Local West Chicago resident, Allan Gilbert owner of the Bunker Bar and Grill has expanded his business presence even further into West Chicago by buying a second business, the Slice Spot- a pizza establishment located on Roosevelt Road. Gilbert took over the business on August 1st and he’s been busy at work making cosmetic improvements by adding booths, new flooring, and expanding the physical space.
He may have made a bunch of changes to the restaurant, but he’s made no changes to the recipes he got from the previous owners, he’s kept the same recipes and has even employed the same people who make the sauce. Consistency is key when it comes to a business changing hands and succeeding, and Gilbert is on the right track.
Not only is he investing even more in West Chicago, but he’s also helping the local job market by hiring local people to serve in both of his locations, Slice Spot and The Bunker Bar and Grill.
After serving together in the Marine Corps, Allan and Denise Gilbert founded the Bunker Bar & Grill to show West Chicago how to work and play hard. From signature cocktails to fresh, homemade burgers, they never settle for anything less than perfection. If you’re feeling up for the challenge, try the Sunday special — a bloody mary topped with a full meal of sliders, cheese, and other snacks as tall as the Willis Tower (scroll down to see more of their amazing specials). They’re proud to support our troops and law enforcement officers, and they’re dedicated to offering them a space to unwind after serving our community.
At the Slice Spot, Gilbert has expanded to nearly double his space- construction crews have knocked out a wall to the unit next door in hopes of doing even more business. The new space is roomy and inviting, it will host dart boards, a pool table, and also electronic gaming. The space also offers a nice-sized store room which Gilbert says they need. He’s invested financially sprucing up the original space as well. He’s installed retro-style booths, and a huge TV for all the sporting events. Cheery red and white checked tablecloths bring a welcoming vibe to the space. He hopes to be able to host live entertainment eventually. Gilbert has also installed new and beautiful flooring throughout.
The Gilberts, through their businesses, are big sponsors of local teams and organizations and are very generous when it comes to donations, especially when it comes to kids. They sponsor baseball and soccer teams, one of their establishment’s employees plays on a kickball team and they sponsor that team. They’re very active in helping out the schools and even a local mom’s group. A recent post on Facebook invites the public to host their fundraisers and charity events at their businesses. Connections seem to be a very important piece if the business formula, and when you walk in the door if either of his businesses, you’re treated like family.
Gilbert is a people person, making everyone feel welcome. The retired marine is big on hospitality and working with the community. Not only is he the owner of these two businesses, but he also sits on the board of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce as well.
In 2021, Food & Wine Magazine declared New Jersey the “best pizza state in America”, and that’s good news for West Chicago because the Slice Spot is billed as a “New Jersey” style pizza place. One big question on everyone’s mind is what makes Chicago-style pizza different from New Jersey or New York-style pizza? well, if you’re one of those people who don’t eat your pieces of pizza crust, New Jersey pizza is going to be right up your alley.
According to Gilbert, All pizza originates from Italy. Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy in the 18th century when the poor people of the city began adding tomatoes to their yeast-based flatbread. Each town in Italy is known for its individual ways of making pizza. When they brought their pizza over from the old country, they brought the nuances of what their particular town’s pizza was like. New Jersey-style pizza is characterized by its thin crust, crispy texture, and tangy tomato sauce.
The cheese used most frequently is whole milk mozzarella, or a blend of whole milk and skim milk mozzarella, sometimes referred to as “the East Coast blend”, It is round in shape and there is no crust around the outside of the pie as the ingredients are pushed to the edge by the pizza maker. Another unique characteristic is that it is cut in triangles, unlike most Chicago-style pizzas which are cut into squares.
No matter the small differences between NJ and Chicago-style pizza, the verdict is in, New Jersey style pizza is delicious, and the reviews of the Slice Spot Pizzas are out of this world, Everyone seems to just love it. A few recent reviews found on their website:
We have Been looking for a good pizza place in the area & we finally found one.. Being from Brooklyn NY once we saw them it was a must try. We tried 4 different slices of pizza 🍕 & all of them were amazing 🤩 Definitely would recommend them..– Gottis C
First off, I came in during non-busy hours and was greeted by the owner who was super friendly and welcoming. The inside is fairly large… I came for the food. I want to preface by saying I’ve had hundreds if not thousands of slices of pizza from around Chicagoland and can attest to what different styles of pizza should be or need. I had two slices, a margarita and a cheese. Let me tell you that these slices are some of the best east coast thin crust slices I’ve had anywhere in Chicagoland. Made me feel like I was back in New Jersey. The crust was perfect, the pizza sauce had a perfect bite and taste, and the flavors were just all there. I also want to take a second to mention that these slices weren’t even made fresh, these were two slices I picked from the heating trays that were premade earlier. I can only imagine how amazing the fresh stuff is… which really boggles my mind as to how they were this good. If you’re looking for a east coast thin crust…– Iggy R“Slice Spot is a great spot ! Stopped in for the first time today. Excellent service from the girl working up front and the new owner who was busy making more pies was very friendly also. A good variety of traditional flavors – all HUGE slices. Delicious cannolis – get 6 minis for $5! They sponsor my sons soccer team each year so they are also invested in the community!”-Laura H.
