ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Lincoln Square
Best Pizza in Lincoln Square
Best Late Night Pizza in Lincoln Square
Best Cheap Pizza in Lincoln Square
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Lockal Bar & Pizzeria
7.8
A small Albany Park bar slinging tavern-style pizzas that lean a little adventurous with Balkan-inspired toppings alongside familiar classics. It’s best as a casual hang: one pie, one round, and let the crunchy, thin-crust format do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-style pizza, Cevapi-topped pizza, Chicken wings
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Tavern-style pizza with Balkan topping options in a true neighborhood bar.
Who should go: Friends who want pizza and a low-key bar
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour into dinner
What to order: Tavern pizza, cevapi-topped pizza, wings
Insider tip: Go half classic, half Balkan topping to keep the table balanced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable on weeknights, tighter on weekends after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood bar vibe—jeans, sneakers, and casual layers are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder once the bar fills up.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner and evening spot with little to no wait on weeknights
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie-friendly pizzas and sides are easy to order.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some pizzas by removing cheese, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free crust; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first drink-and-pizza date than something romantic—conversation flows easily, but the bar energy keeps it informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. Weekends may require a short wait if you arrive during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening it works for older kids who like thin-crust pizza, but it leans more bar-forward later at night.
Best For
Better for: Casual neighborhood hangs with more interesting toppings than a standard tavern-pizza joint, plus a solid bar program.
Skip if: You want a quiet, polished Italian dinner or need strong vegan or gluten-free options.