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Primos Chicago Pizza Pasta
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
816 W Van Buren St(between Green St & Halsted St)
Chicago, IL 60607
Neighborhoods: Greektown, Near West Side, West Loop
(312) 243-1052
- Nearest Transit:
-
UIC-Halsted (Blue Line)
Clinton-Blue (Blue Line)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
43 reviews for Primos Chicago Pizza Pasta
Review Highlights
"A great slice of pizza and a drink for $5."
(in 18 reviews)
"Family owned spot, the owners are super nice and attentive."
(in 4 reviews)
"also, the meatball sandwich is the best i've ever had."
(in 3 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Jessy Z.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2011
I've been slacking on my reviews lately but this place is so great I had to share with the Yelp world.
First off, let's talk not about the food but the owners and the staff. They make this place amazing. Such a treat! Husband and wife team, super(!) sassy but also very giving. There hasn't been a single time I've gone in that I haven't been given a hard time (lovingly, of course)! And there hasn't been a single time I've gone in where they haven't offered me a sample of their soup or something else tasty.
Which brings me to the food. It's right across from my office so I'd run in to get a quick caesar salad one day and I was hooked. I love a good Caesar and I can't tell you what's so great about theirs but I think it's the dressing. The price is great too! The pizza is awesome as is the meatball sandwich (on the focaccia with cheese and peppers please) but the soups are PHENOMENAL. Whatever it is on whatever day you are there I can guarantee it will satisfy not only your appetite but your soul as well.
I always leave Primos happy so check them out and you can be happy too. -
Review from Nichole M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/28/2011
I was reminded last night that I have finally tried the pizza, but not updated my review yet. Pizza...delicious. I have tried both the pepperoni and the tomato basil. It's huge slices, so you really only need one and comes with a can of pop for $5. Good deal.
I have also tried their ravioli, which was tasty. Their sauce is pretty good, but don't order pasta at lunchtime it just takes to long to make it. It's better to order that for dinner time.
Still love their grilled chicken salad and soups. I have had almost all of them and the only one that I wasn't crazy about was the cream of spinach...all the rest are top notch.
Clearly, I have spent too much money here, but what's an Italian supposed to do in Greektown?!3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/14/2011
Still, I have not tried their pizza. But I am telling you, one day, one day...I will dive into one… Read more »
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Review from Ben H.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2012
Was pretty bad. Smelled a little burnt to me and my wife pointed out that the crust didn't taste fresh. The crust was overcooked on the outside and too chewy and uncooked on the inside. Maybe one time but it just wasn't good for us.
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Review from Robert s.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011
Eggplant Parmesan on foccacia is great. Italian beef is great. Meatball is great. The soup is occasionally too salty but is very good. The pizza I do not like. It is bland.
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Review from Fred A.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2011
Its a good place for a light lunch. They sell pizza, sandwiches, soups, subs, and a lot of food that I feel is delicious. Guaranteed.
They sell pizza slices for $5, but they are HUGE. It has a lot of flavor.
Prices range from $5 to $10 so its a good deal. I personally recommend their Rice Pilaf. Delicious rice. Small is $2.50 and the large for $5. Nice atmosphere and you can tell your food is prepared with quality. The owners look like they are good people.
The only thing is I wished they would open on the weekends, but at least this place makes a good lunch location during the weekdays. -
Review from Liz P.
Chicago, IL
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been meaning to try this place for ages, but it's never open on weekends. I finally came here for lunch and my ridiculously large slice of pizza was pretty good. The fountain drink was very small, and the drink machine said all refills are $1, which seemed a bit silly. However, $5 for tasty pizza and a drink is still a pretty good deal and I'll go back if I'm ever in the area when this place is open.
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Review from Aud J.
Chicago, IL
4/29/2011
Good and cheap. That's about all I can ask for in a pizza, so congratulations Primos, you've passed my formidable test.
I usually stick with a slice of margherita ($5 for a huh-yuge slice and drink) but I have no doubt the sandwiches, salads, and pastas are equally delicious. The carrot cake, though not terribly in theme with an Italian pizza place, is also quite good. The older couple running the joint are great. They often offer up free soup which, as a vegetarian I usually have to turn down, and the look of disappointment on the husband's face almost makes me want to resort back to eating animals... almost!
My only complaint is that most everything is served in/on styrofoam or plastic; it's kind of a bummy. -
Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
11/5/2009
I just can't stand when I am sitting in a restaurant, eating, and they send the guy out to swab the deck with that nasty smelling bleach water, and the guy mops right up next to your feet.
