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Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co.
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co.
7.9
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. serves Chicago-style stuffed and deep-dish pies from a compact storefront on Melrose. Its focus on heavy, shareable pizzas makes it popular with families and groups. The atmosphere is simple, but the pizza delivers strong flavor and high value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stuffed cheese pizza, Deep-dish sausage pizza, Garlic knots
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Classic Chicago-style stuffed pies in a modest setting.
Who should go: Groups craving hearty deep dish.
When to visit: Evenings when fresh pans rotate out quickly.
What to order: Stuffed cheese, sausage deep dish, garlic knots.
Insider tip: Call ahead for shorter wait times on stuffed pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose and nearby residential streets; spots can be limited during peak dinner hours but generally manageable.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, tees, and everyday wear are perfectly appropriate for this laid-back counter-service spot.
Noise level: Low to moderate; small storefront setting makes conversation easy, though pickup rushes can raise noise slightly.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on deep-dish bake times; call ahead to reduce wait.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; service is usually quick with steady takeout flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pies, veggie deep dish, and several sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese, but certain sides and salads may work for plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free crust; gluten-free options are limited to salads and select sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, low-pressure meet-up; the space is simple and focused on hearty comfort food rather than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate on a walk-in, counter-service model; the main wait is for deep-dish pies to bake rather than for seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very; the casual setting, shareable pizzas, and portion sizes make it ideal for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Deep-dish purists, families, and groups wanting hearty, shareable pies without the fuss of a full-service restaurant.
Skip if: You want a romantic setting, gluten-free pizza options, or a quicker meal than a deep-dish bake time allows.
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co.
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. is a deep-dish specialist on Melrose that also turns out hearty, saucy chicken wings alongside its signature pies. Locals lean on it for game-night orders where crispy wings, cheese-heavy pans, and late-evening pickup make it an easy all-in-one option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo wings, Lemon pepper wings, Stuffed deep-dish pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Chicago-style deep-dish pizza spot that also does substantial, shareable wings.
Who should go: Groups needing one-stop wings and pizza for game night.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for hot pies and wing platters.
What to order: Buffalo wings, lemon pepper wings, stuffed deep-dish combo.
Insider tip: Order wings extra-crispy if they’re riding home with a deep-dish in the box.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose can be tight during peak hours; look for metered spots or use nearby residential streets with posted restrictions.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—come as you are for takeout or quick dine-in.
Noise level: Moderate—steady foot traffic and takeout orders, but still easy to hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on pizza and wing volume; deep-dish pies take longer to prepare.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially for wings or slices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several cheese-based deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas plus a few vegetarian sides.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese, but salads or customizable veggie toppings are available.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free deep-dish; limited gluten-free crust availability varies by day, so call ahead.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves comfort-food indulgence—it’s more casual and takeout-heavy than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Most guests order for pickup or quick dine-in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families stop in often. Large portions, mild wing flavors, and shareable pizzas work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, shareable game-night food with wings and deep-dish in one stop—great value and convenience.
Skip if: You want crisp Neapolitan pies, extensive vegan options, or a more upscale dining room.
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co.
8.2
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. brings true Chicago-style deep dish to Melrose with hefty, cheese-loaded pies that are built for sharing. The cozy, informal room and steady takeout traffic make it a natural fit for family pizza nights when everyone wants something indulgent and filling.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic cheese deep-dish pizza, Sausage and pepperoni stuffed pie, Spinach and mushroom deep-dish
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Serious Chicago-style stuffed pies with generous cheese and long bake times.
Who should go: Families craving indulgent, shareable deep-dish pizza.
When to visit: Plan earlier weekend dinners to beat deep-dish bake times.
What to order: Cheese deep dish, sausage and pepperoni stuffed pie, spinach-mushroom.
Insider tip: Call ahead to start baking your deep dish before you arrive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Melrose and nearby residential blocks; expect moderate difficulty after 6pm, but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — most guests arrive in jeans, tees, or weekend wear.
Noise level: Moderate — steady dine-in and takeout flow but conversations at the table are easy.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on groups and deep-dish orders; call-ahead baking shortens total time.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with faster turnover and lighter crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pies can be made vegetarian, including spinach-mushroom and cheese-focused stuffed pizzas.
