Union Squared Pizza - Detroit Style — Restaurant in Evanston Township

(Sidenote: I originally wrote this review in November 2012, on another website, but have since deleted that account and wanted to transfer my review here)

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here, not only because of the food, but the outstanding service.

The BF and I originally went there to go to SPACE, the back room-music venue of Union Pizzeria. Coming from the 'burbs, we decided to get there extra early to ensure our admission into the free concert that night, but to also grab a pre-game drink and chow.

We decided to go with three items from their "Small Plates" menu. All of the options looked appetizing, and we settled on the Shrimp - with creamy cheddar grits & bacon Chickpea cake - pepperonata & mint salsa verde Meatballs - veal, pork & ricotta w/tomato jam All were VERY tasty and unique, and it was so refreshing to get away from a standard pizza menu that offers greasy/processed, unimaginative foods.

We were both starving when we went in there, and the three plates between us both were a perfect appetizer. On the same token, even though we eat a lot (obviously), the food was so satisfying, that we would have been fine to call it quits. The doors to SPACE opened, and we wanted to get in there, so we were about to do just that. Our server informed us that we could bring pizza back there, if we wished. Perfect! Since the pizzas are 12;" and it would be ideal to cap off the meal and good to nosh on, while we drank.

We ordered the "Shrimp & pineapple- bechamel, bacon & jalepeno," but to our dismay, by the time we went into SPACE, any of the few available tables were already taken (we didn't know seating was limited, otherwise we wouldn't have ordered). We felt like a couple of dipshits, to hold and eat a pizza on the standing floor, so we asked if we could just keep the pizza up front. Our server was totally apologetic, even though it wasn't at all her fault, and accommodated it.

The show was about an hour and a half, and afterwards, we went back up front to grab another cocktail and eat the pizza. We're not picky at all, and were totally down to eat it, even after it had been sitting for all that time. Our server was still on her shift, and when she saw us, she REFUSED to let us eat it; she had the kitchen create a fresh one immediately, at no charge. I thought that was so sweet, but also thought she was such a good employee to make sure our food experience was represented best.

While we ate, one of the owners/managers was walking around and talked to us about the band and some other music stories. I always think it's awesome when an owner/manager is on the floor, and interacts with customers, instead of hiding away in back. So, this further contributed to my positive opinion of the venue, and motivated me to write a review.

Oh, and the pizza was AWESOME! The particular style we ordered did not have any red sauce on it, but it was so "clean." Meaning, I didn't feel like I was eating an unhealthy pile of grease. All of the ingredients...

This is my new, favorite pizza place. Not only is the Detroit-style pan pizza--with it's airy, crispy, carmelized crust--amazing, but they had a gluten-free crust option (using rice flour, xantham gum, and...something else) that tastes great too. I loved the Detroit Michoan, followed by the BBQ Chicken toppings, and the Greek style toppings were tasty too. The best part of this place, though, aside from nothing short of excellent service, is the beer garden in the back. Multiple table styles that include raised fire-pit corner bench seating, four-top high tables with stools, and long, umbrella-covered tables with chairs. I wish they'd upgrade the chairs a bit, since even though they were very comfortable, they're a little too low for the table when eating and talking to people at the other end of your party. The beer, cider and wine selections are great, all in cans giving it a friend's party vibe, and selections include lots of local options like sketchbook (orange door) and temperance (gatecrasher), as well as whiner (le tub) and half acre (pony pils). They have grapefruit spindrift non-alcoholic seltzer and various sodas too, but they could do to up their non-alc options. I'll be coming back here until they close the garden (when it gets below 35 degrees, apparently) and to stop by to pick up a pizza on...

If you ever have the chance to visit Evanston, check out this restaurant to taste the wondrous food that is made here. The ambiance and service are great! The pizza is just as good, if not better. Detroit-style pizza is generally defined as a rectangular pizza with a thick crust that is crispy and chewy. We had the potato & broccoli and the burrata margherita dishes which were very delicious. Although these beloved styles of pizza are just food, Andy P made it art… Andy was our server. A very good server in fact. His calm/hospitable demeanor made the chilly night warm. The pizza made an impression on my palate, but Andy made an impression on our hearts and minds- changing the outlook we had on life. His soft spoken words guided the menu to us just like how Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigated the globe. His suggestions made us feel like he knew us. In a way this review is a love letter to Andy… from my...