get the pizza party started!

October is National Pizza Month, and what better place to celebrate than the Chicagoland area? With plenty of mouthwatering options throughout the Chicago Southland, it’ll be as easy as pie to find your favorite slice.

Did you know that the Chicago Southland is home to the world’s largest pizzeria? Aurelio’s Pizza (18162 Harwood Avenue, Homewood) seats more than 625 people and is also Chicago’s oldest pizza chain. Be sure to try their famous thin-crust pizza, baked to perfection and cut into Chicago-style squares. Or, sample the Calabrese, made with mozzarella cheese and fresh spinach, marinated in a secret sauce and stuffed into a calzone.

Created in honor of Pope Leo XIV, the Poperoni™ pizza is the newest addition to the Aurelio’s menu. A classic pepperoni pizza topped with an extra layer of cup-and-crisp pepperoni, this pizza delivers plenty of flavor, with an extra crunch in every bite.

Another classic pizza joint is Beggars Pizza. First opened in 1976 as a mom-and-pop Italian restaurant, Beggars has expanded to more than 25 locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including the northwest Indiana region. You can even enjoy Beggars at Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox!

Known for “laying it on thick,” Beggars offers classic options like its original-style thin-crust pizza, as well as unique creations like the Italian beef and giardiniera pizza, combining two Chicagoland favorites into one dish. Deep-dish and stuffed pizzas are also on the menu! Sample these pizzas and more delicious dishes at Beggars locations throughout the Chicago Southland, including Lansing (3524 Ridge Road), Crestwood (12701 Central Avenue), Orland Park (11329 West 143rd Street) or the flagship storefront, located at 12660 Western Avenue in Blue Island.

Fans of deep-dish pizza should also check out Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, with locations in Chicago (6456 South Cicero Avenue), Flossmoor (3315 Vollmer Road) and Palos Heights (12801 South Harlem Avenue). Sample a scratch-made pizza featuring their signature flaky Buttercrust™, Wisconsin cheese and plum tomatoes, all made from an original Malnati family recipe.

Try “The Lou,” the signature pie named in honor of the pizzeria’s founder. Available as a deep-dish, thin-crust or gluten-free pizza, The Lou features layers of spinach, fresh mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, vine-ripened tomato sauce and cheddar, topped with Roma tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

Want to turn your National Pizza Month celebration into a prize-worthy experience? Check out the Chicago Southland Pizza Pass! This free mobile passport program makes it easy to explore participating pizzerias throughout the region while earning points with every check-in. Points can be redeemed for Chicago Southland swag, including stickers, coasters, tote bags, t-shirts, coffee mugs and sweatshirts.

Be sure to work up an appetite, visit your favorite pizza spots and start earning today. You might just discover your own little “slice” of heaven along the way!

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