Max and Issy's Pizzeria

Pizza restaurant · Lakeview

Max and Issy's Pizzeria

Pizza restaurant · Lakeview

5

1028 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

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Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null
Max and Issy's Pizzeria by null

Highlights

NY-style pizza & craft beer, with signature hot honey pie  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

1028 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 Get directions

maxandissys.com
@maxandissys

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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1028 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 Get directions

+1 773 687 8505
maxandissys.com
@maxandissys
𝕏
@MaxandIssys

$20–30 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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@cntraveler

The Best Pizza in Chicago, From Thin Crust to Detroit Style | Condé Nast Traveler

"The team from West Loop hangout, Kaiser Tiger, is behind this Lincoln Park space that has served as a neighborhood bar since 1937. A streamlined menu helps the kitchen team to focus on the main event—pizza—and to making it their best. That means cold-fermenting it for two days to ensure a crispy bottom and chewy inside. Ten different specialty pies make up the menu, with favorites like their Hot Honey Pepper (with goat cheese, mozzarella, basil, pepperoni, and locally sourced honey infused with hot pepper flakes) or their sausage, with mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, and spicy, house made Italian sausage. Come here with family or friends, or order takeout or delivery for a cozy night in with some larger-than-life slices." - Nicole Schnitzler

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-pizza-in-chicago
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@eater

Chicago’s best new pizza restaurants | Eater Chicago

"Paddy Long’s was a venerable neighborhood bar that pushed an agenda of beer and bacon. Lincoln Park and Lakeview enjoyed that agenda, but during the pandemic the owners wanted more carryout business, so they shifted gears to New York-style pizza. The bar’s loyal fans can still order a pie with jowl bacon, but there’s also a variety of classics that round out the menu." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-new-pizzas-chicago-heatmap
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@eater

Lost Lake, Parson’s Among Group Suing Over COVID-19 Insurance Claims - Eater Chicago

"Paddy Long’s in Lakeview is a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Society Insurance over denied claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/4/21/21229516/lost-lake-parsons-bixi-owen-engine-longman-eagle-lawsuit-business-interruption-insurance
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@eater

Inspired by Bavarian Monks, Paddy Long’s Owner Lives on Beer for Lent - Eater Chicago

"This year, a Chicago bar owner is opting for a historic take on Lent by eschewing food in favor of beer, a practice originated by Bavarian Paulaner monks in the 17th Century, according to Chicago. Pat Berger, owner of bacon-centric Paddy Long’s in Lakeview and Kaiser Tiger in the West Loop, is sustaining himself with four doppelbocks per day." - Naomi Waxman

https://chicago.eater.com/2020/3/4/21163134/paddy-longs-owner-beer-only-lent-matchbox-bar-sold-silver-palm-river-west-chicago
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@eater

Right Bee Cider, Chicago’s first cidery, is opening a cider taproom in Hermosa - Eater Chicago

"Those who want a preview of the taproom can stop at Paddy Long’s next month in Lincoln Park. From November 14 through November 17, Paddy Long’s will host a Right Bee tap takeover/pop-up." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/10/30/18044250/right-bee-cider-taproom-hermosa-chicago
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Christopher Blaker

Google
The restaurant has a your home now Let's eat vibe!! The gentleman bartending wearing the orange and blue suplex city shirt was an absolute treasure, and the hot honey pepperoni pizza was outstanding!!

Sameet Sapra

Google
Soupy, but good flavors and crust. The dough just couldn’t hold up the toppings. I was unfortunately disappointed with the atmosphere - it was dead on a Friday night at 9 pm.

Larry Martin

Google
Parking was easy to find, but paid. The service was great, our server friendly. The salads were great and the pizza even better.

Michael Nagel

Google
Stumbling around town with all the snow; we decided on Max and Issy. Thumbs up from the Pizza Aficionadoughs for fantastic looking pizza that was crafted quickly and tasted delicious. Our party ordered the house salad & and meatballs to start before finishing with two spec pizzas. Our party left no za behind. (House salad was big and shareable. The meatballs arrive in fours.) "After much deliberation, I think I've bumped up the hot honey pizza from last night to one of my favorites that we've tried. 6 out of 5 stars."

