Review of Sbarro Italian Eatery at 233 North Michigan in Chicago

As I have frequented just about every restaurant along the pedway connecting the 225 and 233 North Michigan Avenue buildings (known as Illinois Center), I would be remiss to not include a review of this well known mall pizzeria. My recollection of Sbarro food hails back to the days of perusing the malls as a preteen bringing just enough dollars to catch a movie and perhaps a slice of Sbarro pizza and a pepsi and people watch in the food court. The mall days are over, but the return visit to Sbarro prompted an updated review of this long standing New York themed pizzeria.

Food

The main seller of this franchise is obviously pizza. The Sbarro team at 233 North Michigan usually has several freshly made pizzas ready for the lunch crowd. The options are numerous as I typically will see about six to seven different pizzas options premade and readyfor those seeking a deep dish slice. The food options do not just end there as Sbarro also offers a hot table lineup of select pasta dishes, chicken parmesan, colorful mixed vegetables and several calzones. If selecting a large slice or calzone, the counter attendant will usually place the food into the large rotating oven for a quick warm up.

The nice surprise about the menu is that there are quite a few meatless options as one can order a spinach and mushroom slice or even get a pepper and egg sandwich during the Lenten season. Other options include one or two different lasagna combinations when trying to escape the pizza routine.

Taste

I find this pizza to be average at best when it comes to taste. If looking to get a superior slice of pizza in this Chicago East loop location, I would highly recommend walking a little further to the Giordano's on Randolph next to the Prudential building. Considering the fact that my office is super close to Sbarro, I will occasionally comprise my taste buds and get the simple slice and soft drink and rush back to my desk. The stronger buys in my opinion are the very satisfying pasta dishes such as the baked ziti or lasagna that includes garlic bread. This location (unlike other Sbarro's I have visited) also offers up breakfast dishes for the early morning rush. Unfortunately I have not taken the opportunity to try an egg sandwich from this Sbarro stop in the pedway.

Price

A large slice of pizza with fountain drink is going to run about six and half bucks which is a little crazy considering the pizza is so-so. The prices of the pasta meals run anywhere from six to eight dollars depending upon the meal package chosen. I would consider those a stronger buy.

Overall

I grade this Sbarro Italian eatery to be average. This store will continue to get a greater share of my business in the winter for pepper and egg sandwiches on Friday, though I will most likely get the pizza from other venues in the East loop.