Why Uptown Chicago Is a Pizza Lover's Paradise
Best pizza Uptown Chicago isn't just about finding a good slice - it's about finding neighborhood gems that have been serving the community for decades. This vibrant north side neighborhood offers authentic Chicago pizza experiences that locals have trusted for generations.
Top Pizza Spots in Uptown Chicago:
- Uptown Pizza and BBQ - Family-owned for 35+ years, serving pizza, gyros, and charcoal-grilled specialties
- Pizzeria Aroma - Fine-dining quality pies since 1999 with an expansive menu and full bar
Chicago is home to three iconic pizza styles: deep-dish, stuffed, and tavern-style (Chicago thin crust). But here's what many visitors don't know - most Chicagoans actually prefer tavern-style pizza over deep-dish. As food journalist Steve Dolinsky explains, "People think Chicago is all deep-dish... But there's so much more to it."
Uptown's pizza scene reflects this diversity. You'll find everything from traditional tavern-style pies cut into squares to gourmet specialty pizzas. The neighborhood's family-owned restaurants have built their reputations on consistent quality, generous portions, and that authentic Chicago hospitality.
What makes Uptown special is its authentic neighborhood feel. These aren't tourist traps - they're community staples where locals have been gathering for decades. The pizza here comes with stories, friendships, and the kind of service that makes you feel like family.
What Makes Uptown's Pizza Scene Unique?
Uptown Chicago isn't just a place on a map; it's a neighborhood with a heart and a unique story. Walk through Uptown, and you'll feel its special vibe, especially when it comes to food. As residents of The Teller House Apartments, we're lucky to be right in the middle of it all.
Our neighborhood is rich with history, home to amazing historic venues like the famous Aragon Ballroom and the legendary Green Mill Jazz Club. This deep sense of history isn't just in our buildings; it flows right into the local food scene. Here, family-owned restaurants aren't just businesses; they're cherished community staples. They've been serving up delicious meals and making memories for generations. Want to know more about our charming community? Explore our Neighborhood.
These pizza spots in Uptown are more than just places to grab a slice. They're where families celebrate, friends gather, and neighbors share stories. The people who run them often know you by name, and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere truly shows off that famous Chicago hospitality. It’s an experience that feels personal and deeply connected to Uptown itself.
What truly makes Uptown special is its wide range of diverse culinary offerings. While we might be on the hunt for the best pizza Uptown Chicago, you'll find so much more! From authentic Ethiopian dishes to classic American comfort food, there's a taste for everyone. These local businesses, often passed down through families, truly care about quality and tradition. They offer something you just can't get from big chain restaurants. They're a big part of Uptown's lasting charm and why it's such a great place to live. For a deeper dive into all the delicious eats, check out the Best Food in Uptown Chicago.
Our Picks for the Best Pizza in Uptown Chicago
When it comes to finding that perfect slice, Uptown Chicago delivers with two standout pizzerias that have not only stood the test of time but have also earned a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of local residents. These establishments represent the very essence of what makes the best pizza Uptown Chicago so unique: a blend of tradition, quality, and community spirit.
Uptown Pizza and BBQ: A Neighborhood Staple for Over 35 Years
Uptown Pizza and BBQ is a living piece of Uptown's history. For over 35 years, this family-owned establishment has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood, a place where consistency and quality are a way of life. While their name proudly features "Pizza," they offer a diverse menu. Their pizza is praised as "1 of the best I've had in Chicago," but their charcoal-broiled chicken and gyros are equally lauded. As one customer noted, "Love the pizza here. The gyros is really good too. Always have a pleasant experience here. The service is on point." This speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and reliable service you'll find here.
Convenience is key at Uptown Pizza and BBQ. They are open 7 nights a week with late-night hours, ensuring your cravings can always be satisfied. They offer dine-in, pickup, and delivery, as well as stress-free catering. You can easily Order online for pickup or delivery.
Pizzeria Aroma: Gourmet Pies and Fine-Dining Quality
Since 1999, Pizzeria Aroma has been a beloved fixture, delivering on its mission "To provide generous portions of fine-dining quality cuisine." Celebrating 25 years in business, their commitment to quality has made them a true standout when searching for the best pizza Uptown Chicago. Pizzeria Aroma is about a complete dining experience. While their pizzas and calzones are wonderful, their menu extends to a wide array of Italian dishes, gourmet salads, and daily specials. Customers consistently praise the quality, with one noting, "The food is fantastic, the service is superior."
The dining experience is designed to be inviting and comfortable, with a full bar perfect for pairing with your meal. Pizzeria Aroma also specializes in bespoke party services, offering a fantastic venue to Book a party or host any special occasion. For added convenience, they offer easy online ordering and are open 7 nights a week. You can check out more customer experiences on their Yelp page.
