If you walk down Michigan Avenue toward the Museum Campus, you've probably seen that glowing red sign. It's a beacon for anyone who grew up in the south suburbs. For a lot of us, Aurelio’s isn't just a pizza place. It’s a childhood memory. It's that specific, slightly sweet sauce that you either crave at 11:00 PM or you don’t quite "get."
Honestly, the Aurelio's Chicago South Loop location always felt like a bridge. It took that legendary Homewood vibe and dropped it right into the heart of the city, complete with a rooftop and enough TVs to satisfy any sports fan. But here's the thing: people have some pretty strong misconceptions about what this place is—and what happened to it.
The Elephant in the Room: Is it Still There?
Let’s get the hard news out of the way first. If you’re hopping in an Uber right now expecting to sit on that second-floor patio at 1212 S. Michigan Ave, you’re going to be disappointed.
Aurelio's Chicago South Loop officially closed its doors in the spring of 2025.
It wasn't because the pizza stopped being good. In fact, the place was a staple for over a decade. According to the ownership, the lease simply came to an end after ten years, and they decided not to renew. It’s a bummer for the neighborhood. South Loop loses a lot of that "old school" feel when a place like this leaves, especially since it was one of the few spots where you could get a true tavern-style thin crust without driving forty minutes south.
Why Everyone Argues Over the Sauce
Aurelio's is famous for being "The Sauce is the Boss."
If you’ve never had it, you need to understand that this is not your standard, acidic, herb-heavy tomato sauce. It’s sweet. Like, noticeably sweet. Some people think it’s too much. Others—the loyalists—will tell you that the sweetness is exactly what makes the saltiness of the sausage pop.
The South Loop kitchen used the same secret recipe Joe Aurelio started back in 1959.
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They don't use those giant, thick slices of mozzarella that slide off the crust, either. It’s a specific blend that’s more about the "pull" and the way it carves into those iconic squares. Most newcomers make the mistake of ordering a pepperoni pizza here. Don't do that. You want the sausage. They use crumbled, fresh Italian sausage that basically covers every square inch of the pie.
The "Original Oven" Myth
You’ll hear "purists" say that the only real Aurelio's is the one in Homewood because of the old ovens.
There’s some truth to that. The original location uses old-fashioned rotary ovens that season the crust in a very specific way. However, the South Loop location did a killer job of replicating that "cracker-thin" crunch.
They managed to get that bottom crust sturdy enough to hold a mountain of toppings without folding like a wet noodle. That’s a feat of engineering when you’re dealing with the "Super Six" (The Works).
It Wasn't Just About the Thin Crust
While everyone talks about the tavern-style squares, the South Loop menu was actually pretty deep.
- The Calabrese: Basically a hand-closed, golden-brown pizza turnover. It's heavy. It's glorious.
- Stuffed Pizza: A lot of people forget they do a stuffed pie. It’s different from Giordano’s. The crust is a bit more bread-like and the sauce-to-cheese ratio is dialed in differently.
- The Antipasto Salad: If you didn't order this to "balance out" the three pounds of cheese you were about to eat, were you even dining at Aurelio's? It comes with ham, mozzarella, pepperoni, and those bright red sweet peppers.
What Happens Now for South Loopers?
So, if the Michigan Avenue spot is gone, are you just out of luck? Not exactly.
The brand is still huge. There are over 40 locations, though most are scattered throughout the suburbs like Munster, Hammond, and the "Mother Ship" in Homewood. If you're stuck in the city and desperate for that specific flavor, you can actually have the pizzas shipped.
They do a "nationwide shipping" thing where they par-bake the pizzas, freeze them, and ship them on dry ice. It sounds a little extra, but when that craving hits for the specific "sweet sauce" and "square cut," sometimes you just do what you gotta do.
How to Get Your Fix Moving Forward
If you're missing the Aurelio's Chicago South Loop experience, here is your game plan:
- Check the Wrigleyville Location: They opened a spot near the ballpark (3801 N. Clark St.) a few years back. It’s got that same modern-meets-classic feel that the South Loop one had.
- Order Online for Shipping: Visit the official website and look for the shipping tab. It’s not cheap—shipping can be $70+ depending on where you are—but it’s the real deal.
- The Homewood Pilgrimage: If you have a car, drive to the original. It’s a rite of passage. Order the "Super Six" and ask for it "well done" to get that extra snap on the crust.
The South Loop may have lost a landmark, but the tradition Joe Aurelio started isn't going anywhere. It’s just moving back to its roots. Keep an eye on those suburban storefronts; that sweet sauce is worth the trek.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for a replacement in the South Loop right now, check out Flo & Santos on Michigan Ave for a similar tavern-style vibe, though keep in mind the sauce won't have that signature Aurelio's sweetness. Alternatively, use the Aurelio's app to find the nearest suburban franchise for a weekend carry-out run.