AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co

3.5 star rating
35 reviews Rating Details

Category: Pizza  [Edit]

32693 Yucaipa Blvd
Yucaipa, CA 92399
(909) 790-0707
Hours:

Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 11 am - 9 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
Beer & Wine Only
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "The super-thin crust was yummy--something different." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "They have some of the best pizza in the Inland Empire." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "Their hot dogs have an authentic Chicago taste." In 3 reviews
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35 reviews in English

  • Review from Fusionjazz ..

    • 4 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Redlands, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/16/2012 2 photos

    A.J. Barile's Chicago Pizza cooks up a winner: 'The One'
    Creation nabs second place at Las Vegas expo

    Posted:   04/14/2012 12:11:26 AM PDT

    YUCAIPA - The second-best "nontraditional" pizza on the planet can be found at A.J. Barile's Chicago Pizza, a mom-and-pop restaurant in a city of nearly 60,000 people.

    Jolene Piser, the 18-year-old daughter of A.J. Barile's owners Al and Tina Piser, finished second in her category at the International Pizza Expo, which took place in mid-March in Las Vegas.

    Piser, who has worked at the family business since the age of 13, created a pizza she calls "The One" for the Las Vegas competition.

    The recipe calls for two types of mozzarella, garlic chicken, crimini mushrooms, candied bacon and arugula on top of an herb-infused crust.

    At the Las Vegas expo, the only pizza the judges liked better than Piser's came from Goodfellas Brick Oven Pizza in Staten Island.

    Time Magazine dubbed Goodfellas chef Andrew Scudera a "pizza maestro" for his "Tropical Pizza" creation, which featured shrimp, mango, lime and a pineapple-tequila sauce.

    Piser's "The One" is now a part of A.J. Barile's everyday menu. The pizza joins the restaurant's "Mona Lisa" and "Chicago Stockyard" pizzas, created by chef Paul Duran.

    Duran's creations have also earned Top 10 finishes at previous International Pizza Expos.

    "I think we're probably one of the best-kept secrets," Piser said. "I think Redlands and Palm Springs know about us."

    Al and Tina Piser started their pizzeria six years ago. Al grew up in Chicago, where his family owned a packing house for meat and a fish packing house.

    The Pisers moved to Southern California in 1979 and eventually found their way to Yucaipa, where the city's hills and open spaces offered a welcome contrast to Chicago's towers.

    "I grew up in a city where your neighbors were this close," Al Piser said, holding his palms together. "I just wanted my space. I've got an acre and a half behind me."

    Al Piser borrowed his mother's maiden name to name A.J. Barile's, figuring that an Italian surname went better with a pizzeria than a German one.

    The Pisers have no plans to open a second restaurant, as Al Piser said he could not duplicate cooks' work at a second venue. He would, however, like to acquire the capability to deliver pizzas to Chicago, just to show that a quality pizza can come from Southern California.

    Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer Redlands Daily Facts
    Read more: http://www.sbsun.com/c...

  • Review from Ryan S.

    • 2 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Rancho Cucamonga, CA

    3.0 star rating
    5/18/2012

    One of my co-workers suggested AJ Barile's for our boss' birthday lunch. We were there about a half hour after they opened for lunch, so there was plenty of space for our party of 10. Service was friendly, prompt and helpful. I ordered a custom pizza, but I found the amount and variety of toppings to be lacking (my girlfriend and I try not to eat meat as often as we can). I was disappointed to find that this Chicago style pizzeria was known for thin and not deep dish crust. The pizza was tasty, but not what I was expecting. I was also surprised by the price: I didn't expect a medium, 3 topping pizza, one salad, and 2 drinks would cost me $26. My co-workers seemed to love it and I think they went for AJ Barile's more known pizzas. I wouldn't object to going again, but I may not go back on my own.

  • Review from Steve B.

    • 20 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Rancho Cucamonga, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 5/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Well it is better than the last time I went there. The hours had changed & not on Yahoo yet & their web-site I didn't see it until it was too late (no more lunch Mon-Wed. opens at 3pm). I tried calling about 2:40 but nobody answered, I was going to call in a pizza to go order since I was in a rush. I got there about 10 minutes before they opened. I just ordered a hot dog since I was on a short lunch break & couldn't wait for the pizza I really wanted. The Chicago Dog was pretty good (I got it without relish & sport peppers). For the price it was just ok though ($3.75 for a hot dog?) but the pizzas are a little pricy but sometime I may still try one. I will still go to Moreno Valley or Buena Park for my authentic Chicago Dogs. The staff was nicer this time & I did actually get food this time & it was good but just not $4 (with tax) good for a Chicago Dog in my opinion. If I am in this area again during the hours they are open & I can get through on the phones I may try a pizza hopefully.

