Habibi wrote:I ain't never been to a place in NYc that puts shredded cheese on a slice before warming it up. That sounds nasty.

ESP Pizza isn't like NYC pizza slices at all. I think it is supposed to be Philly-style pizza, hence "Eastern". To me it resembles Tombstone frozen pizza.

I grew up a few blocks away from Eastern Style and would eat there regularly.

I used to eat both their Pizza and their Grinders. I think the classification of it being a "kid friendly" pizza with all the cheese is appropriate.

I have not been to Eastern Style for probably 20 years. While I still drive by it every once it awhile, I have not stopped to order there in forever. I will have to try again and see what its like.

I can remember when Eastern Style first opened. I went to school with the original owners kids. Does anyone know if the same family owns it?

It was an interesting area for Pizza back when it opened. Barnabys was across the street, with a pretty decent thin crust pizza, and Gullivers was nearby on Howard, with deep dish. Eastern style was kind of in-between. Doughier than a thin crust like Barnabys, cooked in a pan, but not a deep dish pizza like Gullivers. Also, much more of a take-out or delivery place than the other two that had extensive seating.

can remember when Eastern Style first opened. I went to school with the original owners kids. Does anyone know if the same family owns it?

The current owners name is Tony...so if that was the original guy, yes.

The Original ESP was opened by the Markellos family.

I dont recall a Tony in the family, so it must have been sold or is being run by someone else.

The Markellos family now owns the Phillys Best restaurants on Belmont, Greektown, etc. Just wondering if ESP is still theirs.

The domain is registered to Koulouris, Fotis.

That name links to a LinkedIn profile saying he's the owner/manager of Eastern Style Pizza.

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/fotis-koulouris/13/395/a03

Today's ESP combination grinder at lunch really hit the spot. It wasn't as garlicky as I recall from the Skokie location. Still, it was tasty. They've got a two slice + pop deal. Maybe I'll give that a try next time.

The place was jumping during the noontime lunch rush. Just two folks (husband/wife?) working behind the counter.

I was re-reading this entire thread and found this too easy to pass up:

KajmacJohnson wrote:One order of fries is more than enough for two people to share.

That's a lie. One order of fries is never going to be enough to share for me!

I still haven't been back to ESP on Touhy, I guess I don't really think about it as I'm never in that area and my memories of the Dempster location are not likely to come back.