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- Nearest Transit:
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Diversey (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Mon
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
169 reviews for Renaldi's Pizza Pub
Review Highlights
"Their thin crust is so good -- not too heavy."
(in 31 reviews)
"We get a deep dish with mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes."
(in 25 reviews)
"Best NY-style pizza that I've found in the 312 or 773."
(in 13 reviews)
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169 reviews in English
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Review from David L.
Chicago, IL
Pizza! Dinosaurs!
Decided to order from Renaldis, and ordered delivery online. For my own amusement, I wrote under special instructions to draw a dinosaur on the pizza box. Sure enough, my pizza arrived on time (45 min.) and with not only one dino on the box, but three dinosaurs! They look like a combo between a brontasaurus and the dragon from game of thrones. They went the extra mile, and I appreciate that.
Also, great pizza. -
Review from Gino W.
Chicago, IL
I am not one for chomping on pizza like every slice is ambrosia. It may be that I have plateaued in that department and have moved on to other things that can fill my belly. And since a friend had recommended Relandi's, I went with the notion that I was going to see what else was on the menu that I would find satisfactory.
Garlic bread. Cheese raviolis with meat sauce.
I ate a whole loaf of garlic bread with olive oil. Satisfaction. The cheese raviolis with meat sauce was so good that I can imagine Chef-Boyardee cursing me. I walked -- no, waddled -- away very much a jolly man after indulging bread and pasta. Yes, I watched others smile, smirk, and wince while eating their pizzas. But they saw me smiling a stupid smile and eyes going to slits because I had enjoyed my meal thoroughly. -
Review from B. C.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2011
The pizza here is pretty good. A little inconsistent in preparation (quality, grease, dry crust, etc.), but not a bad place to stop by if you want to try a new, new york style pizza joint.
Revision: I originally gave Renaldi's 3 stars but realized that I order from here more and more. Nothing fancy but the pizza speaks for itself. -
Review from Kristina S.
Chicago, IL
2/9/2012 2 photos
Thin crust pizza is fantastic! Sauce is some of the best I've ever had! Chicken parm is to die for and chicken Marsala I could eat every night! Coffee is great. House Chianti is awesome.
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Review from Brad R.
Chicago, IL
1/29/2012
The best pizza in chicago...period. I am a New Yorker and when it comes to NY pizza, this place dominates. Fantastic home-made sausage that will literally make your mouth and face water crying for more. Sure the pizza is a tad greasy but New York beggars can't be choosers, so I love every second of this pizza. The "garbage" pizza is a fantastic deal. Always order the largest size and make sure they cut it in NY Slices and take the extras homes. Just like most NY Pizza its almost as good day 2.
Please if anyone can give me the name of a better NY Pizza place in Chicago...I will personally take you out there!!!! -
Review from Tiff D.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
just, underwhelming. Nothing is flavorful, nothing tastes good. Took half the pizza home, and it was inedible the next day. Just doesn't keep well. Not a very good deal, either.
Mista is up the street. -
Review from Stephen F.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2011
Recently stopped in to Renaldi's for a bite on our way to a movie. I've been here before, and while I like the guys running this joint, the pizza just isn't very good.
I feel a little bad leaving them a mediocre review. I'd like it to be better. So I might return in the future if a greasy, slightly misshapen pie is going to work for me. If it's a date, or I'm not wearing jeans, I'm sure I'll be somewhere else. -
Review from Dude B.
Milwaukee, WI
9/20/2011
Reasons Renaldi's is better than your pizza place:
1. Their NY style is better than the majority of NY pizza from NY. Go Red Sox.
2. After a long day of looking at the bottom of empty beer and cocktail glasses. I hounded down three slices and left my beloved hoodie there. On my trip back to KY, I realized that I must have left it there while I was stuffing my face. After getting my balls busted on the phone, they sent my hoodie to Louisville. -
Review from Corey G.
