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Best Cheap Eats Pizza Restaurants in Chicago

50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: February 2026

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Our Top Pick
Bonci
Roman-style pizza al taglio sliced by weight with ever-changing toppings.

Notable Picks

8.6
$ West Loop Pizza
This Rome-born slice shop specializes in pizza al taglio, with trays of oblong, creatively topped pies cut to order and sold by weight. Locals use it for quick, high-flavor lunches or casual dinners when they want variety and crispy, airy crusts without a full sit-down experience.
Must-Try Dishes: Potato & Mozzarella al taglio slice, Sausage & Mushrooms slice, Margherita al taglio slice
What Makes it Special: Roman-style pizza al taglio sliced by weight with ever-changing toppings.
$ River North Pizza, Italian
Since 2014, Dough Bros has been the go-to New York–style slice window in 60654, staying open as late as 4 a.m. on weekends. Counter service, foldable slices, and subs make it the quintessential post-bar pizza stop near the State & Hubbard cluster of nightlife.
Must-Try Dishes: Artichoke & Spinach Slice, Mushroom Slice, Custom Build-Your-Own Whole Pie
What Makes it Special: True late-night New York–style slices and subs steps from River North bars.
$ Logan Square Pizza
Festa Pizzeria is a long-running Logan Square slice-and-delivery joint known for tavern-cut pies, wings, and rib tips at budget-friendly prices. High-volume delivery traffic and steady late-night orders make it a workhorse option when you need to feed a crowd without overthinking it.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese & Sausage Pizza, Large Rib Tips Dinner, Mozzarella Sticks
What Makes it Special: A high-volume neighborhood pizzeria where thin-crust pies and rib tips anchor one of the area’s most reliable budget delivery options.
$$ West Loop Pizza
This full-service outpost of the original stuffed-pizza pioneer pairs heavy, cheese-laden pies with a neighborhood-bar feel and a broad menu. West Loop regulars use it for family dinners, game nights, and delivery when they specifically want that old-school Chicago stuffed style.
Must-Try Dishes: Sausage Chicago Stuffed Pizza, Pepperoni Chicago Stuffed Pizza, Spinach Stuffed Pizza
What Makes it Special: Legacy Chicago brand serving original stuffed pizzas in a casual room.
$$ Lincoln Square Italian, Pizza
A delivery-friendly pizza shop where lasagna is the reliable order when you want a baked, cheese-forward meal instead of another round of slices. Best play is lasagna plus one simple pizza lane for the table, keeping the order tight for timing and heat.
Must-Try Dishes: Lasagna, Stuffed pizza, Thin-crust pizza
What Makes it Special: Lasagna that works as a dependable takeout comfort anchor.
$ South Chicago Pizza
A Southeast Side thin-crust shop that locals use as a dependable, no-frills pizza night. The move is a classic pie ordered well-done so the crust stays crisp and the cheese sets cleanly.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin Crust Cheese Pizza, Thin Crust Sausage Pizza, Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood thin-crust lane that rewards a simple, well-done classic pie.
$ Loop Pizza
A South Loop carryout staple built around cracker-thin tavern-style pies that travel well when you keep the order focused. It’s a reliable family move for at-home pizza night—one or two pies feeds a table fast without the dine-in overhead.
Must-Try Dishes: Cracker-thin tavern-style pizza, Pat's Special pizza, Homemade sausage topping
What Makes it Special: Cracker-thin, tavern-style pies with a sauce-and-crust snap people return for.
8.2
$$ Edison Park Pizza
An Edison Park pizzeria with a casual, come-as-you-are setup and a menu that rewards ordering a couple of distinct formats instead of going too wide. The best value move is a signature pizza plus one side that travels well, making it a strong group or takeout play.
Must-Try Dishes: The Don Pizza, Garlic Knots, Fried Dough
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood pizzeria where signature pies and sides hit consistently for the price.
$ Loop Pizza
A Pedway-level slice counter built for Loop speed: thick, Chicago-leaning slices and stuffed-style heft without the sit-down friction. It’s at its best when you order to eat immediately—hot cheese, crisped edges, and a grab-and-go rhythm that fits shopping and office foot traffic.
Must-Try Dishes: Stuffed pizza slice, Sausage deep-dish slice, Thin-crust slice (when fresh)
What Makes it Special: Pedway-level Chicago-style slices that hit fast and filling downtown.
$$$ Andersonville Pizza
A Detroit-style specialist where the appeal is caramelized edge, sturdy squares, and topping combos that eat like a full meal. It’s best as a takeout-first play—commit to one pan, add one side, and let the crispy corners do the work.
