By Robin Intemann, Springs Scene

The large number of TVs at Rocks 24 Pizzeria kept my eyes wandering in various directions, but once our orders arrived my focus was entirely on the food.

The Menu

Thin crust and Chicago-style stuffed-crust pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and salads. And, there’s a full bar. Rock’s is as much a bar as it is a place to grab a bite. Fortunately, you can expect above average fare.

Critic’s Tip

Pay attention to ingredients. When something is listed as locally sourced, go for it. The loaded sausage pizza ($14 for 10-inch; $18 for 14-inch) boasts Sara’s Sausage based in Palmer Lake.

On the Table

We started with a half pan of Italian nachos ($10), which proved to be a multi-cultural mashup with fried wonton wrappers as the base, covered with pepperoni, Italian sausage, pepperoncini and mozzarella. There was a container of house-made marinara for dipping. The wrappers were triangular shaped, but with the toppings looked like mini-pizza slices. The sauce was tangy and sweet; it’s also what’s on most of the ‘zas.

Our group shared an Italian chopped salad ($14), which also had some similarities to pizzas thanks to the inclusion of salami, pepperoni, Canadian bacon, pepperoncini and black olives. These were mixed among a blend of iceberg and romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, shredded cheese and lots of croutons coated with creamy Italian dressing.

Rock’s Italian beef ($15) should make anyone from Chicago homesick. Thinly sliced roast beef, with a choice of sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera came with a choice of wet or dry (au jus on the side). We chose dry, which was fine since the meat was plenty moist and plentiful stuffed inside a toasted hoagie bun. The blend of tangy pickled veggies added a kick to the tender meat. This came with a side of fries, which weren’t noteworthy. It was all about the beef.

It was a no-brainer to order Sara’s Sausage since it was the star of the loaded sausage pizza. The pies, described on the menu as Classic Chicago Crust but simply meant thin, were cut into squares rather than triangles. Each piece featured a significant amount of meat and gooey, melted cheese over marinara.

The Venue

The space felt like an extra-large jacket where something less outsized would be a better fit. Tables were spread far enough apart so there was no concern of eavesdroppers. Along with TVs, painted brick walls were adorned with guitars and a large banner featuring the Chicago skyline. It would be difficult to miss a televised sporting event here.

Afterthoughts

Service was attentive and friendly. Portions were generous. Rocks appeared to do a steady carry-out business, but it was a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. Its location is a little difficult to find, so checking directions in advance might save a passenger from making snippy comments.

A kids menu featured perennial favorites of macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders and, of course pizza.

The Chicago stuffed pizzas start at $30 for a 10-inch and take 45 minutes. A return visit might be needed to see if they’re worth the wait. I didn’t see any served at nearby tables.

But, wow, all those televisions!

                                          Know Before You Go                                                                                                           

Rocks 24 Pizzeria

Chicago-style pizza and sandwiches

Location: 2810 E. Fountain Blvd.

Contact: 719-227-6975

Prices: $7 to $35

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Details: Credit cards accepted. Alcohol. Wi-Fi.

Favorite dishes: Italian nachos and Italian beef sandwich.

Other: Limited gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: In compliance (May 2025).