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Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
8.3
A big, sports-bar-style Italian spot that’s built around tavern-cut pizza with a loyal local following. The best play is to keep it simple—one classic pie plus one side—so the kitchen stays in its most repeatable lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-style thin crust (square-cut), Buffalo wings, Sausage pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tavern-cut pizza in a high-TV, neighborhood tavern setting.
Who should go: Friends who want pizza with a sports-bar backdrop
When to visit: Weeknights before the later rush
What to order: Tavern-cut pie, wings, fries
Insider tip: Stick to one topping profile across the pie for the cleanest bake.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and residential spots nearby can be competitive after 6pm, especially on game nights.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and team gear are all normal.
Noise level: Loud—TVs, game audio, and group tables make this more of a social buzz than a conversation-forward room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak game windows without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese and veggie-loaded tavern pies, salads, and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads or modified vegetable sides without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pizza crust availability can vary; cross-contamination is possible in a pizza-forward kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than intimate ones—great energy and easy food, but loud and TV-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights, but expect waits during games or weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—pizza, fries, and a casual vibe work well, though noise levels can be high.
Best For
Better for: Group hangouts, watching sports, and classic Chicago tavern-cut pizza with a lively bar atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet Italian dinner, a date-night mood, or chef-driven pasta-focused cooking.
Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
8.3
A classic tavern setting where cracker-thin Chicago-style pizza is the main reason to show up, backed by steady neighborhood energy. Order like a regular: one thin-crust pie, one appetizer, and stop before the menu turns into a buffet.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-style thin crust pizza, Sausage pizza, Pepperoni pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school tavern pizza with a crisp, snackable cut.
Who should go: Neighborhood groups wanting pizza and a bar
When to visit: Non-game nights for calmer service
What to order: Thin crust pie, sausage topping, pepperoni topping
Insider tip: Go midweek and sit early—timing stays sharp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable midweek but tighter during evening sports events.
Dress code: Casual tavern wear—jeans, sneakers, and team gear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during games; conversations are easy between whistles but tougher during peak moments.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, longer if a big game is on.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable toppings and meatless thin-crust pies are easy to build.
Vegan options: Very limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; best bet is a cheeseless veggie pie.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available, but prepared in a shared kitchen (cross-contact possible).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than intimate ones—it’s friendly and relaxed, but the sports-bar energy can overpower romantic conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Arrive early on weekends or avoid game start times for the smoothest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—pizza-focused menu, flexible seating, and a casual vibe work well for kids, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Cracker-thin tavern pizza with a true neighborhood bar feel—stronger for groups and game nights than trend-driven pizzerias.
Skip if: You want deep dish, a quiet dining room, or a more chef-driven pizza experience.
Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
7.6
A Buena Park tavern-pizzeria where wings are the smart add-on to a simple bar meal rather than the centerpiece of a wing crawl. Best move: wings plus one pizza lane decision, then stop—this place rewards restraint more than menu sprawl.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Thin-Crust Tavern Pizza, Jalapeño Poppers
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Wings-plus-pizza tavern rhythm that stays reliably casual.
Who should go: Casual groups who want wings and pizza
When to visit: Weeknights for easiest seating
What to order: Buffalo wings, thin-crust pizza, jalapeño poppers
Insider tip: Keep it wings plus one pizza—don’t overorder.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on nearby residential blocks; usually manageable on weeknights but tighter during Cubs games or weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and team gear are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversation is easy at off-hours but TV volume and crowd noise rise on game nights.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak dinner or game windows
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizza, veggie toppings, salads, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with pizza modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some gluten-free-friendly items, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual hang than a romantic first impression. TVs and a bar vibe make it relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard. Aim for earlier evenings or non-game days for the smoothest seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, especially earlier in the day. Pizza, wings, and casual seating work well for families, though it gets louder at night.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want wings and pizza together in a straightforward neighborhood tavern setting.
