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Carreno's Pizza
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
1955 W Addison St(between Damen Ave & Wolcott Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
(773) 248-0455
- Nearest Transit:
-
Addison-Brown (Brown Line)
Paulina (Brown Line)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
45 reviews for Carreno's Pizza
Review Highlights
"Great thin crust pizza piles high with toppings."
(in 16 reviews)
"delivery is amazingly fast and the pizza always comes hot."
(in 17 reviews)
"It was the best thing ever."
(in 3 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Anne M.
11/16/2011
I thought this 'za was pretty good...
I'd had some of their thinner crust pizza a long time ago, and was hankering for some pizza, so tried it again last weekend.
I was a little weary of ordering something because this is one of those places that does it all - pizza, ribs, chicken, mexican (yah.), fries, sandwiches, etc. etc. It seems like when places try to cover every possible food genre, they inevitably end up falling short in a number of those genres. But, we gave it a shot anyway.
We ordered a 'pan pizza' with veggies, chx nuggets, a combo sandwich with fries. I did not try the sandwich but heard it was 'okay'. I did try some fries and didn't like them at all - they were the generic, bland, blah kind. No thanks.
I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the pizza. It was like a not-fully deep dish pizza, but almost. On the thicker side. Lots of big pieces of veg (broccoli, spinach, mushroom), good crispy crust, semi-sweet sauce. Loved it - the first night. After several days of pizza leftovers, I did overdose a little (a lot) and have since put myself on a pizza ban for the foreseeable future.
But, when I'm good and ready, I'd definitely order some pizza from them again! (I would NOT order fries)
It helps that they're about a block away from the pad... but still. It was good. And the order was ready for pickup in under 30 mins - pretty fast for a Friday night dinner order.
Note: They also print coupons (we used a 25% off one) that are found in area coupon mailers. -
Review from beth a.
11/27/2011
decent...nuthin more
fast and friendly delivery but the pizza is nuthin to brag about
thin crust is kinda thick...kinda dry...(very little) sauce n (gobs of) cheese werent very flavorful but at least the toppings were fresh and tasty -
Review from Keith A.
Wilmette, IL
11/25/2011
what do you do when you need something to eat while watching boardwalk empire? Pizza. So Carreno's it was.
We got delivery, so everything is based off that and the pie itself. The delivery got to my friend's in the time they said and it was nice and hot. I liked the sauce on this and overall the pizza was pretty good. We got thin crust and the crust was pretty good.
This was good pizza, but more in the I need something now that will satisfy the crave type category. That is just fine by me as this certainly filled that need -
Review from Bart S.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/21/2012
Sad news to report, the owner, Joe Carreno passed away before the New Year(2012) and both of his locations are now closed.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2012
I have been going to Carreno's for years, some of the best pizza slices to be found ANYWHERE… Read more »
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Review from Kelsey Y.
IL
5/14/2011
Tum tum tum tum....TUMS!
Not a good pizza pie by any standards.
After years of contemplating ordering from here, I finally pulled the trigger.
Bad mistake.
This is the kind of pizza pie you eat after a night of heavy drinking...only and if you like your heartburn, ouch.
Overpriced, comparable to a pizza chain, i.e. Little Caesars? -
Review from Layla-Julie A.
Chicago, IL
11/11/2011
The pizza and ribs are good.
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Review from Christine S.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2011
Good pizza for when you're drunk... I don't think I'd come here otherwise. But, seriously good after you've had a couple...
These guys are nice too! I saw a drunk guy sleepin' in here for like an hour once and they just let him sleep it off :) I love when people get that sometimes you're drunk, need a slice, a nap, and no one messing with you. -
Review from Julia J.
7/28/2010
Carreno's holds a special place in my heart. Ordering it brings back the memory of the carpet picnic my husband and I had on the floor of our new apartment the first night we lived together. We didn't have any furniture yet, but we had a Carreno's special and each other, and that's all we needed.
I like Carreno's. The crust is crispy and delicious. The sauce is slightly sweet. The cheese is thick and greasy. Plus they're right up the street so we can pick it up or have super fast delivery. I don't go for Carreno's every time I want pizza, but I always go back to it, and it always hits the spot. -
Review from Karen A.
Chicago, IL
2/20/2009
Before pizza got all fancy-pantsed and trendy faux italiano wood ovened and yuppified, there was Carreno's. Pizza when pizza is what you want hot and greasy and delivered lightening fast.