Jerel Torry

Google
I saw this spot on one bite pizza review and decided to try them out, and the pizza was good. I got a pepperoni pizza to go, and the wait for it wasn't too long. Just enough for me to enjoy a drink while I wait. Inside was very chill on a Saturday afternoon. The bartender was very cool, I didn't get her name. When you come in, you can seat yourself. Definitely will be back 👌

Caine Wildeboer

Google
Pizza tastes as good as it looks and it looks absolutely incredible. Ordered take out, arrived really quickly within about 25-30 mins on a Sunday, and now I'm the happiest I've been all day. What's better than this? Some NFL on TV, my butt in the couch and pizza in the tum tum ya heard?

Jerry The Pigeon And Mike L

Google
We stumbled on this place one evening on a walk. Glad we stayed. The pizza was great and the staff was super friendly. It was an old bar called Paddy Longs. So older reviews still talk about the bacon & the previous food. It’s now all about the pizza!! and they did an amazing job rehabbing it. The best part was the pizza chef, came out to your table with the pizza he made and would check up on you. Very special experience from such a casual spot. They have a full bar too! I give this 5⭐️ Jerry (the pigeon) gives it 6⭐️ He loved the crust.

Elizabeth Martinez

Google
Chill night at Max & Issy’s in Lakeview—grabbed a classic cheese slice and the pepperoni pie, plus a local craft IPA. Ran about $30 before tip. Crust was thin, crispy, and hit those NY‑style vibes (just like folks online say it nails it). Staff were friendly, patio scene was breezy. Four stars ’cause the slices got a tad floppy by the end, but flavor’s on point.
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Judit C.

Yelp
This little pizza restaurant is located in Lincoln Park area, only few minutes walk from the Red line train. We were there on a Sunday, and you need to know the restaurant opens 11 am on the weekends. The menu is found on a QR code. We ordered the Veggie pizza with Pepperoni added on it. It's a thin crust, NY Style pizza. It was pretty tasty, although the crust was little more burnt than I expected. It made the pizza little bitter. Otherwise it was delicious! Sodas are served in cans, no refills! Service was good. The waitress was attentive, checked on us quite often. The restaurant has lots of tables and chairs, and seating was also available at the bar too.
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Michael H.

Yelp
Big fan of their pizzas, their ingredients are of a good quality with solid dough. Their menu offers good variety and there is a white pizza. Decent beer selection and there are a few tv's up if you want to watch a game. Nice atmosphere inside. My ONLY critique is their appetizer selection. I get that their main thing is the pizza, but I would just kill for there to be some hot wings/ cheese curds/ fries on the menu. At the moment all you've got is salads which are good, and cheese board or meatballs. If you live in the neighborhood this is a top spot for pizza IMO.
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Regina M.

Yelp
I recently visited this local pizza place and really enjoyed the food, drink, and casual ambiance! My boyfriend and I shared the Hot Honey Pepper Pizza and loved it - I think one pizza can serve 2-4 adults depending on how hungry you are (we were very hungry so sharing was perfect!). To drink, I had the Right Bee Cider which was a treat as many places don't have a cider option on draft. Service was relatively quick. We chose to sit outside, which was nice until the mosquitoes came out later in the evening so watch out for that in the summer. We'll definitely be back here!
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Elise A.

Yelp
I came here for dinner on a Wednesday night, the service was very quick, server was nice, and the pizza was great! I was one of the only people at the restaurant so my dinner only took 30 minutes (to order, eat, pay, and leave). Definitely recommend ordering the hot honey pepper pizza!

Al B.

Yelp
This place is just around the corner from me and it my new favorite spot. The pizza is some of the best I have had, right up with New Haven Ct. great pizza aside, felt so welcomed by the service staff. I will be back many time. Don't forget to leave a nice tip.
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Priya K.

Yelp
Got delivery through DoorDash and the pizza was so fresh! The pizza was absolutely delicious and not at all oily, which I appreciated. The toppings were cut up nicely, the pizza came quickly and the hot honey was a great addition! Their ranch was also pretty tasty. Overall, I'd 100% order again!
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Anna T.

Yelp
I was super excited to try out this spot after seeing Dave Portnoys pizza review. We ordered pickup and it was ready in about 30 minutes. Ur was cute inside, dimmed lights would be cute for a date night. Started with the meatballs. These were fine, nothing special. I love NYC style pizza so I was so excited, but sadly our cheese was burnt and this was very crispy. I was hoping for more floppy, and not burnt cheese.
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Emily M.