That's what happened here, last night.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrross! -
Review from Becky W.
Chicago, IL
11/24/2008
I am so glad I don't work right accross the street from this place!! But a friend of mine does, so I met him here for lunch. We split the bucket-sized soup and a slice of pizza. And the pizza was good. it wasn't that bacci crap. It was awesome. And cream of chicken & rice is my favorite soup. So score on that one!
Its a very intense experience because the line moves fast and the guy yells NEXT! and you damn well better know what you want. But actually he's quite a funny guy. He was giving me a hard time about yawning, and being too tall. So, once again its a good thing I don't work right accross the street because I'd eat there every day and turn into a chubette.
And its cheap too! -
Review from shannon m.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2008
I discovered Primo's while doing time as a MUPP student at UIC. I remember that the Chicken Ceaser salad was the best I'd ever had. And it was ginormous. Practically an entire head of lettuce, hard boiled eggs, tangy Ceaser, and the greatest grilled chicken. And of course, the croutons. Man, I could never eat more than half of the thing. The $4 pizza and pop combo is pretty darn good, too. The slice is about as big as the tray that it comes out on. Some Primo's regulars seem to have their own unique eating strategy which involves folding the slice up to manage it, but I'm more the knife and fork type for a monster like this.
I finally made it back after a few years and found that the place hadn't changed a bit. The same lovely couple, I'm presuming a husband/wife owner team was working the counter. When I asked for my beloved Ceaser he joked that they no longer offered it. I must have looked pretty crestfallen because he immediately informed me that he was joking. I told him that I'd come back just for that and he treated me to a free minestrone! What a sweetie. -
Review from April M.
8/12/2006
Since no one has added this place on here yet I will fully Review it for you!
This small Italian eatery is hidden on Van Buren St. on the edge of Greek Town. It's on the NE corner of the Van Buren & Green intersection. It has a warm Italian environment with big windows and plenty of seating. They have a variety of booths (wall side only), tables, and tall bar style tables. They have plenty of left over newspapers sitting on the garbage cans for you to read and a small TV that is always turned to soap operas during the day (it isn't loud so don't worry if you don't like soaps).
After the first three months of Cafeteria food and limited fast food on campus my friends and I found our favorite close lunch spots, Primos is one. When classes are in session my friends and I frequent it at least once a week. Primos is family owned and run, the owners do a lot of the work and are Super Friendly! Since we are regulars during the school year we don't have to order anymore. They have very good memory of all their regulars, even when we get back from summer vacation they remember us and our order! We usually get the a slice of pizza, and a large soda and it costs just over $6. Not bad for a cheap lunch that fills you up since the slice of pizza is pretty big, about double the normal large pizza slices from your regular Connie's pizza, or Dominos. Also the large cup for soda is best since it's .50 cents to refill, and I never needed to refill mine during lunch there.
They also have great daily soups (which they will let you taste before you buy), salads, and pastas! They get busy during lunch, especially during the school year so get there early if you'd like your choice of where to sit! And parking is limited just like anywhere in Greek Town during the day, but not impossible to find a spot kinda close by. -
Review from John H.
Denver, CO
11/29/2009
Although a good rule of thumb is "thou shalt not eat what is larger than thine head", I am willing to make an exception for Primo's. This place has great pizza at an awesome price per slice!
My roommate and I made a trip to Chicago over Thanksgiving, and this place was located right around the corner from our hostel. After entrusting our first night's dinner selection to the Good Yelpers of Illinois, I can say my fellow foodies did not steer us wrong. This place is an incredibly clean, open mom and pop style pizzeria, offering up old-fashioned service and prices. *dramatic movie voiceover* In a city where small pizza shops litter the streets...one rises above the crop. And that place is Primo's.
Much praise has been showered on the slice n' soda for $5 deal, so my friend and I took advantage of that. I got a slice with Italian Sausage--very hot and tasty, with picture perfect cheese and crust! Not too fancy, but well worth the asking price. Did I mention the huge serving sizes? At one point I commented, "Man, at some dingy pizza place, I could easily eat half a pizza...here, I'm pushing just to finish the first slice!". Hot, delicious, and freaking HUGE--Primo's is a deal. The sausage was spicy but not too hot: just right! My roommate and I swapped a few morsels of our slices (the chef was nice enough to cut them into smaller, bite-size chunks), and his basil and tomato was pretty tasty, although it had cooled noticeably.