Old school pies priced like they should be. You want a damn goat cheese and artichoke pizza.....go elsewhere you pizza hipster! This place rocks!Listed in: Chicago Old School Joints, Bang For Buck, Paisanos or Posers?, Stove Tard
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Review from Eric n.
Chicago, IL
6/28/2006
Good Pizza Delivery
Fresh
And a Great Price! -
Review from Bob W.
Hondo, TX
6/6/2008
Let me start this review by explaining one thing. NEVER trust a pizza review written by a person living in Chicago that would buy a slice of pizza. Nicholas and Gretchen, presliced or precooked pizzas are purchased by bumpkins, tourists and New Yorkers. It is eaten only by infidels. An authentic Chicago pizza is fresh and cut in small squares. Presliced reheated pizza is not a choice Mike Royko (R.I.P) offered in his official rulebook of proper Chicagoan etiquette. Perhaps you two were reviewing the cardboard under the pizza. If that is the case Carrenos must have some good cardboard to rate two stars.
I find the fresh made pizza to be among the best available in the neighborhood. I have never purchaced a slice from under the heatlamp.
Service, you ask? A few years back, we placed a delivery order in 25 below zero temperature. Carrenos is at Addison and Wolcott. I lived at Eastwood and Western. Quite a few blocks away. I have never been a monkey that will shove a pizza in my head as soon as it is served in the dining room or delivered. I know to wait a few minutes. Due to the inclement weather
I assumed I could dive right in. I burned the hell out of the roof of my mouth! That's how good the delivery is. When I called the manager on duty to tell him this, he laughed his ass off, as I am the only person that ever called and was injured by the pizza, and complimented them on the prompt delivery. As we were regular customers at the time, he even told us our next pizza was free.
The Italian beef sandwich is what I miss most about Carrenos now that I am living in Texas, (or is this Hell? The sign said Texas). I prefer Roma's on Cicero or J.B's on Morse, but that's quite a drive from the neighborhood. Carrenos still has a HUGE beef sandwich that is damn good at a fair price.
Should one of you review readers discover Uvalde Texas is now in Carrenos delivery area, please let me know!
(Gretchen, I'll bet you hate the Cubs too). -
Review from John N.
Chicago, IL
2/23/2009
My 5-star rating of Carreno's may be premature, as I've only stopped in once --last night --and that was just for some slices. But what slices they were! Thin, wide and greasy, with extra-large pepperonis overlapping each other and covering the entire surface of the slice, baked to crispy perfection, yet still foldable, should you roll that way.
The place itself is very non-descript, the interior utilitarian and unadorned, the only distraction from its mission being a mid-90's CRT television mounted high on a wall. You know those "Hogan's Alleys," the mock-up urban spaces the FBI, etc. use for live-fire training in a simulated city environment? This would be the token pizza joint in one of those places --the interior is strictly business (it's like the anti-Ranalli's). When I visited, there was an old Italian guy chewing out a delivery driver, who talked with a heavy South Side brogue. A young kid of vaguely middle eastern appearance took my order and answered phones, a saggy-panted black kid was on break, two Mexican guys were working the ovens, and a hipster beardo was in line behind me, probably on his way back to Logan Square. It was like a Benetton ad for old school pizza. Looking forward to returning there, for sure. -
Review from Kimberly N.
Chicago, IL
9/23/2009
After receiving an advertisement in my door for this place, I thought, "why not." The prices were really good--and I was having a hell of a time finding a good pizza place in my new neighborhood, Avondale.
The pizza, thin crust with pepperoni, was delivered quickly, hot, and good.
I am a pizza snob... and I typically like thin crust. While I am a Pizza Metro and Lou Malnati's addict, I've been searching for someone who can do a decent thin crust job... and the last place I picked.. Mazaons or something.. was suggested in my yelp talk topic--where to get pizza in Avondale. I was very very disappointed... so when I received this coupon/menu from Carreno's I figured they couldn't do worse... besides, they are $5-10 cheaper than any other pizza place in this area.
I used the "coupon," "special offer," or whatever it is mentioned on the front of the menu (I assume that this is the most often ordered combo). In the special you get: 1 large 14'' pizza with one topping, a side (choose from wings, garlic bread, breaded mushrooms, fries, potato skins, salad, extra topping, or rib tips), and 1 liter of RC for &12.99. This came out to $17 something with delivery charges ($3) and tax, so with a decent tip the whole thing was $21 (the delivery, though quoted at 1 hour took 20 mins, and the driver actually rang my doorbell instead of not being able to figure out what "rear building" meant and rigging my neighbors).
