November 14, 2025

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A True “Chicago-Style” Pie Lands in Sarasota

It’s not a “Pizza Place.” But Eighty Three Tavern delivers the goods

🍕 It’s Hip To be Square. I’ve been searching. Almost twenty-five years into it, my search may have ended. And, in one of the most unexpected places. A former Irish pub located on the South Trail…

Anyone who has read more than one or two of these pieces has figured out that I’m originally from Chicago. And like a lot of transplants (from anywhere, really), I get a taste for some good old-fashioned home cooking.

To me, that means a Chicago dog, or maybe a Chicago beef sandwich, and certainly some Chicago pizza. Not the thick-crust stuff that tourists to the Windy City flock to. But some thin, crispy crust, square-cut Chicago pizza.

Over the years, we have had some contenders (Shaner’s and Joey D’s). And honestly, some of them were/are pretty good. We even had a legit Rosati’s here in town for a bit. Sadly, they’re shuttered now.

My go-to has been an almost two-hour car ride away. Aurelio’s Pizza (my childhood fav) has an outpost in Naples. They’ll make you a “Take and Bake” pizza to go. They cook up great in your home oven. But unless you’re stocking a half dozen in your freezer, it may not always be there when the mood hits.

📩 A Random Post. My inbox is filled with stuff. Probably just like yours. Mine contains more food/restaurant-related stuff than most. While sorting through the reader mail (which I love!) and the “coming attractions” messages, one particular note caught my attention. “Chicago Tavern Style Pizza is Coming to the South Trail”. My interest was now at 11.

Could it be? Was my pizza pickle about to be solved?

Down on South Tamiami Trail, two alums from the world of Libby’s, Joe Seidensticker and Joe Guli figured they would take a shot at creating a Chicago-style pie that would satisfy the discerning taste buds of us transplants AND all of you!

Let’s just say that their efforts have more than paid dividends.

Before we jump headfirst into pizza patter, let’s take a quick look at the new Eighty Three Tavern (8383 S. Tamiami Trl. | 941- 203-5312).

Yes, this is the former home of the locally beloved Pub 32. Ross and Louise Galbraith built a solid local following in the four short years they were open. And they always threw one hell of a St. Paddy’s Day bash! 🍀

📝 This spot was also the home of the restaurant NEAT for a short time.

Eighty Three Tavern has some great outdoor dining space.

A cozy bar.

And some toned-down indoor dining areas.

As you can see, they’ve got some TVs for sports viewing if you’re ever looking for a place to watch your favorite home team.

While all this may make for a nice dining experience, we are really here for just one thing…

🗣️ Let’s talk pizza! This is what we came for!

From the look of that pie, the prospects are very promising. It has a charred crust ala Chicago’s very own Pequod’s. It has cup pepperoni (not necessarily a Chicago thing, but I like it!) and most importantly, it’s cut into squares!

📝That particular way of slicing a pizza is called tavern cut, square cut, or party cut.

😋 It’s All About the Taste. Having your pie cut into squares makes it seem like a Chicago pizza. But pies from the Second City have a distinctive flavor. This one nails it. The sauce has a bit of sweetness to it. Just the right amount.

The crust is thin and crispy. The pepperoni flavor shines through nicely. I know that the charred crust may turn a few folks off. But honestly, it gives the finished product a fantastic rustic, almost toasted taste.

This pizza hits all the right notes. I know that Joe and Joe don’t have Chicago roots. But they have definitely captured the essence of the Chicago pizza.

1️⃣ My One Suggestion. OK – Here’s the thing. First, let me just say that this is NOT a pizza place. This is a place that HAS pizza. Big difference.

They offer three styles of pie. A cheese, a pepperoni, and then one “Tavern Special” (Grilled onions, mozzarella, fennel, sausage, roasted mushrooms, cup pepperoni, Mike’s hot honey).

Even though they have all of the ingredients in-house for the Tavern Special, they won’t let you “use them” in any other way. What I really wanted was a pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom (my go-to pizza combo). Seems like this could be easily accomplished. But sadly, not offered. Hopefully, that will change. 🤞

No, I didn’t eat the whole thing. It was lunch, come on! But I did take the leftovers home.

🧑‍🍳 Here’s How to Reheat a Thin-Crust Chicago-style Pizza Like a Pro.

• Heat a pan large enough for the pizza over medium heat

• Add pizza. Cover and cook 3-5 minutes

• Spritz in a little water. Cover and cook another 2-3 minutes

The steam from the water will melt the cheese on top, and the crust will be nice and crispy on the bottom. Mission accomplished!

⭐ I shall return! I’m certainly no MacArthur, but I do know a delicious Chicago-style pizza when I taste one. This one deserves a return engagement! 🍕

~ LH

📌 ODDS & ENDS

📋 The Missing List. We didn’t get to The LIST this month. Sorry about that (but the book is nearing completion!) Here are the Top 5 for November.

State Street Eating House, Boca Sarasota, Mouthole Smashburgers, Eighty Three Tavern, and Hyde Park Steakhouse.

I must say, that’s a fine looking five.

SEE THE TOP 25 FOR NOVEMBER HERE!

🥳 Happy Happy! The Lobster Pot on Siesta Key celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. I can only imagine how many lobsters have been served over those two and a half decades. No doubt it’s a lot! Congrats to the Medeiros family!

🏠 If You Build it… Have you ever dreamed of being the best Gingerbread House builder on your block? Come on, be honest with yourself, you’re among friends.

Well, even if you haven’t, you can still get in on all of the holiday house creating fun. Join Michael’s On East Executive Pastry Chef Ray Lajoie on NOV 30th for a Gingerbread House Workshop!

First, you’ll get a live house construction demo. And then you’ll get to “decorate your very own fully constructed gingerbread house with an endless candy assortment”. Yes, endless! 😯

This will be a fun time for adults, kids, and just about anyone else you can think of who loves a good sugar jolt! – INFO HERE!

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🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD INFO🗓️ 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

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