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Categories: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, Pizza
1600 S 61st Ave
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I studied abroad in Italy in college, which means I know gelato* better than almost everyone who ever lived. It's true. Ate the stuff nonstop the whole time I was there. Unfortunately, I haven't had anything half as good in the five years that have since passed. Until Freddy's.
If you can't swing an Italian vacation, at least do yourself a favor and get the gelato here. Feel the need to have something that's not gelato beforehand? The Italian beef sandwich is simple and fantastic. But you really don't need to feel guilty about just eating a ton of gelato and nothing else.
*Possibly the best hangover food ever. Got me through the Cinque Terre wine hangover of June 2004.
We read about this place here on Yelp, so on out vacation from Austin To Chicago we had this place on our list of places to eat. We decided to invite my 70 yr old cousin to go with us, and with a frown he tells me, I could take you to a hundred pizza joints in chicago that would PROBALY be better then this one, but he came long. As soon as we walked into this place, we all knew, yes even my cousin, that this was going to be a food experience we were not soon to forget.
And ohhh my, the people behind the counter were the friendliest people, and the FOOD, was delicious! We had the Italain sausage steak, looked like steak to me, was sooo good, the cousin order some pasta and a pizza, all was the best any of us have ever had anywhere. We have had pizza in chicago, new york, and yes austin, this place will be in our minds a long long time.
Going to Freddy's on a Saturday morning was just the perfect way to start the day - after a night of drinking lots of wine the night before. Three of us made the trek over to Cicero for what we were told was one of the best places to get great italian food. Mind you this recommendation came from several sources in Bridgeport. So you know it has to be good.
We walked in and wanted to let loose in the store as if we had been caged and not fed for a week. So, we walked up to the counter and ordered more than we could eat, because everything they had laid out on the counter looked incredible. It's as if we went to someone's house for dinner.
The grocery store is tiny and has many imported products. There's also a deli, an italian ice and gelatto counter.
The best thing to do is to get there early and order lunch. There is outdoor seatingm which is kind of nice in the summer. Then you can go back in and order stuff to take back.
Everything here was great. Napolean style pizza, chicken eggplant parmesan, the pasta, salads, and everything else you can think of that you would get if you went over to a friend's house for dinner and their family laid out a full spread.
Oh yeah, don't forget to take home some italian bread. It was fresh and still warm when we got it.
Yeah, everything was that good.
Best gelato in Chicagoland. Decent pizza too, but the 4 stars are for the gelato!
Freddy's is a great little corner Italian store / pizza place. Best slice of pizza to go. Fresh, made daily. Also the BEST Italian ice ever. We always take one to eat there and then take a pint home. They have a big assortment of italian salads, made fresh every day. Our typical order - 2 slices (one cheese and sausage, one broccoli), seafood salad (so good, not too oily), and tomato mozzerella salad. and of course, italian ice. They also sell pasta, oils, and sauces there to make at home too. There is an outside seating area for the summer time. Every time i've been there its been jam packed. I've only ordered and eaten there or taken home, but I'm pretty sure they cater also.
I'd give them 5 stars, but the only reason I dont is they have weird hours. Sometimes they are not open on Sundays and its the type of place that's not open late. But its a must try if you want amazingly fresh, Italian food.
Trip to Chicago was alot of fun and freddy's pizza was one of the best stops for great food and a great experience. Meet people in line who were raised nearby and still stop at freddy's everytime they are back; I can see why. They have the best market and their to go or eat in choices are all very good. We went for pizza but ordered many of the other Italian dishes on display. GOoood Stuff. Will go back with kids again.
There are few places out there where you can walk into and be sure that you are walking out with love in a bag/plate/cup etc...
The breads are of the best I ever had in this country, the food is made fresh in the back and brought out as needed - everything from appetizers to anti-pasto's to entrees - ALL fresh homemade lovin.
The Pizza's are incredible - I was cool with the pizza's not being that great after seeing how EVERYTHING else was so awesome - and of course - sure enough - the pizza is amazing. How does this happen all under one roof - as my nephew says "I not know" - and I agree.
Then - I saw the ice cream displayed on the way out to the detached dining room prior to eating my food finds, and thought, there is noway that geltao is going to seduce me - the ice cream fanatic that I am :). But after dinner we decided to give it "try" and not expect anything else.
