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Salerno's Pizza of Chicago
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Wicker Park & West Town
Best Family Friendly Italian in Wicker Park & West Town
Master Critic Review
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.