Traffic was slow the night we dropped in, and evidently we missed out on the owner's trademark curveball humor (no free samples, I'm afraid), but the woman who served us was very friendly and patient with our indecisive asses. Outside of a few folks who picked up boxes to go, we were the only people in the place during our 20 minute stay. Hopefully this was a fluke: Primo's is certainly worthy of your business! If we lived anywhere near the place, I could easily see Primo's being at the top of the list on the fridge. -
Review from Kiki M.
2/18/2010
Once when I was feeling sad, I came into Primo's and the owner gave me a free bag of chips and told me about his intestinal ulcers! Which was very nice! I would like him better if he weren't constantly insulting his wife in front of customers.
The food is cheap and the portions are gigantic. -
Review from jillian t.
Glenwood Springs, CO
7/10/2009
OK, so I am almost 100% Italian, so I know good-quality pasta for sure. This place was fabulous! The owner took my order, which was originally angel hair pasta, and instead convinced me to get linguine with meatballs... and boy was he ever right. This was the REAL DEAL. Then, after he swiped my card, I went to write in a tip and he goes "No, no scratch it out! Just enjoy it!" Wow. When in Chicago does this ever happen, I ask?
If you are looking for a cheap eat, the $5.00 pizza and soda cannot be beat. While I was eating, the owner brought me over a free mini-slice! I said, "I can't eat all this food" and he goes, "C'mon, what are you even talking about, enjoy it!!!" Let's just say I enjoyed, and my new dress is tight on me now, and I took food home. Try Primo's. It's great! -
Review from Robyn T.
Updated - 8/28/2009
Did I mention in my last review how HUGE the portions were? This is a great cheapie find. You'll probably eat the jumbo slice of pizza in one sitting, but their pastas? For under $10 you can get a soup or salad and an enormous portion of pasta that could easily serve 3 people. Yes it is my lunch for 2+ days straight.
The owners are really friendly (I even got a free mini-slice of pizza while I waited for my pasta -- because I needed more food here right?) but when they hand me those Styrofoam cups I keep wondering why they can't be just a bit more eco-friendly.Listed in: I've got $10 in my pocket..., Putting Pizzaz in the Pizza
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/29/2009
Primos is a-ok in my book as a great neighborhood pizza parlor. This place is old-school good. The… Read more »
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Review from Greg F.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2011
This place is great. The prices are reasonable, the pizza is good, and their focaccia bread subs are fantastic. Even better is that the older woman who is often running the register is very nice and will almost always give you a free sample or free drink of some kind.
It is an all around good experience and the only reason they didn't get 5 stars is because they are closed both Saturday and Sunday, which is a bit frustrating. -
Review from Trey B.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2010
I work near Primos so I frequent there many times. Basically, I've only eaten one thing from there....the chicken breast salad. Hands down, one of the best salads I have ever eaten. Fresh ingredients are always used and it tastes great every time I order it.
The service is great even during the lunch rush. To top it off the owner has given me free soup occasionally too! Can't get better than that. -
Review from Reid M.
Chicago, IL
9/4/2008
Primo's is a pretty good, inexpensive Italian lunch spot. It's just a block from my workplace, so I go here every once in a while.
The main attraction is $5 huge pizza slices with "free" pop, which are quite good, but I can't eat them without ending up with a tummy ache afterwards due to cheese overload. The pizza is thin crust, not Chicago style, so don't go in expecting something locally appropriate.
Their pasta dishes are pretty standard, but tasty and huge. The baked angel hair was more than enough to feed me for two meals, especially since it comes with salad/soup and garlic bread. If you have trouble not eating your whole serving at once, stay away from the pasta, you'll feel so bloated it's not funny.
I'm only giving three stars mainly because some things just taste...weird here. I got the chicken parmesan, and the meat tasted kinda tough and off. Also, the garlic bread is hard and not as well flavored as others I've had.
Additional negative points go to Primo's for hating the environment. Most things you order to go comes in huge styrofoam boxes, and the cups for drinks are styrofoam too, when pretty much every other fast food place uses waxed cardboard cups. All the tableware is throw away plastic, and the pasta comes out in take-away tins even if you order it to eat in. The one saving grace are the pizza slices, which if you order in come out on just a sheet of waxed paper between the pizza and the tray. -
Review from Erik B.
Chicago, IL
12/16/2009
Ive worked across the street from Primos for the last couple of years and have probably ate here way too much. Everything is homemade, good, and cheap! Garlic chicken pasta comes with a side salad and bread (often they throw in one of there great homemade soups too), which feeds me twice and is around 9 or ten dollars. The people that work there are also very nice.
