That is a common type of pizza that was taste tested in the article at several different pizza places and after having one experience at this type of pizzeria I think we were ready to make some changes to our pizza taste test strategy.
Coalfire was an hour drive from our house (one way) and not far from the United Center. If we were going to the UC for something in the future, and wanted pizza in a hurry, this would be the place to stop. Just keep in mind that parking is not easy and getting a table might be difficult.
Parking
We ended up passing Coalfire and driving around the block (gotta love one-way streets) until we parked just up a side street.
There was a small strip mall at the corner of Grand and Ogden which we quickly passed up.
If you needed a city parking sticker, we didn't see a sign for one, and you're in and out of the restaurant so quickly that you probably don't have to worry about it.
Dining Experience
It wasn't the worse experience we have ever had but it also wasn't the best experience we have ever had.
In the picture to the right, the tall bar on the left side is where the dining room ends and the kitchen/drink station/pickup counter/hallway to the bathroom starts.
There were around 12 tables in the restaurant total ranging in 2-tops to 6-tops.
If you plan on going here with a group, they will only take 1 credit card per table (no splitting the check!) and may ask you to leave when you/your group is finished especially if they have groups waiting to eat.
Food
Our initial thought was to order 2 different pizzas - one a specialty and another that was what we wanted. We're glad we stuck with the one specialty pizza.
I had a glass of wine and Chris opted for Mexican Coke (see his review video below if you're wondering what this is). We then started with a ceasar salad which the waitress said we could share - actually 4 people could have shared. Ask for extra dressing as where I was sitting, I could see how he made the salads - pile the lettuce in a bowl, put on the toppings, and squeeze a little bit of dressing over the top of everything. No mixing.
Main course was a specialty pizza that was Pepperoni and Whipped Ricotta. This consisted of fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, thick cut pepperoni, whipped ricotta, and garlic. From order to table it was less than 10 minutes with the coalfire oven.
We ended our experience by sharing a peppermint hot chocolate cupcake made by a local bakery.
Total bill: $55.00
Total attendees: 2
Rhode's Recommendation; Maybe
We got to the restaurant at noon when it opened and were back in our car by 12:30 pm. We had 2 pieces of pizza each (8 pieces total) and took our time. Everything moves so fast thought that this isn't the place you would want to go on a date night or bring a big group with you to hang out.
So how was the pizza? Just ok?
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