Must-Try Dishes: Detroit-style pepperoni pizza, The Goods (signature loaded Detroit-style pie), Chubbies (pepperoni rolls)
What Makes it Special: Detroit-style pans with a real caramelized edge and heavy satisfaction.
$$ Little Italy Pizza
The famed New York slice shop’s Chicago outpost brings thick Sicilian squares and big New York-style slices to Randolph’s restaurant row. It’s a fast-casual, mostly-standup operation geared toward quick lunches and late-night runs for pepperoni-cupped, sauce-forward pies.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Spring Pie, Chicago Supreme square, Prince Perfection Pie
What Makes it Special: NYC-famous Sicilian squares and slices served fast on Randolph Row.
$ West Loop Pizza
A reliable Loop workhorse serving all three Chicago pizza styles: crispy thin crust, hand-rolled pan, and butter-crusted deep dish. Open until 3am on weekdays, Rosati's is the late-night office worker's salvation with quick counter service and delivery.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy Thin Crust Pizza, Rosati's Deep Dish, Italian Beef Sandwich
What Makes it Special: All three Chicago pizza styles under one roof with late-night hours
$$ Old Town Pizza
A compact Old Town counter that’s built for quick slices and straightforward pies, with a style that leans crisp and snackable. It’s best as a fast win—order a couple slices, eat them hot, and move on without turning it into a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes: Bob's Pepperoni Pizza, Mushroom and Onion Slice, Cheese Slice
What Makes it Special: A small-footprint slice shop that delivers a reliably satisfying quick hit.
$$ St. Bens Italian, Pizza
Serving North Center since the 1950s, Pete's Pizza pairs its thin-crust pies with baked cheese and meat lasagna trays that feel tailor-made for family dinners. The room stays casual and busy, with regulars ordering lasagna for dine-in, carryout, and catering alongside old-school pizza combinations.
Must-Try Dishes: Baked cheese lasagna, Baked meat lasagna, Thin-crust sausage pizza
What Makes it Special: Decades-old neighborhood pizzeria where lasagna pans are a staple.

Worthy Picks

$ Lower West Side Pizza
A newer, takeout-leaning pizza stop that’s all about straightforward execution and strong slice satisfaction without the extra theater. Go pepperoni-first, then add one topping-heavy slice to see how the crust holds under load.
Must-Try Dishes: Pepperoni Slice, Sausage Pizza, Giardiniera Pizza
What Makes it Special: New-school, no-frills pizza built for fast repeatable wins.
$ Logan Square Pizza
Dante’s Pizzeria is a metal-loving slice shop turning out oversized New York–style pies with creative, sometimes fiery topping combinations. The Armitage location leans hard into divey energy and generous slices, making it a default choice for casual nights, carryout, and late-ish dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Inferno Pie, Minotaur Pie, Vegan Inferno Slice
What Makes it Special: A loud, punk-leaning slice shop known for giant 20-inch pies and spicy topping combinations.
$ West Loop Italian, Pizza
Arturo Express is a daytime Italian cafe near Union Station known for Italian beef, hand-tossed pizzas, pastas and value-priced lunch combos. Commuters and office regulars rely on it for hearty, old-school Chicago Italian plates that move quickly without feeling like pure fast food.
Must-Try Dishes: Italian Beef, Arturo Signature Salad, Salad & 1/2 Pizza Combo
What Makes it Special: Union Station-adjacent Italian counter doing beef, pizza and pasta combos.
$ North Center Pizza
A jumbo-slice counter built for speed and value—more of a dependable fuel stop than a destination pie. It shines when you treat it like a simple, hot-slice mission and keep the order anchored to classic cheese or pepperoni.
Must-Try Dishes: Jumbo cheese slice, Jumbo pepperoni slice, 30-inch hand-tossed pizza (for groups)
What Makes it Special: Jumbo slices that function as a full meal, fast.
$ West Town Pizza, Italian
Named Chicago's Best Pizza by the Tribune and Food & Wine, this family pizzeria perfects grandfather Fred Bartoli's deep-dish recipe with a buttery, crunchy crust and house-made spinach mix. The affordable slices and BYOB policy make it a neighborhood essential.