    Was this review …?

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    • 2.0 star rating
      11/26/2011

      Sucks. They don't answer the phone and when you go in they are rude. Stay away.

      Ok so I heard good… Read more »

  • Review from Rene C.

    • 40 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Yucaipa, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/13/2011

    I must say , The manager contacted me via Yelp apologizing for our experience,  And kindly asked my and my family back...
    Not sure if we will go.... If we do I'll let you know....

    Was this review …?

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    • 1.0 star rating
      8/9/2011

      I  wanted to like this place..
      They have a big banner claiming to be the BEST PIZZA IN THE INLAND… Read more »

  • Review from Megan C.

    • 96 friends
    • 235 reviews

    Yucaipa, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/5/2012 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    During the non stop partying month of December, a couple of my friends and I  stopped into AJ Barile's before heading out for a night of fun. We were going to try a special but nothing peaked our interest so we opted for the Mona Lisa and some garlic dots instead. Everything was hot and greasy just the way we like it. The Mona Lisa was cut up into tiny square slices which is great for small ones and eating more than you had intended. I was also happy to see that AJ Barile's is still helping out those less fortunate. They had a Spark of Love toy drive box along with an Xmas tree that had names of seniors on ornaments and what they needed this holiday season. Keep up the good work!

    Listed in: Grabbin' a slice

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    • 3.0 star rating
      6/7/2009

      My gf and I had a slice @ AJ Barile's back in the day when he was still in the strip mall further up… Read more »

  • Review from Chris D.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Banning, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    AJ's has effectively ruined pizza chains for my wife and I.  Their pizza is in a class by itself.
    I think we've eaten here 20 or so times in the past year, and ONE TIME we went home with leftovers... The other 19x's we left with stomachaches. Something just feels wrong about walking away from the pizza tray with pieces left neglected.  It's as if they're all individuals who've lived healthy lives, worked out, dressed up, primped and prettied themselves just for that meal... that moment with you... How dare you walk away!?
    I am no professional writer or food critic, but I have to say that their pizza inspires me.
    It inspires me to be a better writer and food critic... a better husband and father... it inspires me to be a better man.

    If the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had discovered AJ Barile's pizza, they'd STILL be kicking butt with an awesome cartoon series and hit movies.

    In the past, I'd have mentioned their lack of hospitality as some reviewers have, but recently, they've been really welcoming and attentive.  The change is most likely in response to the older Yelp reviews.
    Oh, the power of the common man's written opinion! VIVA YELP!

  • Review from Allan B.

    • 185 friends
    • 90 reviews

    Redlands, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/5/2011

    Back in 2010, I had the privilege of judging (for the third time) the best pizzas in the world at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Contestants were from all over the globe.

    What does the International Pizza Expo have to do with AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza in Yucaipa? Well, head chef Paul Duran and his AJ Barile's Mona Lisa Pizza won first place in the Western States division, and placed fifth in the world finals. Although I was not on the panel who judged the Western States division, I was able to taste the award-winning pizza, and folks, it was fantastic!

    AJ Barile's is now housed in a 3,800-square-foot free-standing restaurant serving Italian favorites, many of which are Chicago-influenced, like Chicago-Style Hot Dogs, Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches, as well as lots of pasta dishes, calzones, sandwiches, a nice salad bar, gelato and of course a variety of wonderful pizzas and specialty bottled sodas.

    On my first round of food tasting at AJ Barile's, I tried the Italian Beef Sandwich, $5.75, Lasagna, $7.25, and the hot Meatball Sub, $5.75. The Italian Beef Sandwich consisted of a nice portion of thinly sliced beef served open-face on a special roll from Chicago with au jus, bell peppers and onions. The sandwich was very tasty and when spicy pickled Giardinera were added into the mix, this sandwich was sent into a higher level of "deliciousness."