Chicago, IL
11/24/2011
Let me start this review by saying I am not in the camp of people who think Chicago has the best pizza in the land.Part of this is because I am originally from the east coast where you can grab a slice of some of the tastiest and most mouthwatering thin slices in the country. I'll admit it...I'm not a fan of deep dish pizza in general. I find they are way too heavy for my tastes and there is something so....well...wrong about having to eat a slice of pizza with a knife and fork because it's too damn heavy and messy to pick up. I also don't appreciate having to wait for 40 to 45 minutes in a restaurant for my pizza to come to the table. Call me impatient. I did mention I was from the east,right?
When I moved to Chicago from Maryland in 1997,Renaldi's was one of the first menus I received in the mail. I remember throwing the menu in my junk drawer and finding it on a cold,cloudy Saturday afternoon when I was craving pizza. I saw something on the menu that was called Pizza In The Pan and I decided to give it a shot. (And yes,I had been to Giordano's at this point and I wasn't a fan..see above criticism :) ) I ordered a small with pepperoni. The pizza arrived about 35 minutes (yes!) later and after my first bite,I was hooked!
The crust is crispy and buttery,the sauce has a fantastic flavor and they seem to put the perfect amount to make it yummy without being messy. They use a smaller pepperoni (and they give you a fantastic amount) that gets slightly crispy on the outer edges and stays juicy in the middle. Fantastic!
Recently a few friends and I decided to eat there because we were in the area. Now,if you expect fine dining...you might want to go elsewhere. The decor is no frills;but the smell of the place will make you want to stay. I will say that over the years,I have mostly stuck to the stuffed pizza and the pizza in the pan and besides their appetizer tray(which wasn't really that good),I haven't really had any of their other dishes,but they do have a large menu. I give this place 4 stars on the pizza alone and the score would have been a perfect 5 if the restaurant was more up-to-date (though it has its charm) and if the appetizer tray hadn't been so disappointing. Give the Pizza In The Pan a try...do it for me. Do it for the east coast. Do it for your taste buds. -
Review from Mark D.
Phoenix, AZ
10/21/2011
As a kid, I lived near Belmont & Sheridan. To me, Renaldi's is where I discovered Chicago Style Pizza!! I loved it!! Coming back 30yrs later as an adult with prior pizzeria experience, I must say I still call it the "birthplace" of Chicago Style Pizza!!! As with some of the review, yes the service was less than desirable. Mostly I think they were short staffed as the cook was answering the phones.
The food, the sauce is remarkably mild which allows all the other flavors to come out. The toppings were abundant, the cheese had great flavor and what they call "regular" cheese, the pizza franchises today would easily call "extra cheese". My only complaint was the dough. I found it to be a bit dry and lacked character when compared to the rest of the pizza.
Looking past that part, and the service, the food is delicious and yes...a bit pricey!!! I'd still go back!!! -
Review from Joe S.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2011
My favorite place to get pizza in Chicago. A tad pricey, I suppose, but that's pretty much on par for any food place you go around here. Service is hit or miss but who cares really it's just a pizza place and most of the time I just come here for pick-up.
Super greasy good. Pepperoni. -
Review from Scott K.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2012
In search of the ever elusive perfect pizza, which I believe I will have a better chance spotting Bigfoot, The Yetti or the Loch Ness Monster I wanted to give Renaldi's a shot as a couple coworkers swear by the place. Let me tell you I was highly disappointed. I had it delivered because I was feeling lazy at the time and ordered "the garbage" pizza (medium) and an order of potato skins. First off, it was expensive, 40$ with tip and delivery. Let me tell you how you can duplicate the pizza for $5.99. Go to your local supermarket and pick up a supreme Tombstone. Bake it in your oven and then grab some oil and dump it on top. The only difference is, is that I did not burn the roof of my mouth like I do 99% of the time with oven baked pizza. To sum it up, this is a great pizza town with many great restaurants that will deliver. Save yourself the disappointment and the money and order from somewhere else.
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Review from Jamie B.
