Cowabunga! Pizza Pies

235

312

1093

9 days ago

First time having NY pizza. Doing a carrot may not be the best choice. The crust was really thin. The sausage was cut square pieces. The sauce was tasty and not overly sauced. Had the right amount of sauce. I didn't like that the crust was soggy when I got home. It smells delicious. I'll have to give it another try. But maybe try a slice and eat it right away. The staff was friendly once I walked in the door. The service was good. My pizza was ready when I got there. read more

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Santi D.

11

185

18

2 months ago

Pros: Great theme. Wide selection. Fast workers. Very good pizzas. Cons: None I can think of. We unknowingly walked in here on Pi day. I wasn't sure why it was so busy or so affordable. But yeah, low prices and well cooked pizzas are always a treat. We enjoyed the food so much, we came back on a non-discount day and have another great Chicago memory of a savory pizza stop that is worth visiting again. I can't remember which pizzas we ordered but I know I tried at least 3 different types and they were all good. Ingredients were well cooked, no burned edges or sides, the crust was well baked with no uncooked white powder on the bottom, and the slices all dripped just enough to make me feel I was in an actual '80s mutant cartoon. read more

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Lisa D.

7

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23 days ago

Found this place on TikTok and knew we had to stop by before our White Sox game since we'd be in the area. We were delighted by the atmosphere filled with nostalgia. There was so much to look at! The slices in the case were also quite the sight to see! There was a great variety and my group was able to try a few. The names were great and most of the slices hit the spot. I quite enjoyed the crusts and I usually give mine away! The staff was friendly and answered any question we had and gave us suggestions, like the garlic sauce. GET THE GARLIC SAUCE. Truly amazing. Don't expect to eat inside if you have a big group or small children as it's just a counter top. There are two picnic tables outside though. Overall we were very happy! 4.5 if you could do half stars! read more

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Nolan F.

Elite 26 All-Star

617

977

3871

7 months ago

I ordered a slice each of: 1. Cowabunga Special - pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, red onion, green pepper 2. April O'Neil - Spinach, Garlic, Grilled Chicken, Tomato, Pecorino Romano (White Pie) Who knows how long the slices are sitting in the glass but they reheat the individual slices in the oven so it comes out hot and crispy. Maybe the quality is better if I got a fresh whole pie but regardless, the individual slices were tasty. Slices were floppy, not very crispy, but still nice chew. Toppings are generous and evenly distributed. No issues with service. Limited seating inside. read more

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Chavalier N.

38

80

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7 months ago

20/10 of neighborhood staple that reminds me of the classic NY style pizza that's all ninja turtle fans love! The owner is amazing always doing family activities to bring the community in! You can play board games as you wait or post-meal! If you order online understand this a small business and everything is made from scratch! Want to get a peek into the process? Just step inside to see the chefs in actions flipping, spinning, and spreading pizza love Wed- Sunday! Family faves: Donatello (meat lovers), Cowabunga Special (supreme pizza) , and ofc classic pepperoni! Fun fact you can earn free slices through points! I've had a few and it comes in handy with a house of 5! read more

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Joon K.

5

218

292

4 months ago

Unique ninja turtle themed pizza shop. A variety of pizzas are available. Tried Chicken BBQ and Cheese. Both were great. read more

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Jemyra I.

27

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11 months ago

Hidden Gem Alert! I love checking out local spots that actually live up to the hype--and this Ninja Turtle-themed pizza joint definitely does. I passed by one day and was instantly intrigued, and now I've been back three times. Every visit has been a hit. The customer service is always top-tier--super friendly and welcoming. The place is small, but it's just the right size to grab your food and go. And the pizza? Unique flavors that will not disappoint. A fun, tasty experience every time. read more

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - Buffalo Chicken - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Cary C.

11

157

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7 months ago

Fast, polite, helpful, tasty pizzas by the slice. The crust was nice and thin, crispy, some foldable flop. Love the theme and outdoor seating. Tried the 5 cheese, special, and the garlic- veggie-chicken. They were all tasty. read more

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Nick P.

