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Bartoli's Pizzeria & Catering - West Town
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bartoli's Pizzeria & Catering - West Town
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Named Chicago's Best Pizza by the Tribune and Food & Wine, this family pizzeria perfects grandfather Fred Bartoli's deep-dish recipe with a buttery, crunchy crust and house-made spinach mix. The affordable slices and BYOB policy make it a neighborhood essential.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Deep Dish Pizza, Meat Lovers Pizza, Thin Crust Sausage
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Award-winning deep dish using a perfected family recipe with signature spinach mix
Who should go: Deep dish devotees seeking Chicago's best without tourist crowds
When to visit: Walk-up window for quick slices anytime
What to order: Spinach deep dish, fennel sausage pizza, slices for lunch
Insider tip: Small seating - plan for takeout or off-peak hours for dine-in
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking, somewhat difficult to find - plan to circle the block
Dress code: Ultra-casual - come as you are, it's a neighborhood pizza counter
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - small space with relaxed vibe
Weekend wait: Deep dish takes 35-40 min to cook; limited seating fills fast - plan takeout
Weekday lunch: Grab slices from the counter with no wait; full pies still need 35+ min
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - spinach deep dish is the signature, plus veggie pizza with mushrooms, peppers, olives, spinach
Vegan options: Very limited - cheese-free requests possible but not a specialty
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF crust available, not a dedicated facility so cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates who don't need atmosphere. Very limited seating in a counter-service setup. The BYOB policy saves money, but grab slices and walk the neighborhood or take it home for a cozy pizza night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first come, first served with only a handful of seats. Off-peak hours (early weekdays) give best odds. Otherwise, use the walk-up window for takeout or delivery.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - affordable slices, familiar flavors, and zero pretense. Quick bites work better than full deep dish with antsy kids since pies take 35-40 minutes. The dog window is a bonus for families with pets.
Best For
Better for: Locals wanting award-winning deep dish without tourist prices, crowds, or waits at big-name spots - plus BYOB keeps costs down
Skip if: You need ambiance, large group seating, or a full sit-down dining experience - this is grab-and-go excellence, not a destination restaurant
Bartoli's Pizzeria & Catering - West Town
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Bartoli’s West Town location is a family-run shop doing both thin crust and classic Chicago deep dish with a strong delivery and carryout focus. Neighborhood families and Barstool-fueled visitors use it when they want substantial, sauce-forward pies without making the trip downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bartoli's Chicago Classic Deep Dish, Union Stockyard Deep Dish, The Diavolo Thin Crust
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Delivery-friendly thin and deep-dish pizzas with classic Chicago toppings.
Who should go: Families and locals craving delivery-friendly Chicago tavern pies.
When to visit: Weeknights for easy takeout or casual game-night dinners.
What to order: Chicago Classic Deep Dish, Union Stockyard, Diavolo Thin Crust.
Insider tip: Ask for well-done crust if you like extra crisp edges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be easier earlier evenings and tougher during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and game-night wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — usually easy to hold a conversation unless it’s a busy pickup rush.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–40 minutes for takeout at peak times; dine-in seating may be limited.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait for counter ordering or seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizzas and veggie-topped pies are available.
Vegan options: Limited — crusts and sauces are generally fine, but there’s no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Not a primary focus — confirm with staff before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? More casual than romantic — great if your date loves pizza and a laid-back vibe, less ideal for a formal night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily counter-service with casual seating, though peak times may fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — relaxed vibe, shareable pizzas, and simple menu options make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Delivery and takeout deep-dish cravings without heading downtown — reliable, hearty Chicago-style pies.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale dining, craft cocktails, or a long sit-down pizza experience.
Bartoli's Pizzeria & Catering - West Town
8.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Bartoli's West Town outpost brings the family’s deep-dish and tavern-style pies to a compact space that works as well for a slice-and-salad stop as it does for a full family pie. Kids gravitate toward buttery deep-dish while parents mix in crisp thin crust and big salads, backed by an order-at-the-counter flow that keeps things relaxed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Classic Deep-Dish Pizza, Nonna's Spinach & Cheese Deep-Dish, Union Stockyard Deep-Dish
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A slice-friendly deep-dish shop where families can try both classic thick pies and crisp tavern cuts in one place.
Who should go: Families craving serious deep-dish without a long, sit-down ordeal.
When to visit: Pre-dinner hours and post-game nights when slices move fast.
What to order: Chicago Classic deep-dish, Nonna's Spinach & Cheese, Union Stockyard.
Insider tip: Mix a deep-dish pie with tavern-cut slices so everyone gets a favorite style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; easier earlier evenings and weekdays, but can be limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and comfortable clothes are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational but expect some buzz during dinner and game nights.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on peak time and party size.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pizzas and salads can be made fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — you’ll mainly rely on salads or custom modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free crust is typically available for some pies; check staff for details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a romantic night out — it’s relaxed and pizza-focused rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly counter-order and walk-in friendly, though peak dinner hours may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are common, seating is casual, and deep-dish slices are an easy win for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Trying both deep-dish and tavern-style pizza in one stop, casual family dinners, and quick slice runs.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Italian dining, cocktails, or a quiet, romantic atmosphere.