Beyond the Slice: A Taste of Chicago's Pizza Culture
When we talk about the best pizza Uptown Chicago, we're diving into the heart of Chicago's unique pizza culture. The city's pizza scene is much more varied than many visitors realize. While deep-dish might grab the headlines, it's just one piece of a much larger puzzle. As food journalist Steve Dolinsky explains, Chicago is home to three truly iconic pizza styles.
First up is Tavern-Style Pizza, the true local favorite. Born in Chicago bars in the 1940s, these thin-crust pies were often given away free to encourage beer sales. It’s known for its cracker-thin crust and toppings that go all the way to the edge. Of course, it's always cut into squares—what we lovingly call a "tavern cut." This is the pizza style most Chicagoans grew up eating.
Then there's the famous Deep-Dish Pizza, which put Chicago on the global map. Invented in 1943, this pie has a thick, buttery crust that forms a deep bowl, filled with generous layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce on top. The sauce goes on last to keep the crust from getting soggy. It's a hearty, knife-and-fork meal.
Finally, we have Stuffed Pizza, a delicious cousin to deep-dish created in 1971. It takes indulgence to another level, featuring a layer of cheese and toppings, then another thin layer of crust on top, before being finished with sauce. It's an even more generous pie than traditional deep-dish.
While deep-dish is a fantastic treat, many Chicagoans will tell you that the thin, crispy, square-cut tavern-style slice is what truly feels like "Chicago pizza" to them. Understanding this rich history adds to the experience of exploring Uptown's local food culture. After you've savored your slice, Uptown offers a vibrant Nightlife in Uptown Chicago to keep the good times rolling. For those who want to dig even deeper, The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide is an excellent resource. You can find out more about it here: The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uptown Chicago Pizza
We understand that finding the perfect pizza can lead to a few questions. Here, we address some common queries about enjoying the best pizza Uptown Chicago.
What are the must-try pizza styles when looking for the best pizza Uptown Chicago?
While Chicago is famous for its deep-dish, we highly recommend diving into the local favorite: tavern-style pizza. This thin-crust, crispy delight, typically cut into squares, is what most Chicagoans consider their everyday pizza. You'll also find various gourmet pies at places like Pizzeria Aroma, which feature unique topping combinations and premium ingredients. Our advice? Try a bit of everything, but definitely don't skip the tavern-style!
What are the typical ordering options for the best pizza Uptown Chicago?
Uptown pizzerias understand the need for convenience. Both Uptown Pizza and BBQ and Pizzeria Aroma provide comprehensive services, including dine-in, carry-out (pickup), and their own delivery services. To streamline the process, both also provide robust online ordering systems, making it easy to get your hands on the best pizza Uptown Chicago.
Besides pizza, what other food can I find at these restaurants?
Uptown's top pizzerias offer much more than just fantastic pizza. Uptown Pizza and BBQ, as their name suggests, excels in both, also serving delicious gyros and tender charcoal-broiled chicken. Pizzeria Aroma offers an expansive menu of full Italian dishes, including gourmet salads, calzones, various pasta dishes, and other delights. These restaurants are truly full-service dining destinations, making them ideal choices whether you're craving a classic pizza or something entirely different. For more insights into the culinary treasures of our neighborhood, explore the Best Restaurants in Uptown Chicago.
Your Slice of the Good Life in Uptown
When you set out to find the best pizza Uptown Chicago, you're doing more than just looking for a meal. You're finding the true heart of this vibrant, historic neighborhood. Our beloved, community-approved spots, like the long-standing Uptown Pizza and BBQ and the gourmet Pizzeria Aroma, offer more than just incredible food. They provide a genuine taste of Uptown's lasting legacy of quality, warmth, and friendly community spirit. These aren't just places to eat; they're cherished gathering spots where laughter flows, stories are shared, and wonderful memories are baked, one delicious slice at a time.
Imagine calling The Teller House Apartments home. It means you're not just living in a beautifully transformed historic bank building, enjoying luxury spaces. You're also gaining immediate, easy access to this amazing local dining scene. Picture the joy of having these popular pizzerias, along with a wealth of other fantastic eateries, just a short stroll from your front door. A delightful night out at one of Uptown's famous theaters or cultural attractions can seamlessly end with that perfect pizza experience, right in your own neighborhood.
We warmly invite you to explore the fantastic array of Uptown Chicago restaurants and find for yourself what truly makes this neighborhood a foodie's dream come true. At The Teller House Apartments, we offer more than just neat living spaces. We provide a lifestyle that's deeply woven into the authentic charm and rich culinary mix of Uptown. Come and find your very own slice of the good life right here! And while you're at it, learn more about the amazing Amenities Uptown Chicago has to offer.
