When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Original Dream Pizza
Why Original Dream Pizza is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Original Dream Pizza, located in Markham, Illinois, is a popular spot known for its authentic Chicago-style thin crust pizza that transports visitors back to old-school flavors. This pizzeria provides a welcoming environment with friendly staff who are dedicated to preparing quality pies, making it a great place to meet friends and enjoy a casual meal together. Customers appreciate the piping hot delivery timing and easy street parking, which adds to the convenience of visiting. The menu also includes other items such as burgers that have garnered positive attention for their taste. Dream Pizza's attention to unique and bold flavor profiles, including some with a spicy kick, offers an engaging experience for pizza lovers looking for something different. Whether you prefer classic, cheesy slices or crave an artisanal touch with fine ingredients, this spot stands out in the Markham area as a reliable destination for satisfying comfort food with a cultural twist.
Here's what people think of Original Dream Pizza
As of recent, Original Dream Pizza holds a 4.3-star rating based on 725 reviews.
Reviews for Original Dream Pizza are generally positive, with patrons highlighting the delicious taste and authenticity of the Chicago-style thin crust pizza. Many reviewers note the friendly and hardworking staff who contribute to an inviting atmosphere. Positive feedback often praises the unique flavor combinations and the quality of the pizzas, including the well-timed delivery that ensures every order arrives hot and fresh. Some customers also laud their burgers, calling them among the best they have had from a fast-food perspective. However, some negative critiques mention that the pizzas can sometimes be too salty, which could detract from the overall enjoyment, especially for those sensitive to saltiness. A few find the establishment’s exterior somewhat unassuming or suspect, but once inside, the atmosphere and product quality tend to win them over. In conclusion, Original Dream Pizza receives good marks for taste, authenticity, and customer service, making it a recommended spot for both locals and visitors craving traditional Chicago pizza with a contemporary edge.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
fighting14s woolington
Thank you owners and staff for bringing original dream pizza back! Ate there today and it was wonderful. The place still has that old school charm with some updates. Pizza was just like it used to be, garlicky butter crust, tasty sauce, cheesy and right amount of fresh toppings. Staff was welcoming and thankful for our business. You knocked it outta the park
Mari Kim
Nicely off the major highway, easy street parking. Placed order from the road. Pizza was piping hot when I arrived. (Sebastian had times it just right!) Got a large Hawaiian with plans to take it up to Seattle. But wanted to try the Pizza HOT so ordered a pint and got the hazy to try. They also had huge rice crispy treats and chocolate chip cookies for three dollars apiece and when I say huge I mean they were the size of my hand expanded. For three dollars? That's a no-brainer. Liked the beers they were serving but loved the host Sebastian and his earthy friendliness. Best part of the pie was the crust.
Seth Payseur
The American Dream is BACK, baby! New owner, some new staff, not hugely fond of the new name, but happy to report it’s the same great pizza—they wisely kept the recipe. Get on down there and experience the dream!
Lee R
American dream has been my go to pizza joint since high school. Whether dining in or picking up the service is speedy and the pizzas always delicious. Happy to hear it's opened back up again
Dave Rutabah
Great eclectic place. Good pie, great crust, and lots of them (they don't skip). The music was a bit loud for conversations and a smidgen inappropriate if there are kids around. But all in all a great place for a slice.
How to reach Original Dream Pizza
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Website: None
Why Original Dream Pizza may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Original Dream Pizza with your friends?
When it comes to gathering with friends or family, Original Dream Pizza in Portland stands out as an exceptional destination to rally at for a casual yet memorable experience. With a solid rating around 4.3 stars based on hundreds of reviews, this spot consistently delivers high-quality pizza that appeals to a wide variety of tastes, making it an easy choice for groups with diverse preferences. The atmosphere itself is welcoming and laid-back, fostering a comfortable environment where everyone can relax and enjoy their time together. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a casual meetup, or just craving great food paired with good company, Original Dream Pizza offers a perfect blend of delicious offerings and a friendly vibe. Its convenient location near major highways and ample street parking simplify logistics for group arrivals, reducing stress and allowing more time to enjoy the event. The availability of both dine-in and quick takeout options ensures flexibility, accommodating whether you want a sit-down experience or prefer to grab piping hot pizza and head to a nearby park or home. All these factors combine to make Original Dream Pizza a destination where friends truly want to rally, savor fantastic food, and create lasting memories.
What activities does Original Dream Pizza offer for groups and why is it great for meetups?
