Armand’s Pizzeria is a classic Chicago thin-crust pizzeria at 105 West First Street that’s been serving hand-tossed pizza since 1956. They’re one of the original thin-crust pizza makers in the Chicago area, with a commitment to the crispy, cracker-thin style. The dough is hand-tossed and baked to a perfect crackle. They also serve a full Italian-American menu beyond pizza. The Elmhurst location has become a multigenerational institution.
Origin Story
Armand’s Pizzeria started in 1956 when two childhood friends, Michael Caringella and Armand Christopher, purchased the Victory Tap in Elmwood Park. One brought family recipes from his family’s butcher shop on Taylor Street, creating the famous menu items, while the other was a successful artist who displayed original artwork in the dining room.
The name was decided by a coin toss! The concept took off, selling thousands of signature thin-crust pizzas weekly. Customers could watch from Grand Avenue as pizzas were hand-tossed and put into one of the only giant revolving pizza ovens in Chicago.
Over the years, the Victory Tap became Armand’s Pizzeria and has expanded throughout Chicago and the suburbs, including their Elmhurst location at 105 West First Street.