Have You Had a Slice at Illinois’ Oldest Pizza Joint?

Who knew that one of the oldest pizza joints in America would be located in Illinois?

While thinking about pizza yesterday, I decided to try to figure out the oldest pizza joint in the state.

I kind of figured it would be a pizza joint in Chicago. It turns out it wasn't actually in the Second City but located in a town I had never heard of before.

Have you ever been to Du Quoin, Illinois? Don't worry, if you answered no, you aren't alone because it is really far south of Rockford.

Welp, Du Quoin is the home of a pizza joint that has been around for 90 years called Alongi's.

According to Thrillist, Alongi's is the 11th oldest pizza joint in America and the oldest in Illinois.

Thrillist:

While most of the old pizzerias we've written about have been opened by immigrants from Naples, Alongi's was started by a Sicilian immigrant. And while it offers everything from veal parmigiana to toasted ravioli, its thin-crust pies are still a major draw (over 1 million served!).

Alongi's is rated four out of five stars and it looks like things are still going strong based on the reviews.

Alicia S. on Yelp says "I love every single thing on the menu! I mostly get the pizza or potato soup! They are just so delicious!!" but Yelper Cheryl C. says Alongi's has "The smallest portions I have ever seen. I thought we ordered from the kids menu."

I haven't been there myself but I feel like I need to check this place out. In case you're wondering Alongi's in Du Quoin is just over five hours from Rockford. So maybe just make a weekend of it.