Original Dream Pizza specializes primarily in delivering a pizza experience that's perfect for groups—especially those who value sharing delicious meals in a relaxed environment. The core activity is, of course, enjoying their wide range of pizzas, which are known for fresh ingredients and flavorful crusts that cater to varied tastes, including vegetarian options. Their pizza sizes, like the 10-inch mini pies and generous 14-inch mediums, are excellent for sharing, enabling groups to try a variety of flavors without overordering. This sharing aspect naturally encourages conversation and interaction, creating a communal dining experience that suits both friendly gatherings and family outings. Additionally, the staff’s friendly and accommodating nature enhances group experiences by ensuring orders are customized to preferences and dietary needs, which is crucial when feeding a group. Moreover, the flexible ordering system, including easy carryout and hot pizza ready promptly upon arrival, supports spontaneous meetups and reduces wait times, making it easier to coordinate with multiple attendees. Overall, Original Dream Pizza offers a simple yet highly social experience focused around great pizza and easy group dining, making it a stellar choice for various group functions.
How is the ambiance at Original Dream Pizza suited for group gatherings?
The ambiance at Original Dream Pizza is designed to balance comfort with casual dining, making it a great backdrop for group meetups. The setting is approachable and unpretentious, avoiding formality but still maintaining a pleasant vibe that encourages lingering and conversation. This is particularly important for groups who want to enjoy extended visits without feeling rushed. Lots of seating space ensures that larger parties can be accommodated comfortably, allowing everyone to sit together and interact easily. The location’s accessibility—off major highways and with easy street parking—adds to the convenience, meaning arrival and departure logistics are painless for group organizers. Moreover, the staff's attentiveness to group needs, such as accommodating special requests or managing larger orders seamlessly, contributes positively to the atmosphere. Whether your meetup involves reminiscing over great food, celebrating a casual milestone, or just relaxing with friends, the ambiance supports those goals through its friendly, no-fuss approach to dining.
What makes the pizza at Original Dream Pizza stand out for group dining?
At the heart of Original Dream Pizza’s appeal for groups is its pizza, which has earned praise for fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and thoughtful preparation. Customers often highlight the variety available—from classic Margherita with extra cheese to more creative options like BBQ sauce-based pies—allowing everyone in a group to find something they love. The crust stands out as well; it’s reportedly well-made, though some reviews mention variations in thickness which can appeal to different texture preferences. Importantly for groups, the pizza sizes are ideal for sharing, enabling everyone to sample multiple varieties without waste. The quality is consistent enough that many visitors return repeatedly, making it a reliable choice when planning group meetups. Accommodations for dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian options and gluten-free crusts, also increase the pizza’s appeal for diverse groups, ensuring that no one feels left out. All these factors create a menu designed to promote sharing and enjoyment, reinforcing the social aspect that makes pizza a timeless group meal.
How accessible and convenient is Original Dream Pizza for organizing meetups?
Convenience is key when organizing gatherings, and Original Dream Pizza scores highly in this regard. Its location is easily accessible, situated near major routes in Portland with ample street parking—an important plus when meeting with friends or family who may be coming from different areas. The ordering process is streamlined, with options for advance ordering and speedy takeout that minimizes waiting in line. This is particularly helpful for groups with tight schedules or those who prefer to eat elsewhere after picking up the food. For dine-in groups, the spacious seating accommodates larger parties comfortably, reducing the hassle of splitting up or waiting for tables. Friendly staff support smooth coordination, handling customized orders and group needs efficiently. All these conveniences make Original Dream Pizza a no-fuss choice for hosts who want to focus on the social aspect of their meetup rather than logistical challenges around food or seating.
What do reviewers say about Original Dream Pizza’s group experience?
Reviews from patrons highlight Original Dream Pizza as a dependable spot for group outings by emphasizing its tasty, shareable pizzas and friendly service. Many reviewers mention the welcoming environment and how it’s easy to order multiple pizzas to satisfy group cravings. Positive comments about the variety and quality of the pies often come up in the context of group dining, suggesting repeat visits to bring friends or family. Some note the ability to easily take pizzas to go, which helps when groups want to continue their gathering elsewhere. On occasion, feedback indicates minor inconsistencies in crust thickness or particular pizza styles, but these tend to be outweighed by the overall positive experience. The consistent 4+ star rating underscores that Original Dream Pizza successfully meets the needs of groups looking for a relaxed and enjoyable place to eat and socialize.
What additional tips help make meetups at Original Dream Pizza memorable?
To maximize the experience of a group meetup at Original Dream Pizza, consider coordinating pizza preferences ahead of time to explore the diverse menu efficiently, allowing everyone to try something unique. Bringing along some board games or planning some light activities after the meal can enhance the social vibe in the comfortable dining area. If the group prefers a picnic setting, takeout ordering makes it easy to transport fresh, hot pizza to a nearby park or home, extending the event beyond the restaurant. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations or special requests; they tend to be accommodating and knowledgeable, which can help tailor your party’s meal perfectly. Finally, arriving during off-peak hours can ensure smoother seating and quicker service, especially for larger groups wanting to avoid wait times.
In summary, Original Dream Pizza is thoughtfully positioned as an ideal spot to gather with friends or family, combining tasty, shareable pizzas, a casual yet inviting atmosphere, and logistical ease to create a hassle-free group dining experience. Whether staying in or taking the fun elsewhere, it’s a place where great food meets good company seamlessly.