Bakery Pizza (and more) at Mariano's "Lakeshore East"

I'm enjoying a slice of sausage "bakery pan" pizza from the new Mariano's. Crust very light and airy yet thick and bubbly, minimal tomato sauce and cheese, spicy sausage and significant char on edges and bottom. Excellent crust, warmed up on the stone floor of a big pizza oven with flames in back. A notch below D'Amato's but a faithful facsimile of the style, all the more impressive for a grocery store. $2.99 a slice.

This place just opened a few days ago and has been mobbed at lunchtime. The main floor has a large food court inside of the produce, meat, deli and bakery sections. Liquor, dairy and dry goods downstairs. The pizza station also offers a made-to-order Neopolitan style. Other ready made food options include bars for soup, salad, sandwiches, sushi, gelato and hot food. Wine by the glass. Some indoor and outdoor seating and charcoal grilled sandwich specials made outside. Promising new addition to lunch options in this area, will definitely try more of their offerings!

Mariano's
333 E Benton Place (upper Randolph)

Is there parking?

Yes they have a 2 story lot. first 65 min free.

Tried three of the soups and I think they arent quite as great as that bakery pan pizza.

On the plus side, they are inexpensive, a size that is $4.99 at au bon pain or panera is $2.99 here. One the negative side, the chicken noodle, beef chili and the potato bacon soups were all kind of thin and runny. The chicken noodle had little tiny squares of chicken and vegetables kinda like campbells, the chili tasted pretty good but did not have nearly enough meat and the potato bacon needed a lot more creaminess. I guess I am just a fan of thick soups with big hunks of ingredients. Some co-workers tried the Lobster Bisque and liked it though.

Again, price very good but quality of the soup doesnt seem up to snuff of places like the above chains or Whole Foods, which I think has excellent soups that I am willing to pay a little extra for.