Must-Try Dishes: Spinach Deep Dish Pizza, Meat Lovers Pizza, Thin Crust Sausage
What Makes it Special: Award-winning deep dish using a perfected family recipe with signature spinach mix
$ Irving Park Pizza
Albany Park’s Bellona’s Pizza is more than a slice joint, leaning heavily into loaded fry creations alongside pizzas and Italian-American comfort food. Bellona’s Blazin’ Fries, crinkle-cut or waffle fries drowned in house chili, cheese, and jalapeños, have become a signature order for regulars and delivery customers.
Must-Try Dishes: Bellona’s Blazin’ Fries, Crinkle Cut Fries with custom toppings, Waffle Fries with cheese and bacon
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood pizza shop where chili-smothered fry platters are as popular as the pies.
$ Elmwood Park Pizza
A classic neighborhood pizzeria built for simple, filling orders—pan pizza for the baseline, with stuffed and panzerotti when you want something heavier. Best for low-friction takeout nights where you want one pizza that feeds everyone without debate.
Must-Try Dishes: Pan cheese pizza, Stuffed pizza, Panzerotti
What Makes it Special: A pan-pizza neighborhood shop with stuffed and panzerotti backup options.
$ West Lawn Pizza
A neighborhood pizzeria that plays best as a straightforward family takeout stop—hot pies, simple toppings, and a no-drama ordering rhythm. Keep it classic and you’ll get the cleanest read: one pizza for the table, plus a basic side for the kids.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese pizza, Sausage pizza, Mozzarella sticks
What Makes it Special: A simple, neighborhood-first pizza counter built for dependable takeout.
$ Jefferson Park Pizza
A straightforward neighborhood pizzeria built for takeout efficiency—quick pies, familiar Chicago-style comfort, and minimal decision friction. It’s strongest when you treat it like a value move: one pizza, one side, then get out while it’s hot.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin-crust pizza (pepperoni), Sausage pizza, Mozzarella sticks
What Makes it Special: Low-friction, value-forward pizza built for quick pickup and repeat orders.
$$ Lincoln Park Pizza
Family-run since 1950, Pat’s is a cornerstone of Chicago tavern-style pizza, serving ultra-thin, square-cut pies alongside a full Italian menu. The room feels more like an old-school neighborhood restaurant than a modern pizzeria, and regulars lean on it for reliably crisp pies and red-sauce comfort.
Must-Try Dishes: Pat's Special tavern-style thin crust, Cheese thin crust pizza, Fried calamari
What Makes it Special: Family-run since 1950, serving ultra-thin, square-cut tavern pizza and red-sauce staples.
$ Near West Side Pizza
A takeout-first Southeast Side stop where the appeal is quick slices and simple combos rather than a sit-down experience. Treat it like a focused grab: one pizza lane, one side, then stop.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice, Fries
What Makes it Special: Takeout-only energy that’s best as a quick slice-and-side combo run.
$ Niles Italian, Pizza
A mostly-takeout Italian-American comfort stop that’s strongest when you keep it simple: pizza plus one classic side, or a straightforward parm-and-pasta lane. It’s a reliable neighborhood fallback built for quick wins, not dining-room vibes.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Parmesan Pasta, Cheese Fries, Italian Beef
What Makes it Special: Fast Italian-American classics with a strong value lane.
$ Jefferson Park Pizza
A straightforward Albany Park pizza counter built for repeatable takeout and delivery—classic pies, wings, and quick comfort that travels well. It’s strongest when you keep it simple: one reliable pizza build plus a side, then save experimentation for a second visit.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Chicken wings
What Makes it Special: A no-frills neighborhood pizza stop optimized for fast, dependable takeout and delivery.
River North Italian, Pizza
Opened in 2025 by Boka Restaurant Group, Zarella does both tavern-style squares and artisan round pies alongside starters and a few Italian American plates. Its grab-and-go window and relatively moderate pricing make it a newer, more casual entry into the River North Italian landscape.
Must-Try Dishes: Soppressata & Mortadella specialty pie, Spicy vodka pizza, Sunday Salad with salami and ditalini
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven tavern and artisan pizzas with a grab-and-go window in the former GT Fish space.
$ Loop Pizza
A fast Loop counter built around jumbo slices that prioritize sheer lunch-time fuel over finesse. When it’s on, the move is simple: grab one big slice, keep toppings classic, and treat it like a quick reset between meetings rather than a destination sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes: Jumbo slice (pepperoni), Stuffed slice (sausage & pepperoni), Jumbo pizza (party-size)
What Makes it Special: Oversized, grab-and-go jumbo slices designed for fast Loop lunches.