The Slice Spot is participating in the West Chicago Cultural Commission’s local WeGo Loteria Game so stop on by and check off your lotteria card!
The menu at the Bunker is not only a drink menu, they also offer a wide selection of culinary offerings as well. Throughout the week, the Bunker offers both food and drink specials.
Sundays are the day to try the Bloody Mary Specials, they have a colossal 32-ounce WTF Bloody Mary that you won’t believe. In addition to burgers and breakfast sandwiches. It’s a frequent gathering place for sporting events such as the Bears games on the many televisions in the bar, those interested in the biker life often gather there before bike runs, outings, and trips. It’s not uncommon to see a group of really cool bikes parked on Main Street, downtown West Chicago in front of the Bunker.
Mondays are spaghetti nights, if you haven’t tried the delicious meatballs that come with the pasta, you’re missing out. Mondays are also the day to enjoy all varieties of Jack Daniels or Fireball shots for just $4.25. Nobody liked Mondays, until now.
Tuesdays are known as Wing Nights with a variety of offerings and dips to consider, IPA Beer in cans are just $4.25 each
Wednesday will find you celebrating hump day with Jager Bombs for $5.50, and amazing sandwiches on specials such as the Viper Burger which features tasty applewood bacon, pepper jack cheese and jalapenos atop at 1/2 pound beautiful burger. If you’re not a red-meat person, grab a chicken sandwich. You’ll need two hands for either of them.
Thursday- is full of awesome deals on chili dogs with toppings of your choosing, Gilbert knows chili dogs are personal, and he makes the options practically endless, they’re served with nice crispy tots on the side. Don’t forget to try the black Angus sliders dripping with onions and pickles, they’ll fill you up and keep you in the zone of your budget for just $10.75 (add some cheese for just $1.50 more)
Friday –What would a Friday be without a fish fry? You don’t need to be a longshore fisherman, the Bunker will hook you right up. Don’t miss Friday’s heralded Fish Fry, the choices are many including, Haddock, Perch, Walleye, and loads of shrimp. All are served with your choice of fries, tots, or delicious onion rings.
Saturdays– are for college football and pizza, am I right? you can also get a mile-high BLT sandwich on special also. Wash it down with Stella on Tap for just $4 each.
The side room at the bunker has dart boards, pinball machines, and a fun pool table, but it’s is a work in progress and Gilbert has plans to bring even more fun to the space. Stay tuned for developments on that.
Stop by the bunker and order up some delicious fare, or get it to go.
If you love to mingle or enjoy live entertainment, they’ve got a full schedule of events slated this fall. There are music acts lined up to perform, check the Facebook page for schedules and who will be in the spotlight. Locals will know LaRhonda, who has hosted Karaoke night for years at that location, and the tradition continues on the second Saturday of every month.
There are many bars in the Windy City, but there’s no place like the Bunker — come experience it for yourself.
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Allan Gilbert, residente local de West Chicago, propietario de Bunker Bar and Grill, ha ampliado su presencia comercial aún más en West Chicago al comprar un segundo negocio, Slice Spot, un establecimiento de pizza ubicado en Roosevelt Road. Gilbert se hizo cargo del negocio el 1 de agosto y ha estado ocupado trabajando realizando mejoras cosméticas agregando stands, pisos nuevos y ampliando el espacio físico.
Puede que haya realizado muchos cambios en el restaurante, pero no ha realizado ningún cambio en el menú ni en la comida, ha mantenido las mismas recetas e incluso ha contratado a las mismas personas que hacen la salsa. La coherencia es clave cuando se trata de que una empresa cambie de manos y tenga éxito, y Gilbert está en el camino correcto.
No solo está invirtiendo aún más en West Chicago, sino que también está ayudando al mercado laboral local al contratar gente local para trabajar en sus dos ubicaciones, Slice Spot y The Bunker Bar and Grill.
