Paterno's Pizza
Is this your business?
Claim this profile to update your info and track analytics.
About
Paterno's Pizza — dependable italian in Jefferson Park. Walk in and you know immediately: this place is real. Good ingredients, simply prepared. "The steak was cooked perfectly, tender, juicy and full of flavor" — Tom Z
Experience Breakdown
Utibe Akpaninyie-Williams
123 reviews
“I suggest their food to anybody who wants good pizza and amazing service”
Highlights
What Diners Are Saying
Diners loved
Some noted
Ordered an extra thin and crispy garlic butter pizza through GrubHub and this is what I received.
The owners sold the place. I noticed a theme with a lot of the businesses on the Northwest side. Quality has gone down.
First and last time at this establishment. This place reeks of cigarettes. The staff just looks at you and makes jokes.
Location
5303 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
What 620+ diners say about Paterno's Pizza
“You have to try their pizza.”
You have to try their pizza. Drinks happen to be very attractively priced
marek kurowski
Jul 2025
“Owners '& staff and atmosphere is so freaking amazing plus the musuc.”
Lori Myers
Dec 2024
“Great slices of pizza 🍕 Good price.”
Great slices of pizza 🍕 Good price. But 12o/z of soup was 4.83 crazy 😧.
Rita Gollias
Oct 2023
“Chicago old school at its finest.”
Chicago old school at its finest. Neighborhood bar. Delicious food. Spacious back room. Laid back and unpretentious.
Jlavecc66 Joe
Sep 2023
“I love the whole staff & JOJO IS THE BEST !!!!”
I love the whole staff & JOJO IS THE BEST !!!!! Her food the drinks the atmosphere the live music!!!!! It is a good time has by all and you make new friends all the time. Come see what a great place this really is
Lori Myers
Jun 2022
“Great beefs and very decent priced catering menu.”
Great beefs and very decent priced catering menu. So delicious
Victoria Newburg
Jul 2021
“The beef is great.”
The beef is great. Has a true Chicago feel. I would suggest and come back again!
Brad Saverino
Nov 2019
“First time visitor, had the pizza by the slice, gooey cheese had good flavors, perfect amount of...”
First time visitor, had the pizza by the slice, gooey cheese had good flavors, perfect amount of sauce which stayed hot down to the last bite, crust was nice and crunchy. For a quick bite with bar atmosphere, can get a bit loud, it's spot on for indulging in good ol Chicago style pizza.
Z Man
Nov 2018
“Ordered an extra thin and crispy garlic butter pizza through GrubHub and this is what I received.”
Ordered an extra thin and crispy garlic butter pizza through GrubHub and this is what I received. In what world is this extra thin and crispy?? Also put regular pizza sauce on it instead of the garlic butter🤣🤣 2 stars because the clam chowder was good
matt kivel
Sep 2021
“"I had a fantastic experience at Paterno’s Pizza.”
"I had a fantastic experience at Paterno’s Pizza! The new owner, Chirag Patel, is doing a terrific job running the place, and you can really tell he cares about the quality of the food and the customer experience. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff and bartenders are absolutely amazing—friendly, attentive, and they make sure you’re well taken care of. The food was the real highlight of the night. We tried a bit of everything: Pizza: Perfectly cooked with a great crust and fresh toppings. Wings: Crispy, flavorful, and definitely a must-order. Nachos & Fries: Both were loaded, delicious, and made for the perfect starters. Everything we tasted was top-notch. Whether you're stopping in for a drink at the bar or a full meal with friends, this spot is hitting its stride under the new leadership. Highly recommend!"
Barinder Saini
Jan 2026
“In my personal opinion - The best pizza on earth is the "Perfect pizza" from Pizza Perfect in South Africa.”
In my personal opinion - The best pizza on earth is the "Perfect pizza" from Pizza Perfect in South Africa. After trying (and failing) to find, or reproduce the "Perfect Pizza" magic in many different countries and states. I believe I have found the closest thing at Paterno's... They're officially the ONLY place I have found able to reproduce the taste, aroma and texture of the "Perfect Pizza". If you're a South African (or anybody else for that matter) looking for that "Pizza Perfect" magic, then I would happily point you in the direction of Paterno's. Reproducing the legendary Perfect pizza at Paterno's is simple... Order the following: 1. Extra thin crust with cheese base (tomato & cheese) 2. Ham 3. Salami 4. Green peppers 5. Black olives 6. Mushrooms 7. Fresh garlic (Avoid people for at least 12hrs afterwards) 8. Onion (optional) Note: They cut the pizza's tavern style (square cut), but this has no effect on the amazing taste... 11 out of 10 - Would eat again.
Philip Malan
Jan 2026
“Great place and food, friendly staff.”
Great place and food, friendly staff. Bonus if there is a band. They are usually very good
joanne jenkinson
Dec 2025
Love Paterno's Pizza?
First Bite — Coming Soon
Our monthly Chicago food newsletter — new openings, hidden gems & trending spots.
More Italian in Uptown & North Side
Top-rated spots serving the same cuisine.
You Might Also Like
Similar style & budget — Italian, budget.
Different Cuisines in Jefferson Park
Try something new without leaving the neighborhood.
