If you live in Mahomet like I do, the phrase, “Wanna get Filippo’s?” will always be met with a resounding “Yes.” If you’re a regular customer, you also know that due to the popularity of this family owned small business, delivery can take upwards of two hours on any given night. Last year, I was thrilled to learn that Filippo’s pizza can be purchased un-baked to be enjoyed at your convenience. They will even deliver said take-and-bake pie. This is an excellent option for anyone with a crazy schedule, and no time to have a sit-down meal. My family and I decided to avoid the wait and dine-in at Filippo’s for the very first time in our 10-year residence in Mahomet.
The spot, which has been recently renovated, is cozy and quaint with about 10 tables for guest seating. We were greeted promptly by the lone server, Britney, who told us to grab a table anywhere. There was a large party and approximately six other occupied tables at the time of our arrival, and it was clear Britney would have no issues running the dining room alone. She was swift, efficient, immediately took drink orders, and was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.
Being frequent flyers of Filippo’s delivery, we were already fairly confident about our order before we arrived.
Photo by Stephanie Wheatley.
We started with the cheesy bread ($5.00), which is one of my favorite items on the menu. Sure, it may be simple, but the crusty Italian loaf and perfectly melted, toasty cheese with the side of sweet spaghetti sauce was next level elite. The bread was inhaled in approximately 19 seconds, so we anxiously awaited our main course while sipping on our Diet Rite ($1.00). Yes, you saw that correctly. Filippo’s doesn’t play when it comes to being old school. FYI: they do not sell alcohol, but you are more than welcome to BYOB. If you don’t feel like bringing your own cooler along, they will gladly keep it cold in their fridge for you.
Photo by Stephanie Wheatley.
My oldest daughter decided to go with her tried and true order of cheese tortellini with meat sauce ($8.75). The dish was hot, fresh, perfectly al dente, and served with a side of their crunchy garlic bread, so she was a happy (and full) little camper.
Photo by Stephanie Wheatley.
My husband decided to get crazy and order the Italian beef sandwich ($8.75) for the first time. Again, that delicious and perfectly toasted Italian bread never got soggy. The au jus was perfect, the meat was tender, and the side of pepperoncini gave a nice little zing to the sandwich.
Photo by Stephanie Wheatley.
I have enjoyed the chicken fettucine alfredo ($16) from Filippo’s at least two dozen times, but damn, it hit different when it was straight out of the kitchen. The serving size was gigantic, the chicken was flavorful, and the sauce was creamy and rich. In my humble opinion, I think it may be a bit heavy and overly sauced, but hey, it’s alfredo. What else could I possibly expect? The dish is not on the printed menu, but if you follow Filippo’s on Facebook, you will see all the delicious specials they come up with on a regular basis.
Photo by Stephanie Wheatley.
And now, for the star of our little show: Filippo’s pizza. I don’t know if you’re aware, but there is quite the argument around these parts over the age-old question: Do you enjoy their sweet pizza sauce, or is it not really your style? It’s a hotly contested topic such as, is Friends actually funny, or is the Earth flat or round? We may never know, but for me and my family, the sweet sauce makes Filippo’s pizza stand out from all the others here in Champaign County. We went with half cheese (for our picky little one) and half pepperoni, sausage, and green pepper for the rest of the table ($14.75). I could probably write a four-page thesis on Filippo’s amazingly tasty sausage or the huge, crunchy vegetables that adorn their pizza, or even how I think the shape of the squares makes the pizza 10 times better than any other.
When it was all said and done, my family had a hot, delicious, fresh meal in about 70 minutes that would have taken a great deal longer had we waited for delivery. While Filippo’s may be quiet and unassuming on the outside, the food and staff elevate this quaint space to another level on the inside. Don’t be afraid to drive the 12 miles to Mahomet, friends. Bring your besties, your booze, and your appetite and enjoy a great Italian meal in our quiet little town. Don’t forget: Cash or check only.
Filippo’s Pizza and Italian Food
2112 Tin Cup Road
Mahomet
W+Th 4 p.m. to midnight
F+Sa 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Su 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Top image by Stephanie Wheatley.