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The StopAlong
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The StopAlong
7.9
The StopAlong is a retro-minded Bucktown pizzeria and bar where New York–style pies share menu space with smash burgers, garlic knots, and plenty of arcade nostalgia. It’s less about hushed dining and more about casual hangs, kids’ birthdays, and pre- or post-game slices with a beer.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Style Pepperoni Pizza, Smash Burger, Garlic Knots
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A throwback pizzeria-bar where arcade energy, smash burgers, and New York–style pies cater to both families and night owls.
Who should go: Families, friend groups, and anyone craving pizza plus arcade energy.
When to visit: Early evenings for families; later nights for drinks and games.
What to order: New York Style Pepperoni Pizza, Smash Burger, Garlic Knots.
Insider tip: Combine one pizza with shared garlic knots and a burger instead of ordering individual mains—portions are generous.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks and limited metered spots; usually easier earlier evenings, tougher during peak weekend hours. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and game-day attire are common.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with arcade noise and bar energy; conversation is easier earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes during peak family and game-night windows, especially 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is usually immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese and veggie pies, salads, and sides work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — can request no-cheese veggie pizza, but no dedicated vegan cheese program.
Gluten-free options: Limited — crust is typically standard; ask ahead if GF availability is important.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than romantic dates — the arcade vibe and lively noise level suit relaxed, playful outings more than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most visits are walk-in; arrive early on weekends to avoid family-hour waits, or plan for a short queue during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very kid-friendly during early evenings, with arcade games and shareable pizzas; best for ages ~5+ due to noise and bar traffic later at night.
Best For
Better for: Casual group hangs, birthday slices, and family pizza nights where arcade nostalgia and burgers are part of the fun.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, gourmet or specialty-style pizza, extensive vegan/GF options, or a polished date-night atmosphere.
The StopAlong
8.4
The StopAlong is a Bucktown pizza-and-burger bar where 80s/90s arcade games, superhero art, and a compact menu of smashburgers and tavern pies make it feel like a grown-up rec room. The Stop-In burger shows up on citywide best-of lists, and families and small groups lean on it for casual, slightly nostalgic burger nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stop-In Burger, All The Right Moves Pizza, Tater Tots
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A retro, arcade-filled space where the Stop-In burger anchors a surprisingly serious smashburger program.
Who should go: Families and friends who want burgers, pizza, and games together.
When to visit: Early evenings and weekends before the arcade crowd fully ramps up.
What to order: Stop-In Burger, All The Right Moves pizza, and a side of tots.
Insider tip: It’s one of the few top-tier burgers where kids can stay entertained—build in time for arcade play if you’re coming with a group.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on nearby residential blocks; availability tight after 6pm and during weekends; no valet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and hoodies are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and sometimes loud during peak and arcade hours; earlier evenings are moderately noisy and more conversation-friendly.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at peak for walk-ins; shorter if you arrive early evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait when open for lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — veggie pizza builds and some sides are available; no dedicated vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — most items are dairy- or meat-forward; check with staff on dough and toppings.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free prep area and cross-contamination is possible; confirm availability before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a fun, casual, playful first date where the arcade vibe breaks the ice; less ideal if you want a quiet, intimate conversation-first setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common and typically how most guests are seated, but expect waits on busy weekend evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families use it for casual burger nights and arcade time; best suited for school-age kids and earlier evening visits before crowds ramp up.
Best For
Better for: Casual, nostalgic group outings where burgers, pizza, and arcade games matter more than formality or a long menu.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, fine-dining service, or robust vegan/gluten-free options — a calmer or more specialty-focused spot will serve you better.