ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in River North
Best Late Night Pizza in River North
Best Family Friendly Pizza in River North
Master Critic Review
Parlor Pizza Bar - River North
8.2
Parlor Pizza Bar’s River North outpost is a huge, sports-friendly pizza hall with wood-fired pies, a long beer list, and an almost-club energy on busy nights. Locals use it for casual group meet-ups, watching games, and sharing pizzas like the Bee Sting and Sgt. Pepper alongside big salads and bar snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bee Sting pizza, Sgt. Pepper pepperoni pizza, Antipasto chopped salad
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A massive, high-energy pizza bar where wood-fired pies meet sports-bar drinking.
Who should go: Groups wanting easy pizzas, pitchers, and TVs for the game.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends for full bar energy and outdoor seating.
What to order: Bee Sting pizza, Sgt. Pepper, antipasto chopped salad.
Insider tip: Ask for a table with a clear TV sightline if you’re there for a game.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive at night; most guests use nearby paid garages within a short walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jerseys and jeans are common, but many groups lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation can be tough near the bar and TVs, easier at patio or off-peak tables.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during busy game nights and peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, except during warm-weather patio rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pizzas and salads can be ordered vegetarian, with options to customize toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — some salads and build-your-own pizzas can be adapted if you skip cheese and certain toppings.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust is usually available on request, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, high-energy outing than a quiet first date — the vibe leans social, loud, and sports-bar adjacent.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but expect waits during weekends and big games; larger groups should plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings and daytime are fine for families — kids’ pizza and salad options work well — but late nights skew adult and party-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, casual celebrations, game-day hangs, and shareable wood-fired pizzas with a lively bar scene.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, intimate conversation, or a more purist Neapolitan-style pizza experience.