IL Pizza Shop Named Best Hole-In-The-Wall In State

A small-town Illinois pizzeria has landed on a new national list highlighting the best hole-in-the-wall pizza joints across the country.

Food and culture site The Takeout recently named baked, a pizza shop in Galesburg, as the best hole-in-the-wall pizza spot in Illinois in its roundup of standout local pizzerias in every state.

According to the publication, the restaurant stands out for its playful and creative approach to pizza while still drawing inspiration from classic, home-style cooking. The shop, located at 57 South Seminary St. in Galesburg, offers traditional pies alongside more adventurous options, including combinations like goat cheese with herbs or brisket topped with blue cheese.

Reviewers highlighted the restaurant’s bread-like crust and carefully sourced ingredients as part of what makes the pizzas memorable.

The list focused specifically on smaller, independent pizzerias.

"While there are numerous big pizza chains, and even some of the best Italian restaurants to be found in each state, we wanted to uncover those hole-in-the-wall, smaller, mom and pop type pizza shops specifically, where those who own the eateries are there, boots on the ground, giving their all to ensure every slice is nothing less than perfection," according to The Takeout article. "It's these tiny havens that are the hidden gems serving up each state's most priceless pizza slices daily. Picture the neighborhood nooks, where the ovens have history, the dough demands (and gets) the time and care it deserves, and the owners and staff often know regulars by name."

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