Vegan options: Limited — no fully vegan cheese options but salads and some appetizers can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free deep dish; limited gluten-free options through salads or lighter sides only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is into indulgent, comfort-forward meals; the deep-dish format is messy and heavy, so it’s better for casual, low-pressure dates rather than romantic ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the restaurant primarily operates without reservations. Calling ahead to start your deep-dish bake is the key to reducing your total time in-store.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — best for ages 6 and up who can handle longer bake times. Big booths, shareable pies, and a casual room make it ideal for family pizza nights.
Best For
Better for: Authentic stuffed and deep-dish pies that outshine standard LA-style pizza in terms of richness, size, and shareability.
Skip if: Choose elsewhere if you need quick service, gluten-free options, or a lighter, more refined Italian meal.
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co.
8.2
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. on Melrose specializes in heavy, cheese-laden Chicago-style pies with buttery crusts and inch-thick fillings. It’s the go-to in 90046 when you want a sit-down deep-dish experience built for sharing rather than a quick slice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cheese Deep-Dish Pizza, Mediterranean Stuffed Pizza, Fuego Spicy Deep-Dish
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: True Chicago-style stuffed pies in a neighborhood better known for thin crust.
Who should go: Deep-dish devotees and groups craving heavy comfort.
When to visit: Plan early evening; deep-dish bake times run long.
What to order: Classic cheese stuffed pie, Mediterranean, Fuego deep-dish.
Insider tip: Order one size smaller than usual; slices are extremely filling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose is limited during peak hours; expect to circle. Metered spots are easier before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in jeans and everyday wear.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still easy enough to talk over a shared deep-dish.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes depending on party size; deep-dish bake times add another 30+ minutes.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; pizzas still require extended bake time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several stuffed pies and thin-crust options work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese; salads can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — gluten-free crust is not typically available for stuffed pies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good if you’re aiming for cozy, comfort-food bonding rather than something elegant; deep-dish is heavy and slow-paced, which can be fun but not ideal for a refined first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate mostly walk-in. Arrive early to avoid the deep-dish backlog on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families come for the shareable pies and large tables. Portions are big, and the relaxed room suits younger kids.
Best For
Better for: True Chicago-style stuffed pies with buttery crusts and generous fillings — unmatched for deep-dish cravings in 90046.
Skip if: You want a quick slice, lighter pizza, or vegan/gluten-free options; deep-dish requires patience and appetite.
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co.
8.4
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co. on Melrose specializes in heavy-duty stuffed pies and New York–style rounds, serving until well past midnight for serious late-night cravings. Thick-crust deep dish, ultra-thin grandmas, and wings make it a go-to when you want a full meal, not just a quick slice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago's World Famous Stuffed Cheese Pizza, Gio's Meat Lovers Chicago's Stuffed Pizza, Mediterranean Chicago's Stuffed Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Late-night Chicago-style stuffed pies in a casual Melrose shop.
Who should go: Deep-dish fans and groups sharing heavy pies.
When to visit: After 10 p.m. when cravings hit hardest.
What to order: Stuffed Cheese, Gio’s Meat Lovers, Mediterranean Stuffed Pizza.
Insider tip: Plan for a 25–30 minute bake time on stuffed pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Melrose is possible but tight after 8 p.m.; look for side-street spots east of La Brea for the best luck.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are — hoodies and late-night attire are totally normal.
Noise level: Moderate; there’s a steady takeout flow, but you can still talk at the table without shouting.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on how many stuffed pies are ahead of you; slices move fast, whole pies take longer.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings are generally quick for pickup, with short waits for tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple stuffed and thin-crust vegetarian pies plus salads.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese, but you can order veggie pizzas without cheese.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free dough; wings and salads are the safest options for gluten-sensitive diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves heavy pizza and low-key vibes — it’s more about comfort food than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Small parties usually find a spot, but stuffed-pie bake times mean you’ll still wait for food.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who love pizza; limited space and late-night traffic make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Massive, Chicago-style stuffed pies served late — ideal for groups craving something heavier than the typical slice shop.
Skip if: You want quick counter slices, gluten-free options, or a more polished sit-down environment.