ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Harwood Heights
Master Critic Review
Al's Pizza
8.0
A classic neighborhood pizza shop known for ultra-thin, crisp-leaning pies that hit best when eaten hot and cut tavern-style. Keep the order traditional—one sausage-forward pie plus one simple topping pie—and you’ll get the cleanest read on what they do well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ultra-thin crust sausage pizza (tavern-cut), Pepperoni thin crust (well-done), Cheese bread
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A thin-crust specialist built around crunch, sauce balance, and speed.
Who should go: Thin-crust fans feeding a hungry household fast
When to visit: Pickup at peak dinner time for hottest pies
What to order: Thin crust sausage; pepperoni well-done; cheese bread.
Insider tip: Ask for well-done if you want maximum crisp on the cut edges.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along/near Lawrence Ave; generally manageable, but it tightens up during peak dinner pickup windows. Plan a quick in-and-out stop rather than lingering curbside.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood spot — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear all fit in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to talk, but pickup rush can make it feel busier.
Weekend wait: 20-45 min for pickup orders during peak; dine-in seating (if available) can feel crowded/limited at prime time.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait to order; 10-20 min for a pie depending on volume.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese and veggie topping combinations work well; this is an easy order as long as you stick to classic toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — pizza is not naturally vegan here unless you custom-build heavily (and availability of vegan cheese is not reliably confirmed).
Gluten-free options: Not reliably confirmed — assume limited or none unless you verify directly before ordering.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-thin, crisp-leaning tavern-cut pizza with classic topping execution and a clean sauce-to-cheese balance—especially when you eat it hot and don’t overcomplicate the order.
Consider Alternatives If: If you want deep dish, heavy gourmet toppings, a long sit-down experience, or strong dietary accommodation (vegan/gluten-free). Choose a more full-service pizza spot when you want atmosphere and variety over speed and crunch.