    Quick note: check my Yelp profile for extended coverage of this and other great restaurants. Also, let's stay in touch! Add me as a Yelp friend to talk and share tips about the best eats in the Inland Empire! Ok, now back to the food :)

    The lasagna was another great dish. Assembled when ordered, this masterful dish featured lasagna pasta sheets, ricotta cheese, onions, green peppers, meatballs and mozzarella cheese topped and layered with a fantastic sweet and herb-laden tomato marinara sauce with more mozzarella cheese on top. It is then baked and served with garlic bread. The finished dish was outstanding and oh-so-filling.

    The last item on this flight of dishes was the hot Meatball Sub. Imagine three large, perfectly seasoned meatballs sliced in a crusty roll and topped with great marinara sauce and lots of melted mozzarella cheese. The meatballs were fluffy and had lots of flavor. This is what a first-class meatball sandwich should taste like.

    Of course, I just had to try again the award-winning Mona Lisa Pizza as well as the Chicago Stockyard Pizza that came in second when Paul competed in the 2008 International Pizza Expo. The Mona Lisa Pizza consisted of a freshly made, thin, herb-infused pizza crust topped with marinara sauce, crushed garlic, a meatball and sausage mixture and small cherry tomatoes cut in half, and mozzarella cheese. The crust was very crisp and the toppings, along with the herb-laden crust, were truly magical. The Chicago Stockyard was equally as good to me. This pizza was made with a unique crust that had fresh garlic, mozzarella cheese and bacon bits rolled into the pizza crust wall, while marinara sauce, Italian sausage, Polish sausage, Caponi hot sausage, pepperoni, red, yellow, green and orange bell peppers were lovingly placed on top of the crust and perfectly baked. If you wish to have this type of stuffed crust, you must ask for the "intense" crust.

    One winning tip that chef Paul told me about his pizzas is that he lightly brushes his pizza crusts with a garlic butter spread that gives each of them a unique and very memorable culinary twist.
    For dessert, I suggest that you have a cup of the creamy gelato which is the perfect ending to a most enjoyable and award-winning dining experience.

    In closing, I am really proud of owners Tina and Al Piser, who are actively involved in helping various community events. They and Paul Duran prove that if you are willing to work hard, have passion for what you do and care about those around you, you can and will survive no matter what condition the economy is in.

  • Review from Juan C.

    • 8 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Corona, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I thought this pizza was not Chicago style it was NY style. Over all pizza was good. The medium looks like a lager. The dots with garlic, they were  good. I will be back.

  • Review from Rebecca N.

    • 25 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Redlands, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Best pizza ever! The service is great, too! They go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and have everything you need.  The pizza is a thin crust with an amazing seasoning on it.

  • Review from Nick B.

    • 7 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Ladera Ranch, CA

    1.0 star rating
    3/10/2011

    My father-in-law loves this place and we went there several times in a row whenever we would be in town. The pizza is alright. It's very thin, like other members have noted, which isn't the type of pizza I like personally and there is a sufficient amount of variety in the toppings.

    My review isn't so much about the flavor or the quality, because I feel both of those things are not excellent, but alright, but something in the ingredients seems to be incredibly caustic to my stomach and everyone else's whenever we go there. It's like the whole family is waiting for the restrooms when we go home, not fun. So aside from that, it's alright. Due to that fact it's one place I would rather not visit again.

  • Review from ann g.

    • 9 friends
    • 176 reviews

    Redlands, CA

    2.0 star rating
    8/13/2011

    You will not find deep dish pizza here, but people, Chicago is also known for thin crust.

    PSA-they open at 2 pm on Sundays. We were bummed when we discovered this a couple of weeks ago at noon on a Sunday.

    We tried them out this past week-we ordered the supremo and a cheese pie, plus the Chicago dog and a few sides. The pizzas were fine-the ingedients good quality and everything was very fresh. I don't give a higher ranking because the crust was way too salty and overseasoned.  It detracted from the flavor of the pizza and was not necessary. We had asked for the crust to be well done, but it was scorced black on the edges. Also,the pizzas weren't piping hot when we received them (and they hadn't been waiting when we arrived,) so they were congealed and unappetizing by the time we got home (we are not that far away.)  The counterperson opened up the box and showed me each pie before I left-I suppose to show me it was the correct pizza, but I'd rather they not open the box and lose the heat! Never seen that done anywhere. The Chicago dog was good-a little too spicy though. The sandwiches and sides were reasonably priced, but I personally thought the pizza was a bit high. I doubt I'd go back.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/20/2011   
    Ann,  Thank you for this feedback and I'm very sorry the… More »
  • Review from Alex O.