Elite 26 All-Star

187

1368

8089

8 months ago

This is both dine in and takeout. They have several chairs inside as well as tables outside. This is worth going to if you were ever a fan of TMNT or just want a NY style pizza. They have a lot of memorabilia, games (I believe one has to be fixed), and TMNT movie on TV. We got two 20" pizzas, April O'Neil and Casey Jones. The toppings were great and there was a good amount of meat. Customer service was very friendly. My pizzas were finished before the scheduled pick up time. Both pizzas were delicious. Only criticism would be that the crust could be a bit crispier. I prefer less chew. read more

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - April O'Neil - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - Casey Jones - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Reyna R.

0

5

0

3 months ago

Purchased two slices and both were delicious. The main guy let us know veggies were hand picked same day and you could really taste the freshness! They greeted us upon arrival and were really nice. The vibe is super rad and vintage. I will definitely return to try more of their slices and recommend to family and friends. read more

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Sylvia P.

Elite 25

193

112

64

9 months ago

Duuuude! This pizza is like totally radical! No bogus pizza here. These guys are just slanging some totally bodacious pies in the 'hood. Make you wanna slap yo mama and yell' Booyakasha" after declaring that its turtle time!! Fun nostalgic little NY slice pizza spot in the hood. Living in the area over 5 years now, I am loving all the cool places pooping up. Loved bringing my daughter here for a mommy/daughter date night to share some pies and little lady talk on their patio on a gorgeous summer night. Bitchin pies, my dudes. read more

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pablo a.

1

58

9

5 months ago

The pizza from this restaurant is really good. I like that the slices are thin and crunchy. I recommend if you are craving a bar style pizza come try Cowabunga! The perfect party pizza service is great, hard working team. Ambiance of the restaurant is clean and fun to be in and enjoy some good food. read more

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Trent C.

1

8

0

5 months ago

Great my style pizza, flavorful ingredients, real garlic in the sauce. I get full pies and single slices and have always been satisfied. Tonight I came I by and there was a few minutes left on my pizza. Chatted with the main guy there about old movies. He pulled my pie out and wasn't satisfied- felt he toasted the crust too much. He tossed a new crust and put it in and gave me a slice from the one he wasn't satisfied with while I waited. It was excellent but I could tell what he meant - just a tad dry on the crust. New pie was out pretty quickly and he sent me home with both pies. They're really committed to quality ingredients and careful preparation - a breath of fresh air. read more

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Will J.

258

99

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11 months ago

As someone who has grown up in the Bridgeport area(with tons of great pizza over the years - Lina's, Ricobene's, Phil's, etc) - it's refreshing to get a different style of pizza in the area. This NY style pizza spot is small, although it is very cool with the ninja turtle theme, the large variety of pizza slices, and the extremely friendly customer service. Today I got two slices(one cheese and the pepperoni/sausage). The pizza is fresh, very little flop + great crunch, the ingredients all work well together. For two slices of pizza cost around 15$, which is fair - nothing is cheap anymore. I love the small outdoor sitting area, I love the effort put into the interior, and I'm looking forward to coming back to try more. Seeing as this is on 31st street, parking should be manageable although I had to walk a block + to find parking - no biggie :) So whether you're in the Bridgeport area or visiting for a white Sox game, or just want NY style pizza in Chicago - definitely worth your effort to come out and check this spot out! read more

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Daniel S.

653

1204

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1 year ago

Great new pizza spot that just opened in Bridgeport, just down the street from Maria's on 31st. It's been a welcome addition to the neighborhood, specializing in NY style slices, to compliment the more traditional Chicago pizza style places that are already in the area. They have a wide variety of topping choices, with various meats and sauces and vegetables on top. I've tried 4 different ones so far, all really good. While the inside is small, it's filled with a ton of 80s/90s nostalgia, from retro video games to VHS tapes to other cool decorations on the walls. The owner is very cool and friendly, and seems like this was definitely a passion project of his to start. The only downside is that it's only open half the week. Hopefully as it grows in popularity it will be open more days. Will definitely become a regular here! read more

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Tony I.

