The Demise of Myron & Phil Restaurant, 3900 West Devon Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois.

Myron & Phil was a renowned high-class tablecloth steakhouse that served the Jewish community, although it was not Kosher, for over 40 years. The restaurant was founded by Myron and Phil Freedman in 1971 and passed down to Myron's son, Mark, in 1999. It quickly became a staple in the neighborhood, known for its premium cuts of meat, exceptional service, and elegant atmosphere. Mark ran the restaurant for nearly 15 years before the electrical fire closed the business.

Fact! The Piano Bar was a vibrant hotspot where confident, attractive, middle-aged women took the lead. They unapologetically treated gentlemen to drinks and boldly asked them out on dates—a refreshing change of pace from the usual dynamics! I met some interesting people.

The restaurant's dining room was packed tight, with tables covering every inch. It was very noisy inside, but the food and service were top-notch, as usual. I ate there a few weeks before the fire.

Tragedy struck on May 8, 2013, when a fire broke out in the storeroom near the kitchen of Myron & Phil's Steakhouse, causing significant damage to the building. The fire was extinguished, but the restaurant was forced to close its doors for repairs.

In a cruel twist of fate, one of the owners, 98-year-old Myron Freedman, passed away on the same day as the fire. Myron was a respected figure in the community, and his passing was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences. Shortly after owner Myron Freedman died in Lincolnwood, the fire ignited at Myron & Phil's.

Myron D. Freedman Obituary.

Chicago Tribune, Thursday, May 09, 2013 ·Page 7

Despite the efforts to rebuild and recover, Myron & Phil could not reopen its doors. The restaurant remained closed for over a year, and in April 2023, it was announced that the restaurant would be permanently closed.

The legacy of Myron & Phil lives on, however, as it remains a cherished memory for many in the community who fondly remember its exceptional dining experience, refined ambiance, and warm hospitality of Myron Freedman and Phil Freedman. The restaurant's story reminds us of the importance of community, tradition, and the indelible mark that a beloved gathering place can leave on our lives.

Myron & Phil Souvenir Shop

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Bartoli's Pizzeria, in Chicago's West Town and Roscoe Village Communities.

Bartoli Pizzeria

Brian Tondryk, the owner and founder of Bartoli's Pizzeria, deeply appreciates family tradition. Inspired by his grandfather, Fred Bartoli, who built a successful pizza empire, Brian aimed to create a similar experience for pizza enthusiasts. Growing up, he witnessed his grandfather's success in the pizza industry and learned the importance of perfecting a recipe.

sidebar

Here are some facts about the history of Chicago Created, Stuffed Pizza:

Stuffed pizza was inspired by the deep-dish pizzas that were already popular in Chicago. Nicknamed "Pizza Pie." 

The "Inventors" claim the base of their recipe is a family member's Easter Pie Recipes, aka "Scarcedda," which originated in Turin, Italy.

The 1970s marked the Golden Age of Pizza in Chicago. Legends were born: Gino's, Lou's, Pequod's, and Nancy’s Pizza. Many folks might think they know the true history of stuffed pizza (and who invented it), but few realize that, in 1971, the founders of Nancy’s sold the world’s first stuffed pizza.

Bartoli Pizzeria Deep Dish

Fred Bartoli, born in 1916 to Italian immigrants, was a WWII veteran who initially operated a taxi company before opening an Italian fine-dining restaurant with colleagues. Fred Bartoli co-founded Gino's East, a Chicago pizzeria, with Sam Levine and George Loverde in 1966

Recognizing an opportunity to capitalize on the untapped deep-dish pizza market, Fred perfected his recipe over generations, becoming a powerhouse in the industry. Brian added his Chicago flair to the family recipe, resulting in the delicious pizzas Bartoli's is known for today.

At Bartoli's, only the freshest ingredients are used, and the light, golden crust is the perfect base for the cheese, sauce, and toppings to harmonize. Whether you're in the mood for a classic deep-dish or a party-cut thin crust, Bartoli's has something for everyone. With its rich family history and commitment to quality, Bartoli's has established itself as a staple in Chicago's pizza scene.

Bartoli Pizzeria Deep Dish

 

AWARDS

2013 – Top Five Deep Dish in Chicago, Eater Chicago

2015 – Steve Dolinsky "Top Picks For Chicago Pizza" #1 in Chicago, ABC 7

2015 – Chicago's Best Pizza, Chicago Magazine

2015 – Top 10 Criminally Underrated Pizza Joints, Chicago Tribune

2016 – Bartoli's Pizzeria, Chicago's Best Episode

2016 – Best Pizza in Chicago, Chicago Tribune

2016 – Chicago's 25 Iconic Pizzerias, Eater Chicago

2016 – Top 5 Best Deep Dish Restaurants, Shermans Travel

2017 – 2018 – 2019; Chicago Pizza Party: Bartoli's Voted #1 Pizza By Attendees

2017 – Chicago's 30 Most Iconic Pizzerias, Eater Chicago

2017 – The Best Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Places, Thrillist

2017 – Best Pizza in Chicago, Food&Wine

2019 – The Best Deep Dish in Chicago, Serious Eats

2019 – Chicago's Best Pizza, 10 Best USA Today

2020 – The Essential Deep Dish Pizza Restaurants in Chicago, Eater Chicago

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.