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Emmett's
Master Critic Review
Emmett's
8.6
Opened in 2013 by Chicago native Emmett Burke, this South Village spot brings cast-iron deep dish and tavern-style pies to a cozy, wood-paneled room that hums late into the night. It’s more of a sit-down pizzeria than a slice joint, with made-to-order pies that reward the wait with blistered crusts and gooey centers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage deep dish pizza, Pepperoni deep dish pizza, Chicago Italian beef sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chicago-style deep dish and tavern pies done with New York ingredients and serious craft.
Who should go: Small groups craving a sit-down, indulgent late-night pizza feast.
When to visit: Later in the evening for a relaxed, post-dinner deep dish session.
What to order: Sausage deep dish, pepperoni deep dish, Italian beef to share.
Insider tip: Factor in a 30–40 minute bake time and order a drink and small plate while the deep dish cooks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the South Village, especially after 7pm; expect to rely on nearby paid garages within a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sweaters are common, but many diners lean slightly polished for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate—lively room buzz but still manageable for conversation across a small table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins depending on party size; deep dish bake time adds additional wait once seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Emmett’s primarily serves dinner; early-evening weekday visits generally have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options including cheese deep dish, veggie tavern pies, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; salads are the most reliable choice.
Gluten-free options: No gluten-free deep dish; occasional gluten-free tavern-style dough availability varies—call ahead to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its warm, wood-paneled room and shareable deep dish pizzas create an intimate, unhurried setting. Just note the long bake time, which works best if you’re comfortable chatting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially late at night or on weekdays. For weekend evenings, expect a wait; putting your name in and grabbing a drink nearby is common practice.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle a later, sit-down meal. No dedicated children’s menu and the room is more date- and group-oriented than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Chicago-style deep dish executed with high-quality local ingredients, plus a cozy sit-down atmosphere that’s rarer among late-night pizza spots.
Skip if: You want a quick slice, need vegan or gluten-free pizza, or prefer lighter, quicker-cooking pies without the 30–40 minute bake time.