End of an Era: Aurelio’s Pizza Bids Goodbye in South Loop

Aurelio's Pizza, the beloved pizzeria (highly debated), will shutter its South Loop location on May 31, marking an end to their only outpost within the city’s vibrant dining scene after a decade of service.

Nestled at 1212 S. Michigan Avenue, at the south end of Grant Park, Aurelio's has been more than just a pizza joint; it's been a gathering spot for families, quick lunch goers, and late-night foodies alike. Since opening in 2015 in the Park Michigan Apartments, this two-story, 5,000-square-foot restaurant has dished out their famous thin crust pizzas along with a side of community spirit.

Aurelio's Pizza: A legacy founded in Homewood in 1959, spans across 32 pizzerias in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana regions, and even reaches the sunny states of Florida and Nevada. Yet, its withdrawal from Chicago's culinary landscape leaves fans wondering about the future of quality pizza in the city.

Despite repeated attempts, Aurelio’s management remained tight-lipped about the closure reasons. The visible "for lease" sign on the building's facade spoke volumes, confirming the looming farewell.