BUCKTOWN — If you've been wondering about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pizza mural visible to people on The 606, it's part of a new nostalgia-infused pizza-and-burger hangout called The StopAlong.
Located at 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Bucktown — just a few steps north of The 606's elevated Bloomingdale Trail — The StopAlong plans to open at noon Wednesday, according to owner Taylor Hammond, a Wicker Park resident and self-described "child of the '80s."
Described in a news release as "a neighborhood spot for the kid in all of us," the 54-seat eatery serves New York-style pizza, burgers, soft serve ice cream and salads, as well as beer, wine and cocktails.
Hammond says the Turtles mural reflects the era because, as fans of the cartoon know, the creatures were obsessed with pizza. He says that he loved them when he was a kid as does his own son, now.
The StopAlong's thin crust pizzas will be available in 10 and 16 inch pies, with build-your-own options and house specialties like “The Corey Corey” (mixed sweet peppers, red pepper flakes and smoked mozzarella) and the “Pretty in Pink” (tomato cream vodka sauce, mushrooms, spinach, prosciutto di parma, garlic, and basil), as well as
Burgers, served on a brioche bun with choice of fries or salad, come in three different varieties and also can be custom topped, with bacon, cheese and a fried egg.
The StopAlong's blue and yellow and interior features superhero and pop- culture themed art, and 80s and 90s collectible toys. The restaurant seats 54 people, at three large communal tables, a few tables for two, and a 14-seat bar.
There are three arcade consoles in the back of the restaurant offering classic games Galaga, Ms. Pac Man, Super Mario Brothers and Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out.
The StopAlong joins a trio of new storefronts carved out of a long vacant warehouse at 1812-1816 N. Milwaukee Ave., just steps north of the elevated Bloomingdale Trail.
The StopAlong is closest to the trail, with CHI50, a pilates studio in the middle. City Soles is currently renting the third storefront as pop-up shoe store.
Hammond previously said location was a big influence on where to open The StopAlong.
"It's kind of quiet and sleepy and neighborhood-y and very close to all the action and excitement of The 606," he said.
The StopAlong, 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours are noon to midnight, seven days a week. Take-out will be available. Ph: 773-394-4694. For updates, visit the restaurant's Facebook page.
