ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in South Chicago
Master Critic Review
Chico's Oven
7.5
A bakery-first counter with a pizza-by-the-slice lane that works as a quick, unconventional pizza stop. Go in with a tight plan: one slice for now, then take pastries home rather than turning it into a sprawling order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice, Glazed Donut
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A bakery counter where pizza-by-the-slice doubles as a quick savory stop.
Who should go: Solo grab-and-go eaters who like sweet-and-savory pairing.
When to visit: Late morning for the best selection and freshness.
What to order: Cheese slice; pepperoni slice; glazed donut.
Insider tip: Do one slice now, then box pastries to-go so nothing goes stale.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on nearby residential/commercial blocks; typically manageable outside peak after-school/early evening windows. Plan a short walk if you arrive during a busy bakery rush.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, hoodies, workwear all fit. This is a quick counter stop, not a dress-up pizza room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—more bakery-counter bustle than loud music. Easy to place a quick order and chat, but it’s not a long, quiet sit-down vibe.
Weekend wait: 10–20 min depending on slice availability and counter line; longer if you’re waiting on a fresh bake.
Weekday lunch: 0–10 min typically; fastest when you pick from what’s already in the case.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese slice is the dependable move; bakery items vary. Ask what’s meat-free that day before you commit to sides or specialty slices.
Vegan options: Limited—pizza is usually not the best vegan lane here. If you’re vegan, treat it as a bakery stop only if you confirm a vegan-friendly option in the case.
Gluten-free options: Not a reliable gluten-free destination—assume cross-contact risk in a bakery/pizza environment unless they explicitly offer certified GF items.
Best For
Better for: A fast, unconventional pizza-by-the-slice stop with a legit bakery payoff—easy to do one savory slice now and a pastry box for later.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a classic sit-down pizza night, lots of topping customization, or strict dietary needs (vegan/gluten-free). Choose a dedicated pizzeria instead when pizza is the main event.