Well... its most certainly one of the best ever. This place blows away 90% of anyone pretending they are selling gelato - guaranteed. wow - yum.
Back to the bread - one day I brought home a nice long loaf - still warm when I put in the bag at the counter. I swear I gained 5 pounds in that next 24 hours - as I killed that loaf with so many uses - I couldn't get enough!!
Lastly: CRAZY affordable.
I am afraid to go back :)
But I will...
BEST IN TOWN!
AWESOME: italian ice, gelato, pizza, and for just some usual italian grocery items.
And they have outdoor seating on the side which is great.
Mama Mia!
When I told my mom I'd never been to Freddy's she nearly fell off her chair. From her reaction I was beginning to think I should be calling DCFS and reporting child abuse for being denied a meal from this place! She insisted that the next time I come out for lunch we eat at Freddy's, no excuses.
Here's the good and not so good about Freddy's:
- The menu. If there were any printed menus they were out. There were a few, somewhat confusing signs on the wall making it hard to figure out what I might like.
+ The prices. We got 2 sandwiches (breaded pork and meatball), a slice of pizza, 3 sodas and 2 small gelati for under $25. My parents sandwiches had to be a foot long! They could only finish half so they'll get 2 meals out of their sandwiches.
- The space. The space doubles as a food counter and Italian grocery. It's close quarters around lunchtime making things crowded and confusing.
+ There's a little room next door and outdoor tables to eat your food. The friendly staff came in regularly to check on the diners and wipe down tables.
* The jury's still out on the pizza. When I ordered they only had a foccacia-style pizza, which was just ok, not knock my socks off good. When I went back for my gelato they had their famous Margherita ready, which looked amazing, they also had 2 more kinds one with spinach and one with broccoli.
+ Mmmm, the limoncello gelato. That is the stuff dreams are made of; smooth, creamy and dreamy! They have other flavors and ices too.
- The website, what a trainwreck that is. It looks like it was designed by a design school dropout and I think that's being kind. They don't need anything fancy, but a main page with some simple PDF linked menus would be aces.
You don't have to take my word about Freddy's, looking at the other reviews, the number of regulars and the printed praise on the dining room wall I'm not alone. My parents couldn't resist leaving without a couple pounds of Italian sausage. I can't wait to come back to try the Margherita and get some more of that yummy gelato!
I just punched Richard Simmons in the face and drop kicked Billy Blanks Tae Bo style! After eating Freddy's Pizza nothing is going to stand in the way of a life of blissful obesity.
Seriously, I would have no problem buying two airplane tickets for my fat ass if I could eat the tiramisu gelato and a big piece of pepperoni pizza from Freddy's everyday.
I can't believe I scoffed at my Italian brother-in-law and his talk of Freddy's. I am now a believer. Definitely worth the trip to Cicero, especially when 290 is backed up, just exit at Austin and turn right at 16th St. You and your future fat ass will thank me.
This store and the food they serve is so beautiful it will bring tears to your eyes. I can't wait to go back again and try more of their food, it all looks so delicious. Amazing pizza too. I could eat here every day. Do not miss!
Great Food
I LOVE this place! Everything is wonderfully prepared and delicious! I usually have a slice of pizza which they have out pre-cut in huge squares. I also recommend their beef sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, or any pasta (hot or cold). You can't go wrong here!
I think Freddy's has the best Italian ice! I usually get 1/2 lemon 1/2 cantaloupe.
Everyone there is always friendly and helpful. Sometimes, they will even help you make a decision. They built an addition a few years ago, so you can eat there, it's pretty packed though.
Be warned...Freddy's is small, cramped and crowded. Customers are usually pretty understanding if you are a rookie.
I went back to make sure I was not dreaming. I wasn't! It was that good.
I love this place. I love this place. I love this place. By the way did I tell you that "I love this… Read more »
Wow! The selection was huge, the food was fresh, and the prices are low! They sell everything you could possibly want that's Italian in one tiny hole in the wall. The gnocchi was out of this world yummy, definitely recommend it!
Just looking at how this place is laid out tells the story of its success. It probably started out as a small italian grocery store, selling packaged food & staples from the old country.
Grandma Freddy one day cooked up one of her famous pasta dishes & brought it to the store. A customer asked if he/she could buy a plate & the rest is history.