6/2/2011
Renaldi's is one of my favorite pizza places in Chicago, and it just happens to be in the neighborhood so I frequent it quite often. I'm not a fan of deep dish pizza, so finding a place that does a good NY style pizza has been wonderful.
The crust has a perfect chewiness to it, and the cheese is sooo delicious. I've actually been told that if pizza is really greasy, they're probably using a better quality of cheese, and let's just say that Renaldi's pizza is on the greasy side, so if that's not your thing, you might want to stay away. The sauce is pretty light which I like, but I will admit it is a little lacking in flavor, so I usually add a bit of oregano and then it tastes perfect.
The restaurant has a very comfortable feel to it, and I find the service to be very prompt. If you're like me and love pizza but aren't into the deep dish, Renaldi's is a good bet. -
Review from Michael S.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their thin crust is great - exactly what you'd expect. I wish they had more chef-created options though. Seems like your choice is garbage pizza or create your own. Also, if you're looking for Chicago-style deep dish, look elsewhere. Their stuffed pizza was ok, but I'd recommend them only for their thin crust.
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Review from Teri M.
8/26/2011
I miss my old neighborhood so much! If you are in East Lakeview, be sure to check out Renaldi's. I love it for a late night slice of pepperoni, super greasy and crispy, double paper plated and slipped into a stapled bag. great cheesy goodness.
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Review from Val B.
Chicago, IL
12/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
Dare I say, my favorite pizza in the city? We stopped in on a slow, Wednesday night before a movie. I tried the Spingione with pepperoni and it was a-maz-ing. The crust is thin but spongy, with the right about of crisp without being dry and crispy. Super cheesy, but super delicious too.
Our service was a little weird and slow and times - and when I mentioned the Yelp deal of $5 off they literally gave me a $5 bill instead of adjusting my check. O.... k..... ?
Overall veridct: fantastic pizza, cozy little place, filled with lots of cute old people. -
Review from P S.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Authentic pizza the way it should be. Not too much cheese, tomato sauce or garlic on the thin crust- real prosciutto, crust seems to have gotten thicker over the years..
These guys have been great at it since I went the first time in '98 and they still deliver fantastic food. Very unassuming place run by a family. One of Chicago's best and least recognized. Truly a hidden gem. -
Review from Kristin R.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2010
This is some of the greasiest pizza I have ever had. I mean, pockets of grease and fat in little crevices here and there throughout. I don't necessarily mind, because every once and a while, I am craving pure delicious greasiness. And it just so happens on most of the occasions I have come to Renaldi's, I have had mild - massive hang overs. And Renaldi's always does the trick.
It's not the best slice of pizza I've had in the city, but it's good and it hits the spot. The wait staff has always been really friend and speedy, and they always have a soda refill ready before you even have to ask! I always get the pepperoni and pineapple and they never cheat you out of toppings, but they are always plentiful.
The smell just walking by Renaldi's is enough to tempt anyone to give them a try. I always get the regular crust because deep dish is too much for me to handle. In my book, they are definitely A-OK. And if I'm back in the neighborhood, and craving some greasy good pizza, I will always come back to Renaldi's. -
Review from Morgan A.
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had 2 slices of pizza and they were both good. Nothing amazing. My boyfriend got the chicken parm and it was the most disgusting chicken parm I've ever had. I would say you're safe with pizza but if you're venturing out to their pasta dishes, BEWARE!
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Review from Nichole M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/29/2011
Show me the pepperoni! Ordered this for carryout the other day. Asked for pan pizza with pepperoni and sausage. Got home with a pizza with just sausage.
Luckily, their pizza is pretty tasty, even without my beloved pepperoni on it. So i can't be too harsh. Next time, I'm opening the box before leaving. :)
The cheese is tasty, the sauce is tasty, the crust is pretty darn good and they have lots of good choices, like proscuitto, salami, etc. Definitely recommend this place (just be sure to double check your pizza before paying).1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/8/2010
Went here with a not-so-nice boy last week for late night pizza and beer.
Their pizza is pretty… Read more »
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Review from Jason P.
