It's a sad day for Hoosiers who love pepperoni rolls.

The Year 2020 was Bad for Many Reasons, and This is One of Them

Let's take a step back to 5 short years ago (holy moly, how was 2020 half a decade ago?  Time isn't real).  If you were to drive down the Lloyd Expressway near Burkhart, you'd see a large building that was warm, inviting, and had pizza-shaped door handles.  That was the home of Old Chicago.  You could go there and grab pizza, pepperoni rolls, beer, and half-price appetizers at night.  It was a great restaurant with delicious food and a fun atmosphere.

My friends and I spent many evenings at Old Chicago since they always had sports on TV, and even trivia nights.  We were in our 20s, and it was a fun place to hang out and eat and drink,  and I'm pretty sure my husband still has his World Beer Tour t-shirt.

Unfortunately, for us, Old Chicago in Evansville became a victim of the pandemic and shut its doors later that year.

Indiana's Last Old Chicago

While we were all very bummed that Old Chicago closed, there was a small silver lining.  Just a short drive away in Vincennes, Indiana, was a really cool old theater-looking building that had been turned into an Old Chicago.  Lucky for us in the Tri-State, this Old Chicago survived the pandemic. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we still had a place to enjoy our delicious pepperoni rolls!

I'd be lying if I said that my husband and I, along with some friends, hadn't made a couple of trips over the years to Vincennes to enjoy a double deckeroni and buffalo chicken rolls (which BTW if anyone has the recipe for these, and wanted to send it to my inbox, I would keep it just between us just saying).   I even wrote about the Old Chicago in Vincennes still being open back in 2023. 

Unfortunately, today, I got some terrible news.

The Last Old Chicago In Indiana Has Closed For Good (but Really it's For Bad)

While at work this morning, I got a text from my friend Ryan (you may remember him), and he apologized for having to be the bearer of bad news when he sent this photo:

The way my soul was crushed when I read the sign.  If you can't read the photo, it says:

Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom
Permanently Closed

We regret to informy ou that as of April 13, 2025, Old chicago Pizza and Taproom is permanently closed.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our loyal customers and the community for your support over the years.  It has been our privelege to serve you.

World Beer Tour Members:
Please Call (812)316-6278 and we will make arrangements for you to get your Beer Steins.

Thank you,
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom

Not only did Old Chicago CLOSE, but I didn't even know for two weeks.  Sometimes life is unfair.  Anyways, this sucks, I'll leave you with this image to honor Old Chicago and it's delicious legacy in the Hoosier State.  There are still a few Old Chicago locations open around the U.S. You can find the full list of Old Chicago locations here.  Please play 'In the Arms of the Angels' softly and view this memorial image below.