ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Pizza in Marquette Park & West Lawn
Best Italian in Belmont Cragin
Best Pizza in Belmont Cragin
Best Wings in Belmont Cragin
Best Lasagna in Belmont Cragin
Best Family Friendly Pizza in Belmont Cragin
Master Critic Review
Paisans Pizza
8.2
A bigger, more full-service Italian-American pizzeria setup where the move is to treat it like a neighborhood anchor: pizza for the table, a shareable appetizer, and a steady bar-friendly pace. It’s built for repeat visits and group meals more than perfectionist, single-pie scrutiny.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-style pizza, Wings, Calamari
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A full-service neighborhood pizzeria format with pizza-plus-apps depth.
Who should go: Groups who want pizza and a casual bar vibe.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer service flow.
What to order: Tavern-style pizza, wings, calamari
Insider tip: Build the meal around one pizza and two shareables instead of stacking multiple pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on surrounding residential blocks; generally manageable, but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood wear — jeans, hoodies, and casual tops are all normal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — easy conversation at the table, but the room gets louder with groups and bar traffic.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese and veggie pizzas, salads, and several meatless appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify some pizzas or pastas without cheese; best to ask staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — gluten-free crust availability may vary; cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones — the vibe is friendly and lively, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights; weekends may require a short wait, but walk-ins are common.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, portions are shareable, and the menu works well for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Group meals, casual celebrations, and pizza nights where apps, drinks, and pacing matter as much as the pie.
Skip if: You want a quiet, date-focused Italian meal or a laser-focused, craft-pizza experience.