9/7/2010
So I was still hungry after eating a dinner and decided to attempt to find something quick to satisfy my fat kid hunger. I was all set to try Pita Queen which I had never tried before, but walking by Renaldi's made a quick slice sound quite appealing. I understand now that it was a mistake and I really should have called the Queen or gone to Nancy's for a slice.
I walked in and looked at the sad display of pizza that was there. I ordered a slice of cheese and it was almost $4. While waiting, they had some old looking, tiny calzones in the display case that were $6 so I realized that this place was expensive. We got it to eat in and there is a counter where people getting slices can sit and enjoy a quick slice. It was too bad that the delivery drivers had taken all of these seats and so I had to stand. I would strongly recommend a napkin when eating here, perhaps the super absorbent kind, as the grease will pool on your plate. It was kinda disgusting.
I really regret not walking the extra blocks to Pita Queen or not stopping at Nancy's instead. Live and learn I guess -
Review from Tina M.
Silver Spring, MD
1/21/2011
Quick take away or leisurely sit down, your choice.
The pizza is good - they describe it as "fluffy", which is pretty accurate. It doesn't feel nearly as filling as deep dish, but it's got a big taste.
My favorite dish is the penne a la vodka - to die for. Definitely too much for one meal though, and sadly the left overs don't reheat as well as the first time (but they're still good).
We had a mixed drink on special once...there was hardly any alcohol in it. Be wary! Their Monday night half price bottle wine tradition makes up for it, though. -
Review from Frank T.
Chicago, IL
11/23/2011
I moved to Chicago two and a half years ago, and this is the best pizza I've had in town. I haven't had a huge sampling, but I found Renaldi's, and it's the closest thing I've found to the New York pizza I grew up with and the only place I've found that actually includes ricotta cheese as a standard in their calzones. A calzone with tomato sauce is not a calzone. The sauce goes on the side, ok?
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Review from Euripides X.
ASTORIA, NY
8/12/2011
The Pizza is great, maybe the second best thin crust in the city. The seating is nice both inside and out. Sometimes the service really sucks, sometimes its great.
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Review from Eric B.
8/24/2010
The slices here are the best approximations of New York style pizza I've had in Chicago - thick pepperoni, thin but substantial crust, and a lot of high quality mozzarella. The slice folds and wraps up well, as NYC pizza should, and is exceptionally tasty. The sausage calzone is equally delicious - pumped up with spicy peppers and a tangy marinara sauce.
The decor here is nothing much - an afterthought of an Italian piazza - but that's not really the point of coming here. Renaldi's, to my estimation, functions as a quality and inexpensive lunch/dinner spot before or after a movie at the Landmark, or while shopping in the neighborhood. -
Review from T J.
Naperville, IL
2/21/2011
Stopped by here on a Saturday night and I was pleased as usual. I originally stopped in here by chance and found that they had excellent thin pizza, with a cozy atmosphere.
Well, this weekend I had to entertain some guests, and by chance they were told by someone to get renaldi's pizza while they were visiting. Man, did it make me seem like the expert- being that I knew where it was!
Service was great and the food was awesome too! Almost 5 stars, but for pizza, I reserve that Chicago style! -
Review from Laura P.
3/24/2011
The only word that I have for the pizza that I got carryout from Renaldi's is ICK. The crust was black. Yes, black. Not just burned but blackened. The sauce on top of the cheese was lukewarm. (Actually that is being really generous). The cheese was thick and edible. That is about the only good thing I can say about this pizza. The grease was disgusting. I like a little grease...mostly on pepperoni pizza but my slice was just cheese....the grease came from the sauce. Gross.
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Review from Stephanie P.
Chicago, IL
11/14/2011
Best pizza ever!!!
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Review from Jo Ann F.
Chicago, IL
10/2/2010
I had made my choice about this place before I even ate their pizza.
I ordered for delivery for 9 people; they said I would receive my two large pizzas and two 2 liters in one hour.
