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Bob's Pizza

1659 W 21st St, Chicago, IL 60608
$$

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Bob's Pizza 8.4
Pilsen
A Pilsen counter-service shop built around its signature “Pilsen-style” crust—foldable like New York, but with a puffed, bubbly edge that eats closer to a hybrid of styles. It’s strongest when you commit to one specialty pie and let the dough do the talking, especially on higher-contrast combinations that show off the bake.
Must-Try Dishes: Pickle Pizza, Korean BBQ Chicken Pizza, Spinach Pesto & Stracciatella Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.4 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Beer-in-the-dough “Pilsen-style” crust with a distinctive puffy edge.
Who should go: BYOB crews and pizza-first groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or early weekend meal
What to order: Pickle pizza, Korean BBQ chicken, spinach pesto stracciatella
Insider tip: Bring your own drinks and order one specialty pie per 2–3 people.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on nearby residential blocks but can tighten up after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and hoodies all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min during peak hours; faster if you arrive early or order takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 min.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-forward pies and the ability to customize toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but you can order a cheeseless veggie pie.
Gluten-free options: Not recommended—no dedicated gluten-free crust and cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you like casual, food-forward spots. It’s relaxed and unfussy, with enough buzz to keep things fun without feeling distracting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Most guests walk in, order at the counter, and grab a table as one opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—pizza is an easy win for kids, but the space is small and better for school-age kids than strollers.
Best For
Better for: Creative specialty pies and a distinctive hybrid crust that feels different from standard NY or Neapolitan styles.
Skip if: You’re looking for classic New York slices, deep-dish, or a quieter, sit-down pizza dinner with full service.
Bob's Pizza 7.8
Pilsen
The fries here are a sleeper hit—garlic-parm, hot, and best treated as the salty sidekick to a Pilsen-style pie. Keep the order disciplined: one pizza, one fries, and stop before the table turns heavy.
Must-Try Dishes: Garlic parmesan fries, Pilsen-style pepperoni pizza, Pickle pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8 Atmosphere: 7.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Garlic-parm fries that genuinely compete with the pizza for attention.
Who should go: Pizza nights that need fries
When to visit: Weeknights for faster turnaround
What to order: Garlic parm fries, pepperoni pie, pickle pizza
Insider tip: Eat fries immediately—garlic-parm is best while steaming hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; manageable on weeknights but competitive on weekends, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and trendy—jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak pizza hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian pizzas and sides, including fries.
Vegan options: Limited—some pizzas can be made without cheese; fries are not vegan due to garlic-parm seasoning.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free crust may be available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and fun—sharing pizza and fries keeps it relaxed, but it’s not a quiet or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights; on weekends, expect a wait or aim for an early dinner slot.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—pizza is an easy win for kids, though the space and vibe skew more adult in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: Garlic-parm fries that actually stand out alongside pizza, plus a lively, social Pilsen vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal or need strong vegan or gluten-free accommodations.
Bob's Pizza 8.3
Heart of Chicago
A counter-service shop that leans into its beer-in-the-dough “Pilsen-style” crust—airy at the edge, crisp underneath, and built to hold generous toppings without collapsing. It’s a strong family play because ordering is fast, pies are shareable, and the menu has enough range to keep kids and adults happy.
Must-Try Dishes: Bob's Pepperoni Pizza, Pickle Pizza, Spinach Pesto & Stracciatella Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Beer-fermented dough delivers a distinct crisp-chewy “Pilsen-style” slice structure.
Who should go: Families who want a shareable pie without a long wait
When to visit: Early dinner for the shortest pickup and dine-in timing
What to order: Bob's Pepperoni, Pickle Pizza, spinach pesto pie
Insider tip: Order one specialty plus one classic—kids stay happy, adults get the signature.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on surrounding residential blocks; can be tight during peak dinner hours, easier earlier in the evening.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to moderately loud — conversation is easy at off-peak times, louder during busy dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; shorter if you arrive early or order takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie-forward pies and build-your-own options.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable toppings available, but vegan cheese availability can vary and cross-contamination is possible.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust option available, but prepared in a shared kitchen (not suitable for severe allergies).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and low-pressure — it’s relaxed, quick, and focused on good pizza rather than ambiance or lingering service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating, so reservations aren’t needed; timing matters more than planning.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — fast ordering, shareable pies, simple flavors kids like, and a casual room that doesn’t mind a little noise.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-quality pies with a distinctive crust that works equally well for families, groups, and quick dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down pizza experience with full table service or a traditional red-sauce Italian vibe.