Judging on food, quality, and not mopping (see below) this place is one of the best values in Chicago. -
Review from Drew F.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2010 1 photo
Have an awesome lunch special with a huge-o pizza slice and fountain drink.
Family owned spot, the owners are super nice and attentive. They have a good variety of Italian food at a great price.
A little small on the inside so it gets crowed during peak times. -
Review from Martha Z.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2011
The husband and wife team behind the counter work hard to keep customer's bellys full without lightening anyone's wallets. Yes the pizza special is top notch. However the real score are their delicious soups. My favorite, the cream of chicken which comes with a focaccia-esque style bread. Word to the wise, they sell the soup in large size container as well, if you are interested in leftovers for the next day.
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Review from Mark G.
Lincoln Square, Chicago, IL
8/31/2009
Got my first slice today for lunch, did the $5 slice and pop thing. Pizza was really good, almost too much for me to eat at lunch time. I would go back for the pizza alone but would also like to try the other stuff on the menu. Very convenient location to walk to if you work on the west side of the loop.
Oh and the woman working the cash register was really friendly. -
Review from Paul H.
Nashville, TN
11/30/2007
The $4 deal for a slice of pizza and a pop is what makes Primo's a great place for a quick/cheap lunch if you're in Greektown. They don't take credit cards for orders less than $10, so be sure you have some cash on hand if you're eating alone. For what it's worth, the thin crust pizza is really good - I'm an especially big fan of their margherita and spinach & mushroom pizzas.
The service is quick, be sure you're ready to order when you get to the front of the line because the old guy who runs the place doesn't like waiting for you to make up your mind. Since the White Hen across the street turned into a 7-11 a few months ago Primo's has been especially busy during the lunchtime rush. So, if you go around noon, give yourself some extra time.
They have a pretty extensive menu, and I've tried a few other things. I was less impressed with their sandwiches so I stick to the pizza. -
Review from Jean P.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 3/2/2011
Two words..Tiramisu..Yummy :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/20/2011
I find it necessary to give Primos 5 stars!! Why you asked? Their customer service is impeccable.… Read more »
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Review from Ashley D.
Chicago, IL
4/1/2008
This pizza is so good and what makes it great is the $4 lunch special that includes 1 piece of pizza (huge) and 1 pop.
Edit - 7/29 - The special is now $5, but still worth it! I had the marghereta pizza slice and it's my new favorite. -
Review from Teschia B.
Chicago, IL
12/24/2008
Great place.
For good pizza, soups, salads, and pasta...try Primos.
While you are waiting for your food they will give you samples of soup. Everything is made from scratch so there is no processed foods. The staff is very friendly and is in a convenient place.
If you want good good, please check out Primos! -
Review from John M.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2011
I ordered a pizza from Primos about a week ago. It was a decent if unremarkable thin pie. Its 3 blocks from my loft, so I was hoping it would be a decent "go to" delivery joint. Called tonight @ 8:15 PM (a Friday) and despite published hours indicating they are open until 9:00 PM, I was told they were closed. When I asked if they had changed their hours, I was hung up upon. Their pizza isn't good enough for them to be so flaky. I will stick to Tomatohead and Aurelios for my thin pies.
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Review from Sarah W.
Chicago, IL
12/22/2010
Primos margarita pizza is my FAVORITE pizza in the entire city of Chicago. Primos owners are my FAVORITE business owners in the city of Chicago. It's quite refreshing to frequent an establishment that is family owned, in the neighborhood, and has consistent output of product. I moved to the West Loop 4 years ago and Primos is where I get my pizza fix Monday through Friday. Yes, sadly they are closed Saturday and Sunday...but you can buy one of their frozen pizzas for $10.00 to take home to satisfy your addiction over the weekend. Deeeeeeelish!!!!!
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Review from michael b.
Garden Grove, CA
2/7/2011
This place is special. I fell in love with the older woman behind the counter when she called me "my boy", refused to accept a tip, and gave me a free soup. i just wanted to give her a hug. also, the meatball sandwich is the best i've ever had. why would anyone walk past this place to go to jimmy johns? and how dare jimmy johns open a store next to this classic mom and pop.
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Review from Jeanne L.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 10/6/2010
I've been back here a few more times now. The bf always likes to get the eggplant parm sandwich, and when he orders it, the owner lady's eyes get wide and she says "that's MY favorite sandwich!". So cute! I usually stick to my pizza margherita since it's so good, but I should really try some other things.I will be back again, their food and service is always great.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/6/2010
Just ate lunch here again today. I got a $5 pizza/pop to go, the margherita pizza was as usual,… Read more »
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Review from monika a.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2010
A GREAT pizza place near my home. Besides that the Pizza is awesome! New York style. The service is also awesome! The first time you walk in they will make you feel like a regular that's been coming there for years. It's awesome! My only wish is that they would be open later for late night.