At 15 after the hour after predicted I called - they told me that her was almost there.
At 30 after the hour after predicted I called - they told me that the driver waited and waited and left because no one was there, after I specifically said for him to call when he arrived. He then asked if I wanted him to call the driver. When he came back on the phone said that he would drive out again.
The pizza was fine, but I am not sure I will give it a second chance because of this terrible customer service. -
Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
2/28/2010
I had pizza. Again. I was here in a group of seven and got rock star parking. Yay.
Renaldi's has been around for 40 years, and their pizza was pretty standard. The crust was a little bland, but I liked it. We ordered three pizza's - a cheese, garbage and vegetarian. I had the vegetarian and it was decent. No complaints and no raves.
It felt like it took forever for the pizzas to come out, which was ok because I was sitting next to a super cute boy. -
Review from Rogelio M.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2011
The first time I tried this place we had the calamari as an appetizer and ordered a pizza, the food was great, no complaints, something's happened in the last few months and the food has gone way downhill. I ordered the Chicken Angela, basically a baked chicken breast in a yellow sauce topped with wilted soggy spinach, came with a side of mostaccioli with a tomato sauce that tasted as if it came straight out of a can. A few weeks later I decided to order a pizza which is what they're known for. I do remember the pizza being good. Delivery was speedy, about 30 minutes, but when I opened the box, the toppings and cheese had slid completely off the pie. When I called to ask for another one, they made it and made sure it was intact upon arrival, but the dough was so thin and flimsy that I couldn't eat it as all the toppings and cheese would slide off. Very messy yet tasty, I don't think I'm going back.
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Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2009
I work in Lincoln Park.
I really don't want to go either hungry or gradually bankrupt because I forgot to pack my lunch yet again (and before you start PM'ing me handy-dandy sandwich reminders- You would've too if you woke up to who I did- capiche? Priorities! It was good morning.)
I digress.
So anyway, go take a pleasant walk for lunch. You go in and buy a Sicilian slice and a Diet Coke for $5. Bravo! Genuine Lincoln Park Lunch and you didn't just lose ten bucks or more! It is delicious and filling in that way only foods that are bad for your waistline can be. The fellas behind the counter are genuinely funny, always smile, they are sweet to me.
Also worth noting: You always see police cruisers parked outside this establishment. Cops are picky when it comes to pizza. Ever see a cop at a Dominos or a Little Ceasars when there wasn't a robbery and or shooting? Think about it...Listed in: Cheap-@$$ Entertainment., Lincoln Park Lunch without…
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Review from Jesse B.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2009
some peeps would write this review:
OMG so i've totally been to Italy like 50000x and the pizza there is lyke totally off the hook amazing. and I swearrrrr Renaldi's is the closest thing i've had in the states to legit northern Italian thin-crust pizza. so yayyyy!
but I would write it like this:
Buona Sera! Sick of Chicago's famous deep-dish pizza that makes you wish you had seventeen stomache's like a cow because you are ingesting so much cheese you may pass out? Ryte! Well then, for a change do yourself a favor and get the Margarita Pizza at Renaldi's because the thin-crust will be the greatest change you're taste buds and stomache could ever ask for. The basil is fresh and delicious I was beyond pleasantly surprised. Nothing like watching 4 weddings and a funeral eatin' thin-crust pizza with a fork and knife (there's no other way peeps, on da real)
For the price, you will be a very happy pizzapie-a consumer. Prago!
'There's No Other Way'
by Blur:
(http://www.youtube.com...) -
Review from maggie r.
Chicago, IL
9/11/2008
I have never been so irritated in my life.
Okay, I'm lying. I get irritated all the time.
You would think for the number of times I had to say what I wanted "veggie burger with cheese" they would have gotten it right.
I was charged an extra dollar for cheese they didn't even put on there.
Please, tell me how a can of Coke and a veggie burger (which I could have totally microwaved MYSELF. AT HOME) cost me $10.
I was giving them another chance this time. I last went a year ago and they messed everything up then as well. Bastards.