1

51

81

1 year ago

This is a cool retro spot reminds me of the childhood I was reliving oh yeah the pizzas pretty awesome also novel pizza names after the Mutant Ninja Turtles The pizza was NY slice and you can choose from about 13 choices which made it fun and challenging guess I'm gonna have to make that trip soon The crust is perfect and the chew is perfect toppings are abundant and flavorful good play on flavors Minimal seating inside and the outside is a few benches to enjoy your uniquely named and flavorful pizza Good addition to the Bridgeport area read more

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - Pizza case and ordering area - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - Inside alter to the Ninja Turtles - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Jay G.

20

177

137

7 months ago

Such a fun zany and cute little pizzeria! We made a day out of strolling the neighborhood and having a slice of pizza outside on their little picnic tables. I love that they have some really fun combinations ( purists relax, they have pepperoni) and some traditional slices. read more

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Cynthia N.

209

464

244

1 year ago

Since Cowabunga opened, we have had their slices and pies. The quality of the pizza is great, the taste wonderful. I like the thin crust - the cheese to dough ratio is perfect. It's not tavern-style, so don't expect a crispy crust all the way through. We stopped by when they first opened to check it out and it was so nice to pick up a slice of the Donatello and enjoy it under the sun. The slices are large and you can be satisfied by 1-1.5 slices. I'm definitely looking forward to enjoying some good pizza on a warm Summer afternoon! We bought two pies yesterday - cheese and pepperoni. Our friends and their kiddos loved it! The complimentary garlic sauce was a huge hit, there wasn't enough to go around. The pies are 20 inches, so 1 pie can feed a lot. If you're comparing apples to apples, the prices are comparable to other pizza places nearby, assuming the other places don't have some sort of special or deal going on. The interior is small and cozy, you can see them making the pizzas right there. Order at the counter and wait for your pizza. They have a few stools by the window, but otherwise expect to grab and go. There are sometimes tables on the sidewalk. There's also a nearby park where you can picnic. You can also order online. They've been selling out and their phones get tied up during the rush, so it's best to pre-order your pizza online. It's a real family affair and nice to support a small business, run by people living in the area. Join the loyalty rewards program and keep coming back! We definitely plan to! read more

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Cody C.

10

6

2

4 months ago

Lou Malnati's is a must for anyone visiting Chicago. The Deep Dish Pizza is legendary and the Malnati Chicago Classic was flavorful and delicious. Great atmosphere and friendly service made our meal perfect. This is easily the best pizza in the city. read more

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Bruce S.

81

169

30

10 months ago

Of course it's teenage mutant ninja turtles themed and decorated. Straight fire New York style pizza. Fast, nice service for some slices or more, with some seating inside and outside but not a very big place at all. Went in to try on a Wednesday around 2:30pm and was in and out in like 5 minutes, there was one customer ahead of me and many types of slices available. I went with the cowabunga special and the Raphael slice, love them both. My car ride was like 10 minutes so the only thing I would do differently is probably get them to leave my pizza in the oven a little bit longer (which I'm sure isn't a problem, I like my pizza crispier). Other than that, I loved the sauce, sausage cubed style, and the flavor of their crust. read more

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Dana F.

50

10

7

1 year ago

Slaps. Absolutely slaps. Great food. Great service. Cash/card accepted. Lots to look at and an O.G. Nintendo to play while you wait. Limited seating at a window counter. Nice to have a new business and restaurant on this side of Bridgeport. Wishing them nothing but success! read more

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - Seating area and order/check out - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Felicia K.

91

151

67

1 year ago

Love the theme. My wife is a big fan so this was great for her. Staff were awesome. The food is great. NY style pizza. I'm a diehard Chicago style pizza girl but this was great. It was even good when we reheated. We will be back. read more

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Julie K.

255

9

0

7 months ago

I work down the street and come once a week. Pizza is consistently good and has a lot of options!

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Joyce W.

