NVM Review

By Warren Rojas

Bugsy’s “Midnight Munch” buffet ($6.95) grants night owls access to revolving deep-dish pizzas plus a salad bar (standard greens, vegetables and dressings) for just a hair more than your average jumbo slice. Pepperoni pies spit spice and oil (classic) while the farmers market provides plenty to chew on (crunchy peppers, piquant onions, meaty ‘shrooms). Pool the savings and split a pitcher.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza - Top Notch

By Warren Rojas

A popular neighborhood spot owned by ex-journeyman hockey player and retired Washington Capital Bryan “Bugsy” Watson, Bugsy’s specializes in thick and thin crust pizzas. And while the crunch of a cracker-thin crust appeals to some, you really should go deep at this sports-themed pizza paradise.

Crust: At its highest point, the buttery, visibly porous crust is a good 1 1/2 inches deep—a sturdy base for whatever toppings may come

Sauce: This marinara mix starts with chunky tomatoes and only gets better, conveying hints of fresh oregano and garlic

Cheese: Melted mozzarella is a stringy treat (really clings to the pie), while fresh feta crumbles are astounding

Toppings: An order of roasted garlic brings breathtaking 1/4 bulbs of whole garlic (toasted brown on the outside, mushy on the inside), whole leaf spinach gets sprinkled all over the pie, jumbo slices of mushrooms are mouth-filing, and assorted peppers prove thick and crunchy

Bonus : Early birds can get their fill at a daily luncheon buffet ($6.25 for all-you-can-eat pizza and salad, every day of the week), while night owls and weekend warriors can refuel at the “Midnight Munch” (AYCE pizza and salad from 9 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday)