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Parlor Pizza Bar - River North
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Parlor Pizza Bar - River North
8.2
Parlor Pizza Bar’s River North outpost is a huge, sports-friendly pizza hall with wood-fired pies, a long beer list, and an almost-club energy on busy nights. Locals use it for casual group meet-ups, watching games, and sharing pizzas like the Bee Sting and Sgt. Pepper alongside big salads and bar snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting pizza, Sgt. Pepper pepperoni pizza, Antipasto chopped salad
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A massive, high-energy pizza bar where wood-fired pies meet sports-bar drinking.
Who should go: Groups wanting easy pizzas, pitchers, and TVs for the game.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for full bar energy and outdoor seating.
What to order: Bee Sting pizza, Sgt. Pepper, antipasto chopped salad.
Insider tip: Ask for a table with a clear TV sightline if you’re there for a game.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive at night; most guests use nearby paid garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are common, but many groups lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation can be tough near the bar and TVs, easier at patio or off-peak tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during busy game nights and peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, except during warm-weather patio rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas and salads can be ordered vegetarian, with options to customize toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and build-your-own pizzas can be adapted if you skip cheese and certain toppings.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust is usually available on request, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, high-energy outing than a quiet first date — the vibe leans social, loud, and sports-bar adjacent.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekends and big games; larger groups should plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings and daytime are fine for families — kids’ pizza and salad options work well — but late nights skew adult and party-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, casual celebrations, game-day hangs, and shareable wood-fired pizzas with a lively bar scene.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, intimate conversation, or a more purist Neapolitan-style pizza experience.
Parlor Pizza Bar - River North
8.5
Parlor Pizza Bar’s River North outpost runs creative, Neapolitan-leaning pies, big patios, and a bar-forward scene until midnight or later. It’s where locals end up for shareable pizzas, spritzes, and sports on TV after a night in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheesus, Mary & Joseph pizza, Abe Froman's Fave pizza, Balsamic Glazed Fried Mozzarella
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-energy pizza bar with sprawling patios, playful pies, and dependable late hours.
Who should go: Groups craving creative pies, pitchers, and a party atmosphere.
When to visit: Weekend late nights when the patio and bar fill.
What to order: Cheesus, Mary & Joseph, Abe Froman's Fave, fried mozzarella.
Insider tip: On busy nights, start with bar space or patio instead of waiting for a main-room table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking is limited and competitive at night — most guests use nearby paid garages within a few blocks.
Dress code: Casual to trendy going-out wear; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean nightlife-casual on weekends.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation can be difficult inside; patio seating is slightly calmer when weather allows.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min wait for groups without a reservation late night or during peak patio hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short waits, except during large group outings or events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas and shareables can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and customizable pizzas with omissions; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some menu items can be modified, but gluten-free crust availability may be limited; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second-date vibes — the energy is loud and social, making it stronger for fun nights out than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially if you’re flexible with bar or patio seating — expect waits on weekend late nights and for larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier hours can work for families, but the scene trends adult-oriented and party-leaning late at night; best for teens and older.
Best For
Better for: Late-night groups, patio hangs, and playful specialty pies in a lively, bar-forward setting.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, classic Neapolitan purism, or strict dietary accommodations with extensive options.
Parlor Pizza Bar - River North
7.8
Parlor Pizza Bar’s River North outpost runs on wood-fired pies, big patios, and a sports-bar energy that skews family-friendly by day. Parents lean on Honey Boo Boo or Sgt. Pepper pizzas and fries at brunch or early dinner before the scene shifts toward drinks and louder crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Honey Boo Boo Pizza, Sgt. Pepper Pizza, Abe Froman's Fave Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Large-format patio pizzeria where wood-fired pies meet a sportsy bar vibe.
Who should go: Families wanting casual pizza with patio and game screens.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early evenings before nightlife crowds build.
What to order: Honey Boo Boo pizza, Sgt. Pepper pizza, fries or salad to share.
Insider tip: Target patio seating on mild days and stick to simpler pies for best results.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect to use nearby paid garages or rideshare during peak times.
Dress code: Casual and patio-friendly — jerseys, jeans, and family dining attire are all common.
Noise level: Lively — conversational at brunch and early dinner, louder during games and late evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak patio and game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of major event days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several cheese and veggie-topped pizzas plus salads can work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some pizzas can be modified, but options are modest; confirm ingredients with the server.
Gluten-free options: Limited — crust substitutions or modifications may be available intermittently; ask about cross-contact risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than intimate dates — the patio works for low-key daytime dates, but nights can be loud and sports-focused.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the day; expect a wait during warm-weather patio rush or big game windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during brunch and early dinner — high-energy but workable for families; it trends more bar-centric later at night.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, outdoor seating, and casual pizza outings where patio space and sports screens matter.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, chef-driven pizzas, or strict dietary accommodations with clearly defined options.