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Pizano's Pizza & Pasta
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta
7.9
This South Loop outpost of the Chicago-based Pizano's group serves deep-dish and thin-crust pies, pastas, and salads a short walk from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena. It’s a go-to for groups and travelers who want recognizable Chicago-style pizza with full bar service near the convention center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rudy's Special Deep-Dish Pizza, Thin-Crust Sausage and Pepperoni, House Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Convention-area pizzeria offering deep-dish and thin-crust with full bar and TVs.
Who should go: Groups wanting classic Chicago-style pizza steps from McCormick Place.
When to visit: Early evenings before conventions let out to secure group tables.
What to order: Rudy’s Special deep dish, thin-crust sausage and pepperoni, house salad.
Insider tip: If time is tight, call ahead so your deep dish hits the table quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby side streets plus several paid garages near McCormick Place; easiest on non-event nights
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and convention attire are common
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during games and convention surges; quieter at off-peak hours
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during conventions or event nights; shorter outside peak windows
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during major conference breaks
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizzas, margarita-style pies, salads, and select pastas
Vegan options: Limited — can build a cheese-free veggie pizza; confirm ingredients with staff
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust typically available for thin-crust pies; preparation is not fully celiac-safe
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates — the energy skews lively and group-oriented, especially on game or convention nights.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, but expect waits when conventions or events let out; calling ahead or arriving before peak dinner hours helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with booths, sharable pizzas, and a relaxed atmosphere; busiest periods may feel loud for very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, out-of-town guests, and pre-/post-event meals near the convention center where familiar Chicago-style pizza and full bar service are priorities.
Skip if: You want a quiet, chef-driven Italian experience or are sensitive to noise and crowd surges tied to nearby events.
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta
8.5
This Pizano's location sits a short walk from McCormick Place, bringing the chain’s buttery thin crust and Chicago deep dish to convention-goers and South Loop residents. It’s priced a bit higher than neighborhood slice shops, but for visitors looking for a recognized Chicago pizza name at sitting-down prices rather than tourist-trap markups, it’s a strong value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin Crust Meat Lover's Pizza, Thin Crust Rudy's Special Pizza, Deep Dish Cheese and Sausage Pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Convention-adjacent outlet of a classic Chicago mini-chain known for buttery thin crust and traditional deep dish.
Who should go: Convention attendees seeking real Chicago pizza within a short walk.
When to visit: Early evenings before convention rush or after sessions wind down.
What to order: Thin Crust Meat Lover’s, Rudy’s Special, deep dish cheese and sausage.
Insider tip: If you’re tight on time between conference sessions, order thin crust—it bakes and turns quicker than deep dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited near McCormick Square; most guests use nearby paid garages or convention-center lots, especially during major events.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans, conference attire, and comfortable layers are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is workable at most tables, but volume rises during convention rush and peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during major conference weekends; shorter on non-event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait except during large convention break windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese pizzas, margherita-style builds, salads, and some pastas can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — crust and sauce can work for custom builds, but cheese-free options are basic and require modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial — gluten-free crust availability varies by day; cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a relaxed, Chicago-comfort-food style date — it’s casual, comfortable, and reliable, though not especially intimate during convention peaks.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes outside major events; during conferences, expect waits and consider calling ahead or arriving early, especially if ordering deep dish.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly seating, shareable pizzas, and straightforward menu items make it a good fit for kids and groups.
Best For
Better for: Recognizable Chicago-style pizza close to McCormick Place with sit-down service and more consistent quality than nearby grab-and-go options.
Skip if: You want the absolute lowest-price slices, ultra-fast counter service, or a quiet, upscale atmosphere away from convention traffic.