0

9

4

1 year ago

Tl;dr: delicious, accurate New York style thin crust, fair price, fast, no-frills Bridgeport vibes, friendly owner. We got the Italian beef pizza. 12 slices, $38, 18 minutes from order to my mouth, so big it could barely could fit in the box. I was really hungry and there's still enough left over for dinner. The crust is the star and it's New York style - the only other place in the city afaik that does crust this well is Jimmy's in Ravenswood. Certainly nowhere else south of the loop. Good ratio of toppings to crust. Toppings aren't too big, giardiniera mildly spicy. Sauce is a bit on the sweeter rather than acidic side. Owner seems really committed to the Bridgeport community. He was super open to feedback and community engagement. We sat outside on the picnic tables in sidewalk. There's a small counter space inside but otherwise it looked like most people took their food to go. Only criticism: you have to buy water. They wouldn't refill our water bottles from the tap. To the owner(s): consider allowing folks to refill their water bottle, as this promotes more pizza consumption.... Overall a great place, and I'm so glad they're in the neighborhood. read more

Business owner information

Shawn R.

Hey guys, sorry we’re actually only allowed to give away filtered…

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Chris D.

1

24

10

1 year ago

Was excited to finally get in here and was not disappointed... pizza was out of the world , ninja turtles and vintage video games awesome . Rock and punk music goes well with the pizza . Owners and his assistant awesome people . Felt like I have known them for an awhile . Can't wait to back read more

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies - All of the special pizza they make , more we're coming out of the oven - Pizza Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Matt H.

0

6

1

1 year ago

The pizza wasn't bad. I guess I was just expecting more since it was a whole ninja turtle theme going on. I love the ninja Turtles, but I love pizza even more. I felt like this was a pretty average slice of pizza. Considering the neighborhood that the pizzeria is in. Compared to Ricobene's, Connie's , and Phil's. It just seems pretty mid. I know it's a New York style pizza. Maybe it's unfair to compare it against other Chicago style pizza. I only tried New York style pizza twice here in Chicago. I will say, this one was my least favorite out of the two. Maybe I should've ordered one of their specialty pizza. Maybe that would've helped with my experience. Also, I had it delivered. Maybe next time I will actually go to the place and sit down. I'll give it another try but I'm in no rush to go back anytime soon. read more

Business owner information

Shawn R.

lol

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Mindy R.

0

1

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6 months ago

Always good pizza and service and always friendly open Wednesday-Sunday and they also and an escape room by Morgan and 31st pretty cool place read more

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Gaby C.

0

11

0

9 months ago

I loved the pizza it's a cute little spot to get a good slice of pizza. I would only say that if you're sensitive to salty stuff. Don't get the sauce. But that sauce would go great with fries. It's tasty just a bit salty. The ppl there are really nice and friendly. They look like they enjoy their jobs. read more

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Maximiliano V.

0

2

0

2 months ago

pizza is good, not lying,solid 7, but costumer service is very bad, specially if you are Hispanic, you can buy and pay for your food but the clown of the owner will ask to confirm the order assuming that you are a uber driver, 3 times same situation doesn't seams that a misunderstood. read more

Business owner information

Shawn R.

Hey goofball, we confirm orders to make sure that everybody’s pizza…

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Taylor K.

0

4

10 months ago

Love love love the atmosphere, the creativity, the pizza everything about this place brings back childhood memories highly recommend trying them out you won't regret it read more

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Lupini P.

1

234

48

9 months ago

Pizza is good excellent dough. The only thing is they don't give you any napkins when you take a slice to go.

Business owner information

Shawn R.

We do have about six napkin dispensers located around the restaurant,…

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Lisa D.

0

2

11 months ago

This place was so needed in Bridgeport! It is very kid-friendly and they offer an incentive for book reports and summer reading. The pizza slices are so tasty. You can tell everyone who works here really enjoys their job since everyone is so friendly. This place is great for sitting outside at one of the shared picnic tables out front. Highly recommend! read more

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Argentina N.