$ Uptown Pizza, Italian
A classic neighborhood pizza shop that leans into fast service, big slices, and familiar Chicago-area comfort. It shines when you order simply—thin crust or a slice-and-salad combo—so the value stays the headline.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin-crust sausage pizza, Pepperoni slice, Stuffed pizza
What Makes it Special: Big-slice, fast-service pizza that’s built for everyday cravings.
$ O'Hare Airport Pizza
A delivery-and-takeout-friendly neighborhood Italian menu that covers multiple pizza formats—thin crust, deep dish, and stuffed—plus panzerotti and a broad comfort-food bench. It’s best used as a late-hour, build-your-order spot where you stick to one pizza lane and add a single side for a cleaner, hotter arrival.
Must-Try Dishes: Joe Special Pizza, Stuffed Cheese Pizza, Cheese Panzerotti
What Makes it Special: Multiple Chicago-style formats (thin, deep, stuffed) plus panzerotti in one menu.
$ South Chicago Pizza
A neighborhood counter on 79th where late-night orders lean into thin-crust pizza with a sweeter-leaning sauce profile and a side lane of tacos. It’s best as a straightforward pickup: one pizza built for immediate eating, with extras kept minimal so the crust stays crisp.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin-crust pizza with sweet sauce, Garlic + fresh mozzarella thin-crust pizza, Tacos
What Makes it Special: A late-night South Shore pizza counter known for sweet-sauce thin crust.
7.7
$ Lower West Side Pizza
A neighborhood Little Village/Pilsen-area standby built for value-driven slices and quick, filling meals rather than a long sit-down. It’s best as a simple combo run: grab one slice fresh from the counter, add one classic topping slice, and keep it moving.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese Slice, Sausage Slice, Pepperoni Slice
What Makes it Special: Slice-and-go value with a neighborhood regulars backbone.
$$ Gage Park Pizza
A long-time neighborhood pizza shop with a loyal local base, built around takeout and delivery convenience. The strength is the classic “hot pie + simple sides” format—order to eat immediately, because the texture window matters.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin Crust Pizza, Deep Dish Pizza, Pizza by the Slice
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood go-to for straightforward pizza built for takeout speed.
Edgewater Pizza
A neighborhood counter built for quick slices and straightforward whole pies, strongest when you keep the order simple and hot. It plays best as a grab-and-go stop—one slice or one medium pie—rather than a big multi-item spread.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese slice, Pepperoni thin-crust pie, Sausage slice
What Makes it Special: A fast slice-and-pie counter optimized for quick, hot pickups.
$$$ Lower West Side Italian, Pizza
A late-night Pilsen counter spot where lasagna is available alongside jumbo-slice energy, making it a practical, after-hours comfort play. The move is simple: grab one lasagna order (cheese or meat) and skip stacking extras so it stays hot and satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese Lasagna, Meat Lasagna, Jumbo Slice
What Makes it Special: Lasagna you can order late, in a fast counter-service format.
Uptown Pizza
A straightforward neighborhood counter built around no-fuss pies and takeout convenience. The best path here is one focused pizza—especially a sauce-and-topping combo you already know you like—because the strength is simple satisfaction, not maximal customization.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo chicken pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Cheese pizza
What Makes it Special: No-frills counter pizza that’s built to solve a quick craving.
$ Norwood Park Pizza
A casual, neighborhood-friendly spot where pizza is the anchor and ordering stays low-friction—good for families who want an easy, affordable meal without the dining-room formality. Stick to their strongest lane (thin crust) and treat it like a reliable takeout/delivery option for weeknights.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin-crust sausage pizza, BBQ chicken pizza, Cannoli
What Makes it Special: A budget-friendly neighborhood pizzeria built for easy weeknight ordering.
$ Hyde Park Pizza
A no-frills Hyde Park counter that’s strongest in the slice lane when you want fast, inexpensive pizza without a big commitment. Order like a regular: grab slices and keep expectations focused on value, speed, and convenience.
Must-Try Dishes: Sausage slice, Pepperoni slice, Cheese slice
What Makes it Special: A slice-first neighborhood shop built for quick, low-cost orders.
$$ Loop Pizza
A no-frills Loop counter where pizza-and-sub basics cover mixed cravings without ceremony. It’s strongest as a quick, hot-and-eaten-now stop—one slice lane plus one sub or side keeps quality from slipping.
