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Cowabunga! Pizza Pies

1117 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60608
Pizza

ZipPicks Awards

Best Pizza in Pilsen

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies 8.2
Bridgeport
A slice-forward stop built around huge New York–style wedges from extra-large pies, designed for fast, no-drama pizza runs. The best move is to go signature-first, then add one classic slice so you can compare topping balance versus pure cheese-and-crust.
Must-Try Dishes: Cowabunga Special Slice, Whole 20-inch Cheese Pizza, Gluten-Free Build-Your-Own (10-inch)
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Extra-large NY-style pies with true slice-shop energy.
Who should go: Slice hunters and quick dinner grabbers
When to visit: Early evening for best selection
What to order: Cowabunga Special slice, cheese slice, whole pie for groups
Insider tip: Mix one loaded slice with one plain cheese to judge the bake cleanly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding blocks; generally manageable on weekdays, tighter during weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and pizza-shop attire are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—lively slice-shop energy, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you’re just grabbing slices
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese slices and rotating vegetable-topped options are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited—may be possible with sauce and vegetable toppings, but no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: No—New York–style crust only, no gluten-free alternative.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual meetup than a formal date—great if you want fast pizza and conversation without ceremony.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service with limited seating; most people eat in briefly or take slices to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple slices, quick service, and a relaxed vibe make it easy for kids, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Oversized New York–style slices, speed, and classic slice-shop satisfaction without fuss.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, gluten-free options, or a destination-style pizza experience.

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 5pm