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Acerra Italian Kitchen & Bar
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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Acerra Italian Kitchen & Bar
7.8
The DiDiana family brings Neapolitan soul to Bucktown with wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and recipes from their ancestral town of Acerra outside Naples. This newer addition to the neighborhood offers warm family hospitality and a charming outdoor patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni Vodka Arrabiata, Pappardelle Bolognese, Wood-Fired Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Family-run Neapolitan cuisine with wood-fired pizzas and ancestral recipes from Campania
Who should go: Those seeking authentic Southern Italian in a welcoming atmosphere
When to visit: Happy hour for half-price appetizers
What to order: Burrata prosciutto, wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta of the day
Insider tip: Owner Bobby personally tends to guests - ask for wine pairings
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on North Ave and side streets - reviewers note it's easy to find spots nearby. No valet.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood Italian - jeans and nice top perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Moderate - cozy small space can get lively on weekends, but intimate enough for date conversation
Weekend wait: 15-25 min possible on Fri/Sat evenings; reservations recommended via OpenTable
Weekday lunch: Closed for weekday lunch. Opens Wed-Thu at 5pm; Sat-Sun noon service has minimal waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - eggplant parmesan, beet salad, margherita pizza, various pasta preparations
Vegan options: Limited - ask about marinara-based pastas without cheese; pizzas can be modified
Gluten-free options: Not specifically advertised - inquire with staff about accommodations for wood-fired pizzas or dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the gorgeous patio with wood fences, flowers, and a fountain creates effortless romance. Small enough to feel intimate, owners Bobby and Lisa personally check on tables adding warmth. Request patio seating for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, especially early. Friday/Saturday evenings book via OpenTable - the space is small and fills quickly. Arrive by 6pm on weekends for best walk-in chances. Later evening (after 9pm) tends to quiet down.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - families and birthday groups dine here regularly. Pizza and pasta please younger palates, and the patio gives kids room to move. No dedicated kids' menu, but portions are shareable. Early dinner timing recommended with little ones.
Best For
Better for: Hands-on family ownership where Bobby personally tends tables, gorgeous patio dining, Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas, and half-price happy hour apps - all in a newer, less crowded spot than established neighborhood Italians
Skip if: You need weekday lunch (closed Mon-Tue, opens 5pm Wed-Thu) or want extensive gluten-free/vegan options; try Monteverde or Club Lucky instead
Acerra Italian Kitchen & Bar
8.1
Acerra is a newer Bucktown/Wicker Park Italian restaurant where Neapolitan-style pies share the menu with pastas, antipasti, and cocktails. Guests treat it as a sit-down option when they want wood-fired pizza in a polished room rather than another bar slice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, Amalfi Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas served alongside fresh pastas and cocktails.
Who should go: Date-night couples craving Neapolitan pizza with Italian plates.
When to visit: Weekend dinners when the dining room feels buzzy.
What to order: Margherita, Diavola, Amalfi Pizza.
Insider tip: Request patio seating early on nice evenings; it books quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; spots can be limited during peak dinner hours. Allow extra time or use rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are comfortable, but it can feel lively during peak times.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation depending on time and weather (patio increases demand).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; weekday early dinners are more relaxed as well.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, pastas, and antipasti work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be adjusted, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Limited — ask staff about accommodations, but wood-fired pizza dough is not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room, cocktails, and shareable plates make it feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends fill quickly. Walk-ins may face a wait during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids will do fine, but the space leans adult-oriented. Best for families with school-age children rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Refined sit-down pizza dates, group dinners, and cocktails in a stylish setting.
Skip if: You want late-night slices, ultra-casual dining, or strictly gluten-free pizza.
Acerra Italian Kitchen & Bar
8.1
Acerra is a newer, family-owned Wicker Park restaurant inspired by the owners’ roots in the town of Acerra near Naples, balancing wood-fired pizzas and pastas with a neighborhood-friendly dining room and patio. It skews more polished than most pizza joints, but early-evening reservations often include multi-generational tables sharing branzino and carbonara.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza, Whole Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 6.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family-run Neapolitan kitchen where wood-fired pizzas share the table with pastas and whole fish in a stylish but approachable room.
Who should go: Families wanting a nicer night out that still welcomes kids.
When to visit: Earlier evening seatings and weekend brunch-style hours for families.
What to order: Margherita pizza, spaghetti carbonara, whole branzino to share.
Insider tip: Book an early patio reservation so kids can spread out a bit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Wicker Park can be limited during peak times; allow extra time or consider rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at early seatings, livelier later in the evening.
Weekend wait: Often busy — 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait or immediate seating when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, salads, and pastas work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — customization may be possible, but the menu is not strongly vegan-focused.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations available; check with staff about pasta or pizza modifications.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting and polished-but-relaxed energy make it feel special without being formal or intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours. Early seatings improve your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — early evenings are best for families, and the menu is approachable for school-age kids and older.
Best For
Better for: A slightly elevated Italian night out where families, dates, and groups can all feel comfortable in the same space.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual slice-shop pricing or a strictly quiet, fine-dining atmosphere.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday5pm - 10pm
Thursday5pm - 10pm
Friday5pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 8pm