Después de servir juntos en la Infantería de Marina, Allan y Denise Gilbert fundaron Bunker Bar & Grill para mostrarle a Chicago cómo trabajar y divertirse duro. Desde cócteles exclusivos hasta hamburguesas caseras frescas, nunca se conforman con nada menos que la perfección. Si se siente preparado para el desafío, pruebe el especial del domingo: un Bloody Mary coronado con una comida completa de hamburguesas, queso y otros refrigerios tan altos como la Torre Willis. Estamos orgullosos de apoyar a nuestras tropas y agentes del orden, y estamos dedicados a ofrecerles un espacio para relajarse después de servir a nuestra comunidad.
En Slice Spot, Gilbert se ha expandido a casi el doble de su espacio: los equipos de construcción han derribado una pared de la unidad de al lado con la esperanza de hacer aún más negocios. El nuevo espacio es espacioso y acogedor, albergará tableros de dardos, una mesa de billar y también juegos electrónicos. El espacio también ofrece un almacén de buen tamaño que Gilbert dice que necesitan. También ha invertido financieramente en arreglar el espacio original. Ha instalado cabinas de estilo retro y un televisor enorme para todos los eventos deportivos. Los alegres manteles a cuadros rojos y blancos aportan un ambiente acogedor al espacio. Espera poder presentar entretenimiento en vivo eventualmente. Gilbert también ha instalado hermosos pisos en todas partes.
Los Gilbert, a través de sus negocios, son grandes patrocinadores de equipos y organizaciones locales y son muy generosos cuando se trata de donaciones, especialmente cuando se trata de niños. Patrocinan equipos de béisbol y fútbol, uno de los empleados de su establecimiento juega en un equipo de kickball y patrocinan ese equipo. Son muy activos ayudando a las escuelas e incluso a un grupo de madres local. Una publicación reciente en Facebook invita al público a organizar eventos para recaudar fondos y eventos benéficos en sus negocios.
Gilbert ha estado recolectando cuentas y mantiene un frasco de recolección en el mostrador, luego las dona a la Casa Ronald McDonald en Winfield, que ayuda a familias con niños enfermos. Asegúrese de guardar la parte superior y llevarla al Slice Spot o al Bunker Bar and Grill.
Gilbert es una persona sociable que hace que todos se sientan bienvenidos. Al marino retirado le encanta la hospitalidad y el trabajo con la comunidad. No solo es el propietario de estas dos empresas, sino que también forma parte de la junta directiva de la Cámara de Comercio de Western DuPage.
En 2021, la revista Food & Wine declaró a Nueva Jersey el “mejor estado de pizzerías de Estados Unidos”, y esa es una buena noticia para West Chicago porque Slice Spot se anuncia como una pizzería al estilo “Nueva Jersey”. Una gran pregunta en la mente de todos es ¿qué diferencia a la pizza estilo Chicago de la pizza estilo Nueva Jersey o Nueva York? bueno, si eres una de esas personas que no se come los trozos de masa de pizza, la pizza de Nueva Jersey será lo que buscas.
Una porción de pizza de queso de The Slice Spot: Deliciosa pizza de masa fina que te enamorará.
Según Gilbert, toda la pizza es originaria de Italia. La pizza se inventó en Nápoles, Italia, en el siglo XVIII, cuando la gente pobre de la ciudad empezó a añadir tomates a su pan plano a base de levadura. Cada ciudad de Italia es conocida por su forma particular de hacer pizza. Cuando trajeron su pizza del viejo país, trajeron los matices de cómo era la pizza de su ciudad en particular. La pizza estilo Nueva Jersey se caracteriza por su corteza fina, textura crujiente y salsa de tomate picante.
Especiales diarios que se ofrecen en Slice Spot
El queso que se utiliza con mayor frecuencia es el mozzarella de leche entera, o una mezcla de mozzarella de leche entera y desnatada, a veces denominada “la mezcla de la costa este”. Tiene forma redonda y no tiene corteza alrededor del exterior del pastel como el Los ingredientes son empujados hasta el borde por la pizzera. Otra característica única es que se corta en triángulos, a diferencia de la mayoría de las pizzas estilo Chicago que se cortan en cuadrados. Lo interesante de la evolución de la pizza en Nueva Jersey es en realidad una historia fascinante. que se remonta a principios del siglo 20. Las primeras pizzerías en Nueva Jersey abrieron sus puertas en la década de 1920, sirviendo una sencilla pizza al estilo napolitano solo con salsa de tomate.
