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Pizzeria Ora - Chicago Style Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pizzeria Ora - Chicago Style Pizza
7.7
Pizzeria Ora is a long-running downtown spot attached to the Best Western River North, specializing in classic Chicago deep dish plus thin-crust tavern pies in a straightforward, family-friendly dining room. It’s a quieter, more local-feeling option for visitors who want traditional deep dish without queuing at the big-name chains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Deep Dish Cheese Pizza, The Supreme Deep Dish Pizza, El Blanco Thin Crust Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Classic Chicago deep dish and thin crust in a low-key, family-run setting steps from the Mag Mile corridor.
Who should go: Travelers and families wanting relaxed, old-school Chicago-style pizza.
When to visit: Early evenings or off-peak hours for shorter waits and calmer service.
What to order: Deep Dish Cheese Pizza, Supreme Deep Dish, El Blanco Thin Crust.
Insider tip: Plan for the 40-minute deep-dish bake time and start with wings or garlic bread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel-adjacent garage parking available next door with validation discounts; limited metered street parking in evenings
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and tourist attire are common
Noise level: Moderate — family-friendly buzz but conversation is generally comfortable
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes during peak visitor rush when deep dish orders stack up
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short seating delay
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple cheese and veggie pies plus salads and appetizers
Vegan options: Limited — no vegan cheese; can request sauce-and-veggie thin crust
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust not always available; confirm before visiting
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to casual, low-pressure meals than romantic occasions — the room is relaxed, bright, and family-oriented rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most guests walk in. Off-peak hours seat quickly, but expect a modest wait at prime tourist dinner times, especially with deep dish bake times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very kid-friendly with booth seating, simple menu options, and a relaxed hotel-adjacent setting. Best for families with school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Quieter, less tourist-crowded deep dish near River North hotels — easier seating, friendlier pacing, and a local-leaning feel compared with big-name chains.
Skip if: You want trend-driven pies, craft-beer energy, or the iconic, high-volume Chicago pizza spectacle — competitive spots may offer flashier rooms or specialty menus.
Pizzeria Ora - Chicago Style Pizza
7.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Pizzeria Ora is an old-school River North spot attached to a Best Western that serves classic Chicago deep-dish and thin-crust pies at modest prices for the area. It’s a practical choice for families and visitors who want a sit-down deep-dish experience without the lines or pricing of the biggest downtown names.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago-Style Deep Dish Sausage Pizza, Thin-Crust Supreme Pizza, Mozzarella Sticks
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A low-key, hotel-adjacent pizzeria offering classic Chicago deep dish at relatively modest prices.
Who should go: Families and visitors craving sit-down deep dish on a budget.
When to visit: Early evening or post-sightseeing when you want an easy table.
What to order: Sausage deep-dish, a thin-crust combo, and fried mozzarella to start.
Insider tip: Portions run large—split a deep-dish and add a salad instead of ordering individual pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small hotel-adjacent garage and limited metered street parking nearby; easier earlier in the evening
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and tourist attire are common
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, busier during peak family dining hours
Weekend wait: Usually minimal — 5–20 minutes, often seated quickly compared to bigger deep-dish names
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese and veggie pizzas plus a few meat-free appetizers and salads
Vegan options: Limited — can do sauce-only or veggie thin-crust without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free options are mostly salads and select thin-crust substitutions when available; deep-dish is not gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meals than romantic first dates — the space feels practical and family-leaning rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common and typically seated quickly, especially outside peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed service, booth seating, and large shareable pizzas make it well-suited for families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Short waits, modest pricing, and a quieter, low-stress deep-dish experience compared to the major tourist destinations
Skip if: You want the iconic Chicago deep-dish ‘event’ experience, dramatic dining rooms, or a more upscale night out