Yelp
This. Pizza. Is. Good. I ordered the pepperoni. Very much like a NYC style pizza, I'd give it 8/10!
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Clay G.

Yelp
Max & Issy's is a super cute date spot with great pizza. The inside is gorgeous and the food is incredible. They have a few unique pizzas, such as the Queen of Hearts, which is basically if spinach artichoke dip was a pizza. I had the hot honey pepper pizza and honestly whoever decided honey goes on pizza deserves an award. The pizzas only come in one size, which is 16" aka large, so you'll probably want to share. Since my girlfriend and I have different taste palates (mine being good and hers being less good), we ordered two pizzas and now we have lots of leftovers. Highly recommend stopping by for date night or just a great pizza with friends.
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Jimmy C.

Yelp
Solid NY style pizza! I've only tried once and it was hard to put them above Jimmy cafe and Zazza. But it was my first time. I'll be going back. Current special on Tuesdays and Wednesday they have BOGO half off.
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Alexander T.

Yelp
More like 3.5 stars. Good service with bar vibes. Wasn't busy on a Thursday night. We got the hot honey pizza without the goat cheese. We're not fans of goat cheese. Pizza is thin but did not hold on its own. Did not have the airy crispiness that we liked. Pizza did not have structure. Only crispy at the crust end. GF thought the pizza was drenched in hot honey and didn't taste the ingredients of the pizza but I am of hot honey, so it was good to me.
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Sarah C.

Yelp
This is such a laid-back place in the neighborhood to eat New York style pizza. The pizza was great and the service was great however, the silverware was very cheap as well as any other utensils but if you're looking for good pizza, that's New York style. This is a place for you.
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Jamie G.

Yelp
Great think crust pizza and good beer selection. Was disappointed that deep dish wasn't offered and that cash was not accepted. The veggie pizza was delicious and service was friendly and prompt. Nice casual but warm vibe.
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Alex P.

Yelp
Decided to try this place since it's in the neighborhood. Nearly $30 for every pizza, which is a little expensive. We got a sausage and red pepper pizza with hot honey on the side. The pizza was good but floppy which made it difficult to eat. I'd go back but there are better pizza places in the area.
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Sam W.

Yelp
Amazing new york style pizza! went around brunch time and was easy to get a seat. also the aperol spritz was great!
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Jennifer N.

Yelp
First time trying this new spot last night. The delivery was quick and pie was hot. I always enjoy a New York style slice. I could have used an extra 2 minutes for slightly crispier crust, a little greasier than expected thanks to the yummy sausage, but all in all a well-rounded pie. Great for parties or when you want to eat your feelings.
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J F.

Yelp
Really good New York Style Pizza with unique flavor combinations. Had the White Pizza which was very good, each cheese complimented each other well without being overpowering. A little overpriced IMO but still a solid option. Would definitely go back. Easy to get a table on a Saturday night.
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Natalia B.

Yelp
Quality NY style pizza at a neighborhood spot. Not the cheapest option you could find but worth it if you're craving a crispy thin crust pizza, triangle slices not square cut. Always enjoy the pizza here, whether a classic cheese or the Hot Honey Pepper Pizza (my personal fav and pictured here with extra pepp). Fun place to eat in, they have a large bar, but do note that it's not the largest on the inside. Real cute little front seating area in the warmer months.

Owen Z.

Yelp
The pizza is my favorite in the area. I've been several times and have yet to be disappointed by anything on the menu. They only offer one size of pie, so you may have to order several if you're in a party with growing boys. As a cherry on top, the bartender pours an excellent pint of Guinness.
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Danielle P.

Yelp
Had a few issues with this place. First things first, this place doesn't have breadsticks or cheese sticks. How you gonna call yourself a "Pizzeria" and not a have a bread appetizer for your paying customers??? Secondly, we order the veggie pizza and they reccomend we have the pizza cooked well done?? Okay sure. I'm not Italian, but it sounds like you need a more supportive crust. The pizza was unsatisfactory, bland and the "well done crust"certainly didn't do it any favors. The service was good.

A Z.