    • 54 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Spokane Valley, WA

    2.0 star rating
    8/29/2010

    I was pretty disappointed here. First off, being "Chicago pizza co." I was expecting Chicago style pizza. Not so much a disappointment, but you should sell what you advertise.

    The pizza I got was pretty bad. The crust was microwave pizza thin. It was burnt around the edges and tasted like it had taken a bath in salt water. The toppings were fresh and tasty. Probably the only reason i didnt give this place 1 star. I was definitely expecting better from this place. I have tasted better pizza from the frozen food section in the grocery store.

    The next time I'm in Yucaipa and want pizza, I'll be sticking with Domino's.

  • Review from G C.

    • 15 friends
    • 150 reviews

    Riverside, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/15/2009

    The food is excellent and there is a wide variety.  Everything is made from the freshest ingredients and has a unique flavor.  The pizza crust is very flavorful, having a buttery-garlicky taste that compliments the sauce and toppings.  Their hot dogs have an authentic Chicago taste.

    The staff is extremely friendly and after several visits expect them to know you by name.  This is definitely a family atmosphere restaurant.

  • Review from Snacklepuss B.

    • 2 friends
    • 31 reviews

    San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA

    3.0 star rating
    7/27/2011

    Had a fun evening here. Friendly service, clean, lively. The super-thin crust was yummy--something different. You can eat more slices, since you're not getting filled up with crust & I certainly put a dent in our cheese pizza and pepperoni/sausage combo!

  • Review from Tyra D.

    • 15 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Corona, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/13/2011

    Oh my goodness. Our son said "This place is the bomb". We  went there on his word. He sooooooooooooooo understated it. THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING pizza I have ever eaten. Now, we absolutely LOVE New York pizza. But what put this place over the top was the flavorful thin crust with the herbs and cheese in it. WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! We will be back REAL soon and we will bring people with us.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/20/2011   
    Tyra,  Thank you so much for the kind words! You won't… More »
  • Review from Mike L.

    • 52 friends
    • 824 reviews

    Alta Loma, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/24/2008

    Went here today on our way back from Phoenix seeing the Cubbies play. The Italian beef was good in the dry spots but very good in the wet spots. I will order it extra wet next time. Also ordered a pizza with mushroom. It was very good also. My 4yr old daughter ate alittle bit over 3 slices and she never eats more then 1 1/2 slices. My wife and I couldnt believe it. She even at the crust which she never does. The crust was great also. Family is from Chicago, so i will be letting them all now about it.
    Talked to the owner for awhile also. Great guy with some cool stories.

  • Review from Ed G.

    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Fontana, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/12/2007

    A small but really friendly Chicago style pizza, hot dog and Italian Beef place. There are 5 or 6 tables, you order at the counter, have a seat and wait for the food to arrive.

    Begin with an antipasto salad which is really good. The Italian beef sandwich is huge and very tasty, they also have a Meatball grinder, an authentic Chicago Dog and a fantastic Polish sandwich with mustard and onions. The pizza is really good, particularly the crust (thin crust), which has fresh garlic and real butter.

    The supplies all come in from well known Chicago suppliers, so your are getting the closest thing short of being in Chicago itself.

  • Review from Lori F.

    • 3 friends
    • 1 review

    Yucaipa, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    My husband and I just tried this place this past Sunday evening as we had been wanting to for few months. We are new to the area and love trying local places. This had to be the WORST pizza place we have ever tried!! Not only was the service slow and not very friendly, the place is expensive for pizza!!! I would have rather ate at pizza hut of domino's than this place. It advertises Chicago pizza and I have had real Chicago pizza before and this place didn't even come close!! We were very disappointed and would never go back to this place again. 2 small little pizzas and 2 small drinks came out to $35, what a complete rip off and awful pizza place!

  • Review from Zack M.

    • 19 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Beaumont, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/3/2011 1 Check-in Here

    It's good but how they claim to be a Chicago pizza place when they don't have Chicago style deep dish pizza is beyond me.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/30/2011   
    Zack,  Thanks for taking the time to review us! Although… More »
  • Review from Lona L.