The food items got so poular that they had to have a place for people to eat & wait for their order, so they built a room to acccomodate. They had to do it quickly becasue they forgot to add the connecting door! Over the years, the place just got busier & busier until it became a local institution.
There's something to say about a place that serves you food on an orange cafeteria tray, on paper plates, slow in taking orders & makes you walk outside in the cold to get to the dining room...WITHOUT A COMPLAINT FROM ANY CUSTOMERS!
Oh yeah, the food is fantastic.
O.M.F.G.
i cannot believe I've lived in this area over three years and haven't noticed it til last weekend. boredom got the best of me so i decided to see what's around Cicero.... didn't think i would find anything as good as Freddy's!!!
I'm suprised there aren't more reviews for this place... the food is excellent. why would anyone go to pyzans when you can walk two more freakin blocks to get AWESOME food???...
the boyfriend had the pizza margarita. he liked it but said mine was better, (WHOA, a compliment???) supposedly cause we use a pizza stone @ home & Freddy's bakes in pans.... that was the ONLY reason. he also had the caramel gelato which he LOVED. *i sneaked a few tastes and it was pretty damn good.... very caramel-ie.
I had the thick crust mushroom pizza. I don't know what the other review was talking about with the sauce too sweet.... mine was perfection. it tasted very fresh, not too sweet & not overdone with any herbs. The cheese was fresh & the perfect amount of saltiness. I've had fresh mozzarella that was almost tasteless w/out the right amount of saltiness. my dessert was the tiramisu gelato. it was rich, creamy, strong flavored *reminded me of Kahlua*, very delicious.
another day also tried a penne pasta dish w/a creamy tomato sauce, fresh sausage *WHOA* and must've been the freshest peas ever. they popped in my mouth. everything was complimentary to one another...
fried artichoke heart: it was good, but not really my cup of tea... i prefer marinated artichoke hearts.
the pasta dish, fried artichoke heart & a can of coke: $5.50 including taxes. How can you beat that with home made Italian food?
The place is pretty small, very busy, takes cash only but all worth it.
forget fast food joints & go to Freddy's!
(drool)
I'm just going to be repeating what everyone else is saying about Freddy's...it's great.
I've grown up with Freddies, but started to come here far more frequently once I got my driver's license and eight years later I haven't stopped. I've also gotten several of my friends hooked on Freddy's delicious arancini and gelato.
A favorite of mine at Freddy's is the salami salad. I cannot find something like this anywhere else, and I go to alot of Italian grocery stores. It's sliced small bits of salami, sopressata, etc in olive oil. I love it.
It's a small establishment, but the taste is big. I felt like I was invited to a family kitchen in Italy. The food was excellent, but the gelato was the highlight of the supper! Their dolce latte gelato was out of this world. I have to confess: I accepted a bribe from the owner. As I was carrying the big bulky semi-pro DSLR with me, the owner must have thought I was a reporter or a big-time food blogger. He offered me free Italian ice. :-)
I have uploaded some of my photos to Yelp, but
check out other food porn pictures of this place on my Flickr. See them in LARGE size.
http://flickr.com/phot...
Cash only.
Great Italian Food. THE REAL DEAL Italian deli. So many choices. Great Sides, Pizza, Subs, Gelato and drinks. They even carry San Benedito tea's!
Only complaints. Cash only. Very small cramped counter area.
The greatest tasting gelato that would ever set foot in your mouth!
This is what I imagine the Italian grocery/deli in my parents' time to have been like. Family run and owned, reeking of fresh baked pizza and stuffed to the seems with Italian goods. The TV on the wall behind the counter often is tuned to an Italian cable channel, I didn't even know there was one! In the small aisle of groceries I'm able to find the sort of things I remember being served at my grandparents' house: pizelle, cans of escarole, jardiniere, almond biscotti (pre Starbucks).
I started working in Cicero thirteen years ago. I shared the "secret" of Freddy's with a few of my co-workers because I never wanted to run into many of them there. I usually get either an Italian sub or whatever calzone they have that day. It's hard, also to resist the cheese stuffed fried rice balls topped with marinara.
For dessert, of course, gelato. Freddy's carries about ten different gelati to choose from and they will offer you tastes on tiny spoons. You can't go wrong with whichever flavor you choose.
