One of Chicago’s Best Grilled Cheese Spots Debuts a Late-Night Lakeview Pizzeria

Those walking in the sunshine on Wednesday afternoon in Lakeview may have noticed some surprising activity as Slice of Cheesies, the new pizza parlor from the owners of Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, is open. A formal opening wasn’t expected until Friday, but the doors were open and vintage video games were plugged in at 958-964 W. Belmont Avenue. There’s a passageway that connects the pizzeria to Cheesie’s original grilled cheese restaurant next door.

Owner Chris Johnston continues to expand along that stretch of Belmont Avenue. After working at various bars, he maxed out his credit cards and opened Cheesie’s in 2011 and then debuted an expansion a year later. That was when his kitchen first served pizzas, an item that he removed from the menu to focus on grilled cheese. They’re essentially pizza versions of Cheesie’s grilled cheese sandwich selections, including “The Popper” (jalapeños, cheddar, bacon with a chipotle cream sauce), “Tenderizer” (cheddar, bacon, chicken tenders, ranch with a special sauce), and “Frenchie” (American cheese, steak-cut fries, bacon, chives, sour cream with a cheese sauce). The restaurant serves pizza slices and personal 10-inch pies in addition to 16- and 20-inch pizzas. Folks can also create their own pizzas.

The games, which include The Simpsons and Mortal Kombat II, are free to play. Check out the menu and photos below. Cheesie’s will hold a grand opening on Friday, but it’s already serving a few customers. Hours should vary until Friday.

Slice of Cheesie’s, 958-964 W. Belmont Avenue, open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Pizza slices are available starting at 5 p.m. on weekdays and staring at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Personal 10-inch pizzas are available all day.