Nick Damato
★★★★★
What an unexpected gem in Elgin!
I’m a born-and-raised Chicago guy — a true pizza connoisseur who’s had deep-dish, thin-crust, and everything in between — so I don’t hand out 5-star reviews lightly. Tonight I was in a serious time crunch and almost just grabbed something fast when the owner walked up and asked, “Got five minutes? Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”
Man, was he right.
The pizza that came out had the perfect crunch on the edges, a sauce that actually tasted like tomatoes (not just sugar and herbs), and cheese that was gooey but never greasy. The crust was straight-up Detroit-style — thick, airy, and caramelized on the bottom in all the right places. Every single bite was spot-on.
On top of that, the place was slammed and still running like clockwork — super attentive service, friendly faces, and you can tell it’s a real family-owned operation. That personal touch made the whole experience even better.
ZZA Factory, you just gained a new regular. I’ll be back (and next time I’m bringing the whole crew). Thank you for turning a quick stop into one of the best pizzas I’ve had in a long time!
Highly recommend — Chicago pizza snob approved.
… moreTim Wilemon
Wow! This was the first time I’ve been to this place and it was absolutely amazing. Food was HOT and FRESH! We ordered through the drive thru and it didn’t take long at all. There was a little bit of a mix up when ordering but the cashier wanted to make it right and gave us a free cookie (which tasted great). I got the 2 hotdog meal combo which included 2 hotdogs,fries, and a drink. These were huge. The fries come wrapped up with the hotdog, which did make the sandwich a little soggy and hard to get to, but after moving the fries, the hotdog was simply delicious. Presentation wasn’t exactly there, but it made up in taste! My wife got the chicken Philly in a bowl and holy cow was that great! So fresh and tasty and the cheese melted to perfection! My son got the personal square pizza which was cooked perfectly and tasted great. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone that’s in the area and it’s definitely worth a drive to come to. We will be coming back!
… moreArtem Tkachenko
One of the best cheesy beef sandwiches I’ve had. The hot pepper recipe is different and actually great.
Was my first time here but definitely not the last.
… moreJoe Mahoney
Pulled up on a Wednesday night around 6:10 p.m. The parking lot was pretty empty, so I went through the drive-thru. I was greeted with a barely audible “hold please.” Not sure if the speaker is broken or if the employee was whispering, but I honestly couldn’t hear a thing.
After waiting about five minutes, I finally placed a simple order: The two Chicago hot dogs, fries and drink meal. I pulled forward, paid… and then sat there. For fifteen minutes. Now, I get that this place is “Cook to Order,” but we’re talking about hot dogs and fries. Even if everything was cooked fresh, there’s no world where that takes fifteen minutes. And at no point did the drive-thru employee say anything, no update, no explanation, nothing. Communication matters, and if the customer has to wait, tell them. It really felt like she completely forgot I was sitting there.
When I finally got the food, it looked rushed and thrown together. The fries were extra crispy, not in a good way, but in a “fried once and then refried to reheat” kind of way. And while I do like fries (just not these ones), and I like hot dogs, I don’t like the fries in my hot dogs. The picture speaks for itself.
… moreWill Beebe
Italian beef had great flavor! BUT For a $13 sandwich it definitely could of had more beef on it that’s for sure! The giardiniera is NOT traditional, it is home made Jalapeno based giardiniera and definitely has good flavor but not a traditional flavor for a Italian beef. Overall I would definitely order the beef again for different Italian beef experience.
… moreGlenn Long
First impression was a good one! The burger was just how I like it, sweet onions, yummy sauce, crisp lettuce and perfectly cooked meat. I ordered chili and cheese fries and go meat and cheese and lo and behold I was amazed by the flavor. If anyone complains about portions, they are insane.
The store was a bit dirty, the bathroom was a no thank you but overall the spot reminded me of old days diners. It is in a weird location so you will miss it driving by if you do not look for it.
… moreAnne Myers
Skip Portillo’s and come here instead! You will NOT be disappointed! I just had the best Italian Beef. Bread was soft and held together even after being dipped, beef was tender and flavorful. Sweet peppers were seasoned perfectly with a little bit of crunch that just pulled the whole sandwich together. Amazing! Also, great friendly service 🙂
… moreCharles Flint
I get home after a 13 to 15 minute drive and find no cheese on my cheesy beef. Called the store and the person that answered the phone said there was nothing they can do unless I wanted to drive out there to remake the sandwich. Asked that the manager call me back and left my number which he repeated. Almost 3 days later no one has called me back.
Update. Went to the store to try to resolve and was told their is nothing they can do. They have lost my business.
… moreDiane Key
Delicious! I got the Grandma pizza. Love the sauce! I added a touch of salt and man the flavors pop! Fresh cut fries were hot and perfect. Will definitely go back for more.Update -I’m back and this time I took a photo of the pizza…I LOVE the sauce!
… moreBob Mosinski
All the food looks fantastic and pizza i am told is awesome. I am canovore and this is the best combo bowl with mozzarella on top I have anywhere. They don’t short you on meat and always delicious. Hopefully they keep the portions the same. I get off 90 whenever I go visit family and grab me a combo bowl. Very friendly as well. Love it.
… more