    • 3 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Laguna Hills, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/9/2010

    This is truly superb pizza.  Don't let the "Chicago" reference in the name fool you--it's not thick crust.  Rather, the crust is thin, perfectly-crisped and full of garlic & olive oil flavor.  Probably the best pizza I've had outside Naples, Italy.

  • Review from Loretta D.

    • 40 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Yucaipa, CA

    1.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    I read all of  these great reviews in excitement before eating here. I must say it was absolutely HORRIBLE. First off the service was bad. The cashier was either on drugs or a space cadet. I asked telling her it was my first time and I needed help deciding on a pizza and she was acting like i asked her an insane math problem, I figured it was the least she could do since I was about to spend 20 on a small pizza. No help at all. We wait for what seems like FOREVER for our pizza to arrive all the while the staff hung out in the lobby gossiping. Pizza was greasy and salty. The toppings weren't cooked all the way and there was very little sauce. I would have been more satisfied with a pie from little ceasars. Don't believe the hype

  • Review from Kurt S.

    • 9 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Mentone, CA

    5.0 star rating
    2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here

    The pizza here is excellent. It's the best I have ever had. Some people don't like it because they use a lot of garlic salt on the crust, but that's what makes it different than everything else. The only annoyance is the wait time so be prepared to be there a while, or just do take-out. Despite some annoyances, I give it 5 stars for pizza so good I can't stop eating it.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/30/2011   
    Kurt,  Thank you so much for writing about us back in… More »
  • Review from Rachel M.

    • 3 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Oak Glen, CA

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2011

    They have some of the best pizza in the Inland Empire.  There's enough toppings so you don't feel completely raped by the prices (it is on the upper end of pizza prices) and they have a good variety of other things to eat on the menu besides pizza.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/19/2011   
    Rachel,  I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to write… More »
  • Review from Char B.

    • 14 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Yucaipa, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/7/2010

    Good pizza but slow service. Last there I tried the calzone and it was excellent.

  • Review from Keoki D.

    • 15 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Redlands, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/27/2010

    Awesome Pizza I suggest the 5 alarm if you ahvenot tried it already but becareful about the wings do not order the hottest ones unless you have an iron tongue.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/30/2011   
    Keoki,  I just wanted to message you and thank you for… More »
  • Review from Beck G.

    • 3 friends
    • 38 reviews

    San Bernardino, CA

    3.0 star rating
    12/19/2009

    I have certainly had better....will maybe try again in a few months.

  • Review from Ken D.

    • 0 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Inland Empire

    3.0 star rating
    12/19/2010

    Stopped in last Friday night. Place was busy, seemed to have enough workersbut tables were slow to be cleared. 30 + minute wait for pizza. Salad bar was ok, not special but better than Big Cheese. Pizza was very good. Nice thin crist, enough toppings to make it work,but just barely.... all done right. Price? Out of line for pizza...even a good one like this.

    Going to another pizza joint in town. Hopefully a quality pizza with a good salad bar at a fair price can be had in Yucaipa.

  • Review from Megan T.

    • 10 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Yucaipa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/9/2009

    My husband and I went to their new location this week and LOVED it. We were already fans of AJ Barile's pizza at his old place. This new location is great. The italian food/ pizza is the best in town!!! They have Hanger 24 on tap which we love and they have TV's all around. Yucaipa definitely needed a place like this. It was VERY busy and we had to wait for a table to open up but it was worth it.

  • Review from Josh S.

    • 2 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Groton, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/14/2010

    Wow, this pizza is amazing. End of review.

  • Review from Heidi E.

    • 3 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Mentone, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/11/2009

    Heard that this place is amazing but I'm not convinced.  Seemed really expensive(over $100 for a pizza night out), the pizza was good- but nothing that I would be craving on a regular basis, no video games for the kids to be occupied, and the staff's attitude left a lot to be desired. Glad I tried it, but probaly won't return anytime soon.

  • Review from CJ L.

    • 20 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Yucaipa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/30/2010

    AJ's Pizza is what a good pizza joint should be: great food, selection of Italian foods, and Sorbet for dessert. I always thought that Chicago style pizza had thicker crust so I was a little surprised at first that the pizzas are thin crust and come in a square-like shape. The staff and AJ are always friendly and you can tell that they take great pride in serving quality food. It's busy during peak hours and finding a table may be a challenge...but that's a good thing! For a unique pizza experience in a good joint drop on by!