This place is the real deal. Very small corner establishment, but the selection and quality is amazing. Anything from pizza,sandwiches, Italian specialties, to desert, it is all good.
Best frittata ever. Awesome Eggplant.
Hey, there are always cops in there eating away...It has to be Good.
After reading about Freddy's on Yelp, I thought I had to give it a go.
It was awesome!
Definitely the best gelato I have ever had. When I think that I could have bought a pint of ice cream in Wisconsin for what I paid for the small cup, I feel like they could have piled it a tad higher.
I used to go to a place in Madison WI that was similar (minus the gelato) to Freddy's and had the most delicious smell when you first walked in. Freddy's does lack that smell, but they totally make up for it with 60 cent fried artichokes and pumpkin ravioli.
I had a certain feeling watching some greasebags wearing tight white tank tops ordering their penne with marinara in Italian that I had come to the right place.
This is a few blocks from my work, and I am certain I'll be back.
Awesome! Just freaking awesome!
I know it looks like I am not differentiating at all between restaurants and am going overboard on the five star establishments, but I just joined Yelp and I don't really feel like writing about places I do not like. Anyways, if you have a car, drive to Freddy's. I used to go here in high school after softball games vs. Morton High bc my coach knew about this place. The square pizza is super cheap and the italian ice and gelato are amazing. I guarantee you won't spend more than $10 on lunch. Any guy I've ever convinced to go here loves it, including my dad. Also they loved that for once I was not demanding an expensive meal. I have been called high maintenance. There were not a whole lot of places to sit, but they added a patio. They are closed on Sundays, which I respect as well.
Having grown up in Berwyn and Cicero I am quite familiar with Freddy's. Everyone I know that has moved away from the old neighborhood will stop by here whenever they come back to visit family.
I brought my roommates daughter here and she was concerned about the shavings in the Italian ice. I had to explain to her that's what REAL Italian ice is like. It has lemon bits in it.
They have fresh ingredients for pizza and pasta that you can bring home and cook up at your leisure. Be prepared though, this place is small and during a rush you will be getting very close to your fellow shoppers. Just smile and remember you are all there to sample the yummy goodness that Freddy's has to offer.
This is a review of different things at Freddy's.
The Pizza:
I like a crispy cracker-like crust. I did not like their crust, it was kinda tough. My mom really likes their pizza and my brothers think it's not excellent but it's the best around here.
The sauce was too sweet for my taste. It had no tang and it didn't seem like it had spices added to it, just pure overly sweet tomato sauce.
The cheese is very good though. Not chewy or weird at all. Their sausage is good too. So for me and my taste, the pizza was okay only.
The Gelato:
What can I say? Their gelato is so tasty. The pistachio flavor I think needs more flavor to it, but you really can't miss. They are great flavors.
The Service and Atmosphere:
Service is fast and good. The place is so small, but I like it, with all the breads, food, grocery items, it's nice.
Other Foods:
I really want to try some of their pastas and dishes like chiken vesuvio, but I haven't gotten around to it.
So I hope to update soon with reviews for their lasagnas and other food besides pizza.
I love it here. The 4 stars - versus 5 - is mostly due to the setup. It's somewhat hard to get your order in sometimes and to eat there, you need to step outside and then back inside. Also, they don't take credit cards. :(
The food though is FANTASTIC! The staff is always really nice and friendly. The food - it's like walking into your Italian Grandma's house - if you have one (I don't - but assume this is what it would be like if I did). :o)
I've never had something here that was bad and there is always enough served to fill you up. It's off the beaten path, but well well worth it!
I really wanted to like Freddy's, I swear! The pizza, though, was incredibly dry--did they use sand instead of flour to make the dough? Sheesh!
So, figuring that all places have their dud dishes, and maybe I oughtn't to have tried the pizza at Freddy's PIZZA, I ordered a beef. I was in the mood for cheese on it. I know, that's a beef abomination, etc. I don't care--I just wanted that extra layer of plaque around my arteries gained by eating a beef with cheese melted on it. They wouldn't do it! Hey Freddy's, who cares if it's not traditional; put the cheese on, suck it up, and be happy with the extra buck you can charge me for the cheese. The mediocre beef coulda really used the cheese, too!
