When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Professor Pizza - Old Town
Why Professor Pizza - Old Town is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Professor Pizza in Old Town is a vibrant and community-focused pizzeria located at 1610 N Wells St, just next to the iconic Second City Theaters. Founded by pizza expert Tony Scardino, whose passion for quality and family tradition shines through every dish, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere ideal for gathering with friends. With a menu deeply rooted in Italian-American heritage and innovative twists, Professor Pizza serves a variety of styles including the famous cracker crust, Grandma style, deep dish, Detroit style, and Sicilian crusts. Beyond exceptional pizzas, the menu also features fresh pastas, seasonal plates, and Italian-American classics, making it versatile for group hangouts. Featuring a cocktail program curated by beverage director Julieta Campos, the establishment pairs some of Chicago’s best martinis with unique takes on Italian favorites to elevate the dining experience. The warm, lively environment—often buzzing with families, comedians, and locals—makes it a fantastic spot for sharing memorable meals and conversations in a storied Chicago neighborhood.
Here's what people think of Professor Pizza - Old Town
As of recent, Professor Pizza - Old Town holds a 4.2-star rating based on 509 reviews.
Customers praise Professor Pizza for having some of the best pies in Chicago, especially highlighting the cracker crust and innovative toppings like pistachio and mortadella, as well as standout dishes such as mozzarella onion rings. Reviewers appreciate the family-friendly environment and the restaurant’s proximity to Second City Theaters, making it a popular pre-show spot. Positive reviews repeatedly mention the high quality of ingredients, the welcoming staff, and creative menu additions like fresh pastas and unique cocktails. On the other hand, some negative reviews have noted service issues such as slow wait times during busy periods and occasional inconsistencies in food temperature or preparation. A few customers expected faster table service or found the space somewhat noisy due to its lively atmosphere. Overall, reviews convey a strong affection for Professor Pizza’s dedication to craft and community connection, with many eager to return despite minor criticisms, reflecting a generally positive consensus about the dining experience it offers.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Aziz A Khetani
Was looking for some good Chicago pizza I was disappointed to tell you the truth on professor pizza. The service was good I do think they're overpriced for what you get here. We ordered the mozzarella onion sticks looks good but it was mid. The thin crossed cheese pizza was pretty good. The other pizza we ordered was not my cup of tea. We ended up leaving three out of the six slices.
John Sayson
I've seen reviews talking about the long wait, but we did not have that experience. I think the fact that we made a reservation helped tremendously. We came on a busy Saturday night, and yet we were seated promptly and served quickly. Even though they warned us about a long cook time for the pizzas, the food came out right on time. Make a reservation on OpenTable. All of the staff was super personable and welcoming, from our server all the way up to the owner himself. Even servers who weren't assigned our table would thank us for coming in or tell us to enjoy our meal. The owner, Tony, introduced himself to us after we finished our meal and made some small talk while he cleaned our table. Super nice vibes in there. Oh, and the pizzas were awesome. Deluxe Pepperoni is the way to go. The Gabagool is also good, but not exactly my cup of tea. Both the grandma crust and the New York crust are spectacular. We didn't try the cracker (Chicago tavern style crust), but I'm sure that's great, too.
Stephanie Nixon
Best pizza in the city! I’m a Chicago native and loveeee pizza so I have high standards. We get the cracker crust and it’s always perfect! I’m a bit of a health nut and love that my pizza has a decent amount of protein and nice fresh pieces of pepper. Makes me feel a little less guilty about eating pizza .. plus the crust is so thin. The service is always great here as well.
Amelia Merchant
Service is comically bad. We arrived at 7:30 and did not receive our pizza until 9:30!! They made us the wrong pizza, and told us they were remaking it. Waited 45 additional minutes, then were told they hadn’t put the order in at all. We were then promised it would only take 10min and it took 30. Our friends who DID get their pizzas were all completely charred and blackened. They did comp the pizza, but at what cost. Service was so genuinely awful, we are not returning.
