I don’t live close to Manolo’s Pizza & Empanandas. At all. Therefore, my opportunities to enjoy the Smile Politely Pizza Tournament champion, are fewer than I’d like. Because sometimes on a Friday (which is official pizza night), you just want the people to bring the pizza to you.
However, last Friday I found myself on the Manolo’s side of town, and was able to bring home my very favorite of their pizza varieties. Yes, I know that the Spotted Goat is iconic. We mentioned it all the time (here, here, here, and we even included it in our Food & Drink March Madness Tournament).
But my favorite, is the Apple Butter Bacon ($17.49 / $21.99 / $27.99). I don’t even remember what inspired me to try it for the first time. Obviously apple butter is not the first thing you think of for an ideal pizza topping, but somehow it is. The sweet sauce caramelizes a bit, and perfectly compliments the saltiness of the honey pistachio crusted bacon (which is the ideal pizza topping, in my opinion) and the tanginess of gorgonzola cheese.
I love when a pizza joint is willing to get a little wild with the toppings, because something like the Apple Butter Bacon is the result.
Manolo’s will deliver within a certain radius, or you can pick it up. They also have a case of frozen pizza varieties and even frozen pizza crusts and dough if you want to make something at home later.
Manolo’s Pizza and Empanadas
1115 W Oregon
Urbana
M-Th 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri+Sa 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.