Jake may hate Illinois Nazis, but I love the pizza!

   "I hate Illinois Nazis." ~ Jake Elwood

If you can get past the inflammatory moniker, the “Illinois Nazi” served at Angelo's Pizza in West Des Moines is a sight to behold. The crisp crust, with nice spots of char on the underside, is loaded down with sauerkraut, chunky summer sausage, and deli-thin Canadian bacon. The aroma of the kraut is intoxicating. Its bright, vinegary bite is a nice counterpoint to the meaty sausage and Canadian bacon.

The only addition I could possibly ask for would be a scattering of caraway seed. It’s not a criticism, just food for thought.

Angelo’s eschews the typical hoagie roll for their Italian grinder in favor of a big, soft, toasted half-loaf of Vienna-style bread. Each bite sports a mouthful of soft bread, a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, vinegary banana peppers, and gooey mozzarella. Easily one of the best grinders in town.

Served with your choice of side, I opted for onion rings. Battered not breaded, crisp with no hint of sogginess, a few overdone. Among the crunchiest in town, but not otherwise noteworthy.

If eating in, take a gander at the vintage colored vinyl collection upon the walls, especially if you're a Joan Jett fan.