Any true Chicagoan (or even those pretending) knows there is only one way to eat pizza: stuffed. Nancy's, which lays claim to the honor of having originated the stuffed pizza, brags that it has the best in the city. Considering that Chicago Magazine named Nancy's pies "The Best Pizza in Chicago" in 1975, it doesn't seem like a far-fetched assertion. See for yourself by trying the capricciosa version, filled with sausage, green pepper, mushrooms, pepperoni and onion or garlic ($16 and up).

If you like your ingredients on top of your pizza instead of packed inside, Nancy's also serves thin crust pizza. Beyond pizza, appetizers range from garlic bread and cheese sticks to calamari frite and baked clams alla monte casino, and sandwiches, at $5-$7, are served on crispy Italian bread. And what's Italian without pasta? The $7-$10 dishes, like stuffed shells and mostaccioli, are served with garlic bread and either soup or salad; add sausage or meatballs for $2. Aren't as stuffed as your pizza? Finish your meal with a cannoli, cheesecake or tiramisu.

Centerstage Reviewer: Erin Delahanty