I recently had the pleasure of experiencing happy hour at Warehouse Bar & Pizzeria. The relatively new spot occupies the space Giovanni Scalzo once filled with Via Carducci and is the creation of his nephew and that nephew’s cousin, Carmelo Scalzo and Agostino Femminella respectively. Despite any pressure the new owners may feel to follow family, Warehouse is its own thing. It suffers no identity crisis. 16 beers on tap and 15 large screen televisions hint that a campus is nearby. The pizza too is bucking tradition, catering to an up-for-anything DePaul crowd.
Unusual Pizza
So, here’s what I know: The Truffle Mac Pizza is something like you’ve never had before. White cheddar mac, mushrooms, and meatballs atop a buttery crust. It’s delicious if you can get past the blatant bastardization of true Italian pizza pie — which I can, easily. It’s also very filling and, therefore, perfect for penny-pinching students searching for something that’ll keep them alive for a few days. I could eat off this thing for a week (and I did!).
Also, because anything tastes better with an egg on it, I highly suggest the Carbonara. It’s got pancetta bacon, white cream sauce, shaved Parm, and a, yes, runny eggs. Together, it all just works.
My favorite would have to be The Angry Italian, properly named after any character Al Pacino has ever played that wasn’t Cuban. This pizza knows why you’re here. Two types of sausage? Check. Hot peppers? Check. Mozzarella and provolone? Check check. This is also my #1 pick for anyone that doesn’t really get down with white sauce. You’re small minded and sad but this pizza won’t disappoint you.
For the Light Eater
If you’re, let’s say, coming here for March Madness (which you should!) but aren’t really feeling like a shot of carbs to the face, I suggest the Seared Ahi Tuna. This option may or may not be on the menu. Just ask for it. It’s tasty.
If you’re Broke
Look, the pizza is very affordable. If, however, you honestly don’t have two Schrute Bucks to rub together, I suggest ordering the Monster Fries, which are amazing and serve 2-4 people. Topped with beef, bacon, Bolognese, pepperoni, cheese and herbs, there’s so much going on here.
Just remind your friends not to split the check evenly ‘cause you only ordered fries. Also, don’t expect to be included in anyone’s group chat this week.
Daily Specials
In a city like Chicago, it’s no longer just enough for a happy hour to offer amazing food and cocktails. We now need deals and diversions, games and prizes. Warehouse is ready with a special each and every night of the week. The other night we showed up late to a trivia game and still won fireball shots. BOOM! I know things and so do my friends. Anyway, here’s a list of current specials:
Mondays: “Case of the Mondays” Specials
$5 Tito’s Vodka & Deep Eddy Cocktails
$3 Tallboys (Miller, Bud, Coors, PBR)
$5 Select Shots
$10 Any Specialty Pizza (Dine-in only) (W/Purchase of Beverage)
Tuesdays: Taco Tuesday
$5 Glasses of Sangria
$3 Modelo Cans
$5 Blanco Tequila Shots
$3 Tacos – Min. 2 per order includes Chips & Pico de Gallo (Dine-in only) (W/Purchase of Beverage)
$5 Homemade Guacamole (with tortilla chips)
Wednesdays: Wino Wednesdays (TRIVIA starts at 8:00pm featuring Brain Sportz Trivia)
$5 Homemade Sangria
1/2 OFF Bottles of Wine
$6 Specialty Craft Cocktails
1/2 OFF Salads (Dine-in only) (W/Purchase of Beverage)
Thursday: Thirsty Thursdays / Acoustic Thursday (LIVE music from 8pm – 11pm)
$4 Select Drafts & 12oz. Bottles/Cans
$5 Jack Daniels Drinks
$5 Jameson
$5 Select Shots
$3 Sliders (Dine-in only) (W/Purchase of Beverage)
Friday: Happy Hour (s) ALL DAY
$5 Tito’s Vodka Drinks
$5 Homemade Sangria
$4 Tall Boys (Miller, Bud, Coors, PBR)
$5 Select Shots
Saturday: College Football Saturdays
Brunch Menu served from 11am-3pm
$15 Bottomless Mimosas or Bellinis (Peach, Raspberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Mango) (11am-3pm)
$6 Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Homemade Sangria
$5 Jameson
$5 Select Shots (Malört, Fireball, Red Headed Slut, Irish Breakfast, Wake Up Shot and more)
$4 Tallboys (Miller, Bud, Coors, PBR)
Sunday: Sunday Funday
Brunch Menu served from 11am-3pm
$15 Bottomless Mimosas or Bellinis (Peach, Raspberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Mango) (11am-3pm)
$6 Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Homemade Sangria
$6 Tito’s Vodka & Jack Daniels Drinks
$3 Tallboys (Miller, Bud, Coors, PBR)
$5 Select Shots (Malört, Fireball, Red Headed Slut, Irish Breakfast, Wake Up Shot and more)
Food specials are for DINE-IN only & are subject to change without notice.
Food & Drinks Specials cannot be combined with any other offers and/or coupons.
Disclosure: As is common with restaurant reviews, meals were provided by The Warehouse Bar & Pizzeria. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, Kari Herrera, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Warehouse.