Seemor
Gigio'sC+Mixed Bag
1001 Davis St, Evanston, IL 60201
· Restaurant, Family restaurant, Fast food restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1027 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Classic Evanston slice shop with broad fast-casual menu; great when fresh, but inconsistency and service/cleanliness issues mean experiences vary.
Why it gets a C+ for overall quality
Gigio's delivers classic slice-shop appeal with decades of local loyalty and occasional excellent pies, but inconsistent execution undermines reliability. Variable doneness and temperature across visits, combined with intermittent sanitation complaints and service inconsistency, prevent a stronger grade despite quick service and reasonable value. Worth visiting if nearby and you catch a fresh slice, but not a destination worth traveling for.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels old-school and casual, a no-frills slice joint steps from the Davis station where commuters and students grab quick pies and Chicago-stand classics. Expect counter ordering, quick turn times, and a bustling flow. One diner put it simply: "Catch a fresh slice and you are golden; miss the timing and it can be a letdown." The cooking leans classic NY-style by the slice with Chicago-adjacent comforts: Italian beef, hot dogs, and fried sides. The culinary approach is traditional and portion-forward: execution matters more than invention, so asking for an extra bake helps crisp the crust. Families do fine here thanks to kid-friendly staples like cheese or pepperoni slices, hot dogs, fries, and a personal gluten-free pizza. There is no formal kids menu, but the simple options suit most children; picky eaters should stick to plain slices or basic sandwiches.
At a Glance
- Fresh, hot slices can be excellent—foldable, chewy, satisfying
- Broad menu (Italian beef, burgers, tacos) at moderate prices
- Inconsistent bake and temperature; soggy or dried-out slices reported
- Service process confuses orders when names not used
- Cleanliness and sanitation complaints appear intermittently
What Sets It Apart
- long_running_local_institution
- broad_menu_beyond_pizza
- steps_from_transit
What People Love
- Nostalgic neighborhood vibe
- Convenient location by transit
- Filling slices when fresh
- Reasonable prices for everyday meals
- Personal gluten-free pizza option
Points of Concern
- Quality varies—freshness and bake time drive outcomes; several undercooked or dried-out reports
- Counter system can misroute orders; ask staff to take a name
- Cleanliness criticisms (tables, gloves, oil) surface in multiple reviews
- Delivery/group order mistakes and delays noted
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$14-$22 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For kids: cheese or pepperoni slice, hot dog, fries
- For gluten-free: personal gluten-free pizza
- Vegetarian: veggie pizza, Impossible or black bean burger
Perfect For
- Quick solo lunch near the train
- Late casual bite after errands
- Feeding a small group with varied tastes
- Nostalgic locals craving a classic slice
Location Insights
Area: Busy downtown Evanston hub near Northwestern; student and commuter traffic with casual dining vibe.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked area; typical urban cleanliness and late-night foot traffic.
Nearby: Steps from Davis station; near shops, bars, offices, and campus paths; street and garage parking nearby.
Downtown EvanstonThe dining scene in Downtown Evanston is diverse, featuring a range of casual eateries, upscale restaurants, and cafes that cater to a mix of students, professionals, and families. The area has a lively social atmosphere with a focus on walkability, accessibility, and a blend of local and international cuisines.
Main-Dempster MileThis micro-neighborhood is centered around the main commercial corridor with a concentration of shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a bustling area popular for casual dining and social gatherings, especially among Northwestern University community members.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:00
Tuesday11:00–20:00
Wednesday11:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–20:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–19:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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