Barnaby's Des Plaines

You ever walk into a place and know what the food is going to taste like before you even get it? This is Barnaby’s to a T. As most of you know, I’m a big tavern style guy. This is the best I’ve had so far. You could tell me that everything in the kitchen was cooked in 19th century wood ovens and I’d believe you. I don’t think there is a single window to this place. It’s dim yet homey. Anyway, the pizza. Nice thin crunchy bottom with a rough texture. Crumbs and charred flavor from everything else they put in the oven before it. Well-seasoned some would say. The sauce was a great balance of savory and salty with enough to escape with each bite, but manageable. Perfect amount of cheese and cooked well. Notice the brown caramelization on top. Absolutely perfect. This would be “well done” at most places, but the norm at Barnaby’s. I sausage was juicy and seasoned to get just a slight hint of sweetness you expect in good Italian sausage. Pepperoni was quality with the salt and spice to mend the flavors altogether. I went out of my way to get this one. My brother’s girlfriend is from Des Plaines and recommended it as the best in the area. I’m going to have to agree until I taste otherwise. This is a must-have.