Anyway... this isn't Chicago's best thin crust, but so far it is the best thin crust for the area... and damn, it is so cheap that I don't know if I will chance anyone else. I will definitely order again, though next time I will try something other than the garlic bread... that was a bit eh... stale. But hey, it was free; and when dipped in ranch and siracha, anything is delicious!
--side note--they deliver beer at reasonable prices (think 6ish domestic, 8 corona)Listed in: Drunk food, Delivery!!!!!
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Review from Jill P.
St Joseph, MI
9/10/2008
We live really close to Carreno's so my roommate and I order from there all the time. They have awesome meatballs. And we like their pizza. The menu is pretty big and I've had a few items but the meatballs are sooooo good.
An added bonus: I ordered a can of pop when we got delivery the last time and the delivery guy forgot to give it to me, I didn't catch it either. Then 5 minutes later there was a knock - he brought me the pop. I was so pleased. -
Review from Andy M.
8/8/2008
I starting frequenting Carreno's in the late 80's when they first opened across the street. I have to admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for this place. I have known the owner for a long time. Like most restaurant owners he works his ass off to make his Pizza place the best it can be. While I admit that it's not the best Pizza in town, I will tell you that they really good BBQ Pork Ribs and Beef Sandwiches. The menu is pretty extensive and has a lot to offer other than Pizza.
I agree with Bob W's review when he says never trust a review written by someone who orders a slice of Pizza in Chicago. It sounds like a New Yorker to me.Listed in: Places that will shorten your…, Delicous Dives
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Review from An P.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2008
Carreno's Pizza rules!!! It's kind of a little messy from all of the people scarfing down pizza on their way to rumble in the heart of Wrigleyville or coming back after early time drunkery, but it's the perfect stopping point between east meets western.
A friend and I stopped in on a Friday night unable to figure out what it was we were trying to order. The guy working the counter pointed out a good deal and we sat down waiting for our food. Lo and behold my buddy comes back with two ice cold MGDs and I couldn't believe it! Pizza and beer at a super low priced place like Carreno's!
It was awesome we ended up sitting there drinking for awhile and watching an AL West playoff game. When the pizza came out a little bit slower than the people working there expected, the guy behind the counter was nice enough to give us a couple of more beers on the house!Listed in: Wrigleyville Circus
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Review from Marcos G.
Chicago, IL
5/31/2009
Great thin crust pizza. I always order the "Special" (sausage, onions, mushrooms, and green peppers) For you newcomers to Chicago, that is pretty much a staple here in Chicago. Every pizzeria has the same combination, and they just give it a different name. (special, deluxe, etc)
Anyway, this pizza is simple great. The crust is always the right texture (on the crispy side and never mushy). Best of all, they are very generous with the toppings. Never any skimping !! The cheese is tasty and also heaped on throughout. It is just one great pizza and while this is Chicago, and other places mail in the area have specials that I try (half off etc) I ALWAYS come back to Carreno's when I am in the mood for a great thin crust pizza. Now here is the best part........delivery is amazingly fast and the pizza always comes hot....just like you are dining in and they brought it to your table. Need any more comments? This is a winner. -
Review from William L.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2011
We've ordered delivery from Carreno's a few times since moving to this neck of the woods a few years ago and I'm really not a fan. The delivery has always been pretty quick and the prices are okay. But the pizza has been soggy every time. It's definitely not a "cracker crust" pizza unless we're talking about crackers soaked in chicken noodle soup. For my time and money, I'd choose Robey's before Carreno's.
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Review from Brandon H.
Chicago, IL
12/18/2009
Decent stuff. The thin crust pizza was pretty good, sauce was a touch too sweet for my tastes, but not bad by any means. I ordered half sausage, half pepperoni. I'll stick with the sausage from now on, the pepperoni in combo with the slight sweetness of the sauce just didn't do it for me.The crust was a bit thicker, with rolled edges so if you can't stand the cracker-style thin crust, this might be for you!
The potato skins were a bit meh, they looked good, but ended up being pretty bland. Mozzarella sticks were very good, though we didn't get any marinara sauce with them.
The perch dinner was about average, and again with the missing sauce, no tartar included.
