You smell it before you even see the building. It’s that specific, sweet scent of simmering tomato sauce and browning dough that has hung over 18162 Harwood Avenue for decades. Honestly, if you grew up anywhere near the South Suburbs, Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood Illinois isn't just a restaurant. It’s a landmark. It’s where you went after little league games, where you had your first date, and where you take your kids now to show them what "real" pizza looks like.
People get weirdly defensive about their pizza in Chicagoland. You have the deep-dish tourists in the Loop and the tavern-style purists on the South Side. But Homewood is different. This is the mothership. Joe Aurelio Jr. and his family didn't just build a pizzeria; they built a cult following that has survived economic shifts, food trends, and the rise of a dozen competing chains. It’s basically the town square with better snacks.
Joe Aurelio Sr. started this whole thing back in 1959 with just four tables. Think about that. Four tables and a small oven. He wasn't trying to build an empire. He was just trying to make a decent thin crust. By the time they moved into the old warehouse space—the massive, sprawling "Pizza-Plex" we know today—the legend was already cemented. It’s the kind of place where the history is baked into the brickwork.
The Secret Sauce of Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood Illinois
What makes it different? It’s the sauce. Most people expect a savory, oregano-heavy bite when they order a thin-crust pizza. Not here. Aurelio’s sauce is famously sweet. It’s a polarizing choice for some outsiders, but for locals, it’s the gold standard. They use a proprietary blend of California tomatoes, and while they won't give you the recipe, the sugar-to-acid balance is what keeps people coming back. It caramelizes slightly against the cheese in the oven. It’s addictive.
Then there’s the "Old Oven." If you're a regular, you know the deal. The Homewood location has these massive, industrial-sized ovens that have been seasoned by tens of thousands of pizzas over the years. You can’t replicate that in a brand-new franchise in another state. The heat distribution and the way the bottom of the crust gets those little charred bubbles—that’s the Homewood signature.
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The crust isn't cracker-thin like some Chicago tavern-style spots. It’s got a bit more chew to it. It’s sturdy. It has to be, because people in Homewood don't order light toppings. They pile on the "crumbled" sausage. That’s another key detail. It’s not sliced coins of sausage. It’s hand-pinched, seasoned nuggets that nestle into the cheese. Every bite gives you a hit of fennel and black pepper.
Beyond the Thin Crust
While the thin crust is the star, the "stuffed" pizza deserves a nod. It’s a beast. We aren't talking about a casual lunch here; we are talking about a commitment. It’s two layers of dough with an absurd amount of cheese and toppings in the middle, topped with that signature sweet sauce.
If you're visiting for the first time, don't sleep on the antipasto salad. It sounds basic. It’s a salad, right? No. It’s a mountain of iceberg lettuce, ham, salami, mozzarella, and peppers, all drenched in their house dressing. There is a specific way the cheese is shredded—fine and airy—that makes it better than it has any right to be. People buy bottles of that dressing to take home. It’s a whole thing.
The Atmosphere: A Time Capsule That Works
Walking into the Homewood location feels like stepping back into a very specific era of American dining. The red and white checkered tablecloths are gone in some areas, replaced by more modern finishes, but the soul is the same. It’s loud. It’s chaotic in a good way. You have high schoolers working their first jobs, families celebrating 50th anniversaries, and commuters grabbing a "Fiesta" box to go.
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The "Fiesta" is the 18-inch giant. It comes in a box so big you have to tilt it to get it through a standard doorway. It’s the universal language of South Suburban parties. If you show up to a graduation party in Flossmoor or Chicago Heights without a few Aurelio's boxes, did the party even happen? Probably not.
One of the most impressive things about the Homewood site is the sheer scale. They can seat hundreds of people. They have a massive bar area, private party rooms, and a takeout operation that runs like a Swiss watch. During the Super Bowl or Halloween, the lobby is a sea of people waiting for their number to be called. It’s a logistical miracle that the quality stays as consistent as it does.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
In an age of artisanal, wood-fired, Neapolitan pizzas that cost $25 for a 10-inch pie, Aurelio's feels grounded. It doesn't care about "leopard spotting" on the crust or whether the flour was milled in Italy. It cares about being the pizza you crave when you're tired, happy, or hungover.
There's also the loyalty factor. The Aurelio family has stayed deeply involved in the community. They sponsor the local teams. they hire the local kids. When you spend money at Aurelio's Pizza in Homewood Illinois, it feels like you're reinvesting in the neighborhood. That kind of social capital is hard to buy.
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There have been challenges, of course. Inflation has hit the restaurant industry hard. A large sausage pizza isn't as cheap as it was ten years ago. But people still pay. They pay because you can't get that specific flavor profile anywhere else. You can go to a different Aurelio's franchise—and there are plenty of good ones—but the Homewood location remains the benchmark. It’s the original "6-cut" or "square-cut" (depending on who you ask) masterpiece.
Navigating Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to the Homewood flagship, there are a few things you should know to avoid looking like a total rookie.
- The Wait: On Friday and Saturday nights, expect a wait. It doesn't matter how big the place is; it fills up. The bar is a great place to hang out, though.
- The "Well Done" Option: If you like your crust with a bit of a snap, ask for it "easy on the sauce, well done." It brings out the sweetness of the dough.
- The Leftover Strategy: Aurelio's might be the best "cold breakfast" pizza in existence. The sugar in the sauce keeps it from getting bitter in the fridge. Buy a size larger than you need. You'll thank yourself at 8:00 AM tomorrow.
- The Gift Shop: Yes, they have one. You can buy shirts, hats, and even the sauce. It’s a bit touristy, but hey, if you love the brand, embrace it.
People often ask if it’s "better" than the big names in Chicago. That’s a trick question. It’s not trying to be Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s. It’s in its own category. It’s South Suburb soul food. It’s the taste of a Friday night after a high school football game. It’s consistent, reliable, and unapologetically sweet.
Actionable Tips for the Best Experience
To get the most out of your visit to the legendary Homewood spot, follow these steps:
- Order the "Super Six": It’s their flagship combination—sausage, cheese, ham, mushrooms, green peppers, and pepperoni. It's the perfect showcase of how their toppings interact with the sauce.
- Check the hours: They aren't a 24-hour joint. Make sure you check their current weekday vs. weekend closing times before driving out.
- Download the App: They have a "Joe Sent Me" rewards program. If you're going to eat there more than once, the points actually add up to free appetizers and pizzas pretty quickly.
- Parking: The lot can get crazy. There is street parking nearby, but pay attention to the signs. Homewood police are efficient.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or a traveler passing through the South Suburbs, skipping this place is a mistake. It’s more than a meal; it’s a piece of Illinois history that you can eat. Just make sure you get the sausage. Always get the sausage.