Robert B.
Yelp
I last had Aurelio's pizza 25 years ago when I lived in Downers Grove. Since I moved away, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. So, after years of thinking, "I need to go back there when I'm visiting," I finally did.
I can't believe how closely the pizza I just had matches the ones in my memory. (How often does that happen?!) I had a 10" pepperoni, and it was delicious. The owner's brother told me that, in the last 25 years, only the sauce had changed; they went from on-site homemade to a chain-wide sauce. Although the "new" sauce is not quite as distinctive as before, it seems very close. Even better: It's the crust I've been yearning for, and this pie did not disappoint. Nostalgia aside, this is simply really good pizza -- and it doesn't taste like every other pizza you've eaten.
The only downside -- at least to this specific location -- is that delivery or carry out is pretty much the only option here; there are just two tables on-site, with total seating for eight (plus however many could cram onto a windowseat/banquette).
Note: After reading some reviews here -- and seeing things for myself -- I will say that "pizza by the slice" is NOT the way to sample Aurelio's best work. On my visit -- late afternoon on a Sunday -- these slices looked warmed over, dried out, and very unappetizing. Don't be swayed by convenience; order a small, personal pizza (if you don't want much), grab a soda from the cooler, have a seat, and wait for them to make you a fresh pie. Better: Order a larger size and have the cold leftovers the next day.