Vel Natarajan
You came on a Sunday evening, and were seated quickly. The place was quiet. We ordered a cracker crust margherita and a pepperoni deluxe with the NY crust. Both were absolutely delicious and I want to come back to try others. The 12” pizza was more like 11”. One minor issue was the NY crust took 20 more minutes to come out after we got our first pizza. The menu clearly stated the Sicilian and Detroit took much longer, but we assumed the one that was only a *little* thicker would not *take* that long. The waitress Maria who was attentive and very nice explained to us. So not a mood killer, but were kept in limbo while we waited. If the NY does indeed take 20+ minutes longer, you could update the menu.
How to reach Professor Pizza - Old Town
None
Website: None
Why Professor Pizza - Old Town may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Professor Pizza - Old Town with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a meetup at Professor Pizza - Old Town is an excellent choice for multiple compelling reasons. This restaurant is not just a pizzeria; it is an engaging culinary destination that brings people together over beloved food and an inviting atmosphere. When you want a social venue where laughter, shared stories, and delicious meals can be enjoyed simultaneously, Professor Pizza offers the perfect blend. Located in the vibrant Old Town neighborhood of Chicago, right next door to the iconic Second City Theatres, the restaurant benefits from a lively, artsy backdrop that energizes any social outing. Its warm, casual vibe makes it a great spot for reconnecting with friends or bonding with family in a relaxed setting. With a solid 4.2 rating from over 500 reviews, the quality and consistency of their pizzas and Italian-American dishes have garnered lasting appeal among locals and visitors alike. Whether you and your friends are pizza aficionados eager to try expertly crafted pies, or simply looking for a welcoming place to unwind after a day out, Professor Pizza in Old Town stands ready as a superb rallying point.
In addition, the restaurant’s dedication to tradition mixed with innovation means that groups come away with an experience, not just a meal. Owner and pizzaiolo Tony Scardino, aka “Professor Pizza,” trained under world-class pizza masters and brings his passion to every slice, ensuring that your group’s dining experience is memorable and satisfying. The menu’s range, from classic Italian-American pizzas to fresh pastas and seasonal plates, caters to diverse tastes, which is an essential quality for successful group meetups. Beyond food, the cocktail menu curated by beverage director Julieta Campos offers premium drinks and unique martinis, giving friends a chance to share crafted beverages while catching up. The combination of an accessible location, excellent food, quality drinks, and an atmosphere conducive to convivial gatherings makes Professor Pizza - Old Town a standout place to rally with your favorite people.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Professor Pizza - Old Town for a group meetup?
When you step into Professor Pizza - Old Town for a group meetup, you’ll be greeted by an environment that balances comfort with Chicago’s vibrant cultural pulse. The neighborhood itself—a lively area rich in history and entertainment—adds a dynamic energy to your gathering. Situated near the renowned Second City Theatre, it’s in the heart of Old Town’s creative scene, making it an ideal spot to start or end a fun night out with friends. The interior of Professor Pizza is casual yet thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming to groups of all sizes. The seating arrangements encourage sharing and conversation, vital aspects when hosting gatherings where interaction is key.
The restaurant’s overall vibe embraces both tradition and contemporary dining culture. It is well suited for informal parties, family dinners, or casual celebrations. The staff are known for their friendly, attentive service that helps your group feel at home and adds a personal touch to your outing. This accessibility and warmth are essential, especially when dining with a crowd, ensuring that everyone’s needs are met efficiently without fuss. The place isn’t overly loud, meaning groups can easily talk and enjoy each other's company without straining to be heard. This relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere strikes the perfect balance for making any group gathering lively and memorable.
Beyond the physical setting, Professor Pizza nods to its Italian-American roots with decor and music that evoke the food’s heritage, subtly enhancing the thematic unity of your experience. This attention to ambiances, combined with the neighborhood’s vibrant backdrop, means your meetup will be framed in a setting that is thoughtfully curated for enjoyment and connection. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a reunion, or just a casual Friday night catch-up, the atmosphere here helps make those moments special.
What kind of food and drinks can groups enjoy at Professor Pizza - Old Town?
Professor Pizza - Old Town offers an impressive menu tailored to satisfy every taste within your group, making it a prime location for diverse palates. The cornerstone is, naturally, pizza, crafted with an expert blend of traditional and innovative techniques. Owner Tony Scardino, known as Professor Pizza, brings his mastery to the table, having trained extensively with world-renowned pizza champions, which is evident in the quality and variety of pies served. The menu features several styles including the signature crunchy cracker crust reminiscent of old-school Chicago pies, Grandma Style, Deep Dish, Detroit Style, and Sicilian crusts, giving your group ample options to try something new or stick to favorites.
