Nancy's West Loop

Nancy's Pizza, the iconic Chicago brand that invented the stuffed pizza, has finally arrived in the heart of Chicago's restaurant district at 1000 West Washington in the West Loop. We have a story to tell, and we're telling it in a swanky spot that pays homage to its 1971 roots - the year in which the stuffed pie's creators, Rocco and Nancy (Annunziata) Palese, introduced the gooey delicacy to their customers.

Nancy's was essential to Chicago's Golden Age of Pizza innovation in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Rocco Palese took Chicago pizza to new heights by "stuffing" two-inches of cheesy magma into a pastry shell and topping it with a flavorful blend of tomatoes and spices that he prepared behind the locked doors of his spice room.

While the menu is dominated by the brand's famous stuffed pizza, Nancy's offers a variety of pizza styles, including thin crust and "rustic" pizza, along with chef-created salads, pastas, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. Most importantly, every item on the menu is made with only the freshest ingredients, and the comfortable bar features a selection of craft, imported and domestic beer (rotated seasonally) on draft and in bottles, signature cocktails and a nice selection of wine.

The restaurant's design evokes the 1970s in tasteful surroundings with winks at retro design including lots of wood veneer (including bespoke wood veneer tables), wallpaper that varies from flocked and geometrically patterned to an homage to Andy Warhol in the men's room (the ladies will have to take a peek). Vintage black and white photos and painted pizza pans adorn the walls, and mid-century-inspired seating made with 1970s materials dots the floors. Artifacts from the era add to the vibe - including a classic Smiley button-inspired neon installation that invites patrons to "Get Stuffed."

The venue seats 98 and also offers carry-out, delivery and catering services. Nancy's has been expanding the stuffed pizza phenomenon to other cities for the last 19 years, staying true to Rocco's original creation.  While there are currently 31 Nancy's locations, this one is special as it brings the brand back to the center of the culinary world at the heart of Chicago's West Loop