0

3

0

11 months ago

Perfection! Great local pizza- and priced right. Friendly people and great for all ages. read more

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Chris F.

256

91

159

1 year ago

10 outta 10. Cheese stretches, crust is thin, parmesan in the fridge, the slice folds and the sauce makes the pie. Love it. Best slice in the neighborhood. read more

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Christopher C.

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4

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1 year ago

Great pizza with a perfect crispy, chewy crust. The owner is super friendly and the pizzas are huge. New neighborhood gem.

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Toni G.

0

30

1

1 year ago

So I couldn't respond to the owner responding to my initial review, I don't like sweet pizza sauce. I actually prefer a homemade marinara and I named Vito & Nicks and Piquods as points of reference when it comes to quality and taste. NOT Phil's. I don't even like tavern style from the south side because most places tend to make their sauce really sweet. I do appreciate the feedback, lets us locals know small business owners care about the customers opinion. ‍ read more

Business owner information

Shawn R.

Hey Tony, you might want to just stick to Phil’s. It sounds like it’s…

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Chrissy W.

57

21

1

1 year ago

Tried a slice before they'd opened. They stopped by the bar and brought in a few pies for everyone to try. I tried the one with grilled chicken. Normally, I don't believe in chicken on pizza, but it was delicious. It had fresh garlic and spinach, too. It is very fresh and tasty. Not greasy and heavy. Niiice. read more

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Karl K.

0

27

3

1 year ago

Holy cow dude! Their pizza shreds! They get busy and If they're over capacity, the website won't process your order and you 'll have to place one for the next day or go there in person, order at the counter, jam on punk and Nintendo, and wait. I'm a die hard Chicago pizza fan from thin cracker crust to deep dish. Never really enjoyed NY style till Cowabuga and it was delish. Yes, this place even beats the pants off certified pizzerias. Ingredients fresh, crust crispy with just the right amount of elasticity while moist. Ate it second day out of the fridge and it was just as good if not better - the true test for pizza. read more

Business owner information

Shawn R.

You are a legend, dude! Thanks for the kind words!

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Anthony C.

0

3

0

1 year ago

Place is absolutely amazing top to bottom. Customer service is great through the door. The vibe is nice and chill. The pizza is so different than what we're used and it's perfect. This place is going to completely monopolize the area. read more

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More info about Cowabunga! Pizza Pies

1117 W 31st St
Chicago, IL 60608
Bridgeport
Directions
(773) 234-4819
Call Now
Visit Website
https://cowabungapizzapies.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Cowabunga! Pizza Pies open?

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies opens at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Cowabunga! Pizza Pies close?

Cowabunga! Pizza Pies is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Cowabunga! Pizza Pies closes at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Cowabunga! Pizza Pies closes at 9:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Thu, Sun 12:00 PM - 8:00 PMFri-Sat 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Cowabunga! Pizza Pies serve alcohol?

Yes, Cowabunga! Pizza Pies serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cowabunga! Pizza Pies have outdoor seating?

Yes, Cowabunga! Pizza Pies has outdoor seating options.

Does Cowabunga! Pizza Pies have parking?

Yes, Cowabunga! Pizza Pies has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Cowabunga! Pizza Pies have free WiFi?

Yes, Cowabunga! Pizza Pies has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Cowabunga Pizza Pies is Chicago’s go-to spot for fresh, handcrafted pizza with bold flavors and a laid-back vibe. We make our dough from scratch daily, use premium ingredients, and fire up every pie to crispy, cheesy perfection. Whether you’re grabbing a quick slice or indulging in a whole pie, our menu has something for everyone—classic favorites, creative specialties, and even fresh salads. Our friendly team ensures every visit feels like home, and we’re all about great food, good vibes, and top-notch service. Fast, friendly, and always delicious—Cowabunga Pizza Pies is the neighborhood pizza joint you’ve been craving. Come by, grab a slice, and taste the difference!

Meet the Business Owner: Shawn R.