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Review from Deanna G.
Chicago, IL
9/21/2010
The pizza here is really good, and HUGE. $5 slice incl/pop. Can't beat it. I often get the chicken salad though. I guess it's nothing amazing (on paper) but i think it is delicous. The chicken is SUPER moist and just seasoned enough. Their house dressing is tasty and it's a great alternative to the heavy stuff if that's what you're in the mood for. I've also tried the chicken pasta salad which is pretty yummy itself and not too expensive (the small is enough for 1, large would feed a group). Quaint little place, good prices, good food. i still need to try the pasta though...probably this winter. :)
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Review from Bryant C.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2008
Primos is the best cheap lunch spot I've found near work so far. A huge pizza slice and pop is $5. The pizza is also much much better than other places that have the same deal (ahem... Bacci). I go at least once a week. I usually get the sausage slice but the margarita is really good also. The owners are friendly and always joking around with the customers. They take the time to get to know the regulars.
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Review from isaac k.
Lincolnwood, IL
2/8/2010
the meatball focaccia and chicken pasta salad are excellent. the bread and sauce are homemade... and so good. the pizza is just alright.
the place is clean and neat. you can tell by their constant stream of regulars, its a solid spot for some italian comfort food. -
Review from Kristen R.
Chicago, IL
10/11/2008
I eat here for lunch probably once every other week. I eat their pizza at every school event I go to so I actually am tired of the pizza, but I remember thinking it was pretty good the first dozen times I ate it.
They bake their own focaccia. I get the tuna focaccia. Tuna is good, and the warm olive oiled bread makes the sandwich. I think their eggplant parm is too breaded. Their pasta is just okay.
This is literally a mom and pop place, and the owners give the place character. -
Review from Tammy L.
2/12/2010
I live really close by, and I love this place. The pizza (only ever had the margarita--don't eat meat) is really good and crispy on the bottom. Nice salty cheese, both fresh and canned tomatoes, and basil make it very yummy. The owners are really nice, especially the husband, who throws in freebies if you come in during the evenings. A great neighborhood place--I just wish they were open on weekends! I like to keep one of their half-baked pizzas in the freezer for emergency cravings on weekends. :)
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Review from Virginia T.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/26/2008
The owner is really super friendly (he calls me "red" now and remembers my orders). They have great sandwiches and I'm not joking that they have THE BEST ONION RINGS I've EVER had! Go and try them!!
Listed in: Pizza Pie, My Favorite Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/25/2008
I nearly missed this place even though it's only a block from my office. The smells are what clued… Read more »
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Review from Todd M.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2009
If you are looking for a large NY Style Slice of Pizza stop into Primo's. A great slice of pizza and a drink for $5. They also have an excellent Meatball sandwich. The restaurant is run by a friendly couple but they run a tight ship so have your order ready when the call next.
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Review from Paul K.
Chicago, IL
1/5/2009
Excellent Value Lunch.
The pizza-and-a-pop deal is cheap and satisfying. I would go in and eat primo's at least twice a week when i was attending UIC and working in West Loop. There's a nice family atmosphere, and everything seems fresh and recently made. The pizza itself is nothing amazing, it's just pretty good, and for pretty cheap. I like to dust some red pepper flakes on mine. Not bad. -
Review from Rachel H.
10/10/2008
So the sign says "Giant Slice and Free Pop, $5". Plenty of places have a slice and a drink deal, big whoop. Then I saw someone walk by with what looked like 1/3 of a pizza on a tray. Apparently these people mean business. I'd get that if I had like two people to share it with. Seriously how do some of these people not have a heart attack and die on the way back to the office? I'd really like to know. Anyway, I had considered the pizza and then thought better of it, and chose a cup of soup and a salad. My cream of chicken and rice was tasty and, Hello, it is only 2.50. A soup that size costs $5.99 at Fox and Obel. I also got a chicken breast salad, which had amazing, warm real chicken, not that pressed crap. The soup and salad each come with some sort of garlic bread roll thing as well. I got my food super fast, and the lady at the counter is awesome. I even liked it when she gave me a look when I said no salad dressing. It reminded me of my aunt. So, I hate dressing. I'm a freak. I know.
