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Salerno's Pizza of Chicago
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Salerno's Pizza of Chicago
7.7
Vibes:
Sports Bar Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
This family-owned neighborhood institution has served Chicagoland since 1966, offering one of the most extensive Italian menus in the area alongside their signature thin-crust pizza. The sports bar atmosphere, generous portions, and nostalgic vibe make it a West Town anchor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin Crust Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana, Fried Calamari
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Nearly 60 years of family-owned Chicago Italian tradition with an enormous menu
Who should go: Families and groups seeking classic Chicago Italian sports bar vibe
When to visit: Game days for the full sports bar experience
What to order: Meat Lover's Double Dough pizza, veal scaloppine, pasta fagioli
Insider tip: Try the five different veal options - unusual depth for a neighborhood spot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot on-site - rare for Chicago; street parking also available on Grand Ave
Dress code: Come as you are - jeans, jerseys, casual everything
Noise level: Moderate to loud - TVs throughout, jukebox playing, gets boisterous on game nights
Weekend wait: 15-30 min on game nights (Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs); minimal otherwise
Weekday lunch: Seated immediately - popular local lunch spot
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie pizzas, eggplant parm, pasta with various sauces, salads
Vegan options: Limited - marinara pasta, salads (confirm no cheese), veggie toppings on pizza without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available with any sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates unpretentious neighborhood joints. TVs everywhere, sports bar energy, and generous portions that encourage sharing. Great for casual chemistry; skip it for romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes - walk-ins welcome most nights. Call ahead on Blackhawks/Bulls/Cubs game days when the pre-game crowd packs the place. Reservations accepted but rarely necessary.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - a West Town institution for family dinners since 1966. Huge menu means picky eaters find something. Portions large enough to split. High chairs available, staff used to families.
Best For
Better for: Massive portions at budget prices, game-day atmosphere with real fans, and the rare Chicago restaurant with its own parking lot. The five veal options and extensive Italian-American menu depth beats most neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want refined Italian or a quiet conversation. The sports bar DNA is strong - multiple TVs, lively bar crowd, and jukebox. Head to a Randolph Row spot if you need white tablecloths.
Salerno's Pizza of Chicago
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Salerno’s on Grand is a family-owned Italian restaurant with tavern-style pizza, red-sauce staples, and a back-area setup that regularly hosts family parties and group luncheons. It feels like an old-school neighborhood spot where private dining leans hearty and familiar rather than formal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-crust sausage pizza, Chicken Marsala, Cannoli
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Italian institution with flexible private party setups.
Who should go: Families and friends wanting classic red-sauce group dinners.
When to visit: Weekend afternoons or early evenings for smoother large-party pacing.
What to order: Thin-crust sausage pizza, chicken Marsala, cannoli for dessert.
Insider tip: Ask about family-style trays for private rooms to simplify big orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grand and nearby side streets; can be easier earlier in the evening but fills up during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially in larger party areas — conversation is possible but expect some buzz.
Weekend wait: Often 20–40 minutes without a reservation, longer for large parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, pizzas, salads, and appetizers can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and vegetable pizza options, but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free modifications are possible on some dishes, but pizza and pasta selections are restricted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-pressure dinners than special-occasion romance — expect a classic family Italian vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for smaller groups — though booking ahead is smart for weekends or private-room events.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — flexible seating, familiar food, and a relaxed environment make it comfortable for families of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, old-school Italian comfort food and affordable group meals in a private-room setting.
Skip if: You want sleek, upscale private dining or cutting-edge chef-driven cuisine.
Salerno's Pizza of Chicago
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Salerno's has served tavern-style and traditional-crust pies in West Town since the 1960s, with generations of families returning for pizza nights that feel baked into the neighborhood routine. Kids split thin-crust sausage squares while adults add baked pastas and a bottle of wine to stretch dinner without stretching the bill.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-Crust Sausage Pizza, Traditional Crust Cheese and Sausage Pizza, Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Decades-old tavern-style pizzeria where locals have held family pizza nights since 1966.
Who should go: Families who want classic Chicago pizza with roomy tables.
When to visit: Early weekend evenings before game crowds and big groups arrive.
What to order: Thin-crust sausage pizza, traditional cheese and sausage, rigatoni.
Insider tip: Request traditional crust if you like a thicker, double-dough chew.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm; usually available on nearby residential blocks but can tighten up during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly — jeans, jerseys, and everyday wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during dinner and game nights, but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–40 minutes during peak family and group dining windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very minimal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plenty of meat-free pizzas and pasta options.
Vegan options: Limited — pizza can be customized without cheese, but there’s no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free alternatives are limited; best to call ahead to confirm current availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangs than romantic-first-date energy — it’s lively, roomy, and feels like a neighborhood pizza night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, though expect short waits during peak weekend dinner times or big game nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are the core crowd, with large tables, shareable pizzas, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Classic Chicago tavern-style pizza nights with families or groups who want large portions, friendly prices, and a comfortable neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy, chef-driven Italian or a quiet, upscale dining experience.