Bartoli's Pizzeria & Catering - West Town
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Pizza in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Family Friendly Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Master Critic Review
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