Albano’s Villa
1612 Franklin St.
Michigan City, IN 46360
Food is a vehicle at times, it can take you back to a place that you fondly remember. Sometimes you share this with treasure with other people and they don’t get it, other times they do. I grew up eating Albano’s Villa. If I had to define pizza, it would be this pizza…just based on the fact that I have had about a football field’s worth. Every time I visit my mom, we pick up Albano’s and I don’t ever see that changing.
Family owned since 1957 and if you want to know how good it is, they DO NOT DELIVER!! 53 years without delivery, wow.
Large Pizza: $11.00 + .80 a topping. This was sausage, pepperoni, mushroom and extra sauce.
This pizza is the bomb. Honestly, one of my favorite pizzas that I have ever had. The sausage is in hand pulled chunks and extra fennel-y, the sauce is zesty and the pepperoni is nice and salty. Cornmeal dusting on the bottom. The crust is what chains would sell as hand tossed. You can’t fold this pie! Now, I know that you see those canned mushrooms. I know what you are thinking..and you have every right to but for some odd reason, they work here.
The pizza is cut in half and then strips. Not sure what that does, but I have had it cut like a pie before and…no dice. If I make a frozen pizza at home, I cut it this way!
Hot Submarine: 12′ $8.00
There is crack in this thing. Seriously. Bottom of the lunch counter meat. To be honest with you, I am not sure what kind of meat is on here. I really don’t even look at it, I just shove it in my face. I am going to guess, pepperoni, ham, and salami. Then onions, banana peppers, their awesome sauce and cheese that sticks to the paper. It doesn’t sound that good, but trust me, it is top shelf.
Would I Buy It Again? Yes. Hall of Fame. If you go there, you might not get it. The place has done lights out business for 53 years and counting. I love their food and will continue to eat it for as long as they are open. I took a girlfriend home to visit family and we got Albano’s and I asked her how she liked the pizza and she said, “um…it is ok…” OK?!?! I knew at that point, it was game over for that relationship. I still can’t tell if my wife likes Albano’s of if she just likes seeing how happy I am when I am eating it. Either way, I’ll take it.
-WIBIA
Love the t-shirt.
That pizza looks like a foodgasm waiting to happen, I can’t lie. And the sub looks amazing also. I really want to try this place!!! If I ever hit them up, I must own one of those shirts.
Not a pizza eater, but even I have to admit THAT looks good. Wow. And I love your description of the sub – also looks delicious [inspiring to make our own tonight - we don't have a good place to buy them around here.]
Thanks for sharing.
This pizza looks seriously good. It seems most pies from the region are sliced like that and I dig that.
“There is crack in this thing.” LOL.
I’ve been to Mich City a ton and have never been there… Shame on me! Next time I go I’m definitely stopping by Albano’s! Thanks!
@ Adam Bomb … Agreed!
@ SkippyMom … Agreed!!
@Aimee … Agreed!!!
I can’t think of many things better than a great pizza.
@Ryan: Geez, you’re like a regular Yes Man over there…
j/k
You people crack me up. I agree with you Ryan, there is not a lot better than a great pizza.
I am WIBA’s brother and I have shared the countless pizzas and subs from Albano’s with him. Albano’s is what I call benchmark food. I compare all other pizza to Albano’s and usually, it just doesn’t compare. This stuff is just that good. They now have half baked pizzas so not only do I eat them there, I bring some back home when I travel. Canned mushrooms are a big no no to me but from some reason, I cannot imagine fresh mushrooms on Albano’s. If you are within an hour drive of Michigan City or LaPorte IN, this is worth going out of your way for on any day.
We’re going to be in Michigan City this spring…and this looks like a MUST place to eat! Thanks!
Mmmm…. Italian sub toasted in the oven…
but on another note, what if you wife had said the pizza was “okay…”?! O_o
God, that sub looks incredible.
that is one fine looking pizza, with my favorite toppings too… the crust looks just right too. nothing wrong with canned mushrooms. in fact, I think they are better than fresh on a pie. No wonder they dont deliver. They don’t need to, is my bet. people lined up out side…
So…as WIBIA’s wife, I have to chime in here…I have to say I do like this pizza. In part, as WIBIA correctly stated, I love to see him happy, and because it is just plain good! It is a must when we go to Michigan City….along with Carlson’s.
I’ve been going to Michigan City every few years since childhood, and I KNOW I’ve passed this place wondering, “Bet they have a good pie in there”. Well, I will be stopping by for sure now. Hell, I might even make the drive from Indy one weekend just for it. Road Trip!
The pizza in town, I’ve been coming here,for years.
I don’t live in M.C. anymore but my mom, is still there.
So anytime i’m there, we stop to pick up a, pizza to go.
Keep up, the good work.
Grew up there and have to agree 100%…Albano’s rocks! Almost every time I go to see my folks I stop there and get a couple to go (did not know they had 1/2 baked..will try that next). There have been a few times that I have gotten stopped by a train on the way home and half a pizza has help my son and I endure the long wait for the train to pass…lol!! Carlson’s is a must as well…cheap eats…and great Chicago Dogs. Roma’s used to have some killer deep dish…greasy as hell and garlickly but a great compliment to a half gallon of Carlson’s rootbeer. I am a new reader and will be returning to read more.
Still my favorite place in town but they changed their sauce a year or two ago and it’s not the same. The cheese bread is very good. If you get a large extra cheese deep dish you’re going to have trouble finding the dough at the bottom. That’s ok with me though..