Must-Try Dishes: Pepperoni slice, Cheese slice, Italian sub
What Makes it Special: Straightforward pizza-and-subs counter for fast downtown fuel.
$ Belmont Cragin Italian, Pizza
A classic neighborhood pizza counter where the best results come from ordering simply and eating it hot. Go for one dependable pie (or a couple slices), add a straightforward side, and skip overly complicated builds—this is a value-and-speed operation first.
Must-Try Dishes: Sausage and pepperoni slice, Deep-dish sausage slice, Caesar salad with chicken
What Makes it Special: Old-school pizza-counter value when you keep the order simple.
$$ Albany Park Italian, Pizza
A casual, value-forward neighborhood spot for calzones and pizza with a straightforward, no-frills approach. It’s best when you treat it like a quick feed: one calzone, one simple pie, and you’re done without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes: Calzone, Thin-crust pizza, Garlic bread
What Makes it Special: Budget-friendly pizzas and calzones that hit the fast-and-filling lane.
$ Little Village Pizza
A Little Village staple that plays best as a straightforward, value-leaning pizza stop with a loyal neighborhood following. Order simplest here—one classic topping pie or slices—so the seasoning and bake stay the focus.
Must-Try Dishes: Pepperoni Pizza, Sausage Pizza, Cheese Slice
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood pizza institution that prioritizes value and speed.
$ Little Village Pizza
A bakery-first stop that also functions as a low-key pizza option for locals, especially when you want something quick and filling without a sit-down commitment. It’s best used as a grab-and-go play—one simple slice/pie plus a bakery add-on—rather than a destination dinner.
Must-Try Dishes: Jalapeño pizza, Cheese pizza, Bakery pastries
What Makes it Special: Bakery-plus-pizza combo that works for fast, budget-friendly meals.
$ Hermosa Pizza
A late-night, neighborhood-first pizza-and-pasta counter where the best play is a pan or thicker-cut pie when you want comfort over finesse. Treat it like a delivery-friendly meal: one hearty pizza plus one simple side keeps the experience structured and hot.
Must-Try Dishes: Pan Pizza (Sausage & Pepperoni), Thin Crust Cheese Pizza, Spaghetti with Sausage
What Makes it Special: Late-night comfort pizza that leans pan-style and delivery rhythm.
$ Chicago Lawn Pizza
A late-hours neighborhood pizza-and-comfort-food option that works best as an easy delivery or pickup play. The move is keeping it simple—pizza as the base order—then add one side if you’re feeding more than one person.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin Crust Pizza, Cheese Pizza, Fries
What Makes it Special: A late-night neighborhood pizza stop that’s optimized for pickup and delivery.
$ Old Town Pizza
Papa Romeo’s is a family-owned late-night delivery and takeout shop promising hot pizzas and cheesy bread until 5 a.m. every night. It’s the move when you want affordable, made-to-order pies and sides delivered deep into the overnight hours from a simple counter storefront.
Must-Try Dishes: Create-Your-Own Thin-Crust Pizza, Chicago Style Cheesebread, BBQ Chicken or Caprese Specialty Pizza
What Makes it Special: A hyper-late delivery specialist serving pizza and sides until 5 a.m.
$ Old Town Pizza
A by-the-slice stop tucked under the Sedgwick Brown Line that’s built for pure convenience, not a long meal. Treat it like a commuter move: grab a couple slices while they’re hot, keep expectations focused on quick satisfaction, and get back to your night.
Must-Try Dishes: Cheese Slice, Pepperoni Slice, Slice Special (rotating)
What Makes it Special: Brown Line-adjacent slices designed for fast, reliable grab-and-go eating.
$ Jefferson Park Pizza
A low-key Elston Ave spot that mixes pizza with Balkan comfort food, which makes it one of the more offbeat ‘cheap pizza’ options in the ZIP. It works best when you choose one lane—pizza or a Balkan plate—so the order stays coherent and satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin-crust pizza (one-topping), Cevapi, Greek salad
What Makes it Special: A neighborhood pizza shop with a distinct Balkan-food lane alongside pies.
$ Jefferson Park Pizza
A newer Norwood Park pizza counter that’s getting early traction for thin-crust pies—especially when ordered well-done for extra crisp. With limited review volume, it’s best treated as a “try it” spot for locals looking for a fresh option rather than a proven destination.
Must-Try Dishes: Thin-crust sausage pizza (well-done), Double pepperoni thin crust, Bosco sticks with marinara
What Makes it Special: Newer neighborhood shop leaning hard into crisp thin crust.