Fasano's Stellar Pizza (And More) in Justice, IL

Fasano's is an unassuming carryout with seriously thin, destination-worthy sausage pies. [Photographs: Jennifer Olvera]

The kind of place you stumble upon or seek out by word of mouth—that's what best describes unassuming Fasano's Pizza, a longtime carryout operation in south suburban Justice. The pizza is legendary; it turns out, the alternatives aren't half bad either.

But about that thin-crust pizza ($18.75 for a one-topping, 15")—it draws people in droves. Employing a heavy hand when it comes to fennel-y Italian sausage, it goes light on tangy sauce and generous on blistered cheese, atop a cracker-thin, yet sturdy, crust. Oh, and FYI, they ship frozen ones and will prep par-baked versions, too.

I've come here many times, but until now I never explored the rest of the menu. Turns out, there are some real gems there, too. Take the Italian sub ($5.30 for a small), for example. Layer after layer of requisite ham, salami, capicola and provolone are tucked into a chewy Turano loaf and topped with a load of shredded lettuce, tomato and onion. A tangy vinaigrette brings it all together. Is it the best sub I've ever had? No, but it was mighty fine.

The chicken Parmesan sandwich ($7.10), on the other hand, is a near-perfect specimen. The pounded, lightly breaded breast is fried to a golden brown and covered with a bubbly blanket of mozzarella cheese. Get yours on garlic bread and spring for some giardiniera.

Let it be known that Fasano's Italian beef ($6.10), could feed an army—it's that huge. Available in combo form and with red sauce, jus or giardiniera, it, too, is tucked into Turano bread, resulting in a chewy, sloppy, satisfying meal (or two).

If you're looking to bypass the bread, the Italian Julienne salad ($7.50), is a big, meaty alternative, one chock-full of sliced salami, capicola, and provolone as well as crisp lettuce, peperoncini, tomatoes, and cucumbers. A double dose of the house vinaigrette comes with.

Fasano's Pizza

8351 Roberts Rd., Justice, IL 60458 (map)
708-598-6971
www.fasanospizza.com

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