  • Review from Jonathan B.

    • 16 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Paramount, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/20/2011

    Pizza was good, not too cheesy. Served hot and delicious. Only problem was that it wasn't Deep Dish style, That's what I was expecting. It was 'Thin', but I liked the crust crispy. It seemed pricey, but everything else seemed fine

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Tina P. of AJ Barile's Chicago Pizza Co 8/31/2011   
    Jonathan,  I know this is a late response, but I wanted to… More »
  • Review from Dale B.

    • 4 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Highland, CA

    1.0 star rating
    7/29/2010

    Was really looking forward to eating here after learning of their "International Award Winning" pizza. I grew up in New York and worked 4 years in a Sicilian restaurant, so I am a HUGE aficionado of properly prepared fresh ingredients on a pizza. We ordered a stuffed pizza and waited close to 55 minutes for it to be delivered to our table. During our wait, it was quite easy to figure out who the owner was. He was the loud, self-centered arrogant fool prancing like a peacock back & forth between the kitchen & dining area. This guy must truly believe he is God's gift to the world. For a reality check and get his feet back on solid ground, all this guy needs is a taste of the pizza his business is putting out. It was one of the most disgusting pizzas I've ever had the displeasure to eat. This establishment has figured out how to take wonderful ingredients and smash them all together without rhyme or reason to a person's palette. If customers could assess fines for food crimes, this pizzeria would have to relocate onto the poor farm. If you have a craving for a REAL Chicago style stuffed pizza, I would suggest driving a few miles south into Moreno Valley and picking one up at the Chicago Pasta House. They do pizza proud.

    Listed in: Pizza

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  • Review from frank h.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Fontana, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/12/2010

    Heard alot about the place and tried to visit 3 times unsuccesfully.  First two times they were making a move to the current location and the other was a Wed.  Turns out they are closed on Wed..wo the heck closes all day on Wed??

    On to the reviews

    FOOD=
    Anyway three of us went and decided on getting a pizza and a calzone to try both.  We got a meat lovers pizza and a pepperoni/cheese calzone.
    Pizza --  Good... would have rather had a traditionally sliced but I probably could have told them.  They slice it into small odd shaped pieces.  All in all it was pretty good.  Not great but defintely good.
    I think it could have used another min or so in the oven but it wasnt soggy.  Good toppings but lacked a WOW punch.
    Calzone -- very good.. nice garlic flavor and the dough was very good.  Not over cooked or undercooked but I would have liked it a like more
    done.  It was very big for a calzone.
    Beer--  We got a couple pitchers of Amberbock and they had a nice selection.

    Prices --  Pretty high and too high to do regularly.. Pizza and especially a family pizza placec needs to be fair and reasonable.  
    We paid for one pitcher seperately at $14.  Pretty steep for a small pitcher of Amberbock.
    Pizza, Calzone and another pitcher came to $47.  
    While good its not something most groups of families are willing to pay for on a regular basis.  Roughly $34 for a pizza and a calzone.

    Location and staff .. very friendly and open..spoke with many servers and buspersons.  Location is nice.  Inside and outside seating.
    It was packed the entire time we were there.  We had met the owners on a previous visit while they were moving and they were very nice friendly people.

    Some negatives--   Counter MENU   really bad... very large pictures that are not needed and super small wording.  TIP-- make sure to pick up a menu to the right as soon as you go into the place.  That will help.  
    The counter menu is mounted like a Mcdonalds would be but is small and hard to read.  Its also more on one side of the counter making it difficult to see from the far side.
    If your not into ordering at a counter then this is not your place.  You order and then take your seat with your number.

    Would I return --- yes I woud like to try other items and the pizza again. Its too hard to judge a place off of one visit most of the time.

    Hope this is helpful

    Price.. I liked the food but thought it to be on the overpriced side.

  • Review from gary w.

    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Redlands, CA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/13/2010

    Went back and tried the pizza. The pizza was really good but the customer service did not get any better. They act like they are doing you a favor by letting you eat there. I choose to spend my money else where.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      12/22/2009

      Unfortunatly, We never got a chance to try the food because the customer service was terrable. We… Read more »

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