They delivered to Uptown, even though we're a bit away from. Call and see if they deliver to you, you might be surprised. -
Review from Alex B.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2008
Carreno's has been a family tradition for over twenty years (I grew up just down the block). They have provided solid pizza for countless celebrations, funerals, etc. We dutifully followed them when they moved across Damen to their present location. The kind Mexican family who owns the place has always been very friendly. My father's last meal would surely be a slice of their thin-crust bacon pizza. (yuck).
As for me, I think their thin-crust is good with lots of cheese and a spicy-oregano sauce. It has disappointed some who are fans of that newfangled "east-coast" stuff that's sweeping the town. A surprising standout? Their stuffed pizza. Oozing with delicious cheese and tasty sauce, it holds its own against better known rivals like Lou's and Pizza Art. The other food? Having grown up watching my father devour buckets of rib-tips caused me to swear off non-pizza items." -
Review from Christopher R.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
2/8/2010
...and the (pizza hunting) beat goes on....and the beat goes on...
Carreno's: I suppose if I were out routinely gettin' my party on and coming home schwasted, you'd be the bee's knees. As I'm really more of just a chubby kid in search of a pair of comfortable shoes these days, I reckon you were too much of a blandish pile of goo for my liking. You're a guilty pleasure, to be sure. Piles upon piles of cheese on maybe just a little too thick and doughy pan crust...like at Pizza Hut. The price is right, though...18 bucks for your XL Pan with a bottle o'pop to boot. But for our 1/2 Hawaiian and 1/2 "Carreno's Special", I felt like all of that cheese-crust-ness was there to hide my lack of topping volume. I mean, come on...one piece of ham per slice on an eight slice pizza? I'm not OCD guy or anything, but I noticed.
All of that said, I actually liked coming to pick up my pizza. I suppose I've never included this critical evaluation factor in my ratings before, but after my D'Agostino's experience last week, I'm going to keep it in the repertoire. You guys are happy, joking around, and really look as if you like making pizza. There's something to be said for people who like what they do and do it well.
I'll try you again because you're right up the street, but think I'll go thin crust next time. Keep on keepin' on! -
Review from Yoyo M.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2010
As far as cheap, fast pizza goes, this pizza's decent for the price. Nice, crispy thin crust. Crispy crust is important to me and there's is cooked right. The topings are sufficient and the sause decent. I really like their jalapeno poppers - they're the kind with the yellow, gooey cheese. :) The guys who work there are super nice. VERY No-frills dine in area. I prefer to take it home.
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Review from Steve H.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2010
Great thin crust pizza piles high with toppings. They have a $12.99 special that includes a large 1 topping, a liter of cola, and a side if your choice (wings, mushrooms, garlic bread, etc). Delivery usually takes about half an hour which is unheard of in Chicago. Cheap and Fast, it's in the rotation of my weekly pizza feasts.
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Review from Tina M.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2006
OK, so I found this place when I first moved to the city 11 years ago. It was the best thing ever. Then I moved a number of times and haven't had it in about 6 years. I have now moved back into delivery range and decided to order up a pizza and see if it was still what I remebered it to be. It was all of that and some. It's good to be back. The pizza is great, lots of cheese and a crisp thin crust. Defienately need to try it if you haven't had it.
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Review from Skylar E.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2010
The best thing about this place is the fact that its open late and they deliver. The pizza wasnt the best but the thin crust is definitely the way to go.
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Review from Chan K.
Chicago, IL
10/17/2008
I love crispy thin crust pizza's, and the ones here do not disappoint. Carreno's is more of a carry-out/delivery place, but they do offer some tables and a TV should you want to dine in. The slices are a bit pricey.
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Review from Heather M.
Chicago, IL
6/26/2007
Updated. They are meh. But the prices aren't bad and the service is friendly.
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Review from Andrea B.
Chicago, IL
6/3/2011
The people that work there are totally rude. The pizza is ok and cheap, but I would never order from people that are nasty and I mean nasty!
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Review from Nicholas C.
Chicago, IL
5/15/2007
This isn't pizza it's tragedy. I mean a walk up pizza-by-the-slice place in my neighborhood, finally. The slices don't disappoint, possibly only because they're usually consumed between one bar and the next on a Friday night but this is the worst delivery pizza. I can't figure it out because I'm pretty sure the pies are the same, just cut as a slice for the walk ups and squares for delivery but the slices are just better. It's only because the slices are tolerable that I can give this place 2 stars instead of one. There's better pizza to be had.
