Glen Ellyn was first settled by two pioneering brothers from New York who claimed a tract of forested terrains alongside a branch of the Dupage River. They cleared the land and sold the timber. A year later they were joined by friends and a settlement known as Babcock Grove began to form. It wasn't until two decades later though when a station and depot was constructed for the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad that the village really started to take shape. Glen Ellyn's main growth began in the late 19th century after mineral springs were found nearby. The village rapidly developed into a rural getaway for people living in Chicago. After new highways were completed in the mid-1900s, Glen Ellyn also began evolving as a bedroom community for the Windy City. It was during that era of the 1950s to 1960s that a few ambitious Italian families moved to Glen Ellyn to open restaurants. One of the items that they served, and which the locals took a great liking to, was pizza.

Glen Ellyn in Illinois is known for thin crust pizza

With Chicago only twenty-five miles away, it may seem logical for Glen Ellyn to be known for Chicago-style pizza, but it's not. Glen Ellyn is known for thin crust pizza and one type of thin crust in particular which is Neapolitan-style pizza. Neapolitan-style pizza is a thin crust pie that originates from the Naples region of Italy and it's the preferred bake in the Glen Ellyn pizzerias. It's the thin crust that was the inspiration for New York-style pizza even though they have very little in common. A Neapolitan-style pizza in its original form is a crispy bake with only sauce and mozzarella cheese, but these days can be served with all sorts of extra toppings which just makes it even more delicious.

Best delivery pizza in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

When you want the best delivery pizza in Glen Ellyn you have to be able to order from a pizzeria that bakes your favorite type of dough base. Papa Saverio's Pizzeria on North Main Street offers a choice of five different types of pizzas as well as a full range of specialty pies so you're guaranteed to get one that suits. At Papa Saverio's you can choose from thin crust, double dough which is basically an old-world thick crust, pan-baked, Chicago-style, or stuffed. If you work nights or love pizza for breakfast you don't need to go without your dose of dough in Glen Ellyn as Papa Saverio's delivers from ten-thirty in the morning onwards. They have several bacon-oriented pies on the menu too, but if you're going for one of the thicker dough-based pizzas take into consideration they take a little longer to cook.

Best takeout pizza in Glen Ellyn, Illinois

No matter which park you've been getting some recreational time in, whether it's Newton, Maryknoll, or Panfish, you're within a stone's throw of where you can get the best take-out pizza in Glen Ellyn. You'll find Sarpino's Pizzeria on Roosevelt Road in the Baker Hill Mall where it occupies a premises that's dedicated to take-out and delivery. While this pizzeria isn't designed for dine-in comfort, it is designed for the fast dispatch of orders. You'll be able to watch the chefs prepping and cooking your pizza too as the kitchen is open plan. If you like a crispy bake then go for Sarpino's extra thin crust or if you want a pie that's just a bit more special, their gourmet range comes highly recommended.

Best pizza near Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Brookfield

When you're looking for somewhere to go for a great family day out you could do a lot worse than Brookfield, especially if your kids love animals. Brookfield is just a fifteen-mile drive from Glen Ellyn and is home to the Brookfield Zoo where there are wonderful exhibits like Habitat Africa-The Forest, Tropic World, and Living Coast. They'll totally fascinate the young ones as well as educate them on a variety of worldwide ecosystems. Have some time outdoors at the Salt Creek Nature Reserve where they hike across the meadows and do some bird spotting before dropping by Danny's Italian Pizza on Ogden Avenue for a pie.

Oak Brook

Oak Brook is around a ten-mile drive east from Glen Ellyn and an Illinois village with a surprising amount of diverse things to do. For a museum visit with a difference check out the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art where there are extensive collections of gemstones and stone art. For a change of atmosphere take a hike along the trails in Fullersburg Woods before exploring the Graue Mill and Museum there. The 19th-century gristmill, as well as being used to grind locally grown cereals, was also a station on the underground railway. When you're ready to eat, try a pizza at Antico Posto in Oak Brook Center and you won't be disappointed.

Warrenville

It's not hard to get some quality outdoor time in Glen Ellyn. All you have to do is make the ten-mile trip west to Warrenville where you'll find the Blackwell Forest Preserve, the Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve and the Herrick Lake Forest Preserve waiting to be explored. All three have excellent networks of hiking trails winding through their wooded landscapes, though if you want to participate in boating or fishing activities, the latter is the best. Make the most of your day by picking up a take-out pizza from Al's Pizza on Warrenville Road and finding a shady spot under the trees for a pie picnic.