Billy's Old World Pizza — Restaurant in Colorado Springs

Billy's Pizza: A Culinary Black Hole Where Time and Hope Go to Die.

Let me preface this by saying I've witnessed the birth of stars that took less time than my order at Billy's Pizza. Two. Hours. Two. Long, agonizing hours of my life, squandered in the purgatory of their "dining area," which more closely resembles a holding cell for the gastronomically abandoned.

The "incompetence" of the staff isn't just a matter of subjective opinion; it's a verifiable, demonstrable fact. I watched, with growing horror, as a symphony of errors unfolded before me. Orders were lost, pizzas overcooked and a single, bewildered employee spent a solid 30 minutes before acknowledging us. I'm fairly certain a toddler with a crayon and a picture book could have outperformed them.

When, after what felt like an eternity, my "pizza" finally arrived, it was a travesty. The cook who walked out after about 20 minutes of us arriving returned after smoking what smelled like a whole carton of smokes and a bottle of stron whiskey, went straight to making food without washing his hands. And he touched his face every couple minutes, sprinkling tar and tobacco from his overgrown mustache.

To get us our food faster the "owner" offered to par-bake our pizza so we could finish it at home. No! I paid for a pizza. A cooked one. Not half cooked. It's literally been 3 hours since I ordered and you want to half cook my pizza? Like you didn't have enough time to make it? 3 hours since I placed my order, bro, I don't want to go home to have to wait another hour to cook the thing.

The only thing more offensive than the pizza itself was the complete lack of remorse from the staff. "Sorry, we're busy," they mumbled, as if that excused the fundamental failure of their entire operation. "Busy" is not an excuse for abject incompetence. "Busy" is not a license to serve culinary atrocities.

Billy's Pizza isn't just bad pizza; it's an existential crisis served on a cardboard platter. It's a reminder that sometimes, the universe just wants you to suffer. And they serve it here. If you have any respect for your time, your taste buds, or your sanity, avoid this place like a dumpster fire at a health inspector's convention. You'd be better off eating the cardboard box it should have come in. At least then you'd have something to do while waiting for the inevitable hunger...

First of all, they have had to close down the buffet part of the restaurant since the pandemic began so be aware that even though it is part of the lit up sign above the restaurant, you will not be getting the Italian buffet! We visited on a Wednesday evening about 6:30. There were three other tables occupied in the restaurant, all waiting for food. We were warned when we first entered that he (turned out to be the owner) was the only one working so had to act as server, cook and busser. He also continued to take orders over the phone for pick-up and delivery. Because we were anxious to try the Chicago Style pizza, decided to stay even after that warning, along with the fact that the menu states be prepared to wait 45 minutes for the large Chicago style pizza to bake. To keep the kids happy, we did order a cheesy bread appetizer with marinara sauce that was okay (pizza was much better!) and our drinks that came out pretty quickly. In the meantime, Jim served their pizza to the next table, which all seemed to enjoy and then took the time to visit with us and the kids while other pizzas were in the oven. The delivery driver then came in and it turned out that he was the day cook but had come in to help on the evening shift. The owner told us that pre-pandemic, he had 11 employees and kept them more than busy but since everything has opened back up, he now has only 3 employees, having the same issue as all other restaurants and businesses everywhere. No one wants to actually work for their money! Despite the obvious lack of servers, we were pleased with the quality and taste of the food. The only reason for the 4 stars rather than 5 was for the long wait time for drinks and for the food, which really isn't fair considering the reasons already stated above. The large pizza was more than enough to satisfy 5 adults and 2 children and still have leftovers to take home. It was true Chicago style with good crust and lots of tasty filling. We'll...

Stepping into The Chicago Pizza Restaurant is like being instantly transported to the Windy City itself. From the moment you walk through the door, the authentic atmosphere envelops you – think classic checkered tablecloths, vintage Chicago sports memorabilia adorning the walls, and the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce wafting from the kitchen. It’s clear this isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience curated with passion and a deep respect for Chicago's culinary heritage. And the food? Oh, the food! The deep-dish pizza is, without a doubt, the star of the show. Each bite is a revelation – a perfectly flaky, buttery crust generously filled with layers of tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of incredibly fresh toppings. We opted for the classic sausage, and it was seasoned to perfection, truly reminiscent of what you'd find in the best pizzerias on State Street. But it's not just about the deep dish; their thin-crust pizza is equally impressive, with a satisfying crispness and robust flavors. Beyond the pizza, the menu is a celebration of Chicago's diverse food scene. We indulged in their Italian beef sandwich, which was piled high with tender, thinly sliced beef, simmered in savory au jus, and served on a perfectly crusty roll. And don't even get me started on the Chicago-style hot dogs – a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, complete with all the traditional fixings. The service was also top-notch – attentive, friendly, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food they serve. Our server was happy to guide us through the menu and even shared a few fun facts about Chicago along the way. The Chicago Pizza Restaurant isn't just amazing; it's a must-visit for anyone craving an authentic taste of Chicago, whether you're a homesick local or simply looking for an extraordinary meal. Get ready to leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and a strong desire to...