Drink Small-Batch Craft Beers And Dine On Hand-Tossed Wood-Fired Pizzas At This Tiny Illinois Brew Pub
By Linze Rice|Published June 09, 2023
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Linze Rice
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Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Illinois is full of great dining options, but I always find that it’s the smaller, local spots that really bring the charm (and often the best food). Give me a place that’s easy to get to by foot, train, or car, add in some family recipes, and top with an ice-cold drink, and I’m there. And while there’s certainly no shortage of pizza spots in the Chicago area, this pizzeria and brewery in Berwyn, Illinois is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood gem.
Flapjack Brewery, 6833 Stanley Ave., is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it pizzeria and brewery located in Berwyn's Depot District. Though the brewpub is small, it packs a mighty punch in the community.
Patrons can choose between a seat at the bar or a handful of tables next to hand-painted murals. Take a peek at the two classic pinball games on the right — the perfect before- or after-snack game.
The brewery also hosts fun community events, trivia nights, and theme nights (that usually also include delicious food and drink specials).
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Flapjack is just steps away from the Berwyn Metra stop, which carries passengers between downtown Chicago and the suburbs — making it convenient for commuters and visitors to enjoy the local scene.
Of course, pizza always makes everything better — and the fresh, wood-fired pies here are next-to-none. The dough is hand-tossed and your pizza is made-to-order, meaning it comes out hot with just the balance of crispy and doughy.
Before I dive into pizza, I like to start out with one of the lighter appetizers. The arugula salad is tried and true, with cherry tomatoes, parmesan, pistachio, shallots, olive oil, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Linze Rice
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My go-to pizza is hands down the Margherita — bright tomato sauce, perfectly-melted cheese, and fresh basil. Pro tip: Get it well done for some extra crispiness and flavor around the crust.
The truffle pizza is another favorite, which sees truffle Cream, black truffle oil, cremini mushrooms, mozzarella, and black truffle sea salt come together in perfect harmony.
Still hungry? See if you can master the Flapjack Pizza Stack Challenge: Take down six Margherita pizzas in 30 minutes or less. Win and receive the pizzas for free, along with a name on the winners' plaque, a T-shirt, and eternal bragging rights.
So, would you stop by for a pie at this pizzeria and brewery in Berwyn, Illinois? Do you think you could win the six-pizza challenge? What’s your favorite pizza spot in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Flapjack Brewery website and Flapjack Brewery Facebook page. And when you’re finished with your meal, walk a few blocks to Proksa Park, where you’ll find this hidden butterfly garden!
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