Next time I have a spare afternoon, I'll go to the heavenly Nonno's, order a beef and a half on garlic bread with melted mozzarella AAAAAND cheddar, and I'll eat in right in front of Freddy's.
I LOVE FREDDY'S!!!
I can hardly think of the words for this place, but I shall try...
I've been going to Freddy's forever and I think everything is delicious. My favorite is the foccacia, though they just added the Margherita pizza, and it too is amazing. I love that everything is so fresh and homemade.
The owners and employees are so hospitable too. I was short on my meal by $1-2 and they told me not to worry about it, and that I could pay them back the next time. I blushingly agreed. Right after(!) a man entered with no cash on him (they only accept cash) and Freddy says to him, "That's ok, you hungry?" Couldn't believe it! I had fallen in love with this place a hundred times more. Sigh.
The italian ice and gelato is oh-so-good! The prices are pretty cheap, i love this place too much for my own good.
Quite possibly the best Chicken Marsala on the planet.
Everything is good here, and I am being completely honest, no bull. I suggest going with a group of 4 or 5 so that you can try a couple different things. Also, grab a loaf of fresh Italian bread while in line and share it with your friends.
The main entrees are fantastic, the pizza is incredible (nice sauce cheese, meat, bread ratio - pan style)
I've had better Italian Ice but be sure nto to leave without trying the Gelato. It's crazy good!
I have been going to Freddy's for as long as I can remember. It has some of the best, homemade food around. And now that I am out of my parents' house (and b/c my mom doesn't cook for me anymore :( ), I come here to pick up food to bring home with me. Their frozen pastas, their bread, their sauce, and of course their gelato are all out of this world.
Pieces of Advice:
If you buy a quart of sauce, it is very, very flavorful (almost too much), so get one large can of San Marzano tomatoes (only the best canned tomatoes) and mix it in. That way you get more sauce and it's not completely overpowering!
Try the "Fruits of the Forest" gelato. Words cannot describe how truly fantastic the taste is...
And finally, their frozen lemonade is key for the summer. There's nothing like being home on a hot day and opening the freezer to find that yes, you still have some frozen lemonade from Freddy's!
The pastas and chicken breasts were outstanding - like a home-cooked family style dish. The gelato was heavenly - we got the Limoncelli and Oreo flavored pints. The pizza is decent but nothing to write home about. (Bertolli's Pizza in River Forest is our current favorite.)
The only drawback is they close at 7pm. It would be nice if they could extend their hours on weekends during the summer, so people can get some gelato or have a relaxing friday night dinner there.
OMG this place is unbelievable, used to go here when i would go to my dentist out that way...unreal italian ice, unreal pizza.
http://www.freddyspizz...
this place is spectacular i have not been in forever but my stomach is now GROWLING
The food is delicious great arrachini, pizza and italian ice Def try the italian ice they have many flavors to choose from. They also have a cute little italian store. The store is very small so it can sometimes be a biatch waiting in that long line.
Amazing!! So many friends & family members rave about this place & it lives up to its reputation. The portions are huge & the quality of the food is mouthwatering. Make sure to take some of your entree to go and head to the gelato counter on your way out!
Worth the drive, the wait (seriously busy during lunch) & every cent!
Freddy's is probaly one of my most favorite resteraunts around. Ive been going there ever since i could remember, and my father (who grew up about 3 blocks away) was going there since he was young too.
Their pizza is amazing, being a huge fan of pizza whenever I travel to another city or country for that matter (yes, including italy), freddys blows them away. They have a thick crust pizza with mostly imported ingredients, that is just very flavorful. Their pastas are all made there ( so i believe) and are also very good.
My other favorite is their italian ice. It is very creamy and comes in a variety of flavors, in the winter its mostly just like chocolate, lemon, watermelon and a 3 or 4 more, but in the summer they have bannana, green dragon, pina colada..on and on.
All in all id say if your interested in real chicago food in an old style way that there is no better place to go.
This place is incredible. A friend introduced us to Freddy's while visiting Forest Park. I've since made a point of returning. The food is very good and very cheap. The gelatto may be the best I've ever had. Without a doubt, you need to eat here.
The best italian ice u will ever have in the world. Interesting flavors like black raspberry (my favorite). Awesome pizza and pasta.
Kids Eat FREE on Thursdays!
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