A Duffle Bag and a Dream Some journeys start with a roadmap, others with a leap of faith. Mine began with my mom’s old Air Force duffle bag, a love for pizza, and a dream. I started as a young pizza cook in Hawai’i, where the aroma of fresh dough sparked my passion. Running my own food truck taught me the hustle, but I wanted more. So, I packed my bags and took a chance on a new city. Chicago became my proving ground. I mastered every pizza style, worked my way up, and eventually became GM of a French fine-dining restaurant. Then COVID-19 hit, and with two sons depending on me, I pivoted to carpet restoration. For five years, I thought I had left food behind. But life has a way of bringing you back. When the perfect opportunity arose, I went all in. Today, as the owner of Cowabunga! Pizza Pies, I’m doing what I love—bringing people together over great pizza. What started with a duffle bag and a dream has become my purpose, my legacy. Let’s eat!

More Info

Health Score

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5.8 mi•Lincoln Park

This is one of my favorite places. There pizza pot pies are delicious…read more This visit we had the Great American salad and shared the delicious Mediterranean bread. The wait staff is always great! The ambiance is cozy or romantic.

I have memories going back almost 20 years of coming to this spot! I knew I had to go back when I…read morewas finally back in Chicago for a bit! Street parking available on nearby blocks! The space itself feels historic and warm, and not much had changed from my childhood memories! Our water was always full and the servers were around and friendly during our entire visit! The food is nostalgic and unique! Mediterranean Bread is a must! It was overflowing from the plate and topped with the a perfect amount of cheese and spices. Pizza Pot Pies are the signature dish and you can't skip! Unique, flavorful, and fun presentation! A Chicago staple that is perfect for those looking for something unique and an alternative to deep dish pizza!

Tight and cramped but fun atmosphere

Meatball Grinder

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N.A. Margarita

Giordano's

3.8(4.3k reviews)

3.6 mi•The Loop

How did we end up here... Giordano's, Chicago…read more One of those moments where you don't overthink it -- you just follow the craving. And somehow, it led us straight to one of Chicago's most iconic spots. Giordano's lives up to the hype. The deep-dish pizza isn't just a meal -- it's an experience. From the first cut to that perfectly layered bite, you get everything you expect from Chicago-style pizza and more. rich, flavorful sauce layers of melty cheese a thick, buttery crust that holds it all together It's hearty, it's indulgent, and definitely something you take your time with. The atmosphere felt exactly right -- lively, welcoming, and full of people clearly enjoying the moment. If you're visiting Chicago and want to try something that truly represents the city, this is a must. Some places you plan for... and some you just find your way to. How did we get here?

Giordano's never disappoints. I ordered ahead of time to pick up right when they opened, and the…read moreprocess was very easy. They also gave me plates, napkins, and cutlery, already to go in a bag. It was easy to take it with me to eat while exploring Chicago. The pizza itself was delicious as always. I honestly forgot how good the crust was, because the cheese always steals the show. It's such a savory treat. This location also had plenty of merch and a modern atmosphere touting its famous deep dish pizza.

3.7 mi•West Loop, Near West Side, West Town

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PIZZ'AMICI

4.1(116 reviews)

Recently this place has been bought up by my friends and I had no idea! It's still so popular that…read moreyou have to be on top of getting reservations and it is difficult because it's a small space. After coming and being biased towards pizza I can see why it is constantly packed! Overall one of my favorite thin crust in the city. Amazing crunch and ingredients were tasty. You choose what to add to your pie and In terms of my favorite of the 3 I got were sausage + mushroom, hot honey + pepperoni, and italian beef. 9.2/10

This place feels casual and loud upbeat music blasting. It's super loud though, like you're…read morebasically shouting across the table. Service was fine, not super present but they did check in at the right times. The pizza is the star here. Easily one of the best crust textures I've had. Super thin, super crispy, and holds up without getting soggy. 9.7/10. The pepperoni + hot honey combo was perfect. The flavor was amazing and everything just worked together perfectly. 9.8/10. The Italian beef + giardiniera half was good too, more savory and heavier, but the meat had more of a pulled texture than actual than expected. 7.5/10. The seafood skillet didn't really land for me. It had too much wine flavor and the breadcrumbs got soggy fast. 4/10. Overall, come here for the pizza only. That's what makes this spot worth fighting for reservations.

