pizza, the restaurant at 1659 W. 21st St. will serve up a special menu inspired by the Gino's East location in Mexico City.
“We have completely fallen in love with the people, culture and food of Mexico City,” said Noah Himmel, vice president of the company and part of the third generation of the family owners. “We’re excited to continue to expand Gino’s East globally and in our hometown Chicago.”
Menu items created by chef Roberto Tostado and Himmel include:
• A carnitas pizza with caramelized onions, avocado, salsa picante, cilantro, tomato sauce and mozzarella
• Nopal Vegetarian pizza with cactus, picked onion, mushroom, potato, tomato sauce and mozzarella
• The Meaty Chorizo Legend pizza with chorizo, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, bacon, tomato sauce and mozzarella
• Jumbo wings marinated with homemade pastor sauce
• Pozole Verde Soup
• Oaxacan Caprese Salad
The restaurant will also serve a selection of craft beer, tequila, mezcal and $8 specialty cocktails.
Gino's East Pilsen will offer half-price desserts Mondays, $1 guacamole Tuesdays and a free small with purchase of two specialty cocktails on Wednesdays.
The restaurant will offer delivery and carry-out options and will be open noon to 10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and noon to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The Original Gino's East opened in 1966 just off Michigan Avenue and Superior Street. The Chicago-based chain operates restaurants in Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas and opened a Mexico City restaurant on July 15.
Gino's East Pilsen will serve up the Meaty Chorizo Legend pizza, topped with chorizo, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, bacon, tomato sauce and mozzarella. [Gino's East]
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