Bucktown welcomes new pizzeria

Bucktown Pizza opened in July at 1912 N. Western Ave. as a casual, counter-service spot serving thin-crust slices and pies, Block Club Chicago reported. Owner Joe Smith moved to the Chicago area, where his wife grew up, a few years ago. This is his first restaurant in the city, after previously working at and running pizzerias in the Chicago suburbs and in several locations on the East Coast, including his native Newark, New Jersey. Smith said his focus is on quality ingredients. “Everything we do is by hand, hand-roll the dough, hand-stretch the dough, homemade sauces, personalized service,” Smith told the news site. “You’re going to see the product made in front of you.” The restaurant had plans to obtain a liquor license. For more, click here.