12 Hole-In-The-Wall Pizza Joints In Chicago, Illinois That Locals Say Are Pure Legend
Pizza scene in Chicago, Illinois, goes way beyond the tourist traps and fancy deep-dish destinations that grab all the headlines. Hidden throughout the city’s neighborhoods are tiny, unassuming spots where locals have been getting their pizza fix for decades.
These humble joints might not look like much from the outside, but they serve up slices that have earned legendary status among those in the know.
1. Vito & Nick’s: South Side Tavern-Style Royalty
Cash-only operations usually signal something special, and Vito & Nick’s proves this rule perfectly. Located at 8433 S Pulaski Road in Ashburn, this South Side institution has been cranking out cracker-thin, square-cut tavern-style pizza that locals swear by.
The ultra-thin crust practically shatters under your teeth, creating the perfect foundation for their classic toppings. Open seven days a week (Mon–Thu 11am–close, Fri–Sat 11am–close, Sun 12pm–close), they keep the ovens firing without posting a fixed nightly closing time.
Sunday service runs from noon to close, offering dine-in and pickup only for those smart enough to bring actual money.
2. Pequod’s Pizza: The Deep-Dish Rebel
Forget everything you think you know about deep-dish pizza because Pequod’s rewrites the rulebook entirely. Nestled at 2207 N Clybourn Avenue in Lincoln Park, this joint creates something magical with their signature caramelized cheese halo crust.
The cheese literally caramelizes against the pan’s edges, forming a golden, crispy ring that pizza purists travel across the city to experience. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, they keep the ovens firing late into the night.
Sunday hours run until midnight, making this the perfect spot for late-night pizza cravings that demand something extraordinary.
3. Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante: Three Generations of Perfection
Family recipes passed down through three generations rarely disappoint, and Pat’s Pizza proves this wisdom holds true.
Operating since 1950 at 2679 N Lincoln Avenue, this Lincoln Park gem specializes in ultra-thin tavern-style pies that have barely changed since Truman was president.
The third-generation crew still rolls their dough paper-thin, creating a crispy base that lets every topping shine through perfectly. Their dining room operates Sunday from 1 pm to 10 pm, with Monday through Thursday service starting at 4:30 pm.
Weekend hours get posted on their website, keeping the mystery alive for pizza adventurers.
4. Phil’s Pizza: Bridgeport’s Greasy Good Champion
Sometimes the best pizza joints embrace their greasiness instead of apologizing for it, and Phil’s Pizza wears this badge proudly.
The cheese practically slides off each slice, creating the kind of messy, satisfying experience that defines true neighborhood pizza. Their retro dining room feels like stepping back in time, complete with vintage fixtures and worn-in charm.
Evening hours vary daily, so calling ahead prevents disappointment and ensures your greasy slice awaits.
5. The Art of Pizza: Lakeview’s Counter Culture
Counter service pizza joints often hide the city’s best-kept secrets, and The Art of Pizza’s original location exemplifies this perfectly. Situated at 3033 N Ashland Avenue in Lakeview, this beloved spot specializes in by-the-slice stuffed and pan pies that locals queue up for daily.
My first visit here involved waiting behind three construction workers who each ordered different slice combinations, all raving about their personal favorites. The counter setup keeps things moving quickly while maintaining that authentic neighborhood vibe.
Daily hours run from late morning to late evening, with specific times posted on their website for planning purposes.
6. Coalfire: West Town’s Blistered Beauty
~800-degree coal-fired ovens create pizza magic that regular ovens simply cannot replicate, and Coalfire proves this scientific fact deliciously.
Located at 1321 W Grand Avenue in West Town, they produce thin, blistered pies with distinctive char marks that add smoky complexity.
The extreme heat creates those coveted leopard spots on the crust while keeping toppings fresh and vibrant. Tuesday through Thursday service runs from 4 pm to 10 pm, with weekend hours starting at noon.
Friday and Saturday extend until 10:30 pm, while Sunday wraps up at 9pm, with Monday closures for equipment maintenance.
7. Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.: The Pot Pie Pioneer
Calling their signature creation pizza might be technically incorrect, but Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co.’s pizza pot pie defies conventional categories beautifully.
This iconic spot serves their famous upside-down creation alongside Mediterranean bread that’s equally legendary.
Walk-ins only mean no reservations, but the wait gives you time to appreciate their unique approach to pizza architecture. They finally started accepting cards, ending decades of cash-only operations.
Monday through Thursday hours run until 10 pm, with Friday service extending to 11 pm and weekend brunch starting at 11 am.
8. Jimmy’s Pizza Café: Ravenswood’s New York Outpost
Counter-service pizza joints require confidence in their product, and Jimmy’s Pizza Café delivers both New York-style slices and Sicilian squares with unwavering conviction.
Located at 2434 W Montrose Avenue in Ravenswood, this spot brings authentic East Coast flavors to Chicago’s pizza landscape.
Their Sicilian squares offer thick, airy crusts that contrast beautifully with their thinner New York-style options. Monday hours run from 5 pm to 9 pm, while Tuesday through Thursday extend from 9 am to 9 pm.
Weekend service stretches until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday maintaining 9 am to 9 pm hours throughout.
9. Candlelite: West Ridge’s Timeless Tavern Tradition
Operating since 1950 gives any restaurant serious credibility, but Candlelite has earned legendary status among Chicago’s tavern-style pizza institutions.
During my grandmother’s era, she would take the family here for special occasions, creating memories that span multiple generations of pizza lovers.
The tavern-style preparation remains unchanged, honoring traditional techniques that built Chicago’s pizza reputation.
Evening hours operate daily, with current schedules posted on their website to accommodate varying seasonal demands and special events.
10. Pete’s Pizza: North Center’s Family Secret
Low-key family operations often produce the most consistent pizza experiences, and Pete’s Pizza exemplifies this neighborhood restaurant philosophy perfectly. Located at 3737 N Western Avenue in North Center, this spot offers old-school thin crust alongside pan and stuffed options.
Their thin crust maintains that perfect balance between crispy and chewy, while their expanded menu accommodates different pizza preferences within the same family. The unpretentious atmosphere lets the food speak for itself without unnecessary fanfare or gimmicks.
Daily hours typically run from 11 am to 9:30 pm, providing reliable service for lunch, dinner, and everything in between throughout the week.
11. Milly’s Pizza in the Pan: West Town’s Limited Edition Legend
Limited-batch pizza operations create scarcity that drives demand, but Milly’s Pizza in the Pan earns their cult following through exceptional quality rather than marketing tricks. Located at 925 N Ashland Avenue in West Town, they cap daily quantities to maintain consistency.
Ordering early becomes essential since they stop serving once daily limits are reached, creating genuine urgency around their pan pies. The limited schedule of Wednesday through Sunday from 4 pm to 8 pm adds to their exclusive appeal.
Monday and Tuesday closures allow for preparation and planning, ensuring each batch meets their exacting standards for devoted followers.
12. Obbie’s Pizza: Garfield Ridge’s Crispy Crown Jewel
Extra-crispy tavern-style pizza requires precise technique and timing, both of which Obbie’s Pizza has perfected since 1977. Located at 6654 W Archer Avenue in Garfield Ridge, this neighborhood stalwart focuses heavily on takeout while maintaining their signature crispiness.
Their crust achieves that perfect shatter-point where each bite provides satisfying crunch without sacrificing structural integrity. The takeout-heavy model ensures pizzas reach customers at peak crispiness rather than sitting under warming lamps.
Monday through Thursday hours run from 4 pm to 10 pm, with weekend service extending until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday, plus Sunday service from noon onward.