Beyond pizza, the restaurant presents a selection of fresh, house-made pastas and seasonal Italian-American plates that complement the main offerings, providing substance for those seeking a broader Italian dining experience. The food philosophy is grounded in using fresh, local ingredients with attention to authentic flavor profiles, ensuring a satisfying and wholesomely flavorful meal for every diner. This diversity means everyone at your table, from strict vegetarians to meat lovers, can find something to enjoy.
On the beverage front, Professor Pizza shines with a cocktail menu crafted by Julieta Campos, Chicago’s reputed beverage director, who has created an appealing lineup featuring classic martinis and unique reinterpretations of Italian cocktail favorites. This aspect greatly enhances the social aspect of group dining, as drinks often help keep conversation flowing. The carefully selected drinks pair wonderfully with the food, adding another dimension of enjoyment to your meetup. Additionally, the availability of carryout and delivery services means your group could enjoy the pizza experience even offsite if needed, although the restaurant’s inviting environment is ideal for sitting down together to share the experience.
What activities and extras make Professor Pizza - Old Town perfect for group meetups?
Professor Pizza - Old Town is more than just a dining spot; it offers additional touches that elevate it for group meetups. Being located next to Second City Theatre means it pairs well with pre- or post-show gatherings. Groups can enjoy a comedy night or theatrical performance and then walk next door to share a meal or drinks, making it convenient and enriching for your plans. This proximity to cultural entertainment enhances the venue’s appeal because it easily fits days or evenings filled with multiple activities.
The restaurant also facilitates social connections through its focus on education and sharing of pizza knowledge. With Tony Scardino’s background, including teaching and competing internationally, patrons often find themselves part of an informal pizza “master class” where every pie hints at a rich tradition and culinary art. This can spark interesting conversations and a deeper appreciation for what you’re eating, turning the meal into a memorable experience beyond just taste. For groups passionate about gastronomy, this is an enriching layer to their meetup.
For those planning private events or special occasions, Professor Pizza offers event coordination services, ensuring group celebrations are smoothly managed with personalized attention. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or casual reunion, they accommodate group sizes and tailor offerings to fit the event type. This professional approach to group gatherings brings peace of mind alongside excellent food and atmosphere, critical for hosting.
The longstanding positive reputation backed by over 500 reviews attests to its consistent delivery of friendly service, excellent food quality, and a welcoming ambiance that fits social needs. All these factors together make Professor Pizza - Old Town a versatile, thoughtful, and optimized space for groups to come together, share great food, and create lasting memories.
How accessible and convenient is Professor Pizza - Old Town for group outings?
Accessibility and convenience are crucial when selecting a venue for group gatherings, and Professor Pizza - Old Town scores highly on both counts. Located at 1610 N Wells St in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, it benefits from being in a well-known, easy-to-reach area. The neighborhood is served by multiple public transit options, and parking is available nearby, accommodating guests who drive. Its central location also makes it a convenient stop for many residents and visitors, enhancing the feasibility of assembling groups from various parts of the city.
The operational hours are tailored to accommodate different types of meetups and timings. On weekdays, the restaurant is open from 4 PM to 10 PM, while on Fridays and Saturdays, it extends service from 11 AM until midnight, allowing for late-night socializing. Sunday hours run from 11 AM to 10 PM. This flexibility means your group can meet for lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal depending on the occasion. The ability to offer dine-in, carryout, and delivery adds an extra layer of convenience, catering to groups who may want to enjoy the food in different settings.
Furthermore, the restaurant’s staff are experienced in handling group reservations and meal service, ensuring that your meetup runs smoothly without extended waits or service disruptions. The option to book tables ahead and speak with event coordinators gives groups a tailored service experience, ideal for ensuring dietary preferences, seating arrangements, and special requests are met. All these factors contribute to stress-free logistics, allowing your group to focus solely on enjoying each other’s company and the culinary delights at Professor Pizza - Old Town.