ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Near West Side
Master Critic Review
Lake's Best Pizzeria
7.5
A neighborhood pizzeria serving straightforward, takeout-first pies and slices for East Garfield Park. Best used as a practical local option—keep it classic with a standard topping combo and prioritize hot pickup over long delivery windows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Sausage pizza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A neighborhood pizza stop built for straightforward takeout and slices.
Who should go: Locals needing a reliable pizza pickup
When to visit: Early evening for fastest turnaround
What to order: Cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, sausage pizza
Insider tip: Pick up in person and eat it hot—best-case experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking nearby. Usually manageable for quick pickup, but can tighten up during the early-evening rush—plan a short loop or be ready to park a half-block away.
Dress code: Ultra casual. Hoodies, jeans, work clothes—anything comfortable works.
Noise level: Low to moderate. Mostly a takeout/pickup vibe, so you’re not battling a loud dining room.
Weekend wait: 20-40 min for pickup during peak hours (longer for large orders).
Weekday lunch: No wait to 10 min for slices; 15-25 min for a whole pie.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—easy wins like cheese and veggie-topping pizzas. Best move is a classic veggie combo rather than trying to over-customize.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with no-cheese builds if they allow it, but expect it to feel more like a workaround than a true vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Unclear/limited—if gluten-free crust is offered, treat cross-contact risk as likely in a standard pizza shop setup.
Best For
Better for: Quick, practical neighborhood pizza—simple classics, easy ordering, and a reliable hot-pickup meal when you want comfort food with minimal effort.
Consider Alternatives If: You want standout artisan pizza, a strong dine-in vibe, or serious dietary accommodations (vegan/gluten-free). In those cases, choose a more dining-focused pizzeria.