0 Followers
Angelo's Wine Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Angelo's Wine Bar
8.3
A neighborhood fixture since the 1960s, Angelo's Wine Bar pairs thin-crust pizzas and pastas with a full "Buns & Wings" section and weekly wing specials. Regulars treat it as a hybrid pizzeria, wine bar, and sports hangout where saucy wings share the table with cocktails and bottles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Wings (three sauce styles), Classic Thin Crust Pizza, Angelo's Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running wine bar where pizza, pasta, and promo-priced wings overlap.
Who should go: Groups mixing wings, pizza, and wine in one stop.
When to visit: Weeknight wing specials and game days for best deals.
What to order: Signature wings sampler, thin-crust house pizza, a shared bottle of red.
Insider tip: Check weekly specials—wing nights and game promos can slash your bill.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; typically easier on side streets but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are common, but many diners lean slightly dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate — lively bar energy but you can usually hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, depending on traffic and specials.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, appetizers, and salads work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — modifications may help, but dedicated vegan options are few.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations available (including gluten-free pizza crust), though the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy wine bar feel, sharable plates, and strong drink program make it great for a relaxed but slightly elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights, but reservations are smart for busy weekends or larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome earlier in the evening, but it leans more adult as the night goes on. Best suited for families with older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: A blend of wings, pizza, and wine in a stylish but comfortable neighborhood setting — ideal when you want bar food without sacrificing ambiance.
Skip if: You want the absolute cheapest wing joint, a super-quiet dining room, or a fully dedicated gluten-free or vegan menu.
Angelo's Wine Bar
8.2
Angelo's Wine Bar, originally a 1960s-era pizzeria, now pairs a deep wine list with pizzas, pastas, and shared plates in a cozy Albany Park space. It trades formality for warmth, making it a low-key alternative to downtown wine bars while still feeling special enough for a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-crust pizza, Pappardelle Bolognese, Calamari fritti
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neighborhood wine bar with serious bottles, from-scratch Italian plates, and a legacy as a local pizzeria.
Who should go: Wine and pizza lovers who prefer cozy neighborhood energy to downtown scenes.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations or later weekends for a livelier room.
What to order: A thin-crust pizza, one pasta like Bolognese, and an appetizer to share.
Insider tip: Take advantage of weeknight wine specials if you want to explore the list.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; usually available but can take a few minutes during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation, but it can feel lively during peak weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on time.
Weekday lunch: Typically not applicable — dinner-focused service sees lighter early-week crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas, salads, and pastas are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — possible to customize a pizza or salad, but dedicated vegan entrées are rare.
Gluten-free options: Some accommodations available (like gluten-free crust options at times), but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy lighting, wine-forward atmosphere, and relaxed service make it ideal for an easygoing first date that still feels special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — especially on weeknights or later in the evening. On weekends, reservations are recommended to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, though the ambiance leans adult. Older kids and teens will be comfortable; it’s less suited for very young children during peak nightlife hours.
Best For
Better for: Wine-centric dinners where you want quality bottles, cozy neighborhood energy, and Italian plates without downtown crowds or pricing.
Skip if: You want a loud party scene, very large group seating, or strict vegan/gluten-free dining needs.
Angelo's Wine Bar
8.0
Angelo's Wine Bar pairs a deep bottle list and cocktails with thin-crust pizzas, pastas, and shared plates in a renovated Albany Park space. It works as a flexible date spot, from casual margherita-and-wine nights to longer dinners built around Drunken Bucatini and short rib ravioli.
Must-Try Dishes:
Drunken Bucatini, Short Rib Ravioli, Burrata Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Wine-focused Italian spot with pizzas, house pastas, and a lively room.
Who should go: Couples who like wine, shareable plates, and buzzier energy.
When to visit: Early evenings for quieter dates, later for lively crowds.
What to order: Drunken Bucatini, Short Rib Ravioli, Burrata Margherita Pizza.
Insider tip: On warm nights, ask for patio seating to escape the noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; can be competitive during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is doable early evening; it gets louder later at night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Lunch is not typically offered; weekday early dinners usually have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good vegetarian coverage with pizzas, salads, and several pastas.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations available; ask about pasta or pizza options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the wine list, lighting, and relaxed buzz make it a strong choice, especially if you enjoy sharing plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but peak weekend times fill quickly. Walk-ins do best early or later in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the vibe leans adult date-night. Best for older kids or earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Wine-driven Italian dinners with shareable plates in a lively but polished neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet, budget-focused Italian or a wide vegetarian/vegan selection.