Inside

Caesar salad

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Inside

Michael's Original Pizzeria & Tavern

4.3(975 reviews)

8.2 mi•Uptown

My FAVORITE pizza spot in the city. Tons of TVs so they're guaranteed to have on your game. I've…read morenever had to wait long either in person or for carry out. Their apps are honestly slept on!! Their buffalo wings deserve their own spotlight - huge, perfect spice, and it's making my mouth water just thinking about it! This time around we ordered the fried zucchini and while these were just as freaking good, don't let the vegetable in the name deter you away! Their classic thin crust pizza has that nice cracker crust and always leaves me wanting more. I've never had a bad time when I visited Michael's and I usually bring all my family or friends visiting from out of town to try the REAL pizza of Chicago!

I came here to watch the epic Smackdown Bears vs. Packers game, and it was packed to the gills with…read moresuch vibrant energy on a Saturday night. I love that vibe. Found my party and immediately ordered a pint of beer. We ordered some hot wings (the first ones they brought out were cold), and they were decent. We also ordered a supreme pizza, and I thought it was okay--unfortunately nothing to write home about. I found it a bit bland and just missing flavor. The onion rings, though, were absolutely fantastic. Service was top notch, and we were so well taken care of. I honestly can't imagine how they handled so many customers that night--kudos to the team. And the bathrooms were super clean, which I always appreciate. I'd definitely go back for a pint and to watch the game.

Lots of tvs and games

Deep dish sausage pizza

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Buffalo Wings

Robert's Pizza and Dough

4.4(1.2k reviews)

4.1 mi•Near North Side

There's just something about Robert's Pizza and Dough Company that keeps us coming back every…read moresingle time We've been here so many times already and somehow every visit feels even better than the last. The second you walk in, the entire atmosphere just feels cozy, lively, welcoming, and honestly impossible to leave Between the views, the music, the energy, the smell of pizza coming out of the oven nonstop... it's genuinely one of our favorite spots in the city. We started with cocktails that were SO refreshing and perfectly made, then got surprised with burrata on the house which was such a sweet touch and absolutely incredible. Creamy, fresh, flavorful -- the kind of appetizer you immediately wish was twice the size because it disappears way too fast And then THE PIZZA. Their char pizza is seriously one of those pizzas you think about days later. Perfectly blistered crust, crispy edges, cheesy, saucy, with those little pepperoni cups that get crispy on top Every bite somehow tastes even better than the last and the crust alone deserves its own appreciation post honestly. As if we weren't already completely obsessed with the experience, they ALSO brought out flan on the house for dessert and WOW. Smooth, creamy, rich, perfectly balanced sweetness with the whipped cream and caramel... literally the perfect ending to such an amazing dinner. But honestly what keeps making us fall in love with Robert's over and over again isn't just the food -- it's the entire experience. The service is ALWAYS incredible, everyone is so welcoming and attentive, and the ambiance is truly unmatched. It's one of those places where dinner turns into sitting around talking longer because you genuinely don't want the night to end

Had a great time at Robert's. We celebrated mother day here on a Saturday. We ordered calamari,…read morewings, drinks, and two pizzas, and everything was enjoyable. The service was great -- we even got a table touch from Robert himself. My only issue was with the bill at the end of the night. Our server brought us two different receipts with nearly a $50 difference and couldn't clearly explain the discrepancy. We paid the adjusted bill, but the experience left us feeling a bit uncomfortable.

3.9 mi•River North, Near North Side

It's all about the crust!

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Seafood Pizza!

Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna

4.5(232 reviews)

Just ordered tavern style mushroom/truffle pizza and it is truly the BEST I have ever had and I'm a…read moredeep dish Lou Malnati's fan! MUST try and thank you for making such a great pizza. We will be back!!