Yelp
As close to NYC style pizza as I've found in Chicago!! Comfortable, great service - highly recommend!
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Lucas W.

Yelp
I think some of this is that I just miss Paddy Long's. I miss the beer menu, I miss the tap takeovers, I miss the "corner pub" atmosphere. We came shortly after Max & Issy's opened and service was good, they quickly knew how everything would work and they were quick with the pizzas. Ultimately though, the pizzas were a little disappointing and really quite expensive. We got a white pizza and a paddy is our daddy pizza. The White pizza was the better of the two as it was seemingly simple with the couple different cheeses but had these really good subtle flavors that were great. It wasn't worth coming back for in my opinion but it was good and I'd say it's worth trying. The Paddy is our Daddy though was rather disappointing. The pig jowl bacon was just fat. There was no meat to it, it was just fat to the point where I'd pull it off the pizza. Paddy Long's had lots of bacons and they were better. Otherwise this was basically just a pepperoni and sausage pizza. There are just so many pizza options in Chicago, we're all inevitably tough judges.
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Franklin M.

Yelp
Enjoyed their New York pizza. I love nyc pizza and often miss it here in Chicago. The white pizza reminded me of the ones I get in New York. The service was nice and quick. Parking can be tough around there most of the day. Worth a try if you like this type of pizza!
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S G.

Yelp
Probably a ~3.7/5 star pizza but I rounded up. I ordered a 16" plain cheese + basil pizza for takeout and visually it was an A+: very thin, light, well-proportioned sauce/cheese, and good maillard on the cheese. However it was also floppy (probably an 8:2 or 9:1 chew/crisp ratio), almost no color on the undercarriage, with disappointing lack of flavor in the sauce and crust. It's great to have another New York-style pizza spot in the city but after Jimmy's/Zazas in tier 1, Pizza Lobo/Crushed in tier 2, Max & Issy's is firmly in tier 3.

MK K.

Yelp
Great pizza. Only ordered delivery and it was fantastic each time. Definitively recommend the cheese and pepperonis
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Mckaila G.

Yelp
My top 5 favorite pizza spots in all of chicago. The sauce is unreal, truly special and makes a world of a difference. The service was extremely welcoming. I can't wait to go back!
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Jennifer M.

Yelp
Not sure I would call it NY style but it was delicious none the less. Fresh handmade, crafted with passion (spoke with the owner and how he makes his hot honey). I felt it leaned more to excellent thin crust style. Ate way too many pieces. Bar area and dining room spacious and comfortable. Bar has craft cocktails. Tried the winter based gimlet (ok, may have had more than 1). Will definitely return.
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Madison S.

Yelp
This place is great, pizza came out super quick . I got the white pizza - nothing to complain about , perfect with an app for two people. Would definitely come back if in the neighborhood
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Sarah M.

Yelp
Came here early on a Friday night. Cute space and had really great service. I was I tried with the hot honey pizza and they accommodated by making a half sausage half pepperoni pizza with the honey on the side. It was reasonably priced and really good! We'll be back!
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Rob G.

Yelp
While we miss Patty Long's for their amazing bacon menu, Max and Issy's pizza is a great replacement. We enjoyed two options and loved the crust and toppings. Will definitely be back! Please try this new option in the neighborhood.
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Sarah K.

Yelp
A bit on the pricey side but it is VERY delicious pizza. Highly recommend if you're looking for NY style
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J X.

Yelp
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. My husband is from New York and has always been griping about the lack of good thin crust pizza in Chicago. Not only is Max & Issy's walking distance from us, but they serve GOOD food. They always get the bottom of the crust perfect (not too burned or undercooked). Our go-to is a meat pizza (Paddy is My Daddy or sausage) and the Apple Italiano. They also have a great beer list if you're dining in. Regular "special" pizzas and beers, great space, kid-friendly. I'd recommend doing takeout or dining in as the pizzas get cold easily due to the thin crust. We've done pickup many times and we've found that their time estimates are usually very accurate.
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Rob N.

Yelp
Crust was burnt while middle of pizza was under cooked. No flavor to crust or sauce. No reason to ever eat here again.

Tim S.

Yelp
I used to love this place. Their pizza has become an undercooked soggy mess lately. Not recommended.
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Nay U.

