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Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern
$$ · Italian, Pizza, Wings

4091 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 929-4149
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Italian in Lakeview Best Pizza in Lakeview Best Wings in Lakeview Best Late Night Pizza in Lakeview Best Cheap Pizza in Lakeview Best Family Friendly Pizza in Lakeview

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern 8.3
Uptown
Vibes: Sports Bar Central Group Dining Gatherings Comfort Food Classics Happy Hour Hotspots
A big, sports-bar-style Italian spot that’s built around tavern-cut pizza with a loyal local following. The best play is to keep it simple—one classic pie plus one side—so the kitchen stays in its most repeatable lane.
Must-Try Dishes: Tavern-style thin crust (square-cut), Buffalo wings, Sausage pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tavern-cut pizza in a high-TV, neighborhood tavern setting.
Who should go: Friends who want pizza with a sports-bar backdrop
When to visit: Weeknights before the later rush
What to order: Tavern-cut pie, wings, fries
Insider tip: Stick to one topping profile across the pie for the cleanest bake.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and residential spots nearby can be competitive after 6pm, especially on game nights.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and team gear are all normal.
Noise level: Loud—TVs, game audio, and group tables make this more of a social buzz than a conversation-forward room.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak game windows without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese and veggie-loaded tavern pies, salads, and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads or modified vegetable sides without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Limited—gluten-free pizza crust availability can vary; cross-contamination is possible in a pizza-forward kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than intimate ones—great energy and easy food, but loud and TV-driven.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights, but expect waits during games or weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—pizza, fries, and a casual vibe work well, though noise levels can be high.
Best For
Better for: Group hangouts, watching sports, and classic Chicago tavern-cut pizza with a lively bar atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet Italian dinner, a date-night mood, or chef-driven pasta-focused cooking.