WG Pizzas Hits Lakeview | Chicago’s Best Tavern-Style Pizza Comes to Southport Ave

Chicago doesn’t play around when it comes to pizza. From deep-dish institutions to late-night slices on every corner, the city’s got its pie game locked down. But now, Lakeview’s food scene just leveled up: WG Pizzas has officially opened at 2819 N. Southport Ave., and it’s carrying a decades-old pizza tradition straight from the North Shore.

If the name rings a bell, that’s because WG Pizzas is the sister spot to Alex’s Washington Gardens in Highwood, a suburban icon that’s been slinging tavern-style pizza since 1982. And they’re not just recreating the vibe—they’re bringing the exact formula that made Washington Gardens a local legend.

The magic starts with a crispy, cracker-thin crust built from a proprietary dough recipe rolled in-house. Then comes the Scornavacco family’s generational tomato sauce, premium Wisconsin mozzarella, and a lineup of the best meats and fresh veggies Chicago has ever seen. Whether you’re building your own pie from 25+ toppings or diving into a specialty pizza (don’t sleep on the monthly Chef Series Pizza), this is tavern-style pizza at its most unapologetic.

And it doesn’t stop at pizza. Pair it with a signature salad, save room for a slice of Susie’s flourless chocolate cake, and make it the perfect night out—especially since WG Pizzas is BYOB for dine-in. Carryout and delivery are locked in too, so Lakeview locals can get their fix on repeat.

Behind the ovens are Ben and Jessie Glazer, alongside Michael and Franny Kaulentis—a team with serious restaurant chops. Together, they’ve brought the soul of the North Shore to the North Side, proving once again why tavern-style pizza is Chicago’s true native pie.

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