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Review from Rob D.
Toledo, OH
2/16/2010
I must first preface this with, I ordered this for some drunk food, so in drunk food land I'd probably give this the 5 star since it did the job, but still had my witts about me so 4 is close enough; anyway on with the review. Soild thin crust pizza. The sauce was a little more sweet than standard pizza sauce which was a nice change of pace. The pepporoni was underneath the cheese which caught me off guard but again it was good. Delevery was also quick, right around 45 mins even on a Saturday night (again due to my state it felt like 15 mins). Also a nice little treat was that the pizza came with a liter of RC cola. Overall I'd say this is pretty good standard thin crust pizza with a little bit of a twist with the sweet sauce. I'd order from here again, drunk or not.
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Review from Christine J.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2010
Why is their thin cracker crust so thick? Pizza was pretty average and the toppings were not premium. The one plus about this place is the super speedy delivery.
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Review from Todd M.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2009
When you are looking for an alternative to a deep dish pizza, Carreno's is a great option. Their thin crust pizza is made with a delicious sauce. We enjoy the Pepperoni which is cooked underneath the cheese.
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Review from Alan C.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2006
This place is great. I always order pizza from here. The special for like $14 is a large 1 topping pizza, a side order (i get flautas or potato skins) and a 1 liter. Its amazing. The pizza sauce is really good and different. I approve.
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Review from Lana M.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2007
Yucky! I ordered a thin crust sausage pizza from there last week, what a disappointment! I did enjoy the potato flautas but the pizza had no flavor and was soggy. I give it 2 starts for the flautas and the fast delivery but there is way better pizza out there.
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Review from Molly R.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2009
Eh. Service was fast, price was great, but the pan pizza we had was sorta bland. It l*looked* like it was gonna taste incredible, but methinks the sauce needs a lil more "kick".
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Review from Keith H.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2009
This place doesn't mess around. Quick, satisfying, so yummy, cheesy, and savory. Very good pizza. A walk up and order place but it does have seating: retro seating. You won't be eating long because this pizza is so good. Eat it very fast so the cheese doesn't run away. Sausages under the slightly oily cheese with great sauce. The few times I've been lucky enough to eat here I left full wishing I had room for more. No frills, no problem type place. They'll kick your pizza mouth in shape.
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Review from Mary W.
Chicago, IL
9/15/2005
I've never had their pizza, but their italian beef and meatball sandwiches are very good and very big! They also have good prices.
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Review from Justin M.
Chicago, IL
4/8/2009
2-stars might be a bit harsh, but the pizza here is really generic, greasy, too much cheese and not to my taste. If that is your thing fair enough - and I'm sure that it is amazing if you are really drunk.
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Review from Abraham R.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2009
I'll probably rate this higher at a point but only lowered it because the delivery wasn't "lighting fast" as some reviews suggested. That said the pizza is deliciously mediocre, and I mean that as a complement. No fancy ingredients, no supper fancy crust. Just basic well made normal pizza. Recommended.
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Review from cisco r.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2010
Ordering from here for a long time (25 years) but it is not as good as it used to be. First off, they use less ingredients on the pies than they used to, but it is cheap. The special which is a large 1 ingredient and a side of wings or rib tips is the way to go. The tacos suck, they are dry and the burritos have no beans, avocado or cheese. (without those it is a big taco). The daily specials are well priced. The best thing about this pie is the sauce. (Has anybody noticed some pizzeria's now have an inch or two ring around the pie that has no cheese and sometimes no sauce near the edge . The cheese used to be served to the edge of the pie. Carreno's is one of these places. When u order a 14" pie u get 12" of ingredients. Trust me when I tell u this was not always the case but it has become a way to charge more for the pizza and use less ingredients. Look for it u will see what I mean.) Ask them to make it crispy if you don't want your crust white and slightly undercooked. (that's how they deliver in 1/2 hour. Kinda like Dominoes) Not a bad place. Giordano's or Pete's both have better pizza but not as cheap. Not really an eat in place. Anytime I have eaten there you get to watch Latin television blasting and it is pretty institutionally designed. (Mc Donald's has a warmer dining room than this place.) Oh, and don't bother asking for pie cut. I have tried several times over the years and they just don't listen. They cut it into squares anyway.