Skip if: You’re doing a serious wing crawl or want destination-level wings — this is more about balance than standout wing intensity.
Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
8.5
A sports-tavern pizza destination that leans hard into Chicago tavern-style: thin, crisp, and built for groups watching games. The best move is a focused order—one tavern-style pie for the table and one supporting item—so everything lands hot and timed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern Style Pizza, Deep Dish Pizza, Hot Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Tavern-style pizza inside a true game-day sports tavern setup.
Who should go: Groups who want pizza with TVs and energy
When to visit: Fri–Sat nights or during big games
What to order: Tavern style pizza, deep dish pizza, hot wings
Insider tip: Go tavern-style for the table and keep toppings simple for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on side streets but tight during games and late evenings.
Dress code: Casual and sporty—jeans, sneakers, and team gear are all normal.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak hours; conversation is possible but not private.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during games or after 7pm on Fri–Sat.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese pizza and veggie toppings work well on the tavern-style crust.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan cheese; best option is a veggie pizza without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or sports-focused dates than romantic first impressions—energy and TVs dominate the room.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially outside of game windows; during big events, expect a short wait or aim for off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common earlier in the evening, with simple pizzas and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly tavern-style pizza with lots of TVs and late-night energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, artisanal pizza, or strong dietary-accommodation options.
Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
8.3
A tavern-style stronghold where the pizza hits best when you lean into the pub rhythm: thin-crust squares, wings on the side, and a no-drama order that the kitchen can repeat all night. It’s more about reliable execution and comfort than any single “destination” moment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pub Tavern Thin Crust Pizza, White Pizza, Michael's Original Special Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Classic tavern pizza and wings with steady pub execution.
Who should go: Groups doing pizza-and-wings night
When to visit: Game nights or easy weeknight dinners
What to order: Tavern thin crust; white pizza; wings
Insider tip: Keep the table in one crust style.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on surrounding Lakeview streets; availability drops significantly during evening hours and game nights.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jerseys, hoodies, and jeans are common.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours, especially during games; quieter but still lively on off-peak weeknights.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours or game nights; shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizzas, white pizza, and veggie toppings are easy to build.
Vegan options: Limited — no dedicated vegan cheese; workable only if you customize without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust may be available, but cross-contamination is likely in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for an intimate first date, but solid for a casual, low-pressure meet-up where watching a game or sharing pizza feels natural.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are standard here. Expect waits during peak dinner hours or major sports events.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier hours — pizza, wings, and booth seating work well for families, though it skews adult and louder at night.
Best For
Better for: Reliable tavern-style pizza, wings, and a true sports-bar atmosphere that handles groups and repeat orders well.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, romantic pizza spot or a destination-style chef-driven pie.
Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
8.4
A big, kid-friendly tavern setup that’s built for families who need a no-drama pizza night with plenty of seating and a menu that can handle mixed ages. Order one pizza style as the table’s base and add one simple side—this place works best when you keep the ticket focused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sausage pizza, Pepperoni pizza, Cheese pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A roomy pizza-and-tavern staple that’s easy for families.
Who should go: Families who want pizza with sit-down comfort.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier seating.
What to order: Sausage pizza, pepperoni pizza, classic cheese pizza.
Insider tip: Order the pizza first, then add one side if needed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on nearby residential blocks but tighter during Cubs games or weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and team gear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — TVs and families create steady background noise, conversation is easy but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizza and veggie-topped pies are easy orders.
Vegan options: Very limited — may be possible with no cheese and veggie toppings, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust may be available, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — it’s more casual and lively than intimate, but fine for a relaxed, no-pressure meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the large dining room handles walk-ins well, especially on weeknights or earlier in the evening.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — spacious seating, familiar food, and a laid-back environment work well for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Big groups, families with kids, and anyone who wants a stress-free pizza night with plenty of space and TVs.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal, a date-night vibe, or a more craft-focused pizza experience.