My favorite work of classic literature is without a doubt Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. If you’ve ever heard references to “the circles of Hell” or the “seven deadly sins (of Purgatory),” both of those came from this book. Now, you can indulge in every one of those sins at Purgatory Pizza, which just opened last week.
In Roman Catholic Christianity, Purgatory is a place of temporary punishment, where souls are prepared to enter Heaven. At Purgatory Pizza, you can prepare yourself for a divine experience. Clouds are hand-painted on the ceiling while flames and smoke decorate the walls. The menu features cracker-thin crust pizza and has beer in the dough instead of water. Don’t be too bashful to ask for “Humility” (spicy sauce, ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos). Vegetarians will be eager to try “Zeal” (eggplant, squash, onions, roasted peppers, artichoke hearts, spinach, mushrooms, and six-cheese blend).
The restaurant also offers salads and sandwiches. Confront the temper of “Wrath” (pepper steak and pepper jack), take it easy with “Sloth” (grilled cheese), or hoard it all with “Greed” (prosciutto, capocola, mortedello, and giardiniera). Expect more menu items to debut as time goes on.
It’s Chicago’s own little slice of Heaven.
Purgatory Pizza: 3415 N Clark St; 773-975-6677
Mon – Thurs: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Fri, Sun: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Sat: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.
http://www.purgatorychicago.com/