Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Chicago
My go-to Italian
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder is truly a Chicago gem – a quaint, cozy spot famed by locals for its unique take on homemade Italian fare. Judging by the crowd of hungry visitors waiting on the steps outside the restaurant’s doors, you would never guess that this restaurant is considered somewhat of a hidden spot to natives; however, compared to its swanky, more popular competitors, CPOG ranks as my top contender for a unique spin on hearty, warming, homemade Italian fare in the city.
My favorite time to visit CPOG is in the dead of winter, when I can retreat to the dimly lit Swedish-pub style hideaway and snuggle into a warm booth to enjoy a meal. I suggest only going with one other person, allowing you to partake in what I’ve deemed “the classic split” – splitting a half-size of the house salad, one Mediterranean bread (regular or whole wheat) and one pot pie. Accompanied by a flight of dressings – all of which are made in-house - the salad pairs perfectly with the incredibly-seasoned flatbread.
While I visit time and time again for their salad and flatbread combo, that’s not to say that their unique take on the classic pizza falls short of perfection. Servers cover the spud with a ceramic bowl as it's transported directly from oven to table. Upon arrival, the bowl is lifted and the fragrant smells of cheese, fresh tomato, garlic & a blend of seasonings pull forks and knives, if by will, to dig into delicious paradise.
About this spot
Find your way with 116 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chicago
Pasta Bowl
Pasta to die for
"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
by
Sophie
Amado
Four Moon Tavern
Dive bar with panache
"Four Moon Tavern" in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!
by
Sophie
Amado
Long Room
A cozy long room bar
"Long Room" in Chicago is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern. I love the wooden bar, the lack of television & the menu!
by
Sophie
Amado
Chicago Athletic Association
Library bar
The "Chicago Athletic Association" (CAA) is an elite, hidden, and multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. The gem of this hotel is the drawing room...
by
Sophie
Amado
aliveOne
Cozy music bar
aliveOne in Lincoln Park offers rock vibes, local music, a cozy atmosphere, pool, comfy couches, and the perfect spot to unwind or dance the night away.
by
Sophie
Amado
Side Street Saloon
Dive bar with pizza
Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
by
Sophie
Amado
KOVAL Distillery
Craft distillery
KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
by
Sophie
Amado
Wormhole
Time-traveling coffee shop
Wormhole in Wicker Park, Chicago is my favorite coffee shop in the city. When you walk in, it feels like you have stepped back in time to the '80s...
by
Sophie
Amado
Dearborn Denim
Made in CHI, custom-tailored jeans
"Dearborn Denim" in Chicago has real, American-made denim jeans. They even lack the hems so you can have final stitches done on-site and custom for you!
by
Erin
Stevens
Chicago Magic Lounge
Serious magic... & cocktails
"Chicago Magic Lounge" is in a large theater, but here they also do magic right at the bar! I recommend staying for several sets: you too will be stumped!
by
Erin
Stevens
Int'l Museum Surgical Science
Medicine then & now
"Int'l Museum Surgical Science" in Chicago sounds a little creepy at first. It makes you grateful to be alive in the most recent era of modern medicine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Bar Roma
Authentic Roman cuisine
"Bar Roma" in Chicago is my favorite Italian restaurant in the area hands down! This is kind of a big deal, since Italian isn't even my favorite cuisine...
by
Erin
Stevens
Heading to Chicago?
116 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Chicago?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 116 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Chicago
Get to know our other Spotters from Chicago
As featured on:
