Pizzaria Uno

Ellicott City, MD

Price:$$$

Decor: Casual family style

Summary: Go for the Chicago style pizza, everything else is so-so

(3 crabs out of 5)

Karen-Chances are, you don't need our opinion.
Pizzaria Uno's is one of the Triumpherant MegaRestaurants that have just enough
culture to make you feel like you aren't wasting your dining money on a lame
chain, but enough of a mass appeal to make sure that whatever city you may be
in, you'll find an Uno's and know what to expect. It's hard to make pizza
classy, but Pizzaria Uno's manages to "kick it up a notch" from Pizza Hut while
still keeping the sense of fun that may be missing from "gourmet" pizza places
like Bertucci's. If you haven't been already, then it's certainly worth a go,
and if you're like me and have been many times, you may want to branch out from the comfortable dependable dish you always order.

Paul- Not much to add here, generally I am not a fan of chains but I do love chicago style pizza and this is really the only place around to get some. I'd be nice if there was a cheaper option around but in terms of mixing convinence with quality, this place is hard to beat.

Karen-In my case, I have two--the Chicago Classic and the Chicken Portabello Mushroom pizza. And, of course, our ubiquitous buffalo wings. The wings at Uno's are what you'd expect from a chain that knows what works: big crevices of fried skin are seeping with sauce and ready and waiting to accept the bleu cheese dressing. The sauce may lack a certain smack, and every wing is nearly
identical to the last, but I'll take that for the crevices.

Paul- The wings are a bit tame for me but they have plenty of meat and they give you plenty of dressing which should be enough to keep you happy till the main dish comes.

Karen- Now there's one thing to be said, first and foremost, about the pizza at Uno's: To order the thin crust would be unforgivably criminal. Most of the pizzas you will order come with a thick, flavorful, decadent crust whose smooth, soft (and
no doubt high-fat) chew is reminescent of Pizza Hut's pan, without the
sliminess. It'd probably be good even on its own, but paired with your favorite
toppings it reaches truly grand proportions.

Paul- Agreed. As I was saying earlier I love Chicago style pizza, its probably my favorite kind. If you've never had it you must try it, if you have..then you know what I mean.

Karen-The Chicago Classic is for when you are feeling hearty--and a little
adventurous. It's made in true Chicago style, which flips the cheese and the
sauce. This makes for a much different bite which emphasizes the different
textures: first you hit the smooth sauce, then the bread. Of course, remember
it will be hard to avoid getting it in your teeth. Tossed along in there for
sporadic tangy effect are little sausage balls, making for a pizza that packs a
powerful whallop and makes you feel like you've been able to explore new
territory in the usually-predictable world of pizza.
Now if you are on a diet, go for the Chicken Portobello. I seriously doubt it
has less fat or calories, but the mushrooms and chicken do make you feel more
sophisticated, if not less trim. This pizza is a great idea based on the
booming popularity of the tasty 'shrooms. The fantastic blend of deep mellow
mushroom and bright flavorful cheeses, with the texture of the grilled chicken
to sink your teeth into, makes for a delicious study in contrasts. When we went
the other night, I will admit, the chicken was a little dry. For the most part,
however, the mixture is reliable and easily reproduced in your own kitchen.

Paul-Once again I agree, the chicken portobello is probably the best way to go. I think its also a good way to go on a date. They have a personal and regular size. If you get the regualr size it is good for 2 people, dont listen to them when they say 3. If you really insist on not getting the pizza they have a good selection of you basic "TGIF style" meals. But keep in mind the other stuff is just ok, no real difference from the other family style chains out there from so-so flavor to hokey decorations. So I think all in all going there and sharing a pizza with a loved on is what makes this place worth while.

reviewed April 2001