Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder Co. is a Lincoln Park institution at 2121 N Clark St, famous for one dish: the pizza pot pie. The restaurant calls itself a "Chicago family tradition for over 50 years." It still runs on walk-ins and carryout only, and the wait is part of the experience. Below are the current menu and prices, the hours, and tips for your visit.
About Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder
This is not deep dish and it's not tavern-style thin crust. The pizza pot pie is its own thing. A bowl is filled with the restaurant's own sauce, a blend of cheeses and toppings, then covered with house-made dough and baked. At the table, the server flips it upside down onto your plate, so the crust ends up on the bottom. The dish has drawn local TV coverage and visitors from all over the country. The restaurant also ships pot pies nationwide through Goldbelly.
Menu and Prices
The menu is short and has barely changed in decades. Prices below come from the restaurant's official food menu. Where two prices are listed, they are for the smaller and larger size.
Appetizers
- Mediterranean Bread: $16.00
- Antipasto: $26.00 / $33.50
- Chef's Salad: $20.00 / $22.50
Pizza Pot Pie
- The Half-Pounder: $20.50
- The One-Pounder: $38.00
Oven Grinders
- Italian Combination: $22.50
- Sausage: $22.50
- Meatball: $22.50
- Italian Ham: $22.50
- Italian Salami: $22.50
- Vegetarian: $22.50
Salad Dinners
- Great American: $23.50 / $30.00
- Country French: $23.50 / $30.00
- Classic Greek: $23.50 / $30.00
- Italian Festa: $28.00 / $33.50
Dessert
- Tortoni: $13.00 / $16.50
What to Order
Every table should start with the Mediterranean bread, a giant flatbread brushed with oil and herbs that's meant for sharing. Then order a pizza pot pie each. The half-pounder is enough for most people, and the one-pounder is for big appetites or for sharing. The grinders are oven-baked sandwiches on the same house bread. They're the move if someone in your group wants something other than pizza. The salad dinners are large enough to work as a main course.
Tips for Visiting
- No reservations. Seating is walk-in only. Arrive right at opening or on a weeknight to cut the wait. Baking also takes time after you order.
- Bring cash. The restaurant has long been known as cash only. Call ahead if you need to confirm current payment options.
- Carryout is available if you'd rather skip the wait for a table.
- Location: it's on Clark Street across from Lincoln Park, a short walk from the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Hours and Location
Address: 2121 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (773) 248-2570
- Monday–Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder
What is a pizza pot pie?
It's the restaurant's signature: house-made dough baked over a bowl of sauce, cheese and toppings, then flipped upside down at the table. It comes as a half-pounder ($20.50) or a one-pounder ($38).
Does Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder take reservations?
No. The restaurant currently offers walk-ins and carryout only, so expect a wait at peak times.
What are Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder's hours?
Listings show Monday–Thursday 4–10 PM, Friday 4–11 PM, Saturday 11 AM–11 PM and Sunday 11 AM–10 PM.
Is Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder cash only?
It has long been known as a cash-only restaurant. Bring cash or call (773) 248-2570 to confirm current payment options.
Can I order the pizza pot pie online?
Yes. Pizza pot pies ship nationwide through Goldbelly, and carryout is available at the restaurant.
Menu prices were checked against the restaurant's official website on October 26, 2026. Hours come from current Chicago listings. Confirm before you visit.
