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The Art of Pizza
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
The Art of Pizza
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Primarily famous for deep-dish and stuffed pies, The Art of Pizza’s Ashland Avenue flagship also runs an affordable baked lasagna dinner that regulars treat as a weeknight staple. The counter-service setup, long hours, and big portions make it more of a utility stop than a destination dining room, but the lasagna punches above its price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna Dinner, Stuffed Spinach & Mushroom Pizza, Italian Beef Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume pizza shop where an inexpensive baked lasagna special rides alongside famous pies.
Who should go: Casual diners prioritizing value, huge portions, and laid-back service.
When to visit: Monday nights for the lasagna special; weekends for pizza.
What to order: Baked Lasagna Dinner, stuffed spinach pizza slice, garlic bread.
Insider tip: Use the daily specials board; the lasagna plate includes soup and salad.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Ashland and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tighter during dinner hours.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle and takeout traffic, but you can usually hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Minimal wait for dine-in; short lines may form for takeout and slices.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait — seating and service move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian lasagna (when available), cheese and spinach pizza, salads, and sides.
Vegan options: Very limited — menu leans dairy-heavy; vegans will likely need to stick to basic sides or skip.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no dedicated gluten-free deep-dish or lasagna; cross-contact is likely in a high-volume pizza kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than a first date — it’s counter-service, brightly lit, and focused on value portions rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here; seating is first-come, first-served and generally turns over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large portions, simple menu, and a relaxed dining room make it suitable for families with school-age kids and up; high-chairs and amenities may be limited due to the counter-service format.
Best For
Better for: Great value comfort-food portions, reliable weeknight dinners, and a surprisingly hearty lasagna plate inside a high-volume pizza shop.
Skip if: You want a true sit-down Italian experience, upscale ambiance, or specialty dietary options like vegan or gluten-free pasta.
The Art of Pizza
8.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
The Art of Pizza is a Lakeview counter-service institution for affordable deep-dish, stuffed, and pan pizzas, including slices under $5. Voted #1 deep dish by the Chicago Tribune, it draws locals for reliable, ultra-filling pies that balance buttery crusts with well-seasoned sauce and generous toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stuffed spinach and mushroom deep dish, Sausage and pepperoni pan pizza, Vegetarian deep-dish slice (spinach, onions, mushrooms)
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Tribune-lauded deep dish and stuffed pies at true budget prices.
Who should go: Deep-dish fans wanting maximal cheese for minimal spend.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for fresh slices and shorter waits.
What to order: Stuffed spinach mushroom, sausage-pepperoni pan, vegetarian deep-dish slice.
Insider tip: Use slices to sample multiple styles, then commit to a whole pan.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street and metered parking in the surrounding Lakeview blocks; no dedicated lot and spaces can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — counter-service setting where jeans, tees, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — busy during rushes but conversation at your table is still workable.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for whole pies; slice counter usually moves faster but may queue during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially for slices.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie pies and stuffed options (including spinach, mushroom, and cheese-focused builds).
Vegan options: Limited — crust and sauce are workable, but standard pies use dairy cheese and there’s typically no vegan cheese substitute.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no deep-dish or stuffed gluten-free crust; availability may be restricted to select thin-crust formats (check day-of).
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-key hangs than a formal first date — it’s counter-service and focused on hearty slices rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; during busy hours expect to wait for a table while your pizza finishes baking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly portions, simple seating, and shareable pies make it a strong option for kids and groups.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly deep-dish and stuffed slices, generous cheese and topping density, and an easy way to sample Chicago-style pizza without committing to an expensive whole pie.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, table service, or ultra-thin artisan pizza — this is a practical, counter-service slice institution first and foremost.
Hours
Monday11am - 11pm
Tuesday11am - 11pm
Wednesday11am - 11pm
Thursday11am - 11pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 11pm