Oh, and your pizza sucks. -
Review from Kristin C.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2007
I never thought I would say this EVER but this pizza has TOO MUCH CHEESE. Cripes. Two slices create an unfortunate and uncomfortable belly bomb.
I ate at the actual restaurant once and it is cute and the overall experience was fine, only slightly memorable. However, on Saturday night after a round of "pizza menu roulette", I settled on Renaldi's for delivery. It was speedy and pleasant enough (pricey though. $25 bucks for a large. I need to remember that although a large sounds wonderful at 2AM, it's not really an economically wise decision). But boy, the next morning, my stomach was HURTIN' - good thing I got to sop up my Football Beers with that cheese wad!
I don't think I will ever order an entire pizza from here again. TWO slices was TOO much. Stop for a slice? Maybe, but I will have to ask them to go light on the cheese.Listed in: Pizza for me, pizza for you. .…
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Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2007
My partner and I usually love this little place since we first moved here. Never crowded, friendly service, and we LOVE the pizza and will pay the extra money.
We've had them deliver a few times, and it's always odd, such as they won't take our credit card down, forget we're on the phone or take forever. I understand I ordered a deep dish and it takes just 45 min. to cook. But one night we waited until the hour and a half mark and called. they didn't have their order. But we gave our CC to someone. Everyone was clueless and dumb. It took a fight to get the owners number from them becuase we then got online and saw over $50 had been charged to our card!? In the end they comped the pizza and added some sodas, but it took about 4 days for the charge to drop. They chalked it up to faulty equipment, which doesn't make me feel any better about future purchases with them.Listed in: Restaurant Exploration…
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Review from Beth P.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2008
Greasy big pizza slices, you've seen it all from the other reviews. Pretty ok chicken tenders too. I dig the genuine pizza parlor atmosphere with the red & white checkered tablecloths and gum chewing waitresses. The reason this place gets 2 stars is because of this startling fact:
R.C. COLA.
Hey now, when I order a fountain coke, you can't bring me an RC Cola without telling me! I sipped it and nearly spit it across the table! "Why does my drink smell like blood?! ... Is it... No, it can't be.... RC COLAAAAA!"
Have you ever held a bunch of pennies for a bit and then smelled your hand? THAT'S what RC Cola tastes like.
Shame on you, Renaldi's, for serving it. Shame on you.Listed in: Go on a date.
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Review from Melissa B.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2008
Ok, so their deep dish pizza is a mess. Some of my friends love it, but it's a bit to greasy for me. Now, their pan pizza is quite tasty. Try it with shrimp. No kidding, it's really good.
Their pasta is also quite good. I recommend the spinach lasagna.
As to the service, one time we had horrendous service. We actually had to talk to one of the other servers because our salads were taking close to 45 minutes. To be fair, we later saw a "help wanted" sign and we haven't had issues with service since.Listed in: Tasty Eats, The Non-Trixie Lakeview.
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Review from Ben E.
5/31/2010
This the best approximation of NYC-style pizza I've had in Chicago. The crust is very, very good, as is the sauce and mozzarella. Plus, they serve Sicilian slices, which is an unbelievable rarity in this city. I've eaten in and ordered delivery, and it's always consistent.
As for the atmosphere, it's certainly a cross between a corner pizzeria and a local restaurant, and it seems like a place to go with friends for a few beers and a really good pie.
People who don't like this place have evidently never had non-deep dish or cracker crust pizza. This'll be my go-to spot whenever I'm in the area -
Review from Nicole M.
Chicago, IL
10/25/2010
So Friday night--we went and we got stuffed pizza. It was pretty excellent.
Sunday--I'm walking around with the old ball and chain looking for somewhere to watch the Patriots. And we stumbled upon Renaldi's After Dark, their new bar. Domestic drafts were $2.50 and they made the whole bar area a free pizza. Not to mention lots of tvs for football viewing and wicked comfy chairs.
All in all, great place for pizza dinner and great place for football/sports hang out.