Yelp
Friendly staff and good service. Nice neighborhood location and great to stop in for a beer/wine to watch a game. The pizza is ok...a little soggy and inside crust could use a little cooking.

Taylor E.

Yelp
Amazing date night. This place is like a hole in the wall but not a hole in the wall. Fresh "artisan" pizzas made to order, but it is nothing overwhelmingly fancy. We started with the the meatball appetizers (10/10) which was perfect for 2. We then split the Hot Honey Pepper Pizza, which wasn't spicy at all (minor kick from the hot pepper flakes) but was amazing. The mix of the honey, goat cheese, pepperoni, and basil was mouth watering. Each pizza is definitely enough for 2, and you might even have some left overs. The service was good, and there was a full bar with cocktails and beer that looked really good!
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Helen M.

Yelp
Stopped in here for a bite after a movie. the pizza is really good! Neapolitan style - had the margherita pizza: they make their own sauce and it is super-fresh. Good selection of beers on tap. If you like Coalfire, give this a try!

Katie K.

Yelp
Decent choice for thin crust pizza! Went here on a Saturday evening and it was pretty quiet, so could be a good option if you find yourself without a reservation. I got the veggie pizza and really liked the toppings added to it; I also had plenty to take home (definitely would split a pizza if you can agree on which one to get). They also give the option for vegan cheese for an up-charge. We got our food reasonably quickly but maybe a bit *too* quick as my crust could have used a few more minutes. Good selection of classics as well as more unique pizzas so overall I'd say try it out if you find yourself wanting pizza in the area! Important to note they only have a few non-pizza options (just a few salads).

Jennifer S.

Yelp
I've been dying to try Max &Issy's for a while and it did not disappoint! The service was friendly and attentive, salad delish and fresh, and the pizza was amazing! Ordered the Hot Honey and Paddy is Your Daddy - arrived piping hot, meat was so flavorful, crust thing and crispy. Highly recommend!
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Megan W.

Yelp
We live next door and while the food at Paddy's was always kinda meh. It was sad to see a neighborhood staple go. We were excited to see it was the same owners just a new concept. I think the food (pizza) is better than what they had at Paddy's but there could be some improvements. The first time we ordered we had the Margherita, a pepperoni, and a specialty pizza ( the Funky Monkey) the Marg and the pep were fine, nothing to rave about but good nonetheless. The Funky Monkey which was a limited special was one of the BEST pizzas I have ever had. Chimay cheese, bacon, and pickled onions on a red sauce pizza. Absolutely incredible. We enjoyed it so much that we continued to order it once a week and some weeks we had it twice! Sad to see it go and I do hope they bring it back! It would be nice if they offered a few apps. We'd probably order from there more often if they did! Overall decent place to grab a pizza and some wine/beer.
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MacKenzie F.

Yelp
I thought the pizza was pretty good! Love that it's the same owners just reimagined restaurant for COVID times. We had the Paddy is our Daddy () pizza for takeout because I can't imagine going into this building and NOT getting bacon, and I really enjoyed it! It is very thin crust, which I like but my husband wasn't a fan, so plan accordingly. I'll be back!
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Jeff C.

Yelp
Absolutely phenomenal pizza. Has become the go-to spot for my girlfriend and I ever since they opened and have gotten multiple of my friends hooked on it as well. Love bringing people from out of town here and they're always impressed. Keep killing it guys!
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Elizabeth S.

Yelp
As a Buffalo, NY native, it's hard to find good NY style pizza elsewhere. While some may argue it isn't 100% NY style, it's better than any other pizza place I've found in the city. 10/10 would recommend.

Stephen B.

Yelp
Great pizza and excellent beer selection. Owners from Paddy Longs remain and are great hosts. The neighborhood needed this given the limited options nearby with seating and drink options.

Casey R.

Yelp
This may be my favorite pizza in the city. Just went last night for the first time and I'm so impressed! 10/10 would recommend!!!

Sarah V.

Yelp
Went here tonight and it was fantastic! Got the hot honey pizza and salad and the food was delicious. Some of the best pizza we've had in Chicago! Waitstaff was great too. Will definitely be back.

Kelsey J.

Yelp
We came here for the first time tonight and this place is SO GOOD. Nice on draft selection (and they let you try things), excellent, excellent pizza. Really good dough, really fresh cheese. Will be back.