From the moment you walk in the door, Zarella feels like the proper Italian night out and well…read moreworth the 30 day wait to get a prime time reservation. The decor has beautiful art and dark wood all around, making it a cozy experience that's not too crowded or loud. Service is excellent and our server was attentive, making the birthday celebration of the evening extra special. The food....out of this world. One of the best tavern pizzas in the city. Food reviews: Truffle and mushroom tavern--light and well balanced. Delicate sweet notes from the red onion balance out the earthiness of the mushroom, truffle and charred crust. Cheese doesn't overwhelm the pie and compliments all ingredients with a salty bite Spicy vodka and sausage--so different than the first pie but equally as delicious! Vodka sauce has a deep flavor with only subtle heat. Sausage packs a ton of flavor. Heavier of the two pies since it had more cheese on it but my husband enjoyed Chocolate peanut butter sundae--birthday celebration treat brought by our server! Wow it's a must order. The puppy chow was an insanely smart ingredient to add for texture and bit of chocolate. Can't wait to return to try another specialty pie!

The super thin, perfectly cooked crust

Mozzarella sticks

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Chicken Piccata

Zazas Pizzeria

4.6(416 reviews)

6.9 mi•Lakeview

Stopped for a slice yesterday:…read more sold by the slice perfect balance of flavors, salty cheesiness, perfect crust nice folks under $10 for a slice of cheese and a coke, in the city, in this economy! Only wish it was closer

Really, really tasty food, but a bit overpriced for the pizza…read more The cheese curds were delicious and the small order was perfect as an app for 2. Both the garlic aioli and red sauce were perfect and the right amount to also be able to dip our pizza crust in. The hot honey pepperoni was excellent. It was not spicy, and the perfect amount of sweet. The fresh basil was a great touch and the ricotta made it pretty to boot.

5.3 mi•Noble Square, West Town

Grandmas pizza

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Grandma slice. It's not burnt...it's perfection!

Sharpie’s Pizza and Cocktails

4.1(33 reviews)

Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. To start…read moreoff our server, Eli was so nice so knowledgeable helping us run through the menu He took incredible care of us throughout the night! That's at the tone for what became unforgettable night. Had the space debri salad which is basically a Greek salad with potatoes and I think in Italian vinaigrette Soooooooooooo for it!!! So delicious After getting it, my buddy had to get one too haha One of us had the moonwalk cheese, we go out for a lot of pizza together, and he said it was he thought his favorite of anywhere. Another one of our crew got the pepperoni pile up loved. And I got the sweet and salty space candy pizza With bacon, pineapple, pickled red onion, goat cheese, sambal. Genius, the goat cheese, instead of ricotta was the move for this pizza! All the flavors worked in perfect harmony.Nothing short of amazing. Cozy spot, super cool atmosphere, couple of old school arcade games like ninja Turtles let's goooo We had so much fun. The drinks were absolutely excellent as well. Oh my God cannot forget this drink program. Galactic gift basket and Jedi mind trick sooo fire. Speaking of perfect harmony, everything at sharpies coexist in a lovely harmony from the all the staff, to the vibe/ambiance and absolutely killer pizza and food. WILL BE BACK! Check em out! If ya know ya know

We did dine in last weekend at Sharpies. It's a small place but charming space-themed interior. The…read moreserver was great but there was a VERY loud trio at the bar literally yelling and laughing through our whole dinner which unfortunately affected the ambiance. For food - we ordered the blooming onion (forget what they call it), the wings, and two pizzas. My husband tried a gin cocktail and beer, both which he enjoyed. Onion 4/5 - tasty and good dipping sauce Wings 5/5 - crispiest wing I have ever had and they might be my favorite in Chicago... hot honey was delicious. Carmalized onion 3.5/5 - this was very tasty, perfect crispy edges and fluffy center. The flavor was good but could have used some acid to break up the richness Vodka meat pizza 4/5 - very tasty. I think the vodka sauce could be fine tuned but overall really enjoyed. We had pizza a lot lately so skipped the classics but if we come back I'd probably try the pepperoni and/or sausage.